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Joel Smith Among 'Legal Aces' To Receive Law360 MVP Award
Columbia Managing Partner Joel Smith was named a 2015 Law360 Product Liability MVP, an award which recognizes elite attorneys for significant accomplishments in high-stakes litigation, record-breaking deals and complex global matters.
With no shortage of competition, Joel was one of more than 850 submissions reviewed for this year's MVP distinctions. Law360 editors selected 189 lawyers as 2015 MVPs from a record 86 firms spanning 31 practice areas.
Joel has over 31 years of experience defending product liability and mass torts litigation as a first-chair trial lawyer in venues across the country. He currently serves as co-lead technical counsel for a major automotive manufacturer in their national and MDL litigation, and has also served as MDL and lead counsel in pharmaceutical cases.
Selected honorees will be profiled in the publication beginning November 9th
Joel H. Smith
Partner, Columbia
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Cambs Times > News > Business
Potato farmers face ‘bleak new year’ and Ireland will miss out on chips as Brexit looms, specialist warns
Louise Hepburn
Published: 6:31 PM December 21, 2020
Oliver Boutwood, director of Isle of Ely Produce, has warned the government that potato exports to Ireland could stop completely after the Brexit deadline. - Credit: Isle of Ely Produce
An Ely-based potato specialist has warned the government that UK exports could stop completely from December 31 - which, for Ireland, could lead to a shortage of chips.
Oliver Boutwood, director of Isle of Ely Produce, claims that if the current situation in terms of the Brexit negotiations remains, potato exports to both Ireland and Northern Ireland will cease at the end of the year.
He has outlined his concerns in a letter to George Eustice, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
In it, he explains the UK currently exports over 100,000 tons of potatoes to the Republic of Ireland every year. Around 10,000 tons are also sent to Northern Ireland.
Mr Boutwood said: “And yet, as things stand, on January 1 2021, it is a market that may cease to exist and affect the livelihoods of thousands of people.
“As potatoes fall into the ‘high priority plants’ category, there has been a lot of confusion in the industry and we even assumed that this means potatoes will just have to have a Phyto Certificate for export to Ireland.
“However, this is not true. We also cannot export to Northern Ireland from January 1 reducing our reach and ability to conduct business.”
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He continues: “Unless ware potatoes are granted something called ‘3rd country equivalence’ by the EU, the trade of potatoes between EU and Ireland and Northern Ireland will effectively cease on January 1 2021 which will, as previously stated, harm many people’s livelihoods.
“Despite the massive contrast between the amount of produce we import from the EU compared to the pitiful amount we export; we seem currently unable to negotiate a pass or even a stay of execution for potato exports to Ireland and Northern Ireland.”
He also explains that as the UK government continues to categorise ware potatoes as “food supply chain critical, which impacts retail and consumers if supply is restricted”, they can still be imported from the EU.
“So from January 1 2021 we will no longer be allowed to export our potatoes to the EU or even our own Northern Ireland but we will be allowed to continue to import potatoes from the EU,” Mr Boutwood said, stressing that this could have a knock-on effect on other sectors.
“This doesn’t make sense to us at Isle of Ely Produce or indeed any of our farmers and merchants and fish and chip shop owners in Ireland/Northern Ireland we have spoken to, it is clear that we need to have the same ‘food supply chain critical’ agreement ASAP with the EU.”
He finally urges George Eustice to take his points into consideration as the UK and EU negotiations continue.
Mr Boutwood said: “We have kept up supply all through lockdown, and our fish and chip shop owners have bravely continued to serve through a pandemic, but currently those in NI and Eire could be forced to close due to a shortfall not of their making.
“Fish and chips have been served for 160 years in the UK and Ireland, it is the food of the nation and we need your help to make sure it continues to be!”
Ely News
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...Jean Louis Scherrer's show was presented at Paris Fashion Week. Models such as Sonia Cole walked the runway wearing late 1980s-style tailored two pieces including double-breasted blazers with shoulder pads, mini pencil skirts, halter neck...
Christian Lacroix, Autumn/Winter 1987
...Christian Lacroix’s Autumn/Winter 1987 haute couture show was presented at Paris Fashion Week. Citing the opera and bullfighting as a source of inspiration Lacroix’s collection aptly reflected the vivaciousness and drama of both the art...
Christian Dior, Spring/Summer 1988
...The Christian Dior Spring / Summer 1988 took place at Paris Fashion Week, and was one of Creative Director Marc Bohan's final shows for Dior, since his appointment in 1960. The show opens with a plethora of elegant, brightly colored...
Jean-Louis Scherrer, Spring/Summer 1988
...Jean-Louis Scherrer's Spring/Summer 1988 collection was shown at Paris Fashion Week. Featuring a wide range of aesthetics and trends, the show began with swimwear and street wear looks that tapped into the logo trend of the eighties...
Yohji Yamamoto, Spring/Summer 1988
...Yohji Yamamoto’s Spring/Summer 1888 collection was shown at Paris Fashion Week. The collection encompassed Yohji Yamamoto’s Japanese heritage and ‘master tailoring’ through engineered asymmetric draping, nods to suiting, and careful...
Hermès, Spring/Summer 1988
...Eric Bergère's Spring/Summer 1988 show for Hermès was presented at Paris Fashion Week. The show was influenced by a world traveller spirit that is typical of Hermès. Skirt suits in light fabrics, jackets with three-quarter length sleeves...
Yohji Yamamoto, Autumn/Winter 1989
...Yohji Yamamoto’s 1989 Autumn/Winter womenswear collection took place at the Cour Carrée du Louvre, Paris, on March 16 1989, throughout Paris Fashion Week. This show followed Yamamoto’s initial design style of wanting women to wear men...
Enrico Coveri, Autumn/Winter 1989
...Enrico Coveri’s Autumn Winter 1989 show took place at Paris Fashion Week and contained menswear, womenswear and children’s wear. The show began by featuring brightly colored and patterned outerwear and later ski-wear. The show...
Lolita Lempicka, Spring/Summer 1989
...Lolita Lempicka's Spring/Summer 1989 womenswear show was presented at Paris Fashion Week. The collection had an elegant aesthetic, featuring tailored jackets and skirts with shoulder and hip pads. Tailored pieces were softened by loose...
Dorethee Bis, Autumn/Winter 1989
...Dorothee Bis’s Autumn/Winter 1989 womenswear collection was shown at Paris fashion week. The collection included modest styles such as long skirts and tube dresses, and sweaters and tops with hoods in muted tones such as charcoal, burgundy...
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Timetables & Calendar
Group Visits & Tours
Loco Works News
Carriage & Wagon News
Great Northern Railway Directors’ Saloon No.706E
Steam & Vine
Operation Undercover Phase 4
at Horsted Keynes
Operation Undercover is our big push to get as much as we can of our locomotive and carriage fleets undercover.The Bluebell is renowned for its diverse collection of historic carriages and wagons. However, one of the major issues facing the Railway is the rapid weather-induced deterioration of much of its running fleet, as well as the vehicles stored outside awaiting restoration to their former glory, simply for the want of adequate covered storage accommodation.
As ‘Heritage Railway’ magazine observed in the April 2008 edition: “… For decades the standard of carriage restoration at the Bluebell has been a benchmark for the movement; it seems incredible that the magnificent carriage fleet has by necessity been left to stand out of doors…”
Quite simply, if more of our priceless fleet could be stored under cover, the carriages and wagons would survive much longer between repaints or renovation, thus freeing up capacity to restore more of our rare or unique vehicles to running condition. The new Sheffield Park Carriage Shed (built as Operation Undercover phase 3) greatly assists in this regard, but there is still an urgent need for more weather-proof storage facilities.
With this challenge in mind, back in 2008 a group of volunteers at the C&W Dept. drew up some plans for a new parts storage shed and a large extension to the existing C&W works, with the main objective of providing much-needed additional covered storage for approximately 20 carriages.
Matthew Cousins’ sketch shows the design of the main shed, with 4 tracks in the storage part to the right, and just one road (the maintenance/pit road) in the other part of the extension. The two sections on the left are the existing carriage shed/works.
News from Operation Undercover Phase 4:
July 2020: Contractors have been working on the exterior cladding at the north end of the shed.
7 February 2020: Windows and doors now fitted to both floors of the Heritage Skills Centre, and volunteers preparing to fit out the trim shop.
16 January 2020: Tramway inside the maintenance area extended, and ground floor windows and doors fitted to the fully-clad Heritage Skills Centre, which also now has a first floor.
18 August 2019: great progress on the walls of the Heritage Skills Centre, and on trackwork in the yard.
3 July 2019: The first layer of cladding has now been fixed to the carriage shed, and floor slab poured in the ground floor of the Heritage Skills Centre .
25 June 2019: D road reconnected.
21 June 2019: OP4 trackwork, with planned design, and progress on the three way point.
31 May 2019: The walls are now being prepared for cladding, following the successful fundraising appeal last Autumn.
22 May 2019: The contract for the cladding of the shed has been let.
4 April 2019: Volunteer bricklayers progress the bottom part of the shed wall.
20 March 2019: Before the cladding can be erected, there is a lot of preparatory work required, principally the completion of the dwarf wall all around the shed and Heritage Skills Centre (HSC) and the ground floor of the HSC.
OP4 May to September 2018 – New trackwork in the yard and construction of the framework of the Heritage Skills Centre.
The archive of OP4 news from 2011 to May 2018 is available here.
You can also keep track of progress though Dave Clarke’s photo album of the project. Derek Hayward also provides coverage as part of his C&W Department Gallery.
Background information about covered accommodation for our rolling stock is available here.
Last updated 29 July 2020 by Richard Salmon
Website by Moocow
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"Those Blue Eyes Get Me Every Time" | Kate + Karl
It was exactly nine years prior to their wedding day that Kate and Karl went on their very first date. Obviously, their love is enduring and incredible. What one might not guess however, is that their very first date was actually the result of Karl asking Kate out for the fourth time.
You see, they had had a "crush" on each other on and off throughout high school, but it never really developed fully... largely due to a cellphone blunder. Karl explained, during their beautiful reception at the Marshall Golf Club, "Back then, my text limit was thirty texts a month, for both sending and receiving". So, whenever he and Kate texted, he always shut down after that thirtieth text, not getting back to Kate.
"So, I guess one thing I learned from that is communication is important to developing a relationship," Karl explained. He followed up with several more learnings from his pursuit of Kate - don't ask a girl out in a Hardee's drive-through. It is NOT romantic, even though it sounded good at the time, it's not. And lastly he said..
"The best things in life are worth waiting for."
Um... okay. Don't mind me while I swoon over here.
The day began with Kate and her ladies getting ready at Hair Expressions by Kari in Granite Falls, Minnesota. The salon was buzzing with excitement as makeup brushes waved and curling irons twirled. Kate met me in a private, back room so we could capture her reading the letter Karl had written her. Naturally, I didn't get half-way through the reading before I was balling, and Kate did okay until the end when she stopped, gave a heartfelt laugh, and said, "Wow, I think I actually AM going to cry today!". Her letter was brimmed full of loving remarks from Karl, and how excited he was to marry her that day. One of my favorite lines was:
"You are the most beautiful, kind-hearted, sweet, full-of-love, brown-eyed girl I know, and I can't wait to call you my wife in a short while."
Kudos to you Karl - that was phenomenal.
Then it was off to a hotel just down the street from the venue where the groomsmen were getting ready. Eventually, we were able to usher all of the guys out of the room except for Karl, where he was nervously holding his letter from Kate in his hands.
When Karl read his letter... you better believe that he didn't leave a dry eye in the room (even if it was just me and the photographer, Hayley Bodin in the room). Kate, being the hilarious lady she is, started with a joke, "I have always had a picture in my mind of the man I’m going to marry... Adam Levine. Just kidding!"
This cracked Karl up before he got to the emotional core of the note.
"You are the most loving and kind-hearted guy I have ever met. Those blue eyes get me every time."
It's true. Karl has some of the bluest blinkers I have ever seen.
Kate wrapped it up with some more adorable comments about how Karl will make the best father to their children one day, and how excited she was to experience the world with him. The note ended with...
" You are my other half, and I can’t wait to call you my husband. I love you forever."
On to the first look.
I have to admit, I've never seen a first look more full of genuine love and excitement than these two's. Kate made the long walk from the reception space to a gorgeous, large tree near the golf course, where Karl awaited in the shade. We didn't allow him to move much from his spot (so we wouldn't accidentally turn and see Kate), but the nerves were mounting, and he swayed back and fourth, anticipating his gorgeous future wife's reveal.
When Kate gave Karl the go-ahead to turn around and catch a glimpse, Karl's head fell into his hands as he beamed and went in for a huge hug. They had long moments of standing beneath the shade in each other's arms, cherishing one another as the summer breeze wrapped around them.
First looks are one of my absolute favorite things to capture. It's a chance for the couple to be alone with each other before the chaos of the wedding day really starts to ensue. It's just them. Alone and wrapped in each other. Bursting with excitement and love for this special time. Sigh.
The ceremony was set up along a tree line, tucked behind the golf club; beautiful and secluded. It was a tad bit windy, but still an insanely fun place to fly the drone!!
As guests found their seats, water bottles were passed to them so as to keep cool in the 80-some degree, weather. That's Minnesota for ya.
The processional began, and each linked groomsman and bridesmaid made their ways down the aisle.
The flower girl and ring bearer were too adorable to handle as they preluded the stunning bride's entrance.
Kate walked down the aisle, accompanied by her father, in a classic, Allure gown.
The ceremony seemed to fly by with wonderful readers, a hilarious officiant, and a beautiful song, When I Say I Do, sung by a close family friend.
Their first kiss as man and wife sent Kate and Karl back down the aisle to a sea of applause and smiles, as they set up for a receiving line.
Reception time!
The toasts began with a heartfelt message from Kate's father, declaring how he and his wife knew that Kate and Karl would be getting married from very early on. Recently, Kate had had a health scare, and seeing the way Karl cared for Kate had reassured him of what he already knew - that they were meant for each other.
Kate's maids of honor were her two sisters, and they shared several funny stories of Kate when they were younger, along with how Karl had always gone above and beyond for Kate...
"Whether he was building her a telescope from scratch, moving across states, or spending over 100 hours picking out the perfect engagement ring, he set a pretty high standard and we knew early on that we was the one."
Karl's best man wrapped up toasts with a story of how he remembered spending a hot summer's day with both Karl and Kate many years ago, when they had first begun dating. He knew, in fact, that it was summertime because Karl had insisted upon listening to "Born in the USA" on the way to go fishing. The room filled with chuckles.
He went on to say how that was when he realized how great they were for each other, and he knew that this day would come sooner or later.
Toasts have a way of making you so grateful for all of the wonderful people in your life, don't they?!
Toasts were followed by dancing the night away, with guests of every age taking the floor.
We had the exciting task of capturing a sparkler exit, as the wedding party ignited their sparklers and held them high above the newlywed's heads, smiling and laughing.
There was such love in Marshall, Minnesota that night, ya'll. It was truly something very special.
Congrats to Kate and Karl on their wonderful new beginning!
And, a special thank-you to all of the vendors who I had the pleasure of collaborating with:
Videographer: Blush Film Co. (Michelle Kuker)
Photographer: Hayley Bodin Photography
Florist: Flowers from the Heart (Carmen Haugan)
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Jessica Hilgemann (Marshall Golf Club)
Dress Store: Finley Florence Bridal
Dress Designer: Allure
Hair & Makeup: Hair Expressions by Kari
DJ: Rob Anderson from Push Play Entertainment
Donut Cake and donuts: Carl’s Bakery
Venue: Marshall Golf Club
Bridesmaids Dresses: Infinity by Sisters Bridal
Groomsmen Attire: Mister Cool’s Clothing (Brad Cool)
Transportation: Granite Falls City Bus
Photo Booth: Gypsy Photo Wagon (Kayla Lindsley)
Karl + Kate (Teaser)
© COPYRIGHT 2020 BLUSH FILM CO.
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Bristol Rovers badge - Link to home
Bristol Rovers badge
Under-18's
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Conference and Events
What's On: Bristol Rovers v Portsmouth
Rovers welcome Portsmouth to The Memorial Stadium on Tuesday evening for another Skybet League One encounter.
