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Adebanjo, Fayose, Others Blast Buhari For Praising Abacha |The Republican News
FILE PHOTO: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari addresses the 72nd United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 19, 2017. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo
Kamarudeen Ogundele, Friday Olokor, Olaleye Aluko and Oladimeji Ramon
A coterie of political enthusiasts on Wednesday berated President Muhammadu Buhari for commending the late military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha.
The coterie, during separate interviews with The PUNCH on Wednesday, described Buhari’s statement as a distraction.
The President had on Tuesday said, “I don’t care the opinion you have about Abacha, but I agreed to work with him and we constructed roads from Abuja to Port Harcourt, Benin to Onitsha and so on.”
Commenting on the statement, the Chairperson of the Transition Monitoring Group, Dr Abiola. Akiyode-Afolabi, asked, “How can anyone laud Abacha for anything? A looter, a dictator, a killer? The President missed it! Whatever the context, that statement is unwarranted. It’s a distraction, Mr President should respect Nigerians. We all know what Abacha did. Buhari cannot rewrite history.”
He benefited from Abacha’s dictatorship –Afenifere chieftain
Also, a chieftain of the Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, said Buhari spoke well of Abacha because he was his appointee and benefited from the deceased’s dictatorial regime.
Adebanjo said President Buhari had lost his credibility and should not be taken seriously.
He stated, “Buhari worked under Abacha and why are you surprised by his support for Abacha?
“Here is a President who has lost his credibility and some Nigerians are still taking him seriously. I have always spoken about the anti-democratic ideals of Buhari but his supporters at that time told me that Buhari had changed to a democrat.
“From the beginning, President Buhari has always insisted that Abacha did not steal. He said these things repeatedly during his campaigns, but his government has been recovering money looted by Abacha so I am not surprised with Buhari’s comments.”
However, the President of the National Council of Tiv Youths, Dr. John Akperashi, said the statement had exposed Buhari’s unstable posturing and further confirmed the notion that his purported fight against corruption was selective and self-serving.
He stated, “Abacha’s corruption is legendary. Till today, the nation is recovering his looted funds stashed away in various banks overseas in hard currencies.”
Obasanjo made a mistake for not jailing Buhari –Fani-Kayode
Also, a former Minister of Aviation, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, on his twitter handle said that Obasanjo should have jailed Buhari for allegedly looting the Petroleum Trust Fund.
He stated, “The greatest mistake that OBJ made was not to prosecute and jail @MBuhari for (the alleged) looting of the PTF funds. I saw the report and it was shocking. Billions of dollars had vanished. OBJ summoned him and showed him the damning report. Buhari (allegedly) begged like a baby. Sadly OBJ let him off the hook.”
On his part, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, berated Buhari.
He asked, “What type of anti-corruption crusader chooses Abacha, a proven thief, who was also a blood-thirsty buffoon, as his mentor? When I schooled in England, my university had a module on Abacha’s thievery. This is the man Buhari aspires to be; the man who exiled Tinubu and NADECO (the National Democratic Coalition)?”
Fayose mocks Buhari, Obasanjo
But the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has mocked President Buhari and Obasanjo over their latest disagreement on the $16bn allegedly spent on power during the tenure of the former President.
Fayose on his twitter handle said that he was enjoying the public display of “brickbats” between the two leaders.
The governor said that he had been vindicated by his earlier warning that those who brought Buhari would regret it.
He said, “I am enjoying these latest brickbats between President Buhari and ex-President Obasanjo. They should keep exposing themselves for Nigerians to know what they have been hiding.
“Nigerians should remember I warned that those who brought Buhari will regret entrusting him with power.”
Obasanjo recently criticised Buhari and asked him not to seek re-election in 2019.
Buhari on Tuesday said that Obasanjo had questions to answer regarding the $16bn he spent on power project.
Obasanjo in his reply said that the president was ignorant and urged him to read his book “My Watch” to understand the matter.
But the President of the Middle Belt Youths Council, Emman Zopmal, said Abacha managed the country far better than Buhari.
He stated, “Conversely, Buhari for mere political hypocrisy, has been changing his position on whether Gen. Sani Abacha depleted the national treasure or not. He has of recent, talked about using the $360m Abacha looted funds for some projects but suddenly he is now applauding him.”
Probe Obasanjo, Jonathan over $16bn power projects, SERAP tells Buhari
Meanwhile, a human rights advocacy group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to refer the alleged mismanagement of $16bn power projects fund to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission.
The advice came on the heels of lamentation by Buhari on Tuesday that a former President (Olusegun Obasanjo) claimed to have spent $16bn on power projects without any electricity to show for it.
But SERAP, in a statement on Wednesday by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, said apart from the $16bn, Buhari should also cause the alleged squandering of a total of N11tn in the power sector between 1999 and 2015 to be investigated.
According to the group, the said N11tn was squandered under ex-Presidents Obasanjo, the late Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan under the guise that the money was being spent to provide regular supply of electricity in the country.
SERAP said Buhari should be determined to ensure that anyone found culpable in the alleged fraud was prosecuted after an investigation by the anti-graft agencies.
It said, “We welcome the focus by President Buhari on the massive allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the power sector and urge him to expand his searchlight beyond the Obasanjo government by ensuring accountability and full recovery of the over N11tn squandered by the three administrations.
“It is only by pursuing all the allegations and taking the evidence before the court that the truth will be revealed and justice best served. This is the only way to conclusively address the systemic corruption in the power sector and an entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators.
“Addressing impunity in the power sector should be total. This would help to improve the integrity of government and public confidence and trust in their government.
“It would also serve as a vehicle to further the public perception of fairness and thoroughness, and to avert any appearance of political considerations in the whole exercise.”
SERAP noted that lack of regular electricity supply in the country had occasioned many other problems, including lack of access to potable water.
It added, “The failure by successive governments to tell Nigerians the truth about allegations of corruption in the spending of not just the $16bn but also the over N11tn spent by three governments on electricity supply amounts to a failure to ensure that energy services/electricity services are progressively made available, on the basis of equality and non-discrimination, to the whole population, including those most disadvantaged, such as the fringe dwellers and the rural poor.”
The statement further read, “The total estimated financial loss to Nigeria from corruption in the electricity sector starting from the return to democracy in 1999 to date is over N11trn. This represents public funds, private equity and social investment (or divestments) in the power sector.
“It is estimated that this may reach over N20tn in the next decade, given the rate of government investment and funding in the power sector amidst dwindling fortune and recurrent revenue shortfalls.
“SERAP in 2016 sent a petition to the then acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Water Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen. Last year, SERAP published a report, ‘From Darkness to Darkness: How Nigerians are Paying the Price for Corruption in the Electricity Sector.’ The report shows how the country has lost more megawatts in the post-privatisation era due to corruption, impunity, among other social challenges.
“The report accuses Dr. Ransom Owan-led board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission of settling officials with millions of naira as severance packages and for embarrassing them with an alleged N3bn fraud.
“The authorities must undertake a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation as to the reasons why corruption charges were withdrawn, and recover any corrupt funds.
“The report also called for the reopening and effective prosecution of corruption allegations, including the alleged looting of the benefits of families of the deceased employees of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria levelled against a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali.
“The report shows how the Obasanjo administration spent $10bn on NIPP with no results in terms of increase in power generation. $13.278,937,409.94 was expended on the power sector in eight years while unfunded commitments amounted to $12bn. The Federal Government then budgeted a whopping N16bn for the various reforms under Liyel Imoke (2003 to 2007) which went down the drains as it failed to generate the needed amount of electricity or meet the set goals.
It alleged that the government handed over the transmission company to a Canadian company, Manitoba, to manage and under a management service contract of over $200m.
It stated, “ Findings also show that the Transmission Company of Nigeria could not execute most of its approved 44 projects after having 50 percent of its N30bn 2016 budget released to it. Funds were released from Eurobond. $23.6m allegedly paid to Manitoba Hydro International of Canada to manage the Transmission Company of Nigeria would appear to be without due process.” (Punch)
http://www.twitter.com/RNNetwork1
May 24, 2018 Chibiko Ikenna Offor Dictatorship, Gen. Sani Abacha, Muhammadu Buhari
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Another dark day for NZ in Afghanistan
15 Ethical “Fails” Under National!
Structural discrimination
Written By: Anthony R0bins - Date published: 9:58 am, August 20th, 2012 - 9 comments
Categories: class, poverty, racism, racism, Unions - Tags: burger king, discrimination
Structural discrimination is alive and well in NZ. It makes nonsense of all the right-wing “one law for all” and beneficiary bashing rhetoric, but anyone with two honest brain cells in their head knows that it’s true. A new report from the Human Rights Commission is being released today:
Minorities not getting fair go, says watchdog
Structural discrimination is a “real and ongoing issue” and Maori, Pacific and ethnic people are not getting a fair go in New Zealand, a Human Rights Commission report says. The report – A Fair Go for All? – is being launched at the Diversity Forum in Auckland today.
Minority groups are being disadvantaged by the country’s one-size-fits-all system in public services, which does not account for different needs and values, the report says.
“Put simply, Maori, Pacific peoples and ethnic communities are not getting a fair go in New Zealand’s justice, health and education systems,” said Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres.
“The evidence is that a monocultural approach continues to fail Maori, Pacific and ethnic communities.”
Some communities have problems accessing systems and services here because of structural barriers, the report says.
Key social indicators point to significant inequalities between ethnic groups in New Zealand, the report says, with life expectancy for Maori and Pacific people lower than for Europeans. …
The report aims to encourage discussion about initiatives to address inequalities by creating systemic change and to facilitate discussion between government agencies. ….
“Unfortunately, negative political opinion is sometimes used to erode small gains, programmes are shut down after only a few years’ implementation, targeted funding is cut and a refusal to see inequality in terms of ethnicity, despite evidence to the contrary, drives policy development.”
Just as one current example of what is going on:
Union members and their supporters occupied three Burger King stores on Queen St in protest at their treatment of immigrant workers. The move came as another union launched a network to improve the conditions of migrant workers. …
The union has taken cases to the Employment Relations Authority, saying Burger King is exploiting and abusing what it says is mainly a migrant work force that’s too scared to speak out. “It is because the company has told their managers to get them to quit their union because if they did speak to the union their visa wouldn’t be extended and then they’d have to go back to their homeland,” says Jerry Prakash of Unite Union. …
Mr Whitehead believes the number of migrant workers being exploited all across New Zealand could be in the hundreds of thousands.
From the same piece:
Burger King denies this, saying it doesn’t threaten its workers and that they are free to join unions.
Well they would, wouldn’t they. But this kind of protest doesn’t happen for no reason:
More than 40 protesters held an hour-long working conditions “teach-in” outside the Burger King outlet at Aotea Square in Auckland yesterday. … The Unite union national director, Mike Treen, said the protest was to speak up for the company’s workers about a culture of exploitation over pay and individuals being intimidated not to join the union.
We still have a long, long way to go before we eliminate structural discrimination in this country. And we won’t make any progress at all under a beneficiary-bashing “one law for all” type National government.
9 comments on “Structural discrimination ”
Carol 1
Yes, this shows how dysfunctional our employment structure is. CEO’s paid a fortune while marginalised workers are exploited and dehumanised.
And, of course, such corporations are happy to have high unemployment because some workers are grateful for any job, n matter how low the pay and nasty the work conditions.
http://union.org.nz/news/2012/higher-unemployment-needs-plan
“There are now 162,000 New Zealanders unemployed, this number has risen by 1.1 percent – these figures continue to be alarmingly high. We need to focus on job creation, and support NZ jobs through government procurement. We need to boost training for Kiwi workers in Christchurch, build trains in New Zealand, retain good Government jobs, increase infrastructure projects, increase skill development programmes, reinstate tertiary spending cuts and stop hoping the market will fix this. Each percentage increase represents real people facing a miserable future unless together we take action.”
And the stats show that the low paid workers who suffer most in this situation are Maori, Pacific and some other immigrants.
aerobubble 1.1
People without income cannot buy goods and services, shrinking the economy, National love it.
Dr Terry 2
We appear to have Commissioners for lots of people, and they put out these splendid and well-founded reports. How is it that, as far as I can see, not one such report is treated other than contemptuously by the Government? Is there any great significance in the appointment of Commissioners in this day?
blue leopard 2.1
@ Dr Terry
BlogKKC 3
Your excellent article appeared in our Daily News Digest on Discrimination!
aerobubble 4
Tax and redistribute. Joyce was on the Nation declaring that not taxing capital gains is good for the economy. He’s obviously wrong. Branding, for example, has to be paid for and so products cost more that are branded, there is a huge increase in value in companies who own such brands.
Taxing an asset, or a capital gain, actually regulates the industry, provides a basis for value, and decreases the burden of taxation from other taxes. so if the government obviously delusional does
not want a better functioning nation, why the hell would it care about discrimination. National don’t want better economy, they want to conserve the old regime or constant change, of opening up new
areas to rent seekers. At its core National are corrupt, as Labour was. Nothing has changed because
there is no good faith agreement, how can there be when the two major parties essential the same.
Sure Labour says CGT now, but only because even the rent seekers see not doing so is a lose-lose.
Mike Steinberg 5
Why are Asians omitted from those statistics? I think you’ll find that they have lower imprisonment and unemployment rates than Europeans.
I suppose that means that Europeans face structural discrimination in NZ??
Carol 5.1
Asians that immigrate to NZ tend to be amongst the better off in their home societies – or at least from the middle income brackets.
In contrast Maori and Pacific people tend to be amongst the lower income sections of their countries of birth.
Mike Steinberg 5.1.1
There are asians who have been here for several generations though and didn’t necessarily arrive here from the better off sections of society. If structural discrimination was the problem de Bres suggests I would anticipate their intergenerational progress to be poor, but that’s not the case at all.
Also, the same situation is seen with East Asian migrants in places like Brazil and the US who were brought over as indentured labour. Subsequent generations also tend to do rather well.
I think you need to consider other bio-cultural factors for these trends.
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Domestic violence still a battle in our community
By Holly Kestenis, Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG — Nicole Marchman is finally taking a stand. A victim of domestic violence for over nine years, Marchman is now standing up and talking about it. Her movement entitled the None Lost Movement was inspired by three generations of domestic violence in her own family, as well as childhood abuse, and with it she is bringing a much-needed voice to the community.
Concerned citizens and victims gathered for the Speak Up and Speak Out Break the Silence of Domestic Violence Workshop held at Old Landmark Cathedral COGIC. Some were there to gain information to help a friend in need, others to help themselves.
The None Lost Movement is a ministry that goes out into the community to talk about domestic violence and abuse. Marchman created it after her mother passed just a year and a half ago. She was just 49. “It makes you age,” said Marchman who divulged her mother endured domestic violence every single day of her life and her body was that of a 70 year old.
The cycle of abuse continued and all that comes with it: anger, alcohol, mental anguish, all being placed on Marchman as she was growing up. Every night for as long as she could remember she said she was sexually abused. Physically abused since before she could crawl, Marchman can recount two failed drowning attempts in the bathtub at her home.
“You see, abuse, that was my life, that was my reality,” Marchman said.
Story after heart wrenching story was told. Stories of molestation, bruises, choking, mental abuse and rape filled the room, most who spoke out having endured it all. For many it started from infancy or as young girls barely out of preschool; the result, a lifetime of suffering. Each speaker who stood before a room of mostly women told of horrendous and debilitating offenses committed by friends, boyfriends, girlfriends and family members.
Those who have lived through abuse of any kind know the paralysis of the vicious cycle. You want to leave, know that you should, yet fear holds you back. Fear of losing respect from the community. Fear of losing the love of the one harming you. Fear of what others will think. So the cycle continues. Predator and prey.
“Two broken people do not make a whole,” said Jennifer Belser a mother of three who was molested by her adopted father when she was just a young girl. “I never healed from that pain. I never dealt with it.”
Belser had one bad relationship after another throughout high school. Thinking that love only came through sex, she made one bad choice after another. Each person she wound up with needed help themselves in overcoming an abusive past. Belser’s story was repeated by other victims, with a twist here and there…but essentially the same scenario.
Amy McAuley grew up with her elementary school years being riddled with sexual abuse. Keynote speaker for the event, she spoke of how she was molested at just nine years old. McAuley knows first-hand about the ripple effect in families where abuse is happening. Parents, often the mother suffering from some form of abuse, will pass on the violence to their own children. Instead of blaming her mother though, McAuley is trying to get past it.
“I understand she couldn’t do any better,” she said. “She was broken and barely holding on.”
Another reoccurring theme. But that’s domestic violence. That’s abuse.
A student at Gibbs High School when she was younger, McAuley was just 13 when she met up with a student four years her senior. She didn’t know what she was getting herself into. But her violence-ridden background did. Another abusive relationship.
“That was my first experience with a boyfriend,” she said. Again the cycle continues.
She began to drink, and then do drugs. Her house was soon known as the party house. McAuley’s ideals about relationships were skewed. Never having a real role model of a family, what could she compare it to? She made bad choices finding herself pregnant soon after. He would urinate on her, punch her and run around on her with other women. Still she stayed.
“When you are in domestic violence you don’t know how torn down you are mentally and physically,” she said. McAuley would turn to getting high in order to deal with the pain. “I felt like I couldn’t be with anyone else because no one would understand the depth and the nastiness that I was coming out of,” said McAuley. An all too common sentiment among those raised in abusive homes.
So much destruction among families often leaves victims wondering if there is any way out. Shawn Saxton believes there is. A victim of domestic violence for some 13 years before she realized it, Saxton understands there is a difference between knowing you’re in an abusive relationship and being able to actually act on it.
“It wasn’t like I could escape right away,” she said.
Thrown around like a rag doll on more than one occasion, it took some time before Saxton came to terms with the fact that when someone puts their hands on you, they don’t really love you.
She urges those in similar situations to not get lost in the hopelessness of the abuse. Talking to someone who is willing to listen is a good first step. Saxton also recommends being prepared when it comes time to finally say goodbye to the abuse.
“In order to leave your captor, you have to prepare,” she said rounding up birth certificates, clothes, and securing a safe place to reside. Oftentimes victims find themselves without a place to go and are forced to return to the abusive relationship. Saxton warns that is the worst thing to do because sometimes you don’t get a second chance. “I know women that tried to escape. They didn’t make it. They got killed,” she said.
When dealing with violence in a relationship, it is necessary to work in secrecy. Victims should have a foolproof safety plan. Staying at the home of family members might put them in danger warns Saxton, who views the act of leaving as taking power back from the aggressor. She emphasized the main goal when finally deciding to leave is to tell almost no one about your plans. Confide instead in social workers or friends outside the abusers range of contacts.
The workshop continued with breakout sessions each one contributing to the ideal that domestic violence and abuses stem from four important sectors that if mastered can lead to a new you. Breakout sessions included self-esteem, self-value, self-awareness and self-defense sessions all aimed at creating a strong individual that can overcome the perils of a lifetime of suffering.
One in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. There is a strong correlation between domestic abuse and child abuse. It’s an epidemic that will affect you sometime in your life.
Marchman and the None Lost Movement pledge to stop abuse in its tracks. If you or a loved one has fallen victim to domestic violence or any other type of abuse, contact someone who can help.
Here’s where to get help locally:
CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) 727-895-4912
The Haven of Religious Community Services 727-442-4128
Florida Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-500-1199
211 Tampa Bay Cares – Dial 211
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One Reply to “Domestic violence still a battle in our community”
Lisa Barriera says:
I truly have no words to express the sorrow I feel when I read this article. I am so happy you have formed your movement and that people are learning to live past the unimaginable. I am very proud to know that your strength and desire to get away has formed such a positive outcome for our communities. Bless your soul….
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By Michelle Lee, Sharvari Johari Miscellanea October 21, 2016
Interview with Chelsea Clinton: “This election is the most important of my lifetime”
The Wellesley News speaks to Chelsea Clinton after her rally. Photo by Audrey Stevens '17, Photo Editor
[This interview has been edited for clarity and length].
Q: At the rally, you mentioned that this election was the most important of your lifetime; how has your experience in this campaign been different than when your father was running for office?
A: When my dad ran for office, I was 12, and now, I’m 36. But I would say that the biggest difference is not only that I’m an adult now, but a parent of two children. I feel a different level of personal investment. So even more than being a daughter, I’m thinking from the perspective of being a mother. I’m just much more of a part of the campaign and advocate on behalf of my mom.
Q: What are some things that you feel the media has misrepresented about your or your family?
A: As President Obama spoke about at the Democratic Convention, there’s this caricature of my mom. I’ve seen this my whole life and have never understood it — I also don’t remember a time without it. So I wish that people would look at her life’s work as revealing of who she is, and that they would listen to the people who know her best, like her lifelong friends.
Photo by Audrey Stevens ’17, Photo Editor
Q: So how would you describe your mother?
A: Mainly right now, she’s my children’s grandmother. I have really fallen down the totem pole of importance *laughs*. I wish people can see that side of her, and understand how proud I am and grateful for her life’s work.
Q: You’re the daughter of two incredibly accomplished people — has it ever been challenging blazing a trail of your own?
A: I don’t really think in those terms; because if I did, I would get claustrophobic. So instead, I try to think about what do I think I’m uniquely qualified for and am in a position to do. How can I best redirect the attention that I’m given to my challenges that are too often hidden in the shadows, and talk about issues that aren’t given enough attention? So on one hand, I like to speak on obvious topics such as my mom during this time, but also some of the more personal issues that I like to speak to in an organic way, such as breastfeeding, which I feel strongly about.
Q: What advice would you give Sasha and Malia as they leave the White House?
A: I don’t think they need my advice; they have two amazing parents who have clearly done a tremendous job in raising them. But I am very much in their corner and always will be if I can ever be a help to them.
Chelsea ClintonHillary Clinton
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Grand Theft Auto V (PC Version)
Ten years ago, a bank robbery in Yankton went badly wrong. One of the criminals, Trevor Phillips, barely escaped and another, Michael Townley, got away with his freedom only by giving information to a government law-enforcement organisation. In the present day, Michael is living a peaceful live in witness protection in the city of Los Santos, San Andreas. He hooks up with a young criminal, Franklin, and is drawn back into a life of crime. Unfortunately, one of his high-profile escapades attracts Trevor's attention and Michael soon has some awkward questions to answer.
Grand Theft Auto V is a massive, sprawling monster of a game. If the gaming scene has recently seen a surge in cheaper, independent and crowdfunded games relying more on wit and imagination than money, than GTA5 is here to show everyone what can happen when you have a game as expensive as the most costly movies ever made ($250 million and change).
GTA5 is big on everything: insanely good graphics, a huge story taking at least 30 hours to run through - with side-missions and optional activities at least doubling that - and a seemingly never-ending array of vehicles and weapons to unlock. The game also has a big multiplayer component and, on PC, a formidable array of user-created mods and a built-in replay and cinematic editor to create your own movies. This is the ultimate expression of the sandbox game, a game which lets you have fun on its terms but then gives you the freedom to make your own fun with its tools.
Rockstar have clearly listened to criticisms of GTA4. Despite it's impressive graphics and sense of place, the previous game in the series was criticised for its dourness, its grumpy main character and the constrained sense of space and setting compared to its predecessor. The latest title in the series is much bigger, throws three different, contrasting main characters into the mix and embraces a bit more of the zaniness that made previous titles like Vice City and San Andreas so brilliant. It's certainly not a perfect game and manages several major missteps, but it shows Rockstar taking on board the views of fans to craft a stronger game.
In terms of gameplay, almost everything has been given a work-over. Car handling is improved, combat is more satisfying (even if early reports that it was going to be as good as Max Payne 3's were over-stated) and even the often-dodgy handling of aircraft and bikes is better than it has been in previous games. The map is big, but contained and well-designed enough that it never takes too long to get anywhere, even by car. In fact, those used to playing games like Fuel and Just Cause 2 may find the map far too small by comparison, but its detail (everything is hand-crafted, whilst other games rely on procedural generation or vast areas of wasteland to pad everything out) more than makes up for that. The game also has a surprisingly strong array of side-games. If bowling was a little dull in GTA4, the new game makes up for that with some fairly robust tennis and golf games which are a lot more fun and, crucially, no-one rings you up demanding that you go to play with them mid-mission.
The game also has the best soundtrack since San Andreas, if not even the mighty Vice City, with a good mixture of old and new songs and, with the adverts and talk stations, a return for some of the biting satire the series used to be known for but had gotten a little lost in the mix in GTA4. Long-term fans will also enjoy getting to finally meet long-term creepy radio DJ Lazlow in the flesh.
So the soundtrack is great, the visuals are jaw-dropping, the vehicles all handle great and the combat is pretty solid. Unfortunately, the game stumbles somewhat when handling the main story. Rotating between Trevor, Michael and Franklin makes for some memorable moments and the ability to contrast the points of view of the respective characters about what's going on, but it also makes for a fragmented narrative. The storyline also focuses a lot on Trevor and Michael's shared history and problems and Franklin's character growth and development (strong at the beginning) tails off mid-game. It definitely feels like there was more stuff planned for Franklin and then cut: subplots with his ex-girlfriend and an old neighbourhood criminal called Stretch never really get off the ground but later seem to be fairly important. He feels the most under-served of the three characters, which conversely makes him the one it's easiest to actually play as you feel, as his character doesn't get in the way of the gameplay so much. It feels odd to have undercover, taking-it-quietly, family man Michael flip out and start blowing away helicopters, whilst playing Trevor for more than five minutes without going berserk also feels untrue to the character.
The storyline itself is okay, though jammed with so many GTA series staple cliches (government agents, drug gangs, vacuous celebrities, corrupt politicians, ordinary people driven crazy by their superficial lives) that you'll see almost every plot twist coming. That's not to say it isn't fun, but veterans of the series won't find much here that hasn't been seen before. There's also the tone, which occasionally feels too restrained. GTA5 is a much looser, freer game than 4 and one that feels more confident in heading in the direction of unleashing the total craziness that made Vice City and San Andreas fun, but the game then seems to fear it's trying to copy Saint's Row and pulls back on it. This may also explain why there are some serious opportunities for insane carnage but which then never materialise: there's a whole prison and military base which are never used, despite both being mentioned a lot in the story.
Where GTA5 really trips over itself is its humour. The GTA series is known for its satire, and this is a bit sharper than it has been for a while. Selfies, Facebook, Twitter, the global financial crisis, hipsters and internet dating all come in for a bit of a skewering, which is amusing if obvious and a little dated (blame the game's long lead-time in production). However, the game also goes astray in using multiple jokes based around transphobia. The series has aimed to satirised aspects of minority cultures before without tripping into outright 'isms (if running a bit close on occasion), and when it did offend it generally tried to make amends later on (some lame gay-bashing jokes in GTA4 recovered a little by having a nuanced gay main character in The Ballad of Gay Tony expansion). In this case it feels like just a cheap and aimless couple of gags that go nowhere. Despite its reputation, the GTA is actually usually a bit smarter than that.
For a game this sprawling, huge and long, however, such ill-judged moments are very few and far between. For all its embracing of tiresome cliche, GTA5 (****) is well-paced and relentlessly fun to play. It's certainly the first game in the series since San Andreas where it's fun just to load up the game, whack on some tunes and go for a long drive along the ocean freeway whilst gawping at the view. The disconnect between narrative and gameplay that the series has always suffered from is still present and correct, and the humour occasionally becomes offensive for the sake of it rather than having something to say. But the game is enormous, compelling and, on PC at least, gives the player the chance to use its tools to craft their own experiences. The game is available now on PC via Steam.
Labels: grand theft auto 5, rockstar games
I liked GTA V but since I finished the story I didn't bother with it anymore. I'll check out the upcoming dlcs though...
Adam you need to check out the Pillars of eternity!
It's much better than even the great Divinity Original Sin.
The best RPG feeling I had since Baldur's gate II!!
Only the Torment: Tides of Numenera could top that in the future..
And some things slighty off topic now. Do you have any updates on R. Scott Bakker and J.V. Jones's future books? In your latest posts(last year) you said that Bakker finished his work and the book will be published soon enough(end of 2014/early 2015) and that Jones is already midway of finishing the Book of Words but since then nothing new came up...
Dimitris from Greece
31 May 2015 at 16:26:00 GMT
Adam Whitehead said...
I'm already 25 hours into Pillars :) Still a while to go, taken a break for GTA5 and TIE FIGHTER.
Bakker's turned in his latest book and is expecting a release date any time now. I suspect it will be 2016 at this rate though.
As for Jones, unknown. Tor had suggested 2015 was possible but then clammed up about it.
Update on the AMERICAN GODS TV series
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SyFy greenlights THE MAGICIANS TV series, dates TH...
BATTLEFLEET GOTHIC: ARMADA trailer
TV round-up: ORPHAN BLACK, JONATHAN STRANGE & MR. ...
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Digital players are emerging as traditional TV’s biggest competition
by Travis Cross | Mar 4, 2015 | Advertising, Industry News | 0 comments
Adap.tv Australia and New Zealand
Mitch Waters
Digital players are emerging as traditional TV’s biggest competition from both an audience and an advertising perspective and are being very aggressive as well. Reports of Facebook and Google asking for up to 40% of TV budgets to move to online have been widespread. They are using online accountability to demonstrate audience migration and to prove ROI in advertising dollars.
Panel-based measurement was sufficient enough when viewer choices were limited. But, with the many television channels available for viewers today, not to mention the advent of quality programming in digital, accurately capturing viewership has created a massive challenge, one which has marketers taking a deeper look into how their ad spend should be allocated for maximum effect.
Broadcasters need to, and can, adapt. Seven and Nine’s pitch to increase peak time advertising to 20-minutes per hour (from a current 13 minutes) is a short-term band-aid. We can reasonably expect a larger share of their audiences to increase their viewing time on time-shifted or digital environments if those ad loads prove too much. Or, worst still, viewers will flock to ad-free illegal or pirated content.
Programmatic provides TV broadcasters a real opportunity to take back those TV budgets that are under fire, supporting their clients’ buying decisions with rich data sets and enabling campaigns that use the optimum mix of publishers across multiple delivery channels.
To be clear, the TV panel will still be pivotal for the ecosystem to work; it is, and will continue to be the TV currency, but buyers are asking for more.
In the digital world, data equates with value. Generally, the more a publisher can demonstrate who is viewing or clicking, the higher the premium. In the traditional TV world, behavioural or set-top box data can compliment the viewing panels to provide broadcasters with detailed behavioural insights. These deeper data feeds can be onboarded onto technology platforms to better package TV media by audience and increase the attractiveness of available inventory.
Ad spots that attracted low audience numbers, based on panel measurement, would see their yield substantially increased as they are aggregated by audience and become tools to target specific audiences in a more holistic on-air on-line hybrid campaign.
It’s also likely to improve the yield of blockbuster shows. Major brands are likely to see that broadcast TV can continue to reach a large part of their target market. Without the supporting data, they will continue to siphon off slices of this spend to online, where they have a clearer idea of who is watching.
At the end of the day, irrespective of the delivery method, TV is still TV. The viewer, watching on that massive high-definition TV that dominates the living room, doesn’t care how it’s delivered. Advertisers don’t care, either, provided they reach the right people, at sufficient volume, at the right time in the purchase funnel. This relies on as much data as possible to support buying decisions and the ability to build campaigns across multiple platforms, with an efficient means of distributing material to the appropriate outlets.
Read more at http://www.adnews.com.au/opinion/in-the-battle-against-online-media-programmatic-may-be-tv-s-secret-weapon
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Apple wrangles with Hollywood over price of 4K movies that it plans to re-sell.
by Travis Cross | Aug 30, 2017 | Business, Industry News | 0 comments
Image courtesy Stephen Lam / Getty
“But the bigger story for Apple is that this used to be a fight that Apple would ultimately win, because Apple was the dominant player in digital media. That’s not true anymore.
Apple is pushing for 4K movies because it is adding 4K support — the ability to watch stuff in super-high definition — to its revamped Apple TV box it will roll out next month. Apple hopes the new capability will help it reclaim market share from cheaper video boxes and dongles sold by Amazon, Google and Roku.
You can argue whether 4K TVs are a niche product that will ultimately go mainstream — or just a niche product. But adding 4K support alone certainly won’t help Apple leapfrog the competition right now, and Apple doesn’t have anything else on tap to help Apple TV stand out.
This isn’t where Apple thought it would be in 2017.
For years, Apple had very ambitious ambitions in TV: Steve Jobs wanted to build an integrated TV set/pay TV service, but he never got close to the terms he would have needed from TV programmers to make it work.
After his death, Apple execs kept trying to get the TV service set up, but couldn’t get the deals they wanted, either — even though competitors, including Dish, AT&T and Google, did. Instead, Apple rolled out a souped-up version of its old Apple TV box in 2015, and announced that the future of TV would be apps — built by other people.
There are indeed lots of TV apps out there, and a handful of them — like ESPN’s new app that lets you watch four screens at once — take advantage of Apple’s hardware. But that hasn’t been enough to get everyone to buy the box.
In fact, for the last couple of years, you could argue that Apple TV owners were at a disadvantage, because Amazon didn’t have a native app for Apple TV, because Apple and Amazon couldn’t come to terms.
Apple seems to have agreed: It has worked out a deal with Amazon and will bring an Amazon video app to the box sometime this year*. Again: That will simply bring Apple’s box back to parity with the competition.
The flip side: Just because TV isn’t working out for Apple right now doesn’t mean it won’t be important someday. The company’s next big run at TV should start to show up in the next year or so, as it begins to deploy the $1 billion budget it has earmarked for original shows, produced by a team imported from Sony this summer. Maybe some of those will help move the needle.
* Though sources say the app may not be live in time for next month’s product launch.”
Source: Recode
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Best TV/Streaming to See in Mar.: 'Westworld,' 'Amazing Stories,' 'Plot Against America'
TOPICS:campaignfolkheaNopopraprockRUN
Posted By: Veronica Chavez 02/29/2020
This month, viewers will have their choice of fictional dystopias (in addition to the real one happening outside our doors, naturally). You can visit an alternate reality America in which fascism has taken hold, clock in at a tech company with a possibly sinister secret, or simply dip back in to the A.I.-run-amuck nightmare that is . If that’s not scary enough, there’s also a new dark comedy about parenthood and a chance to relive the 2016 election. All this, plus a reboot of ’s anthology show from the ’80s. Here’s what to watch this March.
Amazing Stories (Apple TV+, Mar. 6th)
Running for two seasons between 1985 and 1987, Steven Spielberg’s anthology TV show was supposed to revolutionize television an assortment of A-list directorial talent — Clint Eastwood! Martin Scorsese! Joe Dante! Burt Reynolds! — to tell stories filled with thrills and whimsy. (Spoiler: It did tell such stories. It did not revolutionize TV.) Now, because old must become new again, Spielberg returns with a revival of the series for Apple TV+, complete with tales of superheoric grampas and time-bending romances. It’ll have a hard time topping the original’s great opening credits sequence.
Breeders (FX, Mar. 6th)
The world may not need another show about how parenting can be an ordeal — but if we’re going to get one it may as well star Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard (Episodes) and come from the pens of a pair of Thick of It writers. Expect clutter, vomit, exasperation, and cutting one-liners. (Bonus: Michael McKean shows up as Freeman’s father.) If you’ve ever wanted to see the original Jim from The Office scream obscenities at a newborn, this is the series for you.
Dave (FX, March 4th / Hulu, Mar. 5th)
Lil Dicky (a.k.a. David Burd) found breakout success creating funny, grandiose hip-hop out of the mundane. This Kevin Hart-produced sitcom find him playing himself, sort of — he takes on the role of Dave, an unremarkable suburbanite with delusions of rap grandeur. Will the wry, self-deprecating rhymes that work on YouTube play on television? Can he find happiness and success when he’s not rocking a mic? Will he be able to, in fact, $ave dat money? You’ve got to tune in to find out, folks.
Devs (FX, March 5th / Hulu, Mar. 6th)
With Ex Machina and Annihilation, Alex Garland established himself as a writer-director with a knack for turning sci-fi scenarios into outright creepfests. This FX/Hulu miniseries is more of the same, focusing on a tech company with a secret project and a habit of employees disappearing when they get to close to finding out what, exactly, is going on in that lab in the center of campus. Nick Offerman stars as a cryptic CEO; frequent Garland supporting player Sonoya Mizuna steps into a starring role as an engineer trying to find out what happened to her boyfriend.
Dispatches From Elsewhere (AMC, Mar. 1st)
Making a return to television as both star and creator, ’s new series follows four characters (played by Segel, Sally Field, Andre Benjamin, and Eve Lindley) drawn into what may or may not be an elaborate alternate reality game masterminded by the head of the cryptic Jejune Institute (Richard E. Grant). Set in Philadelphia, the twisty, unusual drama draws inspiration from the 2013 documentary The Institute.
Hillary (Hulu, Mar. 6th)
Nanette Burstein directs this four-part look at Hillary Clinton from cradle-to-the-2016-campaign, made with extensive access to the former Secretary of State herself. The docuseries made headlines thanks to some choice quotes about Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, but Burstein (American Teen) is an experienced, measured director and four hours gives her a lot of space to explore a complex, fascinating career. You are guaranteed to walk away from this portrait learning something new about one of the most divisive public figures in recent years regardless of where your political affiliations lie.
Little Fires Everywhere (Hulu, Mar. 18th)
The last time Reese Witherspoon appeared in a miniseries adaptation of a bestselling novel, the result was Big Little Lies. Enough said. Now Witherspoon and Kerry Washington star (and co-executive produce) this adaptation of Celeste Ng’s 2017 novel about secrets, racism, romance and arson in the suburbs. We have a feeling that lightning could strike twice here.
The Plot Against America (HBO, Mar. 16th)
In 2004, when Philip Roth published his novel about an alternate timeline in which fascism rose in 1940s America thanks to the charismatic celebrity populism of Charles Lindbergh, it read like a dark vision of what might have been. In 2020 it seems a little more timely, a comparison. That undoubtedly didn’t escape longtime collaborators David Simon and Ed Burns, who created this miniseries adaptation starring Winona Ryder, Zoe Kazan, and .
Westworld (HBO, March 15th)
As usual, we know very little going into the new season of HBO’s hit sci-fi show beyond this: Season Three’s first few teasers almost look like they belonged to a different show. What we do know: it looks like the action will spill even further beyond the borders of the Old West amusement park that’s served as ground zero for a robot revolt. Also, there’s now a World War II section of the park (!), plus Aaron Paul and Vincent Cassel join the cast as an ally and a bad guy, respectively.
ZeroZeroZero (Amazon Prime, Mar. 6th)
Italian writer Roberto Sano knows a thing or two about crime in the 21st century: His book on Southern Italy’s organized crime racket, Gomorrah, has been adapted into both a film and a TV series. He followed it up in 2013 with ZeroZeroZero, which unpacked the ins and out of the international cocaine trade — and now serves as fodder for this new series starring Anderea Riseborough, Dane DeHaan, and Gabriel Byrne. If he takes on the drug world with half as much anthropological rigor and connect-the-dots storytelling as he did when he tackled the Mafia, we’re in for a treat.
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Review recommends ACMA oversees Classifications
May 22nd, 2017 By David Knox 7 commentsFiled under: News,
A Review into the Australian Communications and Media Authority has recommended the regulator take over the functions of the Classification Board and Classification Review Board Scheme.
It found content classification in Australia is highly fragmented and responsibility for regulation is split across the Classification Board, the ACMA, the Children’s eSafety Commissioner and state and territory law enforcement bodies.
While films in cinemas and on DVD are classified by the Classification Board, the same content on television is classified under ACMA. Online films and computer games fall under the responsibility of both the Classification Board and the Children’s eSafety Commissioner.
The Review has concluded that the ACMA would be well placed to administer a harmonised
classification scheme, including associated industry self-classification arrangements and
electronic classification tools.
This would unite online and offline classification functions within a modernised classification scheme for the benefit of consumers and industry.
While the Classification Board noted in its submission that the community values its independence and impartiality and that its members are broadly representative of the Australian community the
Review said ACMA makes decisions independently of government and provides options for incorporating community views in its decision-making.
The Review also recommended splitting the Chair and Chief Executive Roles to allow the Chair to focus on strategic direction with the CEO responsible for administration and operational performance.
jackpipsam May 23, 2017 4:49 pm
I’ve long held that ratings should be nothing more than guidelines than hold legal water. You can’t stop teenagers watching shows or films anymore in the internet age.
And the fact video games are still getting knocked back shows we haven’t progressed much at all.
JamieL May 23, 2017 4:15 pm
Classification does undergo generational changes from time to time, the use of coarse language during the evening will now barely raise an eyebrow and is not bleeped during sports broadcasts. American cable TV is not far off using real sexual imagery which European TV and cinema has exhibited for some years now. Treating adults like adults is not rocket science after all.
Freddie May 22, 2017 10:13 pm
This is somewhat related but I find inconsistencies between a classification of a show when it’s broadcast and when it’s released on DVD or digital. For example, Nine has The Big Bang Theory rated PG on broadcast but it is rated M when released in DVD or on digital. Gotham (season 1) was rated AV18+ on (a 10:30pm) broadcast on 9Go but the rated MA15+ on DVD/digital. Is there a reason for this, like so they can air it on an earlier timeslot if it’s rated lower (like Big Bang Theory)? What’s the point of the rating being higher on broadcast and lower on DVD (like Gotham season 1)?
James-original May 23, 2017 3:11 pm
Big Bang Theory has some episodes that are M classified within a season but not all episodes are.
When buying a season on DVD it’s classified to the highest episode classification.
AV was dropped from TV classification, now MA is the highest level. These have to air at 9pm or later.
David Knox May 26, 2017 10:54 am
MA moved to 8:30.
Sully May 22, 2017 7:55 pm
I would say a lot of this has to do with inconsistencies amongst the networks’ classification officers.
Still lots of complaints to the ACMA.
One example is from March (publically available) – an ACMA investigation. 7flix broadcasted the 2001 movie “Hannibal” and a consumer said the film is R18+ and the level of violence was too high. Seven argued. ACMA argued. There was like 3 seperate classifications by the Classification Board for it.
A mess.
Tex May 22, 2017 3:11 pm
Well, yes, of course. Because it’s easier to starve one regulatory body than several, and ACMA have gone through this sort of thing before (when the government of the day combined the regulatory ABA & the licensing/compliance ACA into the ACMA, and other earlier mergers e.g. ABT & NBA into ABA, etc).
Not saying there shouldn’t be changes; there should. But throwing all media regulatory, management, licencing, & compliance into one entity, removing its ability to independently set standards in favour of simply rubber-stamping what the industry wants, then de-funding its ability to do even that job properly, is not a sane thing to do. That’s how we got where we are today…
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New Traffic Safety Guidelines Can Save Lives on Bus Corridors Worldwide
By Erica Schlaikjer May 30, 2012
Data has shown that after the implementation of some BRT systems, such as Macrobus in Guadalajara, crashes and fatalities on these corridors dropped by as much as 50 percent. Photo by EMBARQ.
Each year, 1.2 million people die in traffic crashes, according to the World Health Organization, and traffic fatalities are projected to become the fifth leading cause of premature death worldwide by 2030, ahead of HIV/AIDS, violence, tuberculosis, or any type of cancer. One way to prevent many of these deaths and injuries is to improve traffic safety, especially on major bus corridors in cities.
EMBARQ, the producer of this blog, today released the draft “Traffic Safety on Bus Corridors” guidelines to improve traffic safety on bus corridors worldwide. Based on more than two years of research, the guidelines are part of the Road Safety in 10 Countries (RS10) project, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. For more details, read the press release on EMBARQ.org.
“This guidebook is part of a broader effort by EMBARQ to illustrate how sustainable transport projects can greatly improve traffic safety, and ultimately, save lives and improve quality of life for people around the world,” said Holger Dalkmann, director of EMBARQ.
The guidelines are based on findings from a two-year research project, led by EMBARQ, which evaluated safety, operations and accessibility on major bus corridors and bus rapid transit (BRT) systems in 18 cities around the world. Key findings show:
Pedestrians account for the majority of fatalities across all bus corridors;
Safety on BRT and bus corridors depends on the overall design of the street and not just the bus infrastructure;
Center-lane BRT corridors with closed stations are the safest design option;
Counterflow, when buses drive in the opposite direction of mixed traffic, is the most dangerous type of configuration for a bus corridor; and
The most common types of vehicle collisions in BRT systems occur when cars make illegal left turns across bus lanes and collide with oncoming buses.
The purpose of the draft planning and design guidelines is to provide bus agencies, local jurisdictions, and regional and international organizations with a set of suggested design, planning, and operational criteria for bus systems, including BRT corridors. The guidelines include recommendations for street design, intersections, stations, and station access, as well as transfers and terminals.
During the next six months, experts are invited to provide feedback on the content, methodology, feasibility, and usefulness of the safety recommendations. The feedback will be incorporated into the final version of the guidelines, to be released in 2013.
Download the full report in English; Spanish and Portuguese versions are also available.
To participate in the “road test,” contact EMBARQ Transportation Research Analyst Nicolae Duduta at nduduta@wri.org.
To learn more, join EMBARQ for a special webinar on June 7, 2012, 10:00 a.m. EDT: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/857078514
Want healthy, thriving cities? Tackle traffic safety first
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Statistics: Data Maintenance for Efficient Road Safety Assessment
New Study Shows Link between Transport and Health in Arequipa
Meet the Winners of Active Cities, Healthy Cities
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Healthier Cities Can Lead to Healthier Citizens
Tags: Bloomberg Philanthropies, buses, road safety
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The 8 Most Beautiful Spots in Milford Sound, New Zealand
Mitre Peak, Milford Sound | © Bernard Spragg / Flickr
Thalita Alves
Deep within the dense rainforests of Fiordland National Park lies one of New Zealand’s most celebrated natural wonders. Milford Sound’s beauty has captivated visitors throughout the centuries — and if you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, here are eight stunning gems that continue to enthrall the masses.
Mitre Peak
This is Milford Sound’s most famous attraction. The Mitre Peak is known for its soaring altitudes — it stands mighty and proud at 1692 metres (5551 feet) above sea level — and is one of the most photographed mountains in New Zealand because of its distinguished surroundings. Its name comes from the fact that the peak looks like a bishop’s headdress, also known as a mitre. Mitre Peak’s summit is also quite noteworthy for having five separate, but closely confined peaks. Most people view this beauty from a scenic cruise along Milford Sound’s inky waters; people seldom try to climb it because of its hard-to-reach location.
Lady Bowen Falls
Not only is Lady Bowen Falls the highest in Milford Sound, the 162-metre (531-foot) cascade is also the area’s only source of water and electricity. Storms are a common occurrence in Milford Sound, and when the area gets hit with a strong bout of rain, this stunning beauty practically quadruples in size. People commonly see the waterfall from the land, through a guided cruise or via kayak. The walking track to the Lady Bowen Falls had been closed off for 15 years due to safety reasons, but it reopened for the first time in January 2018.
Lady Bowen Falls, Milford Sound | © Bernard Spragg / Flickr
The majestic Stirling Falls is Milford Sound’s second highest; its height comes in at an impressive 151 metres (495 feet). Brave boaters and kayakers are drawn to these powerful glacial cascades as they can easily steer their way right underneath them; the thrill of having the waters gushing all around makes for a memorable experience. The Milford Sound cruises regularly take travellers underneath the Stirling Falls too. Rain coats are often provided on board to ensure that passengers don’t get too chilly.
A boat approaches the Stirling Falls in Milford Sound | © Bernard Spragg / Flickr
The Elephant and The Lion
The Elephant and the Lion are two extraordinary mountain peaks in Milford Sound, named after the animals they resemble. More specifically, the former takes the shape of an elephant’s head, while the latter looks like a crouching lion. Like Mitre Peak, these are best viewed through a scenic cruise around the area. The Elephant stands at a height of 1517 metres (4977 feet), while the smaller Lion comes in at a still-quite-impressive 1302 metres (4271 feet).
The Elephant, Milford Sound | © falco / Pixabay
Fairy Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
These two permanent waterfalls, right alongside each other, are among the key attractions you’ll stumble across during a guided cruise tour. Fairy Falls is best renowned for dropping directly into Milford Sound; if the weather permits, the boat will make a detour directly underneath it. Like many of its local counterparts, the breathtaking Bridal Veil Falls becomes a fantastic force of nature after being drenched by heavy rainfall.
Fairy Falls, Milford Sound | © Jocelyn Kinghorn / Flickr
The Four Sisters
This group of four waterfalls only comes in full view when it’s raining. Named because of their identical size, the Four Sisters can only be reached through guided boat cruises and, after emerging from their mystical hiding place, often become alight as rainbows filter through them. Cruise operators often pass right underneath these waterfalls, typically handing passengers a glass of water so that they can drink from this fresh water source; some even claim that the Four Sisters’ pure waters will make you look 10 years younger.
The Four Sisters, Milford Sound | © Bernie Catterall / Flickr
Fiordland National Park is renowned for the incredible array of wildlife that resides within it. Around Milford Sound, one of the best places to catch a glimpse of resident marine animals is Seal Rock, where the native fur seals doze away as they bask in the sun. Seal Rock is also quite unique in the area, given that most of the local critters tend to venture further out — especially since Milford Sound itself is mostly composed of sheer vertical cliffs.
Seal Rock, Milford Sound | © falco / Pixabay
Sinbad Gully
Sinbad Gully is a u-shaped valley, right behind Mitre Peak, that has been carved out of the slopes of its surrounding mountains. This is a significant site for New Zealand scientific research and conservation. In the 1970s, a native kakapo bird, previously believed to be extinct, was discovered residing there. In 2009, the Sinbad Conservation Project was established in partnership with local tourism operator Southern Discoveries, New Zealand’s Department of Conservation and Fiordland Conservation Trust to protect a selection of at-risk species that survive in the gully, including the Sinbad skink as well as endangered native birds like the kiwi, whio, weka and kaka.
Mitre Peak and surrounding mountains | © Matthew J Photos / Flickr
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Illegal shipment of rhinoceros horns seized by Malaysian officials
Malaysia seizes millions worth of rhinoceros horns - image credit timesunion.com
Malaysian customs officials seize a large shipment of rhinoceros horns worth over $3 million
by Joan King (article) and Parasshuram Shalgar (video)
11 April 2017 at 06:04 11 April 2017 at 06:04
Custom officials in malaysia seized an Illegal shipment of rhinoceros horns that originated in Mozambique via Doha Qatar. The 18 rhino horns are said to be worth $3.1 Million and were discovered by officials at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. More than 112 lb (51kg) of horns were found packed in a wooden crate in a cargo warehouse after a tip off. False documents were used, the addresses were non-existent and they were declared as art objects. Rhinoceros are on the endangered species list but are continually being poached to feed a need for traditional remedies.
A major hub for endangered species
Malaysia is a major hub, transit point and destination for a variety of endangered species making their way to different Asian countries. In January, 1,860 lb (846 kg) of ivory tusks came through the Kuala lumpur airport and were seized. Two other well-known transit hubs are the Philippines and Vietnam. The parts of endangered species make their way to Asian markets; the biggest of which are China and Thailand. Just last month rhino horns worth $5 million were seized in Thailand.
Rhinos killed for their horns
Even though the UN Convention has banned global trade in rhinoceros horns, they are still killed to support the illegal trade. According to a WWF report, over 1,000 Rhinos were killed in South Africa in 2016 alone, representing a 6% loss.
Their horns are prized as an essential ingredient in traditional medicine and it is believed to treat a myriad of conditions and diseases including a hangover. Demand for the medicinal value of the horns continue to rise and is fueling poaching activities in Africa and Asia.
The illegal trade in endangered species
A decade ago, conservationists estimate there were half a million rhinos.
Today only about 30,000 remain in the world. The five remaining species are considered "threatened" and three of the five are "critically endangered" A rise in the illegal wildlife trade is threatening the progress made in conservation to date.
The WWF believes that criminal syndicates are driving the illegal poaching through organized channels linked to killing fields in countries like South Africa.
A network of smuggling channels and transit points facilitate the illegal movement of the endangered cargo to its destination in Asian countries. The trafficking in wildlife and their parts can seriously threaten the survival of many wildlife species like the rhinoceros.
Joan King
Online business entrepreneur, Graduate in political science and International Relations. Freelance writer with several blogs. .
Follow joan on Twitter
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Telegraph readers on vaccine passports: 'Holiday destinations can't turn away British tourism'
As revealed by the Telegraph, vaccine passports could be trialled by thousands of Britons as part of a government-funded trial taking place this month. While the aim of the trial is to track of the number of people that have received the first or second dose of the vaccine, there could be significant implications for travel. Vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi has played down reports of passports being introduced, while the head of the World Travel and Tourism Council has branded passport proposals as 'discriminatory'. Writing for the Telegraph, Patrick O'Flynn has warned that immunity passports will stoke the fires of inter-generational rage and now Telegraph readers have had their say. Read on to see what your fellow readers have had to say and then share your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of this article. 'This is not new' @Hilary Easton: "Certificates of vaccination have always been required for travel or return to and from certain countries. What is the difference here? "Okay it’s unfortunate that younger people will have to wait a couple of months longer to go on holiday but is that such a huge problem?" 'A negative test is better than a vaccine' @Stuart Wilson: "Presumably desperate countries with a broken economy reliant on 18-30s would either ignore this requirement, or require a clean Covid test on arrival? "Vaccines apparently don't stop you spreading it. A clean Covid test would be of more use for a resort." 'Europe needs us to visit' @Jimmy Bed: "Vaccine passports won’t happen. The EU will not have a vaccinated population by this summer but their tourist industry is on its knees. They need us to visit." 'Passports exacerbate division' @Andrew McDonald: "The Covid passports are dystopian full stop. They don't aid safety, they exacerbate division. "If Boris wants to keep winning he must put the young at the top of his agenda. It's going to be difficult, by the time children leave university as adults they've had fifteen years of anti Tory propaganda rammed down their throats."
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Jevon Lemke’s mom moving to Alabama after losing her son and his girlfriend to tragedies
Tom Dombeck | Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
Reedsville Panthers dedicate season to Jevon Lemke
Joshua C. Clark, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
REEDSVILLE - A person can bear only so much heartbreak.
Carrie Holton and her son, Emmett, moved to Reedsville in August 2017 to be closer to Carrie’s oldest son, Emmett’s half brother, Jevon Lemke.
Retired from the Air Force, Carrie wanted her sons to be in the same city for a change.
That’s exactly what happened, but only for eight months.
In late March 2018, Lemke went missing while on spring break off the shores of Fort Morgan Beach near Gulf Shores, Alabama. While at the beach, Lemke's father and step-mother began to have trouble staying above water. Lemke jumped in to rescue them from drowning, accomplishing his task, only to be presumed drowned himself.
An accomplished multi-sport athlete for the Reedsville High School Panthers, Lemke’s disappearance helped fuel the Reedsville football team to its best season in program history as both Carrie and Emmett grew close to his teammates along with his girlfriend, Rachel Peterson.
RELATED: Reedsville rallies behind missing senior: 'After every game, I’ve cried'
Peterson and Lemke dated for 18 months, only for Peterson to be killed in a car crash in late June of 2019.
For the second time in not even two years, it felt like Carrie had lost a child and Emmett a sibling.
Carrie remembers coming home to find Peterson and her younger son Emmett asleep on an air mattress, backs to each other, exhausted from grief.
“I wasn’t going to wake them because they were finally getting some sleep,” Carrie said. “The sibling relationship formed between Emmett and Rachel was as strong as any I’d seen.”
RELATED: Reedsville teen who died in crash on US 151 in Manitowoc County was girlfriend of teen lost at sea
Peterson helped both mother and son through the tragedy of losing Lemke, so her death was almost too much.
“I remember talking with Rachel’s parents and I told them it was like we lost them both together,” Carrie said. “Miracles happen all the time, but when she died it was like the hope was lost. Jevon went first to meet Rachel so she wouldn’t be alone in heaven.”
Peterson spoke about her connection to Lemke just months before her passing, around the time of the one-year anniversary of Lemke's disappearance.
“I loved him and wish he was still here, but I don’t know what it would have been like if he was,” Peterson told the Herald Times Reporter. “I wish I’d have been able to find out.”
RELATED: 'He should be here': Family, friends reflect on Reedsville teen's disappearance a year ago
A grieving mother finds peace knowing her son and his girlfriend are together again in heaven.
“I guess they were truly meant to be together. It couldn’t be in this world, so they are in the next,” Carrie said. “I imagine Rachel sitting on the couch, her hair in a messy bun and using it to hide her face as she giggles, telling Jevon everything that happened in the 15 months he was gone.”
Carrie calls her youngest son a typical military child, ready to move at a moment's notice. And shortly after the two-year anniversary of Lemke’s disappearance, mother and son would be on the move again.
“When bad memories outweigh the good, it’s time to move on,” Carrie said.
Her son admits what was keeping him connected to Reedsville wasn’t there anymore.
“There’s nothing really here for us,” Emmett said. “Only reason we moved here was for Jevon. There’s too much that has happened. Everywhere you go, you’re reminded of everything.”
In less than a week, mother and son will move down to Daulphin Island, Alabama, which is on the western coast of the bay where Lemke went missing.
Carrie said she feels it’s where she’s meant to be, and how the community has embraced her and Emmett.
"This is the community which literally opened their homes to me when I searched for Jevon," Carrie said. "I don't even know most of their names, and they'd be out in their boats looking for Jevon."
A friend told Carrie on a recent visit it was time to move, and having recently graduated from cosmetology school, the timing and location was right, she said.
“They’ve brought me closer to my faith when I was lost,” Carrie said of the community of Daulphin Island.
As for Emmett, there’s no cosmic force drawing him to where his brother went missing. He doesn’t feel closer to Lemke, but knows his mother needs this.
“I’m not very spiritual like my mom,” Emmett said. “This move is for her, and after moving schools six or seven times, it’s not a big deal. It’s going to be a lot happier there.”
Carrie admits at the age of 42 she’s not getting any younger and it’s time to settle down for good.
She’s reminded of how her friend, when the searches for Lemke came up empty, told her on the balcony of her home that if her son never was found he’d always be in Daulphin Island.
“I feel peace when I’m there," Carrie said. "I feel Jevon when I’m there. My soul is better when I’m there. It’s a beautiful place, just like him."
Contact Tom Dombeck at 920-686-2965 or tdombeck@htrnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Tom_Dombeck.
Our subscribers make this coverage possible. Click to see the Herald-Times Reporter's special offers at htrnews.com/subscribe and download our app on the App Store or Google Play.
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SPLC: The Trump Effect Hits US Schools
Written by Natalie Davis on April 15, 2016
If the GOP elites get their way, Donald Drumpf will not be the next president of the United States. But in the end, whether he ends up in the White House does not matter, because his campaign has done and is doing real damage to this country. Candidate Drumpf is crisscrossing the nation in the guise of a new-millennium Mussolini, and the poison he spreads along the way — racism, xenophobia, misogyny, disdain for the poor — will affect the US for at least a generation.
That’s because, according to a new report from the Southern Poverty Law Center, children are listening and taking cues from what they see and hear reported in the mainstream media, which routinely give the lion’s share of their coverage — nearly $2 billion in free media attention so far — to Drumpf.
The Drumpf Effect: The Impact of the Presidential Campaign on Our Nation’s Schools, released today, lays bare the dangerous reach of The Donald’s ugly campaign trail rhetoric. This recounting of the results of an unscientific Teaching Tolerance study of 2,000 teachers paints a troubling picture of what is happening in USian classrooms: Drumpf’s words are “producing an alarming level of fear and anxiety among children of color and inflaming racial and ethnic tensions … Many students worry about being deported.”
Not helping matters is that other kids are taking Drumpf’s belligerent posturing and amplified hate speech as a guide to how they should behave: “Teachers have noted an increase in bullying, harassment, and intimidation of students whose races, religions, or nationalities have been the verbal targets of candidates on the campaign trail.”