We are expecting a crowd in excess of 9,000, therefore please arrive in good time to avoid queues. The match is sold out to visiting supporters, however, if you can't make it to the game, you can watch a live stream of the action from the Mem on iFollow - https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/ifollow/.
A limited number of South stand seats are available, however there are plenty of Terrace areas available where you can pay cash or card at the match day ticket office adjacent the Memorial Gates. We recommend booking tickets online (www.brfctickets.com) to avoid potential queues at the ticket office.
Here’s your match day schedule for Bristol Rovers v Portsmouth on Tuesday 21st August 2018.
9.00am: The Club Superstore opens for business with a wide range of items. Check out our full range on our retail website www.brfcdirect.co.uk
5.00pm: Car parking at the stadium opens to season permit holders, where car park attendants will direct car parking. Spaces are not available on a match-by-match basis. Roads in the immediate vicinity of the stadium are not subject to any parking prohibitions on match days, however drivers are asked to park sensibly and not obstruct resident’s driveways/access.
We recommend travelling to the Memorial Stadium by bus, this has never been easier we have seven services which stop close to the ground and then it's just a short walk further details can be found at www.firstgroup.com/bristolrovers.
5.00pm: Irene’s Kitchen Restaurant will be open in the Bristol Room, serving hot food from Bacon Baguettes, Sausage Baguettes, Chips, Burgers and lots more.
5.00pm: Clubhouse Bar opens for Rovers supporters on a first-come, first-served basis. Sky Sports will be showing live on the big screens. Please note that the South West and Poplar Stand bar will be closed.
5.00pm: Ticket Office opens and will remain open right up to kick-off at 7:45pm for supporters looking to buy match tickets.
5:00pm: Fan Zone Opens
The Young Pirates & Community Trust Family Zone will be open, housed in the West Stand Car Park, which provides an area where families can relax and enjoy pre-match activities in a safe and secure environment.
A fenced off area has been made available in the West Stand Car Park, adjacent the Family Enclosure turnstiles. The Family Zone activity area – a tuck shop, face painting and surprise visits from Captain Gas to look forward to.
5.30pm: Stadium opens
Inside the ground Families are welcome In the North West Terrace or South Stand, there is a food kiosk where you can buy food and drinks. Captain Gas will make an appearance before kick-off.
Don’t forget to buy your 50-50 tickets to be in with a chance to win a substantial cash prize. Tickets will be available throughout the stadium before kick-off with the draw taking place at half-time. Look out for our Bristol Rovers Supporters Club 50-50 volunteers around the stadium.
Supporters will also be able to pick up the official Matchday Programme, The Pirate, for a price of only £3.
There are a variety of food and drink outlets at the ground. Popular supplier Piglets Pantry will be stocked alongside fans favourite Proper Cornish Pasties, and the kiosks serve a selection of hot and cold food and also has vegetarian options.
7:45pm: Kick-off! It’s time to back Darrell Clarke’s team to victory. C’mon You Blues!
8.30pm: At Half time, Lance Cook will be your host for the interval. Listen out for the 50-50 draw.
9.50pm: On the final whistle, the bars will be open.
Don’t miss any of the action and buy your tickets now to back The Gas at The Mem. Tickets are available, priced from £18 for adults, from £14 for 16-21 and from £5 for under-16s.
Bristol Rovers vs Portsmouth on 21 Aug 18
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Fires we're Starting...
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Katharine Collins ▶ Fires we're Starting... 2 years ago
Fires we're Starting... is a documentary charting all the work the BFA is doing to create a system which runs alongside the current conventions in the industry to allow filmmakers and actors the chance they deserve for their talent and careers to come to light.
Fires we're Starting... is a documentary charting all the work the BFA is doing to create a system which runs alongside the current conventions in...Fires we're Starting... is a documentary charting all the work the BFA is doing to create a system which runs alongside the current conventions in the industry to allow filmmakers and actors the chance they deserve for their talent and careers to come to light. Show more
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Dodge brand's global future in doubt
The global future of Dodge is looking shaky with the American brand being pulled out of certain markets amid slow demand.
Despite a rich history that reaches back to 1900, the Chrysler Group's Dodge brand is finding it difficult to compete on the international field.
The president and CEO of Chrysler's third brand, Jeep, says the repositioning of Dodge is part of a new strategy with majority shareholder Fiat but wouldn't confirm if Dodge would be withdrawn from the Australian market.
The move will either see Dodge models discontinued or rebranded under another badge such as Fiat in many countries.
"We are phasing out Dodge vehicles in international markets [and] progressively working with Fiat to keep vehicles there but under a different brand," says Mike Manley (pictured below). "For example with [the Dodge] Journey, we’ve moved to Fiat Journey (pictured below). In some markets we will keep [the] Dodge brand alive but we look at those individually.
“I am not confirming that Dodge is going to leave Australia, but Dodge will not be a lead international brand. It will still be in some countries, but many markets Dodge is leaving, like Europe for example.”
Mr Manley (pictured below) said that only two brands within the Fiat Chrysler alliance were true global players, with all products being built in both left- and right-hand drive: Alfa Romeo and Jeep.
Chrysler will continue to select a number of models for both LHD and RHD markets, but Dodge is very unlikely to progress into right-hand-drive in the future.
Dodge unveiled its new Dart small car (below) at this week's 2012 Detroit motor show but the model that will replace the Caliber is not confirmed for right-hand drive. The Dodge Avenger - already deleted from Australia - may also be discontinued so the company can focus on the 200C as its primary medium-size car.
The Caliber currently forms part of Dodge's small line-up in Australia, where the brand's future in the market has previously been the subject of speculation.
The Caliber was Dodge's best-selling model locally in 2011, contributing to 41 per cent year on year growth that took the brand to 2703 sales for the year and past Chrysler itself with its lamentable 580 sales.
Jeep remains the Chrysler Group's star performer in Australia, with 8648 sales in 2011.
Manly says Dodge vehicles could potentially continue in Australia under another of the alliance's brands even if Dodge is discontinued.
“Each and every Dodge vehicle that we produce, we look at it and say were do we want to take this vehicle and what’s the international demand," says Manly. "If the demand is not there Dodge will go from Australia, but not necessarily Dodge vehicles, that has to be clear.”
“Dodge as a vehicle, even if its removed as a brand, may not necessarily leave the marketplace if there is a home for it under another brand”
Video: Road-testing the Turo car-hire app, and a Dodge Challenger!
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Swarna Bharathi Institute of Science and Technology Khammam
Where is Swarna Bharathi Institute of Science and Technology, Khammam? Can you give me the contact details ?
by Hemantpande
RE: Where is Swarna Bharathi Institute of Science and Technology, Khammam? Can you give me the contact details ?
Neha Kapoor
Admissions Counselor at The Princeton Review
Dear Hemantpande,
Well to reach Swarna Bharathi Institute of Science and Technology, Khammam you can follow the map in our Institute’s details page, we’ve shared a Google Map of all the institutes so that you can find the right direction using your phone’s Map application. Go to Swarna Bharathi Institute of Science and Technology, Khammam detail page and you can not only find the map but a load of information like Course Details, Admission process, News & Videos about the institute, interviews of faculty members etc.
https://www.careerguide.com/institutes/swarna-bharathi-institute-of-science-and-technology-khammam
BTW here’s the address and few more details for your quick reference.
Swarna Bharathi Institute of Science and Technology, Khammam is located at Khammam, Telangana. And it's contact number is 08742-247777. You can even contact them over email at principal@sbit.ac.in and get more updated informations. Else you can visit their website at http://www.sbit.ac.in/index.html
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Consejos para encontrar tu lugar en el mercado laboral
Personal blog with tips to promote your professional career and find your place in the labour market.
Gender diversity in Politics. What will the future bring us?
When Hillary Clinton dropped out of the Democratic primary in 2008, she said during her concession speach: "Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it and the light is shining through like never before, filling us all with the hope and the sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time,"
Eight years later, at the Democratic National Convention, she was named as the first female presidential nominee of a major political party in the US. In her keynote speach she mentioned: "Tonight, we’ve reached a milestone in our nation’s march toward a more perfect union: the first time that a major party has nominated a woman for president. Standing here as my mother’s daughter, and my daughter’s mother, I’m so happy this day has come. I’m happy for grandmothers and little girls and everyone in between. I’m happy for boys and men—because when any barrier falls in America, it clears the way for everyone. After all, when there are no ceilings, the sky’s the limit."
In the recent election, she won in the popular vote but the way the votes were divided by states meant that Trump won the election. She sounded less optimistic in her concession speach: "I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday, someone will, and hopefully sooner than we might think right now."
During the last few days, I have read several articles in the US press where they doubt whether they will see a woman President anytime soon. As always, you can see the glass half empty or half full, but to me it is time to feel optimistic.
In Europe, Theresa May is Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party and Angela Merkel, is the Chancellor of Germany and the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). We see progress in many places.
We will soon realize how much Hillary Clinton has accomplished and how she has helped gender equality take a huge leap forward. I am confident we will sooner than later see a female President in the US and in other European countries, such as Sweden and Spain.
Publicado por Carlos Anta Callersten
Etiquetas: Diversidad e Inclusión
Reglas Vikingas
Si fuera un recién licenciado
Consejos para Expatriados
El CV perfecto
Temas retributivos
Two strong women: Pippi Longstocking & Astrid Lindgren
Baja por paternidad ilimitada en Netflix
Gender Equality and Birth Rates in Spain & Sweden
Uses and limitations of Artificial Intelligence in Human Resources
The Environment Gains Importance in the 2018 Swedish Election
Viking Rules to Build a Successful Career
Sobre la importancia de cumplir los ciclos profesionales
Los peligros de las redes sociales: el "FOMO"
Is the Annual Performance Review Dead?
Are you planning to move to the European Union?
Tema Picture Window. Imágenes del tema: Maliketh. Con la tecnología de Blogger.
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Image: Photo by WANG ZHAO / AFP
China’s CPI Inflation Rises in August as Trade War Ravages Producer Prices
September 23, 2020 UTC: 1:00 PM. September 10, 2019 UTC: 1:31 AM. by Sam Bourgi
China’s consumer price index (CPI) rose above trend in August, fueled by a continued surge in food costs and weather-related supply shortages.
Factory-gate prices, expressed by the producer price index (PPI), told a completely different story. The PPI gauge plunged deeper into deflation last month, the result of a bitter trade war with the United States.
CPI Inflation Remains Steady
The National Bureau of Statistics reported Tuesday that China’s CPI rose 0.7% in August, up from 0.4% in July. Annually, that translated into a gain of 2.8%, unchanged from the month before and matching the largest increase since early 2018.
Surging pork prices have been a major catalyst behind the noticeable uptick in CPI recently. In the last two months, CPI has been well above the trend rate of 2.3% through the first seven month of 2019.
Factory Gate Prices Crumble
The Washington-led trade war has not only spooked global investment and growth, it has weakened demand in China’s primary industries, resulting in a sharp drop in producer prices. | Image: REUTERS / Damir Sagolj
China’s PPI indicator, long viewed as a gauge of corporate profitability, extended its slide in August, falling 0.8% annually. That’s much steeper than July’s 0.3% contraction.
Producer prices are now deflating at the fastest pace in over three years, reflecting the tepid state of affairs for primary industries. Beijing’s ongoing trade war with the United States is largely to blame. Earlier this month, both countries slapped fresh duties on each other’s goods, raising the stakes in a bitter dispute over intellectual property and Chinese industrial policy.
U.S. Pays a Burden for the Trade War
Trade-war uncertainty is placing downward pressure on the U.S. manufacturing sector, according to the latest batches of PMI data. | Source: Shutterstock.
China, once the linchpin of global economic growth, is weakening at a faster pace than previously feared. It was always assumed that the world’s second largest economy would unwind gradually as policymakers embarked on a soft pivot away from so-called smoke-stack industries toward consumption and services. The trade war has expedited the process, as evidenced by the sharp drop in foreign direct investment and imports.
What’s happening in China and around the world has had a direct impact on the United States. Trade uncertainty was central in the Federal Reserve’s decision to lower interest rates, and why it will likely do so again next week.
Like China, the U.S. manufacturing sector has been hit especially hard. Last month, IHS Markit reported that U.S. manufacturing contracted in August for the first time in nearly a decade. Although Markit later revised its estimate to reflect meager growth, a more closely-watched indicator from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) seemed to confirm that U.S. manufacturing was teetering on recession.
ISM’s manufacturing index fell below 50 in August, the first such feat in three years. Richard Curtin, the survey’s director, attributed the decline to concerns about tariffs.
$125 Equifax Settlement Fiasco Ignites Twitter Backlash
Apple’s iPhone 11 Triggered an Insanely Weird Twitter Meltdown
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Coleen Nolan
Coleen Nolan says she wants a ‘rich sugar daddy’ but admits only younger men come on to her
Robyn Morris
Don't we all, Col...
The Nolan Sisters are in the mood for Panto, as two sign up to become stars of the stage this Christmas
Linda and Maureen Nolan are set to star in pantomimes this year.