The report says educators are trying to remain nonpartisan in classrooms, as they should. Increasingly, however, many told surveyors that they see a real need to take a stand to protect the children in their charge.
From SPLC’s report:
Two responses from teachers illustrate their dilemma. A teacher in Arlington, Va., says, “I try to not bring it up since it is so stressful for my students.” Another, in Indianapolis, In., says, “I am at a point where I’m going to take a stand even if it costs me my position.”
More than two-thirds of the teachers reported that students—mainly immigrants, children of immigrants and Muslims—have expressed concerns or fears about what might happen to them or their families after the election.
More than half have seen an increase in uncivil political discourse.
More than one-third have observed an increase in anti-Muslim or anti-immigrant sentiment.
More than 40 percent are hesitant to teach about the election.
This means our children are not getting the safe space to learn that they deserve. Neither are they getting the depth of education they need to be fully informed citizens.
Interestingly, the surveying mentioned no candidates by name. But SPLC reports that Teaching Tolerance received more than 5,000 comments from teachers — and more than 1,000 of them specified Donald Drumpf as the source of their concern.
Tennessee is feeling the effect: A kindergarten teacher in our state commented that one of her students, one of Latino descent, was told by other kids that he will be deported and trapped behind a wall. The teacher said the child asks every day whether the wall is here yet.
Sadly, the Volunteer State is not alone.
In Virginia, an elementary school teacher says students are “crying in the classroom and having meltdowns at home.” In Oregon, a K-3 teacher says her black students are “concerned for their safety because of what they see on TV at Drumpf rallies.” In North Carolina, a high school teacher says she has “Latino students who carry their birth certificates and Social Security cards to school because they are afraid they will be deported.”
Then, there are the students Drumpf has emboldened, kids who use the reality TV star-cum-candidate’s name as they physically intimidate classmates and verbally assault them with names like “terrorist,” “ISIS,” or “bomber”:
“Students are hearing more hate language than I have ever heard at our school before,” says a high school teacher in Helena, Mt. Another teacher reports that a fifth-grader told a Muslim student “that he was supporting Donald Drumpf because he was going to kill all of the Muslims if he became president!”
Educators share fears that as a result, students may become adults who don’t trust the government, who avoid the political process (and thereby give up their rights and responsibilities as citizens — including voting), and/or who are “hostile” to those holding opposing points of view.
This obviously does not bode well for US society as a whole. While there is no way to know what any long-term effects would be, it is no leap to fear that an entire generation of children could be affected negatively.
In its report, SPLC offers advice to teachers, entreating them to take up the challenge of addressing the presidential contest in daily lessons. It also urges them to take action when they encounter fear and bullying and to use these disturbing events as teaching moments.
Additionally, the organization calls out politicians.
For the sake of children and their education, presidential candidates should begin modeling the kind of civil behavior and civic values that we all want children to learn in school.
Surely these are values we all can embrace — even Drumpf, who is a father and grandfather of young children. Then again, this is a man who tends to begin defending his indefensibly bad behavior with words generally employed by the schoolyard set: “He started it!”
Tagged as Donald Drumpf Drumpf Mainstream Media Southern Poverty Law Center Teaching Tolerance
Natalie Davis
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Fake AirPods Shipment Entering the U.S. Was Found After the Parcel Was Labeled as ‘Lithium Ion Batteries’
By Omar Sohail
Jun 19, 2020 10:00 EDT
A fake AirPods shipment was seized at the DHL Express Consignment Carrier Facility in the U.S. The shipment originated from China and contained counterfeit ‘Apple’ AirPods on June 1. Had these been sold to consumers, it would have allowed the pocketing of $3,975 as that was the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
Quality of the Packaging Was a Dead Giveaway That These Were Indeed Fake AirPods
The shipment received was marked as ‘Lithium Ion Batteries’ after which CBP officers commenced their inspection process. According to them, the quality of the packaging as a huge red flag as it was inconsistent with the quality of the real AirPods. After finding out that these were fake AirPods, the parcel and its contents were ordered to be destroyed, as per port policy, with Shane Campbell, Area Port Director, Chicago stating that such products can have a deleterious effect on the U.S. economy.
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“Counterfeit goods, like these, damage our economy. When criminals sell these items, it deprives legitimate businesses from thriving. Unfortunately, many citizens do not realize the harmful effects that counterfeit products have on American businesses and jobs. American businesses and industries lose billions in revenues annually due to counterfeits and the public is put at risk with unsafe counterfeits which may not meet safety standards. Our CBP officers are proudly protecting American businesses, jobs and consumers.”
It’s possible that their suspicions were confirmed after the CBP officers sent images to Apple, but the frequency by which counterfeit products are entering the U.S. market have spiked, with goods being valued at millions of dollars recorded so far.
“On a typical day in 2019, CBP officers seized $4.3 million worth of products with Intellectual Property Rights violations. Learn more about what CBP did during “A Typical Day” in 2019.
CBP officers and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) agents seized 27,599 shipments containing counterfeit goods in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, down from 33,810 seizures in FY 2018. However, the total estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of the seized goods, had they been genuine, increased to over $1.5 billion from nearly $1.4 billion in FY 2018.”
With the AirPods being a favorite product amongst many age groups, it isn’t surprising that the people behind their manufacturing wanted to cash in on the opportunity, but thanks to the work done by CBP officers, unethical profiteering was prevented.
Image Credits: iFixit
News Source: CBP
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NFC North: Lions-Vikes Set Table For Another Thanksgiving
November 23, 2017 · by weareregalradio · in Current Events, Football, NFL, Sports. ·
Charles “The Prodigy” Richey is an on-air host and producer for chicagolandsportsradio.com, he writes on the NFC North for WARR
The Minnesota Vikings are looking good for their latest Thanksgiving showcase, sitting now with an 8-2 record following a dominating victory of the visiting Los Angeles Rams in last Sunday’s showcase NFC game.
Minnesota controlled the time of possession and won the turnover battle with a +2 ratio. The Vikings league-wide No. 2 rushing defense did their job in holding the Rams to just 47 yards om the ground.
Now in control of their playoff fate as the No. 2 seed in the NFC, the Vikes travel to Detroit to take on the Lions on Thanksgiving. Seems so simple to keep Case Keenum as the guy, right? Well, not for everyone.
Let’s go back in time, back to August 30, 2016: Bridgewater suffers his catastrophic knee injury in Training Camp, his career was in serious jeopardy as he was out for the entire season.
During all of this, the Vikings go on to witness a 7-9 performance and fall short of the playoffs in their debut season in US Bank Stadium. Fast forward a year later, Sam Bradford, first brought on in ’16 to relieve Bridgewater, is reported to have a knee injury following the season opening victory over the Saints. Then enters Case Keenum, who has since steered the Viking ship to a 7-2 record.
Later, in October, reports break that Bridgewater can return to practicing with his team, by early November he is officially active against Washington.
Now with Bridgewater waiting patiently on the bench, there are many who say Keenum should continue to play this successful string out but whispers exist on the edges that Bridgewater, the once and presumably future franchise guy in Minnesota, should get in action to proceed an increasingly sure playoff run.
After all, of the two QBs were talking about, Bridgewater has the only experience and the only real success beyond this current season — an 17-11 record in his first two seasons as the starter with one playoff start.
On the other hand, you have Keenum, a castoff from one of last year’s worst teams, the Los Angeles Rams, but who is having a career year currently and is on pace to pass for over 3,000 yards while averaging 239.3 yards per game. To Vikings coach Mike Zimmer I ask, “What’s so hard about this? This is not brain surgery.”
Its long been the belief of many NFL experts that why change a quarterback who’s playing with a hot hand just because you want the previous respected one to have his job back?
Yes, there’s still some loyalty tied to Bridgewater, who has done everything asked upon him in Minnesota, including making himself ready to play again as soon as possible, but he still a quarterback who hasn’t earned a postseason victory yet. In a general sense he’s not that much of a clear upgrade over Keenum.
At the end of the day, the plan should be methodical for Minnesota — wait and see what happens with Keenum before doing anything. If he starts to struggle and lose trust of his coaching staff and teammates, then go ahead and make the switch.
The Vikings are on the verge of a big opportunity here — a division title and home field throughout the playoffs, including a possible unprecedented home game in the Super Bowl could be theres if they play their cards right. There’s nothing about this decision that’s light — glad I’m not Zimmer.
Lion-Hearted Detroit Continues Success
And in this corner! — Still undefeated on the road in the NFC North, your 2017 Detroit Lions!
The Lions had to rally multuple times on Sunday, escaping with an almost sure-handed victory for the host Chicago Bears in Soldier Field by a score of 27-24. Not the prettiest victory, but the Lions will take it.
With a 3-game win streak in hand, they are now primed and ready for Vikings as they host another Turkey Day opener.
Detroit has proved themselves well as a team that knows all about rallying through adversity this year.
Last Sunday proved to be a prime example of the kind of hard-earned resilience and determination the Lions have displayed all season. The Bears out-rushed Detroit and controlled most of the clock but when it came time for Matt Stafford to put on his Superman cape once again, he not only overcame an early 10-0 first quarter deficit he threw for 299 yards, two touchdowns, and helped the Lions outscored the Bears 27-14 for the remaining 3 quarters of the game.
Now it’s on to host the red-hot Vikings, who the Lions have a three-game series win streak over to match their overall streak.
Lions coach Jim Caldwell is emphasizing to his players to focus on one game at a time and to not look ahead.
“We look at these guys for who they are. They’re a very good team. They’re on a roll,” Caldwell said this week. “All we’re worried about — we’re not worried about ramifications. We’re not worried about all the buildup and things of that nature. We’re worried about how we play.”
If anyone is familiar with the Lions’ seasons and many of their wins of late, it’s not about how they start, but how they finish. It will be showdown this Thursday for these two teams all the way.
Buckle your seats Lions fans, you may be about to endure another one of those wild finishes that are starting to define this season for your team. Should be another memorable Turkey Day for the Motor City!
Follow Charles at his personal blog and on Twitter @ProdigyRichey; Follow We Are Regal Radio on Twitter @regalradio1 and on Facebook under We Are Regal Radio
Tags: Aaron Rodgers, Case Keenum, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Ezekiel Ansah, Green Bay Packers, Haloti Ngata, Jim Caldwell, Jordy Nelson, Matthew Stafford, Mike Daniels, Mike Glennon, Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings, NFC North, NFC North report, Sam Bradford, Thanksgiving, week 12
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March 22, 2018 July 27, 2018 zeecontributorLeave a Comment on Aaron vs. Luca: A Grownish Showdown
Aaron vs. Luca: A Grownish Showdown
By Lindsey Mutz
Review of Grownish 1×12 “Crew Love”
This episode of Grownish opens with Zoey Johnson saying that kids these days hide behind social media, that we feeling comfortable enough to bare our souls to strangers online but not enough to talk to people face to face about what we are feeling. She’s not wrong. One thing everyone says about our generation is how much we rely on technology for communication. For Zoey Johnson, communication is put to the ultimate test this week as she struggles with her feelings for both Aaron and Luca.
Aaron and Luca have both been close with Zoey since the show began, and they’ve gotten closer in the past couple of episodes. Grownish has done a great job of showcasing little moments with each of them, building upon each other to create the fabric for a true relationship. There’s Luca and Zoey’s love of fashion, for example, and their internship at Teen Vogue. With Aaron, Zoey is usually with the rest of her friends, but somehow it feels like it is just the two of them. Both of these guys feel believable with her. And that is the problem.
In this episode, Zoey and her friends prepare for their university formal, and Zoey decides to check in with Luca and Aaron and see how they feel about her. She gets strong relationship vibes from Luca, who offers to make her a dress for the formal, and nothing much from Aaron, who friend-zones her in front of his buddy. Zoey is thrilled that Luca’s interest has essentially made her decision for her, until he refuses to go to the dance with her.
When at the dance, Aaron confronts Zoey and tells her he wants to make things official, and then Luca shows up and basically does the same thing. Zoey is forced to admit to herself that she has feelings for both of them, and she doesn’t know how to choose, or who to choose, for that matter. I think her having to decide between Aaron and Luca will be interesting to play out, because these two guys are so different and also because they’re great comedic actors who can make any moment both hilarious and heartbreaking in the same second.
Grown-ish actually ends on a cliffhanger, for once, with Zoey getting a knock on her door after she gets home from the formal. You’ll never guess who it is…just kidding, you can probably guess. It’s Cash. Then the screen cuts to black. Guess we’ll have to wait until next week to see what’s up with him! Putting that cliff hanger aside, this episode of Grown-ish was strong. Zoey’s dilemma between Aaron and Luca feels grounded and real, and played well with nice little comedic character moments from the supporting characters. Stay tuned next week for what will no doubt be a very exciting episode!
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WHOIS, Domain names and everything related
What is a Domain name and how does it work?
The internet and several other large and private networks make use of the DNS or the Domain Name System to direct the traffic online. The DNS is also popularly called the 'phonebook of the internet'. The internet makes use of DNS as a name resolution service for public websites across the world. It refers to a decentralized naming system that is fit for computer or services that are connected to the internet or even a private network. Overall, it serves as an important component for the smooth functioning of internet. When a user types the name of a site in a browser, the DNS finds the corresponding IP address for it and any other data required to get the desired network connection. So a Domain Name System is actually a friendly way of naming the web servers or the web pages. It defines addresses to them. They work very similar to an international phone number and give servers an easy to remember and easy to spell address. On the other hand, they also hide the IP addresses that are technical and are not very useful to the viewer as well.
Apart from all that is mentioned above, the domain system is also responsible for assigning domain names and mapping those names to the internet resources by providing name servers to every particular domain. The internet maintains two different spaces for names; one is for domain name hierarchy while the second one is for IP address. It is also important to know here that the domain name system provides the translation services to and fro on the internet.
memphiscannabis.ga - WHOIS DOMAIN LOOKUP DATABASE
IP Addreses & Domain Lookup
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How to read Domain names?
The domain names are always organized from right to left as is the case in any name (the family names to the right and the personal names to the left.). These descriptors are actually called 'Domains'.
The TLD or the Top Level Domain, also called the parent domain is mentioned to the far right of a domain name; the mid-level domains are obviously in the middle while the machine name is to the far left. It is often "www". The different levels of domains are separated by dots or periods.
Some facts about the Domain Name Systems
The main function of the Domain Name System or the DNS is to store the names and the addresses of the servers of the public internet. Here are some interesting facts about it:
The Domain Name Systems is around 30 years old before which a public system was only identifiable with its host name. The addresses of all the host names were maintained in one big file. The process became difficult and complicated in the later years when computer network grew. It was then that support domains were added and the single level naming system was changed to the multi level naming system.
When DNS was first implemented in 1980, it originally defined only 6 original Top Level Domains that were .com, .edu, .mil, .net, .org and .gov while there are more than 700 TLDs today on the internet. The wide expansion for domain names only happened post 2011 with the basic aim of better classification of the web sites, based on their purpose.
Currently, there are more than 100 million domains that are registered under .com solely. While there are a few that are specifically affiliated to certain kinds of businesses, there are others that are registered by individuals for their personal purposes.
DNS works both in forward and the reverse direction, i.e. the host names of the web sites and the other internet servers can be converted to the IP addresses (called the forward DNS look ups) or translating the addresses to the names (called the reverse DNS look ups). The reverse DNS lookups are not too common but they are often used in troubleshooting by the network administrators.
DNS remains the prime target when it comes to hacking the websites. Hacking happens when a hacker gets access to the DNS server records for the website he targets to hack. The hacker access the DNS records of the website, modifies them in such a way that the visitors are redirected to some other site. Every time a user visits a website that is hacked, the DNS instructs the browser to locate data from a bogus location. It is however, not necessary that the hackers have to hack into the DNS every time. They can also compromise with the hosting service of the domain by acting as the web administrators.
What is WHOIS and WHOIS lookup?
If you are wondering what is WHOIS? WHOIS is simply read as "who is?" and is a utility protocol that is used to gain any information on domain names. The information included is related to the contract and other technical information on domain name server like the IP address block and autonomous system which is one of the most crucial roles of the service. The database content is stored as well as delivered in a human readable format. Apart from these, there is other additional information that is related to the status, for instance, if the domain is locked. To be able to use it, the user needs to enter the domain in the form and then start with the WHOIS look up. There might be several events when the user is not given all the information that is available or even worse, maybe they are not provided with any information at all. In such instances, it is important to check if there is any other alternative to the WHOIS lookup for the domain that is not responding. There are different levels of the WHOIS lookup protocol that explain a number of things about the domain name in great detail. It also decodes several status codes for the user.
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(-) Remove Historic Documents and Books of Haskalah and Polemics filter Historic Documents and Books of Haskalah and Polemics
"HaMaggid" Newspaper, Lyck, Prussia. Hundreds of Issues in Ten Volumes - Complete Years
Estimate $ 1,000 - $ 1,500
HaMaggid - a letter of the events of the time, which will inform Yaakov of the events in all parts of the globe among all of the world's inhabitants which are pleasant and fitting for every Jew to know. Published by Eliezer Lipman Zilberman. Lyck [Prussia]. Ten volumes of complete years, hundreds of issues.
* Fifth year 1861 - 48 issues.
* Seventh year 1863 - 50 issues [issue no. 35 is a facsimile, many handwritten inscriptions].
* Eighth year 1864 - 46 issues.
* Ninth year 1865 - 49 issues.
* Eleventh year 1867 - 49 issues.
* Fifteenth year 1871 - 50 issues.
* Nineteenth year 1875 - 50 issues.
* Twentieth year 1876 - 45 issues.
* Twenty second year 1878 - 47 issues.
* Twenty fourth year 1880 - 51 issues.
Ten volumes, 33 cm. A total of 485 issues. The front binding of the 1875 volume is missing. The bindings of some of the volumes are detached. Three are missing a spine.
Historic Documents and Books of Haskalah and Polemics
HaTzfira - Special Issue - Fifty Years Since its Founding. Warsaw, 1912
A special issue of the Hebrew newspaper "HaTzfira" - edited by Chaim Zelig Slonimsky, with a summary of fifty years of circulation [Jubilee of HaTzfira]. Warsaw, 1912.
The issue is divided into two sections: articles from the various writers summarizing fifty years of activity [among them: Y. Nissenbaum, N. Sokolov, Bialik and others]. There are also pictures of the different writers, with one picture of each writer in his youth and another one from his older days. The second part of the issue reviews "The celebrations of Hatzfira's jubilee which were celebrated in the Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw on Wednesday, 1 Adar 5672 [February 19, 2012]". This section contains a vivid description of the jubilee celebrations, including a review of the preparations for the event, purchase of the tickets, gathering of the members, the opening speech, a transcription of the various speakers, letters of congratulation and support on the occasion of the newspaper's jubilee celebrations from various people, a joint photograph of all of the writers, and more. The issue from the newspaper's first year, which was published in Adar 1862 was enclosed at the end of the special issue.
"Hatzfira" - the first Hebrew newspaper in Poland during the time of Russian rule, and one of the most important Hebrew newspapers printed in Eastern Europe. Founded in Warsaw in 1962, but the events of the time - the Polish Uprising of 1863 and the appointment of the newspaper's editor, Slonimsky, as overseer of the Beit Midrash L'Rabbanim in Zhitomir, led to cessation of printing of the newspaper after half a year and only 25 issues. Slonimsky succeeded in renewing "Hatzfira" in 1874 in Berlin, the newspaper returned to Warsaw a year later, where it remained for as long as it existed.
New, pleasant binding. A few stains.
The Artillery Newspaper - The Jewish Brigade - 1943. Reference to the Events of the Holocaust
Internal newspaper no. 3 of the Jewish Brigade. Great Britain, HaShomer HaZair printing press. January 24, 1943.
Extensive reference to information received at the time from abroad, written in present tense: "The terrifying information we are receiving from the diaspora about the destruction of our nation shocks and horrifies each and every one of us... if the refugees of the diaspora should ask us after the War: what did we do during these days of Holocaust, where were we when the danger of destruction and extermination hovered over the Jewish people - what will we answer them? When we were given the opportunity to gird a sword and take our place as partners in the redemption of the world - did we fulfill our mission?... Over seven million Jews are in the hands of the enemy for cruelty and not kindness... all of the events of a history replete with murder of hundreds of our nations - are insignificant in comparison with what is currently being done to us...". There are also various articles to strengthen and build the organization from within.
24 cm. Fine condition.
Calendar for the Years 1741-1900
An in-detail Hebrew calendar with charts and commentary for the years 1741-1900, German and Hebrew, Bamberg 1856.
Does not appear in the National Library.
100 pages. 21 cm.
Restored tears on the title page, restored tears on the last two leaves, slightly creased corners on the bottom left side of several consecutive leaves.
Calendar for 216 Years. 1785-2000. New York 1925
Corresponding Date Calendar and Family Record. A Hebrew calendar with a corresponding dates in a foreign language. For 1785-2000, published by Hebrew Publishing Company, New York. Hebrew and German text.
At the end of the calendar are empty charts with boxes to be filled out with the date of marriages, birthdays and deaths.
Original cloth-wrapped-cardboard binding. 24 cm.
A Calendar in Manuscript Form, 1852
A calendar to calculate leap years, 1852, "I will begin to write the leap years with the help of the One who dwells in Heaven, from the present year, cycle 296.
A total of 10 handwritten leaves, charts and inscriptions. On the last page are tzirufim of the Holy Names.
Aging stains. Fine condition.
Ben Yishai, Trieste, 1827. 160 Year Calendar. Single Edition
Ben Yishai - A calculation of the times in Hebrew and Italian on facing pages. By Rabbi Yehuda Shalom Yenaisi. Trieste, 1827. Single edition. Rare.
Contains a chart of moladot, months and tekufot for 160 years, 1826-1981. As well as 14 charts to establish the festivals.
The charts are only in Hebrew.
Approbations of Rabbi Mordechai Bennet of Nikolsburg, Rabbi Avraham Rovigo, Rabbi Eliyahu Aharon Lattes of Venice and others.
[1] 143 leaves. 15 cm.
Front binding is detached. Worming holes on the inner side of the binding, a few worming holes on the book's leaves.
Yearbook, Romania 1936-1937
Yearbook ALMANAHUL EVREESC Romania 1936-1937.
Contains a Hebrew-Romanian calendar, with instructions in Romanian, photographs, articles and advertisements. Rare calendar.
Aging stains. moderate condition.
Pocket calendar. Rodelheim, 1904. Rare
Pocket calendar for 1904. Roedelheim. German and Hebrew.
Includes a "Bar Mitzvah calendar," "chronicles" with various dates since the Creation of the world [the Purim miracle, arrival in the Holy Land; the birth of Moses etc.], tekufot, prayer schedule in the synagogue according to Frankfurt A.M., chart for counting the omer; advertisements; and more.
Rare. Not in the National Library.
Pocket edition, 7x11 cm.
The front binding and leaves are detached.
Moderate condition.
Collection of rare calendars. London, start of the 20th century
20 pocket calendars published in London in the first half of the 20th century.
* 15 calendars "Mazins Yudish-Englisher Tashen Luach" printed in London by R. Mazin & Co. List of Hebrew dates and instructions in Hebrew, Yiddish and English. In addition to the dates, there is very significant information in the calendars themselves: Names of famed Jewish cantors, list of dates of Jewish concerts; reference to the First World War; Hebrew grammar; list of textbooks in Hebrew; list of stores that sell ritual items; advertisements; and more. Years: [1915-1925], 1928, 1930-1934; [1936-1938].
Size: 7x9 cm.
* Two calendars "Der Bezvin Tashen Luach," London, 1926 and 1932.
* "Shapiro Valentines Yiddish Englisher Tashen" - calendar for 1941-2, published by Yaakov Nurnstein. Rare calendar printed in London at the height of the Second World War. Hebrew, Yiddish and English.
* Jewish Pocket Diary. London, 1929. Published by Charles Petts & Co. English. Includes a telephone listing of synagogues in England, Jewish libraries, Jewish hospitals and more. Leather binding, gilt edges.
* Calendar for 1915-1917, London. Published by Valentine, Express press. Includes a list of "free-loan" societies under the title "Ma'asim Tovim" [good deeds], the hachnassat orchim societies, tzedaka, meshivat nefesh and more.
Most of the calendars are rare and not in the National Library.
Average size: 7x9 cm. Varying conditions; generally fine condition.
Five Pocket Calendars. Israel, 1940's to 1970's
!!!! כתוב חמש לוחות שנה ורשום 6!!!
Five rare pocket calendars. Different years.
* Calendar for 1948-9. Edited by Rabbi Yosef Shapiro.
* Calendar for the year 1950 published by Y. Grau. A calendar for laborers and shopkeepers in the Krayot, with many advertisements.
* The Calendar of the Great Diskin Orphanage for 1960-61. With twelve photographs of the institution's children at various activities in the institution, with descriptions ['the orphans studying', the hospital in the institution', 'the children at play', 'the orphans praying' and more], the various yartzeit days from 1959 and more.
* Three "HaOved HaIvri" calendars for the years 1973, 1965, 1975. Published by the Department of Religious Members of the General Federation of Workers.
All of the calendars are rare and do not appear in the National Library. [There are other years of the 'Luach HaOved HaIvri' in the National Library but the years before us do not appear in the Library's catalog].
Varying conditions. Average size: 11x18 cm.
A Collection [9] of Calendars. Italy, First Half of the 20th Century
Lunario Israelitico.
* Nine pocket calendars, eight of which were published by Rabbi Dott. Ferruccio Servi, Torino [Italy]. Hebrew and Italian.
Calendars for the years: 1915, 1917, 1920, 1929, 1931, 1933, 1934, 1940.
* Lunario Ebraico a Hebrew pocket calendar for 1934 published in Venice. A binding with an illustration of the twelve signs of the zodiac, photographs of Italian synagogues, advertisements and more. Rare. Does not appear in the National Library.
The calendars contains extremely important informative information: photographs of synagogues throughout Italy, lists of Jewish institutions, interesting historical landmarks such as: the founding of the Jewish synagogue in Prague, the founding of the Jewish library in Austria, a list of Hebrew books and more.
According to the National Library records the calendar published by Servi was published until 1934, the calendars before us show that the calendar was published in the subsequent years, until at least 1940.
Size: 12x9 cm. Varying conditions.
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Other Key Contacts
Civil Fraud
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Home | Barristers
Benjamin Pilling QC
Call 1997 Silk 2015
Download full CV (PDF)
Email Benjamin
Instruct Benjamin
To instruct Benjamin please contact our clerks on +44 (0)20 7842 5555 or email clerks@4pumpcourt.com.
Benjamin Pilling QC has what Chambers & Partners has described as a “sweeping commercial practice”.
His national and international clients include banks, governments, developers, contractors and consultants, insurers and technology companies and a range of other quoted and privately owned companies. He is instructed in difficult, high value and sometimes business-threatening cases. His cases frequently include an international dimension, and in recent years he has argued cases governed by the law of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the People’s Republic of China, Oman, Nigeria and France.
He is used to working with large teams of solicitors, juniors and experts in document heavy cases. He has extensive experience of multi-party disputes, and also acting for defendants facing large volumes of claims (including under group litigation orders).
Ben frequently appears in the Commercial Court and the Technology and Construction Court, as well as in the Chancery Division and Queen’s Bench Division. He is instructed in relation to applications for interim injunctions and has experience in the Administrative Court. Ben is instructed in a wide-range of international and domestic arbitrations and cases raising issues of arbitral law, such as challenges to awards based on serious irregularity. He is very familiar with rules of procedure of the ICC, LCIA and UNCITRAL.
Many of Ben’s cases involve highly technical issues, where a major problem in the litigation is finding a way accurately to express complex concepts and facts in language which is comprehensible and persuasive in a court or arbitration context. This is one of Ben’s core skills, as attested to in the comments in Chambers & Partners. He is used to working in conjunction with clients, experts, and solicitors, to find forms of words which are persuasive while not sacrificing substance.
The UK legal directories list Ben as a leading silk in seven fields: Banking & Finance, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Construction, Information Technology, Professional Negligence, Professional Negligence (Technology & Construction) and Property Damage. Chambers Global also lists Ben as a leading practitioner in the fields of Construction and Dispute Resolution: Commercial.
Comments include:
Just brilliant – in conference, on his feet and on paper
Boasts a strong reputation in international arbitration
An outstandingly bright lawyer with a shrewd strategic brain. He is a pleasure to deal with and well-liked by clients
Very hands-on and completely on top of the detail of cases, he provides clients with extremely clear advice. In court he’s a skilled cross-examiner
Gets to grips very quickly with cases and clearly understands the technical problems running through a contract
Clever, able and hard-working
An excellent advocate who’s willing to roll his sleeves up on challenging cases
He’s clever, forensic, commercial and strategic
He has exceptional judgement in complex cases and the innate ability to seize on the point that matters
He is a standout performer
A significant proportion of Ben’s practice involves commercial arbitration. Individual notable cases are included in relation to particular practice areas below. In addition, Ben is often instructed in relation to court proceedings involving challenges to, or enforcement of, arbitration awards.
Featured Arbitration cases
Pakistan v Broadsheet LLC: The case arose in relation to efforts made to recover assets misappropriated from the State of Pakistan, including by a former Prime Minister. Ben acted for the Defendant in relation to this section 68 challenge to a USD 21m award based on an alleged insufficiency of reasons. Moulder J’s decision is at [2019] EWHC 1832 (Comm).
Eastern European Engineering Ltd v Vijay Construction (Pty) Ltd: Ben acted for the Claimant in relation to this action to enforce a Paris-seated arbitration relating to a Seychelles project. Cockerill J’s decision on the substance is at [2018] EWHC 2713 (Comm); [2019] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 1. Butcher J’s decision on freezing relief is at [2018] EWHC 1539 (Comm); [2018] BLR 555.
Symbion Power LLC v Venco Imtiaz Construction Co: The case arose in relation to the construction of a power station in Kabul. Ben acted for the Defendant in relation to this section 68 challenge to an arbitration award based on an alleged failure to deal with all the issues. Jefford J’s judgment is at [2017] EWHC 348 (TCC); [2017] BLR 297.
Construction, Engineering & Energy
Ben has extensive experience of cases arising from major onshore and offshore projects. These include the Wembley Stadium litigation, and the litigation arising from the development of the Westfield Centre at White City and from the Olympic Park, as well as offshore wind farm projects, the development of Lusail City in Qatar, the Riyadh Metro, the SHAMS solar power station in Abu Dhabi; the Angra III nuclear power project in Brazil; the airports at Muscat and Salalah; the Mambilla hydroelectric project in Nigeria and the World Cargo Centre at Heathrow Airport. Ben also has experience of public sector infrastructure projects including rail projects and of disputes arising from PFI contracts.
Ben’s clients include employers, contractors and sub-contractors, government departments, and construction professionals particularly architects and engineers. He is familiar with all the major domestic and international contract forms, including the NEC3 form and the various FIDIC forms.
Ben particularly relishes engineering cases of technical complexity. He has been instructed in cases involving reprocessing of nuclear waste, corrosion engineering, fatigue life, geotechnical engineering, decontamination works and highly complex steel structures, as well as cases involving concrete failures, ranging from floor slabs to grouted connections in offshore monopile foundations.
Ben is able to digest large volumes of documentation and identify the points that really count.
Featured Construction, Engineering & Energy cases
Acting for a Chinese state-owned contractor in relation to a multi-billion dollar FIDIC Red Book contract for infrastructure works for a Middle Eastern sovereign investment fund. The arbitration is governed by the ICC rules.
Acting for a Chinese state-owned contractor in relation to a tri-partite ICC arbitration concerning a hydroelectric project in West Africa.
Acting for a US contractor in relation to an international arbitration concerning the supply of specialist equipment for the Angra III nuclear power station in Brazil.
Acting in an international arbitration (LCIA) for a major European contractor against an energy company in relation to a claim arising from alleged failures of the foundation structures at two major offshore windfarms.
Acting for a Middle Eastern consortium in relation to disputes arising from the construction of Muscat and Salalah airports.
Hyde Housing Association v Geoffrey Osborne Ltd: Acting for claimant in this multi-party case arising from the destruction of a substantial building by fire. Case involves allegations of failure to comply with Building Regulations.
199 Knightsbridge v WSP: Acting for developer of prestigious residential development in Knightsbridge in relation to defects in a boosted pressurised cold water system.
Moto Hospitality Ltd v URS Corporation Ltd: Acting for URS in relation to a dispute relating to the construction of a motorway service station.
Amey Community Ltd v Integrated Bradford SPV One Ltd: Acting for a facilities management contractor in a dispute relating to a new school constructed under PFI arrangements.
Co-operative Retail Society v Birse Construction & Others: Acting for defendant structural engineers in relation to case arising from failure of internal and external slabs at a distribution warehouse development. Ben appeared for the successful Fourth Party at the trial of preliminary issues.
Acting for the Olympic Delivery Authority in relation to adjudication relating to the gas installation at the Olympic Park. Contract on NEC3 form.
Brookfield Construction (UK) Ltd v Mott MacDonald Ltd: Instructed by Mott MacDonald in relation to the dispute arising out of the construction of Wembley Stadium.
National Amusements (UK) Ltd v White City (Shepherd’s Bush) Ltd Partnership: Case relating to agreement for lease of the multi-screen cinema at the Westfield Shopping Centre at White City. Interlocutory decision concerning transfer of proceedings from the Chancery Division to the TCC.
Acting for a UK government department in an international arbitration relating to alleged property damage associated with UN peace keeping activities in the former Yugoslavia.
Grant UK Ltd & Grant Ireland Ltd v Graham Engineering Ltd: Acting for supplier of heating products in relation to dispute in respect of stainless steel hot water cylinders. Case involves interaction between physical design of cylinder and use of particular grades of stainless steel.
Acting for supermarket in relation to inadequate remediation of former cemetery, and delays caused to subsequent construction project on the site.
Acted for the claimant developer in a technically complex piece of tri-partite litigation arising out of a troubled redevelopment project in central London. The case involved the failure of a secant piling scheme, resulting in extensive delay and additional costs. Charles Church Ltd v Stent Foundations Ltd & Peter Dann Ltd.
Acted for environmental/geotechnical consultants in an action arising out of failed ground stabilisation works. A number of actions were consolidated for a single trial involving a range of defendants including contractors, specialist ground contractors, civil and structural engineers and environmental and geotechnical consultants. Proceedings centred on the suitability of a vibro-replacement ground improvement technique for a site involving deep fill comprising mainly chemical waste. Difficult legal issues arose concerning scope of duty and measure of damage.
Ben’s professional negligence practice encompasses both construction and non-construction professionals. He is often instructed in difficult and high value cases involving solicitors, barristers, valuers, brokers, accountants, claims handlers, financial advisers, tax advisers and actuaries, as well as civil, structural, geotechnical, electrical and mechanical engineers, architects, project managers, quantity surveyors and environmental consultants.
Featured Professional Negligence cases
Instructed in relation to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry on behalf of Exova UK, the fire consultant involved in the refurbishment of the Tower.
Instructed by UK insurer in relation to claim against underwriters concerning handling of ATE insurance portfolio.
Instructed by consortium of property developers in relation to negligence in relation to conveyances of commercial property in London.
Rees v Walter Saunders: Instructed by licensed conveyancers in claim arising from identity fraud. The claimant is suing professionals acting on the other side of the transaction for breach of warranty of authority and breach of trust.
Hiscox v York Risk Services Group: Instructed by claims handlers in relation to claim for alleged negligence in claim major loss arising from hurricane on the US Eastern sea board.
Cecil & Bentham v Steptoe & Johnson: Acting for claimants in claim against a firm of solicitors for negligence relating to the failure to serve proceedings before the expiry of a claim form, resulting in the failure of a substantial commercial claim.
Bank of Ireland v Bond Pearce: Acting for claimant in claim relating to advice given on security for lending facility in connection with substantial residential development.
Barclays Bank plc v Savills Private Finance Ltd & Others: Acted for Barclays in relation to claims against a range of professionals for negligence and fraud arising from a series of linked mortgage frauds.
ABC Viaticals Inc v DMH Stallard; Erwin & Boonman v Stenning & DMH Stallard; Centurion v DMH Stallard: Instructed by defendant solicitors in related cases concerning advice given in relation to longevity bond relating to life settlement investments. Claims advanced in both negligence and fraud.
Andy Shaw Developments v Bailey Johnson Hayes: Acting for claimant against structural engineers in case involving failure to identify presence of historic landslip, leading to collapse of excavations.
Re iTax: Acting for tax advisers in series of claims relating to failure of a scheme to avoid SDLT on high value property transactions.
Clifford v Montpelier: Acting for defendant accountants in relation to claim relating to tax advice concerning sale of a business.
Dancastle Associates v Glenny: Instructed by defendant valuers in relation to dispute relating to the valuation of an unusual property in Chelsea. Involved allegations of contributory negligence.
ISG Jackson v Richard Jackson Partnership: Acted for claimant in claim against structural engineers relating to failure to identify the existence of a historic clunch pit beneath the site of a commercial development.
McKinlay v Nexia Smith & Williamson Audit Ltd: Accountant’s negligence case relating to valuation of shareholding.
Charles Church Developments v Stent Foundations Ltd & Another: A structural engineer’s negligence case relating to design of secant pile walling for development in central London.
Richardson Roofing Ltd v Ballast Plc (dissolved): Architect’s negligence case relating to design of roof of sea front development in Brighton.
BE Studios Ltd v Smith & Williamson Ltd. Accountant’s negligence proceedings relating to advice in relation to research and development tax relief. Also subsequent proceedings to obtain non-party costs order against the claimant’s chairman.
Acting for defendant financial advisers in a negligence claim arising out of advice given in relation to a tax avoidance scheme involving investment in the British film industry.
Instructed by the defendant actuaries in litigation arising out of the collapse of the Independent Insurance Company.
Ben has extensive and diverse experience in the field of banking and finance. He is instructed in cases arising from the 2008 banking crisis involving challenges to close-outs of a wide range of trades under both 1992 and 2002 ISDA Master Agreements, GMRA and GMSLA terms (including total return swaps, credit default swaps, FX trades, repos and securities lending trades). He is instructed in mis-selling cases including those involving derivatives, and shared appreciation mortgages. He has acted in retail banking cases, including appearing in the bank charges litigation in the Commercial Court, and being instructed in relation to PPI litigation and credit card charges litigation. Ben is very experienced in working with experts to find ways of expressing complex technical matters in language appropriate for the court room, or arbitration room. In addition, many of Ben’s professional negligence cases involve banking and finance issues.
Featured Banking & Finance cases
Acting for liquidators of an insolvent bank in a claim against a major US investment bank. Case involved total return swaps and currency related derivatives, and gave rise to complex valuation issues, and legal issues concerning the exercise of discretion under the terms of a 2002 ISDA Master Agreement.
Advising major high street bank in relation to jurisdiction of Financial Ombudsman Service in relation to mortgage scheme.
Luxco v AIB: Acting for bank in relation to claim concerning right of the bank to recover cost of closing out hedging arrangements on pre-payment of facility.
LBI v Raffeissen: Acting for winding up board of an insolvent Icelandic bank in a claim against an Austrian bank relating to termination of GMRA and GMSLA agreements, and the subsequent valuation of trades. Decision of Knowles J is at [2017] EWHC 522 (Comm); [2017] 1 CLC 653. Decision of Court of Appeal is at [2018] EWCA Civ 719; [2018] 2 BCLC 506; [2018] 1 CLC 548.
LBI v UBS: Acting for winding up board of an insolvent bank in a claim against a Swiss investment bank relating to the valuation of trades under a 1992 ISDA Master Agreement. The claim also involves issues as to cross-affiliate set-off and the application of Icelandic insolvency legislation in English law under Directive 2001/24/EC on the reorganisation and winding up of credit institutions.
Acting for the liquidators of a hedge fund in relation to a claim against an American investment bank arising from the closing out of total return swaps and credit default swaps under the terms of a 2002 ISDA Master Agreement.
Acting for the liquidators of a hedge fund in relation to a claim against a Swiss investment bank arising from the closing out of credit default swaps under the terms of a 1992 ISDA Master Agreement.
Acting for the liquidators of a hedge fund in relation to a claim against a Swiss investment bank arising from the closing out of credit default swaps and swaptions under the terms of a 2002 ISDA Master Agreement. The case also involves issues as to set-off.
Acting for Swiss asset management company in relation to fraud claim against Swiss investment bank arising from a conspiracy to procure the purchase of structured products which were outside the scope of the trader’s authority.
Starprop LLP v Royal Bank of Scotland: Acting for defendant bank in relation to allegations of mis-selling of interest rate swaps in relation to large property portfolio.
Instructed by Bank Leumi in relation to a dispute arising over the enforceability of a Receivables Financing Agreement. Case involves issues relating to penalties and exercise of contractual discretion.
Acted for Royal Bank of Scotland in the bank charges litigation [2008] 2 All ER (Comm) 625.
Acting for Barclays in relation to a group of claims relating to large scale mortgage fraud. Actions involve claims against solicitors, valuers and mortgage introducers, for negligence, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, as well as recover actions against guarantors.
Acted for Barclays in relation to the SAMS group litigation. Case related to shared appreciation mortgages and involved challenges to the loan agreements under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1994 and the “unfair relationship” provisions of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
Acting for the Russell Group in a dispute concerning capital introduction services in relation to a fund of hedge funds.
Acted for Barclays in relation to challenges to credit card charges.
Acted for Royal Bank of Scotland in relation to payment protection indemnity policy (PPI) claims.
Instructed by Royal Bank of Scotland in relation to a £25m claim arising out of the alleged misselling of a structured interest rate swap.
Instructed by Bank of America in relation to a claim in which a vulture fund sought to enforce a debt derived from a letter of credit against the Bank of Zambia, a State bank. Bank of America was the agent under the underlying facility and had also traded the debt at the centre of the claim. The vulture fund failed at trial.
Acting for finance consultants in relation to a claim relating to provision of a contingent capital finance facility for a project involving the construction of new power stations by a state owned power generation company.
Ben is instructed in a wide range of IT disputes for UK, American and Asian clients. Some of those cases are of an essentially commercial character, concerning licensing disputes, the distribution of software, or the interpretation and application of termination provisions. Others are of a technical character, involving disputes as to whether a system meets the technical requirements of a functional specification (e.g. in respect of performance speeds) or in relation to the migration of data. Among Ben’s IT cases are cases involving video games, ERP systems, pay and pension administration systems, air traffic control systems (both civil and military), air defence and offence systems, stores control systems, goods handling systems and sales systems.
Featured Technology & Telecoms cases
Acting for retail bank in relation to long running dispute concerning the migration of data between two entities providing back office functionality.
Acting for IT contractor in relation to dispute with major public sector client relating to scope of change provisions in long term IT services contract.
Acting for FTSE 250 company against major telecoms company in relation to delays to migration of applications to cloud environment following major acquisition.
Advising re-insurer in relation to allegation of under licensing of software.
Acting for major IT contractor in dispute with major telecoms company over expiry of framework agreement for services.
Acting for a Middle Eastern consortium in relation to disputes arising from the construction of Muscat and Salalah airports. Case concerns security systems.
BGL Group Ltd v Ciboodle Ltd: Dispute relates to the development of software to support the sale of retail insurance products. Focus of dispute is on performance speed.
DNUK.NET Ltd v Iomart Hosting Services Ltd: Instruction in injunction proceedings to enforce “termination assistance” provisions in a contract for hosting services. Dispute centered on issues relating to migration of data.
Acted for US Defence Contractor in a dispute relating to major IT implementation contract for government client. Involves commercial dispute as to payment against background of technical claims relating to performance.
Acted for the Defendant in CDV Software Entertainment AG v Gamecock Media Europe Ltd. The case involved an agreement for the distribution of video games.
Acted for the Defendant distributor Codemasters Software Company Ltd, in Commercial Court proceedings in case arising from the purported termination of a contract for distributing video games.
Acting for supplier in case involving sale and implementation of SAP Business One ERP software and certain add-ons, including bespoke development. Contract terminated on basis of allegations of delay, and performance issues.
Acting for a Hong Kong software development company in relation to a claim concerning the development of web-based employee relocation software.
Acting for Government Department in arbitration relating to dispute about terms of software licence, and in particular whether client was entitled to load software onto additional servers for purposes of testing, development etc without incurring liability to pay server fees.
Codemasters Software Company Ltd v Kuju Entertainment Ltd: Acted for publisher of video games in relation to dispute arising from termination of software development contracts.
Successfully defending accountants in claim brought by a software house, and involving an issue as to whether development work carried out by that software house qualified for research and development tax relief. Ben went on to obtain a non-party costs order against the Claimant’s chairman.
Acting for an Anglo-American facilities management company in relation to an arbitration with an Indian software house. The dispute concerned a project to upgrade existing software to enable it to function in a new IT environment. New software was defective, and the facilities management company incurred a substantial liability to its own customer. Case involved a number of technical issues relating to the software, as well as contractual issues involving caps on damages.
Acting for a government department in relation to a dispute concerning sophisticated software system for controlling low flying military aircraft; dispute raised complex technical issues.
Acting for government department in relation to dispute concerning a bespoke software development intended to manage pay and pension administration for the armed services. Case raised difficult contractual issues relating to extent of the client’s obligations to “harmonise” the structure of pay across the armed services in order to facilitate the development of the software.
Acting for National Air Traffic Services in relation to its well publicized dispute with EDS.
Ben frequently acts in relation to insurance disputes, including coverage disputes. He has considerable experience of insurance disputes arising out of fire claims and other forms of property damage, and has been instructed in an arbitration concerning a pecuniary loss indemnity policy in relation to film finance. He also acts in relation to a wide range of commercial cases which do not fit neatly into any particular category. These include a case involving the enforcement of an alleged contingency fee agreement where one of the issues was the enforceability of such an agreement under Anguillan law; cases arising from the supply of military equipment; disputes arising from share sale agreements (Spring Finance Ltd v HS Real Co LLC); disputes concerning the ownership of; and the flow of income from, shopping centres (e.g. Whitgift Centre dispute).
Rankings in The Legal 500 EMEA Guide 2020
4 Pump Court are delighted that Members of Chambers have been recognised for their construction work in the Middle East...
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We are delighted to be running a full day, interactive training session on International Arbitration as part of China...
Benjamin Pilling QC and Daniel Khoo successfully resist s. 68 challenge to $22m arbitration award based on an insufficiency of reasons
On 12 July 2019 Mrs Justice Moulder handed down judgment in Pakistan and ors v Broadsheet LLC [2019] EWHC 1832 (Comm), a...
Rankings in Legal 500 EMEA Guide 2019
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Home Africa African Nations Call For End to Illegal Western Sanctions On Zimbabwe
AfricaFeatured
African Nations Call For End to Illegal Western Sanctions On Zimbabwe
President Mugabe won an overwhelming victory
AFRICANGLOBE – Malawian president and SADC chairperson Mrs Joyce Banda has called on Western nations to review the illegal sanctions they imposed on Zimbabwe after the country held free, fair and credible harmonised elections.
Zimbabweans went to polls on July 31 this year using SADC approved principles and guidelines used to conduct democratic elections and Zanu-PF won resoundingly.
Said President Banda; “I want the West to review its position on the sanctions in Zimbabwe. Zimbabweans deserve better and Zimbabweans have suffered enough.”
President Banda made the remarks while closing the SADC Summit meeting held in her country’s capital, Lilongwe at the weekend.
Illegal Western sanctions against Zimbabweans including President Mugabe were imposed in 2003 by Unites States president George W. Bush, a Republican and were continued under his Democratic successor, Mr Barack Obama, backed by the Zimbabwe Transition to Democracy and Economic Recovery Act.
In spite of the Western countries’ machinations, President Mugabe and Zanu-PF proceeded to trounce the MDC-T in polls endorsed by the bloc’s members.
Zec chairperson Justice Rita Makarau on August 4 this year, declared President Mugabe as duly elected President of Zimbabwe. President Mugabe won 61,09 percent of the valid votes cast while Mr Tsvangirai got 33,94 percent of the votes.
Zanu-PF also won a two-thirds majority to dominate the forthcoming House of Assembly which gives it the power to amend laws without consulting other parties.
By: Hebert Zharare
Joyce Banda
President Banda
president mugabe
Western Sanctions
Zimbabweans
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Editorial_Staff - Jun 10, 2020 0
Believe it or not, most State Attorneys and State Prosecutors are Democrats. They are reluctant to prosecute police murders that kill Black men, women or children but you run to the polls to reelect them anyway. Too many of the people that disguise themselves as Democrats, in reality, are really Dixiecrats who, behind closed doors, vote to support, defend and finance devilish lawmen with your tax dollars that kill people like George Floyd.
Editorial_Staff - May 30, 2020 0
AFRICANGLOBE - My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, neighbors and all others that loved George Floyd who was recently murdered by law enforcement officers in Minnesota. Every day in America a Black man, woman or child becomes a victim of police brutality and misconduct!
AFRICANGLOBE - Being neither a scientist nor a physician, I can only rely on my common sense as to why Black communities have been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. And no, I don’t think it’s because Kunta Kinte was forced to change his name to Toby, or the prevalence of underlying health conditions caused by poor lifestyle choices.
AFRICANGLOBE - I stopped going to rallies and protests because I know how most of today’s protests will turn out. First, the local people will pretty much be kicked to the curb and the modern day carpetbaggers will assume the leadership of the protest event.
Editorial_Staff - May 9, 2020 0
AFRICANGLOBE - Don’t think the recent murder of a young Black man in South Georgia is an isolated incident. You have to be careful and cautious in every neighborhood you’re in. Today’s klansmen are embolden by the white nationalists in the White House, they are brave when they have numbers, they are courageous when they have weapons and they have little or no fear of a judge or jury giving them the death penalty for killing Black men, women and children!
Pedophiles Now Officially Part Of The LGBT Movement
AFRICANGLOBE - For years now, we’ve been telling you that eventually the ever-growing alphabet soup that is the LGBTQ Movement would, at some point, have to add a ‘P’ to their acronym. The letter ‘P’ of course standing for pedophile. Why is this inevitable? Because of their motto, ‘all love is love‘. Logical thinking people say otherwise. Pedophiles are rebranding themselves as “MAPs” or “Minor Attracted Persons” in an effort to gain acceptance and be included into the LGBT community.
In The Land of Smart Africans
Ethiopia: How Meles Zenawi Rules The Country
Geopolitics, Globalization And Terrorism
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— Main Menu —Home Publications Blog Events About
DFID’s work with multilaterals: Views from the UK’s Aid watchdog
Yovanka ARI
#scrutinisingDFID, Africa, Africa Research Institute, Aid, ARI, Department for International Development, development, DFID, Diana Good, economics, event, events, government, graham ward, icai, independent commussion for aid impact, international, international aid, international development, london, Mark Foster, politics
The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) was founded in May 2011 to maximise the effectiveness of the UK aid budget for intended beneficiaries and to ensure value for money for British taxpayers. ICAI is independent of government and reports to a sub-committee of the House of Commons’ International Development Committee (IDC). After four years and 45 reports, the commissioners handed over to a new team on 1 July.
On Thursday 11 June 2015, ARI hosted the outgoing commissioners for the launch of the report, “How DFID works with multilateral agencies to achieve impact”, which was scored ‘Green-Amber’. Previous ICAI reviews have highlighted DFID’s limited oversight of EU aid, while commending its engagement with the World Bank. The three commissioners also reflected on their time in office and the significant challenges facing DFID.
Graham Ward CBE, Chief Commissioner, on DFID’s key challenges:
Economic development: The Secretary of State has pledged to spend £1.8 billion on frontier economic development this year, but DFID must improve its work in this domain. ICAI rated as ‘Amber-Red’ both DFID’s work with the private sector and its approach to partnering with business. If DFID’s economic programmes are to have impact, interventions at different levels – such as microfinance, making markets work for the poor, and regulatory reform – must be coordinated so that they form mutually reinforcing portfolios.
Fragile states: DFID is committed to spending 30% of its budget in countries affected by conflict, which necessitates expertise in fragile states. Yet, ICAI’s review of the scaling up of DFID support to fragile states highlighted unrealistic ambitions and excessively complex delivery methods. DFID needs to balance “quick wins” with programming designed to promote long-term pathways out of fragility.
Emergency response: ICAI has been impressed by DFID’s humanitarian portfolio. DFID played a leading role in the response to the 2011 food crises in the Horn of Africa, achieving good impact and value for money. Yet, DFID remains weaker at responding to long-term or chronic emergencies, where humanitarian and development assistance are needed in parallel.
Short-termism: Numerous ICAI reviews have found that DFID’s 3-5 year programme cycle can undermine the achievement of long-term, transformative impact. Internal evaluations are not timed to fit the programming cycle with the result that information on results is rarely available in time to inform the next phase of programming.
Commissioner Diana Good on DFID’s project management:
Results agenda: An unintended consequence of DFID’s results agenda is a trade-off whereby programmes focus on quantity, rather than quality. School enrolment figures tell us little about educational attainment, or even whether there are sufficient teachers in the classroom; yet such metrics lie at the heart of the results agenda.
Joined-up thinking: DFID’s management systems neither encourage, nor capture, portfolios of projects and more complex results. In Tanzania, private sector development programmes were presented as a list rather than integrated in a comprehensive multi-level strategy. It is hoped that DFID’s country diagnostic tool will improve this picture.
Beneficiary focus: ICAI believes DFID’s best work stems from quality engagement with beneficiaries via existing community structures. Beneficiaries must be involved in programme design, problem-solving during implementation, and evaluation. In the case of TradeMark Southern Africa, the only report to which ICAI has awarded a ‘Red’ traffic light, DFID lost sight of the imperative to benefit the poor. As a result of poor management, this programme was closed.
Commissioner Mark Foster on how DFID works with multilaterals:
A plethora of agencies: DFID spends 62.9% of its annual budget via 47 multilaterals. Alongside the World Bank group and the EU, DFID works with 22 UN agencies, 7 global funds, 6 regional development banks, and numerous international organisations. The proliferation of multilaterals has been unaccompanied by efforts to address their lack of coordination. Effective coalitions need to be formed around specific issues to achieve meaningful impact.
Global presence: Multilateral agencies possess a global footprint and legitimacy which enables them to work in contexts where national governments cannot. UNICEF played a critical role in maintaining the education system in Madagascar when bilateral donors pulled out. However, staff in conflict-affected states are often constrained by operating procedures. ICAI met a WHO nutrition expert in Somalia who had not left the compound for 18 months.
Norms and practices: Multilaterals help shape global development by diffusing norms, especially relating to women, youth and nutrition. DFID has a reputation as a “thought leader”, but recently it has focused less on agencies’ strategic priorities, and more on their processes. ICAI fears that if this trend continues, DFID risks prioritising due diligence over selecting the organisation which is best equipped to deliver with impact.
Strategy and communication: DFID is expected to award £35 billion to multilaterals over the next five years, but there appears to be no overarching strategy to determine which agencies should receive funding, nor did ICAI identify clear country-level strategies for DFID’s work with multilaterals. DFID must do more to spell out why the UK invests so heavily with these agencies, and communicate their successes to the public.
Romilly Greenhill (ODI), responding to the report:
Contextual changes: African governments are increasingly able to choose from a number of finance sources, but multilaterals have been slow to adapt to this trend. The Chinese are able to deliver infrastructure projects much more quickly than the development banks; while Eurobonds have proved a popular alternatives to the banks’ concessional loans – as ARI’s recent publication ‘Africa [Debt] Rising’ documented.
Reform to remain relevant: The governance of the Bretton Woods institutions and regional development banks remains skewed in favour of donor governments. DFID should not have such a big seat at the table. These institutions must reform their governance if they want to remain relevant. Otherwise alternative structures will be established, similar to the BRICS’ New Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Bank.
Assessment: DFID must improve its collaboration with other bilateral donors in assessing the work of multilaterals. A draft of the OECD report Multilateral Aid 2015 revealed that 205 bilateral assessments of multilateral agencies were carried out in 2014/15, including 17 of UNDP alone. DFID could do more to use the findings of the Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network (MOPAN), which it co-funds, to inform decision-making.
Aid under the microscope: Scrutinising DFID’s performance
Beyond Ebola
ECOWAS at 40
Beyond Ebola: “a time for action” in Sierra Leone
Rising through cities? A look at Ghana
Cash to the Rescue!
[email protected] | Tel: +44 (0)207 222 4006 | Fax: +44 (0)207 222 8959 | 55 Tufton Street, London SW1P 3QL | Charity Number: 1118470
© Africa Research Institute
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Rookley
Wide open sky, Rookley invites for a flight above the city.
With “Open Eyes” the NY-Artist releases his new single on the 17th August 2018.
Rookley works most of the time travelling between the States and Europe, and recently on one of his visits to Berlin found the inspiration for this light-weight city-inspired track: The feeling of the city overwhelming you. The track builds up to a climax, Rookley composed the track with an image in mind: The image of a orchestral conductor, slowly driving the music into a swell with his baton - until the song becomes a wave overpowering you with an ocean of shimmering impressions of city lights flying by. Analog Waldorf Synths blended into shoving beat kicks, then a moment of ease, underlined by laughing voices and a solo guitar - just to grow back into a flood of neon light colours.
The story behind the Open Eyes Cover is the mesmerizing view of a Festival-Skyline, or better – the view of a Festival Crowd, dancing, seen from above in a bird-flight.
While taking photos at a festival, Rookley took some time to lay down and look at the scenery upside-down. That new perspective gave his the idea for Open Eyes - looking at the people, the stage and the things happening from a changed perspective made his see people's’ emotions in a new way, distanced, yet more humane: Being in the world, but not part of it.
Rookley adds a new emotional platform to his music, the distanced observation of nostalgic emotion, set in the urban, triggered by a wish: To be stronger, to withstand the overwhelming, just like the wave a bass overcoming the listener
Weak Or Absent Signal
Mechanics Alley
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Discrete & Continuous Dynamical Systems - B
February 2005 , Volume 5 , Issue 1
A special issue on Recent Advances in Vortex Dynamics and Turbulence
Guest Editors: Chjan C. Lim and Ka Kit Tung
Introduction: Recent advances in vortex dynamics and turbulence
Chjan C. Lim and Ka Kit Tung
2005, 5(1): i-i doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.1i +[Abstract](1903) +[PDF](27.2KB)
As the subject of vortex dynamics and its applications to two-dimensional fluid flows mature, we have witnessed an explosion in the number of research works in the field. It is the aim of this special issue to collate some of this recent advance and at the same time point to several new directions. One of these new directions is the re-entry of equilibrium statistical mechanics into the field. Many years after the classical papers of Onsager, Kraichnan, Leith, Montgomery, Lundgren, Pointin and Chorin, we are at a point where the Kraichnan, Batchelor and Leith energy-enstrophy theories in two-dimensional turbulence have been studied from new analytical and numerical points of views. A second emerging direction is in the use of a particular type of large-scale scientific computing in vortex statistics, namely Monte-Carlo simulations of vortex gas in the plane and sphere which explore an extended range of parameter values such as temperature and chemical potentials.
Chjan C. Lim, Ka Kit Tung. Introduction: Recent advances in vortex dynamics and turbulence. Discrete & Continuous Dynamical Systems - B, 2005, 5(1): i-i. doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.1i.