Megan Barton Hanson enjoys boozy girly sleepover before STRIPPING off for Full Monty strip show
Jenni McKnight
Megan Barton Hanson enjoyed a boozy sleepover with the cast of The All New Full Monty Ladies’ Night: Who Bares Wins. Megan joined the likes of Danielle Armstrong, Coleen Nolan and Lisa Mafia for some girly fun as they spent the night in a posh London hotel before getting their…
‘Tears pouring down my face’: Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan emotionally announces divorce from husband of 10 years
Coleen Nolan has announced the sad news that she has split from husband of ten years Ray Fensome. The Loose Women panelist confirmed the pair will be going their separate ways with an emotional message in her agony aunt column for The Mirror, describing the past 12 months as ‘hellish’.…
Loose Women viewers switch off after being left TERRIFIED by Coleen Nolan’s Halloween outfit
The Loose Women ladies celebrated Halloween in style by wearing special costumes for Tuesday’s show – but one of the panel’s outfits left viewers so scared they had to SWITCH OFF! After Ruth Langsford, Nadia Sawalha and Janet Street-Porter emerged as Cruella de Vil, Maleficent and Wonder Woman respectively, Coleen…
‘I’m really scared’: Linda Nolan opens up for the first time following heartbreaking cancer diagnosis
After Coleen Nolan made the emotional revelation that her sister Linda had been diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer last week, now Linda has opened up about dealing with the heartbreaking news. The Nolan’s singer, who suffered severe depression when her husband died of skin cancer in 2007, admitted…
‘This is so hard’: Coleen Nolan tearfully reveals the REAL reason she’s been away from Loose Women
As one of the main panellists on Loose Women, Coleen Nolan‘s absence from the show since early March has been noticeable for many viewers. From marital struggles, to a simple personal break to ‘get her head together’, there have been a number of different theories floating around, attempting to explain why the Celebrity Big…
‘She needs to get her head together’: The real reason Coleen Nolan is taking a BREAK from Loose Women
Since winning Celebrity Big Brother back in January, telly presenter Coleen Nolan has been noticeably missing from the Loose Women panel – we haven’t seen her at all for a whole fortnight! And the 52-year-old’s absence hasn’t gone unnoticed and has caused some fans to worry about the star’s whereabouts. But…
Coleen Nolan’s sister Linda reveals shock facelift for the FIRST TIME on Loose Women
Presenter, Coleen Nolan got the shock of her life on Loose Women on Friday afternoon (17th Feb) when her sister, Linda turned up with an extra special surprise. But the Nolan’s singer didn’t come with the kind of gift you’d expect from an elder sibling – instead she unveiled a whole new face! Not exactly a…
‘I was shaking’: Coleen Nolan reveals secret CBB hospital dash viewers DIDN’T see
Coleen Nolan was a surprise winner of Celebrity Big Brother on Friday night but she went through a whole lot of drama to get there. The presenter revealed during her return to Loose Women on Monday that she’d secretly been rushed to hospital just a day before the finale after…
‘Absolutely disgraceful’: CBB BLASTED for letting John McCririck ‘body shame’ Coleen Nolan
Celebrity Big Brother fans have been left fuming at how Coleen Nolan was treated during a controversial task on the show. The Loose Women star – who admitted before entering the house that her marriage to husband Ray Fensome is on the rocks – received some harsh words from former…
Did Coleen Nolan make a mistake by going on CBB? Her son reveals he is ‘desperately worried’ for their family
TV star, Coleen Nolan was her hoping that her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother would be a welcome break after recently revealing her marriage was in crisis. The Loose Women panellist originally signed up to the reality show as a ‘trial separation’ from husband of ten years, Ray Fensome. But now her eldest son, Shane Roche has admitted that things aren’t looking…
Angie Best SLAMMED for linking Coleen Nolan’s weight to her marriage problems on Loose Women
Angie Best has come under fire for making some VERY controversial remarks about Coleen Nolan’s weight. The fitness guru spoke about her Celebrity Big Brother housemate’s well-documented marriage problems during an interview on Monday’s Loose Women and appeared to suggest that Coleen’s figure might have been a cause. READ MORE…
WATCH: Celebrity Big Brother’s Coleen Nolan BREAKS DOWN over rift with housemate Calum Best
As a rule, Loose Women panellists don’t get their roles for being particularly shy about expressing their feelings. Hence, Coleen Nolan has been one of the viewers’ favourite parts of the programme for nearly 17 years – and true to form, she’s brought that essential, expressive quality to her stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house.…
‘Coleen will go mad!’ Linda Nolan reveals plans for SHOCK face lift and admits CBB star sister will NOT be happy
Celebrity Big Brother star, Coleen Nolan is going to have a pretty big shock when she comes out of the house after her sister, Linda Nolan revealed she’s getting a face lift! The Nolans singer shocked ITV viewers when she dropped by the Loose Women studios to discuss her plans…
‘She has a strategy’: Denise Welch reveals what she REALLY thinks about CBB’s Coleen Nolan
Loose Women presenters and Celebrity Big Brother stars, Coleen Nolan and Denise Welch may seem like they have a lot in common – but that hasn’t stopped Denise hitting out at her former pal. The pair used to sit beside each other on the daytime telly show but now Denise has revealed her…
‘Ray needs therapy like my mum!’ Coleen Nolan’s son lifts the lid on her ‘heartbreaking’ marriage
Loose Women presenter, Coleen Nolan may have been all smiles when she entered the Celebrity Big Brother house on Tuesday (3rd January) but things haven’t been easy for the star recently. After admitting her relationship with guitarist, Ray Fensome is on the rocks, The Nolans singer then broke in an emotional episode…
She said what?! 6 times Celebrity Big Brother’s Coleen Nolan outraged the nation
Loose Women panelist Coleen Nolan has enraged viewers by comparing gay rights to ISIS
‘I’ve never felt good enough’: CBB’s Coleen Nolan BREAKS DOWN over ‘failing’ marriage
Loose Women presenter and Celebrity Big Brother housemate, Coleen Nolan has been pretty honest about her marriage struggles recently and we really feel for her. The 51-year-old married guitarist, Ray Fensome back in 2007 and the couple have a teenage daughter together, but Coleen previously revealed that after almost 10 years, she was considering a…
Loose Women admit fears for ‘vulnerable’ Coleen Nolan in Celebrity Big Brother after marriage crisis
Coleen Nolan surprised many when she was unveiled as one of the All Star contestants on this week’s Celebrity Big Brother launch show, lest of all her Loose Women co-stars. In fact some of her fellow panellists are worried that the 51-year-old has made a mistake by going on the…
Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan ‘planning to split from husband’ in the new year
Our hearts went out to Loose Women presenter, Coleen Nolan after she recently confessed she’s struggling to make her marriage work. The 51-year-old broke down at the weekend after revealing that she was considering a ‘trial separation’ from her husband of 10-years, Ray Fensome in order to make their relationship succeed. But in a shock move by Coleen, it seems like some…
‘My marriage is in crisis’: Loose Woman star Coleen Nolan reveals she is fighting to save her relationship
It’s going to be a tough Christmas for Coleen Nolan after the Loose Women star announced she is fighting to save her marriage. The 51 year old has revealed she will spend the festive period holding crisis talks with husband Ray Fensome after their relationship hit a difficult patch this year.…
‘It’s kids having fun!’ Coleen Nolan hits back after Katie Piper criticises ‘gory’ Halloween make-up
Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween if it didn’t stir some heated debates about what is and isn’t acceptable. This year, one of the foremost people who’s had words in the ‘Halloween taste’ discussion is Katie Piper, who been vocal in expressing her dislike for people using prosthetic make-up to create scars…
Brave Gloria Hunniford breaks down on Loose Women discussing late daughter’s cancer battle
Did anyone else’s heart break watching today’s Loose Women? Well, ours certainly did as the wonderful Gloria Hunniford opened up about her late daughter’s hair loss when going through her cancer battle. READ MORE CELEB NEWS The 76-year-old presenter lost her daughter, Caron, in 2004 to breast cancer at the…
‘He is a thug!’ Coleen Nolan takes down CBB’s Stephen Bear and Marnie Simpson after Saira Khan feud
Coleen Nolan has launched a scathing attack against Stephen Bear and Marnie Simpson in defence of her friend Saira Khan in the Celebrity Big Brother house. The younger housemates have clashed with the Loose Women a few times in the house – including Bear feeling threatened by Saira asking him…
WHAT?! Coleen Nolan makes shocking sex toy confession on Loose Women
Loose Women took a very raunchy turn today when Coleen Nolan shared a mind-blowing story about an experience she had with a sex toy. Yep, she went there. The 51-year-old star opened up about an occasion where she used a, um, marital aid but it clearly didn’t make the earth…
Coleen Nolan embarrasses her kids and Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson with ANOTHER awkward confession
Coleen Nolan has managed to embarrass her kids once again on live television – and she’s brought her future daughter-in-law into the mix this time. Embarrassment’s a family business, and poor Jesy Nelson needs to get involved. The Loose Women presenter told the whole audience, in front of Little Mix’s…
WATCH: Seal branded ‘rude’, ‘awkward’ and ‘condescending’ after this interview on Loose Women
Perhaps one of the key rules to keep in mind when making a chat show guest appearance: don’t upset your host! But it wasn’t long into Seal‘s Loose Women interview before that rule went out the window. Appearing in a pre-recorded slot that aired on Tuesday afternoon, the singer was…
“Just fabulous!” Coleen Nolan reveals what she thinks of her son Jake Roche’s engagement to Jesy Nelson
Coleen Nolan almost missed the moment her son Jake Roche proposed to Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson – because a security guard tried to throw her off the stage. Rixton front man Jake proposed to his girlfriend of a year yesterday (July 19) at the Key 103 Summer Live festival in…
Playground bullying or heated debate? Katie Hopkins hits back at Coleen Nolan after her appearance on Loose Women!
Joshua Fox
It's Katie Hopkins versus the Loose Women!
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News Sports Biz VT Life Opinion Obituaries E-Edition Legals
Catamounts shake off slow start to top New Hampshire
Alex Abrami;
The toll of playing a third game in five days and traveling 1,500 miles roundtrip started to show in the first half for the University of Vermont men’s basketball team on Monday night.
UVM coach John Becker called upon his reserves to see if there was any reserve left in the tank for his streaking Catamounts.
Kurt Steidl supplied the fuel, equipped with a 3-point barrage.
The freshman from Ridgefield, Conn., drained four 3-pointers — three of which came during a 19-0 second-half run that erased an 11-point deficit — and finished with 16 points as the Catamounts rallied for their seventh straight win with a 57-40 triumph over New Hampshire in front of 2,234 at Patrick Gymnasium.
“Kurt hit a freshman wall a little bit, but tonight he was fun to watch,” Becker said. “He was putting on a show out there, and it was great to see in front of a home crowd.”
In its second-half dominance, Vermont (11-8 overall, 5-0 America East) committed no turnovers, held UNH to 10 points on 4 of 22 shooting and gained a 26-12 rebounding edge to polish off the comeback in impressive fashion on a night when Brian Voelkel set a program record.
Voelkel established UVM’s all-time career rebounding mark, finishing with 16 boards to pass Kevin Roberson’s 1,065. Voelkel also added seven assists and seven points, while Sandro Carissimo joined Steidl’s 3-point splashes with a trio of his own and finished with 11 points.
“It was huge having Kurt step up and make some of those 3s,” Voelkel said. “We wanted a little scoring punch, and he delivered.”
Steidl went 6 of 10 from the floor and a perfect 4 of 4 on 3s, tallying 13 of his game-high 16 points in the second half.
“I work on my shooting and something I use in my game to help the team, help the offense,” Steidl said. “Every time I step on the court, I’m confident I can hit every shot.”
And it was needed as Candon Rusin, who scored 22 points Saturday, and Clancy Rugg, the team’s leading scorer, combined for eight points on 2 of 12 shooting. Ethan O’Day (five blocked shots) and Hector Harold provided stellar defense inside — two more reasons Becker praised his team’s substitutes.
“They picked the starters up. That’s what a team is all about, that’s when having quality depth can really pay off, and tonight it paid off in spades,” Becker said.
UNH, making tough, long-range jumpers, raced out to a 30-20 halftime lead on 52.4 percent shooting. The Wildcats’ lead swelled to 35-24 in the early minutes of the second half.
“First half, we looked like a team that has played three games in five days. We couldn’t get the shots to go, to New Hampshire’s credit,” Becker said. “That’s what happens when the legs aren’t there.”
But then Steidl, Carissimo and the Cats dug deep to pull out of the hole they had created.
Steidl and Carissimo teamed up for five straight 3s — Vermont took the lead for good, at 37-35, on the middle trey from Carissimo — and buried the Wildcats from there with stifling defense.
“I think we just stuck together. Defensively, we wanted to stick to our game plan and start contesting some of their jumpers, and we knew the offense would take care of itself,” Voelkel said. “We did a great job to respond, and we got a good win.”
Jacoby Armstrong (11 points) and Jordon Bronner (10) led UNH (3-14, 1-4).
The Catamounts have yet to allow an America East opponent to reach 50 points, a mark that will be tested when they travel to fellow league contender Stony Brook in Friday’s 9 p.m. showdown on ESPNU.
Contact Alex Abrami at 660-1848 or aabrami@burlingtonfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aabrami5
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Burton Albion Football Club badge - Link to home
Burton Albion Football Club
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MANAGER'S VERDICT: BRADFORD
Nigel Powlson
burtonalbionfc
NIGEL Clough praised the effort of his players after the Brewers earned a 1-1 draw against Bradford.
The Albion manager said: "It was an unbelievably hard game on the back of the hard week that we have had and the effort the players have put in over the last three games has been staggering.
"We could have won it today and we could have lost it. After we had gone ahead on the stroke of half-time I thought we were going to hang on despite a little bit of pressure from Bradford. It's just that ball bobbling about in the box that seems to be falling for the opposition not for us.
"We have hit the woodwork five times in the last two home games and we are mising out on that little bit of luck that might have got us three points today.
"Their keeper made a great save but if we go 2-0 up just after half-time I think we go on and win it. He just seemed to wave a hand at Scott Fraser's shot and it's hit his fingertips and gone onto the bar.
"It was scrap today and Bradford came, had a go and put us under pressure and we dealt with it brilliantly. It was end-to-end at times and either side could have won it.
"We tried to be positive with our substitutions and brought on players who could win us the game. Marcus Harness looked lively again when he came on in the second half.
"If things are going your way one goes in and you win the game. That's what it is today just a matter of inches. But the players couldn't do anymore than they have done this week - they have given absolutely everything."
Burton Albion vs Bradford City on 26 Jan 19
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UK hospitals are so overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients the government is transferring them to hotels
Bill Bostock
David Cliff/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesA medic walks beside an ambulance at the Royal London Hospital in London, England.
Hospitals in the UK are so overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients that thousands will be sent to stay in hotels, The Guardian reported.
King’s College Hospital in south London has already moved some patients to a nearby hotel, the newspaper reported.
Thousands more will be transferred under the NHS “home and hotel” plan to make room for emergency cases in hospitals, The Guardian said.
Matt Hancock, the UK health secretary, told Sky News on Wednesday that “in some cases, people need step-down care, they don’t actually need to be in a hospital bed.”
The UK is experiencing its worst moment of the pandemic, with the number of hospitalized patients at its highest point ever.
Hospitals in the UK are so overwhelmed with COVID-19 that the government is starting to discharge patients early and transfer them to hotels, The Guardian reported.
The UK is experiencing its worst moment of the pandemic, with the number of people in the hospital at its highest in the pandemic. More than 35,000 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Tuesday,according to the BBC.
National Health Service hospitals and medical professionals are also struggling to cope, particularly in London, where Mayor Sadiq Khan declared a “major incident” on Sunday.
As a result, the NHS has launched a “home and hotel” plan to create room for emergency cases or new admissions in hospitals, and to stop parts of the health service from imploding, The Guardian and the Evening Standard reported.
That plan would see thousands of hospitalized patients discharged early to hotels or back to their own homes, The Guardian reported.
King’s College Hospital in south London has already started moving some homeless COVID-19 patients to rooms at a hotel operated by the London Hotel Group in nearby Croydon, the newspaper reported.
These patients have recovered or are recovering from COVID-19 and do not need specialist medical attention, a LHG spokesman told the Evening Standard.
REUTERS/Hannah McKayAmbulances line up outside the NHS Nightingale Hospital in London on January 2, 2021.
The London Hotel Group, which manages a collection of hotels across the capital, has already offered to provide the NHS with beds for at least 5,000 patients, the newspaper said.
Asked Wednesday about reports of hotels being used to house patients, Matt Hancock, the UK health secretary, told Sky News that “in some cases, people need step-down care, they don’t actually need to be in a hospital bed.”
“We’d only ever do that if it was clinically the right thing for somebody.”
UK GovernmentThe total number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital in the UK as of January 7, 2021.
The NHS is also asking care homes to start taking on elderly people who have not recently tested negative for COVID-19, but who have spent two weeks in isolation, The Guardian said.
What’s coming next for COVID-19 vaccines? Here’s the latest on 11 leading programs.
Hospitals across the UK are close to bursting, and temporary morgues set up during the last peak in April have been reopened.
The UK is struggling with a new coronavirus variant that jumps from person to person more easily, meaning a person who has been exposed to it has a higher chance of infection. England entered its third national lockdown last week.
Xinhua/Han Yan via GettyEmpty central London streets as seen in December 2020.
As of last weekend, as many as 46,000 NHS hospital staff were unable to work because they are sick with COVID-19, The Guardian reported at the time.
In late December, some hospitals also started moving critically ill patients to less strained hospitals hundreds of miles away to free up room for new patients, according to the Independent.
Southend Hospital, in southeastern England, has capped the amount of oxygen that can be given to COVID-19 patients given the “critical situation,” the BBC said.
UK hospitals reported being overburdened during the April surge in cases, but the number of people hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 right now is at least 49% higher than it was in April,The Wall Street Journal reported.
coronavirus healthcare-us matt hancock news uk nhs politics
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Home :: FAKE DIPLOMAS SAMPLES :: How Long Does It Take To Get A SEGi Fake Diploma?
How Long Does It Take To Get A SEGi Fake Diploma?
In 1977, Systematic opened its first school, Systematic College, in Kuala Lumpur. How to get a fake SEGi University diploma certificate? how to buy fake SEGi degree? Where to order a fake SEGi University transcript? I want to buy a fake Malaysian University diploma&transcript online. As the System Group continues to expand its school scale, it has grown to include five colleges (SEGi University, SEGi College Kuala Lumpur, SEGi College Subang Jaya Campus, SEGi College Penang Campus, and SEGi College Sarawak Campus). In 2002, Systematic was renamed SEGi International Bhd.
After 30 years of development, Century Group has trained more than 20,000 graduates and offered more than 100 courses. More than 300 students have obtained first-class honours degrees and currently have 220 full-time teachers. Since 2006, students have been enrolled in the Chinese market. In recent years, students from China have doubled every year. On average, more than 1,000 students from all over China come to SEGi University every year. By June 2018, it has reached a consensus on cooperation with many universities in China. In addition, Century Group is also a listed company in Malaysia, the company listed and traded all the shares in the Malaysia Stock Exchange. SEGi University is one of the two universities with Confucius Institutes in Malaysia.
Tags: fake SEGi University degree, fake SEGi University diploma, fake SEGi University transcript
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Certifying LSA
November 1, 2007 by Dan Johnson Leave a Comment
A vintage design is this American Legend Cub. It looks old but has many modern features and is the best selling U.S.-built light sport aircraft.
FAA Administrator Marion Blakey shakes hands with Scott Severen of IndUS Aviation, the first company to complete a voluntary compliance audit.
An Italian design called the Sky Arrow is used by law enforcement departments but also allows people with disabilities to fly using factory-supplied hand controls.
Weight shift aircraft look like hang gliders with engines but are truly quite different, as shown in their versatility in performing water operations.
The world’s largest civilian aircraft manufacturer is Cessna Aircraft and it too is at work on their own light sport aircraft, called the Sport.
FAA has a division called AFS-600, which has authority over light sport aircraft. Seen here in a weight shift controlled aircraft is Larry Clymer, head of AFS-600. In the rear is weight shift instructor Rob Albright.
The light sport aircraft market leader in the United States is this German Flight Design CT. It was the second aircraft to be approved under ASTM International standards following the Evektor Sportstar.
Seaplanes or float planes are included in FAA rules for light sport aircraft. Here we see a Brazilian design currently working its way through the ASTM process.
About the author, Dan Johnson.
The Technical Work of F37
A Review of the Industry Consensus Standards Method
In the aviation world, the new light sport aircraft category is all the rage, with interest at aviation trade shows climbing off the charts. New aircraft certified using ASTM International industry consensus standards recently reached model number 50, with all approvals coming in less than two years, a record in aviation history worldwide.
Doing things correctly and quickly is not uncommon in the world of light sport aircraft. This is a highly entrepreneurial activity populated by get-it-done businessmen and women who are highly motivated to get their nascent industry off the ground – literally.
Welcome to Committee F37
ASTM International’s Committee F37 on Light Sport Aircraft is just five years old, yet it has produced, from scratch, specifications for design, performance, quality acceptance tests and safety monitoring for LSA. ASTM standards guide the preparation of pilot operating handbooks, maintenance manuals, and a system of service bulletins to advise consumers of maintenance needed to keep their aircraft in good operating condition.
If Committee F37 only had to write these standards for conventional aircraft, the task would be significant; to accomplish it in a timely fashion would be a worthy achievement. But F37 is composed of volunteer stakeholders from a wide variety of aircraft beyond fixed-wing airplanes, and it has written standards in sometimes record time for weight shift control aircraft, powered parachutes, gliders, lighter-than-air vehicles and rotary-wing gyros. Additional standards have been written for engines, propellers, airports, kit building of aircraft, night operations, emergency parachutes and more.
My personal duty among these volunteers began when I chaired the ballistic parachute task group. In 2003, I accepted an award on behalf of the group for its preparation of a new, approved standard in six months. In contrast, winning Federal Aviation Administration approval for a parachute to be fitted to the government-certified Cessna 150 (an aircraft very similar to LSA of today) took 10 years and cost one company more than $2 million. I repeat: Committee F37 did it in six months with volunteers. No wonder an award was given for such efficiency. I had a great team, dedicated to the task, using industry knowledge exactly as FAA had intended.
Our work on an emergency parachute standard may be one of the most quickly written ASTM standards, but it is hardly the only proof of efficiency among F37’s participants.
Speed and Technology
Subcommittee F37.40 on Weight Shift collected the input and insights from participants in Australia, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and other countries for its standards development. These nations are home to the most experienced builders of such aircraft. Gaining their cooperation was essential. But traveling to North America to twice-yearly meetings wasn’t in the schedule or budget of numerous subcommittee members.
To incorporate ideas and advice from those international experts, the subcommittee chairman, Scott Toland, made extensive use of ASTM’s Internet capabilities to conduct online virtual meetings. While this subcommittee took a little longer than some to reach consensus, their patient tenacity was rewarded with a completed standard. The subcommittee received two awards from Committee F37 in recognition of their persistence and use of technology.
If F37 had to only craft standards for conventional aircraft, standard writers could follow rules established for government-certified aircraft. Indeed those earlier rules provided a basis for many of F37’s standards. But what do you do when the aircraft you are standardizing are anything but conventional?
Another of F37’s subcommittees developed standards for powered parachutes. These are carriages with landing gear, engines, instruments, and seating for one or two people. They are carried aloft by parachute canopies not much different than those used by modern skydivers.
The chair of Subcommittee F37.30 on Powered Parachute, James Stephenson, led another hardworking group of volunteers and, as with many F37 activities, gained a balloted standard in a remarkably short time thanks to the dedication of subcommittee members.
Mainstream Acceptance of F37’s Work
In the aviation world, Cessna Aircraft is the world’s largest builder of business jets – over 300 of them per year – and they have also delivered tens of thousands of their iconic high-wing propeller designs. All these airplanes have met stringent FAA certification rules. It would be accurate to say Cessna hasmastered Federal Aviation Regulation Part 23, the rule for factory-manufactured aircraft in the United States. And when Cessna unveiled their proposed entry to the LSA fleet, it was built to meet ASTM International standards.
Cessna’s acceptance of ASTM standards is one proof of the good work done by a cadre of volunteers. Another is the growing acceptance from around the world.
In the “Part 23” world Cessna knows so well, even a respected company must go country-to-country, obtaining local certification for their aircraft. Despite gaining FAA approval at the expense of millions of dollars per design, Cessna still must demonstrate that their models meet the rules of other countries, piling on additional millions of cost.
Happily, several countries have already committed to using sport pilot and LSA rules, effectively enlarging the market where airplanes meeting ASTM International standards can be sold.
Standards Upheld
Under FAA rules for LSA producers, a manufacturer fills out the appropriate application forms and then simply declares that the aircraft meets ASTM standards. When an LSA arrives in the United States, a designated airworthiness representative examines the aircraft in an inspection that obviates the need for the factory to qualify for an FAA production certificate (another task that can cost millions of dollars). Manufacturers are required to conduct a biennial internal audit under ASTM standards. But despite audits and the good work of a legion of airworthiness representatives, how does a consumer know a given aircraft truly meets the ASTM International standards?
Today, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association is conducting voluntary third party audits for which the builder pays (dramatically less than similar reviews by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), FAA, or the European Aviation Safety Agency). After a document review, an on-site process, quality control inspection, and a study of engineering test data, a successfully audited supplier can apply a numbered LAMA decal to each of its aircraft. Leaders of LAMA have long been associated with F37.
Upon hearing of this voluntary audit program, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey and her top lieutenants reacted warmly, saying that such industry-led efforts combined well with ASTM International standard writing to achieve goals the administration envisioned when they first created the sport pilot/light sport aircraft rule.
Volunteers Around the World
As with most ASTM International committees, Committee F37 meets twice a year, and in June 2007 it will gather in Prague, Czech Republic. Since many LSA suppliers are based in Eastern Europe, meeting closer to them is intended to enfranchise current European participants and encourage new committee members.
With a growing total membership currently numbering over 230, Committee F37 maintains careful jurisdiction over more than 24 standards which are Published in ASTM Standardization NewsVolume 15.11 of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. F37 has seven technical subcommittees that create and maintain these standards.
It is hard to imagine in the light sport aircraft community how the thousands of hours of work building a set of industry consensus standards could have occurred without the volunteer members of Committee F37. As a new industry composed heavily of startups, budgets are lean and time is short. Thanks are due to all those who gave of their time and talents. We welcome new volunteers. All you have to do is join ASTM International and join the LSA party.
Published in ASTM Standardization News
Filed Under: Splog
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Certain Books
Select Topic Americana Antiquarian Ephemera History Long Island Photography Poetry United States
author: Edmund Spenser
Spenser, Edmund
Epithalamion
New York: Dodd, Mead, 1895. F. Special, Limited edition No. 2. of 25 copies printed, signed by the artist George Wharton Edwards (1859-1950) American impressionist painter and illustrator and author of several books of travel and historical subjects, a member of the Cos Cob Art Colony in Connecticut; pages; title.....
143 B Montauk Highway
Westhampton, NY 11977-0009
© 2021 Certain Books. All rights reserved. Site Map | Site by Bibliopolis
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Why trade is taking a beating in the U.S. presidential race
by Colin Robertson
Liberalized trade was once American orthodoxy, but in this volatile and unpredictable U.S. presidential campaign things are different: trade is taking a beating.
Where trade was once welcomed by free-market Republicans and union-backing Democrats, economic nationalism has suddenly united both Republicans and Democrats. Why? The trade issue intersects at the four corners of anti-globalization, anti-immigration, anti-Wall Street and anti-Washington.
Both Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democrat candidate Bernie Sanders have made criticism of trade deals central to their campaigns, forcing their opponents to play defence or to shift their stand on trade.
That’s why it’s worth watching carefully what happens in today’s primaries, especially in Ohio and Missouri. The takeaway from last week’s Michigan primary was that both Republicans and Democrats believe trade agreements are costing Americans their jobs.
For Canada, the stakes couldn’t be higher. America is our biggest market – and it’s essential that we tell Americans that we are also their biggest customer.
There have been critics of free trade in past presidential elections – Democrat Dick Gephardt, Republican Pat Buchanan, and independents Ross Perot and Ralph Nader all spoke out against trade – but they were crucified as flat earth types by editorialists and economists and ultimately spurned by voters.
Today, editorialists have little influence and the economists are split. Robert Reich, who served as Bill Clinton’s labour secretary, calls the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) the “worst deal you’ve never heard of” and Nobel laureate Paul Krugman says the “elite case for ever-freer trade is largely a scam.”
Why voters think trade favours the ‘elite’
Following a long fight, President Barack Obama got the Trade Promotion Authority (the necessary enabling legislation for an up or down vote on the TPP) through Congress last year with the votes of Republicans. But that support is now heading south. Ohio Senator Rob Portman, who served as George W. Bush’s U.S. trade representative is now against the deal. And any congressional vote on the TPP is unlikely until after the November elections.
Most Americans say they know very little about the TPP, an attitude that is shared by most Canadians. The difference is that in the U.S., the more Americans learn about the TPP, the more they oppose it. This is especially true for Republicans.
Concern about trade and the TPP has expanded, Democrat pollster Pat Caddell said last week in Washington, because voters think trade favours the elite, not them. In short, Americans think they are getting “screwed” by their leadership on trade and immigration, says Mr. Caddell. And this backlash against the elites explains, in part, why the GOP establishment candidates are flaming out.
The GOP race is beginning to narrow to a race between two insurgents – Mr. Trump, the populist outsider, and the ideological evangelist Texas Senator Ted Cruz – both of whom are pushing messages around economic anxieties and political alienation. Trade is also the major theme in Mr. Sanders’ campaign and key to his upset victory last week in Michigan over Hillary Clinton. As a result, Mrs. Clinton is now calling for a “trade prosecutor” to enforce other nations’ trade commitments.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Cruz, along with Mr. Sanders, are all tapping into this discontent. Mr. Trump says he will “Make America Great Again” while Mr. Sanders promises a “New American Revolution.” If these forces unify behind a presidential candidate, and find a voice in state and local candidates in the November election, Canada could get sideswiped in a wave of nativism and protectionism.
Why Canada needs to speak up
The Trudeau government needs to do two things: explain trade to Canadians – and then remind Americans why our trade serves their interests.
We should also take full advantage of the promise from Mr. Obama and Mr. Trudeau to try and get a softwood lumber agreement settled in 100 days. Its resolution will only get more difficult when Mr. Obama leaves office. And we need to think about a Plan B should the U.S. not ratify TPP.
The government should use its promised cross-country TPP consultations to explain how Canadians benefit from trade. One in five jobs depends on trade and trade is equivalent to sixty per cent of Canada’s GDP. Training and adjustment for those whose jobs are affected must be part of the equation. Increasingly, trade deals are less about tariffs than regulations. These regulations should expedite trade while raising environmental and labour standards.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the story in Washington last week of the benefits of the Canada-U.S. relationship. Canada is the largest or next largest export market for 45 states. Nine million American jobs depend on trade with Canada.
We need to parse this down to each district then take it to every state legislator and to those who do business with Canada. Our federal, provinical and municipal leaders need to spend more time getting this message out with their American counterparts. We should also make a common cause with Mexico, our North American partner.
Americans need to understand that trade with Canada serves their interests. If Canada fails to deliver that message, the political voices of protectionism and nativism that are now tempting many Americans are likely to win out – leaving Canada as roadkill in the process.
Colin Robertson is a former Canadian diplomat and current vice-president and fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute.
Colin Robertson Colin Robertson Commentary Western Hemisphere Canada United States Economics International Trade Canada-U.S. relations CPTPP
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Authors A to Z
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The Darling Girls - Emma Burstall (2012)
When world-famous conductor Leo Bruck dies, he leaves behind three grieving women with a mass of unanswered questions. Victoria, the mother of his two children, sees herself as his rightful widow and is relying on a legacy to keep her children and herself comfortable. But when she begins to uncover some shocking secrets from Leo's past, she wonders if she ever really knew him at all. Maddy has been Leo's mistress for eight years, and they have a daughter together. She seems to be an independent woman, with her life sorted, until she gets involved with Victoria's teenage son, and her hard-earned security begins to fall apart. Cat had been Leo's lover for just a year, but as she is already coping with her sick mother and troubled childhood, she takes Leo's death quite hard. And when tragedy strikes her again, she finds it hard to hold it together. The three women are brought together by Leo's death, but can they move on with their lives or will they continue to be under Leo's control? This was an interesting take on adultery, viewing it from the perspective of wife (in all but name), mistresses and the children involved. It delved into how infidelity can affect so many lives in varying ways, and made for an interesting read. The three women involved with Leo are left to pick up the pieces of their lives after his death, and explore exactly what he meant to each of them. As we watch the story unfold, it is touching to see their friendships blossom even under impossible circumstances. An inspiring story of how unexpectedly good things can arise from bad situations. (LO)
The Darling Girls, by Emma Burstall, is about three women who meet for the first time at the funeral of the man they all loved. The summary says: "When world-famous music conductor Leo Bruck dies suddenly, he leaves behind three grieving women and a mass of unanswered questions. Did the man who juggled these simultaneous relationships while thrilling audiences around the globe, direct The Darling Girls like an orchestra? Victoria, his partner of 20 years and mother of two of his children, regards herself as his rightful widow and keeper of his legacy. However, a series of shocking discoveries - revolving around Leo's boyhood flight on the Kindertransport from Nazi-occupied Austria - forces her to re-examine the man she thought she knew and query the very foundation of their relationship. Maddy, mother of Leo's daughter Phoebe, has a high-powered job and seems independent and sorted. But events take a sinister turn when Maddy becomes involved with Victoria's troubled teenage son, and her safe world starts to go awry. Finally there's Cat who, at just 24, is Leo's youngest lover. Coping with a sick mother and battling demons from her childhood, she is finding it increasingly hard to hold it together. Will grief, anger and bitterness blind her to the possibility of ever finding happiness, career fulfilment - and even, perhaps, new love?"
Copyright © 2007-2021 Chicklit Club - Craig Pegler, All Rights Reserved ®
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This Arkansas Nonprofit Is Trying To Facilitate Lawful Marshallese Adoptions - Honolulu Civil Beat
Nonprofit News Powered By James Bradley Timothy Bryan Claire Cummings Alma Mcgoldrick Gary Rafiq Readers Like You
This Arkansas Nonprofit Is Trying To Facilitate Lawful Marshallese Adoptions
Still, Marshallese community leaders think it would be better to end all U.S. adoptions from the island nation.
By Emily Dugdale / November 28, 2018
In February, adoptive mom Michaela Montie went to the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese to pitch a new approach for addressing adoption problems.
ACOM is a nonprofit that provides services like tax preparation and health care referrals to help Marshallese migrants adjust to life in the U.S. It’s a small office decorated with Marshallese handicrafts and traditional navigation charts. A giant Marshallese flag hangs on one of the walls.