Statistical equilibrium of the Coulomb/vortex gas on the unbounded 2-dimensional plane
Syed M. Assad and Chjan C. Lim
2005, 5(1): 1-14 doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.1 +[Abstract](1607) +[PDF](403.0KB)
This paper presents the statistical equilibrium distributions of single-species vortex gas and cylindrical electron plasmas on the unbounded plane obtained by Monte Carlo simulations. We present detailed numerical evidence that at high values of $\beta >0$ and $\mu >0$, where $\beta $ is the inverse temperature and $\mu $ is the Lagrange multiplier associated with the conservation of the moment of vorticity, the equilibrium vortex gas distribution is centered about a regular crystalline distribution with very low variance. This equilibrium crystalline structure has the form of several concentric nearly regular polygons within a bounding circle of radius $R.$ When $\beta$ ~ $O(1)$, the mean vortex distributions have nearly uniform vortex density inside a circular disk of radius $R.$ In all the simulations, the radius $R=\sqrt{\beta \Omega /(2\mu )}$ where $\Omega $ is the total vorticity of the point vortex gas or number of identical point charges. Using a continuous vorticity density model and assuming that the equilibrium distribution is a uniform one within a bounding circle of radius $R$, we show that the most probable value of $R$ scales with inverse temperature $\beta >0$ and chemical potential $\mu >0$ as in $R=\sqrt{\beta \Omega /(2\mu )}.$
Syed M. Assad, Chjan C. Lim. Statistical equilibrium of the Coulomb\/vortex gas on the unbounded 2-dimensional plane. Discrete & Continuous Dynamical Systems - B, 2005, 5(1): 1-14. doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.1.
A generalized Poincaré-Birkhoff theorem with applications to coaxial vortex ring motion
Denis Blackmore, Jyoti Champanerkar and Chengwen Wang
2005, 5(1): 15-33 doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.15 +[Abstract](1902) +[PDF](211.4KB)
A new generalization of the Poincaré-Birkhoff fixed point theorem applying to small perturbations of finite-dimensional, completely integrable Hamiltonian systems is formulated and proved. The motivation for this theorem is an extension of some recent results of Blackmore and Knio on the dynamics of three coaxial vortex rings in an ideal fluid. In particular, it is proved using KAM theory and this new fixed point theorem that if $n>3$ coaxial rings all having vortex strengths of the same sign are initially in certain positions sufficiently close to one another in a three-dimensional ideal fluid environment, their motion with respect to the center of vorticity exhibits invariant $(n-1)$-dimensional tori comprised of quasiperiodic orbits together with interspersed periodic trajectories.
Denis Blackmore, Jyoti Champanerkar, Chengwen Wang. A generalized Poincaré-Birkhoff theorem with applications to coaxial vortex ring motion. Discrete & Continuous Dynamical Systems - B, 2005, 5(1): 15-33. doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.15.
Dynamics of a circular cylinder interacting with point vortices
A. V. Borisov, I. S. Mamaev and S. M. Ramodanov
The paper studies the system of a rigid body interacting dynamically with point vortices in a perfect fluid. For arbitrary value of vortex strengths and circulation around the cylinder the system is shown to be Hamiltonian (the corresponding Poisson bracket structure is rather complicated). We also reduced the number of degrees of freedom of the system by two using the reduction by symmetry technique and performed a thorough qualitative analysis of the integrable system of a cylinder interacting with one vortex.
A. V. Borisov, I. S. Mamaev, S. M. Ramodanov. Dynamics of a circular cylinder interacting with point vortices. Discrete & Continuous Dynamical Systems - B, 2005, 5(1): 35-50. doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.35.
Reversible Hamiltonian Liapunov center theorem
Claudio A. Buzzi and Jeroen S.W. Lamb
We study the existence of periodic solutions in the neighbourhood of symmetric (partially) elliptic equilibria in purely reversible Hamiltonian vector fields. These are Hamiltonian vector fields with an involutory reversing symmetry $R$. We contrast the cases where $R$ acts symplectically and anti-symplectically.
In case $R$ acts anti-symplectically, generically purely imaginary eigenvalues are isolated, and the equilibrium is contained in a local two-dimensional invariant manifold containing symmetric periodic solutions encircling the equilibrium point.
In case $R$ acts symplectically, generically purely imaginary eigenvalues are doubly degenerate, and the equilibrium is contained in two two-dimensional invariant manifolds containing nonsymmetric periodic solutions encircling the equilibrium point. In addition, there exists a three-dimensional invariant surface containing a two-parameter family of symmetric periodic solutions.
Claudio A. Buzzi, Jeroen S.W. Lamb. Reversible Hamiltonian Liapunov center theorem. Discrete & Continuous Dynamical Systems - B, 2005, 5(1): 51-66. doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.51.
Non-universal features of forced 2D turbulence in the energy and enstrophy ranges
S. Danilov
Analysis of energy spectra and fluxes of 2D forced incompressible turbulence in the energy range reveals marked departures from the $-5/3$ law and the idea of spectral locality. Departures from the locality could also be diagnosed in the enstrophy interval, and in the energy range of beta-plane turbulence.
S. Danilov. Non-universal features of forced 2D turbulence in the energy and enstrophy ranges. Discrete & Continuous Dynamical Systems - B, 2005, 5(1): 67-78. doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.67.
On the double cascades of energy and enstrophy in two dimensional turbulence. Part 1. Theoretical formulation
Eleftherios Gkioulekas and Ka Kit Tung
2005, 5(1): 79-102 doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.79 +[Abstract](1865) +[PDF](224.9KB)
The Kraichnan-Leith-Batchelor scenario of a dual cascade, consisting of an upscale pure energy cascade and a downscale pure enstrophy cascade, is an idealization valid only in an infi nite domain in the limit of in finite Reynolds number. In realistic situations there are double cascades of energy and enstrophy located both upscale and downscale of injection, as long as there are cascades. We outline the statistical theory governing the double cascades and predict the form of the energy spectrum. We show that in general the twin conservation of energy and enstrophy imply the presence of two constant fluxes in each inertial range. This gives rise to a more complicated energy spectrum, which cannot be predicted using dimensional arguments as in the classical theory.
Eleftherios Gkioulekas, Ka Kit Tung. On the double cascades of energy and enstrophy in two dimensional turbulence. Part 1. Theoretical formulation. Discrete & Continuous Dynamical Systems - B, 2005, 5(1): 79-102. doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.79.
On the double cascades of energy and enstrophy in two dimensional turbulence. Part 2. Approach to the KLB limit and interpretation of experimental evidence
2005, 5(1): 103-124 doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.103 +[Abstract](1799) +[PDF](198.6KB)
This paper is concerned with three interrelated issues on our proposal of double cascades intended to serve as a more realistic theory of two-dimensional turbulence. We begin by examining the approach to the KLB limit. We present improved proofs of the result by Fjortoft. We also explain why in that limit the subleading downscale energy cascade and upscale enstrophy cascade are hidden in the energy spectrum. Then we review the experimental evidence from numerical simulations concerning the realizability of the energy and enstrophy cascade. The inverse energy cascade is found to be affected by the presense of a particular solution, and the downscale enstrophy cascade is not robust. In particular, while it is possible to have either the upscale range or the downscale range with suitable choice of dissipations, the dual cascade of KLB does not appear to be realizable, not even approximately. Finally, we amplify the hypothesis that the energy spectrum of the atmosphere reflects a combined downscale cascade of energy and enstrophy. The possibility of the downscale helicity cascade is also considered.
Eleftherios Gkioulekas, Ka Kit Tung. On the double cascades of energy and enstrophy in two dimensional turbulence. Part 2. Approach to the KLB limit and interpretation of experimental evidence. Discrete & Continuous Dynamical Systems - B, 2005, 5(1): 103-124. doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.103.
The Dirichlet quotient of point vortex interactions on the surface of the sphere examined by Monte Carlo experiments
Joseph Nebus
The point-vortex system on the surface of the sphere is examined by Monte Carlo methods. The statistical equilibria found in the system when it is constrained to keep circulation zero (but without other explicit constraints on site values) are found to be self-regulating in a sense. While site strengths will grow without bound as the number of sweeps increases, the Dirichlet quotient, the ratio of enstrophy to energy, is found to converge rapidly to a finite nonzero value. This unlimited growth in site values remains controlled. The dependences of this quotient on the temperature and on the mesh size are examined.
Joseph Nebus. The Dirichlet quotient of point vortex interactions on the surface of the sphere examined by Monte Carlo experiments. Discrete & Continuous Dynamical Systems - B, 2005, 5(1): 125-136. doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.125.
The constrained planar N-vortex problem: I. Integrability
P.K. Newton, M. Ruith and E. Upchurch
The Hamiltonian system governing $N$-interacting particles constrained to lie on a closed planar curve are derived. The problem is formulated in detail for the case of logarithmic (point-vortex) interactions. We show that when the curve is circular with radius $ R $, the system is completely integrable for all particle strengths $ \Gamma _ \beta $, with particle $ \Gamma _ \beta $ moving with frequency $ \omega _ \beta = (\Gamma - \Gamma _ \beta )/4 \pi R^2 $, where $ \Gamma = \sum^{N}_{\alpha=1} \Gamma _ \alpha $ is the sum of the strengths of all the particles. When all the particles have equal strength, they move periodically around the circle keeping their relative distances fixed. When not all the strengths are equal, two or more of the particles collide in finite time. The diffusion of a neutral particle (i.e. the problem of 1D mixing) is examined. On a circular curve, a neutral particle moves uniformly with frequency $ \Gamma / 4 \pi R^2 $. When the curve is not perfectly circular, for example when given a sinusoidal perturbation, or when the particles move on concentric circles with different radii, the particle dynamics is considerably more complex, as shown numerically from an examination of power spectra and collision diagrams. Thus, the circular constraint appears to be special in that it induces completely integrable dynamics.
P.K. Newton, M. Ruith, E. Upchurch. The constrained planar N-vortex problem: I. Integrability. Discrete & Continuous Dynamical Systems - B, 2005, 5(1): 137-152. doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.137.
Theory and simulation of real and ideal magnetohydrodynamic turbulence
John V. Shebalin
2005, 5(1): 153-174 doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.153 +[Abstract](1768) +[PDF](1070.0KB)
Incompressible, homogeneous magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence consists of fluctuating vorticity and magnetic fi elds, which are represented in terms of their Fourier coefficients. Here, a set of fi ve Fourier spectral transform method numerical simulations of two-dimensional (2-D) MHD turbulence on a $512^2$ grid is described. Each simulation is a numerically realized dynamical system consisting of Fourier modes associated with wave vectors $\mathbf{k}$, with integer components, such that $k = |\mathbf{k}| \le k_{max}$. The simulation set consists of one ideal (non-dissipative) case and four real (dissipative) cases. All fi ve runs had equivalent initial conditions. The dimensions of the dynamical systems associated with these cases are the numbers of independent real and imaginary parts of the Fourier modes. The ideal simulation has a dimension of $366104$, while each real simulation has a dimension of $411712$. The real runs vary in magnetic Prandtl number $P_M$, with $P_M \in {0.1, 0.25, 1, 4}$. In the results presented here, all runs have been taken to a simulation time of $t = 25$. Although ideal and real Fourier spectra are quite di fferent at high $k$, they are similar at low values of $k$. Their low $k$ behavior indicates the existence of broken symmetry and coherent structure in real MHD turbulence, similar to what exists in ideal MHD turbulence. The value of $P_M$ strongly affects the ratio of kinetic to magnetic energy and energy dissipation (which is mostly ohmic). The relevance of these results to 3-D Navier-Stokes and MHD turbulence is discussed.
John V. Shebalin. Theory and simulation of real and ideal magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. Discrete & Continuous Dynamical Systems - B, 2005, 5(1): 153-174. doi: 10.3934/dcdsb.2005.5.153.
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NCAABOddsPicksU.S. Sports BettingBest Books
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College Basketball Odds & Picks for LSU vs. Saint Louis: Betting Value on Underdog Tigers
John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Pictured: Javonte Smart.
Nov 28, 2020, 12:30 PM EST
The LSU Tigers will head north to Missouri on Saturday to take on the St. Louis Billikens on the hardwood.
LSU opened its season with a win over SIU Edwardsville on Thursday, and St. Louis did the same against Edwardsville on Wednesday.
BJ Cunningham breaks down the game before and shares a betting pick based on his analysis.
LSU vs. Saint Louis Odds
LSU Odds +2.5 [BET NOW]
Saint Louis Odds -2.5 [BET NOW]
Moneyline +120/-143 [BET NOW]
Over/Under 150 [BET NOW]
Time Saturday, 3 p.m. ET
TV ESPN+
Odds updated Saturday afternoon and via DraftKings. Get up to a $1,000 sign-up bonus at DraftKings today.
LSU and Saint Louis square off Saturday in the Billiken Classic in St. Louis after each opened their respective seasons with victories over SIU Edwardsville.
The Tigers are poised to be in the top half of the SEC again this season but will have to deal with the loss of leading scorer Skylar Mays. LSU is known for only one thing at this point: its offense. The Tigers finished fourth in offensive efficiency last season, per KenPom, and they’re poised to repeat those numbers as KenPom has them projected to finish in sixth place.
However, will LSU’s defense be enough to put it among the elite SEC teams?
On the other side, Saint Louis is projected to be one of the best teams in the Atlantic 10 this season. KenPom has the Billikens ranked 45th in the preseason rankings, and they will be among the mid-major elites this season.
Saint Louis gets a prime opportunity in this spot to earn a win against a Power Five school on its home floor.
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Will Wade’s teams are usually a one-trick pony, and it will be will be no different in 2020. The Tigers are projected to have a top-10 offense again, aided by a host of newcomers. Cam Thomas, a five-star guard and Oak Hill Academy’s all-time leading scorer, joins a starting lineup that returns three starters who averaged double figures last season.
LSU also added transfers Shareef O’Neal (UCLA) and Josh LeBlanc (Georgetown), who will add a ton of depth and scoring options that should overwhelm most teams this season.
However, the Tigers are terrible on defense. They finished 179th in defensive efficiency last season and find themselves projected to be right around there again. For LSU to be successful, it will have to do it by putting up totals in the 80s and 90s to win games.
Wilson: Where to Bet On Returning ProductionRead now
Saint Louis Billikens
The Billikens are the exact opposite of LSU, as Travis Ford’s group is one of the best defensive teams in the country. They return all of their main contributors, including leading scorers Jordan Goodwin, Javonte Perkins and Hasahn French.
However, it looks like the Billikens could be without French for this matchup.
If French can play, it will be a huge help to the Billikens’ defense, which projects to be one of the best in the country. KenPom has the Billikens projected as the 23rd-best defense in terms of efficiency.
The Saint Louis offense struggled early on in the season last year but improved drastically down the stretch. The Billikens were able to win six of their final regular-season games in Atlantic 10 play. That said, their offense will need to go to another level if they are going to keep pace with LSU.
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Betting Analysis & Pick
The key for LSU in this game is to dominate on the offensive end of the floor. Saint Louis’ offense is not even close to its level, so the Tigers will win this game if it’s played in the high 70s or higher.
For Saint Louis, it’s all going to come down to its defense and controlling the pace. If the Billikens can control the pace and not let the Tigers turn it into a track meet, they’ll have a shot at getting a résumé-building win at home.
I have Saint Louis projected at -3.30 favorites, but if French can’t play, I would have it as -1.40 favorites. If French can’t go, I think there’s value on the LSU moneyline of +124, as it should be able to dominate in the post.
If French is able to play, this game would be a stay away for me.
Pick: LSU +124 (if French is out).
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Working at Actual Experience
We’re a fast-growing company working on a ground-breaking analytics product. We hire people who relish the challenge of pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Our team has a diverse range of skills and experience. Our early career people take advantage of the many opportunities to learn and develop their talents. Others help to shape our company by bringing best practice from their experience with other organisations.
What brings us all together? We’re excited by working with the latest technologies, shaping the business for success, and having fun along the way.
Each of our team is committed to taking responsibility for their contribution. We embrace change and are eager to learn. We bring our sense of humour to work. We listen and are listened to. We win by taking risk jointly as a team.
Our staff work flexibly, often in virtual teams distributed over multiple geographies. We work hard at providing a stimulating environment to encourage our people to thrive. We enjoy taking the time to get to know each other.
From Life Assurance to an Employee Assistance Programme, we work hard to ensure that every employee feels supported and encouraged to have a healthy balance between work and home commitments.
The company contributes 3% towards employees' pension at any point during or after probation.
We offer all employees private healthcare which is paid for by the company upon completion of employees' probationary period. The company's private medical insurance includes a comprehensive medical cover and access to health benefits and rewards.
Holiday Exchange
We give our employees an option to buy or sell up to 5 days of holiday per year.
Employees are added to the Company Life Assurance scheme at the point of joining. Nominated by employees beneficiaries receive 4 x their basic salary.
We are keen to support employees in a healthy lifestyle. Employees can claim reimbursement of monthly gym membership fees or ad hoc/monthly exercise class fees up to £30 per month.
Our employees can access the Assistance Programme on any employment, personal or family issue, in confidence and without limitation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You will be working with some awesome creatives
Computer, belay that order. and attack the Romulans. Mr. Worf, you do remember how to fire phasers? Then maybe you should consider this: if anything happens to them, Starfleet is going to want a full investigation.
We value our people
Worf, It's better than music. It's jazz. Travel time to the nearest starbase? Talk about going nowhere fast. What's a knock-out like you doing in a computer-generated gin joint like this?
Don't worry, we care about your health too that's why we put this section in here
But the probability of making a six is no greater than that of rolling a seven. Wait a minute - you've been declared dead. You can't give orders around here. The Federation's gone; the Borg is everywhere! I will obey your orders. I will serve this ship as First Officer. And in an attack against the Enterprise, I will die with this crew.
Damage report! When has justice ever been as simple as a rule book?
Mr. Worf, you do remember how to fire phasers? Then maybe you should consider this: if anything happens to them, Starfleet is going to want a full investigation. Damage report! When has justice ever been as simple as a rule book? In all trust, there is the possibility for betrayal.
We are on the lookout for people who are inspired by our story and who can make a strong contribution to the next phase of our journey. Take a look at our open vacancies and get in touch.
No openings currently available
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Gregory Hunt
Founder of Gregory Hunt Mediation providing Ombudsman Services and Commercial Mediation.
Our First Event
July 9, 2020 March 28, 2018 by Gregory Hunt
Finally it’s today and the first Hunt ADR training event is on! We’ve been stopped by the ‘Beast from the East’ and we were stopped by trainer illness, but, at last, we find ourselves going live!
Categories * Articles, Family Law, Mediation, Politics Leave a comment
Unions, Record Labels, Piracy…and The Ashes
July 9, 2020 February 26, 2018 by Gregory Hunt
It’s the Brits tonight! This reminds me of a few ADR related stories I have to do with the music industry. This is not related to my blog “Applying Mediator Skills Where There is no Dispute” which included an extensive (mainly Indie) playlist.
Mediation and Meditation – the shared benefits
“Mediation is a flexible and consensual technique in which a neutral facility helps the parties reach a negotiated settlement of their dispute. The parties have control over the decision to settle and the terms of any agreement. Settlements are contractually binding and widely enforceable.”
Hunt ADR recognised as Mediator Training Provider by The Civil Mediation Council
July 9, 2020 January 22, 2018 by Gregory Hunt
The full course will include pragmatic steps to help delegates towards being a practising mediator, with a carefully blended programme of theory and role playing to develop and apply all the relevant skills needed to be a successful mediator. CPD will be open to all with the additional development of the “CPD Club”, which provides member mediators with a variety of events tailored to achieve CMC CPD points to allow them to continue to practice under the CMC banner.
July 9, 2020 November 2, 2017 by Gregory Hunt
These were the first cases where I have encouraged, based on the parties and the atmosphere on the day, to try and keep the parties together throughout. I’ve been sceptical of this in the past, not least because conventional training tends to promote the use of joint opening session and then splitting for private sessions.
The only customer touch point that counts
July 9, 2020 October 31, 2017 by Gregory Hunt
The impact is that the key battleground for customer loyalty is now complaints. If consumers at best are happy to self-manage and at worst are discouraged from contacting, then when a real issue arises, it becomes the only point after purchase that a customer really has to engage with a business.
Living Outside the Law
July 9, 2020 September 19, 2017 by Gregory Hunt
I first became aware of LawBite through its founder and CEO, Clive Rich. Clive, author of “The Yes Book” and “Law for Small Business for Dummies” was a coach on the CEDR Advanced Negotiation training programme, and shortly afterwards became my business mentor. He set LawBite up to be different – to be accessible, reassuring and cost-effective – it was easy to join him and to live by these values.
Oh Vienna
The session was chaired by outgoing ELI President, the esteemed Diana Wallis, and included contributions from Tiina Astola (Director-General for Justice and Consumers at the European Commission), Naomi Creutzfeldt (Senior Lecturer, The University of Westminster), Felicitas Paller (a judge of the Vienna Commercial Court) and Sir Geoffrey Vos QC (Chancellor of the High Court).
Should have gone to mediation
July 9, 2020 August 21, 2017 by Gregory Hunt
My latest guest blog comes from Executive Chairman at Pengaron Mediation Services Ltd, Dave Owen. Dave is well known to most in the mediation community, and in this blog he outlines several cases that reached court where mediation would surely have been a preferable way of resolving the dispute. All cases described by Dave have been reported in the national press.
Mediation: Let’s Go “Back to the Future”
July 9, 2020 July 28, 2017 by Gregory Hunt
The alternative these days is to go to law. If you go to law, you will spend your time firmly in the past and risk emerging with no future at all. You will look at what happened and fixate on it, rather than what the best solutions are to fix the problem and, in the case of many business disputes, work out a way that you can continue to work together.
About ADR Times
ADR Times is the leading source of dispute resolution information for people and professionals entangled in a conflict.
Our editorial team and authoritative network of more than 300 regular contributors deliver daily ADR news, commentary, expert analysis, practice tools, and guidance on a full range of topics including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, diplomacy, and peacemaking – to help you resolve disputes.
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Aeon Arts
Vala Immersive AdventuresStutanium2020-11-26T16:46:34+11:00
Immersive Adventures – Vala program
Fantasy, Legend, History, Literature.
Full-day Immersive Adventures your child will never forget! Children & Teens aged 7 – 16 will play a character in a collaborative tale; they’ll experience a unique blend of storytelling, tabletop roleplaying and live-action physical games. Led by a supportive & creative team of educators, performers & mentors this exciting, one-of-a-kind program will engage & inspire.
Omens of Ragnarok – Thor & the Giants of Fire, Ice & Stone
Stretching his strategy-challenged intellect to near breaking point, Thor God of Thunder has led a band of Heroes far away from Asgard in an attempt, with a preemptive strike against the Giants, to avoid Ragnarok, the prophesied end-of-the-world which Odin has seen looming.
There will not only be Giants of Fire, Ice and Stone to fight, but also the opportunity to recruit allies from the Realm of the Dark Elves and the wondrous mines of the Dwarves, as well as to contend with the challenges of the mysterious hybrid creatures… the Trolls, who dwell in the uncharted woods and fens that lie between the Realms!
Can you fight AND provide brains that Thor seems to lack in this romp through the worlds of Norse mythology?
The World of Oliver Twist – Burglars, Conspirators and Spies
Be a part of the ragged cast of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist and explore the sooty streets of London at a time when orphan children had few options other than petty theft and crime. Practice your pickpocketing and join a band of child thieves working for the old fence Fagin in exchange for somewhere to sleep and a scrap or two of bread.
Meet the Artful Dodger and Oliver Twist, steal the purses of the rich and foolish, plan a daring heist, and see for yourself what life was really like before kids had to go to school.
Will you discover Fagin’s secrets, or get caught and kicked out as spies?
Time Bandits – The Spear of Destiny
Travel back through history with the Time Bandits, midgets who once served the Supreme Being (and starred in a film!) but were fired for their practical jokes during the creation of the Universe.
Pack your WWII helmets and grab your winter coats as you sneak into the city of Nuremberg just as it’s about to fall to the Allies. Dodge falling shells, trick soldiers of both sides, keep an eye out for treasure hunters, and battle Nazis to claim the legendary Spear of Destiny. And do try not to get distracted and lose your head when faced with all the stolen treasure in Europe…
Will you claim the power of the Spear of Destiny, or let it slip through your fingers?
The World of Oliver Twist – Fatal Consequences
The gang’s back together!
Meet the old ‘fence’ Fagin, the Artful Dodger and Oliver Twist. Steal the purses of the rich and foolish, plan a daring heist, and see for yourself what life was really like before kids had to go to school.
Be a part of the ragged cast of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist and explore the sooty streets of London at a time when orphan children had few options other than petty theft and crime.
Will you face punishment for your life of crime, or escape to steal again another day?
Viking Warriors of Tiw
Winter snows blanket the harsh landscape of Norway, and ancient feuding and bloody strife divide the Vikings that live there and turn village against village, tribe against tribe. Take up arms and join a band of warriors sworn to protect their families, crush their enemies, and uphold the justice of the one-armed god Tiw.
Sneak and skirmish in the snowy woods, stand united in a shield wall, steal secret knowledge from the dwarves, defend your home from raiders, ambush your enemies, fight in bloody melees, quest to learn the secret that could end this war, and prove yourself as Tiw’s true champion.
Will you uphold the justice of Tiw, and protect your tribe and village honourably
Sci-Fi Horizons – The Phobos Effect
The Year is 2123. The resources of an Earth severely damaged by global war, pandemics and environmental breakdown, can barely sustain its population. A single gang of Smugglers, made up of survivors of the failed ‘Freedom Wars’, are the only challenge to the total world domination of a Neo United Nations ruling from giant Resort-like Space Stations and overseeing slave labour mining operations running on the Moon, Mars and in the Asteroid Belt.
Conspiring to foment rebellion on the main Martian Mining Colony, our intrepid crew set out to deliver crucial supplies and equipment to the desperate miners. The delivery is going smoothly, until a brief communication about a problem in the mines comes in, then cuts off. When the crew investigate, they slowly start to suffer – one by one – from the oncoming dread of… the Phobos Effect.
Can you overcome the Phobos Effect so your team succeeds in its mission on Mars?
Court of Mary Queen of Scots – The Last Battle
Everyone in the royal court of Mary Queen of Scots has been swept up in the great events and vicious politics of Queen Mary’s eventful reign, which lead to her imprisonment at the hands of the so-called Confederate Lords.
Winning over her jailors and making a daring escape from her imprisonment in Loch Leven Castle, the Queen of Scots begins planning to retake her throne. Many in the Court and amongst the Nobility still support her and her claim to power, so alongside an army of old allies and new friends she marches out to reclaim her kingdom. But with her cunning and resentful half-brother James Stewart the general of the opposing army, Queen Mary may find that this is The Last Battle of her reign.
Will you remain loyal to Mary Queen of Scots even though treachery, conspiracy and armed force surround all sides?
Elf Towers of Dawn – Tower of the Unicorn
Sites of mystic wonder, the Elf-Towers map out a weblike system of flowing earth-power across the Ancientmost Realm.
Join a band of adventurers, the Peregrines, and answer the Summons of the Towers to the greatest quest of your life- to harken to the ancient elvish songs, to raise the sleeping power of the Towers, and to heal The Realm and prepare the Way for the Choosing of a High King and Queen to lead us against the Evil Empire that threatens the Realm’s destruction.
It is said to be more than a century since the Unicorns ranged across the Plains of Parvonne. The Tower of the Unicorn seems to stand stark and forlorn as if mourning their loss. Yet a strident cry from a lone Knight astride a great white mount on the causeway leading to the Tower breaks the Peregrines out of their reverie. If they know anything yet about the Old Elf Heartland, the Peregrines know that the Knight’s challenge is sure to hide more mystery than a mere joust for passage?
Do you have the making of a true Peregrine? Come test your mettle in the mystery of the Unicorn Tower.
Padmasambhava in Tibet – Great Guardian of Samye
Long years have passed since the Mystic Master Padmasambhava first came to Tibet and bound the unquiet spirits that had stopped constructions of the King’s new temple at Samye.
King Trisong Detsen and his ministers have grown old and weary, and worry for the fate of the kingdom and the safety of the great temple when they are gone. And so they are all too willing to listen when Padmasambhava proposes an ambitious plan to steal a demi-god from Mongolia and bind it for all time to serve as defender of the line of Tibetan kings and Great Guardian of Samye.
Fancy yourself as a Master of the Mystic Arts? Come exercise your magical muscles alongside the King of Tibet.
Vala Knight School – Days of Tyranny, Knights of Freedom
New Adventures abound!
Like their Templar ancestors before them in medieval times, students in today’s world accept secret invitations to join an ancient College of Knighthood which remains hidden deep in the countryside of mysterious time-hallowed Wales.
Under the tyrannical regime of the new Headmaster and his Enforcers the faithful students of Templar knighthood struggle to stay true to their chosen path, delving ever deeper, during nights of stolen freedom, into the ruins beneath Temple College and their mysterious connection with the ancient court of King Arthur.
Pack your sword & shield and reply via eagle post to your invitation to join Vala School of Knightcraft and Chivalry
Time Bandits in the Valley of the Kings
What better way to explore history than by joining the Time Bandits, dwarfish servants of the Supreme Being (and stars of their own film!) who were fired for pulling practical jokes during the creation of the Universe?
Set your sights on mountains of treasure and unfold your Maps to All-of-Time-and-Space as you visit the Valley of the Kings in Ancient Egypt long before the tombs of the Pharaohs had been opened to the outside world. Face deadly traps, navigate maze-like corridors, dodge guards and other grave-robbers, and watch out for those magical temple cats.
Will you make it out as rich as a Pharaoh, or be trapped forever in the tomb?
Knights of the Round Table – Quest for the Grail
Take up arms and ride out in search of adventure and a better world for all as founding Knights of the Round Table. Chase mystery and mischief as young squires, come face to face with legendary figures like Merlin and Morgan le Fey, prove your mettle in battle and your nobility of spirits, pursue legendary quests and strange monsters, and take your place in the story of King Arthur and Camelot’s golden age.
The Kingdom is united, Camelot is in full flower, the greatest knight and the greatest sword have been found. Where to from here, the knights wonder. Merlin of course has the answer, in the form of a Quest. A Quest which marks the end of the beginning of the legend, as well as the beginning of its end.
Does your Knight choose the path of glory and honour or do you aspire to the truth of the Holy Grail itself?
Elf Towers of Dawn – Last of the Elf Lords
Deep into the Old Elf Heartland, the Peregrines get more than they bargained for, when they gain an audience in the Great Tower of the city of Lonti Lith with the Last of the Elf Lords.
Will you rise to the challenge of this loftiest of Elf Towers or is treasure-hunting more the name of your game?
Bushrangers of Van Diemen’s Land – Van Diemen’s Land Conquered
Explore the tangled wilderness of colonial-era Tasmania and learn how convicts lived and thrived there before the harsh tyranny of Governor Arthur. Range the bush hunting for valuable kangaroo and emu, make friends and allies among the Big River Tribe of Palawa Aboriginals, party and carouse down in Hobart Town, and meet the infamous Michael Howe, king of the bush, before the heyday of Tasmanian bushranging comes to an end.
Contacted by powerful figures in search of vengeance, our bushranging gang find themselves drawn into an investigation that will inevitably bring about the downfall of the king of the bush.
If you’re given the chance will you choose the freedom of the Bush or to betray your mates for the Governor’s pardon?
Vala Knight School – Quest for the Hallowed Grail Begins
Delving deep into ruins beneath Temple College to escape the tyranny of the new Headmaster, our faithful students of knighthood have discovered the original Round Table of King Arthur, and stand ready-at-arms around it to follow the guidance of their mysterious Mentors and embark on the quest for the Hallowed Grail
Monday the 25th Centre closed
Tuesday the 26th Public Holiday
Days of Narnia 1 – The Lion, the Witch & the Wolves
Endless winter grips the enchanted kingdom of Narnia, made famous by C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, and the terrible White Witch rules the land with an iron fist. Cast aside your two-legged form and join a pack of talking Wolves roaming and spying across all Narnia in service to their wicked, wintery Queen.
You’ll eavesdrop on animals, compete for promotion, watch out for human children, and even face a towering giant! But as the snow starts to melt away and rebellion takes root all across the land, there may be a chance for you all to find a better way to live.
Will you follow the White Witch in her wicked ways, or find another path?
Days of Narnia 2 – Wild Days of Narnia
Maugrim, Chief of Wolves, is dead! But the terrible White Witch, villain of C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, still rules Narnia and her greatest triumphs are still ahead of her. Trade two legs for all fours and join a pack of talking Wolves working as spies and messengers for the wicked Witch in this time of crisis and opportunity.
You’ll compete to see who will take Maugrim’s place as the next Chief of Wolves against the backdrop of melting winter, growing unrest, unfolding prophecies, all-out war, and Deep Magic being cast, and decide if you’re with the Witch or against her and her wicked reign.
Will you follow the White Witch faithfully, or answer the true Call of the Wild?
Return of the Viking Warriors of Tiw
Mad furious viking woman warrior in the attack. Sward and shield. Close-up portrait. Book Cover
After a devastating defeat the intrepid Warriors of Tiw bounce back!
Will you uphold the justice of Tiw, and protect your tribe and village honourably?
Summer Vacations with Aeon November 18, 2020
Bush tucker garden Open day – Saturday, 14th of November from 11.00am to 3.00pm October 20, 2020
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Afghan Culture
COVID-19 in Afghanistan
Tales from Afghanistan as told by the Oxford Storytellers
The Oxford Storytelling Circle is a space where stories are shared to build connections between people of different ages and backgrounds - binding us across cultures and geographical borders. Members of the circle range from professional performers to educators, or sometimes both! At this event we will be joined by Ifor Rhys, Lorna Burchell, Adele Moss and Georgie Steele.
This special in aid of Afghanaid event provides a rare opportunity to hear a variety of traditional Afghan folktales, both humorous and wise. Expect to be transported to other lands and times. Titles include Prince Mahsud & King Rat, The Unforgettable Sneeze and The Well-Digger & the Deev.
The stories will be complemented by musical interludes by Phelan Burgoyne, playing traditional Afghan instrument the Rubab, and there will also be a reading of a famous Amina Shah poem.
A selection of refreshments by donation will also be available, as well as gift stall and project update from Afghanaid.
Tickets £12.50. To enquire email [email protected]
Parking available for free in High Street after 6pm.
Start: 19th May, 2019 at 6:30pm
End: 19th May, 2019 at 9:30pm
Location: St Peter's Church , High Street, Marlborough, SN8 1HQ
St Peter's Church , High Street, Marlborough, SN8 1HQ
The UK and Afghanistan: House of Lord’s International Relations and Defence Committee
Afghanaid joined the House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee's inquiry into the UK and Afghanistan to discuss key development and humanitarian challenges facing Afghanistan today. Read the full report here.
Afghanaid's Book Club
Join Afghanaid's Book Club and enjoy literature about Afghanistan and by fantastic Afghan authors. It's simple: pick a book from our list of recommendations, and then write us a review to join the conversation!
Stories from our Fundraisers
To all of our incredible fundraisers and volunteers - THANK YOU! Here are some of the things our dedicated supporters have been getting up to.
Donate today to give the gift of a brighter future
From Aid to Empowerment
Help create a brighter future
Run for Afghanaid in the 2021 London Marathon! Pull on your running shoes and change lives in Afghanistan with every step you take.
Women’s Empowerment and Women’s Rights
In addition to ensuring that gender equality underpins all of the work we do, we also deliver stand-alone projects which specifically target women’s economic empowerment and gender rights.
We deliver basic services such as community infrastructure, clean water and sanitation and education; essential to long-term development and breaking the cycle of poverty.
The Elimination of Violence against Women
Although the issue of gender rights has made significant legislative progress in Afghanistan over the last decade, the country continues to be one of the most difficult places in the world to be a woman. We have been working to change this.
Creating and strengthening livelihoods is key to achieving Afghanaid’s mission of providing Afghans with the skills, tools, and knowledge to help themselves, their families, and their communities.
Make a lasting impact. Help men, women and children in Afghanistan lift themselves out of poverty and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Donating from outside of the U.K.? Don't worry! Your donation amount will be automatically converted to your home currency, with no additional charge.
244-254 Cambridge Heath Road
London E2 9DA
Charity registration numbers: England and Wales 1045348 and Scotland SC044614, Company number: 3034888
We are working to achieve a peaceful and thriving Afghanistan.
Every day, our dedicated staff are on the ground providing life-saving support and long-term solutions for vulnerable communities. We need committed help to continue this work.
set up a regular gift
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WSKG (https://wskg.org/npr_story_post/montana-residents-ask-supreme-court-to-allow-cleanup-beyond-superfund-requirements/)
Montana Residents Ask Supreme Court To Allow Cleanup Beyond Superfund Requirements
By NPR News | December 3, 2019
Close to 100 rural Montanans are taking on one of the largest corporations in the world Tuesday before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Residents of Opportunity and Crackerville, Mont., say the Atlantic Richfield Company — owned by BP — needs to go beyond what federal Superfund law requires and clean up arsenic pollution leftover from a century of mining.
Fewer than 500 people live here, and the area’s surrounded by rolling hills and jagged peaks, along with the valley’s defining feature: a massive grey smokestack from a historic copper smelter, perched on a tongue of land protruding from the mountains outside of town. Shaun Hoolahan is driving the gravel roads of Opportunity, pointing out landmarks such as the house he grew up in.
“It’s 585-feet high, you can put the Washington Monument inside of it, it’s that big,” he says.
For almost a century that smokestack spit out up to 24 tons of arsenic per day over a chunk of land the size of New York City. The area became a Superfund site in 1983, and the Atlantic Richfield Company, or Arco, was tasked with cleaning it up. Superfund is the federal program for dealing with toxic waste.
Arco says it’s spent about $470 million on the cleanup so far. In Opportunity and Crackerville, that work involved scraping away up to 18 inches of soil from yards that tested more than 250 parts per million for arsenic, and topping the hole with clean soil. About two dozen residential yards were remediated here, including Hoolahan’s current home.
That wasn’t good enough for Hoolahan and close to 100 other locals, so they sued Arco in 2008.
“If somebody dumps something on your property, a.) it’s a nuisance, b.) it devalues your property, and c.) it’s not your responsibility to pick up their mess,” Hoolahan says.
Residents say that 250 parts per million standard is too high. They want the soil here returned to its natural state, before mining began. That measures about 15 parts per million, and would cost Arco more than $50 million to achieve.
“In Montana we have a constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment,” Hoolahan says.
Frank and Vickie Cooney, also parties to the lawsuit, live across town from Hoolahan. Their yard was cleaned up too.
“I noticed some strange things started happening because, well I got cancer in 2014 the first time, was prostate cancer, then a year later I come down with a brain tumor,” Frank Cooney says. “And then earlier this year I come down with a very rare bone cancer.”
Long term exposure to arsenic can cause cancer. The Cooneys recognize they can never know for sure if it caused Frank’s ailments.
“It just makes you wonder,” Vickie Cooney says.
Now, they only drink bottled water and they say the stigma of the cleanup destroyed the value of their home. They’re even more worried about their children and grandkids.
“They were out in that dirt on four-wheelers, on bikes,” Vickie Cooney says. “So what did it do to them?”
In 2017, Montana’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hoolahan, the Cooneys and other locals. Arco petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that federal Superfund law trumps state claims. The EPA filed a brief backing Arco.
They argued that the cleanup deal was a negotiated settlement, and that locals had plenty of chances to influence its requirements. Suing to go beyond Superfund, Arco says, is “the very definition of madness,” and could result in chaos in Superfund sites across the country.
Arco and the EPA declined comment for this story.
Peter Tolsdorf, vice president of litigation at the National Association of Manufacturers, one of several industry groups backing Arco in the case, says the Montana Supreme Court’s ruling disrupts the certainty Superfund requires to be effective.
“If this decision stands, it will put a question in the minds of every entity that is involved in any way with a Superfund site: Can I rely on the process that’s in place with EPA to remediate the site?”
He also says the locals’ plan would interfere with the cleanup itself and make pollution in the area worse worse by stirring up contaminated soil into the air and compromising drinking water.
Environmental organizations, property rights groups, and a coalition of 14 states are backing Opportunity residents in the case. They say EPA standards are a starting point – not an end – to the cleanup.
The states — including California, Washington and New York, but not Montana — say it’s a case about federalism, and Superfund was designed to protect states’ rights.
If the court rules in favor of Opportunity residents, the case will return to Montana for a jury trial.
Copyright 2019 Montana Public Radio. To see more, visit Montana Public Radio.
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Universal support for an organisation which accredits and develops education advisers
The concept was tested with national stakeholder leaders, local authorities, multi-academy trusts and individual academies and schools, all of whom enthusiastically supported the need for such an organisation. Throughout the whole of the accreditation development programme we continually checked with government ministers and national education leaders and key stakeholder organisations to ensure that the investment in the development of the programme has been worthwhile.
Key national stakeholder groups, such as the Association of School and College Leaders, the National Association of Headteachers, Freedom and Autonomy for Schools National Association and the National Governors' Association have enthusiastically supported the need for such an organsation.
The judgement regarding the need for education advisers is based on the views of:
National education leaders
Professional representative organisations
Commissioners of advisers
Advisers.
Views of National Education Leaders
“High-quality education adviser support for the school system is an integral feature of a school-led improvement system. For that reason, the organisation has much to offer and I welcome its capacity to support me and my Regional Schools Commissioners team.”
Sir David Carter, National Schools Commissioner
“Good education advice goes hand in hand with good governance, good financial management and good outcomes for pupils. For individual schools and academy trusts, quality and consistency of advice is, therefore, very important”
Peter Lauener, Chief Executive, Education and Skills Funding Agency
“I do fully understand the rationale behind its establishment. For it to be successful, the organisation must ensure that its accreditation arrangements are rigorous and robust, identifying the strengths of individual advisers and areas for development. This will help build the reputation of the organisation and further enhance the status of advisers”
Lord Agnew, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the School System
Views of Professional Representative Organisations
“It is critical in this next period of education change that advisers working with schools, whether appointed by the DfE, multi-academy trusts, single schools or local authorities, are working to a quality standard which is recognised by all parties.”
Tom Clark CBE FRSA, Freedom and Autonomy for Schools National Association (FASNA)
“ASCL fully supports the activities of the organisation. The association believes that it is important to have an accreditation system for education advisers, as this will give schools and colleges confidence about the quality of support and advice available to them. This accreditation is a real step forward in ensuring that consultants advising schools and colleges are well trained and of the highest quality”
Malcolm Trobe CBE, Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL)
“NAHT fully supports the activities of the organisation: there is currently no accreditation process for school improvement professionals and the organisation will provide such a process. The accreditation of education advisers is essential to ensure a consistent and high-quality standard of advice for schools. NAHT is delighted to be associated with this development.”
Paul Whiteman, National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT)
Views of Commissioners of Advisers
The key organisations that support the need for the accreditation and development of advisers include multi-academy trusts, teaching school alliances, local authorities and independent service providers. Included below are examples of their feedback regarding the development of the AoEA. MATs and the organisations that represent them, such as FASNA, support the need for the accreditation of advisers. Local Authorities including Hampshire, Birmingham, North Yorkshire, Stockport, Oldham, Bolton and Hartlepool are very supportive of the AoEA.
“Within the school-led system this organisation will be an integral asset in validating the developing skills and learning of a new cadre of professionals. There is a growing resource of experienced and talented personnel ready to take on the important role of supporting school improvement. They will undoubtedly benefit from such an addition to the current and future educational landscape.”
Graham Soles, Chief Executive (Performance), Consilium Academies
“Right now it is critical that we have a clear understanding of the differing roles of governors, inspectors and education advisers. The role of education advisers has been historically underdeveloped and rarely quality assured. With the advent of more school-led improvement and many hybrid models of governance, access to first class education advisers is critical. The market for education advisers is variable and many professionals are self-styled “system leaders” with little experience to back up their claims. So I welcome the organisation with its rigorous development and transparent quality assurance. I look forward to working with Les Walton and his colleagues to get the AoEA established in the West Midlands.”
Colin Diamond CBE, Corporate Director, Children and Young People, Birmingham City Council
"For an effective school led system there has to be rigorous quality assurance to demonstrate that those involved in school improvement work have the necessary skills and experience to make a real impact. The organisation will provide a quality mark through accrediting advisors so that schools know that they will be engaging highly effective support".
Alan Hardie, Principal of Whitburn Church of England Academy and Acting CEO of Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust
“The advice, experience and training based on a generation of outstanding educational practice and research make the organisation a unique and highly effective organisation. Having benefitted from its regime, the Directors at Yearwood Education are in the throes of getting all their partners through the Associate Programme to ensure both high quality and consistent delivery in our schools' advisory work. We are convinced that the creation of an accredited advisory service is overdue.”
Tony Markowski, Independent Education Provider, Yearwood Education
“As the CEO of a teaching school and a developing multi-academy trust and an education adviser for the Area Review of Colleges I took part in the pilot advisor training of the organisation, as did my Director of Teaching School. A national organisation that trains and quality assures education advisers across all sectors is critical in helping develop the skills and knowledge of people working in this field. Most importantly, it creates networks that enable those in small or medium sized MATs, teaching schools or other organisations to obtain knowledge and skills that they do not have in-house.
Many advisers come to the role after successful careers in ‘doing the job’ but have not received training in giving advice to peers or others in very different circumstances. A single national training scheme can thus increase the effectiveness and efficiency of high quality individuals entering the field of advice.”
Felicity Greeves, CX of Blackpool and Fylde Teaching School Alliance
"The organisation provides an excellent opportunity for colleagues engaged in securing improvements in the school system, whether they be education advisors seeking endorsement of their professional capabilities through the rigorous Institute membership process or school and MAT leaders seeking to ensure that they commission effective school and governance improvement consultancy from high quality advisors "
Sean Cavan, Director and Trustee, Delta Academies Trust and Chair of the Universities' Council for the Education of Teachers
Views of Education Advisers
“It is desperately needed and will provide much needed rigour, integrity and gravitas to an aspect of the ‘system’ that currently lacks coherence and consistency.”
Mike Ion, Education Adviser, Academies Group, Department for Education
“The organisation is formed ‘by professionals, for professionals’ and should ensure that advisers are trained, developed and remain current. The accreditation is a very rigorous and robust process that sets the bar very high for challenge and support. I believe it wholly appropriate and something of a professional necessity that such support becomes regulated and accredited.”
Mike McGhee, Headteacher, Blessed John Henry Newman RC College, Oldham (First applicant to achieve accredited status)
“The AoEA accreditation process was both demanding and fulfilling. It has equipped me with the tools that are required to successfully give the highest standard of educational advice. The AoEA training is essential for leaders who want to become advisors. The wealth of knowledge and experience of the course leaders is exceptional. I now understand why the role of leadership is so different from that of an educational advisor. The IoEA sets the bar very high.”
Eamonn Whelan, Independent Education Adviser
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Getting to Universal Coverage
Affordable Care Act & Medicaid
Data Disaggregation
Health Equity and Accountability Act
Business Leadership Circle
APIAHF Accelerator Lab
California Health Advocacy Accelerator
Health Rising Leadership Institute
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Take Action Email Sign-up Donate
Author/Originator: NHPI Affairs
Health Care Reform and Pacific Islanders: Increasing Access and Quality
March 2011 Presentation
This webinar focused on expanded access to coverage, health disparities, and funding opportunities for community-based organizations under health care reform. APIAHF Policy Analyst Paulo Pontemayor discussed the health insurance exchanges and health care provisions that will help reduce health disparities among Pacific Islanders. Don Novo, Medicaid Program Branch Manager, and Tom Schenck, Region IX Pacific…
Pacific Islanders and Health Care Reform: Access and Coverage
February 2011 Presentation
This webinar focused on access and coverage issues. Dr. Garth Graham, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Minority Health, provided welcome remarks. Herb Schultz, Director of the Region IX office, opened the webinar with an overview of the Department of Health and Human Services, the role of the Region IX office, and key benefits…
H1N1 PSA
October 2010 Broadcast
For more information or other ways that you can get involved visit us at www.apiahf.org. We are the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum and we advocate for greater recognition, inclusion and engagement of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Appearing in the video are Suhaila Khan, M.D., Christie Jiang, and Patricia Finau.…
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Health Disparities
August 2010 Report
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Health Disparities provides an overview of NHPI health in the United States on a wide range of health issues. Limited by the available data, most of the statistics presented in this report represent the aggregated NHPIs as a whole, although we used disaggregated statistics for distinct ethnic groups to the…
Health Care Reform’s Impact on the Pacific Islander Communities
August 2010 Health Brief
The enactment of health care reform legislation will advance access to affordable, quality care for Pacific Islander communities. These advancements lay the groundwork for good health, but future efforts must further these improvements to ensure true, effective reform for low- income, minority populations like ours.
Access to Health Coverage for Pacific Islanders in the United States
This document profiles the diverse population of Pacific islanders that reside in the United states and their eligibility for various health programs offered at the federal, state, and local levels. Due to eligibility restrictions, some Pacific islander groups residing in the United states experience challenges in accessing the health care they need.
NHPI Health Brain Trust on Data & Research: A Call to Action – More Data Collection and Reporting on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Health to Eliminate Health Disparities
December 2009 Report
This document summarizes the recommendations from the very first national convening of the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Health Brain Trust on Data & Research held in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 14-16, 2009. There is an urgent need for more baseline data and evidence-based research on the health and healthcare issues of the NHPI population.…
Guidance on the Classification of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders
January 2008 Health Brief
The purpose is to discuss the use of and classification of the term Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) and to provide guidance on how to accurately address the classification of NHPI verbally and in written format.
Subscribe to the APIAHF Email Newsletter
© Copyright 2021, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. All rights reserved.
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SAMA calls for more M&A deals in insurance sector
Palantir listing may shine light on secretive Big Data firm
Palantir listing may shine light on secretive Big Data firm /node/1737471/business-economy
Peter Thiel, PayPal founder-turned-venture-capitalist. (AFP)
https://arab.news/bcaf6
Updated 21 September 2020
Palantir’s filing suggests a valuation of some $10 billion, down from a private value as high as $25 billion, according to Renaissance Capital
WASHINGTON: Perhaps the most secretive firm to emerge from Silicon Valley, Palantir Technologies is set for a stock market debut this month that may shed light on the Big Data firm specializing in law enforcement and national security.
Palantir platform has been used in the controversial practice of “predictive policing” to help law enforcement, detect medical insurance fraud and fight the coronavirus pandemic.
While Palantir’s data practices and algorithms are secret, the company claims it follows a road map which is, if anything, more ethical than its tech sector rivals.
It moved its headquarters to Denver this year, partly in an effort to set itself apart from its Silicon Valley rivals.
“Our company was founded in Silicon Valley. But we seem to share fewer and fewer of the technology sector’s values and commitments,” Palantir says in its prospectus. “From the start, we have repeatedly turned down opportunities to sell, collect or mine data.”
Palantir is opting for a direct listing, expected on Sept. 29. This will not raise capital but will allow shares to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Palantir’s filing suggests a valuation of some $10 billion, down from a private value as high as $25 billion, according to Renaissance Capital.
The company posted a loss of $580 million last year on revenue of $743 million. But it sees prospects improving as it offers solutions to what it calls “fractured health care systems, erosions of data privacy, strained criminal justice systems and outmoded ways of fighting wars,” its regulatory filing says.
Palantir’s biggest shareholder is Peter Thiel, an early Facebook investor and one of the rare tech executives who backed Donald Trump’s campaign in 2016.
“We are in a deadly race between politics and technology,” Thiel wrote in a 2009 essay for the libertarian Cato Institute.
Activists argue that Palantir’s technology — which scoops up financial records, social media posts, call records and internet records — enables unprecedented opportunities for mass surveillance with little oversight on privacy and fundamental rights.
Human rights activists have staged protests against Palantir after US agencies used its technology to hunt down illegal immigrants in the United States.
The immigration rights activist group Mijente claims Palantir technology is used in operations to track and arrest thousands of people “just for being undocumented.”
Palantir is a major player in “predictive policing,” a technology which critics say can amplify bias in law enforcement.
A 2017 research paper by University of Texas sociologist Sarah Brayne found the Palantir platform can connect seemingly unrelated bits of data for investigators, but can also lead to “a proliferation of data from police” collected without a warrant.
Palantir does not apologize for its work in national security and law enforcement.
Palantir points out that it created a privacy and civil liberties board in 2012, ahead of most tech rivals. It also rejects working with China as “inconsistent with our culture and mission.”
Topics: Palantir Silicon Valley
Big data may help guide Japan economy through pandemic pain
Milken Abu Dhabi forum hears why big data is a big deal
SAMA calls for more M&A deals in insurance sector /node/1794626/business-economy
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has issued a statement encouraging companies in the insurance sector to consider merger and acquisition (M&A) deals. (Shutterstock/File Photo)
Updated 13 min 52 sec ago
Through mergers, SAMA said it aims to improve customer service and efficiency, and reduce costs
M&As can make sector more competitive and strengthen its financial position, it added
RIYADH: The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has issued a statement encouraging companies in the insurance sector to consider merger and acquisition (M&A) deals.
SAMA stressed the sector’s importance to the Saudi economy, and the part it plays in the government’s Financial Sector Development Program.
SAMA cited the merger of Walaa Cooperative Insurance and Metlife AIG ANB Cooperative Insurance, and of Gulf Union National Cooperative Insurance and Al-Ahlia Insurance, as successful examples of such deals and how they helped boost the financial solvency of the companies involved by improving the insurers’ capital.
Research shows that M&As can make the sector more competitive and strengthen its financial position.
Through the M&As, SAMA said it aims to improve customer service and efficiency, and reduce costs.
Last year proved to be “eventful” for M&As in the Middle East and North Africa, in particular the Kingdom, said Bader Alamoudi, senior country officer for JP Morgan Saudi Arabia.
He told Argaam in December that M&A activity was driven by companies looking to streamline costs and boost efficiency and optimization, particularly during periods of prolonged uncertainty.
“As in previous years, the financial sector has been one of the most active in terms of M&A activity in the region during 2020,” he said.
“The consolidation theme has created a ripple effect on other sectors, including energy, real estate etc., where we have started to witness heightened activity. I believe such activity will continue next year as well.”
Also notable were the stimulus packages provided by SAMA, which proved to be an immense source of cash flow that helped ease the payment burden on firms.
Alamoudi told Argaam that he expected the improvement in oil prices to rekindle retail confidence and fuel investment banking activities. “2021 is going to be a very interesting year with lots happening across all lines of business,” he said.
Topics: business economy saudi central bank Insurance
Saudi SAMA issues regulations for debt crowdfunding activities
Fintech companies to benefit most from SAMA open banking policy
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Aspect Announces General Availability of Aspect Unified IP 7.4 SP1, the Premier Enterprise Contact Center Solution for High Volume Customer Outreach
July 29, 2020, Westford, Massachusetts
The gold standard for outbound campaign management and compliance
Today, Aspect announced the general availability of Aspect® Unified IP® and Advanced List Management™ 7.4 SP1, the latest release of its comprehensive, omnichannel customer engagement platform for managing experiences across service, collections and sales. This upgrade provides major enhancements in usability to deliver a modern user experience, making it easier to use for agents, managers and administrators. The 7.4 SP1 release also builds upon Aspect’s outbound market leadership by adding new capabilities to help customers operate outbound contact centers efficiently, effectively and in compliance with national, regional and local regulations.
“Aspect Unified IP is the premier inbound and outbound enterprise contact center solution available in the market, and has been for over 14 years. The world’s top brands depend on Unified IP every day, and we are committed to continued development and offering new capabilities to help companies build lifetime loyalty among their consumers,” said Michael Harris, Chief Product Officer and CMO at Aspect.
Aspect Unified IP and Advanced List Management deliver advanced customer engagement capabilities that drive profitability and customer loyalty for many of the largest enterprises in financial, communications, retail, healthcare, and customer service around the world. Aspect remains committed to building upon and maintaining this essential platform. This release features improvements to the user interface such as:
Improves the user interface for agents, managers and administrators into a consolidated, intuitive design across a variety of functions
Provides managers, supervisors and administrators an improved user experience with quicker access to configuration tools, real-time data and alerts
Refreshing third party tech so customers can stay current with security, compliance and IT protocols
“Aspect Unified IP provides best-in-class functionality and uptime for our entire organization including collections, customer service, back office, loan origination, and service desk. It is both an effective and efficient solution for our contact center and customer engagement needs,” said Michael Montgomery, VP Contact Center Solutions Exeter Finance.
In the face of a global recession, the importance of outbound dialing and collections will steadily rise across industries. Aspect offers the only comprehensive outbound contact center solutions that allow the world’s largest organizations to effectively conduct proactive outreach activities while maintaining compliance with complicated regional, local, and national regulatory requirements. Aspect Unified IP and Advanced List Management are well equipped to help organizations adapt to the new challenges posed by this recession, and with the 7.4 SP1 release, additional capabilities have been added to ALM’s extensive tool set such as:
Functionality to help improve operational efficiency, allowing organizations to smooth out dialing and reach more customers in a shorter period of time
Goal-driven rules to ensure dialing aligns with an overall outreach strategy
Security and auditing features to help maintain compliance with relevant regulations
The ability to play specific messages for each attempt, creating more effective customer experiences while improving operational efficiency by minimizing repeat interactions
“City of Mesa has been on the Aspect Unified IP platform for six-plus years now since upgrading from legacy Aspect CallCenter® ACD. Like its predecessor, it has been a rock solid/stable platform in support of both standard hours and 24x7 services. The ease of being able to stand up new departments on the platform for remote workers during this time has proven to be invaluable,” said Richard Sandoval, Senior Unified Communications Engineer City of Mesa.
Find out more about Aspect Unified IP and Advanced List Management.
Aspect is on a mission to simplify and improve customer engagement. Our enterprise software is used by millions of agents every year and supports billions of consumer interactions around the world. Our best-of-breed contact center and workforce optimization applications help companies keep agents engaged while providing exceptional customer service experiences. Our flexible, highly scalable solutions for self-service and live interaction management and workforce optimization are available on-premises or in any hosted, private or public cloud environment. For more information, visit www.aspect.com.
Follow Aspect on Twitter at @AspectSoftware. Read our blogs at http://blogs.aspect.com.
Aspect and the Aspect logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Aspect Software, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of other companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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COMPUTE! ISSUE 80 / JANUARY 1987 / PAGE 90
IBM Personal Computing
Donald B. Trivette
QuickBASIC
If you like the IBM BASIC language, you're going to love Microsoft's new QuickBASIC Compiler. That is, once you get used to it. In the beginning, some IBM BASIC programmers may well find QB cumbersome and something of a bother to use.
The first bump in the road is QuickBASIC's full-screen editor. Instead of typing line number 11 to insert something between lines 10 and 20, as you would in IBM BASIC, you have to move the cursor to the end of line 10 and then press the enter key. A space opens on the screen to allow statement 11 to be added in its proper place. This would be easy enough if only I could remember to put the cursor at the end of the'previous line before pressing the enter key.
The next takes-getting-used-to item is deleting a line or parts of a line. QuickBASIC hasn't heard of CTRL-Backspace, instead it uses CTRL-D to delete everything to the right of the cursor, and CTRL-Y to delete a whole line. (Who can remember CTRL-Y?) On the other hand, I don't have type LIST 850-950 to look at a portion of my program; pressing the PgUp or PgDn keys instantly displays screens full of the program, and that's a nice feature.
Menu Troubles
While LIST and DELETE have their QuickBASIC counterparts in special keys, most of the IBM BASIC commands don't (for those QB uses menus). There are five menus: File, Edit, View, Search, and Run; and each menu has what Microsoft calls dialog boxes-which are really lists of commands. Want to save a program? You must press the ALT-F to drop down the files menu, select the SAVE command with the cursor keys, approve a file name from a dialog box, and finally press Enter. I could type SAVE "ABC" a dozen times by the time I go through all that, but you can't stand in the way of progress.