Montie has three adopted children, two of whom are Marshallese. And when she met the birth mother of her Marshallese son for the first time, she was troubled by the lack of counseling and support provided for the woman.
“No one had been there for her all along the way,” Montie said. “And definitely not independent legal representation.”
Michaela Montie of Shared Beginnings and her family in Springdale, Arkansas.
Courtesy: Shared Beginnings
So Montie came up with the idea for a nonprofit called Shared Beginnings, with the goal of disrupting the chain of birth mothers solicited, mistreated and misled by private adoption lawyers and their fixers.
The group planned to hire independent Marshallese translators and legal representation for the birth moms so they would be better informed about their rights and the adoption process — including asking for post-adoption contact.
This is article is part of Civil Beat’s investigative series “Black Market Babies.” Click here to read the other stories.
“I’ve just found myself in the role of adoption advocate,” Montie said.
None of the founders of Shared Beginnings are Marshallese. But Montie, along with two local lawyers who offered support for the nonprofit, worked to gain the blessing of Marshallese community leaders for the project.
Melisa Laelan is one of the most visible Marshallese community leaders in the area. She runs the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese, and also serves as the state’s only court-certified Marshallese translator. She’s translated for hundreds of adoption consent hearings.
After Montie and her colleagues made their pitch, Laelan said she was a “big supporter” of adoption, but cautioned them that what they were proposing was a significant undertaking.
“Just keep in mind to keep us in the loop, because you’re going to need us. We are an essential, critical factor in this,” Laelan said.
Melisa Laelan is a prominent figure in the Marshallese community in Arkansas.
Charlie Kaijo/Civil Beat
But six months after that meeting, the groups have clear differences. Laelan’s nonprofit secured a grant to facilitate interfamily and inter-Marshallese adoptions in Arkansas with the goal of keeping Marshallese children within the culture.
Shared Beginnings, while providing support to birth mothers, is now also facilitating Marshallese adoptions.
Laelan continues to sit on Shared Beginning’s board of directors and translate for adoption hearings in court. But she no longer believes the adoption system can be fixed.
“I’d rather take a different approach,” she said.
“Stop adoption. Period.”
Emily Dugdale
Emily Dugdale was an audio reporter and producer for Civil Beat and the podcast Offshore.
Use the RSS feed to subscribe to Emily Dugdale's posts today
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Clan Logan Society of Canada
Logan news
The Scottish society of Ottawa mini-golf tournament
By: Patrick Dionne-Kuno, Clan Logan Representative of Ontario
On august 27, 2020, the Scottish society of Ottawa hosted their first mini-golf tournament.
The event was attended by over 40 people, with guests from the Ottawa Caledonia Pipe Band and also the Cameron Highlanders. The night started at 6 pm, guests arrived to register for the event. Everyone came to the event wearing their kilt, because of the unpredictable weather that day, some people came in a polo shirt and others came more dressed up with a tie and jacket. Golfers were put into teams of 5 in order to properly social distance with the rest of the golfers. Before the game started everyone received sheets with trivia related to both Scotland and the game of golf in which we had to answer, it wasn't what I expected to happen at the event. Once at 7, the game officially started, a lone piper from the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa played some tunes to help us get in the spirit of things. The game consisted of the standard 18 holes and everyone was given a predetermined hole to start playing which for those of you that golf, this is called a shotgun tournament. While playing the game, a lot of friendly rivalries were made, making the sport all the more exciting. Afterwards, players met in the lobby to chat with old friends that we haven't seen since the pandemic started in mid-march. The hosts then congratulated everyone for coming that day, and announced the winners of the evening: one for the trivia and one for the game of golf itself. All and all, it was a well deserved break from the harsh reality of covid.
Getting ready to go play mini Golf!
Many players came from all over Ottawa!
Here with the Ottawa Caledonia Pipe band and cameron Highlanders.
Want to donate to The Clan Logan Society of Canada?
The Clan Logan Society of Canada is based in Verdun, Quebec. It was founded by Steven Logan, Clan Logan Commissioner in 2016. We want to reunite all the Logans across the country and also find our Scottish Clan Chief.
If you would like to know more, keep in touch! Send us an email!
clan_logan_society@yahoo.com
Don't hesitate to follow us!
Membership is open to all Logans of Scottish descent and their friends. If you would like to join us, please fill out the form bellow and let us know!
Copyright, 2020, Clan Logan
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VILLA BARUCHELLO
Masters & Faculties
Informations & Facilities
20-21-22-23 july 2020
PAOLO VERGARI
Professor at the “F. Torrefranca ” Conservatory of Vibo Valentia
PIANO MASTERCLASS
Free program with insights and analysis of the historical interpretations of L. V. Beethoven’s piano repertoire (Sonatas and Concerts)..
SEMINAR: Olivier Messiaen Vingt Regards sur L’Enfant-Jésus
A “look” on the piano repertoire of the last century, mediated
from the monumental piano work of O. Messiaen composed in 1943
SUSANNA BERTUCCIOLI
Solo harp of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra and harp Professor at the Music School of Fiesole
HARP MASTERCLASS
SEMINAR interclass on the repertoire for Flute and Harp, Mozart Concerto in C Major K299.
DANTE MILOZZI
1st Flute Rai National Symphony Orchestra
MARIA FABIANI
Professor at “G.Rossini”of Pesaro
FLUTE AND PICCOLO MASTERCLASS
24-25-26 july 2020
MARCO SALVATORI
1st Oboe – Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra
OBOE MASTERCLASS
The Masterclass aims, through the study of the most representative oboe concerts and the most important “solo” concerts of the lyric-symphonic repertoire, to make young students and graduates approaching the world of work more aware of the difficulties that arise at the moment of the public performance and in the competition tests, starting to provide them with the necessary tools to face them in the most professional and serene way possible.
SEMINAR: reed construction and instrument maintenance
CHAMBER MUSIC for ENSEMBLES of WINDS – WINDS and STRINGS – WINDS and PIANO
RICCARDO CROCILLA
1st CLARINET – Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra
CLARINET MASTERCLASS
Free program. Study of the orchestral repertoire and preparation for auditions for orchestra. For those interested, the interpretative practice of Klezmer music can be discussed
ALEJANDRA ROJAS GARCIA
1st BASSOON – Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra
BASSOON MASTERCLAS
Free program. Instrumental technique and performance of the orchestral repertoire and preparation for auditions and competitions
PAOLO VALERIANI
2nd HORN – RAI National Symphony Orchestra
Professor of the Horn class at the “G. Ghedini” Conservatory of Music in Cuneo
HORN MASTERCLASS
Instrumental technique and study of concerts and orchestral passages with a particular focus on the winning approach for auditions and competitions through self-control meditative techniques.
17-18-19-20-21-22-23 august 2020
RASUMOWSKY QUARTETT BERN – string quartet in residence
CHAMBER MUSIC MASTERCLASS
Violin : Dora Bratchkova, Andrea Saxer Keller
Viola : Gerhard Müller
Cello: Alina Kudelevic
+ FEDELE ANTONICELLI pianist in residence
+ BORIS NEDIALKOV cellist in residence
<<Chamber music is a magnificent “educator”, the most effective for the training of a serious and responsible musician. That’s why we complete our instrumental improvement courses with chamber music activities as a support for the musical and character growth of young people>> Rasumowsky Quartett Bern
Founded in 2001, the Rasumowsky quartett feels in several ways close to Prince Andrej Kirilovitch Rasumowsky, the Russian ambassador in Vienna, friend of Beethoven, at the same time admirer and patron of the genre of string quartets, of which it chose to take the name. Rasumowsky-Quartett has its roots in the Russian string school and considers the literature of Viennese classicism, in historically informed performance practice, as its basic repertoire. Furthermore, the ensemble places particular emphasis on Russian quartet literature, new discoveries, contemporary Swiss music and interdisciplinary programs.
Today, based in Bern, Rasumowsky-Quartett has attracted international attention with the complete recording of all fifteen quartets of Dmitri Shostakovich (OehmsClassics label), on the occasion of the 100th birthday of the composer in 2006. Maxim Shostakovich himself being one of the most important performers of his father’s work, regarded the interpretation as “one of the best recordings of his father’s work whatsoever.”
The magazine “Der Spiegel” writes that because of the “incredible tempos and the stupefying ensemble playing” it is the “anniversary event”.
In 2016 Rasumowsky-Quartett released the first complete recording of the four quartets of the Swiss romantic Friedrich Theodor Fröhlich (cpo label), rediscovered after a long research work.
DORA BRATCHKOVA ANDREA SAXER KELLER
Dora Bratchkova is Professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts Mannheim, First violin in Rasumowsky Quartett Bern and Concertmaster of the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern.
Andrea Saxer Keller studied at the Menuhin International Academy of Music with Alberto Lysy and Yehudi Menuhin, where she completed her studies with a solo diploma. As a member of the Camerata Lysy Chamber Orchestra, she has given concerts in western, eastern Europe and South America.
VIOLIN MASTERCLASS & CHAMBER MUSIC
Free program.
GERHARD MüLLER
violist in various German orchestras, member of the Deutschen Haendel-Solisten, is Director of the Musikschule Konservatorium in Bern.
VIOLA MASTERCLASS & CHAMBER MUSIC
ALINA KUDELEVIC
Solo cellist in Sinfonieorchester Zurich and in Rasumowsky Quartett Bern. Graduated with distinction from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory before completing her studies with Martin Ostertag in Karlsruhe. For several years she worked in prestigious Orchestras (among others, DSO Berlin, Bochum Symphoniker, Solo cellist in Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie).
CELLO MASTERCLASS & CHAMBER MUSIC
FEDELE ANTONICELLI
Professor of piano and chamber music at the Staedtische Musikschule Giengen (Baden-Württemberg) and professor for piano and accompaniment at the University of Music in Saarbrücken.
Physiology of piano interpretation. Piano solo, 4 hands, chamber music.
SEMINAR piano technique – addressed to young pianists and piano teachers.
BORIS NEDIALKOV
He is a former soloist of the Mannheimer Philharmoniker 2010 – 2015 and a member of the Münchner Rundfunkorchester 2018. Since 2019 he is a member of the Statskapelle Dresden
Cello in residence for CHAMBER MUSIC MASTERCLASS
MARCO RAPATTONI
Professor of Piano and Repertoire and modern and contemporary piano practice at the “G. Verdi ”in Milano
Free program. Piano technique and repertoire.
DANILO FORMAGGIA
Tenor with a brilliant international career in the main theaters, engaged in different types of repertoire.
MASTERCLASS: USE of VOICE in OPERA SINGING
The course aims to stimulate the participants, also through the sharing of experiences (both individual and of the teacher), to activate a path of awareness on their own voice, the possibility of managing it and how to develop it, also in the different repertoires. The main objective is to identify and adequately use one’s own tools to manage and develop one’s voice.
SEMINAR: “THE VOICE IS NOT ENOUGH …” – – Analysis of the elements necessary for the artistic career. Listening guide: how sound taste changes. Attitude and discipline in singing.
MARI MIURA
MASTERCLASS: USE of VOICE in OPERA SINGING with DANILO FORMAGGIA
Accompanying pianist: MARI MIURA
Associazione Culturale E Ricreativa Club Della Musica, Via dei Mille, 14 63821 Porto Sant'Elpidio PIVA IT02100670443
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Food News: The Lox Bagel Shop coming to Short North; Katzinger's closes in North Market
Erin Edwards Dining Editor, Columbus Monthly
The latest updates from the bar and restaurant scenes
Kevin Crowley, a partner at Northstar Cafe, plans to open The Lox Bagel Shop this fall at 772 N. High St. in the Short North, once home to Homefare and L'Antibes. The breakfast and lunch spot will serve hand-rolled bagels and bagel sandwiches.
Katzinger's Delicatessen recently shuttered its North Market stall. Executive Director Rick Harrison Wolfe says a replacement is expected to open by September.
This Saturday, Weiland's Market celebrates the store's 57th birthday with its annual Party in the Parking Lot. The event runs noon to 5 p.m. at 3600 Indianola Ave. in Clintonville and features live music and all-you-can-eat Weiland's smoked barbecued pork, brats, burgers and potato salad. Cake, beer and wine will also be on hand. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under.
A new craft meadery is coming to the East Side, across from Actual Brewing Co. Uprising Meadworks, locally owned by Jennifer Ganoe and Nate Rhone, will open Aug. 3 at 687 N. James Rd. Visit uprisingmeadworks.com for more information.
Preston's Burgers has started popping up at Eugene's Canteen in the Short North. Owner Justin Boehme opened Eugene's in May at 765 N. High St., replacing Da Levee.
The 1126 Restaurant, a sushi bar with an extensive menu, is now open at 1126 N. High St., once home to Short North Parlor Room and Surly Girl Saloon.
Seven Central Ohio restaurants were added this year to Wine Spectator's annual Restaurant Awards list of winners, honoring the world's best restaurants for wine. Black Point, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, Soul at the Joseph, Tastings — A Wine Experience and three Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse locations all made the list for the first time, joining 10 other local award recipients.
Do you have Eat & Drink news? Send tips to info@columbusalivemail.com.
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'Immediate Trouble' for Don Jr. Predicted After Michael Cohen Guilty Plea
Trump cancels scheduled meeting with Vladimir Putin and calls former lawyer 'weak' in response to new guilty plea in federal court
Michael Cohen, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, exits federal court, November 29, 2018 in New York City. At the court hearing, Cohen pleaded guilty to making false statements to Congress about a Moscow real estate project Trump pursued during the 2016 presidential campaign. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Donald Trump Jr. could be the next person facing renewed scrutiny on Thursday after a guilty plea in federal court by his father's former private attorney, according to at least one expert on the case, "directly" implicates not just President Trump but his eldest son as well.
"Don Jr is in immediate trouble and pops isn’t that far behind." —journalist Marcy Wheeler
Trump has reportedly canceled a scheduled meeting with Russia President Vladimir Putin at this weekend's G20 summit and he lashed out at Michael Cohen after the former lawyer entered the guilty plea for lying to Congress about a Russian real estate deal he worked on while Trump was running for president in 2016.
According to the Associated Press:
Cohen told the judge he lied about the timing of the negotiations and other details to be consistent with Trump's "political message." Cohen and prosecutors referred to Trump as "individual one" throughout Thursday's proceedings and said he lied "to be loyal to Individual One."
Among other lies, Cohen said he told Congress that all discussions about building a Trump Tower in Moscow had ended by January 2016, when they had actually continued until June of that year. He said he also lied about his contacts with Russian officials and lied when he said he never agreed to travel to Russia in connection with the project and never considered asking Trump to travel to support the project.
Prosecutors said in a court complaint that Cohen had misled Congress to give a false impression that the Moscow project had ended before the Iowa caucus and first Republican presidential primary in 2016.
Depending on what else Special Counsel Robert Mueller has come to understand about various aspects of the case—including what he recently told Mueller in written testimony—Cohen's guilty plea could have significant ramifications:
This is Donald Trump, in 2013, publicly bragging about building Trump Tower in Moscow.
On multiple occasions, though, during the campaign, and after, Trump said this was no longer going on.
Michael Cohen just admitted under oath that it was & plead guilty to perjury on this. https://t.co/A7WkVGRXLY
— Shaun King (@shaunking) November 29, 2018
In the wake of the news, Trump spoke to reporters outside the White House where he called Cohen a "weak person" and accused him of lying to get a lighter sentence.
"There would have been nothing wrong if I did do it, it was my business" - US President Donald Trump denies involvement in Moscow project, claiming lawyer Michael Cohen is "lying to reduce his sentence"https://t.co/n2aCQKb6qn pic.twitter.com/yrTeeA4SxB
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) November 29, 2018
Independent researcher and journalist Marcy Wheeler, in a post late Thursday morning, argued that Cohen's testimony "directly" implicates both the president and "his spawn" – meaning Donald Trump Jr., the oldest of the president's five children.
What Cohen just told us about Trump's "collusion:"
1) Cohen continued to pursue a Trump Tower Moscow deal for far longer than he testified he did, and briefed "family" on it, which presumably includes Don Jr (who therefore lied to Congress about it)https://t.co/rR6OjV3eg1
— emptywheel (@emptywheel) November 29, 2018
2) The plans continued after the campaign got information about emails and were specifically structured around Trump getting the nomination; they ended when the DNC hack was reported
3) Cohen was in direct communication with Dmitry Peskov's office; and Putin's office contacted Felix Sater
After running through the details of the testimony, and referring to Trump's recent written answers he submitted in response to Mueller's questions, Wheeler says that she "would bet a lot of money Trump lied in his answer" about the contacts he had regarding the Russia real estate deal in 2016. "Don Jr.," she concludes, "is in immediate trouble and pops isn't that far behind."
The morning's developments, especially in light of the Republican's in the Senate blocking an effort on Wednesday to insulate the Mueller probe from further inrterference from the White House, advocacy groups like Public Citizen called on constituents to call their lawmakers and urge them to act:
Reminder as the Michael Cohen news breaks: A political hack and Trump loyalist is currently in a position to defund, constrain or shut down Mueller’s investigation.
Call your members of Congress NOW and demand they take action to #ProtectMueller. (202) 224-3121 pic.twitter.com/UCBC3CcWvK
— Public Citizen (@Public_Citizen) November 29, 2018
When Trump's Out the Door, Biden Tackles the Winter of Our Discontent
Donald Trump, Robert Mueller, Michael Cohen, Election 2016, Russia, Don Trump Jr.
(Click to see more comments or to join the conversation)
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Butler-Sloss: Social workers must have bigger role in youth justice
By Maria Ahmed on January 23, 2008 in Youth justice
Baroness Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, formerly the highest family court judge in England, is calling for children who offend to receive social work support or be dealt with by family courts, except in cases where the offence was serious.
Butler-Sloss is pressing the government to include the proposal in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, currently going through parliament.
Speaking at the bill’s second reading in the House of Lords this week, Butler-Sloss argued that more should be done to identify family problems “at an early stage” rather than treating all children as offenders.
Family courts
She proposed diverting 10-12 year-olds away from youth courts and instead of referring them to family courts or social services where appropriate.
The crossbench peer suggested cases could be initially assessed by local committee of professionals including social services and chaired by a magistrate or judge, who would decide on the seriousness of offences.
“It may be well known that the family [of the child] is dysfunctional or the committee may consider that there should be an investigation to see whether there are reasons for offending that might be dealt with so as to avoid repetition of offending and without the child receiving a finding of guilt,” Butler-Sloss told peers.
“The committee might decide that informal intervention by social workers might do the trick or that the local authority should issue care proceedings to give the family proceedings court the power to deal with the case,” she said.
She added the procedure would be “an added burden” on social services, local authorities and youth offending teams, but argued: “If it diverted the child from reoffending, it would be extremely cheap at the price.”
Alternative proposal
Butler-Sloss also proposed giving youth court magistrates the power to require a report to see if a case would require social work intervention or family court rather than criminal proceedings.
During the debate, peers criticised the bill as a “missed opportunity” to reform youth justice.
Previously, the government promised a seperate youth justice bill, but proposed legislation has instead been absorbed into the wide-ranging Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill.
Key youth justice proposals in the bill include the creation of a single generic community sentence and a statutory one-year review of juvenile Asbos.
Responding for the government, junior justice minister Lord Hunt said a youth crime action plan would be published in the summer and promised a debate on juvenile sentencing.
The bill now moves to committee stage in the House of Lords on 5 February.
Standing Committee on Youth Justice briefings on the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill
Essential information on youth justice
Plans for new youth sentences on table
Youth justice bill fails once more to make the Queen’s Speech
Multi-agency working and adult protection
Practice implications
Looked-after children and self-harm: new podcast
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DSCF: Councils to face duty on looked-after children’s placements
By Mithran Samuel on March 7, 2008 in Looked after children, Workforce
The Department for Children, Schools and Families has announced that the government aims to instruct councils to find sufficient placements for looked-after children in their area, meeting campaigners’ demands.
The Fostering Network, which has campaigned for the move alongside other charities, said it should help tackle foster carer shortages and help placement stability, by making it more likely children will be placed appropriately in the first place.
The government has tabled an amendment to the Children and Young Persons Bill that would place a duty on councils to “take steps to secure sufficient accommodation that is appropriate for the needs of children they look after within their area”, including through a diversity of providers.
This will not preclude out-of-area placements for those children who would not be served by a placement within their local area.
Care Matters
The government had originally proposed the change in last year’s Care Matters white paper on reforming looked-after children’s services. But it was not included in the original bill, with the government claiming that a clause placing a ban on councils making unnecessary out-of-area placements would have the same effect.
But campaigners argued that this was not clear enough, a point which the DCSF has now accepted.
The amendment will be discussed next week as the bill reaches its penultimate stage in the House of Lords before passage to the Commons.
Disabled children’s right to short breaks put into bill
The Children and Young Persons Bill and provision for children in care
Essential information on children in care
Fostering Network campaign on the Children and Young Persons Bill
Children and Young Persons Bill
Arthurworrey: ‘I wasn’t given tools to protect Victoria Climbié’
News round up: Jersey cops list more suspects
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News, Views and Analysis for Community Practitioners
Events and Surveys
Immunisation & illness
July/August news in numbers
A breakdown of community health news this month, in numbers. Download the PDF, here.
Community Health Council. (2019) Senior Nurse Richard Desir fronting Welsh Government Campaign. See: wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/901/news/51048 (accessed 14 June 2019).
Public Health England. (2019) People urged to practise safer sex after rise in STIs in England. See:gov.uk/government/news/people-urged-to-practise-safer-sex-after-rise-in-stis-in-england (accessed 14 June 2019).
The Health Foundation. (2019) Urgent call for £1bn a year to reverse cuts to public health funding. See: health.org.uk/news-and-comment/news/urgent-call-for-1-billion-a-year-to-reverse-cuts-to-public-health-grant (accessed 14 June 2019).
Optometry Today. (2019) Increasing number of parents asking health visitors to check their child’s eye health. See: aop.org.uk/ot/science-and-vision/research/2019/05/20/increasing-number-of-parents-asking-health-visitors-to-check-their-childs-eye-health (accessed 14 June 2019).
Mothers with a mental illness: Open Access Government. (2019) 25% of children have a mother with mental illness. See: openaccessgovernment.org/mother-with-mental-illness/66619/ (accessed 14 June 2019).
Scottish Government. (2019) New social media advice for young people. See: news.gov.scot/news/new-social-media-advice-for-young-people (accessed 14 June 2019).
Department of Health. (2019) Publication of the Quarterly Northern Ireland Inpatient and Day Case Waiting Times Statistics – Position at 31st March 2019. See: health-ni.gov.uk/news/publication-quarterly-northern-ireland-inpatient-and-day-case-waiting-times-statistics-position-31st (accessed 14 June 2019).
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Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
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Today's NAND flash has hit a development dead-end
Intel and Micron unveil 3D XPoint -- a new class of memory
Intel's high-speed 3D XPoint technology hitting SSDs next year
Intel & Micron 3D XPoint memory -- is it just CBRAM hyped up?
This new 3D XPoint memory could last forever
The new memory from Intel and Micron will do to SSDs what SSDs did to disk drives
By Lucas Mearian
Intel and Micron this week unveiled a new type of memory they plan to mass produce that is purportedly 1,000 times faster than NAND flash and has 1,000 times the endurance.
One thousand times the endurance would be about one million erase-write cycles, meaning the new memory would last pretty much forever.
By comparison, today's NAND flash lasts for between 3,000 and 10,000 erase-write cycles. With wear-leveling and error correction software, those cycles can be improved upon, but still don't get anywhere near 100,000 cycles.
Intel, Micron
The premise of 3D XPoint's architectures is that it removes the need for bit-storing transistors and instead uses a latticework of wires that use electrical resistance to signify a 1 or a 0.
The new product, 3D XPoint, is essentially a mass storage-class memory that, while slower, is still cheaper to produce than DRAM and vastly faster than NAND. Most importantly, it's non-volatile. So when the power goes off, the data remains intact -- just as it does with NAND flash.
"It's more expensive than NAND and cheaper than DRAM, and faster than NAND but slower than DRAM," said Jim Handy, an analyst with Objective Analysis. "This suits it well to create another layer in the memory hierarchy. That's a hard sell, though."
So pumped are the companies about 3D XPoint that they're claiming it's the first new memory category in more than 25 years. According to research analysts, Intel and Micron are not exaggerating. 3D XPoint will reside between DRAM and NAND flash, able to replace both in some instances in enterprise data centers and, eventually, consumer desktops and laptops.
Mystery materials
While they announced that they're entering production, Micron and Intel have also left much of their product a mystery.
For example, they're not disclosing what materials are used to create the memory; there are no specifics on performance because that depends on the end product and its use; and while they expect to begin shipping samples soon, Micron and Intel don't expect to roll out products until 2016.
"So that's a puzzle," Handy said.
Russ Meyer, Micron's director of process integration, said 3D XPoint chips are in production but they're awaiting their final form factor according to what equipment manufacturers will need. The new memory is still about five to eight times slower than DRAM.
"It's not as fast as DRAM, so it's not going to replace it in the most latency-valued applications, but it's much higher density and much lower latency than NAND," he said. "If you compare how much faster SSDs are to hard drives and how much faster 3D XPoint is to conventional NAND, it's kind of the same order of improvement."
3D XPoint will have about the same storage capacity as conventional or 2D planar NAND, Meyer said, but it's about 10 times denser than DRAM. That means Intel and Micron's 3D or stacked NAND will still offer greater densities.
The reason 3D XPoint has such a high endurance compared with flash memory is that the NAND uses charge trap flash semiconductor technology, which "traps" or stores electrons in transistors. Flash inherently wears over time as electrical charges flow through the silicon oxide material. Additionally, NAND cells can trap charges where they don't belong, further adding to degrdation of the flash memory, Meyer said.
Solid-state drive (SSD) makers add wear-leveling software, which more evenly distributes writes across the flash memory so as to not wear out one section of the NAND faster than another. By comparison, 3D XPoint (cross point) architecure doesn't store electrons. "The memory element itself is simply moving between two different resistence states," Meyer said.
Not completely unique
While it may be touted as such, 3D XPoint technology is not entirely new. The premise of cross-point architectures is that it removes the need for bit-storing transistors and instead uses a latticework of wires that use electrical resistance to signify a 1 or a 0.
Cross-point architectures that use resistive random-access memory (ReRAM or RRAM) are based on the memory resistor concept, also called Memristor as far back as 1971. Resistive memories have been nearing production for the past couple of years.
A slide from a 2008 presentation by SanDisk about its development of a cross-point memory, revealing that cross point has been in development for years.
Instead of the transistors used by traditional NAND flash to indicate bits of data, XPoint and ReRAM cells change their physical properties to either have a high or low electrical resistance. When in a high resistance state, meaning electricity cannot easily pass through, the cell represents a 0; when in a low resistance state, it represents a 1.
One class of cross-point memory is phase-change memory (PCM), which has been in development for years.
In 2008, for example, Toshiba and SanDisk announced they were working on a "cross point" memory RAM chip. In 2013, the two companies demonstrated their cross point memory at the International Solid-State Circuits Conference.
In 2011, IBM announced it had produced PCM chips that could store 100 times the amount of data NAND flash could while also having 5 million erase-write cycles.
Even Intel and partner Numonyx announced their own PCM breakthrough in 2009.
In 2013, start-up Crossbar introduced a postage stamp-sized ReRAM prototype that it said could store 1TB of data; the company expected to go into large-scale production this year.
What's different?
So what's different about 3D XPoint? The companies said they invented "unique material compounds" and a unique cross-point architecture that is 10 times denser than conventional memory and is able to scale in ways PCM cannot.
Additionally, XPoint's memory cells are written to or read by varying the amount of voltage sent to each "selector," meaning if the voltage is high or low, it's a 1 or 0, respectively.
"This eliminates the need for transistors, increasing capacity and reducing cost," Micron said in its marketing material.
"The majority of resistive RAMs out there today are filamentary, so you have this statistical variation in how the filaments form each time you program it. On top of that it's difficult to scale and it's very slow," Meyers said.
Intel and Micron aren't yet talking about the materials they're using to create the new memory.
"The companies carefully skirted such questions. They were intentionally unclear about what it is," Handy said.
Gregory Wong, an analyst with Forward Insights, said Intel and Micron appear to be about two years ahead of other memory makers in the development of cross-point memory.
3D XPoint technology uses its new material to switch the resistance state, so it doesn't rely on less reliable and more expensive elements, such as Memristor's titanium dioxide and platinum films or PCM's silver filaments, which wear out over time. And, in that one difference, Intel and Micron said they were able to bring their product to the manufacturing phase.
"In addition, the combination of the architecture and the unique set of materials in both the memory cell and selector enable 3D XPoint technology to achieve increased density, along with significant improvements in performance and endurance," Micron wrote.
What it means for you and me
For consumer uses, XPoint could mean desktop and laptop storage would take up far less space with vastly more capacity, and it would boost today's NAND speeds from 500MB/s to 500GB/s if Intel's and Micron's numbers are to be believed.
Gartner Vice President Joseph Unsworth believes it will be years before consumers see 3D XPpoint in their PCs or laptops "because cost and performance is far more valuable to data centers and in-memory computing applications than it is for typical consumer usage, which is quite price sensitive."
Just as NAND flash once did, emerging memory technology can take years to catch on. The new memory, however, is bound to make a splash in data centers for applications such as in-memory computing and high-performance computing, Unsworth said.
Today, data centers use DRAM for high performance computing and other I/O intensive applications and capacitors to ensure that if power is lost, the DRAM modules have a few seconds of power to transfer the data to non-volatile memory. With XPoint memory, more high-performance processing could be done without the need for as much DRAM, eliminating the super capacitors and some NAND flash.
"I don't think you can replace DRAM entirely," Wong said. "What I think will happen is you'll still have a little bit of DRAM and then a huge amount of 3D XPoint memory."
3D XPoint could also indirectly benefit consumers. "The massive amount of data created and digested requires extensive analytics abilities and thus this could improve identifying fraud detection, transaction processing, genomics research, oil/gas mining exploration, IoT implications, etc," Unsworth wrote in an email reply to Computerworld.
All about that speed
Another important attribute is that 3D XPoint memory is fast, hyper fast.
Currently, memory and flash storage rely on two separate interfaces to a computer. A laptop or desktop typically use SATA bus interface or is connected directly to the motherboard via a PCI Express (PCIe) expansion slot. The DRAM or system memory then sits in its own board slots directly connected to the CPU. The point is that both have different interfaces and performance levels.
Intel and Micron are claiming that their 3D XPoint memory could usher in entirely new system architectures by replacing both DRAM and NAND flash.
For example, DRAM's latency falls into the nanosecond range, while NAND flash's falls in the microsecond range, which is still a thousand times faster than a hard drive's I/O speeds. While not offering specifics, Micron and Intel said 3D XPoint approaches the speed of DRAM.
The new material being used in 3D XPoint is critical. NAND memory has been approaching a lithography wall, meaning its transistors can't get much smaller. Currently, the smallest lithography process is between 10nm and 20nm in size. So NAND flash companies such as Intel, Micron, Samsung, SanDisk and Toshiba have been building 3D NAND, which stacks as many as 48 microscopic layers atop one another to increase memory density and capacity.
3D XPoint memory arrays are made up of perpendicular conductors that connect 128 billion densely packed memory cells. Each memory cell stores a single bit of data. The compact structure results in both the high performance and high density of the new memory.
Initially, XPoint memory will store 128Gbits per die across two stacked memory layers. "Future generations of this technology can increase the number of memory layers and/or use traditional lithographic pitch scaling to increase die capacity," Micron said in its marketing material.
"For decades, the industry has searched for ways to reduce the lag time between the processor and data to allow much faster analysis," Rob Crooke, general manager of Intel's Non-Volatile Memory Solutions Group, said in a statement. "This new class of non-volatile memory achieves this goal and brings game-changing performance to memory and storage solutions."
Senior Reporter Lucas Mearian covers financial services IT (including blockchain), healthcare IT and enterprise mobile issues (including mobility management, security, hardware and apps).