To make up for these annoyances, the QuickBASIC editor has some nice features that IBM BASIC doesn't. Want to move a whole block of statements from the top of the program to the end? just call up the Edit menu and use the Cut/ Copy/Paste commands. Need to change every occurrence of the variable INCOME to GROSS? Use the Change command on the Search menu. QuickBASIC supports a mouse for moving around the screen and selecting commands, and if I had one, menu-driven editing might make more sense-and be more fun.
Some Excellent Features
Fortunately, there's a lot more to QB than the editor. Since there's no need for BASIC to distinguish between commands and program statements, line numbers are optional. Instead of saying GOTO 60, you can say GOTO TOWN where TOWN replaces the line number 60 (i.e., TOWN: PRINT VALUE). QB also allows you to use real subprograms, called by a name, from which values may be passed back to a main program.
Best of all, QB supports structured logic statements. For those of you who have never used a structured language like PL/1 or Pascal, that means you can control as many statements as you want with an IF statement. For example the following is valid in QuickBASIC.
IF TIME1>10 THEN
A=5
B=10
C=20
A=33.3
B=165.23
It's possible, as any computer science student will tell you, to write entire programs without ever using a GOTO statement. That may be carrying structured programming too far, but the structured IF is a much-needed addition to BASIC.
There are features for the advanced programmer too: separate compilation of modules, each up to 64K, and the ability to store modules in a library and link them together into programs; the ability to directly call assembly language routines; and support for IBM's Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA).
Compiler is a misnomer for QuickBASIC; it's really a complete BASIC language development sys tem. You can write the program using the full-screen editor, test it using the compile and run command (from a menu of course), which is the equivalent of IBM BASIC's RUN, fix any errors, and then compile, link, and generate an executable program (.EXE). All that under the QB umbrella.
Or, if you dislike learning the new editing commands and using the pull-down menus, you may use the compiler functions of QuickBASIC in batch mode. Build the program using IBM BASIC-but no structured programming or other advanced features allowed-and then invoke the QuickBASIC compiler by command. The compiler switches are identical to the ones in the IBM COMPILER-for example, QB TEST /x/o/e; would compile the program named TEST. The truth is, the more I use QB, the less I return to IBM BASIC to fix errors and make small changes; eventually CTRL-D will become second nature and IBM BASIC will become a relic.
BASIC programs compiled by QB will execute on computers running either IBM DOS or Microsoft's version of DOS. And at just $99, QuickBASIC is a steal.
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Carting Lane Sewer Lamp
The pretty iron lamp is a reminder of the architecture underneath London's streets.
Find the lamp on a quiet side street just off the Strand. Jessica Hester/Atlas Obscura
The lamp is lit both day and night. Betsy Weber/CC BY 2.0
It sits next to the Savoy Theatre and hotel. Jessica Hester/Atlas Obscura
You probably won't need to fight a crowd to see the lamp up close. Jessica Hester/Atlas Obscura
The plaque hangs on the fence next to the lamp. Jessica Hester/Atlas Obscura
Top Places in London
Temple of Mithras
Saint Bartholomew's Hospital Pathology Museum
Monument to Hodge the Cat
Just off one of London’s bustling streets, there’s a special streetlight that signposts the warren of waste pipes winding beneath the city.
By the end of the 19th century, London was trying to shed its reputation as a stinky cesspool. For years, locals had slogged through streets strewn with human waste. Now, it had an expansive sewer network that shuttled these excretions around. Trouble was, that matrix was smelly, too—and full of gas. Engineers proposed various ideas for ventilating the sewers, and one of those schemes included lamps that would burn off the gases from the underground world while illuminating the streets above.
Patented by British engineer Joseph Edmund Webb in the 1890s, the so-called “sewer gas destructor lamps” were designed to extract gases from the pipes and burn them off at high heat. (An 1896 notice in The Standard newspaper boasted that the lamps worked by an extractor pipe that “communicates with the sewer and conveys the sewer gas direct to the lamp, where it is subjected to a temperature of 650 degrees to 750 degrees Fahrenheit, thus cremating all the germs and nauseous gases and producing more perfect combustion, whereby the light is much increased.”) This didn’t always work especially well, and revised versions relied on a town’s gas mains, too, to keep a flame perpetually flickering while still also drawing methane from the sewer.
Soon, the lamps lined streets in several cities, in England and beyond. A local official from Winnipeg, Canada, returned home from a visit to London in 1907 convinced that his hometown should install some sewer lamps of its own. (The city had already pledged $2,000 to the cause of exterminating foul sewer smells, the Manitoba Morning Free Press reported at the time, and at a cost of $100 apiece—and with a supposed track record of success—the lamps seemed like good bang for the buck.)
Most of these lamps are now gone, but you can still find one just off the Strand, not far from Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. Duck off the Strand and onto Carting Lane, on the west side of the Savoy Theatre and hotel, and descend the steps next to the Coal Hole pub, where you’ll likely find crowds queuing for fish and chips. Continue down the narrow street, past goods being unloaded for the hotel or employees popping out for a quick smoke, and head toward the water. You’ll find the dark-colored, elegantly decorated lamp on the right-hand side, near a fence-mounted plaque that identifies it as “the last remaining sewer gas lamp in the City of Westminster.”
Writing in his book The London Nobody Knows, in 1962, British artist and author Geoffrey Fletcher described the hollow iron lamp as a “superb specimen, richly topped with ornament,” and observed that foul smells still occasionally drifted through the air nearby—though these were no “more noxious than cabbage water and the odor of London dinners.” Even so, some locals apparently still refer to Carting Lane as “Farting Lane” in an affectionate jab at its past.
This lonely lamp doesn’t look quite as it once did—some reports say it was restored after a run-in with a truck, and others suggest it’s more accurate to describe the lamp as a functional replica. Either way, it’s a reference to the rank, not-so-distant past, and, as the London Metropolitan Archives describes it in the exhibition Underground London, “a street-level reminder of what lies beneath.”
The lamp burns all day and night. For the most striking effect, visit after dark—and while you're there, pop into the nearby Savoy Hotel and check out their little museum, which features photos, old liquors, and a 1969 thank-you note from Neil Armstrong on NASA stationery, thanking the staff for sending champagne and cocktail glasses to toast the moon landing.
sewers electricity urban planning architectural oddities architecture
jessicahester1
Carting Lane
London, England, WC2R 0DW
10 Adam Street
Cleopatra's Needle Shrapnel Scars
The Mail Rail
England's most famous front door has an accidental doppelganger.
This ancient Egyptian obelisk still bears the wounds of World War I.
Hidden beneath the streets of London is a secret subway that only carried mail.
Classic game cookery takes center stage at what's widely considered London's oldest restaurant.
Whitechapel Fatberg Manhole Cover
It celebrates a very stinky task and salutes London's fatberg-vanquishing team.
Vauxhall Bridge's Miniature St. Paul's Cathedral
A tiny replica of the iconic London landmark hides on the side of the steel structure.
Henderson Waves
The highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore looks like a series of undulating waves rising between two public parks.
Bockenheimer Warte Subway Station Entrance
The entrance to this Frankfurt subway station looks like an old tram car crashed into the concrete sidewalk.
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From Malaysia to Pakistan: Yet another display of people power
Posted by Zia Ahmad | 2 Aug, 2018 | Boomerang, Editorial, Other News | 0 |
- Imran Khan at the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair, (MEFF) 2008. Photo by Sadaewatan.
It has happened again and too soon after the stunning defeat of a powerful and yet corrupt government in Malaysia.
The voters in Pakistan have comprehensively rejected the two political dynasties who have been ruling Pakistan and getting elected repeatedly in spite of endemic corruption.
The Pakistan elections held on Wednesday 25 July 2018 mark a turning point sweeping aside established political parties with a second consecutive peaceful handover of power from one democratically elected government to an opposition.
Imran Khan and his party PTI had failed in the past to make a dent into the vote banks of PPP and MLN for more than 20 years. This was due to the feudal political culture in Pakistan where votes were given on the basis of ethnicity and linguistic alliance prevailing in the country.
Votes were also sought in this Muslim nation carved out of India on the basis of nationalistic fervour and in the name of Islam. A number of religious parties sought votes on the basis that they were the true representatives of Islam to lead the nation in accordance with Islamic values.
However during this election the young generation, who now form the great majority of voters saw through the obvious corruption of the two political dynasties and slogans of the religious parties and voted in a sensible way.
Due to his cricketing achievements Imran Khan was always admired by all cricket fans globally and specially in Pakistan. But this popularity in Pakistan did not translate into him succeeding in politics for a couple of decades.
As on the cricket field, Imran with the tenacity of a fighter did not give up and persevered on opposing the establishment for years trying to expose corruption and injustice in the country and finally he has succeeded.
There have been suspicion of him being supported by the Pakistan military and accusations that he will toe their line. However the Lion of Lahore, as he has been known is a man of his convictions and an independent thinker and a natural leader.
The indications are that he will govern on the basis of his values and convictions rather than pleasing the electorate and the powers within or outside the country.
He will stand up to any bullying by the superpowers specially USA and safeguard the national interest and welfare of all Pakistanis.
On the other hand he has already indicated that he wishes to develop equal and reciprocal good will towards all other nations including India.
Unlike the past Pakistani politicians who used belligerent language against India and raised slogans regarding the issue of Kashmir mainly for domestic consumption, he has already offered an olive branch to India which has been reciprocated by the Indian Prime Minister Modi.
This sounds a good beginning for bilateral relations between India and Pakistan to solve their differences through dialogue, open borders and engage in trade with cooperation in all fields that will have great mutual benefits for the people of both nations who are joined by linguistics, cultural and historical relations.
PreviousCelebrate Pakistan Independence Day
NextRichard Di Natale on Greens and Muslims
Sara Mansour is Young Citizen of the Year
Muslims of Blacktown put faith in action
Combating multinational tax avoidance in Australia
Don’t tell me that the truth is no longer relevant!
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Spend a day in two of Britain's most prestigious places
Float gently along the river Thames and enjoy to the full the beautiful highlights of Windsor
Step inside 1,000 years of history and visit the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen
Play your part in a world of LEGO® adventure at the Legoland theme park
Uncover the oldest university of the English-speaking world
Oxford – The City of Dreaming Spires
University and City Tour with Divinity School
Be guided through the heart of the historic city centre illustrating the history of Oxford and its University and describing the architecture and traditions of its most famous buildings and institutions.
Don’t forget to visit a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture: the Bodleian Library where 5 kings, 40 Nobel prize winners, 25 British Prime Minister and worldwide known writers such as Oscar Wilde or JRR Tolkien used to study!
Oxford Castle Unlocked
Meet the inhabitants of Oxford Castle and discover their true stories as you:
Climb the Saxon St George’s Tower, Oxford’s, oldest building
Descend deep underground into the dark atmosphere of the 900 year old Crypt
Explore the austere confines of the 18th century Debtors’ Tower and Prison D-Wing
Viewpoint at Carfax Tower
At the junction of the 4 main streets which constitute the small but charming city centre, the tower of the 14th century church of St Martin, with its 99 steps worth-climbing will reward you by an outstanding 360° view of the Oxford skyline and its buildings
These are true examples of every English architectural period.
Experience some high energy fun in LEGOLAND, the second most visited theme park in England! Split into 11 themed lands, incorporating various attractions, restaurants and shops.
Enjoy fun and thrills by catching the Hill Train down to the rest of the park.
Boating on the River Thames
Absorb the beautiful views of Windsor Castle, framing the perfect backdrop to get down on bended knee.
Set sail for a day at Royal Windsor Racecourse, passing the stunning buildings of Eton College on the way.
Enjoy to the full the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world which boasts:
Magnificent State Apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection
St George’s Chapel (one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and the burial place of 10 monarchs)
Queen Mary’s Dolls House
The Drawings Gallery
Browns Restaurant in Windsor occupies one of the most lovely spots imaginable, with a grand view over the Thames from the terrace and the windows at the front. And from the windows at the back you can see mighty Windsor Castle. It is a very English spot for ‘idling by the river’.
Inside, it is beautiful too, with a spacious and popular bar, an elegant mezzanine and, upstairs, an outdoor balcony that overlooks the river.
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Democrats accuse GOP of imperiling COVID relief with effort to 'sabotage a Biden presidency' /
Democrats accuse GOP of imperiling COVID relief with effort to 'sabotage a Biden presidency'
Bernie Sanders // Gage Skidmore
Senators late Saturday reached a compromise agreement on the Federal Reserve's emergency lending powers, paving the way for a vote on a final relief package as early as Sunday.
As the Wall Street Journal reported, "Under the deal, the central bank would retain its ability to set up emergency lending programs without congressional approval. But it would face a narrower constraint: The Fed wouldn't be able to replicate programs identical to the ones it started in March at the beginning of the pandemic without the approval of Congress."
After several days of progress toward a final coronavirus relief deal, the Senate GOP's last-minute attempt to insert language curbing the Federal Reserve's emergency lending powers is threatening to derail negotiations over a package that would extend soon-to-expire unemployment benefits, send another round of direct payments to many Americans, and provide funding for vaccine distribution.
Pushed by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) with the backing of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the provision would both terminate Fed lending programs authorized by the CARES Act and restrict the central bank's ability to aid states, localities, and small businesses in the future—prompting accusations that the GOP is attempting to hamstring the incoming Biden administration.
"We could have a $900 billion, life-saving deal in an hour but the Republicans are still insisting on a massive change in Federal Reserve powers," Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) tweeted Saturday. "Their demand is unrelated to emergency Covid relief—it's just about trying to sabotage a Biden presidency."
While several outstanding issues are still being negotiated, the Toomey provision is viewed as the only large obstacle remaining in the way of a final deal. In a Senate GOP conference call on Saturday, McConnell indicated that he has no plans to budge from his support for Toomey's language.
"We are so close to getting emergency Covid relief done," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). "Senator Toomey's legislation is the only significant hurdle to completing an agreement, and Republicans need to make a decision to help the American people now."
In a conference call with her caucus on Saturday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she has been working to stop Republicans from slashing food aid in the coronavirus relief package, which is now estimated to be around $1 trillion in total size. If the fight over the Toomey provision is "resolved," Pelosi said, "then everything will fall into place."
The major snag in relief negotiations came amid growing anger among progressives over the inadequacy of the emerging relief legislation. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus have been vocally demanding direct payments larger than the $600 checks currently on the table, in addition to more robust unemployment benefits.
We need $1200 direct payments for every working class adult and $500 for each of their kids NOW. https://t.co/FdU3zudvcX
— Bernie Sanders (@Bernie Sanders)1608414290.0
It's unclear whether either progressive demand will be met in a final package, if one comes together at all.
As the Washington Post reported, the "impasse [over Toomey's provision] appeared to grow significantly wider on Saturday, as congressional leadership and rank-and-file senators on both sides of the aisle dug in over the issue, imperiling prospects for a deal."
In a statement Friday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said that "after weeks of refusing to acknowledge Biden's victory, some Republicans have now decided that sabotaging his presidency is more important than helping our economy recover by insisting that any Covid relief legislation also restrict the ability of the Federal Reserve and the new administration to help states, cities, and American businesses next year."
"Proposals to sabotage President Biden and our nation's economy are reckless, they're wrong, and they have no place in this legislation," Warren added.
On Saturday, Warren said that "Democrats should stay firm" against the Toomey language, which would still allow the Fed to bail out Wall Street.
But some analysts are arguing that, in the interest of getting more than $900 billion in relief out the door as quickly as possible amid growing economic desperation, Democrats should let the Toomey provision through and fight over Fed lending authority down the road, if necessary.
"Mainstream Dems really, really want the Fed to be their friend. It's not," David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect, tweeted Saturday. "$900 [billion] targeted mostly at those who need it is their friend."
Economist Claudia Sahm argued in a series of tweets Saturday that the "Fed and friends are too chickenshit (I love you but it's true) to really help Main Street."
"Get the $900 billion out," Sahm said. "People are in dire straits."
Bharat Ramamurti, a member of the congressional panel tasked with overseeing CARES Act funds, acknowledged that Fed facilities purportedly aimed at assisting states, localities, and small businesses have not "been that helpful to date." But, Ramamurti argued, "they could be helpful if the next Treasury Secretary presses the Fed to change their design. That's an option worth preserving."
For that reason, Ramamurti said Saturday that he's "glad Democrats are resisting" Toomey's proposal.
"There's no reason the Treasury and the Fed in the Biden administration should have fewer tools to address an economic crisis than the Trump administration had," Ramamurti added.
The next COVID-19 relief bill has to include a big boost to food aid ... ›
Trump gets a lot of goodies in McConnell's COVID-19 'relief' bill ... ›
Republicans are forcing tragic tradeoffs in the COVID relief bill as 8 ... ›
Toomey, Schumer reportedly reach agreement on COVID relief bill ... ›
Stimulus package: Congress eyes Sunday vote with $600 second ... ›
New stimulus package details: How much in a second check, when ... ›
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These 10 punk bands of the 2000s were underrated but not forgotten
They may not have become household names, but if you were a longtime stan, these bands remain untouchable.
Alternative Press Magazine
If you’re a diehard music fan, you have the story. It usually starts with going to see your favorite band and having to endure an opening act so repugnant, they made you want to chew sand. Then two years later, said band are everywhere and everyone loves them. And now you’re even more pissed-off about them. This APTV video isn’t about that situation. These are the underrated punk bands of the 2000s that have not been forgotten.
Every generation of music fans has its own criteria for worship and hatred. The groups on this list of underrated punk bands have one thing in common: They should’ve been massive. But many fans want bands to stay small and underground. It’s a massive catch-22. We want our favorite groups to make enough money for rent, groceries and maybe pay their phone bills. But we don’t want them to end up on the radio alongside some American bland-stand act. Or worse yet, see them cavorting with some hack that should be on the business end of a lead pipe filled with cement.
Read more: Here are 20 bands keeping punk alive in 2020 and beyond
Who made our list of underrated punk bands of the 2000s? Well, there are a couple units whose frontmen went on to do bigger things on their own volition. (One of these dudes is still giving his music away for free, by the way.) About half of these acts belong to history now. Fortunately, the other half are still at it. Because for lack of a better phrase, they simply have to. They’ve most assuredly come to terms with their audience size. And their fans are still with them.
These underrated punk bands of the 2000s didn’t do anything massively embarrassing or cloying. They merely played their music. And they did it in front of audiences great and small. We know a dude who saw U2 play a club the size of most people’s kitchens. But he’d rather talk about all the times he saw these guys tear shit up. And that’s the takeaway from this list. Oftentimes, the stuff that really matters is what you saw in the smallest of gatherings, sometimes in the shortest window of time.
altpress
altpress magazine
audio karate
bomb the music industry
star fucking hipsters
the ergs
the explosion
tsunami bomb
underrated punk bands
There’s one artist Awsten Knight listens to every Christmas
State Champs can agree on the best pop-punk band but not much else
Dave Hause doesn’t believe in musical guilty pleasures and neither should you
Buy the Latest Issue!
See the dreamy new video for “Drive” from John O’Callaghan’s solo project
Orville Peck proves that country and punk are more alike than you think
New York Dolls guitarist Sylvain Sylvain dies at age 69
Iced Earth fans want refunds after backing Jon Schaffer’s Kickstarter
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Artist Walls – Reinventing the Feature Wall
As international art consultants, Artelier specialises in curating art for luxury residential, hospitality, yacht and aviation projects. Artelier's Artist Walls is a new perspective on feature wall art, where Artelier commissions and collaborates leading global artists to create custom feature walls that are tailored to the project. In this article, Artelier's curators expand on this innovative concept for feature walls, and show how artists from the Artist Walls collection are ideally suited for feature wall art in diverse spaces.
Introducing Artist Walls
Artelier’s Artist Walls reinvents the concept of the feature wall – Artist Walls are large-scale artworks that are not only striking wall finishes, but customised collectors' pieces made by leading artists.
Artist Walls evolved from Artelier’s experience as art consultants for exclusive private residential and superyacht projects; such clients seek wall finishes that go beyond the familiar idea of the feature wall, and push the possibilities of bespoke elements in interiors.
Addressing this, Artelier saw an opportunity for original art to be developed as site-specific feature walls in both private and luxury hotel projects, reinvigorating a common feature of interior design. Created specially for a project, each contemporary mural artwork is tailored to the aesthetic and practical needs of its context. As an investment of time and artistic focus, the finished Artist Wall provides interiors with a truly one-of-a-kind feature that creates a memorable atmosphere.
Commonly, feature walls are developed with wall finishing companies, who are well-established in the industry and are accustomed to the typical challenges of such projects. However, commercially produced feature walls have limitations; their responses to themes could become predictable, and designs can seem to replicate the same aesthetic.
Collaborating with artists instead brings their originality and novel ideas to a project, creating a feature that has not been seen before. Bespoke feature wall art is also fully customisable, unlike commercially produced wall finishes – clients therefore receive the effect they envision, while benefitting from specialist consultation to elevate the initial concepts.
In Artist Walls, Artelier has made contemporary mural art more accessible to clients. Bringing together 23 international artists who specialise in different artforms and are capable of working at a large-scale, Artist Walls makes their creative minds readily available for private residential, yacht and luxury hotel projects.
Artelier ensures the process of custom art commissions is straightforward for the client, providing full project management: they oversee the development of the concept in close collaboration with client and artist, ensure all timescales and the highest standards of quality are met, and organise shipping, logistics and installation. With Artelier’s deep understanding of the artistic process and different art mediums, they support artists in adapting artworks so that they are technically suitable for the requirements of each space. Artworks can therefore be scaled up to fill an entire lobby wall, adapted to the humid environment of a spa, or act as a headboard artwork in a bedroom.
Highlighting select artists from the Artist Walls collection, Artelier suggests how they are especially suited to certain contexts in luxury hotels, residences and yachts.
Creating an Impact in the Lobby
A lobby, entrance or stairwell offers an ideal opportunity for impactful artworks, and wall art in particular can effectively accentuate architectural and design features. On expansive walls, the large-scale dramatic paintings of Tobias Tovera create an immersive experience for the viewer, encouraging contemplation within such environments.
Tovera is inspired by ideas of alchemy and the possibility of transforming organic materials, creating his paintings by mixing a concoction of earth-based pigments and mineral salts. The chemical reactions that result, often activated by the artist’s introduction of fire, produce an array of dispersing colours and graduations of textures.
The colour palette can also be customised so as to best enhance an interior design scheme, creating an awe-inspiring first impression. The production process for Tovera’s artworks also allows them to be scaled to any size wall, and installed as one seamless piece. The mesmerising experience of contemplating his artworks, together with the limitless possibilities for scale, make Tovera’s art especially well-suited for a wall installation.
A project that seeks to promote sustainable practices can use the paintings of Michelle Gagliano as a feature wall, since her work engages with nature through both subject matter and sustainable mediums.
Michelle Gagliano’s paintings are an evocative response to landscapes, expressing the transient qualities of nature and the ethereal expanses of sea, land or sky. Their powerful, almost impressionistic effect is best appreciated at a larger scale, acting as a stunning focal point. Gagliano’s refined use of gold makes her paintings especially eye-catching; she utilises gold’s enduring quality and ability to catch light, making the paintings appear both veiled and glowing.
Gagliano’s artworks are inherently focussed on sustainability through her use of materials. She creates her own paint mediums by grinding raw earth pigments, blending extracted nut oils, and infusing essential lavender solvents. She therefore not only represents the landscape visually, but also with her carefully made non-toxic paints that produce minimal waste. With to these low-impact materials, an environmentally conscious project can give prominence to sustainability in its decorative aspects.
Refined Murals in Reception Areas
Communal spaces, such as reception areas, dining rooms, and bars, need wall artworks that are resistant to wear and tear, and maintain a luxury finish for an extended period of time. Artelier works with plaster artists who use innovative techniques to create modern murals that are refined and elegant, yet remarkably robust.
The use of cutting-edge, patented plaster methods allow MJ Atelier to create hand sculpted artworks that transcend the usual limitations for traditional bas relief murals. Crack resistant and durable, they are crafted within the studio, rolled up, and shipped worldwide. The detailed wall artworks are uniquely made for each space and so fit corner-to-corner.
Each presents a specially developed design, so that the composition takes into consideration the dimensions of the wall and the surroundings. The artworks are therefore suitable for installation in a vast range of contexts; any wall shape can be accommodated, and, despite being a site-specific artwork, installation is as swift as applying wallpaper. In addition, the unusual properties of this specially developed plaster allows artworks to be washed, simplifying maintenance.
An Air of Calm & Contemplation for Spas
Art has the potential to create a sense of tranquillity and contemplation within spas, and transport visitors far away from everyday life. The wet and humid conditions of a spa, however, require art to be specially adapted to this environment. Artelier’s experience of working with artists to make their work technically suitable for such surroundings provides them with specialist knowledge of how artworks can be displayed in spas.
Ceramic art is also especially suitable for feature walls in a spa, as it is resistant to exposure to water, and has an inherent affinity with nature through the use of clay. The ceramic art of Peter Hayes speaks to his journey as an artist, which has been shaped by the ceramic practices of diverse cultures.
In keeping with the Japanese Raku ceramics tradition, Hayes works with natural clay and the flames of the kiln to create contemporary pieces that have been inspired by ancient craftsmanship. Through the medium of clay, his art presents an intuitive response to the natural elements, as earth itself is transformed to create wall art.
This gives his work a deep connection with a return to nature, and brings a sense of earthiness to the spa surroundings. Hayes is able to produce a series of monumental ceramic panels that join together to make a continuous artwork, and so can be adapted to the necessary wall dimensions.
In a spa setting, the paintings of Adam Arbeid are captivating and meditative; the artist uses crushed marbles, mineral ores and pigments to create otherworldly impressions that explore macro and micro images. Emerging from Arbeid’s frescoes are resemblances of atolls in the ocean and craters in the Earth’s crust, as well as distant cosmos and cellular structures. Artelier has worked with Arbeid to create feature walls for spas, adapting the subject matter so that it speaks to the water of the spa, as well as integrating the artwork into its surroundings.
Giving a hammam-style hotel spa a contemporary edge, Artelier and Adam Arbeid developed the concept for a feature wall above a plunge pool – the composition references the water below and the rising hot air, merging the surrounding natural elements. The artist was inspired by the ocean depths and how light is refracted underwater, and so recreated this ethereal experience through subtle gradations in deep blue hues, bringing the stillness of the deep ocean to the spa.
To further integrate the artwork into the surroundings, Artelier developed technical solutions to adapt the painting so that water could stream through it, and coated the painting in a water-resistant lacquer. The streaming waterfall also causes the painting behind to shimmer, incorporating the spa’s water into the artwork and creating a sense of constant movement.
Sculptor Simon Allen, who creates carved panels that are finished with gold leaf, is also inspired by the movements of water – the undulations, peaks and troughs of his carvings are a reflection of how Allen sees dramatic ocean scenery. For a spa project, Artelier and Allen developed an abstract interpretation of rippled water that was in keeping with the modern design of the spa, yet created a statement in an otherwise minimalist space.
A sense of movement in the sculpture is enhanced by the gilded finish, which causes the artwork to glisten; this effect is amplified by specialist integrated lighting around the artwork.
By placing the feature wall art directly above the pool, the sculpture is reflected in the water itself, creating an impactful 'double' artwork. Due to the custom sculpture's proximity to the water, specialist protective lacquer was developed for coating the artwork, ensuring its resistance to splashing.
A Sense of Luxury in Bedrooms & Master Suites
Custom feature wall art in a bedroom or suite immensely heightens the level of luxury and provides an exquisite centrepiece for the room. Artelier’s experience in the luxury residential and superyacht sectors has given them particular insight into what it takes to create remarkable private spaces, which the most sophisticated hotel guest has also come to expect.
Artist Janine Lambers works with hand-applied gold leaf and watercolour to create dazzling feature walls. Nature in its infinite beauty and ever-changing cycles are a constant inspiration for Lambers; the enduring calmness of nature makes its imagery especially appropriate for relaxing private spaces.
The subtle qualities and lustre of gold leaf is the artist’s chosen medium to reveal her subject in its full luminescence. Lambers has a deep understanding and reverence for the gilding craft, refining ancient techniques of gilding with gold, silver and platinum leaf. She works intuitively with this refined palette of subtle hues and shades to skilfully form an image from individual fragments of differently coloured gold leaf, revealing her true mastery of the medium.
Artelier has collaborated with Lambers to make her art especially suitable for wall features in interior spaces. Together, they have adapted the materials and methods in order to ensure the artwork’s longevity, and developed compositions that make use of the expansive scale of feature walls.
A Creative & Collaborative Journey
In the creation of an Artist Wall, Artelier engages with the unique context of each project to develop an artwork that resonates with the client’s vision, whilst evolving a deep connection to its surroundings. The process of creation takes the form of a collaborative journey, one which is instinctive and imaginative, as the artist explores subtly layered narratives that reveal themselves through the finished artworks.
Each new project brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. Integral to the ethos of Artist Walls is a pioneering spirit to break new ground, nurturing the client’s vision and ambitions in the creation of an artwork that can be considered a true masterpiece.
Discover all artists included in the Artist Walls collection here, including feature wall art in situ. To learn more about Artelier's art consultancy services, and our process for commissioning art more broadly, please visit our Art Consultancy homepage.
Feature Wall Series: Interiors that Reflect their Natural Surroundings
The Modern Mural – MJ Atelier's Hand Sculpted Wall-Coverings
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Stone tool modes – lithic typology, technology and evolution
With the birth of archaeology in the nineteenth century, collectors of stone tools began to organise them into types of tools and groups of types, and the naming conventions for this categorisation was often based on the form of the stone tool and sometimes on its assumed use. Over the years, different local and regional groups of stone tool types were named, very often after the area in which they were first found – Mousterian after Le Moustier in the Dordogne, France; Clactonian after Clacton-on-Sea in England; and Acheulian after Saint-Acheul in northern France.
As other similar groups of stone tools – very often called lithic industries, but now also called lithic traditions – over the years these groups were assigned to categories, so that Mousterian industries identified in France were soon discovered across Europe. These different ‘industries’ were eventually viewed by archaeologists as being different distinct cultures, and the appearance of an industry in one area was taken as evidence for the movement of human groups, and the spread of cultures.
Over the years, a bewildering array of names for these stone tool groups built up. Not only that, researchers in one area might use one name for one set of tools, in another area the same name might be used for a somewhat different group, thus leading to confusion and muddling.
In the 1960s, Grahame Clark attempted to make sense of the evolution of stone tools globally, and devised a system based on five lithic modes, based primarily on European stone tools but applied worldwide, that demonstrated the evolution of stone tools from simple to complex. The stone tool technology five modes, devised by Grahame Clark (Clark, 1969; Shea, 2013), were:
Characteristics: Pebble cores and flake tools
Time period: Lower Paleolithic (early)
Representative industries from Western Europe: Chellean, Clactonian, Tayacian
Characteristics: Large bifacial cutting tools made from flakes and cores
Time period: Lower Paleolithic (later)
Representative industries from Western Europe: Abbevillian, Acheulian
Characteristics: Flake tools struck from prepared cores
Time period: Middle Paleolithic
Representative industries from Western Europe: Levalloisian Mousterian
Characteristics: Punch-struck prismatic blades retouched into various specialized forms
Time period: Upper Paleolithic
Representative industries from Western Europe: Aurignacian, Gravettian, Solutrean
Characteristics: Retouched microliths and other retouched components of composite tools
Time period: Later Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic
Representative industries from Western Europe: Azilian, Magdalenian, Maglemosian, Sauveterrian, Tardenoisian
Clark’s system of five lithic technology modes is still used today, however after 50 years the limitations of the system for making sense of stone tools has been revealed as more and more stone tool assemblages have been uncovered and analysed, especially for lithic traditions outside of Europe where the system was based on (Shea, 2013). Also, the modes are divided into groupings based on aspects of morphology of the stone tools, but not on how they were made; the categories are sometimes too broad, and sometimes too specific (Shea, 2013).
The main problem, however, is that it is used to study the evolution of stone tool types, so it categorises lithic assemblages based on their most “derived” technological part, i.e. that part supposedly lacking in earlier assemblages. The problem with this is that later, more ‘evolved’ stone tool assemblages of Mode 2, will still use attributes from Mode 1, simply because parts of Mode 1 are useful and pragmatic in a stone tool kit. Therefore a strict progressive system based on evolution in stone tools doesn’t necessarily work.
Shea (Shea, 2013) attempted to overcome these limitations, and has devised a lithic mode scheme with nine main groups along with eight sub-groups, giving a total of 17. This increase from 5 to 17 modes highlights the complexity see in the archaeological record.
Mode A
Percussors – pebbles or cobbles (this includes rock fragments that aren’t rounded) with damage from repeated percussion, such as hammerstones, pestles, anvils, pitted stones.
Mode B
Bipolar cores – pebbles or cobbles that have been knapped by striking the rock on top with another rock, thus fracturing it multiple pieces.
Mode C
Pebble Cores / Non-hierarchical Cores – pebbles or cobbles that have been struck by another hard material, producing flaked edges. Cores conventionally described as choppers, chopping tools, discoids, and polyhedrons are pebble cores.
Mode D
Retouched flakes – flakes that have smaller flakes removed from their edges, used to further shape the piece, or strengthen the edge. Sub-types are:
D1. Scraper
D2. Backed/ truncated
D3. Burin
D4. Microlith
Mode E
Elongated core tools – Cobbles that have been knapped, producing cores or tools that are elongated along one axis, and roughly symmetrical. These include a wide variety of what are called bifaces, even though the piece may not have been knapped bifacially (knapped on two faces). Sub-types are:
E1. Large cutting tool – these include “Acheulean” handaxes, picks, bifaces
E2. Thinned biface
E3. Bifacial core tools with retouched proximal concavities
E4. Celt – distal end of a piece that has been modified by invasive retouch into a specialized cutting edge aligned transversely to the long axis of the tool
Mode F
Bifacial Hierarchical Cores – with hierarchical cores there is a succession of flake removals. Hierarchical cores can be divided into bifacial (Mode F) and unifacial (Mode G) types. Mode F includes Levallois cores. Sub-types are:
F1. Bifacial hierarchical cores preferential
F2. Bifacial hierarchical cores recurrent
Mode G
Unifacial Hierarchical Cores – with hierarchical cores there is a succession of flake removals. Hierarchical cores can be divided into bifacial (Mode F) and unifacial (Mode G) types. Sub-types are:
G1. Platform core
G2. Blade core
Mode H
Edge abrasion – grinding or polishing
Mode I
Groundstone – cycles of percussion and abrasion (pecking and grinding)
Clark, G., 1969. World prehistory: A new synthesis. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Shea, J.J., 2013. Lithic Modes A–I: A New Framework for Describing Global-Scale Variation in Stone Tool Technology Illustrated with Evidence from the East Mediterranean Levant. J. Archaeol. Method Theory 20, 151–186. doi:10.1007/s10816-012-9128-5
Categories Archaeology Tags Evolution, Lithics, Stone tool, Technology, Typology Post navigation
Gourmet picnic Barcelona and Catalonia
The archaeology and history of Catalonia, Part 1 – first hominins
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Def Leppard Rick Allen Speaks Drumming and His Fine Art
by Carol Ruth Weber
Rick Allen. CREDIT: Carol Ruth Weber
Rick Allen, the famed drummer for Def Leppard, has revealed an amazing artistic side beyond his musical attributes. Allen is wowing fans and gaining new ones with his beautiful fine art collections named “Drums for Peace” and his “Art To Wear” Collections.
Rick Allen Drums On
Allen has proven to be a powerful force continuously drumming his life beyond expectations. The drummer, born Richard John Cyril Allen, joined the British rock band, Def Leppard, at the young age of 15 in 1977 right before the group signed their first contract in 1978. With Allen putting the beat in their heavy metal sound, the band quickly gained fame.
Only four years after the release of their first album in 1980, the drummer was sidelined by a horrific car accident in 1984. Admittedly speeding in the English countryside, Allen could not maneuver his corvette around a sharp turn and literally hit a wall. That wall would change his life forever.
Although wearing a seatbelt, with the car flipping over multiple times, Allen was thrown from the vehicle. His left arm was literally ripped off during the accident. The drummer survived the crash but despite efforts to reattach his limb, his arm did not make it.
Yet this was not to be the end of Allen’s drumming career. The band had just been commercially recognized by the masses in 1983 after the release of “Pyromania.” Not only did Allen concede to the notion of never drumming again, his bandmates rallied in full support of Allen’s efforts to continue drumming.
Allen looked to his feet to take over for the loss of his left arm. A customized drum kit was designed for Allen to be able to play the snare drum with his foot. In 1986 the band got together in a pub to watch Allen perform his new-found drumming skills. He was a hit, and, soon after, Def Leppard was back on stage in full force at the “Monsters of Rock” festival in England. Fans excited to have their favorite drummer return on stage, gave Allen a wonderful inspiring ovation.
Rick Allen Is an Artistic Force
With their bandmate drumming in full force, Def Leppard played on. Their “Hysteria” album, released in 1987, firmly planting the heavy metal group in the top hierarchy of rock groups. As Allen continued on with his amazing drumming talent, he has also found another art outlet in painting and creating wearable art.
In 2006 the artist visited armed forces patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Relating to those who were dealing with lost limbs, Allen founded a charity to help veterans of war who are battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Allen performs on stage with his bandmates as well as in a one-man act as a solo for his art shows. Passion and life has motivated him to create beautiful works. Allen gathers much of his inspiration from wounded warriors. His Purple Heart colorful works series is the perfect illustration of how Allen is stimulated to create.
Rick Allen, Kick Drum. CREDIT: Rick Allen
Speaking with Rick Allen, the drummer, artist, and caring individual, is truly inspiring.
Carol Ruth Weber: What first inspired you to start drumming?
Rick Allen: Around 10 years old I found a pair of drumsticks that were probably my fathers, and starting using cookie tins until I found furniture, and got into trouble with my mom [snickering]. My father influenced me with the love of his music collection, everything from Elton John to the Big Bands. My best friend got a guitar for Christmas and I went home to ask my parents for a drum kit. I was first told no, but then they said if I did odd jobs and work I could get one. I worked hard and while I was waiting to get my drums I took drum lessons with Kenny Slade who was playing with Joe Cocker.
Rick Allen, Kick Drum Five. CREDIT: Rick Allen
CRW: How did you become involved with Def Leppard at the young age of 15?
RA: From the point that I got my drum kit I started playing with my friends and had a band. We were playing cover songs and from there every band I ended up playing with played cover songs, and I wanted more! So, at 14 I was going to get out of the business and my parents said there is an article in the Sheffield Star [local paper] saying “Leopard Losses Skins.”
They called the editor and got Joe’s information, and within a few days I went and met up with Steve and Joe in a local pub, standing in water in the bathroom we talked about all of the concerts that we had been to. From there we set a date for an audition and I auditioned with a couple of others. A few days later, around my 15th birthday, I was invited to join the band. My sixteenth birthday I opened for ACDC.
CRW: Did you feel like life ended when the reality of the accident set in?
RA: Yes and no! Initially it was like I don’t think I can do this anymore. At the time, I was going through many mystical experiences. Then the outpouring from my family, guys in the band, and literally people from all over the planet, gave me a new lease on life. I understood the meaning of how strong the human spirit is.
People wanted to know if I needed to learn how to play drums again. I said no because it was already in me. By body naturally compensated for the loss. It was an important factor in my recovery – realizing new talents. The thing that helped me the most was to stop comparing myself to what I had been, and to stop comparing myself to others, and that is when I found my uniqueness.
Rick Allen, Kick Drum Two. CREDIT: Rick Allen
CRW: What drove you to find a way to continue with your art of drumming?
RA: Family, band mates and the incredible out pouring from all over the world, and some of the experiences that I was happening at the time.
Rick Allen, Girl On A Swing. CREDIT: Rick Allen
CRW: What other everyday things did you have to relearn to do with just one arm?
RA: Shoelaces! Velcro and zippers are great. I love to cook so I had to rethink how to cook.
CRW: What led you to visiting Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2006?
RA: I thought I was just a bigger asshole after the accident. I had no therapy after accident and just went back to work. Once I felt things starting to surface, such as rage, I would self-medicate and it became a vicious cycle. I realized in 2006 that warriors spoke the same language as me.
In 2009 I met John Roberts, who went down in a helicopter in Somalia. At a concert, we met the Warriors and John asked me if I had dealt with my PTSD. That’s when I really started getting the help. Our Foundation has been going since 2001 working with others parts of the population, such as battered women, and kids with cancer. In 2006 I realized we had to change our focus for Raven Drum to start working with Veteran Groups, but that didn’t really kick in until meeting John.
We started having 5 to 7 day retreats to help them, but in reality it helped me. There is always someone worse off to reach down to.
Rick Allen, Angel Series, Cherry Blossom. CREDIT: Rick Allen
CRW: When did you discover your love for creating fine art?
RA: Not until recently. When I was a kid, art was just what we did to be creative but I wouldn’t call it fine art. I started painting with my youngest daughter when she was four, a couple of years ago. I saw her go to a mindless place where she was just doing everything from the heart. I realized that all I had to do was stay in the moment and I would do things that people are going to love.
Rick Allen, Master’s Voice. CREDIT: Rick Allen
Rick Allen, Kick Drum Four. CREDIT: Rick Allen
Rick Allen, Drum Head, Peace. CREDIT: Rick Allen
Art is a time for contemplation – is it good or am I just kidding myself. What I do at home in my art studio, I gather from inspiration on the road. I’ll plan it out on the road by marking it up with apps. I feel like some of what I do has a childlike quality.
Rick Allen, Capitol. CREDIT: Rick Allen
My grandfather gave me a camera when I was seven or eight. Photography became my friend, especially after my accident because it was something else I could obsess over and express myself other than music. But everything led to the same road to creativity with a new thing to obsess over.
Rick Allen, Hand Over Heart. CREDIT: Rick Allen
CRW: Where do you find inspiration to create your artworks?
RA: It comes from my heart and all of my life experiences, including my family and working with wounded warriors. From not being afraid to be vulnerable. All the same things that inspire the music, family, friends, traveling – such as New York and Big Sur.
Rick Allen, Mobile Sign. CREDIT: Rick Allen
I gathered huge inspiration being in Boston from some of the statues, really from everywhere. There are no rules – I will take a picture and then start manipulating, turning it into something that I can continue with.
Rick Allen, Purple Heart. CREDIT: Rick Allen
CRW: How did you become a fashionista creating wearable art?
RA: I got over the fear of presenting something new to the world. My wife was like, you have to show your artwork and photographs. I had a fear of rejection but once I presented it I got a positive response. I could push it in any direction I want. I produce prototypes of a suggestion and then designers work with me to hone the finished productions.
Carol Ruth Weber with Rick Allen. CREDIT: Carol Ruth Weber
Next I would love to get into lost wax castings.
The British Allen is happily married, with two daughters, living in California. Allen’s wife, Lauren Monroe, is also his partner in creating and paying forward. Inspired by meeting wounding servicemen and women, they founded the Raven Drum Foundation and Project Resiliency. The foundation has an important mission to support those globally in crisis.
“To serve, educate and empower veterans and people in crisis. To support, promote, and contribute to global healing, multicultural unification, and community leadership.”
Rick Allen’s life force is contagious in his drive to create and help others. As he continues to tour with Def Leppard, Allen is also touring to showcase his works of art throughout the United States with the backing of Wentworth Galleries. The amazing artist also makes sure to make time to spread his good will in support of veterans.
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Home » Products & Technology » Japanese Company Creates Completely Blank Puzzle And It Might Just Push You To Your Limits
Japanese Company Creates Completely Blank Puzzle And It Might Just Push You To Your Limits
Are you ready to push your problem-solving skills to the limit? We challenge you to solve the ‘Hell Puzzle’ – a jigsaw puzzle made up of 2000 blank puzzle pieces. Staying at home with nothing else to do is actually harder than it seems. And because most parts of the world are on a lockdown, everyone has to find ways to keep them occupied during the quarantine period.
You probably could still remember the clear jigsaw puzzle comprising of 144 transparent puzzle pieces that we previously featured here. And if you’re already on a master-level type of a gamer then you might find it too easy for you. Although the clear jigsaw puzzle could really give newbies and average gamers a heck of a challenge. If you’re seriously looking for a puzzle game that could give a piece of hell then this 2000-piece jigsaw blank puzzle is made for you.
This jigsaw has 2000 blank puzzle pieces
Aptly named ‘Pure Hell’, this impossibly difficult tiling game is created by Japanese board game company Beverly. This hellish jigsaw game features blank puzzle pieces in plain white on both sides. Without any image or print on the pieces, players have absolutely no clue which piece goes where and which side should be facing up. Now, imagine having to put all 2000 pieces in their right places on their right side up. Well, you’re looking for a real tough challenge, aren’t you? So, we’re making your wish come true.
Needless to say, this difficult tiling game is guaranteed to eat up most of your time and patience. But that’s essentially what we’re looking for right now, right? Furthermore, this grueling jigsaw game isn’t for beginners. So if you’re a jigsaw novice, we suggest that you opt for the easy ones first. Then if you think you’re ready to level up your game, you can challenge yourself with this very difficult Pure Hell blank puzzle.
????????????????jigsawpuzzle ? ????DX ???????? ? ????1000??? ? ???72×49cm ? ????????!????????????? ???????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????! ??????????????????? ? @beverly_puzzle #beverly #?????#???????#????#?????#????????????#??????????#??????#?????#???????#??????#japan?#madeinjapan?#????#???#??????????#?????#???#????#??????????#1000??????????#1000pieces?#jigsaw?#jigsawpuzzle?#puzzle?#beverly
A post shared by ???? ????????? (@beverly_puzzle) on Mar 31, 2020 at 10:14am PDT
Each blank puzzle piece approximately measures 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch. When fully assembled, the panel size measures 28 inches x 19 inches. If you think 2000 blank puzzle pieces are too much for you then you can go for the 1000-piece version instead. This easier version also features pure white jigsaw puzzle pieces with the same size. But when fully assembled, the completed panel measures 15 inches x 10 inches. One satisfied customer wrote:
“Mom usually can complete a 1000 jigsaw puzzle in a single day. Got her this one a couple weeks ago… and she is STILL working on it. It really is a hard puzzle. Anyone looking for a challenge should get this… or anyone looking to torture someone who loves puzzles should get this.”
This jigsaw puzzle version has 1000 pure white pieces
Get the 1000-piece version here and the 2000-piece version here.
Source: Amazon | Beverly
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Newsletter / Tickets / Donate
AMERICAN YOUTH SYMPHONY
Donor Premiere
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Season Archive: 2012/13
6:00 pm Pre-Concert Talk; 7:00 pm Concert
Alexander Treger, conductor
Simone Porter, violin
DOOLEY: Point Blank
PAGANINI: Violin Concerto No. 1
MAHLER: Symphony No. 1
Two young talents taking the world by storm set the tone for the 2012/13 season: Simone Porter (16) made her AYS solo debut, and composer Paul Dooley (29) joined AYS for the rehearsals and performance of Point Blank (2010).
6:00 pm Free Concert; 8:00 pm Soirée with the musicians
Radu Paponiu, assistant conductor
Natasha Paremski, piano
BARBER: Overture to The School for Scandal
TCHAIKOVSKY: Piano Concerto No. 1
BERNSTEIN: West Side Story: Symphonic dances
This concert features the dazzling Russian-American pianist Natasha Paremski (24). Since her debut with the LA Phil, she has performed classical works and collaborated on contemporary projects with Gidon Kremer and Kremerata Baltica, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Moscow Philharmonic. A festive dinner with the orchestra will follow the concert. We hope you will join us in supporting our players.
Generously supported by the Flora L. Thornton Foundation
6 pm Pre-Concert Talk
7 pm Concert
Antonio Lysy, cello
CLYNE: <<rewind<<
PROKOFIEV: Concertino
BRAHMS: Symphony No. 2
<<rewind<<, composed in 2005 by London-born Anna Clyne, has since been performed by the finest orchestras in the world, including the BBC Symphony, the Chicago Symphony – where Clyne (32) is composer-in-residence – and most recently, the LA Phil.
We welcomed renowned cellist and Grammy award-winner Antonio Lysy in the rarely performed Concertino, a jewel completed after Prokofiev’s death by Mstislav Rostropovich. Lysy has worked closely with many AYS musicians as head of the strings department at UCLA, and soloed under Charles Dutoit, Sir Yehudi Menuhin, and Vladimir Ashkenazy.
Jonah Levy trumpet
Duo Petrof, piano
SCHNITTKE: Concerto for Piano Four Hands
ZATIN: Double Concerto for Trumpet and Piano
SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 5
Anatoly Zatin and Vlada Vassilieva formed Duo Petrof as a joint venture with University of Colima, Mexico and Petrof Pianos. Their collaboration with AYS sees the Los Angeles premiere of Zatin’s Concerto for trumpet, piano and string orchestra, featuring AYS principal trumpet Jonah Levy.
PROGRAM CHANGE
William Hagen & Stephen Tavani, violins
Simone Porter & Blake Pouliot, narrators
BACH: Concerto for 2 Violins
SARASATE: Navarra
BRITTEN Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 7
More than 65 organizations are participating in Britten 100/LA, a city-wide celebration of the composer’s centenary, coordinated by the LA Opera.
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India’s Export Control – The SCOMET List
Posted In:International Trade / WTO
Sometime in 1984, a United Nations investigation team found that Iraq had used chemical weapons in its war with Iran. The team found that only some of the chemicals and materials for its chemical weapons had been sourced through legitimate business channels. To curb sale of certain chemical products, some countries introduced export controls. But such export controls were never uniform as they differed from nation to nation and attempts were made to circumvent these regulations. This led to the formation of Multilateral Export Control Regimes which provided uniform norms and regulations for the member nations to control the export of sensitive items and technologies.
The Indian Government has liberalized import and export restrictions to a large extent in the last decade. Yet, some restrictions continue to exist like those intended to cover goods and technologies which can potentially have dual-use. This article aims to discuss India’s export control regime with a special emphasis on the Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (‘SCOMET’) list which governs the export of dual-use items from India with a view to ensure that such sensitive items do not fall into the hands of proliferators, non-state actors and terrorists.
The Foreign Trade Policy of India (‘FTP’) which governs the export and import of goods and services provides that exports and imports are free (i.e. without any licensing requirement or governmental approval) unless specifically prohibited or regulated or subject to exclusive trading through the State Trading Enterprises. Over the years, trade in majority of the cases has been free, in some cases regulated, and in very few cases prohibited. Prohibition can be basis a country (Iran / Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), product (charcoal from Somalia), organization or individual (individuals or entities associates with Al Qaida).
In such environment of unrestricted international trade, there exists the regulated export of SCOMET items that are listed in Appendix 3 of Schedule 2 of Indian Trade Classification (Harmonized System) [‘ITC(HS)’] Classification of Export and Import Items.
Regulatory framework of India’s Foreign Trade
The Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 (‘FTDR Act’) provides for the development and regulation of India’s international trade. The FTDR Act has been enacted with an intention to provide a framework for the development and standardization of India’s foreign trade by the way of facilitating imports into enhancing exports from India and all the other matters related to the same. The FTDR Act empowers the Government of India to enact the FTP.
The FTP is a detailed policy statement on India’s international trade and facilitates the exports from and imports into India. The FTP also contains within its ambit the Handbook of Procedures (‘HBP’) along with the item-wise export and import policy called the ITC(HS) which is notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (‘DGFT’).
Under the FTP, import into and export from India is ‘free,’ unless specifically ‘restricted’, i.e., subject to a license, permit or authorization or, ‘prohibited.’ The policy restrictions under the FTP are contained in the Schedules appended to the ITC(HS). Schedule 1 of the ITC(HS) pertains to the Import Policy, whereas, Schedule 2 of the ITC(HS) pertains to the Export Policy. Further, the DGFT is the authority responsible for the effective implementation of the FTDR Act as well as the FTP as amended from time to time.
The SCOMET List
As discussed above, SCOMET is an acronym for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies. This list contains goods which are considered as dual-use items, i.e., goods, technology, chemicals, organisms etc. which potentially have both, civil as well as military applications and are capable of being deployed as weapons of mass destruction.
The SCOMET list of items was notified under Section 5 and Section 14A of the FTDR Act of 1992. In 2010, the FTDR Act of 1992 was amended and a new Chapter IV-A was introduced. This newly inserted chapter deals with controls on exports of specified goods, services and technologies and empowers the Central Government to monitor and amend the list of such goods, services and technologies.
The SCOMET list is included in Appendix 3 of Schedule 2 of ITC (HS). The export of the items under the SCOMET list is restricted and subject to an authorization/license. The SCOMET items are classified under 9 distinct categories:
i. Category 0:
Nuclear materials, nuclear related other materials, equipment and technology
ii. Category 1:
Toxic chemical agents and other chemicals
iii. Category 2:
Micro-organisms, toxins
iv. Category 3:
Materials, Materials Processing Equipment and related technologies
v. Category 4:
Nuclear-related other equipment and technology, not controlled unde
vi. Category 5:
Aerospace systems, equipment including production and test equipment, related technology and specially designed components and accessories thereof
vii. Category 6:
Munitions list
viii. Category 7:
ix. Category 8:
Special Materials and Related Equipment, Material Processing, Electronics, Computers, Telecommunications, Information Security, Sensors and Lasers, Navigation and Avionics, Marine, Aerospace and Propulsion.
It has been further clarified that the SCOMET list also includes used items falling under the list, non-controlled items containing one or more controlled component(s) where the controlled component(s) is the principal element, as well as technology which is required for the development, production or use of items controlled under Category 8 of the SCOMET items.
Multilateral Export Control Regimes and India
The Multilateral Export Control Regimes are informal groups of like-minded supplier nations which seek to protect their interests and regulate the export of sensitive dual-use items so that such items do not fall into the hands of non-state actors and terrorists. Today, there exists four such Multilateral Export Control Regimes, which are:
i. Missile Technology Control Regime for the control of rockets and other aerial vehicles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction;
ii. Wassenaar Arrangement on export controls for conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies;
iii. Australia Group for control of chemical and biological technology that could be weaponized; and
iv. The Nuclear Suppliers Group, for the control of nuclear related technology.
India has recently become a part of three of the above mentioned export control regimes, the only exception being the Nuclear Suppliers Group, to which India is adherent. Upon becoming a member of these regimes, India has aligned its SCOMET list with them thereby enabling it to better monitor and control the export of dual-use items. It also enables the Government and industry to ensure that Indian exports are not accessed by proliferators, terrorist groups and non-state actors. Further, it enables Indian exports to become a part of the global supply chains wherein India’s trading partners prefer adherence of Indian exports to the highest international standards.
Consequences of Exporting SCOMET Items without Authorization
In a case where any of the items falling under the SCOMET list are exported without the proper authorization or license, penal provisions under the FTDR Act and the Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005 may be attracted. The penalties, inter-alia, include:
i. Suspension or cancellation of the Importer- Exporter Code (“IEC”)[1];
ii. Imprisonment for a period of not less than 5 years, which may extend to imprisonment for life along with a fine.
iii. Fine of not less than INR 3 lakhs which may extend up to INR 20 lakhs or five times the value of the items exported.
The global economy today is more inter-connected than ever before. Accordingly, it is imperative that a nation’s export-control framework, an indispensable component of its trade-facilitation measures, keeps track of an ever changing global economic and regulatory landscape. The DGFT, on its part, has been open to listening to the concerns of the industry, take into consideration the best practices from existing export control frameworks of other countries and make suitable amendments/ revisions to India’s SCOMET policy to reflect such international best practices. The following summarizes few recent developments in this regard.
i. The DGFT has introduced Global Authorization for Intra-Company Transfers (‘GAICT’) for granting an advance bulk license for re-export of SCOMET items to overseas group companies availing license exception for original exports of such items to India. The scheme, which requires a case-to-case basis pre-export authorization, applies to re-export of all SCOMET items other than SCOMET items falling under Categories 0 (Nuclear materials), 1B, 1C (Toxic chemicals, to the extent re-exports to States not party to CWC), 3A401 (Prescribed high explosives, etc.), 5 (aerospace systems, etc.) and 6 (Munitions List), subject to the specific conditions prescribed by the DGFT.
ii. The DGFT has permitted export of certain chemicals (Chloropicrin: Trichloronitro- Methane and Methyldiethanolamine) to State Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention without an export authorization but subject to the condition that the exporter must notify such export in the prescribed format along with the End-Use Certificate to the National Authority, Chemical Weapons Convention, Cabinet Secretariat; the Ministry of External Affairs (D&ISA); the Department of Chemicals and Petro-chemicals and the DGFT within 30 days of such export. The exporter is also required to submit a copy of the bill of entry into the destination State Party to the DGFT within 30 days of delivery.
iii. The DGFT has amended certain provisions in the HBP pertaining to the export of SCOMET items for (i) repair/ replacement abroad and subsequent return; (ii) repair/ replacement of indigenously produced SCOMET items in India and subsequent re-export; and (iii) export of imported SCOMET items to the same entity, or any authorized entity abroad after repair in India.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned developments, some challenges continue to exist for Indian exporters/ industries with regard to export of SCOMET items. A few of them are highlighted as under:
i. An application for authorization of export of any item under the SCOMET list pertains to a specific export and does not provide any blanket authorization for export of such items by an exporter, if the item is not covered under GAICT. This makes the to and fro exchange of information not possible for development of software/technology at beta stages.[2] This is likely to affect the software and IT industry.
ii. Export of specified chemicals (included in the SCOMET list) to certain countries is allowed without authorization subject to fulfilment of prescribed procedural conditions. However, such exemption has not been extended to software and technology pertaining to such chemicals.
In light of the above, it is imperative that the DGFT and industry continue to work together to iron out such remaining challenges so as to enable India to simplify its export framework, facilitate international trade and continue to be a significant player in the region.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. This article should not be construed as a legal opinion.
Suresh Varanasi, Partner
Sagnik Chatterjee, Associate
Suhail Bansal, Associate
[1] The FTP mandates that import into and export from Indian may only be undertaken upon obtaining an IEC from the DGFT. Accordingly, suspension/ cancellation of IEC effectively puts an end to an entity’s ability to undertake international trade.
[2] It may be noted that GAICT is applicable only for such goods/ software/ technology etc. which have been exported into India under a license exception. Accordingly, export of software at a development stage continues to remain a challenge.
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Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020
CCI Dismisses Allegations of Abuse of Dominance Against Directorate General of Foreign Trade & Ors.
Abolition of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board
National Intellectual Property Rights Policy
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A Barometer of Canadian Financial System Vulnerabilities
Staff Analytical Note 2017-24 Thibaut Duprey, Tom Roberts
This note presents a composite indicator of Canadian financial system vulnerabilities—the Vulnerabilities Barometer. It aims to complement the Bank of Canada’s vulnerabilities assessment by adding a quantitative and synthesized perspective to the more granular (distributional) analysis presented in the Financial System Review.
Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff analytical notes Topic(s): Econometric and statistical methods, Financial stability, Monetary and financial indicators JEL Code(s): C, C1, C14, C4, C40, D, D1, D14, E, E3, E32, E6, E66, F, F0, F01, G, G0, G01, G1, G15, G2, G21, H, H6, H63
Fads or Bubbles?
Staff Working Paper 1997-2 Huntley Schaller, Simon van Norden
This paper tests between fads and bubbles using a new empirical strategy (based on switching-regression econometrics) for distinguishing between competing asset-pricing models. By extending the Blanchard and Watson (1982) model, we show how stochastic bubbles can lead to regime-switching in stock market returns.
Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff working papers Topic(s): Financial markets JEL Code(s): C, C4, C40, G, G1, G12
Speculative Behaviour, Regime-Switching and Stock Market Crashes
Staff Working Paper 1996-13 Simon van Norden, Huntley Schaller
This paper uses regime-switching econometrics to study stock market crashes and to explore the ability of two very different economic explanations to account for historical crashes. The first explanation is based on historical accounts of "manias and panics."
Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff working papers Topic(s): Financial markets JEL Code(s): C, C4, C40, E, E4, E44, G, G1, G12
Excess Volatility and Speculative Bubbles in the Canadian Dollar: Real or Imagined?
Technical Report No. 76 John Murray, Simon van Norden, Robert Vigfusson
Greater intervention by the public sector is often proposed as a solution to the increased speculation and excessive price volatility thought to characterize today's competitive world financial system.
Content Type(s): Staff research, Technical reports Topic(s): Exchange rates JEL Code(s): C, C4, C40, F, F3, F31
Switching Between Chartists and Fundamentalists: A Markov Regime-Switching Approach
Staff Working Paper 1996-1 Robert Vigfusson
Since the early 1980s, models based on economic fundamentals have been poor at explaining the movements in the exchange rate (Messe 1990). In response to this problem, Frankel and Froot (1988) developed a model that uses two approaches to forecast the exchange rate: the fundamentalist approach, which bases the forecast on economic fundamentals, and the chartist approach, which bases the forecast on the past behaviour of the exchange rate.
Optimum Currency Areas and Shock Asymmetry: A Comparison of Europe and the United States
Staff Working Paper 1994-1 Nick Chamie, Alain DeSerres, René Lalonde
Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff working papers Topic(s): Exchange rates, Financial markets JEL Code(s): C, C4, C40, G, G1, G12
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| ERROR: type should be string, got "https://www.barrons.com/articles/dow-stalls-in-slow-pre-holiday-trading-1432348280\nDow Stalls in Slow Pre-Holiday Trading\nVito J. Racanelli\nEquities finished mixed last week in mostly quiet, pre-holiday trading, and slightly off new highs reached earlier. As has been the case all year, the record levels achieved are only just above the previous plateaus. Health-care, tech and financial stocks rose. U.S. financial markets will be closed for Memorial Day observance Monday.\nEven with the broad market hitting all-time highs, some investors fret about the continued notable divergence of transportation sector, which has sagged since late December. In particular, investors last week bailed out of the formerly highflying airlines group, which fell a painful 11%.\nIn a speech Friday afternoon, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen reaffirmed the market’s view that the central bank would probably raise rates sometime later this year if the economy improves as expected. She also said the weak U.S. economic data this year don’t signify there is a sustained slowdown, even if the outlook is “highly uncertain.” The Fed leader expects a pickup from the poor first-quarter growth rate and also repeated that the pace of hikes would most likely be gradual.\nThe Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 41 points, or 0.2%, on the week, to 18,232.02 after closing at a record 18,312.39 on Tuesday. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 3, or 0.2%, to 2126.06, down from the record close Thursday of 2130.82. The Nasdaq added 41, or 0.8%, to 5089.39.\nWith first-quarter earnings season over and no particularly significant economic data released last week, the market returned to mulling the default factor: the timing and pace of the Fed’s first interest rate hike, now expected in September.\n“Investors are a fickle bunch,” says Thomas Stringfellow, president of Frost Investment Advisors in San Antonio, “and they breathed a collective sigh of relief” when Yellen reaffirmed the market’s expectations of a fall hike. Like the Fed chair, Stringfellow thinks the economy will improve later this year. Consequently, he thinks the airline stocks “are getting interesting again.” (More on this here.)\nThe traditional Dow Theory of investing espouses that transport stocks need to perform alongside industrials to confirm a bull market. The idea is that if the industrials are doing well then so should the transports, since they are the companies that deliver the products.\nWhat the Dow Theory bears are ignoring, notes Michael Purves, chief global strategist at Weeden, is a longer historical perspective. He adds that the transportation sector has outperformed for five years. Such a divergence a few years earlier in this bull rally would have been concerning, but “we are seeing a little mean reversion here,” he adds.\nPurves says he’s less bothered by the divergence because “you are starting to see other sectors performing, like financials, for example.” That sector is up 8% since January, besting the broad market. He looks for the stock market to continue to grind higher.\n(See Trader Extra: American Airlines.)\nE-mail:vito.racanelli@barrons.com"
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Opinions & Predictions
A.L. East
A.L. Central
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It's Not Your Imagination: There Have Been Way Too Many Hall of Fame Deaths This Year
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An Open Letter to My Fellow Astros Fans
Takeaways from this year’s Hall of Fame voting
With Josh Donaldson in the Fold, the Minnesota Twins are Locked and Loaded for 2020
Bruce Chen retiring after 17 major league seasons
Shawn McFarland
Veteran lefty Bruce Chen took to Twitter on Monday to announce his retirement from the MLB:
Today, I would like to announce my retirement. For the last 22yrs I have been doing what I love for a living. I feel blessed and fortunate
— Bruce Chen (@ChenMusic) May 19, 2015
Chen, 37, spent his 17 seasons with 11 different teams — Kansas City Royals , Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, Montreal Expos, Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros.
He retired with a career 4.62 ERA, 1,140 strikeouts and an 82-81 record. His six-year tenure with the Kansas City Royals proved to be the longest he spent with one team, earning 47 of his career victories during his time there.
He spent the early part of 2015 with the Cleveland Indians, making two starts while recording a 12.70 ERA. His best season as a starter came in 2005 with Baltimore, posting a 3.83 ERA in 197.1 innings pitched. He struck out 133 batters that season.
Following the retirement announcement, Chen went on to thank his family and the teams he played for:
I would like to thank my wife my kids mom dad and extended family for their support throughout my baseball career
A special Thanks to the Braves, Phillies, Mets, Expos, Reds, Astros, Redsox, Blue Jays, Orioles, Rangers, Royals and Indians — Bruce Chen (@ChenMusic) May 19, 2015
These last 22yrs, I have played and faced the best players in the world, lived in great cities and made long lasting memories and friends
Bruce ChenFeatured
Inconsistency: Early Theme With Red Sox
Yankees rotation depth to be tested
Springfield College, '18, Sports Journalism/Communications major. High school sports correspondent at The Boston Globe; Cape Cod League at The Cape Cod Times. Formerly, USA TODAY, SB Nation.
Baseball History: Starting Pitcher Getting Knocked Out Early Doesn’t Always End Badly
Jeff J. Snider
What Does Max Muncy’s Future Look Like?
Kenley Jansen Could Miss a Month; Who Will Step Up?
What Does The Future Hold For Garrett Richards?
Steve Zavala
Minnesota Twins Should Focus on Adding Positional Versatility
Locked On Dodgers: Farewell Pedro Baez + Marcell Ozuna to the Dodgers?
Locked On Dodgers: An Interview with Dodgers Prospect Zach Reks
Retired Numbers: Chicago White Sox
The Weirdest Walk-Up Songs in Major League Baseball
Three Free Agents the New York Yankees Can Pivot to if DJ LeMahieu Bolts
Former Houston Astros' reliever Fred Gladding has died at the age of 78
Don't Argue With Tommy Lasorda
Retired Numbers: San Francisco Giants
Retired Numbers: Atlanta Braves
Copyright 2013-2018 Baseball Essential.
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1997 Croft, Quinta De Roeda
jancisrobinson.com16.5/20
One of the most outstandingly beautiful quintas in the Douro Valley, Roêda perches elegantly amidst the rugged terraces of the Cima Corgo.This single estate 1997 is one of the revelations of the vintage, immensely powerful and tightly-knit with a core of rich black fruits. Sturdy and a little restrained at the moment, this wine is sure to blossom over the medium-to-long term. Drink 2010-2025.
Ready, but will keep
Port Wine, Single Quinta Vintage
Croft has to be one of the most distinguished names in the Port industry. Founded over 300 years ago by a Yorkshireman, John Croft, who was one of the intrepid band of merchants to export wines to a British market unable to buy from Napoleonic France due to war. The firm’s activity dates back to 1588 which was also the first year of the first ever recorded shipments of Port wine.
John Croft published his treatise on the Wines of Portugal in 1788 which subsequently placed the Croft family at the forefront of the British community based in Oporto. This treatise gives a valuable insight into the early days of the Port Wine Trade.
In 2001 Croft was sold to the Taylor-Fladgate Fonseca group with Adrian Bridge as current managing director. There are no longer any members of the Croft family in the firm and like other famous names; Croft has in recent years become swallowed up by multinationals, though the brand remains strong as they retain their own distinctive style and identity. The Croft family maintained its affection for the fortified wines of the Douro and the late Percy Croft famously stated “Any time not spent drinking Port is a waste of time.”
Quinta da Roêda was planted early in the eighteenth century during a great surge in demand for Port after the 1703 Methuen Treaty in which England agreed to tax a third less on Portuguese wine than on French wine. Subsequently Quinta da Roêda has been recognised as one of the great Port vineyards and nineteenth century poet Vega Cabral is to have said: “If the wine district were a golden ring, Roêda would be the diamond.”
The vineyard draws its character from new Port making technologies as well as maintaining it’s commitment to traditional foot treading for its vintage Port wines, producing full and fruity Port.
Single Quinta Vintage
Single Quinta Vintage Port is currently one of the most exciting Port categories, which could potentially challenge the dominance of true Vintage Port in years to come. Single Quinta Port is made in much the same way as Vintage: aged for two to three years in cask before bottling without filtration – and is generally produced from a Port house’s finest single vineyard, in years that are not declared. In a vintage year, the grapes from these vineyards – like Quinta dos Malvedos for Graham and Quinta de Vargellas for Taylor – will be used as the backbone of the blend and not bottled in their own right.
The more approachable, earlier-maturing Single Quinta Ports enable producers to satisfy demand for Vintage Port while retaining the rarity and caché of its top Port. Single Quinta Ports are not normally as good as true Vintage Port, but there are notable exceptions. Quinta do Vesuvio, Quinta do Noval and Quinta de la Rosa are all produced in vintage years and can be every bit good as their more famous, multi-vineyard rivals. Indeed the greatest and rarest Vintage Port in existence is from a single vineyard: Quinta do Noval Nacional.
Single Quinta Vintage Ports were traditionally sold when the Port house believed they were ready to drink, around eight to 10 years after the harvest, but as they become more serious and more popular, some are released as soon as they are bottled. Single Quinta Ports should be decanted before serving and, with some notable long-lived exceptions, generally age for around 15 to 20 years.
There are around 40 different grape varieties permitted in the production of Port - however the vast majority of Ports are produced from a blend of 5 grapes - Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinto Cão.
Touriga Nacional produces small, dark-skinned grapes that produce opaque black wines of great extract and high tannins - it gives grip, body, and structure to the blend.
Touriga Franca has a thinner skin and consequently produces wines lighter in colour and tannins than Touriga Nacional. It contributes fruit, aroma, suppleness and roundness.
Tinta Roriz is the Portuguese name for Tempranillo and its high sugar content and low acidity contribute colour and fruit.
Tinta Barroca which is normally grown at highish altitudes and on north-facing slopes, is prized for producing wines of delicacy, finesse and with smooth, velvety fruit. It brings elegance and sweet, ripe fruit to the final blend.
Finally Tinto Cão produces fine and complex wines, though it is probably the least important of the 5 grapes as its painfully small yields have reduced plantings to almost insignificant levels.
Dense blackberries and cherry, smooth tannins, spicy and round with fresh milk chocolate and coffee highlights.
(Jancis Robinson MW - jancisrobinson.com – August 2010) Read more
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Moonshine’s Less Romantic Glow
May 30, 2018 June 23, 2016 by Gary
When one reads about illicit liquor in the U.S. back country, cities and towns not always excepted, many accounts are wreathed in an indulgent, even romantic tone. Our Southern Highlanders, published in 1913 and iscussed in my last post, is a good example.
Generally, sociological and ethnological treatments post-1900 are more or less sympathetic, reflecting I think a more nuanced understanding of marginal cultures than existed earlier.
Before 1900, there was a tendency to speak more superficially of the mountain people, that they were primitive, impoverished, hidebound. This lead to a condemnation of their ways including the illicit distilling aspect.
To be sure, the romantic idea of the outlaw stillman has always existed but it’s more a literary or poetic device in contrast to narrative works dealing with sociology or culture. Robbie Burns’s classic line, “freedom and whisky gang together” is an illustration of the timeless poetic approach.
In the 1800s few public voices were understanding of the illegal whiskey culture. There were two types of anti-moonshine literature. One was temperance inspired while the other focused on law and how best to uproot defiance of authority and the legal writ.
The 1881 tome After The Moonshiners is in the latter class and was written by a former Internal Revenue agent. He spent years in the south combatting illicit stills. Many of the conflicts were violent. Accounts of this type often stress that moonshiners frequently were petty criminals in general; counterfeiting and dealing in stolen goods were some of the other malfeasance they dealt in.
The book points out too the toll excessive alcohol use often meant for families, for example that men would trade corn meal with the stillmen for whiskey when their families were going hungry.
Some contests between moonshiners and the law developed into pitched battles that sound every bit like a modern firefight. Agents might be armed with the early Springfield rifle whose “ball” had a range of 1000 yards. They also used “Navy revolvers”, or Colts, valued for their butt-ends as much as their cartridge capacity. Agents tried to arrest their quarry peacefully but the resistance sometimes encountered could be fierce. Many agents were killed or wounded chasing the moonshine outlaws up and down a quite-literal hill and vale.
Oddly, acquiescence in arrest was sometimes a ‘shiner strategy. In one district moonshiners would serially inform on and testify against a peer, he would take the hit and spend some jail time. After release he would inform on another, and so on. A spell in jail sounds like something few would voluntarily incur but as one author put it the “hostage”, or convict, often ate better than he did at home and had a chance to see the town (where the court house was) before being imprisoned. Many arrested thought it a good deal!
The temperance books of course focused on the moral and physical ruin liquor often caused. While today there is tendency today to think this was exaggerated some of the lurid stories were obviously based in fact.
Alcohol always did exact a certain toll, and innocents were hurt by it and still are. That can’t be denied, but nonetheless the religious fervour of these books should factored. Some of the most interesting literature in this vein was written by ex-moonshiners who became true believers. Certainly from the latter source, one knows their accounts of whiskey-making should be trusted.
Note re images: The first image above was sourced here and is in the public domain. The second, sourced here, has the following attribution and permitted use: By Hmaag (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons. Both images are believed available for educational or cultural use. All feedback welcomed.
Categories General Post navigation
The Roots Of Hand-Made Sour Mash: Appalachia and the Scots-Irish
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2 thoughts on “Moonshine’s Less Romantic Glow”
Another excellent read, Gary. Love it!
-Sean
Thanks Sean. Hope you liked the Talmage one too. These guys had something, even though we don’t see it their way today…
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43 writers | 44.735 NEWS
Arsenal - Wolves
R. Jiménez
Raul Jimenez could be out for up to three months
by BeSoccer @besoccer_com - 01 Dec 20 0 263
Raul Jimenez could be back within three months. AFP
by BeSoccer @besoccer_com - 01 Dec 2020 0 263
Raul Jimenez had an operation on a fractured skull caused as a result of his terrible clash of heads with David Luiz in Arsenal's match with Wolves. According to neurosurgeon Juan Alberto Nader, his recovery process could lead to him being out for up to three months.
RND 10 Premier League
R. Jiménez FORWARD
NEWS | player detail
The image of the weekend was Raul Jimenez's fractured skull after a very nasty head clash with David Luiz. The Wolves striker, who was knocked out and had to be taken to hospital, had an operation on Monday.
Now the club and his family are asking for privacy and calm for the Mexican, who is recovering after being operated on in a London hospital. What we do not know is when the Mexican will be back on the pitch and it seems like he will not be back for a while.
Juan Alberto Nader, an expert in neurology and neurosurgery, explained to 'ESPN' that he could be back in around three months. "Depending on how serious the fracture is, he will need between one and three months if it's a lineal fracture and that's it. If it's a small one, not even a month, it depends on the size of the fracture and the treatment he is given."
"It's still premature, but they are saying that if things go well and that it's just a fracture, I hope it's just that. Once he gets over his fracture, he'll be able to play," Nader said. He said it all depends on whether there is any brain damage or not.
"I think, based on what I saw in the report, he had an operation on a skull fracture and if he was operated on that, then it's not so important because they'd just need to straighten the cranium and that's it. But if it includes brain damage, that's bad and it would depend on the treatment on the brain not of the fracture," he pointed out.
"We must wait 24 to 48 hours to know how serious his situation is and what he can do in the future," he concluded.
Wolves striker Raul Jimenez leaves hospital after surgery
Jiménez cleared to return home from hospital
Arsenal boss Arteta backs temporary subs for head injuries
Wolves' Jimenez hopes to return after fractured skull
David Luiz drove home after clashing heads with Raul Jimenez!
BeSoccer - Monday, 30 November 2020
Jimenez suffered a fractured skull in horror collision
Bundesliga top scorers 20-21!
11:00 Sturm Graz - Kapfenberger SV
14:00 NK Olimpija Ljub. - Podbeskidzie
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Super excited to join @Twitter next month as VP Diversity & Inclusion, joining an incredible team to make #InclusionImpact.
— Jeffrey Siminoff (@jmsSanFran) December 28, 2015
Can a white executive help increase diversity at a company? That's the question many are asking upon news that Twitter, one of the most popular social media networks, has hired Jeffrey Siminoff to lead Diversity & Inclusion there.
Siminoff, formerly of Apple, is taking on an industry wide issue. One in 14 tech workers are Black or Latino.
DIVERSITY IN THE TECHNOLOGY WORKFORCE
Some Black techies were critical of the decision. Former Google employee Erica Joy wrote that the new VP does not have a great track record when it comes to diversifying the companies he worked at before.
"Prior to his time leading Apple’s less than stellar diversity efforts, he lead diversity and inclusion at Morgan Stanley: the Morgan Stanley that had a racial discrimination suit brought against it during his tenure," she wrote. "So now the man who cultivated those environments is bringing his act to Twitter."
Everette Taylor, a growth marketing strategist to Microsoft and owner of Millisense, wrote that he was initially disappointed in the decision but was optimistic about the future. "I would've loved to see a person of color in this position, but since that's not the case — I offer my support to help make change," he tweeted.
70 percent of those working at Twitter are male while 30 percent of those working are female, according to data released in July 2014. Tech positions are filled with 90 percent women. Overall, 59 percent of the company is made up of whites, 29 percent are Asian, 3 percent are Latino and 2 percent are Black or African-American.
In August 2015, Twitter released their expectations for the new year:
"Increase women overall to 35%
Increase women in tech roles to 16%
Increase women in leadership roles to 25%
Increase underrepresented minorities overall to 11%*
Increase underrepresented minorities in tech roles to 9%*
Increase underrepresented minorities in leadership roles to 6%*"
Currently, Twitter has several employee-led groups that help with the issue of inclusion at work, including Blackbird, whose members include Black employees; Alas, Latino and Latina employees; and TwitterOpen, those who identify as LGBTQ. The company is also working to recruit new talent from historically Black colleges and universities and women's colleges.
BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world.
(Photo: AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)
Written by Natelege Whaley
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LEEROY STAGGER ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF HIS NEW ALBUM, "STRANGE PATH," ON SEPTEMBER 13th
LEEROY STAGGER ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF HIS NEW
ALBUM, STRANGE PATH, ON SEPTEMBER 13th
VIDEO FOR 1ST SINGLE, “STRANGE ATTRACTOR,” PREMIERES TODAY
WATCH/SHARE “STRANGE ATTRACTOR” HERE
To say that Canadian musician Leeroy Stagger’s life journey has followed a strange path would be a bit of an understatement. 17 years as a singer-songwriter and 10 years sober, with two kids, a home in Lethbridge, Alberta, and a world-class recording studio to go with it, he’s far removed from the hard-living twenty-something who started on this musical path.
On September 13th, Leeroy Stagger invites us to be a part of his journey with the release of his new album and book, Strange Path, through True North Records. And today marks the release of the video for the glam-rock blissed out first single, “Strange Attractor.” Directed by Brock Davis Mitchell, the video draws inspiration from films like The Favorite and Marie Antoinette, and weaves an experimental narrative with shocking bursts of color. Watch video here.
The name Strange Path applies as much to Leeroy’s unexpected route from the British Columbia punk scene to southern-Alberta singer songwriter as it does to the album’s own evolution. Following from 2017’s Love Versus, itself a creative re-emergence after a years-long fog of anxiety and depression, Strange Path is the end result of a triple-album’s worth of scrapped demos, and a spirit-reviving retreat inwards. It’s also Stagger’s most ambitious and philosophical creation yet, a veritable self-help book pulled from a lifetime of struggling towards the light and brimming with the hard-won joy at the heart of his recent renaissance. It’s an album full of sharp hooks and sharper insight, and the first single “Strange Attractor”’ rides that line right to the end.
“Nothing is permanent when you really stop and think,” says Leeroy. “The home we live in, the car we drive, the children we raise, the art we make and the skin that we’re in. It’s not forever, it’s barely real, and that’s ok to me because I’ve been shown the truth of it all. In seeing that it’s not that big of a deal, this has shown me how beautiful it all is. It’s precious, impermanent and beautiful. “Strange Attractor”’ is about the unseen nature of impermanence and the sacredness of the life we live.”
In making Strange Path, Leeroy surrounded himself with some of the best players in the business, including drummer Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Elliot Smith, Los Lobos), longtime collaborator Tyson Maiko, Paul Rigby (Neko Case, Garth Hudson, Jakob Dylan), Ryland Moranz and Michael Ayotte. The album was mixed by five time Grammy winner Ryan Freeland (Ray LaMontagne, Bonnie Raitt, Rodney Crowell) and Brad Barr of The Barr Brothers shared producer’s chair with Leeroy on four of the eleven tracks.
When it comes out on September 13th, Strange Path will be the 2nd album that Leeroy Stagger has released in 2019. Released on May 17th, Me and the Mountain is a companion piece to Strange Path, an Americana-influenced counterpart to Strange Path’s contemporary sound. Written during a 3-week singer-songwriter residency at the Banff Centre, Me and the Mountain is the album that Leeroy chose not to abandon.
Leeroy Stagger and his musicians will tour to support Strange Path throughout North America and Internationally; see below for the full tour schedule. Strange Path will be available on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes and other digital retailers and streaming services on September 13th. For more information, please visit: leeroystagger.com
LEEROY STAGGER | UPCOMING TOUR DATES
July 12 - Calgary, AB - King Eddy (Stampede Show)
July 19 - Fort MacLeod, AB - South Country Fair
Aug 3-5 - Canmore, AB - Canmore Folk Festival
Aug 29 - Mount Stewart, PEI - Trailside Cafe
Aug 30 - Halifax, NS - Halifax Urban Folk Festival
Aug 31 - Montreal, QC - Petit Campus
Sept 1 - Wentworth-Nord, QC - Rickks Room
Sept 5 - Marlboro, NY - The Falcon
Sept 6 - New York, NY - TBC
Sept 7 - Rhinebeck, NY - House Concert
Sept 9 - Woodstock, NY - TBC
Sept 10 - Syracuse, NY - House Concert
Sept 11 - Burnstown, ON - Neat Coffee Shop
Sept 12 - Toronto, ON - The Horseshoe
Sept 13 - Ottawa, ON - The Rainbow
Sept 14 - Lethbridge, AB - Lethbridge College
Oct 11 - Santa Monica, CA - McCabe’s
Oct 12 - Los Angeles, CA - TBC
Oct 15 - San Francisco, CA - Hotel Utah
Oct 16 - Sacramento, CA - Feist Wines
Oct 17 - Portland, OR - White Eagle Saloon
Oct 18 - Vancouver, BC - The Fox Theatre
Oct 19 - Victoria, BC - TBC
Oct 21 - Parksville, BC - Bayside Resort
LEEROY STAGGER - STRANGE PATH
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 13th, 2019 (True North Records)
01. Mother
02. Deeper Well
03. Breaking News
04. Strange Attractor
05. Nobody Alive Gets Out Of Here
06. Jesus And Buddha
07. These Things
08. Hey Hey! (For Gord)
09. Leonard Cohen is Dead
10. Get Ourselves To Love
11. The Light
Labels: Canada, International, Leeroy Stagger, Strange Path, True North Records
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Parth Samthaan And Erica Fernandes Look Chic As They Leave For Switzerland With Entire Kasautii Team
The entire team of 'Kasautii Zindagi Kay 2' has jetted off to the dreamy Switzerland. Rumoured couple, Erica Jennifer Fernandes and Parth Samthaan looking dapper as they left the country.
Tags: Erica Jennifer Fernandes Parth Samthaan Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 Celeb Rumours
By Anindita Mukherjee Last Updated: Jun 27, 2019 | 02:31:15 IST
Chahat Ke Safar Mein, Dilon Ke Hosle Dekho, Yeh Aksar Toot Jaate Hain, Kabhi Aansu Bahate Hain, Kabhi Chalte Hain Sehra Mein, Phir Bhi Mushkurate Hain, Imtehaan Har Ghadi Ki, Kasautii Zindagi Ki, Kasautii Zindagi Ki… our hearts skipped a beat when Babul Supriyo lent his voice once again to this soulful track with a red dupatta flowing in the background and how we had loved it! The very thought of Anurag, Prerna, Komolika and Mr Bajaj returning to our television screens had made the teensy-weensy butterflies flutter in our stomach. And when we finally saw the end result, we loved it! (Do Read: Alia Bhatt And Ranbir Kapoor Spotted Spending Some Alone Time In New York)
A series of track changes, terrific acting, gigantic sets and every character having their own significance, Kasautii Zindagi Ki 2 is loved by many. While Hina Khan’s entry as Ekta Kapoor’s Komolika had made us drool over her beauty, her exit from the show had also made a huge difference but we are overjoyed to see her back on the daily soap. And as per reports, that is exactly why the makers of the show decided to welcome on board the salt-and-peppery, Mr Bajaj. After a lot of speculations, it came about that Karan Singh Grover will go on to play the iconic character. The reports also had it that a large portion of Mr Bajaj’s sequences will be shot at the dreamy Switzerland. And thus, the entire team of Kasautii as jetted off to the mountainous Central European country.
For the same, shutterbugs grabbed rumoured lovebirds and leads of the show, Erica Jennifer Fernandes and Parth Samthaan looking dapper as they left for Switzerland with their entire team. While Parth sported a comfy maroon velvet tracksuit, Erica had looked uber cool in a white one-shoulder sweatshirt which she had teamed with silver pants. The stars themselves, including Erica, Parth, Pooja, Karan and Sahil amongst others, had posted pictures and glimpses from their in-flight moments. Take a look at the same here:
A Catch News report had quoted a source telling more about the team’s Switzerland shoot. It had shared, “The team will be flying to Switzerland to shoot for Bajaj's entry in the first week of June. The date for the travel is yet to be certain but the team is working day in and out to make sure the big shift in the storyline is executed well.”
Rohit Roy was Ekta Kapoor’s Mr Bajaj in her previous version of Kasautii Zindagi Ki. About Karan Singh Grover bagging his role for its sequel, Rohit had shared with SpotboyE, “I'm very happy for Karan bagging the role of Bajaj. I think he'll do a great job. My good wishes are with him. May he and kzk2 attain much greater heights of popularity than I did.” He had also added, “People still do call me that. It goes without saying that it was one of my iconic and career-defining roles.” (Must Read: Taimur Ali Khan's Happiness Knows No Bounds As He 'Swings' His Way Into The Weekend In London)
Talking about the show’s leads, Erica Jennifer Fernandes and Parth Samthaan, this duo is rumoured to be dating each other. A SpotboyE report had once quoted a source saying, “It seems that Erica and Parth are now more than just good friends, say the sources we have parked on the sets of Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2. There are hushed whispers on the sets of this Ekta Kapoor show that Erica and Parth have probably developed romantic feelings for each other.” Also do you remember the snippets we had shared with you about Erica’s 26 birthday, when she and her rumoured beau, Parth had taken a mini-vacay to celebrate her birthday in Mussoorie? In case you had missed the same, take a look at the pictures below:
Not just one report, The Tribune had also quoted a source as saying, “Parth and Erica have been inseparable and are always together. They both arrive on the set together and wait for each other’s pack-up to leave together. They are very fond of each other and clicked since the day they met. Parth is always in Erica’s make-up room and they find their way to each other even in between shots. Parth also went to meet Erica’s family and they seem to adore him.”
Erica Jennifer Fernandes, who never gives in to rumours, recently blurted out the truth about her and Parth Samthaan’s relationship to the Hindustan Times. She had shared, “It is news to me that such rumours are out there. But, I guess, rumours are a part and parcel of the entertainment industry. I have known Parth since we started working together on our TV show and we shoot every day. We are good friends and have a great working relationship. Whenever we chill together, we have a whole bunch of people with us. When we go for events, we are often leaving from our set, so yes, we do leave together. That doesn’t mean we go home together. In fact, we live in different parts of the city.” (Also Read: Asha Negi And Rithvik Dhanjani Are Redefining Love On The Streets Of London, Pictures Inside)
Guys, how do you like their pictures? Let us know!
Images courtesy: Parth, Erica, Pooja
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Solidareca Bonvolo
COMENCE
BUTIKO
Rutoboko School
Libraries Need Books!
This is an excerpt from the project proposal submitted to Solidareca Bonvolo:
THE INSTITUTE RUTOBOKO is a public school located in the district of SOUTH MABANGA in the Municipality of Karisimbi in the city of Goma, in North Kivu Province, in the far East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is about 6 km from the centre of Goma.
It is located in the territory of Nyiragongo, named after the volcano which last spilt its unusually fluid lava over the school site in 2002. Much of the city, including its airport and other vital infrastructure, was destroyed by voluminous lava flows and 200,000 people were left homeless, adding to the human disaster caused by frequent civil wars since 1993.
The consequences of these wars are still being felt to this day. Several times, armed groups have raided the surrounding avenues to loot, steal and rape.
This situation caused temporary or permanent abandonment of neighboring, avenues and villages to form large concentrations in neighborhoods such as MABANGA, the site of the army camp of Goma.
The majority of local children are the children of soldiers many of whom suffered death, severe incapacitation and resulting poverty as a result of ongoing military action.
Since no schooling in Goma is free to any students, regardless of parental life or death, or disability suffered in the line of duty, several schools from the MABANGA area have been closed and the unguided youth sometimes become harmful elements in society, for lack of other options.
Lack of housing and education and exposure to prolonged war sank most families into poverty and one consequence has been many early marriages of young people between 14 and 16 years. The new generation has even worse prospects than the last.
Education can make all the difference for these young people : learning to be part of the culture of reading and research, they can be helpful to their society, and thus become agents of endogenous and sustainable development of their own environment.
The solution that we propose to this social crisis is a support for young people by creating a library and reading room, and there conducting meetings and reflection-sessions about situations of the past and their present consequences.
These reflections can help the young people open to a new, less parochial, way of thinking that will prepare them to resist recruitment as private soldiers in armed groups, and to become responsible and helpful in the Congolese society of tomorrow.
Further programs, such as courses on the importance of human rights, and contraception, can be introduced on an on-going basis, once the facility and the concept of free community education is established at Rutoboko.
The management of Rutoboko has already shown genuine commitment to this concept by allowing Solidareca Bonvolo to use a classroom of the school on a pro bono basis for Sunday community courses in Esperanto since 2015.
Cooperation between SOLIDARECA BONVOLO and THE INSITUTE RUTOBOKO provides the most appropriate and accessible place for the our educational services and an affordable (without cost) building site.
This is a very serious consideration as the combination of physical destruction of buildings, enormous influx of refugees from Rwanda and from other parts of the DRC, and widespread corruption -leading to enormous wealth inequality- have combined to make real estate prices reach first world levels whilst teachers struggle to support their families on $80 a month.
Inside the Furnished Reading Room
The principal and his school
Proposed Library and Reading Room
Finished Project
MORE BUILDING PHOTOS
Opening Ceremony January 2018
Parle nous / Alvoku nin / Call us:
Rete / Email:
manager@bonvolo.net
Avenue Bunagana n43, Q. Katindo, Com de Goma, Ville de Goma, NordKivu/RDC.
( Ref: entrée Hôtel la Joie Plazza, 3eme parcelle.)
© 2018 Solidarite Bonne Volonte
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Canadian Financial Institutions to Assume New Huma...
Canadian Financial Institutions to Assume New Human Rights Obligations
Canadian financial institutions will soon be mandated to assess the human rights consequences associated with their project finance loans. The requirement is arising through revisions to the Equator Principles (EP), a series of 10 principles that guide financial institutions engaged in project finance for large infrastructure and industrial projects. Most of Canada’s major banks, as well as Export Development Canada and Manulife, are EP members, also known as Equator Principle Financial Institutions (EPFIs).
The EP Association approved a revised draft of the EP (EP IV) on November 18, 2019 following a consultation period on an earlier draft. EP IV takes effect on July 1, 2020. The revisions require EPFIs and their clients to place greater emphasis on assessing the potential impacts projects may have on human rights, Indigenous peoples, and climate change as a condition for project finance.
EP IV will also impact more clients and projects than previous EP. EP IV applies to project finance with total project capital costs of USD $10 million or more and project-related corporate loans with a threshold loan value of USD $50 million (down from USD $100 million).
EPFI project finance agreements include covenants that require compliance with the EP. Clients will bear the onus to demonstrate that a project will not have adverse impacts in target areas, or that adverse impacts can be sufficiently mitigated. The text of EP IV permits EPFIs to call an event of default if clients fail to meet their environmental and social covenants.
Companies whose business relates to infrastructure and industrial projects must take note of these developments in order to maintain secure access to project finance.
Changes go beyond current Canadian law
EP IV imposes standards that go beyond current Canadian legal obligations in relation to assessing impacts on human rights and Indigenous peoples. This means the EP will play a larger factor in domestic project finance considerations than previously.
On human rights, EP IV will require EPFIs and their borrowers to assess the human rights impacts projects have on individuals and communities more broadly. This goes beyond adhering to the company’s Canadian labour and human rights obligations to its own workers.
On Indigenous peoples, EP IV will require EPFIs and clients to operate according to concept of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), the international standard for consultation with Indigenous populations pursuant to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This goes beyond the Canadian legal requirement of the duty to consult (the Canadian government cites FPIC as a principle that guides its approach to reconciliation).
EP IV adds the requirement for EPFIs to fulfill their responsibility under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). The UNGPs require businesses not to cause, contribute to, or be directly linked to human rights abuses.
Providing loans to support projects that lead to severe adverse human rights abuses contravenes the UNGPs. The obligation to refrain from providing such loans will also influence EPFI project finance decisions.
Potential clients will have to engage in human rights impact assessments to satisfy an EPFI that provision of project finance will not bring the EPFI offside its UNGP obligations (this is in addition to the client’s own obligations under the UNGPs). The EPFI can also conduct its own impact assessment as part of its transaction due diligence.
Enhanced recognition of Indigenous rights is a major feature of EP IV. EP IV requires EPFIs to determine if projects obtained the FPIC of impacted Indigenous communities before supporting the project.
To achieve this, EP IV requires EPFIs to hire an independent consultant to evaluate the consultation process with Indigenous communities to determine if the process satisfied national laws and FPIC. However, achieving FPIC is not an absolute requirement. EP IV permits “a justified deviation” from FPIC on the advice of the independent consultant when good faith efforts to achieve FPIC have not succeeded.
EP IV directs EPFIs to the International Finance Corporation Performance Standards for guidance on achieving FPIC. The text also clarifies that there is no uniform definition of FPIC and that it “does not require unanimity, does not confer veto rights to individuals or sub-groups and does not require the client to agree to aspects not under their control.”
Another change in EP IV is a requirement to include a climate change assessment for certain projects. Thresholds for this requirement relate to the risk of adverse environmental effects and a project’s level of combined scope 1 and scope 2 emissions. Scope 1 emissions are those emissions from sources owned or controlled by a company. Scope 2 emissions are those emissions resulting from the generation of a company’s purchased electricity.
Liability for human rights impacts?
Membership in the EP evidences an EPFI’s understanding that it cannot finance major projects without assessing the impacts those projects have on others, in Canada and abroad.
This does not mean EPFIs could be automatically liable for human rights violations that occur in their funded projects. However, concerns around liability for human rights violations are real. Four civil actions currently before Canadian courts claim a Canadian corporation should be liable for human rights violations that occurred in its supply chain (the cases all concern acts committed abroad). Legal efforts by the companies to have the cases dismissed have so far failed. A fifth case was recently settled.
Canadian EPFIs that do not take their EP obligations seriously and do not engage in human rights impact assessments or operate in accordance with FPIC risk being accused of failing to abide by best practices they themselves have ascribed to, thus setting up potential tort claims.
Preparing for EP IV
Businesses engaged in large infrastructure and industrial projects have until July 2020 to develop internal processes that will enable them to meet requirements imposed through the EP. EPFIs and potentially impacted project borrowers should:
Implement processes to carry out the required due diligence for determining potential adverse impacts of projects; and
Familiarize themselves with the expectations established by the UNGPs, and other relevant instruments such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the International Finance Corporation Performance Standards.
Businesses already taking steps to enhance their human and environmental performance in line with those instruments can align this process to the new EP. Businesses that are not yet examining human and environmental impacts in line with these best practices can use the next several months to initiate a process to comply with the new project financing requirements.
** November 25, 2019: An earlier version of this blog was published on October 21, 2019, before the EP Association approved the final text of EP IV and set the date for EP IV to come into force.
By: Milos Barutciski, Josh Scheinert, Bruce Fowler
Services: International Trade & Investment, Financial Services, China, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America & the Caribbean, United Kingdom, United States
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Op-Ed | An Alternative To Consumerism Does Exist: The Performance Economy
By Sara Arnold August 17, 2017 05:29
The Circular Economy is being marketed as a guilt-free solution to consumerism, but a sustainable economy can only be achieved if businesses stop selling goods argues Sara Arnold, one of 10 winners of BoF’s Future VOICES challenge.
Vetements 'Dry Cleaning' event at Maxfield | Source: Courtesy
LONDON, United Kingdom — Earlier this year, H&M announced its aim to be 100 percent circular and renewable by 2030. The ability to recycle this quantity without degradation would mean endless yet sustainable fast fashion. But is it really feasible for one of the world’s largest fast fashion retailers — which reported revenues of over $2 billion in 2016 — to "close the loop" in a little over a decade?
By 2030 it is predicted that we will be using two Earths worth of resources and the demand for clothing is expected to have risen by 63 percent according to the Copenhagen Fashion Summit's recent Pulse of The Fashion Industry report written in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group. As we hurtle along this trajectory, can we afford to put all our bets on being able to make current rates of fashion consumption sustainable?
Though improving recyclability is commendable and necessary, the circular economy is being marketed as bite-size incremental change rather than the systemic overhaul it is in reality. Consequently, steps towards a circular system made at a self-elected pace are in danger of becoming a method of guilt-free acceleration of consumerism. Closing the loop isn’t a reality yet, so shouldn’t we be reaching for the brakes instead of the accelerator?
The performance economy (otherwise known as the functional service economy) is a worthy alternative. Though an essential component of the circular economy, it is often sidelined for its seemingly disruptive nature. Its pioneer, Walter Stahel, explains that in retaining goods and selling performance, rather than goods themselves (in other words, access over ownership business models), companies can incentivise a shift from linear to circular business models.
In a performance economy, consumers pay only for the value they extract from a good (the performance) as and when they use it, incentivising companies to refocus on what benefits the customer actually wants. The Ellen MacArthur foundation outlines several case studies, one example being a project initiated by architect Thomas Rau that purchased light as a service from Philips.
For the project, the use of artificial light was minimised by design: lighting was positioned closer to where it was needed; sensors were fitted so that artificial light was responsive to the fluctuation in natural light; and the building was designed to maximise natural light. Philips retained ownership of the parts so that they could be maintained efficiently and Rau had the option to upgrade the system with Philips recovering the parts that were no longer needed. Overall, Philips increased profits by providing long-term performance using fewer resources and Rau received more affordable light.
Washing machines offer another example of better performance for consumers at an overall lower cost by eliminating the waste, design obsolescence and idle capacity prevalent when selling goods. Many washing machines are designed for low cost rather than ongoing performance, reducing the average lifetime between a high performance and a standard machine from 10,000 hours to 2,500 hours. Businesses like Bundles, which offer a ‘pay-per-wash’ service instead of selling machines, give consumers better performance at a lower cost.
The focus on performance encourages innovation around fashion as an experience.
But what would the future of fashion look like within a performance economy? First, we must get to grips with what high performance means for fashion. It’s not just about keeping us covered and warm, but about experience, creative expression, novelty, quality and craft. In a performance economy, businesses are motivated to invest in creating not just physical durability but also emotional durability — lasting desirability. Through providing shared wardrobe access, much greater choice and curation can be provided at a lower cost. From a consumer perspective, Rent The Runway is the most prominent example of the post-ownership wardrobe. Having reached EBITDA profitability at the end of 2016 and over £100 million in revenue thanks to their "Unlimited" wardrobe service, Rent The Runway has validated this business model.
Challenges in adoption
There are multiple challenges in adopting a performance economy. A wardrobe service must work with multiple designers to provide a curated choice of clothing. For a true performance economy, these creators should retain their creations and earn when they are in use so that they gain the monetary incentive for longevity. This means a new system of collaboration that could take an array of forms. Businesses involved will need to be agile as well as being able to afford the upfront costs of retained ownership
Additionally, a number of innovations conducive to a performance economy are currently unexplored by fashion rental companies. Design for post-ownership is underdeveloped. This could involve high performance recyclable materials, pre-empting damage, design-led methods of repair, and a design processes involving continuous modification. It could also involve technologies such as blockchain to track goods and importantly, measurement and feedback systems to continuously improve performance.
Though economically viable, the performance economy requires a shift from manufacturing to labour intensive, localised, processing, caring and mending, posing a problem in developed countries where labour is expensive. Stahel says sustainable taxation could be used to accelerate the change to a performance economy and create jobs. He proposes that renewable resources are not taxed but non-renewables are, and that labour, which is increasingly abundant due to population growth, is treated as a non-renewable. As the Paris Agreement comes into action, to curb emissions, more sustainable oriented taxation and legislation are likely to come into action and businesses should be prepared.
In a performance economy, at the end of their consumer life, goods would still be recycled and made into new clothes. Though customers’ use of garments would likely have to adhere to terms of use and can be penalised for misuse, the creator of the clothes would remain responsible for prevention of damage, washing and mending. Crucially, the focus on performance encourages innovation around fashion as an experience, which could even end up moving consumers away from the current materiality of clothing.
However, if virgin resource extraction remains unrestrained, resources will become increasingly scarce, resulting in price surges and volatility. Companies that sell electrical appliances must now, by European law, provide a free take-back service when they sell a new version of the same product, or join the Distributor Takeback Scheme. This type of legislation could be applied to many other industries.
Increasing demand
The shift towards a performance economy may seem idealistic, but on the demand side, the post-ownership movement is growing strong with 58 percent of millennials in London interested in renting clothes, according to a study conducted by Australian mall operator Westfield. As with cars, Gen-Y and Gen-Z are happy to be rid of the burdens of ownership. For millennials, experience over ownership is the new norm, and with far less spending power, as with homes, clothes ownership may soon be seen as an unnecessary luxury of their parents’ generation. The post-ownership movement also ties nicely into the wellness trend, as these cohorts tend to seek enriching experiences rather than materialism.
Access over ownership could become the new reality and fashion brands and retailers should consider what it would mean for their businesses. The performance economy has the potential to increase profits but the sharing economy presents risk. A peer-to-peer rental or resale platform could be significantly disruptive to fashion brands and retailers if successfully scaled.
But why is the performance economy so superior to selling goods with a more circular approach? The crux of the matter is that through retaining ownership, creators remain accountable for the goods they create, avoiding an unreliable general public. The efficiencies gained throughout the lifespan of the goods and beyond becomes profit, incentivising responsibility from creators.
Unreliable consumers and the limitations of recycling
Additionally, our technological ability to achieve full recyclability is also questionable. H&M is a leader in textile recycling but there is still a mountain to climb. The complexity of the mix of materials used in certain garments is a major challenge but this could mostly be overcome by changing the way that garments are designed. In 2016, 25 percent of their materials were from recycled or sustainable sources.
The more pressing challenge is the degradation of fibres, ease of the recycling process and eventual biodegradability. Currently only 0.1 percent of clothing that is donated by consumers as part of its much-publicised collection drives is actually recycled. That is why H&M is investing into new solutions: fabrics made from manure, citrus and grape waste. But to scale these ideas will take time.
Even if we do manage to close the loop, we are letting resources be abused. Consumers are generally unable to measure efficiency gains and afford the upfront costs of buying for long-term value. Despite the best instructions, it’s difficult to use, maintain and repair with best practice for longevity as it simply isn’t the average person’s priority. The Fashion Revolution organisation says consumers wear items an average of just four times before discarding them. A recent study by UK supermarket and clothing retailer Sainsbury’s found that 75 percent of consumers in the UK discard clothes as domestic waste even though 95 percent of these items can be reused or recycled.
We need to accept that non-biodegradable resources are here to stay but that an item of clothing doesn’t have to be life-long love affair by a single owner. We should instead be designing a system that caters for dynamic rather than static wardrobes. Static wardrobes lead to idle capacity — the clothes that are sitting in our wardrobes. However good our recycling processes get, the problem of exclusive ownership over extensive wardrobes would remain unsolved.
We need a drastic overhaul of the system and improved recycling doesn’t cut it. Neither does the unrealistic mantra of more conscious ownership: buy less and cherish forever. Ultimately we need to understand that consumerism is not the only option to sustain an economy and alternatives are not just necessary but have the potential to provide a better option for all.
Sara Arnold, founder and chief executive of Higher Studio
On the surface, my start up, HIGHER, rents clothes, but the motivation has always been to practice an alternative to consumerism that can cultivate creativity in a more responsible way. With mass extinction and climate change under way, over-consumption is the underlying factor we must tackle, especially within fashion.
Until now, I haven’t had the chance to fully explain my point of view. Working with Robin Mellery-Pratt from the BoF editorial team to formalise my thoughts and present them to the global fashion community was invaluable. This is an opportunity to raise awareness of the reasoning behind what I’m doing and enter a dialogue with like-minded people. It is a call for guidance and support to progress these ideas as well as to encourage others to follow. I would like to be part of a collaborative ecosystem shaping a more creative and sustainable fashion future.
The opportunity to voice opinions shouldn’t just be for established professionals but also for emerging talent paving their way with bold ideas. Initiatives such as Future VOICES are imperative for the industry to nurture innovation and embrace change.
The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Business of Fashion.
In Copenhagen, Gearing up for a Circular Fashion System
Just Fix It: How Nike Learned to Embrace Sustainability
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Brand Language September 28th, 2015
Defining Your Brand’s Tone Of Voice
The language of a brand is really decided by two things: where you are looking to position your brand in the marketplace; and the personality that you choose to adopt.
Brand leaders speak with authority and surety. Their language focuses on stability, history and confidence. Brand challengers speak with defiance. They seek to challenge the way things are so their language focuses on change, hope and (sometimes) revolution. Cult brands focus on exclusivity – so their language is peppered with tribal terms. Artisan brands focus on craft and attention to detail so their language tends to be quieter, more insular and focused on the work. Budget brands often use language based on frugality (how much you save) or generosity (what you get). Quality brands seek to be steady and trustworthy.
In all cases, the language you use as a brand is directly aligned with your value proposition because, of course, language is a very powerful way of capturing and expressing how you see yourselves as a brand and how you want others to think and talk about you.
Personality picks up on these points of view and defines them more specifically. This helps brands in busy and highly competitive markets to distinguish their brand where there may be several brands competing in or for a market position. Here are three of the most important ways to evoke personality through language:
1. Formality – the type of language that a brand uses is a strong indicator of the type of relationship it is looking to form with customers, and of how the brand sees the exchange between them and their consumer. Upmarket brands often use structured, aspirational language built around sophisticated concepts – or, if they are a global brand, they may look to express much of their personality visually and with a distinct lack of words. More populist brands look to break down the jargon and acronyms of an industry and talk to consumers in language that is much closer to how buyers themselves speak. Professional brands tend to be the most talkative – although this doesn’t always work in their favor because they can become self-absorbed very quickly. Lifestyle brands are often cheeky and carefree, and their language reflects that casualness.
2. Dialect – every brand should seek to own language of its own; a way of talking about what it does and what it stands for that complements the visual identity and adds color and texture in terms of how the brand speaks. The critical insight here is that if your brand only ever speaks in the language of the industry, it will quickly blend with everyone else. I always look to associate a brand with a ‘word-cloud’ of ideas – a range of language reference that the brand can own based on where it wants to be positioned, the audience that it is looking to talk with and the abiding conventions of the sector.
3. Rhythm – every brand needs a speech pattern. It needs to speak at a certain speed, in particular ways, so that consumers consciously or sub-consciously ‘hear’ the brand’s voice in every interaction. Having said that, there are clear sectoral dialects. Retail brands often speak quickly and with energy to convey urgency and opportunity. Lifestyle brands, because they want to be seen as relaxed, often adopt a tone of voice that is also fast-moving and non-grammatical but attuned to the mannerisms of their consumers. Professional brands, on the other hand, tend to adopt a more measured, carefully structured style of speaking that uses much longer sentences, involves more ideas and is much more fluent. This reflects their desire for credibility, authority and reliability. Consumers would quickly become confused if an accounting firm adopted the speech pattern of a high-street retailer, or vice versa.
Once you know where you want to position your brand and you have established a personality that speaks to the strategy and distinguishes the brand from competitors, a really sensible next port of call is the frontline. Speaking with sales reps, contact center people and those working in stores is a highly effective way of gauging what customers are looking for in exchanges with the brand, what they like about how they interact now, and where they would like to see clear changes in the tone of communications. These insights should then be applied to content and structuring of information as well as to tone.
Too often brands fail to make all these changes. They develop a new tone of voice to sit alongside their visual identity but they only apply it to a slither of the interactions they have with consumers. So, for example, the new tone of voice may appear in advertising and some external communications but it’s not present in other forms of correspondence or in digital environments. When a brand fails to carry its new voice through to all its touchpoints, it quickly muddies expectations and experiences. Customers expecting the brand to behave in a particular way find themselves being spoken with in a different, often conflicting, way elsewhere within the same brand.
Here’s my rule. A brand may speak in multiple languages – but it should look as much as possible to speak in one distinctive tone of voice everywhere.
The Blake Project Can Help: The Strategic Brand Storytelling Workshop
More posts in Brand Language
The Changing Landscape Of Brand Language
Brand Language Integration Builds Strength
How Brands Should Take A Stand
When Branding Projects Require Rebranding
Crafting Your Verbal Brand
Brand Cultures Are Built On Language
9 Marketing Facts About Branded Language
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Share this Story: Young high jumper hopes to narrow the gap
Young high jumper hopes to narrow the gap
Darryl G. Smart
Aug 01, 2013 • August 1, 2013 • 2 minute read
While reaching for new heights this summer, Gabrielle Marton also has been collecting new hardware.
The North Park Collegiate student is trying to peak for the Legion Nationals Track and Field Meet in Langley, B.C., Aug. 7-13.
Along the way, she collected a pair of recent bronze medals at the Ontario Junior Senior Championship and the AO Bantam Midget Youth Championship, both in Toronto.
The junior senior championship was held two weeks ago.
"In terms of the junior senior meet, I was pleased getting a bronze medal because, going there, I knew most of the girls were heading into university, including the top two finishers," said Marton, 15.
"I knew it would be a challenge to medal."
During the event, Marton cleared 1.60 metres, five centimetres shy of eventual winner Carolyn Adams. In second place was Maja Naruszewicz.
To put things in perspective, Marton will be heading to Grade 11 in September, while Naruszewicz was named high school athlete of the year at the recent Mississauga Sports Council Awards, and captured gold at the 2013 Canadian Junior Track and Field Championships.
"It was really surprising to me how small of a gap there actually was between first place and my jump of 1.60 metres," Marton said.
And that small margin is one of a number of things pushing the young high jumper this summer.
Last week, at the bantam midget Championship, Marton grabbed a bronze medal, thanks to a jump of 1.55 metres, again five centimetres off the winning standard.
"At the bantam midget youth meet … I was disappointed because I would have only needed to clear 1.60m to win, something I've done many times before, and I had just done so the previous weekend." Marton said.
"That's one of the toughest things about high jump, knowing you can do something but completely underperform to your standards."
Marton is taking a positive attitude to the meet in Langley.
"I'm confident I can get back to where I was by regaining my consistency and maintaining fitness," Marton said.
"I'm working on making sure I can consistently jump 1.63 metres and 1.65 metres because jumps at those heights could get me in a position to medal there.
"Even though I only started the sport last year, I've learned a lot about achieving peak performance at a meet," she said.
"I now train almost every day, I've changed the way I eat, sleep, and my mindset on the sport.
"My goal at nationals is to recapture my personal best at 1.65 metres, and hopefully exceed that. If that wins me a medal, that would be an extra accomplishment."
darryl.smart@sunmedia.ca
twitter.com/darrylsmart1
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Podcast: Thomas Rid on active measures and digital disinformation
Tomorrow’s tech policy conversations today
About TechStream Stay Informed
Thomas Rid, Jack L. Goldsmith, Quinta Jurecic, and Alina Polyakova
A British Turing Bombe machine is seen functioning in Bletchley Park Museum in Bletchley, central England.
With his unique blend of intelligence history and engagement with the contemporary cybersecurity community, Thomas Rid, a professor of strategic studies at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, has become one of the foremost chroniclers of online disinformation and how digital information operations are informed by the historical work of intelligence agencies.
In a pair of recent podcasts, Rid joined members of the Brookings community to discuss his new book, Active Measures: The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare. First up, Rid chats with Harvard Law School Professor Jack L. Goldsmith about the early history of disinformation through the 1980s:
Next, Rid sits down with Lawfare Managing Editor Quinta Jurecic and Alina Polyakova, the CEO and president of the Center for European Policy Analysis, to talk disinformation in the digital age.
Sign up for updates from TechStream
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Olivia Made An Unexpected Move On ‘Scandal’ & Her Powers May Actually Have A Limit
Eric McCandless/ABC
By Nicole Pomarico
Spoilers ahead! Just in case you thought Scandal was going to slow down the closer we get to the series finale, Thursday night's new episode should clear that right up for you. Olivia quits the White House on Scandal, but that decision doesn't come to her easily. In fact, it seems like Olivia's decision is set off by the one thing fans have been waiting to see for the past few episodes: finding out that Quinn is actually still alive.
After Mellie had announced that Jake is going to be stepping up, Olivia is on the warpath, and her white hat days seem to really be behind her this time. Not to be outdone, she tries to frame Jake's wife, Vanessa, for treason after she's caught sneaking around with Robert, a diplomat, claiming that she's been feeding him information, which he's been handing over to the Russians. You know, even though really they're just sleeping together as part of Jake's open marriage with her. And that's just the beginning.
Then, once she joins up with Cyrus... well, anyone who's watched this show a few times knows that when he and Olivia combine their powers, they have the potential to be lethal — and he tries convincing her to call for Mellie's resignation so that he can step up and be president. But then: Quinn.
Of course, up until Quinn makes her surprise entrance in Olivia's apartment, Olivia has no idea that Quinn is still alive. Only Charlie is privy to that information. And like anyone would, of course, Quinn wants to take down Olivia for (as far as she knew) getting her killed, but a fatherly instinct in Rowan makes him lash out against her. He tells Quinn that would be impossible, and if she tries to get revenge on Olivia, he'll kill her baby daughter. But after bargaining with Rowan to spare her baby's life in exchange for going off the grid and leaving Olivia alone, Quinn has other plans. Olivia comes home to hear the sound of a baby crying, and yes, you guessed it: baby Robin.
What was more shocking, though? The fact that Quinn surprises Olivia the way she does and doesn't shoot her, or that the bullet that came through the glass hits Olivia's shoulder and she instantly goes to Rowan for help? What wasn't shocking at all, however, was the fact that Rowan knows how to expertly remove a bullet from someone's arm in the middle of his kitchen. That is typical Papa Pope.
But what really shows the way Quinn has changed Olivia is the fact that even after all of that, when it comes time for her press conference, instead of asking for Mellie to step down, Olivia decides to step down herself. It's hard to trust her these days, so who even knows if she steps down to do the right thing, or if she has another scheme up her sleeve.
On the bright side, Scandal does give us the beautiful moment of Quinn reuniting with Abby and Huck... and Huck getting to hold baby Robin for the first time. The sweet scenes on this show are becoming fewer and farther between, but this was a really, really good one.
It's impossible to decide whether Olivia is good or evil, but there's a very good chance Shonda Rhimes is going to keep us on the edge of our seats on that question for awhile more. If Olivia is going to attempt to get her white hat back before we say goodbye to her for good, stepping down from chief of staff and not removing Mellie from office was a really good start.
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Buy Try Review
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Dual-Shock: In-Depth Review
Email marketing is a great way to reach your list or subscribers and get them to know what you are offering. However, it is impossible to not notice that there has been a rather sharp decline of people clicking on your emails, let alone reading those or opening your link. Sure, emails are still powerful, but they are getting obsolete. According to statistics, email CTR is as low as 3.26% and has an average open rate of only 22.87%. Maybe it is about time you move on from email, with Aidan Corkery and Fergal Downes’ new product called Dual-Shock.
Messenger is a relatively new platform with a whole lot more of active users. According to the same site that gave us the average statistics with email CTR and open rate, Messenger’s average open rate is as much as 84.3%, with a whopping 28.3% CTR. Sure email has its own advantages, but the clicks and conversion rate are not as high as they used to be. Messenger is great, but unlike email you do not own your list.
Dual-Shock takes into advantage the unique and powerful features of both platforms. Inside the product you will learn the simple way to maximizing both the power of email marketing and Messenger bots. It comes with easy to follow step-by-step video training so that you would know how to get started immediately. The product also comes with quick-start cheat sheets as well as the developer’s real life case study. The product also comes with fast-action bonuses such as Email Marketing Specialist, Ultimate Bot Opt-in Pages, Elite Buyer Traffic, and FB Group Bot Traffic.
This product will go live on the 19th of July 2019, at around 10:00 Eastern Daylight Time. Youa re in for a shock, quite literally, as Dual-Shock costs an astonishingly low $13. If this product intrigues you, save this page on your browser by pressing the bookmark button on your browser. More information is on the way regarding this product, which will be posted very soon, just after the product’s date of release, so stay tuned for that.
© Copyright 2021 All rights reserved BuyTryReview.com
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Find cheap flights to León
León Del Bajio
Search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to León
September Best time to beat the crowds (5% less expensive on average)
December Most popular time to fly (11% more expensive on average)
C$ 751 (avg. price over the last 2 weeks)
Which day and time is cheapest to fly to León
Average price per time of day
Top tips for finding cheap flights to León
Looking for cheap airfare to León? 25% of our users found tickets to León for the following prices or less: From Calgary C$ 350 one-way - C$ 433 round-trip, from Ottawa C$ 338 one-way - C$ 454 round-trip, from Vancouver Intl C$ 347 one-way - C$ 498 round-trip
Book at least 1 week before departure in order to get a below-average price.
High season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly to León is September.
Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest León flight deals.
FAQs - booking León flights
What is the cheapest flight to León?
The cheapest airline ticket to León from Canada in the last 72 hours was C$ 248 one-way, and C$ 1,079 round-trip on the route from Montreal to León. The most popular route is from Toronto to León and the cheapest ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was C$ 537 round-trip.
How far is León Airport from central León?
León Airport is 25 kilometres from the centre of León. View on Map.
What is the name of León’s airport?