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https://www.concordia.ca/content/shared/en/news/main/stories/2019/03/19/coming-soon-your-experiential-learning-roadmap-on-the-concordia-app.html
Filming on campus
Coming soon: your experiential learning roadmap on the Concordia app
Students, faculty and staff can also apply for a $2,000 project grant to develop hands-on education in the classroom and abroad
By Ashley Fortier
From co-op placements to international field schools, experiential learning (EL) has long been an important feature of studying at Concordia.
To guide students, staff and faculty through its ever-expanding list of EL offerings, the university launched an Experiential Learning Office and website — and they’ve already got a lot on the go!
The office recently created a useful roadmap tool available on the MyConcordia portal to help students identify EL opportunities relevant to their field of study. Once logged in, users need to select their faculty or department, as well as their level of study. A third step helps students narrow their list by category, including course-integrated, research-based and international opportunities.
Users can then assign activities to a year of study and click on “view my roadmap.” The tool generates a personalized plan for making the most of hands-on learning throughout the student’s degree.
“Concordia has more than 1,200 EL-integrated courses, and that’s just the beginning of what’s available on the website,” says Nadia Bhuiyan, vice-provost of Partnerships and Experiential Learning. “With this new easy-to-search platform, students can take the lead in crafting the EL trajectory that’s right for them.”
The EL roadmap tool will soon be available on the Concordia app, which will optimize the same functions of the desktop edition for mobile viewing. Once users sign up with the app, they will never have to log in again.
The personalized roadmap will show up alongside other features like class schedules, cancellations and grades. Plus, having mobile access will reduce the need to print them out.
For Andrei Kalamkarov, web designer in University Communications Services at Concordia, working as the main developer on the EL tool was a dream project.
“Not only will the EL tool help students discover learning opportunities, it will also apply new and innovative technologies such as Open Data,” Kalamkarov says.
Grant funding for EL projects
Students looking to get a new EL idea off the ground or instructors with a great practical learning initiative in mind can now apply for funding to support their next project. Faculty, staff and students can submit a proposal to the EL Office by March 31 to be eligible for grants worth up to $2,000.
The selection committee is looking for applications that demonstrate a hands-on component for a specific course, integration into course curriculum, identifiable outcomes for students and reflective exercises.
Students wishing to apply must have a faculty or staff supervisor to guide them through the application process.
EL projects in the classroom: a how-to
Last summer, Concordia teamed up with Riipen to offer micro-experiential learning opportunities in the classroom. The platform connects students, educators and organizations through real-world industry or community project experiences.
“It is now possible for faculty to facilitate links between their students and more than 3,500 companies and nonprofits,” says Bhuiyan. “Concordia’s partnership with Riipen helps to further expand the scope of experiential learning available at the university.”
To support faculty in integrating these projects into their future curricula, the EL Office is hosting a workshop on April 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The session is hands on and instructors will be able to create a course project on Riipen to show companies and organizations what kind of partnership they’re looking for. Instructors should come with a course assignment(s) in mind that they would like to redesign.
Research internships around the world
Senior undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows wishing to conduct research abroad can apply to do research abroad for 12 weeks through Mitacs.
The Mitacs Globalink Research Award offers $6,000 toward research and travel to universities in Australia, China, India, Mexico, Norway, Tunisia and more. Fifty research awards are available for Concordia students in the upcoming year.
“Our arrangement with Mitacs is yet another example of how Concordia encourages students to embrace the world and build international connections through concrete learning experiences,” Bhuiyan says.
Find out more about experiential learning opportunities at Concordia.
Download the Concordia app today!
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Health International
Russia to Trial ‘Light’ One-Dose Version of Sputnik Jab
January 11, 2021 January 11, 2021 AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
coronavirus, Russia, vaccines
A medical worker prepares to treat a patient infected with Covid-19 at the intensive care unit of a hospital in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, on Dec. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Roman Yarovitcyn)
MOSCOW (AFP) — Russia will trial a one-dose version of its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, officials said on Monday, as they aim to provide a stopgap solution for badly hit countries.
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which financed the development of the two-dose Sputnik V jab, said it was also financing clinical trials of “Sputnik Light,” a less effective single-dose version.
RDIF head Kirill Dmitriyev told journalists the “one-component” version of Sputnik V could be an “effective temporary solution” for countries facing a high caseload of coronavirus infections.
Russia in August registered Sputnik V — named after the Soviet-era satellite — months ahead of Western competitors and before the start of large-scale clinical trials.
The country began vaccinations with Sputnik in early December even though it was still in its third phase of clinical trials.
The rushed procedures raised concerns that the vaccine was part of Moscow’s efforts to bolster its geopolitical influence.
The vaccine’s developers boasted an efficacy of more than 90% and announced that over one billion doses of the vaccine had been pre-ordered worldwide.
In a December interview with state television, Dmitriyev said that the “light” version of the vaccine would be around 85 percent effective.
Earlier on Monday, the RDIF confirmed that more than 1.5 million people around the world had been inoculated with Sputnik V, without providing a breakdown of where the jab had been distributed.
Moscow has sent batches of its vaccine to Belarus, Serbia and Argentina where the jab was registered under an emergency use authorisation procedure.
The RDIF said in a statement on Monday that Palestinian authorities had also approved the vaccine for emergency use, with delivery planned for the first quarter of this year.
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Limited offer: 50% off
Best of the business media
Former Bond Corporation executive Tony Oates may not serve any more time in jail despite entering surprise guilty pleas over his role in Australia’s biggest corporate fraud, reports The Age. After more than ten years fighting his high-profile prosecution, the 62-year-old stepped into the dock of the WA Supreme Court and admitted to three counts […]
Former Bond Corporation executive Tony Oates may not serve any
more time in jail despite entering surprise guilty pleas over his
role in Australia’s biggest corporate fraud, reports The Age. After more than ten years fighting his high-profile prosecution,
the 62-year-old stepped into the dock of the WA Supreme Court and
admitted to three counts of improperly using his position as a
director of Bell Resources to gain an advantage for the ailing Bond
Corporation between 16 September and 3 November 1988.
Telstra CEO Sol Trujillo has backed
a termination notice issued to the telco’s second-largest mobile phone
dealer, Crazy John’s, in an effort to renegotiate the $60 million-plus
payment the telco makes to its partner each year, reports The Australian. At the same time, Telstra has ramped up construction plans for 33 new
company-branded retail stores this financial year, as it strives to
push more sales through its direct channels.
From all accounts, Trujillo’s attitude towards the prospect of tougher
regulation as the trade-off for T3 has been hardening since he
joined Telstra, says Stephen Bartholomeusz in The Smage. Trujillo was always going to have a different approach to
regulation and the regulator, the ACCC, than his predecessor, Ziggy Switkowski, and if he’s confronted by the prospect of tougher regulation
of Telstra’s core at the point where that core is under more
pressure than at any time in its history, the elements for a
confrontation between the new CEO and his minister are falling into
Booming residential construction markets in the
southern states of the US are fuelling a surge in profits at Rinker
Group, Australia’s largest construction company, raising its earnings
forecast for the second time in two months on the back of robust
first-quarter earnings, reports The Australian. First-quarter profits rose 62% to $242 million and profits in the US, where
80% of the business is based, are expected to rise 30% this year.
Major resources companies are spending hundreds of millions of dollars
on new computer systems to slash costs and improve their supply chains
as they race to meet China’s insatiable appetite for Australian mineral
exports, reports the Fin Review. Rio Tinto is expected to spend $200 million on IT upgrades over the next five years.
On Wall Street, US stocks ended lower overnight – the Nasdaq
and the S&P 500 snapped seven-session winning streaks – as
weaker than expected earnings from Citigroup prompted investors to lock
in recent gains. The Dow Jones fell 65.84 points to 10,574 –
MarketWatch has a full report here.
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Too Far Gone: New Excerpt
By Allison Brennan
Lucy Kincaid series
Too Far Gone is the next intense installment in Allison Brennan’s New York Times bestselling Lucy Kincaid series.
When a man who appears mentally unstable holds a group of people hostage and dies in a shootout with the FBI, Special Agent Lucy Kincaid is assigned to investigate what happened. Up until two months ago, McMahon was a respected scientist―then his wife left him, he lost his job, and was arrested for assaulting a former colleague. The one person who might have answers ― his research assistant ― has disappeared.
While Lucy is investigating this bizarre case, her husband Sean is on top of the world: his son Jesse is visiting for the summer. They are having a blast, until someone follows them. Sean is positive that the surveillance is connected to Jesse’s step-father―a man who had once laundered money for a violent drug cartel. But when Lucy and Jesse are run off the road, they begin to wonder if the attack is connected to Jesse … or Lucy’s current case.
Nothing is what it seems―not the McMahon investigation or the car accident. As Sean and Lucy dig deep into the lives of everyone involved, one thing becomes clear: If they don’t find the truth fast, everyone they care about is in danger.
Charlie McMahon sat in the corner of Java Antonio where he could see everyone who walked in. He held the cup of tea in front of him, hands shaking, hot liquid spurting out the top. He put the cup down, absently wiped his burned hand on his jacket. The one sip he’d risked made his stomach ache. Every voice, every clink of cups, every spray of steam from the espresso machine, scratched the inside of his brain until he felt as if his head would explode.
He reached into the pocket of his jacket and retrieved the nearly empty aspirin bottle. He poured four into his shaking hand. One fell to the floor. He watched it roll into the corner then stop amid the dust and dirt and an empty sugar wrapper.
The remaining three he popped into his mouth and chewed, the bitter taste making him scowl. He sipped the tea again, a larger gulp, and burned the roof of his mouth. He barely noticed the pain because his damn head wouldn’t stop pounding.
Paul was late. Two weeks ago Paul finally agreed to meet with him, but in a faraway place where there was no chance that anyone they knew would see them together. Paul refused to look Charlie in the eye, then told Charlie that he was paranoid.
“Maybe you should go on a vacation. Take a month and relax,” Paul had suggested. “Maybe you’re sick. You’re acting crazy, and you have to stop.”
Charlie knew that something was wrong with him. Physically, mentally. He knew what it was, it was on the fringe of his memory, but every damn time he tried to catch the thought it escaped. The more he chased the truth, the more his head ached and the thought, the memory, the truth faded away. Faded like he was fading.
He looked down at his hands. They seemed almost translucent. He could see them shake, but couldn’t feel them. It was as if he was disconnected from his body.
He closed his eyes, opened them. His hands were there, normal, bruised on the knuckles. A healing cut across the back of his right hand.
How did that happen?
Charlie had pushed Paul, and his friend didn’t push back. When Paul finally looked him in the eye, Charlie realized that Paul knew exactly what was wrong with him. Paul remembered what happened when Charlie couldn’t, yet he wouldn’t help him!
“What do you know, Paul? Dammit, I’m dying!”
“You’re not dying. Just … you need help. Leave San Antonio. And stop trying to remember.”
“What did I forget? You know, don’t you? Why won’t you tell me?”
He’d hit Paul. He remembered that … but that was nearly two weeks ago. Why were both of his hands bruised? And where was Paul?
Paul sent him a message late last night.
I found something. Can’t talk on the phone. I’ll meet you anywhere you want at 10:30 tomorrow morning.
Charlie picked Java Antonio because it was far from Clarke-Harrison. Far from home. Far from anyone who might know him or Paul. An anonymous coffee shop in the middle of the city. It felt safe … until now. Right now the walls were closing in on him and he couldn’t think!
Leave, Charlie. Walk away. Disappear.
Paul was late. Was he dead? Had they killed him? Or had he become one of them?
Who the fuck are they? You’ve lost your mind. No one is after you. Paul was placating you. He’s going to call the cops. Or a fucking mental institution. He didn’t believe you. The meeting is a setup. They’re going to lock you up and you’ll never know the truth.
The overwhelming sensation to run, to go far away, hit Charlie and he got up too quickly, knocking over his tea. But the lid stayed on and only a small stream of amber liquid dribbled out. He picked up the cup, stared at it.
All Charlie wanted to know was what had happened to him. Why he had a journal in his handwriting but didn’t understand what any of it said. Why he had the distinct feeling that he knew something important—something dangerous—but he couldn’t remember what. He’d studied his calendar and his phone and email and knew that whatever had happened to him had happened at work.
Maybe. Because you’re not really sure of anything, are you, Charlie?
That’s why he needed Paul. They’d worked together for eight years before Charlie was fired. Paul was the only one Charlie trusted.
He lied to you. He didn’t look you in the eye.
Charlie sat back down. He didn’t know who else to turn to, he didn’t know who he could trust. Memories scratched at him, trying to find a way to talk to him, to tell him the truth. But could he even trust them?
Every time he tried to listen, the whispers of truth disappeared in a wave of agony.
Voices drifted his way. He turned his head slowly, trying to figure out who was talking about him. Two teenage girls.
They’re not talking about you.
Why weren’t they in school?
It’s July. School’s out.
They laughed, both with their heads down looking at their phones. Something about that was familiar … was it the phone? The way the brunette girl was holding it? Something familiar …
Her face shifted, and she became someone else. She saw Charlie looking at her and quickly turned away and became a teenager again. She whispered to her friend. He’d scared her.
“Hello, Charlie.”
Charlie jumped, looked left and right. A man he’d never seen before stood in front of him. But he wasn’t looking at him. He was looking at a display. Had he spoken? Was it in Charlie’s head?
“Who are you?” he whispered.
“You need to stop asking questions, Charlie. You won’t like the answers.”
“Where’s Paul?”
He’d spoken too loud. People glanced at him, then quickly turned away. The teenagers shifted away from him, their heads together.
Now they were talking about him. Now they sounded scared.
Charlie didn’t want to scare anyone. Especially kids. His daughter was fifteen. He hadn’t seen her in almost three months, because Lisa said he needed help. She was scared of him, that he would hurt her. Hurt the kids.
I would never hurt you, Lisa. I would never hurt the kids. I love you.
He’d tried to get help, but only felt worse. More paranoid. More … forgetful.
He wrote hundreds of pages in code and didn’t know what it meant. He’d showed Paul his journal two weeks ago and Paul knew. But he said he didn’t.
He lied to you. Why can’t you see that there is no one to trust?
“Where are your notes, Charlie?” the stranger asked him.
Charlie hadn’t seen his lips move. What if he wasn’t talking? What if Charlie was hearing things?
Again. Hearing voices again.
Everything was bright, too bright. His body and mind disconnected. Impossible.
Just a reaction to …
Charlie turned, chasing the memory. Reaction to what? What?
His head ached and the memory turned black.
This man had answers. This man knew what THE FUCK WAS GOING ON!
remember remember remember remember remember
It was so close … but he couldn’t grasp it.
Remember or you’ll be dead.
“Where’s Paul? Did you kill him?”
Silence fell around him. Was he still talking too loud? Shouting? He could barely hear himself. Everything inside was suppressed by cotton, as if he were speaking through a vacuum.
The girls got up and walked to the other side of the coffee shop. They were talking to someone behind the counter. Because of him? Had he scared them?
Forget the girls. This man has the answers you need. Make him talk!
Someone was walking toward him. Who? Who knew him?
Charlie hit his head with his palm. It hurt, but he had to remember!
Charlie looked up again. A young black kid stood there. He wore an apron. Charlie’s vision was blurry and he couldn’t make out his name tag. The kid looked nervous.
This kid is just a guy doing his job. Doing his job and you’re freaking out his customers.
“I’m sorry,” he mumbled.
“Can I help you? Would you like me to call someone for you?”
He wanted to talk to the police, but he didn’t remember what he needed to tell them. He had tried talking to his wife, but she wouldn’t let him in, wouldn’t let him see their children. He didn’t blame her. He’d yelled at her … He’d talked to Paul … Paul was supposed to be here!
Paul had answers.
They’d killed Paul.
Charlie looked at his watch.
“Are you waiting for someone?” the manager asked.
“Paul’s late,” he said. “I think he’s dead.”
The belief that Paul was dead hit him so hard he wondered if he really knew that his best friend, his former colleague, was in fact dead. Had he seen him dead? Had he … God, had he killed him?
You didn’t kill Paul. You haven’t seen him in two weeks.