León is served by León Del Bajio Airport, also commonly referred to as Del Bajio, Guanajuato Del Bajio, or simply León Airport. The airport code is BJX.
Which is the cheapest time of day to fly to León?
Usually, the lowest prices are found on flights leaving in the afternoon. To get the best price, you should avoid flying to León at noon
How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to León?
KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to León.
How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to León?
KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to León is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.
What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to León?
Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to León with an airline and back with another airline.
What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to León?
Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to León up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.
Top 5 airlines flying to León Del Bajio
WestJet 7.7
Aeromexico 7.4
American Airlines 7.2
Air Canada 7.1
Overall score based on 8,983 reviews
Cons: "I was delayed a few houts.they could let me fly earlier."
Pros: "not much, not even close to the service and comfort I am used to flying."
Cons: "Keep planes in working order"
Cons: "Service is awful, they cancelled a flight and they reserved the wrong flight so we couldn't get to the destination. Had to change airline and extend our flight by 9 hours with our baby. Horrrrrrible experience. Staff didn't seem to care. They put everything on their supervisor and she tried to help"
Cons: "Access to the internet and in film movies on my ipad was not functioning! Made for a longer flight not being able to watch movies."
Cons: "After landing, we were waiting on the tarmac for sometime and I needed to use the restroom I was an allowed to do so. It would’ve taken me a short short time. I went to The rear of the plane to use the restroom and was told to get in my seat."
Pros: "Everything On time Didn’t missed our connection Good"
Cons: "I don’t know"
Pros: "I slept throughout the flight"
Pros: "I liked the price for my flight however I booked using my AirMiles."
Cons: "I have travel with WestJet many times is the past and had nothing but good to say. This was my first time using WestJet Encore and was totally shocked and disappointed. The flight crew i found to be very rude with and had an attitude. The biggest shock was the greetings and all announcements were in English accept the safety rules where the pre-recorded tape was played. If asked about the return flight from Halifax to Montreal, one word to describe it "disaster". I was totally turned off with WestJet. I will for sure continue using Porter as I was always pleased with there service. As they say "you get what you pay for"."
Pros: "We were late getting to YUL because of traffic, and a West Jet employee went above and beyond to make sure we made it on our flight even though we missed the cut-off time."
Cons: "No entertainment on the return flights Yeg/Yul !! Makes for a long flight."
Cons: "They tried for force us to pay for a different ticket because we had gotten a cheap initial ticket!"
Pros: "The service of the crew was fantastic."
Cons: "No food included just water and Coke."
Pros: "Very smooth flight!"
Cons: "None. All is great!"
Pros: "everything"
Pros: "entertainment is good"
Cons: "im just sitting before the restroom (seat 29 C)im realy tall and the people pushing onmy seat all the time and bang my arm and the smell is realy bad and i see to much but in face for long long time because the people waiting on my place .. another bad im telling the crew and the girl she said my only option is wake the girl just beside me for asking to change the seat ...i refuse because SHE SLEEPING ! realy not happy sorry !"
Pros: "I love flying in a smaller plane. They are usually not full in the morning and so it gave me a lot of space to relax and enjoy the flight from montreal to toronto. The crew was really nice and smilling and they made sure that my pet and I had everything we needed."
Cons: "The seats are pretty thin and uncomfortable. There is no wifi or television on board."
Cons: "Delays"
Cons: "Staff was rude and lazy."
Cons: "avoid the westjet encore flights. planes are small and noisy. if you sit next to a window it’s impossible to comfortably put both feet on the ground. if you pay for plus seating on an encore flight you’re basically paying to get on and off first. there’s no extra room and would be more fairly priced at $10."
Pros: "The flight comes into Vancouver at a very good time."
Pros: "The flight attendants were very nice. Especially « Big John », he was very funny."
Pros: "Very friendly"
Cons: "We were delayed 45 minutes without reason, we asked to have our flights switched as we were nervous of missing our connecting flight and were told we could not switch. While we were waiting on the runway for over an hour I asked our flight attendant to check on the status of our connecting flight and she basically told us to hope for the best and that we would have to deal with it when we arrived in Toronto"
Cons: "Flight was cancelled then rescheduled on a flight that was over an hour delayed. We almost lost our connection to Hong Kong as a result. Made for a very stressful journey with 77 year old parent and 8 years old child long waiting/ tiring time and running to gate our flight."
Pros: "Boarding agents were welcoming and helpful. They offer to take an earlier flight. Check-in process fast and easy. They delayed the connection in Toronto, so We did not miss our flight."
Cons: "We had to wait about 2 hours in the plane before take off and 30 min. after landing because of weather and a lack of efficient communication. That was a very frustrating and exhausting flight. Not enough space and on westjet connect on board."
Pros: "The seats were vinyl, not fabric - I prefer vinyl. It feels 'cleaner'."
Cons: "1.I did not like the flight crew announcing how great they (the crew) were at the start of announcements before take-off ---- If you are great, don't tell us, act like it - I found both crew members hardly engaging, one was sullen. 2. PA system was a little hard to understand anyway. Crew member should have put volume up and made sure was loud enough , but just seemed like wanted to use a 'cute' half french/half english accent to speak in. 3. Also this flight 3535 on Dec 21 Mtl- Toronto made me nervous although I fly often. Most nervous I have been because pilot took time to gain altitude after take off, and when landing had to accelerate then decelerate a number of times. Landing was (with 2 km/hr winds i.e. not much wind) almost on one wheel. 4. Food does not have to be so cheap e.g. sweet snack bar? Please bring back an assortment of nuts as they are at least nutritious. Thank you for reading."
Cons: "I didn’t book the flight. Was just checking and got the confirmation of booking. Called customer service and they cancelled the booking. Question is why there is no confirmation button and how continue button can confirm the booking. Kayak need to check and advise."
Pros: "Staff was great"
Cons: "The 4hour delay on the one hour flight"
Cons: "Being stopped at every connection for screening. No communication about why. Nearly missing the connection due to the screenings. Being held in holding because it was being confirmed that my bag would make it on my next flight and then once confirmed it never made it anyways!!! Unprofessional and poorly executed all the way through."
Pros: "I liked that the inside of the plane was new, bright, and modern. Really great craft."
Cons: "It was a propeller plane and it doesn’t say that when you book. And they only gave water and pretzels. Nothing else. No soda, no coffee, etc. I was interested in purchasing a snack on board and the stewardess said they don’t sell on the flight because it was so short (40 min flight time.) lgehixh I could understand, but AirCanda offered a variety of snacks and drinks during the same 40 minute flight, so not sure what’s going on."
Pros: "Quick boarding and quick to disembark."
Cons: "tiny! you get what you pay for with a turbo prop."
Cons: "You should hire agents who don't lie to passengers. That's not a good reputation 4 the company. Have an office for the baggages where passengers can address their issues."
Pros: "The flight was on time"
Pros: "That we didn't crash."
Cons: "Two hour delay, disinterested CSA when checking in, clued-out flight attendant, GSA's didn't know how to gate check luggage. Will try to never fly another WestJet flight again!"
Pros: "- Flight was on time - Friendly crew"
Cons: "- My flight was from Montreal to Seattle with a connection in Calgary but the agent at the check in in Montreal was unable to confirm whether my luggage would be transferred directly to Seattle or if I had to collect it in Calgary and check in again. The crew should know or be able to verify the information in their database or somewhere at the departure not only when I arrive in Calgary! It adds a stress to the customer not knowing. - Flight of 4.30 hours and no free meals. - Impossible to use my hear phones in the plane so I couldn't hear the TV channels. I was also expecting movies and series like in Delta."
Pros: "Flight was on time."
Cons: "Seating was very cramped, uncomfortable."
Pros: "The airplane being pretty small, boarding and getting off was fast. No issues or delays either."
Pros: "Free wine and beer."
Cons: "Our flight for Toronto on Sept. 5 , # WS589 was delayed of about 1 and half hour; so, me and about 20 other passengers missed our connection in Toronto. The crew said that Pearson airport was on a shut down due to severe thunderstorms. But the weather was nice and sunny when we arrived Toronto; in fact my connecting flight ( Hainan airlines HU 7995 had left 20 min. earlier- on time- for Bejing. The crew in Westjet plane told me that all airlines were delayed in Toronto airport due to bad weather , and so that I would not miss my connecting flight."
Pros: "Great service, on time, comfortable seats."
Cons: "Could improve the snacks quality."
Pros: "Leg room"
Cons: "Unprofessional staff. Made a mistake during boarding that caused 2 hour delay"
Cons: "All flights boarded late, they ran out of food for purchase on long flights and the seats are uncomfortable."
Pros: "Montreal to Toronto the crew and staff was great and in a good mood and very pleasant"
Cons: "Connecting flight was cancelled."
Pros: "Didn't like anything. Specially the fact that I left home at 3am and I'm still not in LA"
Cons: "THE DELAYS! 36 HOURS ON THE ROAD AND STILL GOING! NEVER AGAIN!!!!"
Pros: "all the service was very good to us"
Pros: "In-flight service. Complimentary wine & beer. Flight attendants very friendly."
Pros: "The service was nice"
Pros: "Made it to toronto in time to catch my next flight"
Cons: "Flight was canceled Next flight was delayed 30 mins"
Cons: "TWO gate changes and several delays later, we finally got to Toronto."
Pros: "The assistance of the WestJet agent"
Cons: "I was held by the American immigration for over 30 minnqnwnnni missed the flight"
Cons: "1h late departure, but we arrived at the expected time. Seats were not very confortable, but everyone had an individual tv. We bought a flight Montreal-Mexico-Panama City, but for some reasons, it was impossible to get boarding passes for the second part of this flight... We had to check-in again in Mexico city."
Pros: "The fact that I made it to my destination on time, Barely. The crew was professional but not too involved, mostly hung out in the back of the plane having personal conversations. Pilot was very dry, and I really didn’t feel welcome to be a passenger."
Cons: "The boarding process is ridiculous, rush everyone to a bus and just to sit on a plane for an hour?! That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen experienced during a flight. What were the flight attendants doing?? Nothing. Didn’t offer any water or a misery of a snack while we waited. The pilot didn’t tell us anything, like where we were in line for departure, or what the hold up was. Very poor flight experience. I will avoid Mexico City airports and Aeromexico for a while...please contact me for more details. Thank you."
Cons: "Fly was cancelled"
Pros: "Crew was very good"
Cons: "Food and Documentation"
Pros: "The crew was great"
Cons: "The food and the how well the tv works"
Pros: "Crew"
Cons: "Food, entertainment"
Pros: "The lunch was good, the team was nice and the flight went well!"
Pros: "Not one flaw, it was very great overall."
Cons: "It was excellent"
Pros: "The crew was super professional. We appreciated the snack."
Cons: "It is out of your control, but landing can be stressful because of turbulence"
Pros: "Crew ok"
Pros: "We were on time"
Pros: "The a accommodations for my mother who is handicapped."
Cons: "Horrible and first flight was 1h45min late which made me miss my connecting flight. The transit airport was also a horrible experience to spend many endless hours in."
Pros: "Early arrival."
Cons: "Tedious check in with camera.. Snack not great. Aeromexico Changed my seat without prior notification. Boarding pass did not reflect change until I boarded. Miss the individual screens for entertainment center to watch movies."
Pros: "the crew was very gentle."
Cons: "I could not get my chair in a more confortable position to sleep, it did not work. Because of that my 6 hour and a half trip was very long and unconfortable and i ended up with pain in my lower back."
Pros: "Great crew nice and courteous. Great itinerary arrived at 2 pm in León."
Cons: "Very warm and small seats for 3hr 40 mins trip we were seated in front of emergency exit we couldn’t recline understandable but leg space is smaller than most standard planes."
Cons: "In the counter people were rude (as always) and the first guy that helped us didnt found us. A lot of time wasting and not much staff to check-in."
Cons: "We had an accident with a bird caught in the motor and no one told us anything for long time. It was really scary."
Cons: "We were not let in the bus to take us from the terminal gate to the aircraft on the runway, forcing us to miss the flight. And then were coerced into having to purchase another 2 tickets on the next flight, instead of them transferring our seats from one to the other. Absolutely the worst treatment to a paying customer / passenger you can imagine."
Pros: "I had 3 Seats and slept most of the flight. The flight attendants were helpful and friendly."
Cons: "Nothing not to like. It’s was a good flight my bags got here I got here."
Cons: "I missed the flight because I was given the wrong door information. In additio to this the airline never called the figjt through the speakers. The worse was the cuatomer service. Will never fly Aeroméxico again"
Pros: "The crew at the gate did their best to seat my family together."
Cons: "No entrainment available and the flight crew took over an hour to bring me some water."
Pros: "I would like to have direct flight to Mexico city, it will be a plus."
Pros: "I liked that Aeromexico offers a direct flight from my city to CDMX."
Cons: "I'm fairly tall, so I spend the extra for Economy+ for a few extra inches of leg room. It's still not adequate, but it's better than nothing. However, the seats on Aeromexico's E+ are more uncomfortable than any other E+ seats I've sat it. Truly awful to sit in for even a short period of time. Also, the planes are not clean. There was a half eaten lollipop stuck to the floor in front of my seat on our outbound flight, and on our return flight there was some sort of dried spill (I HOPE it was a spill, and not some sort of bodily fluid) on the wall under the window. If you want your drink to be cold you need to ask for ice - otherwise expect room temperature water/soda/juice, and only a tiny cup of it - there are no full cans of soda here. This wasn't a huge deal to me, but on our return flight I was quite parched and never could quench my thirst with the little amount of water I was given. All this said, I'd probably still suffer through a direct Aeromexico flight than deal with a layover on another airline."
Cons: "I had to pay $286 extra for two extra luggage. I was the impression that Aeromexico would charge $100 pesos for every extra luggage."
Pros: "Spacious seating, unexpected small meal at 11 pm, Mexican flight staff,(felt like I was in Mexico already)"
Pros: "Spaces plane"
Cons: "Music was not working and limited selection of movies"
Pros: "Good service, decent meals. Good to very good beverage service."
Cons: "Changing planes in Mexico requires immigration, screen hassles,. I will fly direct to US next time. Terminal info was very poor. Delayed second flight had no gate info until last minute."
Pros: "The airplane had entertainment choices. It was a nice entertainment system with recent movies."
Cons: "There was an hour delay on one of the flights and we were not notified. We had to ask around to find the information we needed."
Cons: "MY FLIGHT WAS CANCELLED!!!!!!!!!!! I DID NOT GET AN EMAIL NOTIFICATION!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WAS IN THE AIRPORT FOR OVER 11 HOURS!!!!!!"
Pros: "Confortable seats and entertaiment"
Cons: "late boarding"
Cons: "Pilots were late to flight...m"
Cons: "Boarding was super unorganized everyone was all over the place."
Cons: "Gate was changed before bording, gates closed before plane departure time regardless of not all passengers present. Missed the flight and Aeromexico made us pay to grab another flight while it was Aeromexico personel that refused to allow us in even though it was not yet departure time and said plane doors were closed."
Pros: "Straightforward and good. Very Timely."
Pros: "Staff was friendly, both at the airport and in the air. It was nice to have meals served, even on the very short flight."
Cons: "We arrived at the airport to find that they had overbooked the plane and our family's 4 seats were in jeopardy. We had to wait until they had processed everyone else in line, even though we had gotten there first, because either they were in the "sky priority" line or because maybe they had pre-bought their seat assignments. After a tense 20 minutes of waiting, they closed the flight and let us have our seats. Then, at the gate, they confiscated two of our most important carry on bags and checked them because they said that children are not allowed a carry on item -- despite paying full freight for their seats! It was very nerve-wracking at our arrival destinations as these two items were not padlocked and were the very last to come on the conveyor belt."
Pros: "Good flight, excelent schedule"
Cons: "Flight Over sold (20 people)."
Cons: "We sat on the runway after we landed for over an hour and I missed my connecting flight. No one offered to help or apologized for the delay. No compensation was provided"
Cons: "No entertainment options. No vegetarian meal. No adjustable headrest."
Cons: "To start with I paid to check in my suitcase. But I change my mind and decided to have a cary on. when I arrived at the airport I told an agent that I wanted to bring my suitcase as carry-on and she said that it was too large. So I had to wait in line. When I finally fot to the counter the agent and the agent realized I had already paid. She said that I could try take my suitcase under my own responsibility because she thought security would send me back. I was very surprised to hear this because it is a computer case. I did not have any problems and was able to embark. The plane had not bern clean. The pocket underneath my table had a used kleenex and the table of the person seated next to my had coffee spilled. During the 5:50 hrs only once were we offer a drink. Really bad service for an international flight."
Pros: "Plane service was good"
Cons: "Connection in Mexico city was a horrible experience. More than 2 hours to go thru customs. Seberal people lost connection flights. I will never ever will take this flight again."
Cons: "Waited from scheduled boarding to when the flight was cancelled- 3 hours and then little help from Aero Mexico to rebook to final destination in a reasonable time. Was promised a full refund of cancelled booking with Aero Mexico and as of 4/17- 0"
Cons: "Didn't board on time"
Cons: "I lost it!"
Cons: "They did not refund money as I didnt take flight. I request for cancelling a week before"
Cons: "I had my period and desperately needed to use the bathroom. We were told to stay in our seats The entire flight even though there wasn’t much turbulence. The flight attendant yelled at me over the intercom to return to my seat when I tried to get up so I ended up bleeding through my tampon."
Pros: "Seats felt thin"
Cons: "Things are getting smaller, we're paying more for less and less; it's all reducing except the cost. Generally flying is no longer 'special' it's kind of routine, like cattle herding--and the customer is the cattle."
Pros: "Seating, nice personnel"
Cons: "Long layover in Chicago"
Pros: "I feel like there is more leg room in the seats then in other discount airlines! I like the snack and drink, this breaks up the flight a bit. This is nice for me because I don’t like to fly."
Cons: "The staff seemed miserable. No one was nice or even smiled. Just felt like they couldn’t wait for this leg of their day/trip to be over."
Pros: "They had the decency to book a hotel after delaying the flight so long it made many people miss their connecting flight."
Cons: "Being more considerate to the customers and not changing gates last minutes or delaying the flight an hour before take off. Also not sending ones luggage on a later flight then having to wait to pick it up and find out it never arrived after you go speak to costumer service. Worst service ever!"
Cons: "We lost the conection because pre departure there swas an issue with one of the wings of the plane and took about 30 min. Afterwards after landing the plan had to wait another 15 minutes waiting for the gate. American Airlines atributed the issue to weather conditions in Vancouver, false."
Pros: "The crew seemed nice"
Cons: "It is not the airline, I just had screaming kids beside me and behind me for 5 hours"
Pros: "This was Japan airline and the crew were very respectful and responsive and food was amazing"
Cons: "The entertainment selection could have been better"
Pros: "The seat was cormfortable and the entertainment was dope!"
Cons: "Communication. The pilot did not say when he was landing and considering it was a rough landing it would have been helpful to say. He said we shall be landing like 40minutes before Then quiet"
Pros: "The plane got us there safely."
Cons: "The crew was basically useless. They hung out in the back not really paying attention or just in the way. One stewardess knocked me in the head when passing through and didn’t even apologize. No one greeted or told goodbye at the end."
Pros: "Friendly staff made people feel safe even during turbulence."
Pros: "Good service in-flight. Pretty comfortable seats and decent in-flight food/beverage options."
Cons: "Crew was slamming overhead compartments before take-off and would ignore questions from passengers. Late take-off, very late gate change and late arrival. No help from crew on the plan to get bags taken care of so boarding took forever."
Pros: "Because the flight was delayed the captain and crew did everything in their power to get us to Charlotte without any more delay than there already was."
Cons: "Only issue we had is that the flight was delayed, other than it was an okay flight."
Pros: "The most efficient boarding process I've ever experienced."
Cons: "The crew seemed to be under a lot of tension and the audio jack to my in-seat monitor didn't work. After mentioning the faulty system to the crew I had to find a new seat by myself and there was no follow up."
Pros: "The flight crew were friendly."
Cons: "The boarding staff member was extremely overwhelmed being the only person at the desk. She visibly looked frazzled & made it well known. It made me feel insecure about the flight. Then the maintenance crew didn’t notice that there was a dead bird in one of the engines until after we were fully boarded and had to sit on the plane for an hour over our expected time. I appreciated the fact that they were being through for our safety, but catch that before you have people board."
Cons: "late departure"
Pros: "Quite hospitable On time."
Cons: "The coffee was horrible."
Pros: "On time, nice plane"
Cons: "Realized I left my iPhone in pocket of my seat as soon as I exited plane - spoke to gate agent within 1 minute of leaving plane and she Asia she would get the cleaning crew to look while I waited. Waited 20 min only to hear a bunch of lies about how they asked the flight attendant to look but she couldn’t find it - should have just walked back on plane to do it myself. Was told to “go online” and file a lost and found report. This is a small airport - TRI cities TN - absolutely zero customer focus by and American Airline employee - and I asked to sp all with a supervisor and manager with the hope I would get my phone back. Worst service and zero caring attitude I’ve dealt with - and I fly a lot. It will be Delta from here on out. I went on line and filed a complaint and lost and found report - am betting a large amount of money I hear nothing other than an automated reply."
Cons: "super delayed, then delayed more on tarmac due to OVERVfueling."
Cons: "Did not realize this flight was operated by American"
Pros: "upbeat happy crew. Service of drinks was pleasant and helpful."
Cons: "Cramped seat room."
Pros: "Thankful for the pilot... He got us to Charlotte alive."
Cons: "Sitting on the plane for two hours prior to take off. Also, I'm not a fan of being bribed into credit cards, and the whole class system... Everyone is a human passenger"
Cons: "The cleaniless of the flight can get better"
Cons: "The flight had no pilot assigned to the flight yet the attendants still boarded us. Then we waited on the plane for an hour before exiting the plane. The attendants gave us little information on flight alternatives and when the flight was finally allowed to board again, they did not announce it and so had I not been waiting close by, I would have missed my flight. It was extremely disappointing but not shocking with all the scandals that have occurred this year with American Airlines. I do not recommend flying with them."
Pros: "Clean plane"
Cons: "No food"
Cons: "Crew didn't walk around to offer wanter/drinks except during meal time and it would have been nice if they did."
Pros: "Video entertainment not working for my whole row."
Cons: "Very cold airplane"
Cons: "Staff seemed tired with some minor conflicts between them at Toronto gate"
Pros: "It was a short trip, LA to Albuquerque. Flight attendants were nice, plane was clean, and I was comfortable enough to sleep all 2 hours"
Cons: "3 hour delay and much confusion. In and out of aircraft."
Pros: "Flight left and arrived early"
Cons: "Insufficient supply of Immigration forms"
Cons: "First hearing news of my flight being severely delayed I asked the ticket agent if I should just drive down to DFW from Lawton he reassured me that the plane would get there with time I had to make a split decision to drive down very rapidly"
Cons: "Cero entretaintment"
Pros: "nice flight - nonstop got us exactly where we want"
Cons: "not a big selection on food... just cookies (although good it would be nice to have some selection)"
Pros: "The boarding process was good."
Cons: "Don't think the flight attendant should hang the trash bags in front of the passengers faces in the aisles to collect trash."
Pros: "smooth check in and boarding etc"
Cons: "Wifi wasn't working so no entertainment"
Cons: "I was supposed to dj in dallas at 12am got a flight in at 7pm but with mechanical problems flight was delayed to a 2:20am landing which I missed my job. I paid for a flight I didn't use and lost 1300.00 usd 0 out of 10 for AA"
Pros: "Upgraded to first class. Provided umbrellas for boarding. Changed our daughters' seat assignments so they could sit together. Nice breakfast."
Cons: "Rain during boarding"
Pros: "They gave us free headphones. The seat back entertainment had a large selection of movies to watch."
Cons: "Similar to my previous review, the crew treated the passengers like we were in the way of their travel plans. There were far too many interruptions during the flight that paused the seat back entertainment. Awesome that you have a credit card, but I don't need to hear about it 100 times during the flight."
Pros: "Ticket agents at all airports were helpful and very considerate."
Cons: "We were not able to print our boarding passes the day before as expected per the website and purchase docs for the tickets, despite providing passport numbers (several times) and Global Entry registrations. Had to go to a ticket desk at first departure and third departure points to have them printed, with no explanations given. Also not allowed to choose our seats for the third leg. Food was barely edible. Paid extra for roomier seats on one leg, making it more comfortable, but were extremely tight on another leg which had many empty seats scattered throughout the cabin. Cabin attendants seemed more interested in pushing items that generated revenue than providing the ones that came with the ticket (which is never cheap to begin with)."
Pros: "Got there safe"
Cons: "We were cattle attendants cowboys"
Pros: "Have a great trip without any problems."
Cons: "Terrible transit to terminal in LAX with shuttle and stairs"
Pros: "WiFi"
Cons: "For an airline that has been around as long as they have, their customer service is lacking signicantly. Communication was lacking to the passengers. As far as helpful, I cannot say they I witnessed anyone being helpful or trying to make a pleasant experience. The flight attendants seemed lacking in knowledge, friendliness, consideration, or empathy."
Pros: "The flight attendants on this flight were very nice and helpful."
Cons: "Extremely unorganized. Sat on the plane for about 2 hours before we could even take off. There method for lightening the plane was extremely poor. The entire plane ending up missing connecting flights. No food left to purchase...no drinks served to the back of the plane til about 3 1/2-4 hours into the flight."
Cons: "American changed the 2nd & 3rd legs of our trip from Vancouver to Phoenix to Charlotte to New Bern and didn't bother to notify us. Discovered on our own after we arrived in Phoenix."
Pros: "not beat up"
Cons: "people trying to get extra carry on on"
Pros: "By the time I boarded the plane three hours late nothing short of a flux capacitor to make the plane fly back in time would have made this trip even decent."
Cons: "It was just so late."
Pros: "Really appreciated AC getting us on an earlier flight as our scheduled flight was delayed over 2 hours due to weather."
Cons: "One of my checked baggage was lost."
Pros: "One flight attendant in particular. Wish I knew her name to commend her. Also, had a bassinet for my grandson!! Frequent beverages offered, especially water. Allowed to move seats once in the air!! Able to help my daughter with her baby. Chicken dish was actually really good."
Cons: "No movie screens at all!? Odd; especially for an International flight. Check bathroom paper supplies more frequently. Ran out of paper towels two bathrooms. No fault of yours, but the Venice airport was a nightmare. I am use to airports in the US and was shocked how long the line was to get through to our gate. We couldn’t even find the end because it wrapped around like an “S”. Surprised we had to print our boarding pass (but was never asked for it); couldn’t do a mobile boarding pass."
Cons: "Air Canada has completely gone down the tubes and super quickly."
Cons: "A comedy of errors from beginning to end! Couldn’t check in because of code share... finally succeeded After 2 hours of frustration Then in SFO my reserved & paid seats were given away, then I was taken off the next flight so I wasdenied boarding!"
Pros: "The flight wasn’t full, so I sat in my own row,?which offered spare leg room (I’m 6’2”). Time to fix the leg room issue on Rouge flights — it’s 2018."
Cons: "Crew seemed uninterested in general. On phones in back while people struggling to find luggage space. Coffee cups and plastic utensils, etc, stored in overhead bins so people at the back had to search for carry-on space elsewhere, again, without assistance from on board crew. Offered service only once and many were sleeping so didn’t get anything. The overall check-in process could be easier, as the app doesn’t always work as it should."
Cons: "seat pitch pretty tight."
Pros: "The staff - they're always pretty good. The food is also very decent - lot's of jokes about airline food but it's not bad."
Cons: "The seats need some sort of engineering redesign - like maybe they all recline in a row. Airplane seats are never comfortable. Also, for entertainment, they offer USB and AC power which is good, but they should also look into upgrading all the tablets and running linux on them or some operating system with less overhead - the movie displays are really slow and unwieldy."
Cons: "serious delays and the staff were not very friendly. Weren't willing to go above and beyond for travellers that had been sitting in airports all day! Probably one of the poorest crews i have encountered on Air Canada."
Pros: "Plesant ride"
Cons: "Flight took longer to depart due to boarding and de-icing"
Cons: "Didn't board as I missed the connection."
Pros: "I liked how friendly and efficient the crew was"
Cons: "I didn't like how there was no movie available to watch and/or no free wifi"
Pros: "Entertainment excellent for a short flight"
Pros: "The staff on board the plane were excellent."
Cons: "The wireless entertainment system is slow and glitchy and did not work on an older iPad. The food was subpar but by airline standards was middle of the road."
Cons: "Old plane, no in flight entertainment"
Pros: "any such long flight is not really enjoyable"
Pros: "The flight arrived about 30 minutes early. Also, it left a little late. For me, the less time on the plane the better."
Cons: "Guy next to wanted to charge phone a laptop in USB port in front of me b/c his was our of order. This worked out OK but in a small space it's not so good. He was bare foot too. Take of your shoes but wear socks, please....Plane was not hot, actual a litter chilly."
Cons: "No food on a 5 hour international flight!!"
Cons: "1, no food 2, pay for the luggage 3, very small leg room 4, too low temperature in the cabin and no blanket"
Cons: "Both flights were over 1 hour late. Weather was fine so difficult to understand delays."
Cons: "The flight was delayed an hour and a half."
Pros: "Crew were excellent, flight itself was comfortable once finally underway"
Cons: "My flight was delayed, never given an explanation. My bag did not arrive with my flight from Victoria to Toronto. I was never told why this happened, and I was refused entry through customs and forced to miss my connecting flight."
Pros: "Short flight"
Cons: "Cramped seating"
Pros: "The seats were fairly comfortable for such a small plane."
Cons: "There was no meal on an international flight of more than four hours."
Pros: "Large comfortable seats."
Cons: "You now have to pay for drinks on British Airways flights"
Pros: "The seats were unbelievably squishy. And the crew was quite rough."
Cons: "YVR airport's Air Canada staff was extremely unprofessional. First, they cancelled my original itinerary and moved me to a flight 3 hours later. Now I understand it was holidays so I was okay thus far. I got to the airport 2 hours before the departure time and even though I had check-in online, I was requested to get into "Check-in assistance" line instead of the "baggage drop". The "Check-in assistance" line had multiple people rebooking their flights when at the counter (on an average each person was being held for 15 minutes by the slow staff). By the time I reached the counter, I was told that the gate had been closed and I will have to rebook. The staff said at that point that it was "just the way it is" and their terms and conditions have this clause saying they don't guarantee people will be boarded. Well, sure, don't board them if they're late but don't delay them on purpose and then strike them off the boarding list. Very Very disappointed."
Pros: "Always an easy direct flight from FLL to Montreal via Air Canada! Staff very friendly, professional, willing to help. Plane is comfortable and flights are usually very smooth!"
Pros: "Crew was friendly."
Cons: "Boarding is horrible. Fees for taking bags cause everyone to carry-on and with too much on board an everyone has to wait while they transfer excess bags to beneath the plane. Food is poor. seats are cramped."
Pros: "Flight times and cost"
Cons: "Everything else."
Pros: "Right on time. No problems boarding"
Cons: "No food/entertainment"
Pros: "Staff communicated delays well, and they were polite once we got going. In flight entertainment offered was good, but heard some passengers having trouble with their screens not working."
Cons: "Delays, delays, delays. Theme of my vacation. When we arrived in Dallas we had no idea what baggage claim we were supposed to be at. There was no announcement, flight information displays didn't say anything."
Cons: "Flight was 2 hours late after we already had a 5 hour lay-over. Waiting area quite small for so many flights to US .Felt like the ugly step-sisters."
Pros: "always has extra seats available."
Cons: "A lot of families with kids, dirty lavatory due to low passenger profile. Rude flight attendant while having seated before take off. Dirty Boarding area. Poor food quality."
Pros: "Movies ok"
Cons: "Very very very cold and no blanket !!!!! Was a struggle"
Pros: "Extra leg room seats were good, expensive."
Cons: "Poor boarding procedures. We paid extra for extra leg room seats, but had to wait until last to board, hat to stow our carry ons 5 and 8 rows behind us."
Pros: "The price was decent."
Cons: "I was travelling with a 13 yr old and expected to be seated together when I booked. I didn't know I needed to pluck my seats if I didn't want to pay extra. The woman at boarding moved our seats, however, closer at boarding, which I thought was pretty considerate."
Pros: "Lots of entertainment options Not totally booked so everyone had a little space to relax on such a long flight Food was nice"
Pros: "The pilot set an expectation of an early arrival (30 min) that was not met."
Pros: "Crew was surly overall on flight. On ground they looked bored-one on first leg of flight seemed hung over"
Cons: "Changed my flight home do my layover went from 1 hr 30 min to 5 hours!"
Pros: "The space I had for my feet and legs"
Cons: "The lights that had to stay on during a red eye flight"
Pros: "Very fast flight"
Cons: "In flight Audio didn't work"
Cons: "Flight was delayed over 4 hours due to Air Canada needing a mechanic to check and sign off on the tire tread on one of the wheels, the ground staff enforced the carry-on bag size arbitrarily and inconsistently, and the entertainment system froze up and reset itself at least 3 times on the flight. Apart from the captain, the rest of the Air Canada staff exhibited the usual bureaucratic and defensive behavior I have unfortunately seen multiple times before. They're expensive (with a nasty computer algorithm that raises the price by over $100 each time you browse flights. The first time I checked, it was $300+; by the 3rd time it was over $600. When I used a VPN, the price magically went down to $300 plus, which was still a lot) and the experience is generally unpleasant. I have to brace myself for their lack of common sense behavior every time I deal with them. If I didn't have to fly with them, I wouldn't."
Pros: "New plane (Dreamliner). Very comfortable journey. Friendly flight attendants."
Pros: "Great service (Business Class)"
Cons: "Delayed 1.5 hours due to fueling issue in YYJ (not Air Canada's fault) Breakfast (business class) never varies and is getting somewhat boring"
Cons: "They are so incompetent that they had us arriving in Germany on May 3 and connecting on May 2. We had to have the ticket rewritten TWICE."
Cons: "The flight was late"
Pros: "The aircraft was clean, flight on time, service and staff were very professional and courteous."
Cons: "Boarding should be from the rear of the aircraft to reduce congestion in the aisles. Need more vegetarian food options."
Pros: "Good"
Pros: "I was able to be put on later flights (my first leg was delayed several hours due to weather), but the staff either didn't have information and/or directed me elsewhere to obtain information. That's about all good I can say about the trip."
Cons: "Poor communication from Air Canada staff about when the next flight would be, moving us off the plane after it had to return to Victoria, only to send us back on within ten minutes or so."
Pros: "Crew was friendly, helpful and very competent. Flight arrived early. Regular notification/reminder via SMS on flight status. Comfortable seats, generous seat pitch."
Cons: "For a three-hour international flight, and at that ticket price, substantial snacks should be complimentary. In Asia, flights of three hours or more on legacy carriers have proper inflight food. Low cost carriers sell food; but UA is not LCC."
Pros: "The flight was comfortable enough, and the staff were friendly."
Cons: "As usual with planes coming from SFO, this one was late."
Cons: "This flight and three others arrive into Dublin at 5:00 am This is a bizarre time to arrive at a destination"
Pros: "We upgraded to business so it was great. Crew was especially attentive."
Cons: "Couldn't recharge the iPhone. No plug."
Cons: "I bought first/business class ticket for my wife & myself. The sitting was comparable to premium coach level, my overhead bin was occupied by someone else. Food service was acceptable. I am medium built, the lavatory was very tight I felt sorry for larger than my self."
Cons: "Unassigned seating from the beginning of the trip made the trip arduous."
Pros: "The flight was nice and the crew was very helpful"
Cons: "The landing was a bit rough"
Cons: "Late flight and can't catch next flight on time:("
Cons: "7.99 to watch DTV with very limited Choice you get more from Jet Blue Free The sound jack was worn out so I had to jiggle it to find the spot it worked and then hold it for 5 hrs They appear to be cutting corners"
Cons: "Very late"
Cons: "I don't like delays..."
Cons: "Flight was delayed but this was due to weather conditions."
Cons: "I am young but I am in heart failure and have an artificial heart. I had requested wheelchair service so I didn't overexert myself at the airport and was wheeled right up to the gate. There were two other older passengers in wheelchairs, one on either side of me. When it came time to pre-board flight attendants came up to both men and helped them on board. They ignored me. Then they announced regular boarding. I had to remove my bags from my lap and get up out of the chair and go to the gate to say I needed to preboard. The man looked annoyd and said they had announced it. When I explained how no one came to me but they did the others he said I could go now. I said I needed help with my bags and he acted VERY surly and put out. He did help me but I felt like they assumed because I was young I couldn't possibly be sick and treated me like a liar."
Cons: "Awful service,"
Pros: "It really was great. On time, crew was helpful and friendly"
Pros: "On time, friendly crew, bags got through timely"
Cons: "Nothing in particular."
Cons: "I arrived at YVR to check in for my flight at 4 pm. I was told they couldn't find me In the system anywhere and when they finally did find me they told me they had booked my seat onto another flight that didn't leave u til 6 pm and I would arrive home in San Diego at 10:40 pm. They refused to check my luggage because they said I had arrived too early. I wasn't too early for my originally scheduled flight! I now had to sit in the airport for 5 hours. I had to call home, arrange a sitter for my children whom I was suppose to see at 8:55 pm. They said there was nothing they could do about it."
Pros: "On time, great crew"
Cons: "Small plane, last row of seats are the pits"
Pros: "Was quick enough and on time."
Cons: "Please start charging obese customers more money for their tickets. Seat I was in had me squished because the other passenger was so big. Its not fair that I have to give up half of my seat."
Pros: "It had been years since we last flew UNITED. Honestly, we were a bit apprehensive after learning of friends' negative experiences but we moved forward with our plan. The flight was smooth, and ahead of schedule and the crew was totally on top of their game. SPOT ON!"
Cons: "If I would make ANY suggestion, it would be to load people from the back of the plane to expedite loading. Your current 'zone' approach results in lots of waiting for passengers lo sitting in the back....as the front passenger's mess around, trying to get themselves situated...CLUELESS that there are a hundred others WAITING in the aisle, as they tussle with their sweaters, purses, tech equipment, etc. (if you get my gist!). Just something to consider....."
Pros: "Friendly and accommodating flight attendants."
Cons: "awful handling of the flight delay with lack of info and updates. We were told we were boarding in twenty minutes for four hours."
Cons: "there was no in-flight entertainment."
Pros: "The crew was great, the service impeccable, the boarding process fast"
Cons: "At least two different kind of snacks to choose from, will be much appreciated"
Cons: "We booked with Air Canada but it was actually United. The flight was delayed five hours. This always happens with United and they seldom provide explanations or updates."
Cons: "Purchased tickets 4 months before this flight for a departure time of 6:05pm. Tried to check in and check baggage at 9:30am but was turned away saying I could only check in 3 hrs prior to my flight. Came back at 3:00pm to check-in and they could not find my information. An hour later they find out that they cancelled the flight and moved my departure time to 8:25am for that day. They say they emailed 3 times in May but I never got it (I'm a bit crazy about my email staying clean) so they say it might have went in to my spam folder due to they types of emails they send to customers. They only kept repeating that they notified me so there is nothing they could do. I ended up going to Air Canada to get a flight to PHX the next day. No apology, no help, no hotel for the night...Terrible experience by United. They gave me a customer relations group contact information to follow up with for complaint but since they sent me the 3 emails in May about the change, they have no liability to fix the situation."
Pros: "Another normal flight."
Cons: "Check in troubles. Couldn't check in online. Agents had some trouble locating our reservations. Security was a lengthy process. Big brother type operation going through customs."
Pros: "It was a good flight overall."
Cons: "I arrived in Mexico on Monday, and I've yet to receive my luggage. The representatives keep reassuring me that my luggage is still in Houston and that it will be on the next flight. This is such an overwhelming experience because I don't know what is really going on."
Pros: "Great flight with no issues or any problems. Flight on time, luggage transfer was fine, crew pleasant and helpful. Smooth sailing."
Cons: "We don't take advantage of entertainment on board."
Cons: "Constant 5 - 30 minute email updates stating flight delay. The delayed started at 30 minutes and ended in being 3 hours. The stated reason changed just as frequently."
Pros: "Crew and services"
Cons: "in flight movies were not free while most other airlines offer passenger free in flight entertainment."
Pros: "The flight attendants were really courteous and friendly."
Cons: "There was not anything that I did not like"
Pros: "Headphone slot. Free wifi"
Cons: "Tight seats in coach..expected"
Cons: "Did know till we got on the flight that if we wanted entertainment that we had to down load a appt. so that was annoying."
Pros: "No screens or entertainment on either of my flights, but the crew was very nice."
Pros: "Not much to like about United these days, just basic cattle car service and nickel and dime you for everything."
Cons: "Cramped seats, poor entertainment choices, basic uncomfortable seating."
Cons: "For an international flight, we had to pay for meals and for entertainment."
Pros: "All good"
Cons: "Didn't fly this leg on United, but rather on Air Canada."
Pros: "Gate Crew in YVR was very courteous"
Cons: "Deadheading pilots throwing large carry on in front rows but sitting in back rows. Really guys?"
Pros: "It ending"
Cons: "I don't even know where to begin. Horrible flight with two obnoxious dunk clowns that kept this red eye flight awake. Because they were loud and obnoxious they got all the service on the flight. The way they acted, very inappropriately to another passenger, and sneaking booze from their carry on-Wished there was an air marshal on the flight. Won't be flying United again."
Pros: "The plane was clean, left on time and arrived early. Expecting that there were too many carry on bags, they offered to check some bags at the gate for no additional cost."
Cons: "The snacks were a waste of time. The charge for the entertainment system is based on the published flying time but since those are overstated to improve on time performance, the entertainment charge was excessive."
Pros: "Kayak was not aware that my flight was changed to another airline. Great notification!!!!!"
Pros: "The crew was very helpful"
Cons: "The fiesta packet of food is terrible, the coffee creamer was curdled in 3 different cups that I tried"
Pros: "I like boarding, crew and the comfort ."
Pros: "There was a medical emergency on board and the crew, especially the African American stewardess is to be commended for her (their) responsiveness. The flight was pleasant, however I could not give an excellent rating. To give an excellent rating would meant his flight or airline stood out above all others."
Pros: "Good but not great,"
Cons: "I was worried all the flight, my daughter And I were sited far from each other."
Cons: "Very tight seating, lack of wifi entertainment on a 4 hour flight is despicable"
Pros: "poor airline with bad time and no accomodation"
Cons: "Our flight arrived 20m late, as did my wife on the same flight three nights earlier."
Pros: "He's a great pilot."
Cons: "That flight was so very scary.My name is Addison ( Parinaz ) Barati."
Read more about WestJet
Safety measures for airlines flying to León
Airlines flying to León have enacted additional safety measures and adjusted policies to better accommodate travellers. Policies vary by airline.
Daily cleaning, installation of cabin HEPA filters on flights to León
Masks required on board, masks provided on flights to León
Middle seats unavailable to book on flights to León
Testing for antibodies, testing for symptoms for flights to León
Waiving of change fees. Search flexible flights to León
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Open the Accessibility Interface (Can also be opened using the Alt+9 Key)
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Oakbank, Winchburgh, West Lothian
Oakbank, Winchburgh offers an excellent collection of four and five bedroom detached and semi-detached homes which are excellently positioned along a beautiful mature tree line with direct pedestrian access into the 75 acre Auldcathie District Park and just 12 miles from Edinburgh City Centre.
Oakbank, Winchburgh, EH52 6FS
from £320,000 — £409,995
Opening Hours: Open by appointment. Further information below
Calls may be recorded for training purposes. Calls will be charged at 5p per minute.
Brochure Download Brochure
Homes for Sale > West Lothian > Oakbank, Winchburgh
In line with Government guidelines, our sales office and showhome are open daily 11am – 5.30pm by pre-booked appointment only. View with confidence that all COVID safety precautions are in place, and our team can accommodate your requirements to ensure a comfortable visit.
Alternatively we have our Virtual Guided Tours and Remote Reservation services available.
THIS IS LIVING. THIS IS CALA.
This development offers a stunning collection of four and five bedroom detached homes which are excellently positioned along a beautiful tree line and just 12 miles from Edinburgh City Centre.
Winchburgh offers a wide range of community amenities including a choice of local supermarkets, an award-winning butchers as well as a choice of take away food outlets and a local bar and restaurant. There is also easy access to schooling and plans in place for a new primary as well as two state of the art high schools within the town. In addition, for those that enjoy the outdoors, there is the scenic cycle path route to Edinburgh to discover which runs along the Union Canal.
Moving forward, the Winchburgh masterplan will further enhance the selection of facilities with plans for a new town centre, a Marina as well as the addition of further green spaces for all the family to enjoy. In addition, a new motorway junction connecting to the M9 will further enhance connectivity with Edinburgh City Centre which just 12 miles from Winchburgh.
Winchburgh offers a host of excellent amenities including shops, take away restaurants, an award-winning butchers and the popular Tally Ho bar/restaurant which offers the perfect spot to catch up with friends. The wider masterplan will expand on these amenities with the creation of a new multi-use town centre, a Marina, extensive outdoor spaces as well as new coffee shops and eateries. The delights of Linlithgow are also in easy reach.
The development of the Daisy Park in the heart of the town and the 75 acre Auldcathie District Park, creates the perfect escapes for all. As well as open green space for walking, these parks will also boast beautifully created cycle tracks, fitness trails, play parks and informal sports pitches as well as the potential for water sports for those into the outdoors. You can enjoy family fun and fresh air just minutes from home.
EXCELLENT TRANSPORT LINKS
Major investment in the local transport network, including an upgraded M9 junction will make commuting to Winchburgh even easier. There is also easy access to Linlithgow and the rail network. With Edinburgh just 12 miles away, you can be in the capital in no time.
A CAPITAL IDEA
With some of the country’s leading galleries and museums, shops that range from high street to high end and some of the UK’s most cutting edge restaurants, the bright lights and enticing buzz of Edinburgh mean that days out or evening entertainment is never far from home.
ROOM FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Our range of 4 and 5 bedroom homes ensure that there is no longer a need for compromise. Have fun deciding who sleeps where and putting your personal stamp on your surroundings
WE‘RE PERFECTLY FLEXIBLE
We now all need so much more from our living space. Home office or tv lounge, playroom or guest bedroom, adapt your surrounding as your family grows or as your needs change.
HIGH SPECIFICATION
High specification surroundings are our trademark so that, from the latest integrated kitchen appliances to private en suites and beautiful bi-fold wardrobes, quality is always on tap.
Outdoor space something we all find hard to live without. Whether entertaining friends or simply indulging in some personal time out, do it in style stepping to private garden or patio through elegant bi-fold French doors
Photography may have been enhanced in post-production and may include upgrades at additional cost. Computer Generated Images may show features fittings, décor, flooring and soft furnishings which are not fitted as standard in a CALA home. CGIs are used to suggest possible finishes that can be achieved in your home at an additional cost. Please consult a CALA representative for further details.
CALA commences construction of prime site at Winchburgh
CALA Homes (East) has confirmed that it will start work on the creation of a new 74 home development after purchasing prime land as part of the major Winchburgh masterplan.…
FIND THE PERFECT FAMILY HOME AT CALA’S RAVELRIG HEIGHTS
CALA Homes has the perfect offering for househunters looking for the ultimate family home, complete with an added homeworking space…
Final chapter of £110m investment programme underway in Balerno
The last phase of an exclusive residential development is now underway, representing the culmination of a £110m investment into a village within Edinburgh’s suburbs.…
Oakbank Winchburgh Brochure (1)
Offers & Incentives T&Cs
CALA Group (Holdings) Limited. Registered office: CALA House, 54 The Causeway, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 3AX. Registered in England and Wales. No. 08428265
CALA Homes
A CALA sales representative will be in touch soon to discuss your enquiry.
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Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Tractor poured slurry into field to force illegal ravers out as police 'stood around'
Tenant farmer David Rolls has accused police of doing nothing to protect his land from ravers
Raymond Brown
Stinking slurry was poured out next illegal ravers after police “stood around” watching the bash.
Tenant farmer David Rolls is furious with police after the illegal rave was held on land he leases to grow hay for horses which was left strewn with broken bottles meaning they could have killed the animals if harvested.
He told the Cambridge News between 150 and 200 people attended the rave on fields on the A1198 Ermine Way between the villages of Arrington and Longstowe.
Cambridgeshire Police have defended their actions saying it was dealt with in a 'proportionate' manner.
Riot police and other officers arrived at the scene just after 1am on Sunday (June 4) but revellers did not leave the site until almost 12 hours later.
'I wondered where it was coming from'. Illegal rave 'could be heard six miles away' and kept locals up at night
Mr Rolls said: “Four riot vans and various other police cars turned up but just stood there watching. They said they weren’t going to break it up as the ravers would be drunk or on drugs and get in their cars.
“Fair enough, but they could have made arrests as there was drugs evidence everywhere. The police said it was too dangerous to let them drive off.
“So they just stood around. My neighbour came to help and drove a tractor with slurry [into the field]. Police said if the slurry went over them - the police - my neighbour would be done for assault.
“He didn’t put the slurry over them just near them.
“But the police seemed more interested in arresting us and they grabbed my neighbour from the tractor’s cab which was high up and pulled him to the ground. He is in his 60s.
“I am in a right state. My livelihood is at stake with the damage to my crops with broken bottles everywhere. I grow grass for hay and if I harvest it with broken glass in it the horses that eat it could die.
“I just don’t know what to do. I’m not one of these rich farmers. I am a tenant farmer.
“The ravers are ignorant idiots who don’t realise the damage they have caused because they are ignorant. I am furious at the police. They did nothing to protect us. I’ve probably lost tens of thousands of pounds from this.”
Police confirm arrest after illegal rave in Cambridgeshire countryside
Cambridgeshire police have defended their actions.
A force spokeswoman said: “We were called at 1.11am to reports of a rave taking place in a rural location near Arrington.
“Approximately 30 officers attended the scene and dealt with the situation in a proportionate manor.
“As vehicles left the site they were stopped and where appropriate drivers were breathalysed.
Police called to scene of reported 'illegal rave' which was still going on in Cambridgeshire village this morning
“Advice was given to a man on site about his conduct, which he ignored, and resulted in a 59-year-old man from Cambridge being arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace.
“He was taken to Parkside police station where he was later released with no further action.”
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Home/Car News
2021 Isuzu D-Max sold out: Five-month wait list on some models
The all-new Isuzu D-Max has been a big hit. But can you actually get your hands on an X-Terrain or LS-U at the moment?
2021 Range Rover Velar adds tech, engines
The all-new Isuzu D-Max has been such a big hit with customers some variants are now sold out until February next year.
We called 10 dealers today around Australia and found most dealers had no stock of the top-specification X-Terrain, while only two dealers had stock of the next level down, the LS-U.
Of the dealers we spoke to, most said they would receive fresh stock of X-Terrains in January or February 2021, while the LS-U is set to land at dealers in December 2020 or January 2021.
Some dealers have also sold their demonstrator stock, so would be selling future stock without being able to offer a test drive first.
Isuzu Ute Australia says it was taken by surprise with the high level of interest in the all-new D-Max.
“Naturally, we are pleased with the response to date from the media and the public towards the all-new Isuzu D-Max. Reports from our Isuzu Ute dealer network indicate higher than expected levels of enquiry, with initial allocation of some of the top end models moving very quickly, and we can confirm that we are working on additional supply of vehicles to meet the demand as quickly as possible,” said Isuzu Ute Australia PR manager, Mark Harman.
“Regarding the sales split, it is still too early to tell, as stock is continually arriving at Dealers and the All-New D-MAX has only been on sale for a few weeks, but we will continue to monitor the situation.”
Mazda, which yesterday announced pricing for the 2021 BT-50, is expected to face a similar rush of orders – but is adamant there is adequate supply for the remainder of 2020.
“There’s been strong interest many dealers have taken pre orders… Overall we are very happy with the initial reaction to the brand new BT-50’s arrival,” said a Mazda spokesperson.
“In our launch planning for brand new BT-50 we secured strong supply channels from October through to the end of the year. Through our own research and dealer feedback, we anticipated strong upfront demand and have volume planned to satisfy this from launch.”
The all-new Isuzu D-Max is a big step forward for the brand in terms of refinement and features, with the next-generation ute using a new version of the Isuzu Ute 4JJ engine that produces 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.
Mazda’s BT-50 shares the same engine and platform, with a unique design and some changes to interior appearance to help differentiate the two.
MORE: 2021 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain review
MORE: 2021 Isuzu D-Max LS-U review
MORE: 2021 Mazda BT-50 detailed walkaround
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 unveiled
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Home/Car Reviews/Mazda/Mazda2
2020 Mazda 2 G15 Pure review
Mazda has pushed the entry-level 2 into lofty pricing territory. Unfortunately, it's starting to feel old.
Scott Collie
Finally has CarPlay and Android Auto
Pointy handling
Efficient engine
Huge price hike
MZD Connect is getting old
Slightly mismatched interior trim
Forget cheap and cheerful, small cars are moving upmarket. Mazda has taken the entry-level Mazda 2 and given it a fancier makeover for 2020.
There’s more standard equipment, new trim options, and a more mature face on the outside.
Prices have risen across the board though, and the engine has been given an incredibly mild update.
Does the mid-life refresh make for a more luxurious miniature Mazda, or has the brand stretched things a bit too far?
How much does the 2020 Mazda 2 G15 Pure cost?
Pricing for the base G15 Pure has risen to $20,990 before on-road costs for the manual, and $22,990 before on-roads with a six-speed automatic.
That’s an increase of $5220 over the existing entry-level Mazda 2, and makes the base model more expensive than a larger Kia Cerato or Hyundai i30. Not chump change.
The range tops out with the GT auto, priced from $25,990 before on-roads.
Standard equipment in the base model 2 has been given a boost for 2020. The two big inclusions are a reversing camera and smartphone mirroring, both of which have been reserved for higher-end cars until now.
Both are enabled by the addition of a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, which takes the place of the old-fashioned radio unit of the old Neo. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, and is a touchscreen when the car is stationary.
Mazda has slotted in a six-speaker stereo in place of the old four-speaker unit, too.
If you need reminding the Pure is a base model, the Nav button on the rotary controller doesn’t take you to inbuilt mapping. It just tells you to visit a Mazda dealer and have the system upgraded instead, which is a bit cruel.
Finally, the set of 15-inch steel wheels of the Neo have been subbed for alloys.
Is the 2020 Mazda 2 G15 Pure safe?
The Mazda 2 has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing carried out in 2015.
Active safety features include blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking (AEB, with pedestrian detection included), reversing AEB, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist.
There are six airbags and LED headlights, too.
What is it like inside?
Mazda has changed a few things for 2020, but the Pure is still – at its core – a city car that debuted in 2014. There’s no central armrest, and the dominant material is still black plastic.
The seats are now trimmed in brown and black cloth, an inadvisable colour combination in the eyes of some, but Mazda has trimmed the steering wheel, gear knob, and handbrake in what feels like leather.
Despite its diminutive footprint, the front seats of the Mazda 2 have space for gangly drivers like me. The wheel adjusts for reach and tilt, and the manually-adjusted seats slide enough to accommodate long legs. Although it’s still a small car, there are far worse places to spend time.
The lack of a central armrest is annoying though, partly because there’s nowhere to hide your garage door opener and partly because it’s nice to have somewhere to rest your left elbow.
Rear seat space is average, as you’d expect. With the driver’s seat in my position there is no space back there at all, but you’ll fit average-sized adults behind slightly smaller adults. The big windows help, creating a more welcoming atmosphere than you get from the bigger but helmet-shaped Mazda 3 hatchback, while the tall roofline means headroom is acceptable.
Boot space is 250L, down 100L on the Volkswagen Polo it now battles on price. Although the second row folds 60/40, the seats don’t fold close to flat (like the Honda Jazz and its Magic Seats) making it a less-than-ideal place to carry bigger items.
Space odyssey
Not quite practical enough
The second row does not fold flat, and the boot lags behind the Volkswagen Polo
Although the interior is fundamentally fine, it doesn’t really live up to the (much) more expensive sticker price. The brown seat trim is different, the touch points are fine, but the driver is still faced with the same basic instrument binnacle as the outgoing model.
Mazda has sprinkled gloss black trim pieces around the cabin to lift the ambience, but the basic black weave of the older 2 carries over in some spots as well, creating an inconsistent look throughout.
Is it fair to criticise a subcompact hatch for slightly inconsistent interior trim? When it’s more than $5000 pricier than the model it replaces, we’d say yes.
MZD Connect is really showing its age now. The addition of CarPlay and Android Auto is nice, but the system takes an eternity to start up when you turn the car on, and is sluggish at best once the wheels are turning.
The setup from the new Mazda 3 is a huge improvement, while the Volkswagen Polo offers a more mature experience at the same price point. Put simply, the Mazda 2 is getting old.
What’s under the bonnet?
Power in the Mazda 2 comes from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 82kW of power and 144Nm of torque, put to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
There’s no turbo on hand to force-feed the engine air, but power is up 3kW and torque up 5Nm compared to the older car. Not earth-shattering changes, then.
Claimed fuel economy is 5.5L/100km, we saw 6.7L/100km in a week heavily slanted toward city driving.
How does it drive?
The outputs don’t scream powerhouse, but the lightweight Mazda 2 packs more than enough punch for its primary role as a commuter.
It has enough pep down low to get off the mark quickly, and zings through the rev range when you bury the throttle. It doesn’t have the same mid-range pulling power as the turbo motor in the Polo or Swift, but that’s the price of sticking with a naturally-aspirated engine.
For the most part it’s smooth and quiet, but lean too hard on the throttle and it gets a bit noisy and coarse. Once again, acceptable in a compact city car, but a bit off the pace when compared to the smooth-moving Volkswagen Polo.
The six-speed torque converter is excellent. And by excellent we mean totally normal. There’s no hunting, no low-speed jerking or awkwardness on light throttle inputs, which is one of the biggest advantages to opting against a dual-clutch transmission.
Mazda’s start/stop system could use a bit of work. Some of my colleagues think it should kick in as you pull to a stop, but that’s not the biggest problem – it’s just too harsh when it cuts in, and requires a hard push on the brake pedal to activate.
There’s more than just a hint of Zoom Zoom about the way the Mazda 2 handles. It feels light on its feet, with a keen front end and quick steering. You can sling the 2 around town with reckless abandon, which is always a joy in something so small and light.
The tall windows and light steering make it a cinch to park, too, and no underground garage is too tight. Unsurprisingly, this city car does its best work in the city.
That’s not to say it isn’t a natural highway cruiser, though. The engine settles down nicely at the legal limit, and wind noise is surprisingly well suppressed on the move. There is a bit of roar from the tyres, but it’s nothing that can’t be solved by cranking up the stereo a few notches.
It feels planted in blustery conditions, although it does feel small when you’re wheel-to-wheel with a Kenworth.
How much does the Mazda 2 cost to run?
Maintenance for the Mazda 2 is required every 12 months or 10,000km – whichever comes first.
The first, third, and fifth service will cost $315, while the second and fourth will set you back $345. That means five years of maintenance will set you back $1635.
As with the wider Mazda range, the 2 has a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
CarExpert’s take on the Mazda 2 G15 Pure
The Mazda 2 is too expensive. There’s no getting around it.
It’s fun to drive, and the interior upgrades are welcome, but the fundamentals still scream six-year-old economy car. That’s where they’re from, after all.
Check out the Volkswagen Polo, Kia Rio GT-Line, or even the larger Kia Cerato before you commit to paying $22,990 before on-road costs.
Cost of Ownership 7.5
Ride Comfort 7.5
Fit for Purpose 7
Handling Dynamics 8.2
Interior Practicality and Space 7
Fuel Efficiency 8.1
Performance 7.1
Technology Infotainment 6.5
A$22,990 MRLP
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Macau Light Train Route to Start Tuesday with Stops at Cotai Casinos
Ed Silverstein Read More
Expertise: Crime, Legal, Tribal Gaming.
Cotai gaming properties are getting easier to reach this week, thanks to the launch of a Macau light rapid transit (LRT) train line. The transit route comes as the region improves various transportation resources.
An 11-stop Macau light rail service will launch this week. Stations include stops near many Cotai casinos. (Image: Macau News)
The 11-station Taipa route will stop near several gaming properties. Other stops on the 9.3-kilometer (almost 5.8 miles) route include the local stadium and international airport, according to the LRT website.
Run by Macao Light Rapid Transit Corp Ltd. – a subsidiary of MTR Corporation — service begins on Tuesday. The fare is free for the remainder of the month.
Later, passengers will have to pay to ride the cars, though the price range is so far unknown. Eventually, LRT service could also serve the Macau peninsula, according to GGRAsia.
As envisioned, the LRT route will operate between 6:30 am to 11:15 pm Mondays through Thursdays. For the rest of the week and on holidays, it will run between 6:30 am and 11:59 pm. Trains will stop every five to 10 minutes.
Taipa line stations include the following stops: Ocean, Jockey Club, Sports Ground, Pai Kok, Cotai West, Lotus Port, East Asian Games, Cotai East, HKUST, airport and Taipa Wharf.
The transit system is fully automated. It uses rubber tire transit cars.
Costs to build the line jumped from a 2007 projected $520 million to close to $1.3 billion, GGRAsia said. The project faced several delays, too, the report adds.
Seen as Economical, Efficient Way to Travel
The public transit initiative could benefit Macau’s many casinos, given that some players will find it an economic, efficient way to reach the gaming properties.
It is unclear if the number of overall visitors in Macau will increase with the local transit service. Or will it simply provide another option on how to travel in Cotai?
Macau already attracts many VIP high rollers. They typically board a flight to get to Macau.
Mass market players and non-gaming visitors to the region who are interested in entertainment, shopping and dining may also use the new LRT service. Local residents, including casino employees, are also among the likely passengers.
LRT has posted numerous available jobs in engineering and station operations online. These include workers to operate and control trains, support staff, engineers, and maintenance employees.
The Macau government awarded a 10-year franchise contract for the operation and maintenance of the light rail system with the company in September.
Airport, Bridge Construction Improves Macau Transportation
The LRT route comes as the region gets other transportation improvements. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau (HKZM) $20 billion bridge opened in October 2018.
The bridge spans 34 miles. That distance makes it the sixth-longest bridge in the world.
A Macau bus provides daily service from three Sands China casino resorts in the gaming enclave. One Bus, as the casino charter service company is known, transports riders from the Sands Macau, Venetian and Parisian.
Work was scheduled for this year to expand the south terminal at the Macau airport. Officially known as the Passenger Terminal Building South Extension Design and Build Project, the more than 75,000-square-foot expansion will increase Macau International Airport total capacity to 10 million annual passengers.
Along with added departure gates, the three-level terminal project will include commercial and retail space, food and beverage, VIP area, and office space.
Train Service Likely To Resume Between Thailand and Cambodia’s Gambling Destination of Poipet
New Jersey Eases State Border Regulations for Online Gambling
Sydney Approves Packer Plan for Crown Ltd. Casino Expansion
Macau Approves Currency Declaration Bill, Forcing Travelers to Reveal How Much Cash They’re Carrying
Caesars Already Trimming Corporate Headcount in Advance of Eldorado Resorts Deal Being Completed
Macau Online Casinos
Ed Silverstein — April 30, 2019
Samantha Beckett — March 12, 2014
David Sheldon — July 6, 2013
Kevin Horridge — June 4, 2017
JACK Management Team Acquires Two Ohio Casinos From Dan Gilbert
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Philanthropic Tips
Endow Iowa
Individual Gifts
Seminar Conversations
Catholic Values Investing
CFSWIA Welcomes New & Returning Board Members
By Rachel Seidl | July 25, 2018
| By Maureen Kenney |
The Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa (CFSWIA) is launching into its seventh fiscal year with a board of directors serving as its springboard. The board is tasked with leading the CFSWIA in assisting parishes, schools and Catholic organization across the 23-county Diocese of Des Moines as the entities seek to secure long-term financial support. The board is made of up of five corporate members and twelve at-large members. Board members can serve three, three-year terms for a total of nine years of service.
The newest members of the board, beginning their first term of service, are Don Coffin and Christine Long. Coffin is the CEO and President of Bankers Trust and an active parishioner at Sacred Heart in West Des Moines. Long is an Attorney and Shareholder at Bradshaw, Folwer, Proctor & Fairgrave, P.C. and a parishioner at St. Theresa in Des Moines.
Board members re-upping for their second term include Tim Dunbar, Connor Flynn and Jim Wallace. Dunbar is the Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Principal Financial Group while a parishioner at Sacred Heart in West Des Moines. Flynn is Chairman of Lessing-Flynn Advertising Co. and a long-time member of St. Augustin in Des Moines. Wallace is also a parishioner at St. Augustin in Des Moines and retired from his role as Chairman & CEO of GuideOne Insurance.
Beginning his third and last term with the Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa is Monsignor Ed Hurley. Monsignor Hurley is retired after serving 47 years in varying clergy positions within the Diocese of Des Moines. He currently serves as the diocese’s Vicar for Finance.
A full 2018-2019 Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa Board of Directors listing can be found here: https://www.catholicfoundationiowa.org/who-are-we/board-of-directors/
Posted in Foundation News
2020 Year-End Giving: Make Sure Your Gift Counts!
Boxes, Presents, and Treasured Memories
A Lasting Legacy: Leaving a Gift to Catholic Charities
Is a Donor Advised Fund for You?
Connecting Faith and Investing
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Ring-Tail Tooters & Yeller Bad’Uns – Volume 3 – Autographed Paperback
Civil War in the Ozarks Books | Joe W Smith Books | Mountain Home Arkansas Ring-Tail Tooters & Yeller Bad’Uns - Volume 3 - Autographed Paperback <p>Personally Autographed Version of the Physical Paperback book, Brand New - Shipped Directly from the Author to you.</p><p>Third in a four part series; stories of the real Ozarks natives. If you grew up in the country or small town, you will smile as Joe Smith takes you back to the days when life was just one endless summer.</p><p><strong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"><em data-redactor-tag=\"em\">If you like stories of the Ozarks,</em></strong><br /><strong data-redactor-tag=\"strong\"><em data-redactor-tag=\"em\">you are in for a real treat!</em></strong></p><p>Some of Joe W. Smith’s stories will make you laugh and slap your knee, while others will make you feel a little sadness for the times and people who are gone. But we’ll guarantee you that each of Smith’s tales will take you down the misty path of memory. There you’ll catch a glimpse of the happy child that still lives somewhere inside each and every one of us, no matter what our age. Having made contact with this child, we hope you can hold on to him or her and follow your own memories.<br />The history and culture of the native Ozark people has long been steeped in myth and legend. These people, often called hillbillies, have been caricaturized in comics and TV shows for so long that most of America thinks the legends are reality. Joe W. Smith, in his short stories of the Ozarks, uses his sense of humor to take his readers beyond the myths and introduce them to the real Ozark people. He finally exposes the truth about the Ozark character.<br />You will feel as if you grew up with such characters as;</p><p>Eugene, the fence steeple shooter.</p><p>Bro. Roberts, the first grade poet.</p><p>And, Dongo Dobbs, who could have been the first victim</p><p>of the dreaded electric paddle!</p><p>Smith’s writings will take you away from this homogenized, bubble wrapped, vitamin D added world of ours and back to a less toxic time when life was simple and easy to understand, the Ozarks of the nineteen fifties.</p>
Ring-Tail Tooters & Yeller Bad’Uns - Volume 3 - Autographed Paperback
Model Number: RTV3-Auto
Manufacturer: Civil War in the Ozarks Books | Joe W Smith Books | Mountain Home Arkansas
Personally Autographed Version of the Physical Paperback book, Brand New - Shipped Directly from the Author to you.
Third in a four part series; stories of the real Ozarks natives. If you grew up in the country or small town, you will smile as Joe Smith takes you back to the days when life was just one endless summer.
If you like stories of the Ozarks,
you are in for a real treat!
Some of Joe W. Smith’s stories will make you laugh and slap your knee, while others will make you feel a little sadness for the times and people who are gone. But we’ll guarantee you that each of Smith’s tales will take you down the misty path of memory. There you’ll catch a glimpse of the happy child that still lives somewhere inside each and every one of us, no matter what our age. Having made contact with this child, we hope you can hold on to him or her and follow your own memories.
The history and culture of the native Ozark people has long been steeped in myth and legend. These people, often called hillbillies, have been caricaturized in comics and TV shows for so long that most of America thinks the legends are reality. Joe W. Smith, in his short stories of the Ozarks, uses his sense of humor to take his readers beyond the myths and introduce them to the real Ozark people. He finally exposes the truth about the Ozark character.
You will feel as if you grew up with such characters as;
Eugene, the fence steeple shooter.
Bro. Roberts, the first grade poet.
And, Dongo Dobbs, who could have been the first victim
of the dreaded electric paddle!
Smith’s writings will take you away from this homogenized, bubble wrapped, vitamin D added world of ours and back to a less toxic time when life was simple and easy to understand, the Ozarks of the nineteen fifties.
Hello from Joe. I’m new at this computer blog thing…
author's thoughts
Website Design & Hosting by: Mountain Home Marketing 870-495-2800 |
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Welcome to our research center! We've put together a library of information on important financial topics that we believe you'll find helpful.
Simply click on one of the general financial topics below and you'll find a selection of easy-to-understand information sheets about related financial concepts and strategies. This information is updated regularly to reflect the latest facts, figures, legislation, and economic trends.
What Key Estate Planning Tools Should I Know About?
Wills and trusts allow you to spell out how you would like your property distributed, but they also go beyond that.
How Can a Living Trust Help Me Control My Estate?
A living trust can help control the distribution of your estate upon death.
What Are the Pitfalls of Probate?
The probate process can be lengthy and complex. There are strategies you can use to help avoid the probate process.
To retain the tax advantages associated with charitable giving, your gift must be made to a qualified organization.
How Can I Build and Preserve My Estate?
Life insurance can be used to help preserve your estate’s value for your heirs.
How Can I Control the Distribution of My Estate?
If you haven't taken steps already, consider planning now for the distribution of your estate’s assets.
If you believe your estate will be subject to estate taxes, consider how your heirs will pay the bill.
Can I Benefit from an A-B Trust?
An A-B trust can be an effective way to help reduce estate taxes and preserve family assets for heirs.
What Gifting Strategies Are Available to Me?
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different gifting strategies available for planned giving.
How Can I Benefit from a Charitable Lead Trust?
Charitable lead trusts are designed for people who would like to benefit a charity now rather than later.
How Can I Benefit from a Charitable Remainder Trust?
A designated income beneficiary could receive payment of a specified amount from a charitable remainder trust.
How Can I Benefit from a Wealth Replacement Trust?
A wealth replacement trust could be used to gift appreciated assets to a charity as well as provide for heirs.
Could My Family Benefit from a Family Limited Partnership?
One estate planning strategy that families with closely held businesses could consider is the family limited partnership.
What Is the Best Form of Property Ownership for Me?
Sole ownership, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and community property have special benefits for property owners.
History of the Federal Estate Tax
Careful estate planning is still one of the most important ways to manage and protect your assets for your heirs.
What Is a SEP IRA?
A SEP IRA is a type of plan under which the employer contributes (up to a certain limit) to an employee’s IRA.
What Is a SIMPLE?
The SIMPLE plan may appeal to small business owners as it is easy to set up, administer, and allows for a tax deduction.
What Is an IRA Rollover?
If you leave a job or retire, you should consider your options regarding your employer retirement plan assets.
A Roth 401(k) is funded with after-tax money, and allows for tax- and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings if requirements are met.
What Is a Profit-Sharing Plan?
Profit-sharing plans give employees a share in the profits of a company and can help to fund their retirements.
A money purchase plan is a retirement plan where employer contributions are based on a fixed percentage of compensation.
What Is a 403(b) Plan?
A 403(b) plan is a tax-deferred retirement savings plan that can only be offered by a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity.
A split-annuity strategy can generate immediate income while potentially stretching some retirement savings.
How Much Do I Need to Save?
Many realize it’s important to save for retirement, but knowing exactly how much to save is another issue altogether.
A New Chapter for Retirement
With the changing pension landscape, it is important to take charge of your own retirement security.
Unforgettable Birthdays
There are key dates after you turn 59 that can impact your taxes, Medicare eligibility, and retirement benefits.
Don’t Bank Your Retirement on Your Business
Allocating too much of your retirement investments to one company, even your own, can be a risky proposition.
What Are My Retirement Planning Options?
There are a variety of retirement planning options that could help meet your needs. Here are some of the most popular.
Will Social Security Retire Before You Do?
Greater demand is being placed on the Social Security system as the baby boom generation has begun to retire.
Social Security Income
The Social Security Administration’s retirement estimator gives estimates of your future benefits based on your actual Social Security earnings record.
What Is a Self-Employed Retirement Plan?
Tax-deferred retirement plans for self-employed individuals have higher contribution limits than IRAs.
Retirement Plan Distributions
When receiving money accumulated in your employer-sponsored retirement plan, you have two options: lump sum or annuity.
What Is a Traditional IRA?
If you do not participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you might consider a traditional IRA.
What Is a 401(k) Plan?
401(k) employer-sponsored retirement plans have many benefits, including that the funds accumulate tax-deferred.
How Should I Manage My Retirement Plan?
Employer-sponsored retirement plans are more important than ever, but managing the assets can be confusing.
Save Now or Save Later?
If you start saving for retirement sooner, the more money you are likely to accumulate and possibly retire sooner.
What Is a Roth IRA?
Qualified Roth IRA distributions in retirement are free of federal income tax and aren’t included in gross income.
What Is the Capital Gain Tax?
Capital gains are profits realized from the sale of assets; a tax is triggered only when an asset is sold, not held.
What Is the Estate Tax?
Everything you own, whatever the form of ownership, is subject to federal, and possibly state, estate taxes.
What Is the Gift Tax?
The federal gift tax applies to gifts of property or money while the donor is living.
IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans are subject to annual contribution limits set by the federal government.
What Is a Required Minimum Distribution?
Required minimum distribution is the annual amount that must be withdrawn from a qualified retirement plan/account.
What Are the Tax Benefits of Charitable Trusts?
For the grantor, there are a few potential tax benefits that can come with setting up a charitable trust.
When Must Taxes Be Paid on IRA and Employer-Sponsored Retirement Funds?
With traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans, taxes are not payable until funds are withdrawn.
What Happens If I Withdraw Money from My Tax-Deferred Investments Before Age 59½
Tax-deferred retirement account withdrawals before age 59½ generally triggers a 10% federal income tax penalty.
What Is Tax Deferral?
There can be a substantial benefit to deferring taxes as long as possible.
Many traditional tax-advantaged investment strategies have gone away, but there are still some alternatives.
What Tax Deductions Are Still Available to Me?
Changes to the tax code have left a few key deductions for itemizers, like medical, dental and some business expenses.
What Tax-Advantaged Alternatives Do I Have?
While stable, CDs can create an income tax bill. Fixed annuities and municipal bonds can offer tax advantages.
What Is the Most Tax-Efficient Way to Take a Distribution From a Retirement Plan
Consider a trustee-to-trustee transfer to an IRA versus a lump-sum distribution from a workplace retirement plan.
Is There Such a Thing as a Tax-Free Investment?
It's important to understand tax-exempt vehicles when establishing a comprehensive tax planning strategy.
How Can I Keep More of My Mutual Fund Profits?
Want to keep more of your mutual fund profits? You may be interested in strategies to help lower your tax liability.
A 1035 exchange allows you to exchange your life insurance policy for one from another company without tax liability.
What Are Dividends?
It is important to understand how dividends (taxable payments to shareholders) fit with your long-term goals.
What Is an Exchange-Traded Fund?
ETFs have unique attributes and attempt to track all types of indexes, industries, or commodities.
Growth Stocks vs. Value Stocks
The labels growth and value reflect different approaches that can be used when making investment decisions.
How Are Mutual Funds Taxed?
Mutual fund taxes can be cumbersome, but there are ways to help mitigate the amount of taxes you may owe.
What Is Stock?
Before investing in stocks, it is important to understand some of the basics and the risks involved in owning stocks.
What Are Zero-Coupon Bonds?
Zero-coupon bonds represent a type of bond that does not pay interest during the life of the bond.
What Is Diversification?
An important element to successful investing is to manage investment risk while maintaining the potential for growth.
What Types of Bonds Are Available?
Bonds are issued by many entities and share many characteristics, each type of bond has certain benefits and risks.
A bond is simply evidence of a debt from a government entity or a corporation and represents a long-term IOU.
What Do Bond Ratings Mean?
Bond ratings gauge a bond issuer’s financial ability to repay its promised principal and interest payments.
What Is a Stock Index?
Stock market indexes can be useful benchmarks for gauging the performance of an investment portfolio over time.
How Do Mutual Funds and Stocks Differ?
The difference between purchasing an individual stock versus shares in a mutual fund to potentially earn dividends.
A mutual fund is a collection of stocks, bonds, and other securities with certain benefits and risks.
What Is a Closed-End Fund?
With closed-end funds, investors pool their money together to purchase a professionally managed portfolio of stocks and/or bonds.
What Is a Mutual Fund Load?
It’s important to understand mutual fund loads, or sales charges, and exactly what they entail so you can make informed investing decisions.
What Investment Risks Should I Know About?
Understanding different types of investment risk can help investors manage their money more effectively.
What Are the Different Classes of Assets?
There are five broad asset classes that you should take into consideration when constructing your investment portfolio.
What Is Asset Allocation?
Asset allocation is a method used to help manage investment risk; it does not guarantee a profit or protect against investment loss.
How Can I Save for My Child’s College Education?
There are several funding methods for a child's college education including mutual funds and Section 529 plans.
What College Investment Options Do I Have?
Starting to invest early for college and remaining consistent can help investors reach their goals.
What Stock and Bond Investing Alternatives Do I Have?
There are other ways to invest in stocks and bonds besides owning individual shares or bonds.
Dollar-cost averaging involves investing a set amount of money on a regular basis, regardless of market conditions.
529 plans are tax-advantaged savings plans that generally allow people of any income level to contribute.
What Are Some Tips for Managing My Money?
A sound cash management program uses a disciplined approach: accounting, analysis, allocation, and adjustment.
How Long Will It Take to Double My Money?
Before making investment decisions, it is helpful to determine the real rate of return on the investment.
What Cash Management Tools Are Available?
Short-term cash management instruments can help you establish a sound cash management program.
How Do Money Market Mutual Funds Work?
Money market funds can be a highly liquid and effective cash management tool.
How Can I Better Manage My Short-Term Cash?
There are numerous investment alternatives available to help provide liquidity.
What Advantages Does a Biweekly Mortgage Offer?
Biweekly mortgage payments can have a dramatic effect on the amount of interest homeowners have to pay.
There are techniques that can enable older homeowners to use their property to finance their lifestyle.
What Are Some Smart Ways to Refinance?
Here are some smart ways to refinance your home.
What About Financial Aid for College?
It's important to understand the options, such as financial aid grant programs, when having to pay for college.
What Savings Alternatives Are Available?
There are a number of savings alternatives that could help you earn a reasonable rate of return.
How Does Inflation Affect Me?
Historically, one of the best ways to fight the effects of inflation has been to utilize growth-oriented investments.
Is a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit Right for Me?
Shifting some debt to a home equity loan, which typically allows interest payments to be tax deductible, could have its advantages.
Why Purchase Life Insurance?
If you have a family who relies on your income, it is important to have life insurance protection.
Why Are Annuities Considered an Insurance Product?
An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company to pay you future income in exchange for premiums you pay.
What Is Property and Casualty Insurance?
Property and casualty insurance can help protect a variety of assets. Find out what it does and doesn’t cover.
Do I Need a Business Owner Policy?
A business owner policy is an insurance package that assembles the basic coverages required by a business owner in one bundle.
Company-owned life insurance is one way to help protect a business from financial problems caused by the death of a key employee.
What Is Split-Dollar Life Insurance?
Split-dollar life insurance is an arrangement to purchase and fund life insurance between two parties.
What Is Last-Survivor Life Insurance?
Couples who want to help protect their legacy from estate taxes could consider last-survivor life insurance.
Disability Income Insurance for Business Owners
As a business owner, a disability can create an economic hardship putting both your personal finances and business at risk.
What Is Term Life Insurance?
Term life insurance differs from permanent forms of life insurance in that it offers temporary protection.
Some of the pros and cons of whole life insurance.
What Is Universal Life Insurance?
Consider a universal life insurance policy if you want the flexibility to change your premium or death benefit.
What Is Variable Life Insurance?
Variable life insurance gives you the control to allocate your account value among a variety of investment options.
Even if your state doesn’t require certain types of auto insurance, it may be wise to purchase multiple types to ensure you are covered for a variety of situations.
When it is time to make an insurance claim, it helps if you are familiar with your policies and the steps you should take to file a claim.
Several factors could undermine the financial security provided by the proceeds of your life insurance policy.
How Can I Insure My Future?
To help you choose insurance wisely, determine how much coverage and what kind of policy is best for your situation.
Since your home is one of your greatest assets, you should make sure it is adequately protected. That's where homeowners insurance enters the picture.
Do I Need Disability Income Insurance?
Knowing the basics of a disability income insurance policy is a good first step toward protecting your family.
There are three basic types of medical insurance plans: fee-for-service, managed care, and high-deductible health plan.
Consider additional liability insurance to help protect you from the potentially devastating effects of liability lawsuits.
Selecting health insurance is often one of the most important decisions you will make. Do you know the different types?
Using a financially sound insurance company is an important part of ensuring your family’s financial security.
The odds of needing long-term care increase as you age. Prior planning can help protect you from financial ruin.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for those persons age 65 and over. But what does it cover?
How Likely Am I to Need Long-Term Care?
If you were to suffer an illness or disability that required long-term nursing care, would you be covered?
What Are the Basic Types of Life Insurance?
When selecting a life insurance policy, examine all your options, as well as the positives and negatives of each type.
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Chicago Reporter (https://www.chicagoreporter.com/abstinence-only-curricula-comes-under-fire/)
Abstinence-only curricula comes under fire
By Cassandra Gaddo | October 4, 2005
photo by Mary Hanlon
Elaine Jones of Kenwood Academy
Three phrases stand out in large, white letters on the long blackboard: “To abstain,” “sexual activity” and “subliminal seduction.” Close to 50 freshmen shift in their desks, watching the teacher or talking to their peers in the crowded, windowless classroom at Kenwood Academy.
Elaine Jones blows on a whistle around her neck to gain the students’ attention and launches into her lesson on subliminal seduction—how teens are bombarded with images of sex every day, and how they can resist those seductions and abstain from sexual activity. Not just now or in the near future, she says, but until marriage.
“What is a sex act?” Jones asks the class, pointing to the “sexual activity” portion of the blackboard. One student, who has been tossing out jokes throughout the class, raises his hand from the corner. “Say, if I was a virgin,” he asks. “If I had oral sex, I’m not a virgin?”
The students look expectantly at Jones. The guidelines of the abstinence-only curriculum certainly do not consider oral sex acceptable behavior for unmarried persons, but it is an act Jones says the teens are curious about.
Jones explains that technically, if a girl engages in oral sex, “she is still a virgin. But, in her sexual abstinence, she is not a virgin anymore.”
Along with other sources, Jones teaches from an abstinence-only curriculum called Project Reality, created by an independent organization of the same name and used in 525 middle schools and high schools in Illinois, including 130 in Chicago Public Schools.
But abstinence-only curricula like Project Reality are coming under increasing fire. The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois recently sent a letter to some 1,300 school superintendents across the state, warning that abstinence-only programs often include false or misleading information about preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases—for instance, that condoms are not effective in preventing the spread of STDs.
According to the ACLU, recent studies show that abstinence-only programs do not prevent teens from engaging in premarital sex and may deter young people from using condoms or from getting tested and treated for STDs.
Yet under policies put in place by the Bush Administration, schools that want federal funds for sex education can only receive grants if they agree to teach solely from abstinence-only curricula, says Lorie Chaiten, director of the reproductive rights program at the ACLU of Illinois.
Jobi Peterson, executive director of the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health and a former CPS administrator, says very few students receive adequate information in health classes because schools lack the resources to pay for comprehensive sex education programs. The caucus is lobbying legislators to provide federal funds for comprehensive sex education curricula, which the group notes would include a strong message in favor of abstinence but also medically accurate information on reproductive health, STDs and pregnancy prevention.
“Teachers really do want to give more information to young people but they just don’t have the curriculum or materials,” Petersen says.
The issue is particularly critical in Chicago, where teen birth rates have declined in recent years but remain higher than the averages—in some communities, more than double—for the state and surrounding Cook County suburbs.
Reality far from ‘abstinence only’
In the classroom, however, sticking to a strict outline of “abstinence only” is not always practical. Teens bring questions and experiences that fall outside of these rigid parameters. And while students recognize the wisdom behind abstinence-focused teachings, they are also the first to point out the irony of such instruction in schools filled with pregnant students and teen parents.
“Every time you look up, someone’s pregnant,” says Kiyona Jackson, a soft-spoken senior at Hyde Park Academy in Woodlawn, which has a teen birth rate of 19 percent. “I don’t think they get pregnant on purpose. They listen to [sex education], but they go against it or whatever.”
Even though she knows not all students will listen to the sex-can-wait message, Kendra Thomas, another Hyde Park student, says she believes that it’s an important viewpoint for students to receive. “They tell you that [sex] can cause you to do things you don’t want to do, and emotional stress,” she says.
According to Denise Everhart, one of Hyde Park Academy’s physical education teachers, the school supplements its health education program with lesson plans from ABJ Community Services Inc., an agency that trains instructors to teach abstinence-only materials, and Project VIDA, a group founded in 1992 to address the rising number of HIV and AIDS cases in Chicago’s black and Latino communities.
Everhart supports this combination.
“[Students are] getting the facts now,” she says. “Oftentimes, they misunderstand the whole reproductive process—for example, some think that they can’t get pregnant standing up. They don’t understand conception, and that’s something they definitely understand by the end [of the course].”
Najamusahar Muneeruddin, a sophomore at Lane Tech High in North Center, says some students might rebel against the Project Reality curriculum taught there.
“Some kids that take the sex ed class get angry, thinking ‘Why are they telling me what to do?'” she says.
Classmate Rex Libunao agreed. “If we are going to have sex, we might as well have choices,” he says. “At least you’d know about condoms, but they never told us about that.”
Federal funding up
Abstinence-only supporters believe Project Reality and other such lessons arm students with information they need to refuse sexual activity until marriage.
But detractors claim that message is realistic only to a handful of students in today’s classrooms.
The debate has gained momentum over the years. The Bush Administration increased funding for abstinence-only curricula to $206 million for fiscal year 2006, from $170 million for fiscal year 2005. Most recently in Illinois, some lawmakers have proposed a measure to guarantee state funding for “abstinence-based” sex education, which would promote abstinence as the best way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancies but would also provide age-appropriate information about condoms and birth control. The Illinois School Code specifies only that health education curricula should include instruction on “family life, including sexual abstinence until marriage.”
Caught in between are students left with valid questions and no answers to be found in their workbooks, like “The Navigator,” a text that supplements the Project Reality curriculum. “What if a girl was reading that, and was pregnant?” questions Lane Tech student Halla Karaman. “What if she wanted an abortion? Where would she go? How much would it cost? Do you need parental permission?”
“That’s the problem,” continues classmate Quetzalli Castro. “They tell you how you get pregnant, but not what to do. They tell you about abstinence, but they stop there.”
For her students, Jones has helped supply some of the answers. It was Rahkeisha Teagues’ favorite part of the class. “She gave us little cards to write questions down on. It’s fun,” Teagues says.
In aging metal file cabinets near the door of her classroom, Jones keeps several stacks of note cards bound with rubber bands. On each note card is a single health-related question written on the first day of class by a student; Jones proceeds through them as the semester progresses, answering each and every one of the students’ anonymous questions in class.
“I’m an advocate of abstinence, but I’m also realistic,” Jones says. “I try to teach to the whole class.” Usually the cards cover a range of topics, but this past year the cards shared an obvious theme, Jones says. “Every question was on sex, and they’re very detailed.”
A version of this article was first published in the July/August issue of The Chicago Reporter. Intern Leah Banks contributed to this report.
Cassandra Gaddo is a Chicago writer.
Minority-owned businesses largely miss out on federal relief
Locals hope that the next round of Paycheck Protection Program loans won’t prioritize large, publicly-traded corporations over the hardest hit small businesses.
Instead of extending the Red Line, some see promise in the Metra Electric
Converting the Metra Electric District main line into rapid transit could be a quicker, cheaper way to improve transit on the South Side than building more Red Line stations, advocates say.
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A choice and a chance
Chicago parents face massive disruption in their family routines if teachers go on strike Monday. Strike or not, the Chicago Public School system faces years of financial crisis — with the frightening prospect of a $338 million spike in pension costs in 2014.
Now what if we told you there is new evidence of a way to significantly boost urban student graduation rates without straining cash-strapped public school systems?
Illinois lawmakers, you in particular should pay close attention. Yes, we're talking about legislation you've bottled up that would create tuition vouchers for 30,000 kids in Chicago's worst-performing, most-crowded public schools.
Think these programs don't work? Then look at a breathtaking new study from researchers at the Brookings Institution and Harvard University. Brookings fellow Matthew M. Chingos and Harvard government professor Paul E. Peterson tracked 1,363 New York elementary school students who, starting in 1997, had received vouchers worth up to $1,400 a year through a New York City scholarship fund. Those students had their choice of any private school, religious or secular, in New York.
Result: African-American students who had used the vouchers were 24 percent more likely to attend college, and more than twice as likely to attend selective four-year colleges, as their peers who had not won the voucher lottery in a random draw. The hard numbers: 45 percent of the African-American students with vouchers graduated and attended college. That's compared to 36 percent of otherwise similar students who hadn't received the vouchers.
Those vouchers didn't give a similar boost to white or Hispanic students, but did help African-Americans close the customary graduation gap between black and Hispanic students, the researchers reported.
And the private schools got these positive effects while spending half of what public schools spent on their students. Our strong suspicion is that these private schools also were safer environments for living and learning.
Conclusion: Wow.
This isn't the first study to find that vouchers turbocharged students' graduation rates. A 2010 federal Department of Education study of students in Washington, D.C., found the 202 students who randomly had won "opportunity scholarships" to attend a private school were much more likely to graduate from high school than similar youths who applied for vouchers, but hadn't won them:
An amazing 91 percent of the D.C. students who received the voucher scholarships graduated, according to lead researcher Patrick Wolf of the University of Arkansas. That's compared to a 70 percent graduation rate for the kids who hadn't won vouchers.
Across the country, many states have become laboratories of school choice. So expect to see more studies on the effects of vouchers. And don't be surprised if those studies, too, find profound long-term advantages for students, especially urban students, whose families have won the right to choose the best school available to them.
Last year, Indiana set up an expansive voucher program open to students in families that have incomes below $61,000 a year. This year, 8,718 students have signed up, double last year's enrollment, Indiana education officials tell us.
Students from the worst public schools in Louisiana, too, now can choose a voucher worth up to $8,500. Demand has been strong: Education officials report about 10,300 applications for some 5,600 slots. That intense demand apparently frightens teachers union officials, who have threatened to file suit against private and parochial schools if they accept students in the new school choice program this year. The unions evidently fear that Louisiana parents will learn what New York parents in the Brookings-Harvard study learned — that vouchers measurably improve students' chances of graduating and advancing to college.
Here in Illinois, as we said, a voucher bill to free 30,000 Chicago public school students has been bottled up in the Legislature for more than two years.
Those are two years during which 30,000 students have been relegated to often low-performing schools.
Two years those kids can't get back.
Two years during which many of their parents desperately sought an alternative only to find ... that Illinois lawmakers beholden to their political allies and campaign donors in organized labor refuse to provide one.
For how many more years will Illinois legislators cheat these students — and tens of thousands like them who now are warehoused in other dead-end schools?
For how many more years will Illinois voters keep re-electing lawmakers who willfully deny these children a fair opportunity to reach for more successful lives?
How many more studies, how many more triumphs for voucher students elsewhere, until Illinois lawmakers are convinced — or shamed — into giving these kids a chance at a decent education?
Something to think about as teachers prepare to walk off the job.
Editorial: Chicago, city of shame and violence, where 3-year-old, 13-year-old are unintended targets
Commentary: The real stories of the Chicago women who portrayed Aunt Jemima
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The path forward
On Sept. 4, Kovac decided to tell his sister more about his changing life:
“Yea, Monday is coming and I know I will buy some alcohol and tobacco. That is what I do when I get cash. Don’t want to go to jail, so, I will drink at the apt. ... the desire to drink and smoke, just about stays in my mind. How I think. At least last Mon. I bought a shirt and three pairs of socks. That is $11.25 that I did not drink. Little victory. The main thing I have to know when to quit. Can’t drink every moment I’m awake. Even writing a letter helps. When I was worse, I recall reading a little in the newspaper, but none of it would sink in mind. My brain was pretty scrambled then. I am little better than that now.”
Then, on Sept. 26, this: “Starting to feel like a human again, instead of a sick animal... Out of jail for months and want to keep that going. I do like waking up after real sleep, not passed out, nice and rested.”
He is starting to feel normal. By Oct. 28, he is recalling the best of the siblings’ lives together.
“When you talk to mom or Diane, tell them I am still craving some stuffed cabbage and Hungarian goulash. Been over 15 years since I tasted either. Sounds good.”
Then this, on Nov. 3:
“I do tend to get better and better at cooking. 3 eggs ham and cheese omelet with diced white onion and green pepper. Now that I have a big cooking pot, I am going to to try and go to Kroger and pick up some baby back Bar B-Q Spare ribs and pork chops... I got all day to prepare them. Got some lotion to use on my hands and super dry skin. Almost 16 years on the street you tend to get crocidile (sic) skin. A lot of showers and lotion I am starting to feel human again, instead of an animal.”
By Nov. 27, he is eleven months into his new and improved life.
“Can’t drink near the amount I used to. But, at least now I can wake up and eat. I am far from young. No way did I ever imagine hitting 62.”
On Dec. 6, Kovac’s birthday, Schmitz brought him stuffed cabbage.
Like normal people now
On a recent Monday morning, Kovac is clean shaven, almost unrecognizable as the same man who spent his days picking up litter in Clifton. He’s slumped in a wooden chair at a matching round table, the only furniture he owns.
Each Monday, Kovac’s caseworker, Carl Jones, drops off a check for $150, part of a Social Security disability payment Kovac is entitled to.
Kovac’s Monday routine usually includes a trip to buy food, cigarettes and beer. He’s cautious about getting exactly what he needs so he won’t have to panhandle later in the week.
His apartment on a quiet street in Avondale is sparse, but Kovac said his needs are basic and this apartment meets them.
There’s a stove. There’s a refrigerator. There’s a shower.
It’s warm and quiet.
He doesn’t have a bed.
“You got to understand, I slept on the street,” he says. “A carpeted floor was pretty comfortable.”
Kovac had spotted what seemed like a perfectly good mattress on the street. It seemed almost new. He took it home. The queen-sized bed was free of stains, but apparently not bedbugs.
So, too soon, it had to go. But not before Kovac had gotten used to a little taste of something he had previously given up: comfort.
Kovac had been insistent that he didn’t need a bed, but that experience showed the caseworker that Kovac’s words didn’t match how he wants to live.
To sleep in a bed like normal people do.
On Dec. 14, Jones arranged for Kovac to withdraw enough money to purchase a new mattress. The two drove up Interstate 75 to VC Furniture, a company that has a program that will arrange payment through Kovac’s caseworker.
Kovac was greeted at the door by a salesman who led Kovac to where dozens of beds are lined up.
“Firm or medium,” Kovac said decisively.
He spent years sleeping on the street and feels it in his back, he said.
“The main thing was to get out of the wind and rain, not comfort,” he explained. “When you go to sleep, you just hope nobody wakes you up. Six or eight hours of sleep is a treat.”
Kovac lays down on one mattress, but declared it too soft.
“Try this one,” the salesman suggested.
Kovac lays down again, careful to ask if he could put his feet on it.
The salesman explained that of course he could, and then showed him the protected area on the mattress where his shoes go, so not to muss the bed.
Kovac smiled. He climbed aboard, crossed his legs and put his hands behind his neck.
“Yes,” he said, “this one.”
Needing homes first
On any given night in Hamilton County, 650 to 700 people are living on the streets or in an emergency shelter, according to Strategies to End Homelessness. Of those, 50 to 100 make their homes under bridges or in vacant buildings, doorways or makeshift homeless camps, the group reports.
In 2014, a total of 6,560 people resided in shelters or on the streets.
Many more people reach out for assistance but do not receive it.
“If what we want is for people not be homeless, the housing first model works,” said Kevin Finn, executive director of Strategies to End Homelessness and the coordinator of the area’s homeless programs. “Traditional housing models require people to fix all their problems in exchange for housing, but housing first uses stable shelter as a tool to fix the other problems.”
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Open call- consonni radio with AZ
Alhóndiga Bilbao, Atrio - Estudio de Radio
Would you like to collaborate with our in-house radio station to create a radio programme on cultural criticism? Send us your proposal!
We are issuing a public announcement for the creation of a podcast with four episodes to be recorded in our radio studio at Azkuna Zentroa - Alhóndiga Bilbao.
Please, send us your proposal!
Complete the following registration form here
We’re launching an open call for the creation of a 4 episodes radio podcasts recorded in Azkuna Zentroa – Alhondiga Bilbao, at our radio studio. For two years consonni Publishing House has been working as collective residency at Azkuna Zentroa Bilbao. During 2018 we’ve been creating different podcasts and this work will continue in 2019. We would like to broad our horizons and offer to other critical voices the opportunity of recording some programmes. It’ll be a live recorded programme at consonni radio studio with AZ in Alhondiga Bilbao. It’ll consist in a 4 episode programme, each one lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. It will be focused on critical culture and also cultural criticism. This is a wide range topic that can be approached from different and suggesting ways. consonni radio with AZ will be in charge of the technical part, such as recording, editing, broadcasting and distribution of the programme. A fee of 80 Euros would be paid. This call is addressed to local individuals or local groups who are able to come to Bilbao, since it would be recorded in person at the consonni AZ radio studio in Alhondiga Bilbao.
Languages: Basque and/or Spanish
Free format: radio magazine, sound essay, report, fiction radio, sound experimentation, interviews, etc.
How to participate? Complete the registration form here
The submission period starts from 28 January 2019 to 1 March 2019
You can look at the terms of the call here
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Battle of the Burger Giants : Big Mac vs Big Jack
You are here: Home / News / Battle of the Burger Giants : Big Mac vs Big Jack
The ‘Big Mac’ is an iconic staple of the McDonalds brand, and one they are adamant to protect.
Recently, Hungry Jack’s has come under fire for their release of a burger titled the ‘Big Jack’, which consists of “two flame-grilled 100 per cent Aussie beef patties, topped with melted cheese, special sauce, fresh lettuce, pickles and onions on a toasted sesame seed bun”. This combination and description may seem familiar, likely due to it being almost identical to the Maccas favourite ‘Big Mac’.
The similarity is hard to miss, and certainly has not gone unnoticed by McDonalds, who filed an action against Hungry Jack’s in the Federal Court of Australia on 28 August 2020 challenging that decision. In Australia, McDonalds already holds several trademarks for ‘Big Mac’, covering both the burger itself and anything that could possibly be associated with it. Hungry Jack’s secured registration for the trademark ‘Big Jack’ in June this year in relation to their almost identical version of the burger.
It is understood McDonald’s believes Hungry Jack’s is ‘passing off’ the ‘Big Jack’ as a ‘Big Mac’, profiting off the success and reputation of McDonalds, deceiving the public and presenting misleading information that will negatively affect the McDonalds business. Under Australian consumer law it is illegal to act in any manner that could be deceptive or misleading to customers. The corporation also likely believes the trademarked ‘Big Jack’ is too similar to the ‘Big Mac’ trademarks.
Previously, the McDonalds corporation in Australia has had success in protecting their trademarks, preventing titles such as ‘McSalad’ and ‘McFresh’ being registered.
In Australia, it is likely Hungry Jack’s will argue their own reputation in the name ‘Jack’ will dispel any confusion as to the source of their product and the implication they have acted deceptively. McDonalds clearly do not agree. It will be interesting to see how McDonalds frame this argument.
It will be a very interesting case to follow, as the two fast food giants of Australia fight it out in court.
As an interesting side note, Hungry Jack’s is not called Burger King in Australia because by the time the American company decided to branch out internationally including within Australia in the 1970s, an Adelaide business had already registered the Burger King trade mark in 1962. Jack Cowin, still a major shareholder in Hungry Jack’s in Australia, became the Australian Master Franchise owner, and he selected “Hungry Jack’s” as one name from several options presented to him by Burger King in the US at the time. The fact his Christian name was Jack was a coincidence, although likely influenced his decision. In the 1990’s Burger King claimed Mr Cowin’s Hungry Jack’s business wasn’t opening enough stores each year and so started opening their own Burger King stores in Sydney, NSW.
Mr Cowin sued them, and won, with Burger King ceasing direct activities within Australia, securing Mr Cowin’s privately owned company as the sole Master Franchise owner, leading to the 400 plus Hungry Jack’s restaurants located around Australia today being under his company’s control.
If you have a need for any advice in relation to trade marks or other forms of intellectual property, as the only law firm in Toowoomba with a specialist intellectual property team, we can assist you.
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Increased fees from IP Australia
As we outlined in our previous alert, Act now to avoid IP Australia fee increases,...
Act now to avoid IP Australia fee increases
IP Australia will implement a new fee structure from 1 October 2020, including increases...
Shh…. It’s Secret… COVID Style…
Have you been busy creating new products, business ideas, concepts, processes, and inventions? Many...
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Study interest
Intro. to 2D Animation
2D Animation Diploma
Adv. 2D Animation Diploma
Intro. to 3D Modeling
3D Modeling Diploma
Adv. 3D Modeling Diploma
Intro. to Concept Art & Digital Illustration
Concept Art & Digital Illustration Diploma
Adv. Concept Art Diploma
Adv. Digital Illustration Diploma
Foundations for Game Art & Animation Diploma
Intro. to Game Design
Intro. to Game Programming
Game Design Diploma
Game Programming Diploma
Foundations for Visual Effects Diploma
Intro. to Houdini FX
Intro. to Nuke Compositing
Houdini FX Diploma
Nuke Compositing Diploma
How Do I Become an Animator For Games?
by Nick Fredin
Advice from a Game Animator and CG Spectrum Alumni
Whether you’re dead set on working for a VFX studio or dreaming about a career in game development, the hardest thing to achieve is often finding your first foothold into the industry that you love. For Aaron Skinner, it was trying to make the transition from a fairly junior position in quality assurance for games, to the more creative challenging role he really wanted as a games animator.
Now working for Australian Game Studio of the Year League of Geeks on their award-winning title Armello, we spoke to Aaron and LoG Art Director Ty Carey about how he made the transition into the super-competitive world of game development - and advice for others hoping to do the same.
Find A School With Industry Connections, And Exploit Them.
Many graduates get frustrated with one of the harder truths of the games industry - that who you know can make or break your chances of a job. Unfortunately, this can seem impossibly unfair when you’re just starting out and haven’t had the opportunity to make meaningful industry connections. Going to networking events as a newbie can also be incredibly intimidating, and worse, feel forced if you don’t know anyone else.
While Aaron had gone through several online courses for animation as well as studying it at university, it was CG Spectrum that had the connections to help him clinch the right opportunity: the online animation school had a paid internship program with major Australian independent studio League of Geeks.
CG Spectrum’s relationships with local studios directly lead to the position I have now
“Attending events exclusive to CG Spectrum students and going to open days allowed us to meet professionals and get our work critiqued by studio leads and supervisors. Those experiences were really important for figuring out what different studios were looking for in new hires," says Aaron.
Ty Carey, Art Director for League of Geeks and Aaron’s supervisor at the studio, agrees that exposure to the industry is key. “Preparation is hard for students as nothing beats practical experience,” he says when asked for advice for would-be game developers and artists.
Getting them to conferences and embedding them for some work experience in order to understand their intended industries during their course will help. - Ty Carey
Tips For Building A Killer Animation Reel
Of course, the best connections in the world can’t help you if your portfolio is garbage. Once he started working on real animation projects in a studio environment, Aaron quickly started to see some things he wished he’d known earlier on.
“One thing I wish I did as a student was to work on a more diverse range of shots that took a shorter time to complete, rather than fewer projects that were longer and took much more time,” he says. “The more projects you can work on, the more diversity in rig types and ideas you can play and learn with, which gives you more opportunity to find workflows that work for you.”
Setting out to learn 3D animation with a clear goal in mind also helped him make the most out of his time in CG Spectrum’s online classes for animation. “One area I wanted to improve on was animating creatures and other odd characters. I challenged myself to include at least one creature in most of my assignments.”
His hard work paid off, as each different project taught him something new, and helped drive his growth as an animator. “I ended up animating a horse, panther, dragons, crocodiles and a three-armed character. I’d often include humanoid rigs in my projects too, so I could continue to practice animating biped body mechanics.”
There were definitely a lot of missteps in trying out these new rig types, but learning from those mistakes and pushing through forced me to improve my creature animation skills. It’s the only way you’ll learn!
Excelling Under The Pressures Of A Studio Environment
Most graduates find the transition from school to the studio a daunting one. For Aaron, jumping from an online school for animation to an award-winning game studio meant there was plenty to learn from the very beginning.
One thing I was keenly aware of is that industry projects move at a much faster rate than student projects, so spending my time efficiently and harnessing everything I’ve learnt to hit stricter deadlines has definitely been a focus of mine.
But a good attitude has gone a long way in helping him through, and part of that was welcoming criticism as a way to improve fast. “Try and get your animation critiqued as much as possible. It’s important to learn how to let go of your ego when receiving feedback, you just have to remember that as disheartening as it can be, listening to that information will always make your work better.”
Aaron’s laser focuses on being the best animator he could be didn’t go unnoticed. “Besides being a talented animator, we were impressed at Aaron's focus and the solid preparation work he undertakes before commencing,” says Ty. “His ability to seriously consider his subject and the brief before starting, gathering references, including going to the effort of filming himself to understand the motion he's trying to capture, is the sure mark of a professional.”
The Team at League of Geeks
But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. The stresses of studio work take their toll, and when things got tough, Aaron found himself coming back to some great advice he’d heard early in his journey as an animator.
Stick with it, like with all things you have your good and bad days. If you're ever having trouble with a particular move or technical problem, don't feel bad about taking a break.
“Sometimes walking away from a problem and coming back to it later mentally refreshed is all you need to solve it within minutes. Try to understand why something moves the way it does, rather than just moving it.”
[featured]
Finding A Mentor Who Makes All The Difference.
Aaron’s success in the studio came from nowhere. He was able to build a strong foundation beforehand by scoring a great teacher with the experience to inspire and push him to greater heights.
While Aaron had had many teachers from a different university and online animation courses over the years, it was his CG Spectrum mentor that stood out.
One thing I’ve realised is that the quality of the school directly correlates with the quality and talent of the mentors. With Mark Pullyblank as a mentor and Head of Animation at CG Spectrum, I was in very good hands.
“Mark has a lot of experience in animation supervising and pre-vis at some of the world’s top studios, which I think allowed him to really help push our existing ideas even further. I wouldn't be anywhere near as happy with how my shots turned out if it wasn't for his suggestions.”
For Aaron, finding a great teacher also meant someone who was also able to advise and inspire him about the industry he hoped to be part of. “I’d never had a mentor who was so personally invested in my work and career prospects. All that experience means he has a wealth of funny stories and lessons learned which he happily imparts, and were fairly enlightening! You couldn’t help but be more excited about working on your animation.”
A small class size can also make a huge difference in how quickly you learn animation, even if it’s through animation classes online. “Our teacher had the time to give each of us enough attention to receive the critiques we needed and to ask any questions we had. Class never felt rushed. In most university subjects that teach animation, I found tutors just didn’t have the time or resources to give detailed or meaningful critique to their students, which means you can potentially receive an unfavorable grade without really knowing where your missteps were.”
How Studios Know You’ll Be A Valuable Asset To Their Team.
For League of Geek’s Art Director, feeling he could trust Aaron’s skill and great work ethic was a sign the young animator was a good fit for the studio.
“I've really enjoyed giving Aaron a space to do what he loves while genuinely contributing value to the studio and game,” says Ty. “He's really a lovely person, too, probably the most important quality you'd want in anyone you work day-to-day with. Working with him is super easy.”
Looking to start your animation career?
If you're looking to start your animation career or level up your current skills CG Spectrum has your back. Check out our online animation courses and get in touch today!
Tags: Animation , Industry Briefing , Community Spotlight , Tips & Tutorials
What is the Best 2D Animation Software - Experts Choice
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What is 3D Animation?
By Ryan Fitzgerald
2D vs 3D Animation: Which Field Should I Focus On?
How to Make a Demo Reel or Portfolio That Stands Out
List of Video Game Production & VFX Studios in Australia
The Most In Demand Positions for Film and Game Design Studios
3 Awesome Reasons to Get Into 2D Animation Right Now
Succeeding as a Freelance Artist
Do You Need to Know How to Draw to be a 3D Animator?
Salary Expectations as a Concept Artist for Games
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Jimmy Kimmel guest list week of Sept. 8, 2014
September 8, 2014 Channel Guide Staff TV News & Program Updates Comments Off on Jimmy Kimmel guest list week of Sept. 8, 2014
Here’s the Jimmy Kimmel guest list week of Sept. 8, 2014. Jimmy Kimmel Live airs on ABC at 11:35pmET. His guest list includes:
Star and creator of HBO’s hit series Girls, Lena Dunham; actor Ben Schwartz (This is Where I Leave You), and musical guest Misterwives
SNL alum and star of the upcoming The Skeleton Twins, Bill Hader; Richard Linklater (Boyhood) and musical guest Jhene Aiko.
Queen Latifah (The Queen Latifah Show); NASCAR racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., and musical guest Panama Wedding
Morgan Freeman star of the upcoming release Dolphin Tale 2; Julianne Hough from Dancing with the Stars, and musical guest Ingrid Michaelson.
No announcements yet for Friday’s show.
Actress Jane Fonda, Ike Barinholtz from MADtv and The Mindy Project, and Mastodon performs.
Comedy Central’s Key and Peele — Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele; journalist David Muir, and Fall Out Boy perform.
Modern Family‘s Emmy winner Ty Burrell; Dancing With the Stars judge Len Goodman, and Paolo Nutini perform.
The Big Bang Theory‘s Kaley Cuoco; Golf in America and black-ish star Anthony Anderson, and Bastille performs.
How to Get Away with Murder is another killer drama from Shonda Rhimes
Forever on ABC: Death becomes Ioan Gruffudd
“Wipeout” video game coming to Kinect for Xbox 360
March 16, 2011 Jeff Pfeiffer Reality TV, TV News & Program Updates Comments Off on “Wipeout” video game coming to Kinect for Xbox 360
ABC has announced that a video game based on their hit series Wipeout is being made for use on Kinect for Xbox 360. Wipeout in the Zone is coming to the platform this summer, and will feature over 30 obstacles to test players’ limits via Kinect’s full-motion capablities. Players can try to run the entire course in one shot, conquering one challenge after another, such as leaping over a pool of water using the infamous “Big Balls” and maneuvering to avoid being pummeled by the “Smack Wall Sweeper.” The game will feature the voice commentary of the show’s hosts, John […]
2009-10 NBA national TV schedule
October 27, 2009 Ryan Berenz Sports Comments Off on 2009-10 NBA national TV schedule
The NBA regular season tips off Oct. 27, with the Celtics at the Cavaliers and the Clippers at the Lakers, both on TNT. Here’s the entire NBA regular-season TV schedule for games on ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV: 2009-10 NBA National TV Schedule All Times Eastern. Additional NBA Games Televised In Your Area. Check Local Listings. Schedule Subject To Change. OCTOBER Tuesday, Oct. 27 Boston at Cleveland, 7:30pm (TNT) L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers, 10:30pm (TNT) Wednesday, Oct. 28 New Orleans at San Antonio, 8pm (ESPN) Utah at Denver, 10:30pm (ESPN) Thursday, Oct. 29 San Antonio at Chicago, 8pm […]
Pitbull Performs & Judges Tonight on “Dancing With The Stars”
October 20, 2014 Kellie Freeze Preview, Reality TV Comments Off on Pitbull Performs & Judges Tonight on “Dancing With The Stars”
International superstar Pitbull returns to the ballroom and for the first time joins Julianne Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli as a guest judge on October 20’s Dancing with the Stars. The multi-platinum rapper previously performed “Echa Palla” on the DWTS Season 16 finale in May 2013. Pitbull will kick-off the night with a steamy performance of his hit single Fireball — a hot song with a sexy Latin beat that begs to be danced to. The song’s music video is full of great dance moves, and I expect that the DWTS pros should put on a performance that […]
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Media briefs and TV ratings
Nine's AFL club welcomes Gary Pert ... Last night's TV ratings.
Nine’s AFL club welcomes Gary Pert. As expected, the Nine Network has gone for a member of Melbourne’s AFL establishment in filling the vacant manager’s gig at GTV9. Gary Pert, the long time tip and Collingwood mate of Nine boss, Eddie McGuire, was yesterday named to replace Paul Waldren. Pert is also a former Collingwood player (unlike Eddie and his mates). Pert has been the Melbourne manager for Austereo for the last 13 years and is also a member of the Collingwood Football Club board. Nine’s senior management now consists of Eddie, his mate and former AFL lawyer Jeff Browne; Cos Cardone, director of light entertainment and former producer of the AFL Footy Show and Gary Linnell, a Geelong supporter and for 15 years a well-regarded Melbourne AFL writer. On the outer is Steve Crawley, a Sydney-based Rugby League supporter and former News Ltd and Pay TV journo and producer. Ian Audsley, the Chief Operating Officer doesn’t rate nor does Brent Cubis, the CFO, who is really a Park Street operative. — Glenn Dyer
Last night’s TV ratings
The Winners: Ten had to win last night with House ending for the year (2.134 million), Thank God You’re Here on fire (1.828 million) and NCIS strong at 9.30pm (1.452 million). Seven News was next with 1.452 million, followed by Home and Away (1.399 million), Today Tonight (1.295 million), A Current Affair (1.242 million). Nine News (1.184 million — a low number), Seven’s The Force (1.170 million) and Police Files (1.156 million).
The Losers: Not Bert, a solid 564,000 viewers. Deal Or No Deal back down under 800,000 to 770,000. No impact on Seven News which wins big. The real losers, CSI Miami, 874,000 at 8.30pm: hurt by House‘s finale. The Unit on Seven at 9.30pm, 640,000, Nine’s Survivor Cook Islands, 644,000 at 9.30pm. The New Inventors on the ABC is being hurt by Thank God, it averaged a worthy 761,000 last night.
News & CA: Seven News again won nationally and in every market in another strong night. Nine News surprisingly weak again. Seven won by 107,000 in Perth and 243,000 nationally. Big wins in Sydney, Melbourne and a nice one in Brisbane. At 6.30pm, Today Tonight won but Seven lost audience from the News and A Current Affair on Nine gained. The turn-off from TT was again noticeable in Melbourne. TT won by 72,000 in Perth and 53,000 nationally. Ten News averaged 790,000, a little lower than normal, the 7pm ABC News 961,000 and The 7.30 Report was again whacked by Ten and Thank God, falling to average 722,000. In the mornings Seven’s Sunrise averaged 493,000 from 7am to 9am, Early Sunrise, 299,000, Today down to 220,000. The situation is becoming desperate, just the thing for John Alexander, Ian Law, Eddie McGuire and Gary Linnell (so many decisionmakers) to show they know TV and do something about!
The Stats: Ten won with a share of 33.9% (29.4% a week earlier), from Seven with 25.0% (25.2%), Nine with 22.7% (22.4%), the ABC with 15.1% (14.7%) and SBS with 3.4% (8.3%. The Socceroos game was on SBS a week ago). Ten won all five metro markets. Seven leads the week 28.5% to 26.4% for Ten and 25.3% for Nine. Nine should recover second place tonight. In regional areas, Southern Cross (Ten) won with a share of 29.2% from WIN/NBN for Nine with 26.8%, Prime/7Qld with 26.0%, the ABC with 13.9% and SBS with 4.0%.
Glenn Dyer’s comments: Ten’s night, easily and another bad Wednesday for Nine. Things will change a bit now that House has gone but Ten is bringing its new series Tripping Over to Wednesday night. The hope is that it will retain viewers from Thank God who are older (in their 30s and 40s) and also House viewers. McLeod’s is struggling against Thank God. There will be 24 of those next year to compete against. McLeod’s is financed by outside investors so that may limit Nine’s freedom to revamp. It will need more money. And Miami Vice, sorry, CSI Miami, is dying badly, like CSI New York. Stylised boring formless police procedurals. Survivor Cook Islands is a waste of space. The Unit for Seven at 9.30pm weakened badly. Tonight Ten has Jamie’s Kitchen Australia, a good risky show. Ten also has David Tench, Jericho (which faded last week) and Ronnie Johns. Nine has high hopes that the extroverted Jules Lund will make Big Questions work at 8.30pm and deliver a nice audience to RPA at 9.30pm. From the promos and the guff in the papers Big Questions is a cross between Spicks and Specks, You May be Right and Clever with a bit of fun and laughter thrown in. It is stopgap programming and not an answer. Big Questions will have to drag in well over 1.1 to 1.2 million viewers. Two and A Half Men was getting 1.1 million and it was cheap programming. Seven has Earl, Celebrity Survivor, Bones. Nine also has Getaway which needs to lift its game. Probably Nine, but I am often wrong.
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Philippines based Digital Financial Services Firm Ayannah Merges with Indian Payments Company Equity Capital Advisors
June 9, 2020 @ 10:32 pm By Omar Faridi
Philippines based Ayannah, an online financial services provider, and India’s payments firm Equity Capital Advisors (ECAPS) have merged their operations in order to provide cost-effective and more accessible financial services to South Asia and Southeast Asia’s growing middle-class population.
The merged entity will aim to provide digital financial services to more that 10 million consumers via mobile apps and a growing regional network of more than 60,000 retail touchpoints.
Ayannah Global plans to serve the region’s unbanked and underbanked residents by providing various Fintech solutions, which are offered via agent networks for remittances, payments, insurance and loans.
The group’s remittance and payments business is focused on serving the Indian market and also offers services in the Philippines. The group recently introduced a digital marketplace, called Kaya, which is focused on serving middle-class clients and SMEs. The Kaya platform aims to provide access to banking, lending and insurance services in the Philippines and also plans to launch in India, Indonesia and Vietnam this year.
The company has hired experienced banking professional Ray Ferguson to serve as chairman of the Ayannah Global board. Ferguson brings more than 30 years of experience working in the financial sector across five continents. He’s previously worked in senior management positions at Standard Chartered Bank. He has been appointed to various roles based in Taiwan, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, the Americas and Singapore.
Ayannah’s Singapore offices will help the firm expand its operations in Southeast Asia. The company is planning to hire more staff, form strategic partnerships, and also aims to secure between $30 million to $50 million through its Series B investment round.
Praveen Suri, Ayannah Global co-chief executive officer, remarked:
“Widespread smartphone usage across our target markets provides a ripe landscape for a financial inclusion revolution, while the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the demand for at-your-fingertips financial services.”
The group is reportedly backed by VC companies Golden Gate Ventures, Wavemaker Partners, 500 StartUps, and various family offices in Asia.
Southeast Asian banks will most likely accelerate their digital transformation initiatives, due to the COVID-19 outbreak and changing consumer behavior resulting from safe distancing measures and lockdowns, according to a report released in May 2020.
Shariah-compliant Fintech firms have also become quite popular in Asia.
Global ID Verification Provider, Onfido, to Offer Authentication Services to Malaysia’s MyCash Money
Fintech Solutions Can Enable More Widespread Financial Inclusion, Could Increase GDP of Emerging Markets by $3.7 Trillion: Report
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s Digital Banking Solution, DiskarTech, Is Now Number 1 Fintech App in the Philippines
Southeast Asia Region Experienced Significant Digital Commerce Growth and Online Payments Adoption by Consumers: Report
Fintech Fairbanc, which Offers Credit to Southeast Asia’s Unbanked, Is Now Backed by Columbia Business School
Amsterdam based Backbase, a Fintech Software Provider, Chosen by UNOBank to Offer Engagement Banking Platform
Indian Fintech Niyogin Acquires Controlling Stake in iServeU for $8 Million to Offer Wide Range of Digital Financial Services
Digital Banking: Singapore May be Ideal for Virtual Banks Offering Modern Financial Services as 40% of its Nearly 6 Million Residents are Underbanked
Southeast Asian Fintech TrueMoney Partners Singapore Cross-Border Payment Provider Thunes to Expand Remittance Services
Fintech Is Emerging as a “Crucial Means of Support” for MSMEs during COVID-19, According to the First Circle Growth Finance Team
Robocash Initiates Pre-IPO Funding Round to Help Launch a Digital Bank in the Philippines, Also Preparing for $100 Million IPO in December 2020
Here’s Why Indonesia could be Ideal for Fintech Lending Platforms as Many Residents are Underbanked, and within Working Age
Fintech Firm GoBear Acquires AsiaKredit, a Singapore-based Online Lending Platform
Report: Southeast Asia’s Growing Internet Economy Is Driving Fintech Adoption
Digital and Mobile-First CIMB Bank in the Philippines Reports 800% Increase in Customer Deposits, 3 Million+ Users
This entry was posted in Asia, Fintech, Global and tagged ayannah global, digital financial services, financial inclusion, india, Philippines, praveen suri, remittances, singapore, south asia, southeast asia, the philippines, Unbanked, underbanked. Bookmark the permalink.
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Mi Amiga, Any Way You Say It
By Robert Tate Miller
Her flight arrived a half-hour late into Mexico City, and as I stood on my tiptoes trying to spot her among the arriving throngs, it was her familiar smile that gave her away.
"The smile is a universal language," I'd stammered in my feeble Spanish our first day together years before. She had smiled to accentuate my point.
And now, more than seven years after that first awkward conversation, I stood watching her weave her way toward me through the airport crowds.
"Bienvenido," we spoke in unison and then said hello with a warm embrace and a kiss on the cheek - the Mexican way, she'd once told me.
We'd agreed to meet here in the capital city to see the sights, visit her relatives, and relive a friendship - an unlikely fellowship that had been born in uncertainty.
'THIS is my niece," my friend Gaby had announced one afternoon in 1990. "She's visiting Los Angeles, and I was wondering if you'd be willing to show her around town."
I was reluctant at first. Gaby's niece couldn't speak English, and my Spanish repertoire was somewhere south of nonexistent. In spite of this linguistic hurdle, I decided to accept the assignment and so, with English/Spanish dictionaries in hand, we ventured out on shaky footing into the waters of cultural diversity.
Her name was Claudia, and our first day was composed of long spells of silence broken by spurts of intermittent dialogue. But by nightfall the bare details of our separate and diverse lives had somehow managed to trickle out.
She was from Villahermosa, Tabasco, a Mexican state in the heart of the Yucatn peninsula. She had a sister and three brothers. She lived at home. Her best friend was named Lupita. As I dropped her off at her aunt's house that night and drove home, I had to admit that things had gone pretty well.
In the weeks to come, I strove to be the perfect American host. I took her to the movies, concerts, the best restaurants, and, of course, to Disneyland. At the end of her North American holiday, we each penned our address in the front of the other's dog-eared dictionary and promised to write.
"This is my family," she said one sweltering afternoon a year and a dozen letters later. They smiled at me in unison, still not sure what to make of the tall, gangly, sunglasses-wearing American standing in their carport. I wondered what I was doing here in this barrio so far from my comfortable, familiar world. Maybe I'd made a mistake in coming.
Then her mother turned and gestured for me to step inside.
I had no way of knowing that stepping across that threshold would change my life in a profound way. I'd go through that doorway time and again in years to come, and there I would learn that dinner was served in early afternoon, watermelon juice really hits the spot on sweltering summer afternoons, friends are always welcome to drop by, and a good squeeze of lime can bring out the flavor in just about anything.
I would grow to love and appreciate this tradition-rich culture through my annual ventures south of the border, and the family that had taken me into their home without hesitation would come to call me one of their own.
"What do you think of me?" Claudia asked out of the blue. Our time in Mexico City had passed much too quickly, and we found ourselves back at the airport waiting out another goodbye.
I was wholly unprepared to answer such a query and didn't respond right away. How could I tell her in a language she could understand just how much her friendship had enriched my life? Then the answer came in a memory, and I reminded her of a rainy night years ago and her friend's broken-down car.
We were driving through a Yucatn rainstorm when we came upon a friend whose car had stopped in the middle of the street. Claudia pulled up behind the stalled car and turned off the ignition. I expected that we would settle back in our seats to wait out the storm before taking any action, but Claudia had other ideas.
She flung open the car door and bolted out into the deluge wearing her best dress and high heels.
Without so much as a glance back in my direction, she threw her weight against the back bumper and began to push with all her might while her stranded friend manned the steering wheel. I took my place beside her and, as the torrential rain pelted us, the thunder rumbled overhead, and the passing motorists blared their horns, we moved the vehicle safely to the shoulder.
"That is what I think of you," I said without further explanation. Claudia smiled at the remembrance, and I could tell that my answer had pleased her. Then, without fanfare, we parted with another embrace and quickly walked off in opposite directions to return to our separate worlds. As my plane climbed north into the evening sky, I thought about how very little we had in common, my friend and I. But then, I reasoned, perhaps friendship is all you really need anyway.
First US-Cuban mail in 50 years has special letter for Obama's amiga
Duarte Paiva helps the homeless by designing lockers to house their things
Immigrants deliver food and hope to others struggling in crisis
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Putting Intelligent Content to Work
By Dom Nicastro | Jun 4, 2018
CHANNEL: Digital Marketing
As we reported earlier this month, intelligent content is an approach to content that is modular, structured, reusable, format-free and semantically rich. The goal? Make content more discoverable, reconfigurable and adaptable for its creators, such as marketers, according to Ann Rockley, founder and CEO of The Rockley Group, who shared that definition from her book, “Intelligent Content: A Primer."
However, it's not an easy path according to experts. To get started on the right foot, intelligent content programs should map different content formats and story ideas under a common theme and create a cross-functional team with intimate organizational knowledge. Once those are in place you can formulate a comprehensive content strategy.
Create a Campaign Strategy
If you’re pushing the button on an intelligent content program, don’t start with an ad-hoc approach, producing individual pieces of content that don’t always connect to a strategy, according to Henry Bruce, senior vice president of marketing at Contently. “Thinking one blog post at a time will only go so far,” he said.
Cohesive campaigns, however, give the audience a reason to come back for more. “Mapping different content formats and story ideas under a common theme will help build a loyal audience over time,” Bruce said. “Every company should care about strategic differentiation — leading with a strong campaign is an effective first step to get there.”
Related Article: What is Intelligent Content and How Can It Help Marketers?
Know Your Content Inside and Out
Getting started also means having a clear view of your overall content picture, said Stephanie Stahl, general manager of the Content Marketing Institute. Perform a formal audit by first documenting how your content is developed: Who writes? Who edits? Who reviews? What parts of the business contribute the most or the least?
Then, Stahl said, go deeper into auditing your existing content. How much content do you currently have? What is the format (written, audio, video, infographic)? Is some of it outdated or stale? Is your brand properly represented? Are you addressing all necessary personas and buying stages? What content has performed the best and worst?
Then go even deeper into your content processes. What are the necessary stages from idea generation to publishing (assignments, writing, editing, review, approval)? Once you’ve gone through this exercise, you should have a good idea of your weak spots. You’ll know where you need to improve or change or add or delete or rethink altogether. You’ll see where you may have redundancies in resources or processes. “Then you can start thinking about intelligent content technologies that can make you the rock star you’ve always wanted to be,” Stahl said. “There are so many excellent technologies that content teams need to / should learn about, but you should get your content house in order first.”
Related Article: AI's Missing Ingredient: Intelligent Content
Create a Cross-Functional Team
Rockley said a cross-functional team can analyze the corporation and customer needs more holistically. The cross-functional team should include at minimum a content strategist, content engineer, responsible party for your customer outreach (website, social media, other) and someone who represents the needs of the business; those that will use this technology to meet customer requirements. “This team should reach out to everyone involved in the content lifecycle — content contributors, reviewers, approvers, technology teams,” Rockley said. “Identify the goals of the project. Be sure to identify the current pain points in customer requirements, organizational processes and technology.”
What Your Content Strategy Needs
Before you look at technological solutions you must create a content strategy, Rockley advised. This will inform your technological requirements and tools selection. Below are the requirements necessary.
Content types required - tells you the breadth and depth of the types of content you plan to deliver
Structured content models - tells you the complexity of your content, level of granularity, reuse strategy, which will have an impact on the functionality of the tools to support it
Taxonomy - tells you the complexity of supporting your content set in intelligent content delivery
Workflow - tells you how you will support your content lifecycle.
Related Article: Understanding the Intelligent Content Journey
Break Down Departmental Silos
Speaking of team-building, silos between creative, email, social, web and other departments must be eliminated, according to Vivek Sharma, CEO of Movable Ink. “The point of intelligent content is to automatically source, reuse, reconfigure and assemble content that speaks to customers one to one and adapts in real time,” Sharma said. “You can't optimize and automate content while keeping it on-brand and consistent across channels if everyone doesn't have access to the same creative assets or customer data.”
Get a Handle on Your Data
Customer data is the lifeblood of intelligent content, Sharma said. It could be customer (CRM), contextual (what device the customer is using, the time of day, the weather), or behavioral (browsing, purchases). Intelligent content can be enhanced with real-time data. Make sure that all promotions, featured products, events, etc. are live and up-to-date. “All of your data doesn’t have to be in one place for you to start doing meaningful things with it,” Sharma added. “Get started with what you have, where you have it.”
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Tags digital marketing, dxm, intelligent content, metadata
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Home Retail
COVID-19: Why Chennai's new lockdown rules are impacting its meat supply
Updated : April 25, 2020 07:49 PM IST
Like many meat retailers, Tendercuts ran out of stock on Saturday after day-long panic-buying.
As a result of the spike in demand for meat, local butcheries have seen a sharp rise in prices of mutton.
Jude Sannith
@JudeSannith24
It's being called the lockdown within a lockdown. But when the Tamil Nadu government put Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore on notice for a four-day "intense" lockdown starting Sunday, it sent residents into a tizzy, and panic-buying ensued.
Chennai’s popular Thiruvanmiyur and T-Nagar markets was witness to hordes of residents queuing to stock up on essentials, groceries and meat lest these products not be available for the next four days.
The government said that while three districts would be on lockdown from April 26 to April 29, Salem and Tiruppur would also be on lockdown but would end theirs a day prior, on April 28.
The reason for panic-buying and hoarding in Chennai, despite a largely orderly nationwide lockdown since March 25, is a set of new rules issued by the state government, surrounding movement of vehicles and availability of groceries.
The government has said that regular grocery stores would not be allowed, and no movement of private vehicles would be allowed, without a government-issued pass. In Madurai, several motorists thronged the district collector’s office to secure their vehicle passes.
Not surprisingly, the panic-buying has resulted in stocks running out at several grocery and meat stores across the city. “For the first couple of weeks of the nationwide lockdown, we saw nearly 75 percent disruption to the supply chain, which impacted business. This had normalised in the last couple of weeks but this new lockdown with a new set of rules, has caused more problems," said Nishanth Chandran, founder and chief executive officer of meat retail chain, Tendercuts.
Like many meat retailers, Tendercuts ran out of stock on Saturday after day-long panic-buying. "A total of 8,000 orders in 30 minutes were registered on our app yesterday," Nishanth added, "We are all out of stocks today, and won’t be open for the next four days of the new lockdown."
What has caused some degree of impact to the meat business is that the closure of stores now means another interruption in the supply chain, which Nishanth says could take two days post-lockdown to recover. According to the new government rules surrounding the local lockdown, only home-delivery of cooked food is allowed. No home-delivery of meat is allowed.
Mutton Prices Spike
As a result of the spike in demand for meat, local butcheries have seen a sharp rise in prices of mutton. While the more organised retailers are selling the meat at Rs 900 to Rs 1,100 per kilogram, smaller meat shops are pricing mutton at upwards of Rs 1,300 per kilogram.
A scarcity in chicken supply has also hit the local market. "We managed to sell all our chicken by 1:00 pm on Friday itself," said Abdul Kareem, a local meat trader, "We won’t be doing business for the next four days and haven’t placed any new orders from our suppliers. It will take time till May 1 for the next bunch of supplies to come through, once the new lockdown ends."
The situation has been exacerbated on account of an already existing shortage in sea food in the Tamil Nadu market, since local fishermen have not been venturing out to sea. With the city’s "intense" lockdown all set to come into effect from Sunday, indication is rife that the availability of meat will continue to stressed even as prices continue to steadily mount.
Tags Chennai groceries lockdown mutton T-Nagar Tamil Nadu Tendercuts Thiruvanmiyur
News broadcasters body demands suspension of Republic TV’s IBF...
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Cognex Announces New 50 Million Dollar Stock Repurchase Authorization
Dr. Robert J. Shillman
Robert Willett
Sheila DiPalma
Carl Gerst
Paul Todgham
Communiqués de presse par année
NATICK, MA, USA avril 21, 2008
Cognex Announces New $50 Million Stock Repurchase Authorization
NATICK, MA, April 21, 2008 — Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ: CGNX) today announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million of Cognex common stock in open market transactions. The repurchases will be made at management’s discretion depending upon a variety of factors, including price levels and share availability.
This new authorization is in addition to the $100 million stock repurchase program that was announced by Cognex on July 27, 2006, of which approximately $13 million remains available. And it is also in addition to the $30 million stock repurchase program announced on March 13, 2008 that is subject to the parameters of a Rule 10b5-1 Plan for repurchases during Cognex self-imposed trading blackout periods related to the announcement of quarterly results, of which approximately $27 million remains available. This new authorization brings the total amount of funds available for the repurchase of Cognex common stock to $90 million.
Certain statements made in this press release, which do not relate solely to historical matters, are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by use of the words “expects,” “anticipates,” ”estimates,” “believes,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “shall” and similar words. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include: (1) economic conditions that impact the capital spending trends of manufacturers in a variety of industries; (2) the cyclicality of the semiconductor and electronics industries; (3) the inability to achieve significant international revenue; (4) fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; (5) the loss of, or a significant curtailment of purchases by, any one or more principal customers; (6) the reliance upon certain sole-source suppliers of critical components; (7) the inability to attract and retain skilled employees; (8) the inability to design and manufacture high-quality products; (9) the technological obsolescence of current products and the inability to develop new products; (10) the failure to effectively manage product transitions or accurately forecast customer demand; (11) the failure to properly manage the distribution of products and services; (12) the inability to protect Cognex proprietary technology and intellectual property; (13) the company’s involvement in time-consuming and costly litigation; (14) the impact of competitive pressures; (15) the challenges in integrating acquired businesses and achieving expected results; (16) exposure to additional tax liabilities; and (17) the other risks detailed in the company’s reports filed with the SEC, including the company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year 2007. You should not place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Cognex disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements after the date of such statements.
Susan Conway
Director of Investor Relations
Cognex Corporation
Email: susan.conway@cognex.com
À propos de Cognex Corporation
Cognex Corporation conçoit, développe, fabrique et commercialise une large gamme de produits de vision, qui utilisent tous des techniques d'intelligence artificielle leur permettant de prendre des décisions sur ce qu'ils voient, comme les êtres humains. La gamme de produits Cognex inclut des systèmes de vision industrielle, des capteurs de vision industrielle et des lecteurs de codes-barres, utilisés par des usines et des centres de distribution à travers le monde pour éliminer les erreurs de production et d'expédition.
Leader mondial de la vision industrielle, Cognex a livré plus de 2 millions de produits de vision, équivalant à plus de 7 milliards de dollars de revenu accumulé, depuis la création de la société en 1981. Outre son siège à Natick, Massachusetts, États-Unis, Cognex possède des bureaux et des distributeurs en Amérique, en Europe et en Asie. Pour plus d'informations, consultez le site Web de Cognex www.cognex.com.
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£175,000 Knee Injury Compensation Claim Victory6th Sep 2016
by on 6th Sep 2016
Coles Miller medical negligence solicitors have helped a scaffolding supervisor to gain £175,000 in compensation after his knee replacement operation went badly wrong.
The 49-year-old man needed surgery in February 2011 because he had a 20-year history of pain and stiffness in his left knee.
But the operation to fit a prosthetic knee failed – resulting in pain and restricted movement.
The patient had tried to return to work four months after the surgery. But he managed only a few weeks of work. He had to stop because of pain and difficulty walking.
He sued his consultant orthopaedic surgeon following the privately funded operation in Merseyside.
Over the next two years the patient had further treatment and in March 2013 underwent total knee re-revision surgery performed by a different and very senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon.
The patient’s symptoms improved significantly. His left knee was now stable, well balanced and with virtually full movement.
He alleged that the first surgeon:
fitted part of the prosthetic knee “at a position of excessive internal rotation”
failed to remove enough bone before applying the prosthetic knee
left an excessively tight gap in the knee.
His case was handled by Coles Miller Partner David Simpson, head of the firm’s Clinical Negligence Department.
Mr Simpson said: “I am delighted that my client has made such a good recovery and that – despite a denial of liability – we have successfully secured a significant and appropriate sum of compensation in respect of the pain and suffering that my client endured.
“I would like to thank our barrister Hamish Dunlop of 3 Paper Buildings for his excellent work and the surgeon who carried out the successful knee re-revision surgery for his invaluable support.”
For more information about claiming compensation for surgical errors, please contact Coles Miller Partner David Simpson, head of the firm’s Clinical Negligence Department, 01202 355695.
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How did UGA’s first recruiting weekend go? Ben Cleveland breaks it down
Ben Cleveland (left) had his official visit at UGA this weekend.
Rob Saye/ Special
Jeff Sentell
@jeffsentell
Ben Cleveland is going to play football for UGA. The massive 4-star offensive lineman will fly out to the Army All-American game on Jan. 3. He will then grab a return flight to Atlanta on Jan. 10 and move in at UGA.
Who else will join him? Cleveland is a smart young man. He realizes the attention that was on the prospects who were on their officials visits at UGA this weekend. A lot of it had to do with 5-star quarterback Jacob Eason. Is he still solid to UGA? He was measured enough in his comments to address that situation carefully. He said two key things in relation to Eason.
“I’m not going to get too into this, but I still feel pretty confident that he is going to be coming to UGA in January,” Cleveland said. “That’s up to him and his parents to make that final decision ultimately, but I still have pretty high confidence in it.”
“I think Georgia definitely did everything it could to kind of reassure that commitment,” Cleveland said. “Right now it is just up to him and his family to make that ultimate decision.”
He still believes Eason’s decision is also coming up by the middle of next week.
Jacob Eason (back left), Ben Cleveland (back center) and Willie Allen (back right) posed for a picture on Saturday with potential UGA student Nick Hulfeld. (Nick Hulfeld/Special)
The nation’s No. 1 quarterback was with three potential members of his offensive line this week at UGA. Cleveland told DawgNation “he’d be scared to count up all the pictures that people took” of himself and other recruits on campus. He said it was like he was hanging out with the President of the United States or another celebrity.
Cleveland’s visit is also of high interest. The 4-star offensive lineman got to eat as many rib-eye steaks as he wanted to on Saturday night in the President’s Box at Sanford Stadium. Cleveland and the rest of the recruits also got to meet new offensive coordinator Jim Chaney and spend the bulk of two days with him.
The 6-foot-7 offensive tackle even spent about 10 minutes on the phone with his new offensive line coach Sam Pittman, too. He wasn’t in Athens, but Cleveland expects him to be in Athens on Tuesday.
“This was definitely the best visit I have ever taken to the Georgia and I’ve been on a lot of them,” he said. “The highlight of the weekend for me was getting back together with everybody. It has been a while since we have been able to get everybody under the same roof at the same time.”
A lot of the focus will be on Eason’s impressions. That’s natural given his status as a 5-star quarterback and rating as the nation’s No. 1 QB. Yet 4-star tackle Willie Allen — an uncommitted recruit — is seen as another must-sign for UGA. The cupboard needs restocking at offensive tackle.
“We didn’t talk too much about his possible commitment,” Cleveland said. “He said he was going to wait until after the visit and talk with his folks to make sure. He wasn’t going to say anything until after that.”
Cleveland felt Allen enjoyed his visit, too. He said the weekend allowed the chance for all the commitments and potential signees to bond. He said he can see himself playing with Allen at UGA. He’d be at left tackle. Allen would be at right tackle. Or vice versa. The best man will decide who plays where.
“I think Willie will sit back and evaluate all of his officials,” Cleveland said. “But I feel we’ve got a pretty good shot here at Georgia to get him to come on, too.”
RELATED: Check out some photos of the recruits on their official visit at UGA this weekend
RELATED: Nation’s No. 1 athlete becomes the first commitment of the Kirby Smart era at UGA
Other tidbits:
No other staff positions were discussed. Cleveland’s impression was the wide receiver and tight end coaching positions would be decided with great input from Chaney.
He said Chaney didn’t make a grand presentation to all the recruits of his vision for the offense at UGA. He said he went and shared those thoughts one-on-one with all the recruits and their families. He spent a lot of time Eason and his family.
He wasn’t sure when Chaney would start working at UGA and was not sure if he would be coaching the quarterbacks yet at UGA. He thinks that Chaney and Pittman will place a premium of a big and powerful offensive line going forward.
UGA linebackers coach Kevin Sherrer ate dinner and hung out with the recruits this weekend. It seems like an easy projection to think he has a place on Smart’s first coaching staff at UGA. He wouldn’t have been hanging around the recruits this weekend if he was not.
He laughed at all the social media feedback regarding pictures of the recruits together. Allen and Cleveland were in UGA gear. Eason was not. “My gosh man,” Cleveland. “You can’t make a guy wear what you want him to wear. He’s got his own clothes. His parents paid money for them so why can’t he wear them. … It is not like he had on a Florida shirt or anything like that.”
Cleveland said “there’s no telling” about the possibility of Alabama’s famous strength coach Scott Cochran taking a position at UGA at this time.
Jeff Sentell covers UGA football and UGA recruiting for AJC.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on who’s on their way to play Between the Hedges.
Follow @JeffSentell_
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EU Fends Off US Attack on Its Defense Cooperation Plans
(Source: Defense-Aerospace.com; posted May 15, 2019)
By Giovanni de Briganti
Speaking at a press conference after the May 14 meeting of EU foreign and defense ministers, EU High Representative Federica Mogherini said US complaints about the PESCO and EU Defence Fund were unfounded. (screen grab)
PARIS --- The European Union is preparing a formal reply to an unprecedented US government attack on its defense plans, but its top defense official on Tuesday dismissed US concerns as baseless.
Federica Mogherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign and Defense Policy, said in Brussels on Tuesday that “the European Union is and remains open to US [defense] companies and equipment.
“Let me also say that the EU is, actually, at the moment much more open than the US procurement market is for European Union companies and equipment: in the EU, there is no Buy European Act, and around 81% of international contracts go to US firms in Europe today, so I do not see a real reason for concern.”
Mogherini was responding to an extraordinary letter signed by two senior US officials, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord and State Department Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson, who wrote to her in early May to protest plans to establish an EU Defense Fund, which Washington claims contradict the Union’s commitments to NATO. The letter was first reported on Monday by German newsweekly Der Spiegel.
The US Administration seems to believe that European NATO member’s promise to increase their defense spending to 2% of GDP should predominantly be spent on US-made weapons to an even greater degree than is now the cae.
In the four-page, closely-typed letter addressed to “Dear Federica,” the two US officials criticize the two key EU projects, claim that they contradict EU commitments to NATO, and warn that the EU Permanent Defense Cooperation (PESCO) and the EU Defence Fund would "unfortunately" fail to meet the requirements of "joint arms industrial cooperation within the EU and across the Atlantic." Mogherini’s staff declined to release the letter, but Der Spiegel published extensive excerpts.
Lord and Thompson claim obstacles to US companies accessing the EU Defence Fund is "a dramatic reversal" of "three decades of increasing integration of the transatlantic defense sector" and contradicts concrete EU commitments to NATO. In short, they imply, the EU is putting its alliance with the United States at risk.
Washington is especially worried about the "restrictive language and regulations," warns the letter, and so demands concrete changes. "Before these contracts develop, we advise you to review them once again with a focus on our long-term goals for the transatlantic security partnership," the two American officials wrote.
If not, "It is clear that similar reciprocally imposed US restrictions would not be welcomed by our European partners and allies, and we would not relish having to consider them in the future," the two US officials wrote.
"The US is convinced that with small changes to the draft regulation for the European Defense Fund, the concerns can be removed," the letter says.
The European Defence Fund is intended to “coordinate, supplement and amplify national investments in defence,” and according to current plans will amount to €13 billion in 2021-2027. In its current, preliminary form, it has a budget envelope of €590 million, which will fund joint projects to be selected by the EU commission.
The ultimate goal is to promote armaments cooperation between EU member states, and to develop their military capabilities, as part of a drive to assume a greater share of the financial burden for their defense.
Excellent thread on the European Defence Fund which is the most important initiative taken up to now by the EU in the field of defence. Because it's about improving capabilities with adult money, it should be encouraged not disparaged by the US https://t.co/kNa0H9GDpx
— François Heisbourg (@FHeisbourg) May 15, 2019
But this drive for EU self-sufficiency is not to the taste of the US Administration, which fears that US companies could be excluded from EU weapon projects, and the €13 billion defense fund.
"We Europeans are doing what our American friends have been demanding from us for many years," German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said, "and our job now is to build confidence that NATO will benefit from the Union’s defense efforts."
Specifically, Washington complains that US companies are excluded from the funded development projects through "poison pill" clauses in the relevant contracts, as well as the basic requirement that participation by non-EU member states must be decided unanimously.
The EU also wants to prevent non-European participants from exporting subsidized systems worldwide, so current rules stipulate that the EU retains a say regarding future exports. In their letter, the US officials directly demand the deletion of this rule, saying each country should control its own arms exports, according to Der Spiegel.
The violent tone of the US letter has surprised many diplomats in the EU. It was true that reservations were made about trying to become more independent in the armaments sector. But now Washington threatens punitive measures, if the EU does not give in. "Conversely imposed restrictions would not be welcome in Europe, and we would not enjoy contemplating them," the letter said.
At the May 13 meeting in Brussels, EU foreign and defense ministers discussed a response to the US letter, which Mogherini said is “creating unnecessary agitation.” She added that “We are preparing, together with the commission and in agreement with member states, a clear and complete reply to the concerns of the US Administration.”
From behind the scenes in Brussels, however, there is little interest to give in to what is seen as unwarranted US interference in EU affairs, and there is little appetite to reopen the contracts and review the rules as requested by the United States.
Click here for video of Mogherini’s May 14 press conference, on the EU website.
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Ask a Stoner: Will Secondhand Pot Smoke Get Me High?
Herbert Fuego
| Marijuana |
Herbert Fuego | November 11, 2016 | 4:20am
Dear Stoner: Will secondhand pot smoke get me high?
Dear Rudy: Thanks to advice from Casanova (the 18th-century Italian adventurer/author/player), oysters are renowned as an aphrodisiac — a natural Viagra, if you will. But while oysters are high in zinc, which increases testosterone, and dopamine, which stimulates the brain, Casanova said he ate five dozen oysters per day. Are you going to eat that many oysters on a date to go full-chubs faster? If not, you probably won’t be game to inhale enough smoke to get a contact high, either.
Scientific studies have shown that being exposed to large amounts of marijuana smoke in an unventilated room — aka hotboxing — can increase your heart rate while decreasing cognitive skills, but the conditions have to be extreme. Like 15-one-gram-joints-blown-in-your-face-with-absolutely-no-ventilation extreme, according to a 2015 Columbia University study. Those severe conditions resulted in enough THC entering the subjects’ systems that their urine tested positive 22 hours later. Subjects in ventilated rooms, however, did not feel impairment or fail the urine test, and they had significantly less THC in their blood.
Dear Stoner: What do those little orange and red hairs on buds do? Do different colors mean different effects?
Dear Zan: The little hairs on marijuana buds, known as pistils, play an important role in the eye test when you’re trying to determine the quality of pot, but they don’t play a significant role in predicting effects. Pistils form on the calyxes of female marijuana plants to collect pollen as the buds grow and are a good indicator during the flowering stage as they go from white to yellow, orange, red and tan throughout the maturation process — so the color of hairs you smoke could be telling you how old your pot was when it was harvested.
Pistils that darken too quickly during flowering or are too large and rampant in relation to the calyxes can be a sign of stress on the plant or poor genetics, both of which you should avoid. (This isn’t an erotic film from 1974: Nobody wants to put their mouth on anything hairy these days.) Pistils on some sativas and hybrids can be a lighter orange, while heavier indicas, like Bubba or Hindu Kush, can have browner hairs, but I wouldn’t recommend using that to identify strains; trust your nose instead. Even though they don’t have an effect on potency or taste, pistils are essential to a plant’s growing process and should be monitored accordingly.
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Highly Commended At Duke Of Gloucester’s Awards
Costain’s Mohammed Usman Shah, a Graduate Performance and Improvement Manager, has been highly commended at the Duke of Gloucester’s Awards for being a talented and innovative young surveyor.
Presented by the Construction Youth Trust, the Duke of Gloucester’s Young Achievers Scheme celebrates the achievement and contribution of young professionals to the industry. The scheme promotes the construction industry to young people of all social backgrounds with the aim of increasing the number and diversity of entrants into the sector.
The Awards are open to anyone under the age of 30 working in the construction industry in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Mohammed, who has worked at Costain since graduating in 2012, received his ‘Highly Commended Surveyor Award’ from HRH The Duke of Gloucester at a presentation ceremony at the Underglobe in London.
Mohammed said: “This award demonstrates what a graduate can achieve at Costain. I would like to thank everyone at Costain for all the opportunities and support they have provided me in my very young career so far. I hope this award inspires many others to work hard and to be recognised for all their achievements at Costain.”
The finalists were assessed by a panel of industry experts looking for young people who have not only achieved excellence in their careers so far, but who have overcome barriers and challenges or social disadvantage to get to where they are. The winners each received a cash prize and access to a one year mentoring programme organised by the Trust to enable them to make an even greater impact in the future.
The judges said Mohammed impressed the panel by showing great determination to succeed and great loyalty to those who support him, driven by a passion for the industry.
“Mohammed has not had an easy route into construction. He decided he wanted to be a surveyor and he didn’t get massive encouragement from others to do that. He deserves to be commended for his drive and determination to succeed. He’s a hugely energetic young man and a real lateral thinker. He’s very innovative, full of ideas, keen to change and keen to find better ways of doing things, which is quite unusual in our (surveying) profession. So I’ve got no doubt that Mohammed is one to watch for the future and that’s why he deserves to be commended this year,” said Simon Johnson, one of the judges on the panel and a Director at construction consultants AECOM, formerly Davis Langdon.
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bjarke ingels group designs '1550 on the green' office tower for houston
architecture 15 shares connections: +1310
the first images have been revealed of an office tower in texas designed by bjarke ingels group. located in houston’s central business district, ‘1550 on the green’ is a 28-story building that is being designed to achieve LEED platinum certification. the tower will feature extra-wide pedestrian zones with a canopy of trees, two tenant-exclusive outdoor roof terraces located on the 12th and 20th floors, and wide views of the surrounding greenery, allowing tenants to experience the benefits of nature both inside and outside the building.
all images courtesy of skanska
the images were revealed by development and construction firm skanska who simultaneously announced that it had secured law firm norton rose fulbright as 1550 on the green’s anchor tenant. BIG’s design of the project embraces skanska’s tenant-first approach, focusing on sustainability and tenant wellness throughout the building. tenants and guests will have access to ground floor retail outlets, while the lobby will have touchless security turnstiles, app-based guest registration, and destination dispatch elevators. meanwhile, large floorplates and tall ceilings with floor-to-ceiling glazing results in airy and flexible office environments.
‘as an organization that prides itself on building what matters to our communities, our team, made up of houstonians, has been working alongside local stakeholders to develop a plan and a building that will transform this side of downtown houston while still meeting the needs of the city,’ says matt damborsky, executive vice president for skanska USA commercial development’s houston market. more details about the project are expected to be revealed in due course.
name: 1550 on the green
architect: BIG – bjarke ingels group
development and construction: skanska
anchor tenant: norton rose fulbright
ARCHITECTURE IN TEXAS (38)
snøhetta to redesign the blanton museum's grounds in texas with petal-shaped structures
luminescent 'draftroom' in texas by jiří příhoda features a suspended table for sketching
steven holl completes 'kinder building' for the museum of fine arts, houston
david adjaye plans rice university student center as 'new campus anchor point'
snøhetta unveils plans for 'cloud-like' el paso children's museum in texas
carla bonilla huaroc turns luxury NYC condos into housing for people leaving prison
no. 33 park row in NYC by rogers stirk harbour + partners revealed in new images
high line extension proposed to connect to new york's penn station
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Valorant might have a few surprises in 2021. (Credit: Riot Games)
Despite all the difficulties on a global scale it was a good year for Riot’s tactical shooter Valorant. What’s coming in 2021?
Valorant went into closed beta on April 7 which concluded on May 28. The game itself was released on June 2 and ever since then, it has been on the rise. We’ve seen numerous tournaments and players leaving their respective titles to start a career and Valorant. Riot Games made their own regional event with First Strike which came to an end in December.
The developers have been supporting the tactical shooter with regular patches, balance updates, new maps, new modes, new agents, and new skins. All in order to keep the title fresh for the players. Six months later and well into a new year, Valorant fans have a lot to look forward to in 2021. Here’s what you can expect.
The esports scene will be reignited in 2021 with the Champions Tour. (Credit: Riot Games)
More Esports Events
The Valorant esports scene was already booming in 2020 as not even the pandemic managed to slow down the game's growth. 2021 will resume the shooter's competitive aspect with the Valorant Champions Tour. Another series of tournaments spanning across the globe. Players from various regions will have the chance to prove themselves and earn a spot in one of the prestigious LAN events. Only the best will make it to the grand finals in December.
It will come as no surprise if we see more and more players from other titles make the switch to Valorant. League of Legends' competitive structure is one of the best in the world of esports and Riot definitely plan to bring the same level to Valorant.
Act III added agent Skye and a lot more. (Credit: Riot Games)
New Episodes/Acts
Long ago when the game was first released, Riot revealed that Valorant will be split into Episodes. Each episode will last for six months and include a number of Acts. So far we’ve seen three of the latter, two months per act. 2021 will mark the start of Episode 2 in Valorant which is set to kick off on January 12. This means we should expect three more Acts between now and June.
Yoru is the next agent coming to Valorant. (Credit: Riot Games)
New Agents
The pool of available agents has grown in the past six months. Valorant had 8 agents in its early build. Breach and Raze were added later to increase the number to 10. Over the course of Episode 1, Riot added Reyna, Killjoy, Skye. Considering each act lasts two months, six more should be joining in 2021, Yoru was already revealed as the latest one.
In one of their previous blog posts, Riot mentioned that the number of agents they’re aiming for is rather high. Somewhere between 60 and 100. That’s a lot.
The Snowball Fight was a blast! (Credit: Riot Games)
New Game Modes
Initially, Valorant had a training room and the standard plant/defuse. As time went by, Riot added the fast-paced Spike Rush and the highly requested by fans Deathmatch. During the winter holidays, players were also able to enjoy a special version of DM, named Snowball Fight.
Riot made it clear they have some ideas and will probably try to sneak in as many new modes as possible in 2021. Whether the focus will remain on the social aspect remains to be seen.
Icebox was released back in October. (Credit: Riot Games)
If there’s one department Valorant is lacking in it’s definitely the maps. There isn’t enough variety and so far, the number is on the low side. Riot’s shooter released with four maps – Bind, Haven, Split, and the obligatory Venice map Ascent. Ever since then, the devs have added only one additional map – Icebox.
Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but it added an extra choice and increased the number to a total of five. We’ll be really happy if Riot adds at least a few more maps in 2021.
The next-gen consoles pack some serious hardware. (Credit: Sony/Microsoft)
Valorant on Other Platforms
League of Legends is already live on mobile devices thanks to Wild Rift. Riot proved it’s possible, so is Valorant about to follow the same fate? Previously, the company stated that the main focus will be on PC but consider the following:
Mobile gaming can draw in even more players
It’s an area where Valorant’s main competitor CS:GO is lacking
That’s not too much of a stretch, is it? Only time will tell. Then there’s also the case of consoles. Valorant can run on any potato PC and the latest generation of consoles is the most powerful we’ve seen reaching 4k resolutions and 120 fps. Perhaps that’ll be the better choice for Riot?
What do you want to see in Valorant during 2021? Tell us on our Facebook or Twitter page!
READ MORE: Valorant Episode 2 Battle Pass Leaked - Here’s What you get!
For more Valorant news and everything else gaming or esports check EarlyGame.
Wild Rift: THE ULTIMATE MID LANE BEGINNER'S GUIDE
Tasho Tashev
Valorant Agent 14 Abilities and Name Leaked
Poll: Valorant Episode 2 Act 1
What do you expect from Valorant Episode 2 Act 1?
A new agent
A new map
A new weapon
More lore
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Currently viewing: 001 Key | Experimental result002 Supporting | Experimental result003 Supporting | Experimental result
OECD Guideline 401 (Acute Oral Toxicity)
standard acute method
Equal numbers of male and female Sprague-Dawley strain rats were supplied by Bantin & Kingman Ltd., Grimston, Aldborough, Hull, U.K. At the start of the main study the males weighed 133 - 165g, and the females 120 - 142g, and were approximately five to eight weeks old. The animals were housed in groups of up to five by sex in solid-floor polypropylene cages with sawdust bedding. With the exception of an overnight fast immediately before dosing and for approximately two hours after dosing, free access to mains drinking water and food (Rat and Mouse Expanded Diet
No. 1, Special Diet Services Limited, Witham, Essex, U.K.) was allowed throughout the study.
The animal room was maintained at a temperature of 20 - 27°C and relative humidity of 42 - 74%. The rate of air exchange was approximately 15 changes per hour and the lighting was controlled by a time switch to give 12 hours continuous light and 12 hours darkness.
Administration / exposure
Route of administration:
oral: gavage
unchanged (no vehicle)
Details on oral exposure:
All animals were dosed once only by gavage using a metal cannula attached to a graduated syringe. The volume administered to each animal was calculated according to its fasted bodyweight at the time of dosing.
Doses:
Limit dose, 5000 mg/kg of body weight
No. of animals per sex per dose:
Control animals:
All animals were dosed once only by gavage at 5000 mg/kg of body weight. Deaths and overt signs of toxicity were recorded , 1, 2 and 4 hours after dosing and subsequently once daily for 14 days. Individual bodyweights were recorded on the day of treatment (day 0) and on days 7 and 14, or at death. At the end of the study the animals were sacrificed and subjected to macroscopic examination. This consisted of opening the abdominal and examining all major organs. The macroscopic apperance of abnormal organs if present was recorded.
Not required.
Effect levels
Effect level:
> 5 000 mg/kg bw
other: There were 3/10 mortalities at the Limit Dose of 5000 mg/kg of body weight.
Mortality:
3/10 at 5000 mg/kg
Clinical signs:
Common signs of toxicity noted were hunched posture, pilo-erection, lethargy, decreased respiratory rate, ptosis, ataxia or loss of righting reflex. Isolated signs of coma, emaciation or dehydration were also noted. All surviving animals appeared normal 3 - 4 days after treatment.
Body weight:
Surviving animals showed expected gain in bodyweight during the study period.
Gross pathology:
Abnormalities noted at necropsy of animals that died during the study were haemorrhagic or abnormally red lungs, patchy pallor of the liver, dark kidneys and haemorrhage of the small intestine. Necropsy of animals killed at the end of the study revealed isolated which foci approximately 1 mm x 1 mm over 25% of the non-glandular region of the stomach.
Migrated information Criteria used for interpretation of results: expert judgment
The acute oral median lethal dose (LD50) of the test material, 2,3-epoxypropyl o-tolyl ether in the Sprague-Dawley strain rat was found to be greater than 5000mg/kg bodyweight.
An O.E.C.D. test guideline no. 401 Acute Oral Toxicity Study in the rat was conducted at the Limit Dose of 5000 mg/kg of body weight of the test substance, 2,3 -epoxypropyl o-tolyl ether. There were 3/10 mortalities at the Limit dose Therefore, the acute oral median lethal dose (LD50) of the test substance in the Sprague-Dawley strain rat is greater than 5000 mg/kg bodyweight.
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Bayern puts eight goals past Schalke in opener
Published: Sep 20,202001:02 AM
Bayern Munich made a great start to the new Bundesliga season as the treble winner thrashed hopeless Schalke 8-0 here on Friday, thanks to a hat-trick from Serge Gnabry and a superb Leroy Sane debut.
Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry (left) was the star of the show against Schalke, netting 3 goals
Munich:
With the biggest opening day win in Bundesliga history, Bayern showed it has lost none of sharpness that helped it lift the Champions League trophy less than a month back. In what turned out to be a one-sided affair, the Hansi Flick-managed side stretched its unbeaten run to 31 games this year, having won the last 22 matches in a row.
Winger Gnabry netted the opener for the host in the fourth minute with a fine turn and shot. Schalke, without a league win in 17 consecutive games since January, was helpless against Bayern’s lightning-quick game. For the second goal, Leon Goretzka found plenty of space to drive a low shot past goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann in the 19th minute.
Bayern, which came up trumps in the Bundesliga, Champions League and German Cup last time out, found the back of the net again in the 31st minute. Robert Lewandowski, the 2019-20 season’s top goal-getter, converted a penalty and became the first player to score in 10 successive appearances against the same Bundesliga team.
After the breather, Gnabry scored twice from Sane’s assists in the 47th and 59th minutes. Thomas Muller then made it half-a-dozen goals after Lewandowski set him up with an impressive rabona kick.
Sane, who moved from Premier League club Manchester City in the summer, later capped his fantastic Bayern debut with a fine finish from a counter attack in an empty Allianz Arena.
It is to be noted that the city has banned spectators due to the rising coronavirus numbers in the region. Substitute Jamal Musiala drilled in goal number eight to become the youngest-ever Bayern scorer in the league at 17.
RESULTS: Bundesliga: Bayern Munich 8 beat Schalke 0.
Ligue 1: Lyon 0 drew with Nimes 0.
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Trump's High Crime Was to Assault Every American's Right to Free and Fair Elections
Nobody put this better than Professor Pamela S. Karlan in Wednesday's House Judiciary Committee hearing.
Chip SomodevillaGetty Images
WASHINGTON—I don’t mean to diminish the gold-standard, A-level Founders porn with which the nation was gifted on Wednesday. I am a ridiculous nerd for such stuff, and not even the woebegone visage of Jonathan Turley, who’s seeing all those juicy Clinton impeachment TV appearances coming back for him like the visitation of the spirits at Scrooge’s place, can take the smile off my face.
But the best practical argument made in the context of 2019 politics came from Professor Pamela Karlan, who announced her presence with authority by clapping back ferociously on Rep. Doug Collins, the bellowing bullshit auctioneer from Georgia. Because he apparently believes that everyone is as deeply afflicted by deliberate ignorance as he is, Collins snarked about how none of the expert witnesses possibly could have read all 300 pages of the House Intelligence Committee’s damning report by the time they came to testify. To which Professor Karlan replied:
Here, Mr. Collins I would like to say to you, sir, that I read transcripts of every one of the witnesses who appeared in the live hearing because I would not speak about these things without reviewing the facts. So I’m insulted by the suggestion that as a law professor I don’t care about those facts.
I do not envy those of Professor Karlan’s students who show up unprepared for class.
Anyway, throughout the hearings, Karlan continually made an argument that should be central to anyone’s consideration of the charges relating to the Ukrainian shakedown—that the crimes therein involved an attempt to monkeywrench the 2020 election, and that, therefore, they are an assault on every American’s right to a free and fair election, and that, therefore, they are an assault on every American’s right to vote. Maybe someone else has made this argument and I missed it, but I doubt they made it as forcefully and as cogently as Karlan did. Now you can see why she almost was nominated for the Supreme Court by President Obama, who went with Merrick Garland, in part because it was determined that Garland was more likely to be confirmed. Yeah, that putt got called a little early.
Collins got absolutely clowned on.
The high crime, by Karlan’s thinking, is not merely something determined by what 18th century lawyers considered bribery to be, but rather the theft of something even more precious. In her opening statement, Karlan laid out the argument in her opening statement.
The evidence reveals a president who used the powers of his office to demand that a foreign government participate in undermining a competing candidate for the presidency. As President John Kennedy declared, the right to vote in a free American election is the most powerful and precious right in the world. But our elections become less free when they are distorted by foreign interference. What happened in 2016 was bad enough. There is widespread agreement that Russian operatives interfered to manipulate the process. But that is magnified if a sitting president abuses the powers of his office actually to invite foreign intervention.
To see why, imagine living in a part of Louisiana or Texas that's prone to devastating hurricanes and flooding. What would you think if you lived there and your governor asked for a meeting with the president to discuss getting disaster aid that congress has provided for. What would you think if that president said, I would like to do you—I would like you to do us a favor. I'll meet with you and I'll send the disaster relief once you brand my opponent a criminal. Wouldn't you know in your gut that such a president had abused his office? That he betrayed the national interest and that he was trying to corrupt the electoral process?
Asked later by chairman Jerrold Nadler to explain, Karlan did so in a way that even an ignoramus like Collins would find hard to pretend that he didn’t understand.
The way that it does it is exactly what President Washington warned about, by inviting a foreign government to influence our elections. It takes the right away from the American people, and it turns that into a right that foreign governments decide to interfere for their own benefit. Foreign governments don't interfere in our elections to benefit us, they interfere to benefit themselves.
If every Democratic candidate for president doesn’t adopt this framing on impeachment on the stump, then none of them deserve to win. This puts the president*’s crimes right in everyone’s living room. His abuse of power affects you as soon as you walk into the voting booth. It also has the added benefit of being true. The only effective rebuttal to this argument is to assert that, by their performance in 2016, and by the turnout figures in election after election, the American people don’t consider the franchise to be a thing of value. I don’t think I want to know the answer to that.
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The American Experiment's Survival Is on the Line
Pence 'Cannot Defend' Trump Remarks
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sccs Abbrev. for source code control system. A utility program, developed initially to run under UNIX, that keeps track of a set of versions and variants of a text file (usually source language). Sccs can retrieve any one of the set of versions and variants it holds, and can receive new versions or variants together with a commentary concerning who made the change and what has changed from the previous version or variant. An important feature of sccs is that it does not keep the full source text of each version or variant. Instead it keeps one full text and a set of differences between that version and all the other versions and variants. Hence sccs provides a more economical means of storing a module with many versions and variants than, for example, storing them all in separate files.
A Dictionary of Computing
"sccs ." A Dictionary of Computing. . Encyclopedia.com. 14 Jan. 2021 <https://www.encyclopedia.com>.
"sccs ." A Dictionary of Computing. . Encyclopedia.com. (January 14, 2021). https://www.encyclopedia.com/computing/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/sccs
"sccs ." A Dictionary of Computing. . Retrieved January 14, 2021 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/computing/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/sccs
Authorized Version , Authorized Version Authorized Version. An English translation of the Bible published in 1611. It was ordered by King James I (hence the American name… version , version •ashen, fashion, passion, ration •abstraction, action, attraction, benefaction, compaction, contraction, counteraction, diffraction, enaction… Tristram And Isolde , Tristram and Isolde (trĬs´trəm, Ĭsōl´də, Ĭzōl´–), medieval romance. The earliest extant version (incomplete) was written (c.1185) by Thomas of Britai… Anton Bruckner , Bruckner, (Joseph) Anton (b Ansfelden, Linz, 1824; d Vienna, 1896). Austrian composer and organist. Son of village schoolmaster, showed precocious mu… Acrobat , acrobat •at, bat, brat, cat, chat, cravat, drat, expat, fat, flat, frat, gat, gnat, hat, hereat, high-hat, howzat, lat, mat, matt, matte, Montserrat,… Bel And The Dragon , BEL AND THE DRAGON , two stories appearing in different versions in the Apocrypha, the Septuagint, and Theodotion; they appear as a continuation of t…
Parlog
vers.
Avot de-Rabbi Nathan
Erleichterung
podalic version
SCCL
SCCAPE
SCBU
ScBE
ScBC
SCB Computer Technology, Inc.
scazon
Scavullo, Francesco 1921-2004
Scavullo, Francesco
Scavini, Pietro
scavenging
scavage
scaur
scaup-duck
scatty
scattering, particle
Scattering and Sorrow
SCDA
SCDC
ScDHyg
ScDMed
sce.
SCEC
SCEcorp
Scelionidae
Scelsi, Giacinto (actually, Conte Giacinto Scelsi di Valva)
scemando
Scenario du Film Passion
scend
Scene Dissection, Spectacle, Film as Art
Scene of the Crime 1985
scenedesmus
Scenes and Arias
Scenes from a Murder
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by Guy de Maupassant
What is the theme of "The Necklace," and how does the author use symbolism and irony to explain this theme?
One of the central themes of "The Necklace" is appearance versus reality. For Mathilde, the necklace symbolizes wealth, beauty, and, shame, as she loses the necklace and goes into debt to replace it. The great irony of the story is that the necklace was a fake. Mathilde spends ten years in debt, effectively ruining her life over nothing.
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The theme of “The Necklace” is that we ought to be grateful for what we have rather than constantly wishing for more. Madame Loisel pities herself immensely because of her lack of wealth and her personal feeling that she was “born for every delicacy and luxury.” Instead of being surrounded by opulence—“exquisite pieces of furniture supporting priceless ornaments”—she is compelled to make do with her marriage to a man with a good job, a servant to help her with the most menial wifely duties, and a comfortable home with food on the table.
Despite all that she does have, she “suffers endlessly” because she wants so much more. Madame Loisel is unable to appreciate a husband who would go to great lengths to secure an invitation to a party just to make her happy, who would give up the money that he was saving for something for himself so that she could have a new dress for this one night, and so on. He is grateful for what they have, and she is not.
The necklace she borrows from her friend, Madame Forestier, embodies extent of Madame Loisel’s desire for luxury, at any cost. The necklace is a symbol of her lust for wealth: she cannot recognize that what she already has in her life has true, real value, just as she cannot recognize the worthlessness of the necklace, which is not actually a diamond at all. She thinks that she knows what is truly valuable, but she does not. The irony of the necklace’s actual cheapness underscores the idea that we should be grateful for and recognize the good things in our lives rather than being so focused on acquiring more.
Last Updated by eNotes Editorial on December 8, 2020
brendawm
Top subject is Literature
The main themes of “The Necklace” first and foremost, in my opinion, is Class Conflict as Madame Loisel, a member of lower class strives to appear to be in a higher class than she actually is, which causes conflict, but it also hints at another theme of Appearances and Reality. Madame Loisel is determined to make herself appear to be at a higher level on the social ladder than she actually is; however her desire to attain this goal leads to a display of Generosity on the part of Madame Forestier as she loans a very expensive necklace to the Greedy Madame Loisel who looses it. The necklace actually seems to be a symbol of her life, the insincerity of her character, and how her greed leads to her ultimate misery in life because she is forced to give up her own goals in life to repay Madame Forestier for the necklace she has lost, effectively ending her feeble climb up the social ladder. Irony is best demonstrated in the fact that she wastes her life to pay for a cheap copy of the original necklace, while she herself is nothing more than a cheap copy. Check the links below for more information.
Approved by eNotes Editorial Team
mickey2bailey
Top subjects are Literature and Social Sciences
The theme of the short story, "The Necklace" is to be happy with who you are and what you have. Madame Loisel lived in the middle class society but longed to be a member of high society. She wanted to live above her means and would do whatever it took to get there. Her husband provided the stepping stone to enter the world of the upper class by getting an invitation to a prominent reception. From there she talked her husband into giving her the money to have a wonderful dress to fit in with them and then the final highlight was to borrow a wonderful diamond necklace from Madame Forestier to wear to the reception. The ironic situation is the source of her joy, the necklace, becomes her downfall when she loses it and has to work the next ten years of her life to replace it. She not only loses her middle income status but falls into poverty and spends the rest of her life suffering for her dreams. The symbolism of the necklace is social acceptance into a world where she longs to be, but doesn't belong.
sagetrieb
Enotes has an excellent response to your question at the URL below. The necklace itself represents the theme of appearances versus reality. “While sufficiently beautiful to make Madame Loisel feel comfortable during the ministerial ball, the necklace is actually nothing more than paste and gilt. Thus, it is not the reality of wealth or high social class that is important for Madame Loisel, just the appearance of it.” As the discussion on enotes points out, other themes involve conflict of class (rich vs poor) and greed and generosity. The irony in the story is that Madame Loisel ruins her life in trying to compensate for the lost necklace, when in fact the necklace was not worth anything to begin with. As for symbolism, it resides in the title which also carries the theme: the necklace symbolizes the difference between appearance of and reality, a wealth that is empty, having no real value.
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In "The Necklace," how did Mathilde’s life change after she lost the necklace?
What is the conflict of the short story "The Necklace"?
How does Madame Loisel change at the end of "The Necklace" from how she was before she lost the necklace?
What is the moral to the story "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant? What sayings sum up the story?
I need three character traits for madame Loisel from "The Necklace"? Thank You.
Latest answer posted November 10, 2019 at 3:02:00 PM
Explain how verbal, situational, and dramatic irony are expressed throughout "The Necklace."
4 Educator answers
Latest answer posted October 08, 2018 at 3:32:30 AM
Where is situational irony in the "The Necklace" and how does this convey the author's message?
1 Educator answer
Latest answer posted June 15, 2013 at 11:30:25 PM
In "The Necklace", how does the author use the symbol of the necklace (representing superficiality, vanity, etc) to maximize the irony in the story?
Latest answer posted January 31, 2020 at 12:19:25 AM
Closely examine the passage in "The Necklace" at Madame Forestier’s house when Mathilde discovers and borrows the necklace. What symbolic elements are being used here by the author? Explain.
Latest answer posted December 02, 2015 at 7:28:14 AM
Is there any irony or symbolism in "The Necklace"?
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E. Vaughn Wray Funeral Establishment
Send Flowers for Fred
Fred Gladstone Morais Scott
March 6, 1929 ~ September 27, 2019 (age 90)
Fred Scott passed away on Friday September 27, 2019 in Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital Virginia Beach, VA.
Fred Gladstone Morais Scott was born in Hopewell, Hanover, Jamaica, West Indies on March 6, 1929 to the late Cleopatra Addella Scott and James Morais Scott Sr. He was the 4th of 6 children born to his parents. He was proceeded in death by his siblings Leo Scott and James Scott. He leaves to cherish his siblings Winnifred Harper, Anne (Emma) Barnes, and Cleveland Morais Scott. On October 7, 2007 Fred was married to his loving wife and best friend Barbara Hook and resided in Virginia Beach, VA.
Fred was a lover of Shakespeare and often quoted memorable “gems” from his work. He was a member of the British Royal Airforce during WW II and was proud of his accomplishments during his tenure. He also served as a Police Officer in Jamaica for 10 years and loved to share stories of his adventures as a “cop”. Once he migrated to the United States, he worked for Fisher Scientific Chemical Plant in Fairlawn, New Jersey and retired after 20 years.
Fred truly loved the Lord. He was one of the founders in his home church in Patterson, New Jersey and served as the financial secretary and on the Usher Board for many years. He was an avid lover of spiritual music and often sang solos in his church. He moved to Virginia and became a member of New Light Full Gospel Baptist Church for over 20 years and was a part of the Addie Hammond Senior Fellowship Group. He loved New Light Full Gospel Baptist Church and attended church regularly until he became to ill to attend services on a regular basis.
Fred leaves to cherish his wife Barbara, his daughters: Linda Scott, Andrea Scott, Deanna Shelly Scott, Pauline Farquahson, Donnette Plummer, Christine Joyner, Vivian Smith-Noel, Ester Legare, Annette Austin, and Lara Hook; Sons: Fred Scott Jr., Richard Scott, Dale Scott, Donovan Scott, Boswell Sams, Norman Hook. He also leaves to cherish, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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If your child has been invited for a face-to-face appointment or procedure, it’s important you still come (even during the national lockdown) unless you hear otherwise.
To help keep everyone safe, only one parent or carer can attend. No other family or friends can visit.
See all our information about COVID-19, including steps we are taking to keep you safe.
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Posted on Friday 13th April 2018
The new blood test centre reception and interactive artwork to keep younger visitors entertained
Young people and families are benefiting from shorter waiting times for blood tests thanks to the new children’s blood test centre.
Since opening in September 2017, waiting times for children’s blood tests have been cut significantly. Families are now waiting less than half of the time they did before.
The new purpose-built space for blood tests has increased privacy and improved wheelchair access. It will benefit more than 22,000 children and young people who visit Evelina London for a blood test each year.
Grace Pinto, children’s phlebotomy (blood test) manager, said: “Being able to see families more quickly means children spend less time sitting and worrying about their blood test. The sooner we see them, the sooner they realise that having a blood test is nothing to be worried about. We’re really pleased to have been able to cut waiting times by around 20 minutes. We now have more space in a dedicated area to support young people.”
Blood test services are provided by Viapath and the new centre is now located on the ground floor, South Wing in St Thomas’ Hospital, next to the adult blood test centre.
The children’s blood test centre is just one of the new spaces opened as part of the ‘Evelina London is growing’ programme, expanding our hospital to meet the needs of the families we care for.
A new Penguin outpatients unit also opened in 2017. The unit has increased space to support the growing renal (kidney) and rheumatology services expected to see almost 2,000 children and young people for clinic appointments each year. Penguin has 12 clinic rooms, a treatment room, a private family space and a dedicated physiotherapy gym for rheumatology patients.
Since our award-winning children’s hospital building first opened its doors, the number of children and young people we care for each year has more than doubled.
We are growing our hospital in order to provide outstanding healthcare for children and young people, meeting their needs now and in the future.
As part of the ‘Evelina London is growing’ programme there are a number of building projects planned and in progress. Some of these works include expanding beyond the walls of our children’s hospital.
See photographs of the new spaces, find out more about Evelina London's future plans and keep up to date.
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We understand that you may be concerned about COVID-19 at this time. This page provides you with an update including actions we are taking to care for patients and to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
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