But Charlie couldn’t remember where he’d been yesterday. Just flashes of images. Of alleys and hiding and a one-room apartment in the middle of nowhere.
And numbers. So many numbers and formulas …
“Sir, are you okay?”
“No!” Charlie jumped up and the table fell over. He didn’t care that the lid popped off his tea and it splattered everywhere. Several people walked briskly out of the coffee shop. Two more had their phones to their ears. What were they doing? What were they saying?
Charlie knew what he had to do. This might be the only way to figure out what was wrong with him, what he knew that he couldn’t remember, why his head felt like it was going to go off like a fucking Roman candle!
A gun was in his hand. How did it get there? He didn’t remember putting a gun—two guns?—in his jacket. Why was he wearing a jacket? It was July in San Antonio. No wonder people were looking at him strangely.
People were screaming. Several ran out of the coffee shop. No, no! This wasn’t happening.
He fired a bullet into the ceiling.
“Everyone down! You!” He grabbed the manager and held the gun to his head. “Do you have a cell phone?”
“Y-yes.”
“You need to call Paul. Right now. Right the fuck now!”
He pulled the manager away from the windows. Self-preservation kicked in. He ordered one of the employees to lock the door. He held a gun on her, made her lock the door. She did.
“Down! Get down, everyone!”
People fell to the floor and froze. Someone was crying.
Stop, Charlie. Stop. This is insane.
“No else leaves until Paul gets here, understand? I don’t want to hurt anyone. I don’t want to hurt anyone. Okay? Okay?”
He was repeating himself. But he didn’t care. He would keep these people as long as necessary to get answers.
“Give me your cell phone,” he told the manager.
Charlie had stopped carrying a phone because he feared they—
who the fuck are they?
—were tracking him.
The manager reached into his apron and handed Charlie a phone. His hands were shaking.
“Put it on speaker. Call Paul.” Charlie recited his number by memory. He’d known Paul since college. Then eight years ago, Paul moved to San Antonio to work with Charlie. They were friends. Their wives were friends. They had barbecues and their sons were on the same baseball team. At least they had been before …
Before what? What, Charlie?
His head was about to explode.
The phone rang once.
A recording came on.
“This number is no longer in service. If you feel you’ve reached this recording in error, please check the number and try your call again.”
“You dialed wrong! Again!” Charlie repeated the number slowly.
The recording repeated.
Paul really was dead.
Copyright © 2018 Allison Brennan.
Filed Under: Allison BrennanExcerptLucy Kincaid Series
Learn More Or Order A Copy
Allison Brennan is the New York Times- and USA Today-bestselling and award-winning author of more than three dozen thrillers, including the Lucy Kincaid FBI series and the Maxine Revere cold case mystery series. You can learn more about Allison and her books at allisonbrennan.com.
guidokrei1971
I fell in love with this story. If you haven’t read yet, you can read more here my reviews of Too Far Gone: New Excerpt. Especially, I advise reading this for who prefers mystique and crime in genres
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Cruise Ship Dry Dock Archives
By Cruise Critic
Cruise ship refurbishments can be as exciting as new ships. From upholstery and carpet touchups to significant refits and additions, cruise ship dry docks can mean new things to explore on ships you already know and love. First time on a ship? Seeing when it was last dry docked can help you get a pulse on the onboard experience and whether it might feel outdated or if you can expect the industry's latest and greatest.
Azamara | Carnival | Celebrity | Crystal | Disney | Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines | Holland America | Linblad | Norwegian | Oceania | P&O Cruises | Regent | Royal Caribbean | Princess | Seabourn | Silversea | Windstar
Dates: April 2016
Details: Azamara Quest emerged from an April 2016 dry dock with new furniture for several spaces, including Looking Glass, the Pool Grill and Sunset Bar. Prime C, Aqualina, the Library and Windows Cafe also received improvements. All cabins and suites have new carpets and curtains, as well as new sofas and new larger coffee tables.
Dates: January 6 - 13, 2013
Details: Journey received upgrades to the sun deck (new AstroTurf, sun beds). Discoveries Restaurant, Discoveries Lounge and Mosaic Cafe were refurbished with new carpets and reupholstered furniture. Windows Cafe received new furniture upholstery, carpet and tile. Fitness equipment in the gym was replaced.
Dates: November 7 - 15, 2012
Details: Azamara Quest saw upgrades to the sun deck (new AstroTurf, sun beds). Windows Cafe received new furniture upholstery, carpet and tile. Fitness equipment in the gym was replaced. Discoveries Restaurant, Discoveries Lounge and Mosaic Cafe were refurbished with new carpets and reupholstered furniture.
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Ship: Carnival Splendor
Dates: October 30 to November 24, 2019
Details: Carnival Splendor left the North American Carnival fleet later in the fall of 2019 to enter service year-round from Sydney, Australia. To get it ready for its new service "down under," Carnival put the ship through a massive refit that included two new waterslides and a dedicated Splash Park similar to those found aboard Carnival's newest ships. New dining venues and an overall refit of the ship’s public areas and passenger accomodations were also completed during the almost month-long stay in drydock.
Ship: Carnival Freedom
Dates: February 13 - March 8, 2019
Details: Carnival Freedom received an all new waterpark, a Carnival Deli and Bonsai Express.
Ship: Carnival Legend
Dates: May 1 - 14, 2018
Details: Carnival Legend received the Alchemy Bar, Blue Iguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint.
Ship: Carnival Paradise
Dates: February 22 - March 25, 2018
Details: During its refurbishment, Carniaval Paradise received a waterpark, mini-golf course, new cabins (including 22 junior suites), a new kids' club and popular venues such as Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, BlueIguana Tequila Bar and the RedFrog Rum Bar.
Ship: Carnival Fascination
Dates: January 31 - February 17, 2018
Details: The two-week refurbishment saw Carnival Fascination receive Guy's Burger Joint, the Alchemy Bar, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, Bonsai Sushi Express venue and the Cherry on Top candy shop.
Ship: Carnival Victory
Details: Carnival Victory's second dry dock in three years welcomed popular features including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Bonsai Sushi Express (an offshoot of the venue found on other ships), the Cherry on Top candy shop, two new pool bars (RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar), a rebraded deli counter in the buffet, and new cabin categories. Among the new accommodations are 260-square-feet Scenic Ocean View cabins, 320-square-foot Scenic Grand Ocean View cabins and 820-square-foot Captain's Suites, which offer a large extended balcony, two full-size bathrooms, separate sleeping quarters and a large living room.
Ship: Carnival Conquest
Dates: September 30 - October 13, 2017
Details: Details unavailable.
Ship: Carnival Elation
Dates: August 31 - September 27, 2017
Details: During its dry dock, Carnival Elation received Guy's Burger Joint, the RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar, as well as the BlueIguana Cantina, an expansive WaterWorks water park, a nine-hole mini-golf course, and 38 new cabins including two Grand Vista suites, 22 junior suites, two scenic ocean-view cabins and 12 inside rooms. Private balconies were added to an additional 98 staterooms. Carnival Elation also got Camp Ocean, a colorful marine-inspired play area for kids ages 2 to 11.
Ship: Carnival Breeze
Dates: April 16 - 29, 2017
Details: During its dry dock, Carnival Breeze replaced the Plaza Bar at Ocean Plaza with its signature Alchemy Bar. The ship also gained Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, which replaced Fat Jimmy's Seaside BBQ. In addition, the ship received new carpeting, wall coverings, tile work and lighting in many public places.
Ship: Carnival Glory
Details: Carnival Glory received a three-slide WaterWorks.
Ship: Carnival Sensation
Dates: February 9 - 22, 2017
Details: The ship received popular 2.0 features such as Guy's Burgers (replacing Off the Grill and Rotisserie); BlueIguana Cantina (replacing Mongolian Wok); Alchemy Bar (replacing Polo Lounge); and Cherry on Top (replacing Special Occasion). The pool bar was replaced with RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar. Camp Ocean replaced Camp Carnival. The lounges and public areas received new carpet, wall hangings, tile work and lighting.
Ship: Carnival Dream
Details: Several 2.0 features were added to the ship, including Guy's Burgers (replacing Off the Grill); BlueIguana Cantina (replacing Pizzeria); Alchemy Bar (replacing Plaza Bar at Ocean Plaza); Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que (replacing Oceanside Barbeque) and Bonsai Sushi. Pizzeria del Capitano will be added to the spot where Carnival Deli, which will be relocated to the interior section of the Lido. Public areas and lounges will receive new carpeting, wall coverings, tile work and lighting.
Ship: Carnival Ecstasy
Dates: January 10 - 24, 2017
Details: The ship received some popular 2.0 features, such as Guy's Burgers (replacing Off the Grill and Rotisserie); BlueIguana Cantina (replacing Mongolian Wok); Alchemy Bar (replacing Society Bar) and Cherry on Top (replacing Special Occasions). The reburb will also added new carpeting, wall coverings, tile work and lighting in the lounges and public areas.
Ship: Carnival Imagination
Dates: September 4 - 21, 2016
Details: Carnival Imagination received Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, including Guy's Burger Joint, the Red Frog Rum Bar, the Blue Iguana Cantina, the Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, Alchemy Bar and the Cherry on Top sweet shop.
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Details: This dry dock included routine maintenance, reupholstering of public areas, installation of new carpeting and the rebranding of the former EA Sports Bar as the Skybox Sports Bar.
Ship: Carnival Valor
Dates: April 23 - May 8, 2016
Details: Carnival Valor received Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, including the RedFrog Rum Bar, Guy's Burger Joint, the BlueIguana Cantina, the BlueIguana Tequila Bar, Alchemy Bar, Skybox Sports Bar and Cherry on Top, as well as improved children's facilities in the form of Camp Ocean.
Ship: Carnival Triumph
Related: Guy's Burger Joint by Guy Fieri on Carnival Cruise Line (Plus Menu)
Dates: March 21 - April 6, 2016
Details: Routine maintenance was completed, and cosmetic enhancements -- including new carpeting -- were made. The former EA Sports Bar was rebranded as Skybox Sports Bar, Special Occasions became the Cherry on Top candy store, and the internet cafe was relocated from Deck 4 to Deck 5.
Dates: March 6 - 20, 2016
Details: New staterooms -- including two Captain's Suites -- were built on Deck 9, forward.
Dates: December 2012
Details: As part of Carnival's $500 million Fun Ship 2.0 initiative, Splendor gained the BlueIguana Tequila Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, and Punchliners Comedy Club & Brunch presented by George Lopez.
Ship: Carnival Magic
Details: Carnival Magic received several Fun Ship 2.0 additions, including the RedFrog Rum Bar, Alchemy Bar, Guy's Burger Joint, Pizzeria del Capitano, the BlueIguana Tequila Bar and the BlueIguana Cantina.
Ship: Carnival Fantasy
Details: Carnival Magic received several Fun Ship 2.0 additions, including the RedFrog Rum Bar, Guy's Burger Joint, the BlueIguana Tequila Bar and the BlueIguana Cantina.
Ship: Carnival Inspiration
Dates: January 18 - February 4, 2016
Details: Carnival Inspiration went into dry dock in Oregon for a multi-million dollar refurbishment that added Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, Alchemy Bar and Cherry on Top candy shop.
Ship: Carnival Miracle
Details: Part of the Carnival's ongoing Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancement initiative, the spring 2015 dry dock added RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and a new sports bar; Playlist Productions and Hasbro, The Game Show; and the family-friendly Seuss at Sea program; as well as Cherry on Top, a candy and gift store.
Ship: Carnival Pride
Details: Pride received Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, including Guy's Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, the Sports Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and more.
Details: Freedom was the first ship in the line to receive the full Seuss at Sea program with the installation of Bookville, a play space and reading room for children and families. In addition, Freedom received a host of Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Rum Bar and RedFrog Pub, EA Sports Bar, Alchemy Bar, Cherry on Top, Playlist Productions, The Warehouse and Hasbro, The Game Show.
Dates: February 22 - April 12, 2013
Details: Carnival spent $155 million to transform Carnival Destiny into Carnival Sunshine. The ship gained a plethora of Fun Ship 2.0 dining venues, bars, cabins and public spaces. Most notably, the ship received the first three-deck Serenity adults-only sun deck, complete with a cascading waterfall.
Details: Glory got the BlueIguana Tequila Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, sports bar and a burger restaurant designed by Food Network star Guy Fieri (among other enhancements) as part of Carnival's Fun Ship 2.0 initiative.
Details: As part of its 2012 dry dock, Conquest welcomed a new sports bar and the RedFrog Rum and BlueIguana Tequila bars. Guy's Burgers, a burger restaurant designed by Food Network star Guy Fieri, was also added.
Dates: October 8 - 22, 2012
Details: In 2012, Dream became the second Carnival vessel to receive the Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades. The ship got new tequila and rum bars but not the burger restaurant designed by Food Network star Guy Fieri.
Ship: Carnival Spirit
Dates: May 2018
Details: The library and chapel were converted into a new teen arcade and an arts/craft area called Soulplay where tutorial sessions will teach passengers how to make soap, lotions, cosmetics and fragrances.
Ship: Celebrity Silhouette
Dates: January 2020
Details: Celebrity Silhouette received additional suites including a Reflection Suite and several Signature Suites; all cabins were outfitted with RFID locks, the line's high-speed Xcelerate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability. Additionally, Michael's Club was transformed into the Retreat Lounge, exclusively for the use of suite passengers; and a suites-only Retreat Sundeck was added, as well. The ship's Oceanview Cafe buffet restaurant was redesigned in an open, marketplace style; Cellar Masters wine bar was transformed into a gastrobar; and the photo galleries were converted to digital spaces.
Ship: Celebrity Millennium
Dates: February 2019
Details: Celebrity overhauled all the staterooms onboard Celebrity Millennium, taking everything down to the steel and rebuilding with a new layout and design; rooms were outfitted with RFID locks, the line's high-speed Xcelerate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth capability and Celebrity's eXhale bedding. Additionally, Millennium saw its Main Dining Room redesigned with lighter, airier decor. Michael's Club was transformed into the Retreat Lounge, exclusively for the use of suite passengers and an suites-only Retreat Sundeck was added as well. Other changes were made to the Qsine restaurant, which received the Le Petit Chef experience; Cellar Masters, which was trasformed into a gastrobar; and the spa, which got a total redesign.
Ship: Celebrity Constellation
Details: Constellation received a brand new gourmet burger joint called the Top Deck Burger Bar, as well as the Rooftop Terrace and Qsine, which replaced Ocean Liners restaurant. Royal and Penthouse suites were updated with new furniture, carpeting and bathrooms.
Dates: April 26 - May 12, 2016
Details: Similar to that of Infinity and Summit, Millennium received refreshes to all of its Penthouse and Royal Suites. The $8 million dry dock also added Tuscan Grille, the line's Italian-inspired steakhouse, as well as the line's new Rooftop Terrace space, in which passengers can enjoy lounge space or events like "Taste of Film" a movie-and-multicourse meal pairing. Furthermore, a standalone portrait studio and a new future cruise sales office were added, the Solarium was refreshed, and the themed decor in the casino was removed.
Ship: Celebrity Summit
Details: The second Millennium-class ships to receive refreshes, Summit now features an updated Suite Class; a new venue, the Rooftop Terrace, with film screen and surround sound; Normandie has transformed into Tuscan Grille, a Mediterranean steakhouse; the solarium has been updated and more.
Details: As part of Celebrity's $140-million program to update its four Millennium-class ships, Celebrity Summit's refit included the addition of several popular Solstice-class dining venues like the creative Qsine and lounges including an ice-topped martini bar. Additionally, 107 AquaClass spa cabins were added to the ship.
Related: Photos and Videos: Behind-the-Scenes Look at Mardi Gras, Carnival Cruise Line's Newest Ship
Ship: Celebrity Infinity
Details: Infinity is the first of the Millennium-class ships to receive a a refreshed Suite Class; a new venue, the Rooftop Terrace, with film screen and surround sound; Tuscan Grille (formerly Infinity's SS United States); and an updated solarium.
Ship: Celebrity Eclipse
Details: Celebrity Eclipse emerged from dry dock with a number of new features: The ship's Cellar Masters wine bar became the Gastrobar, serving more than 40 craft beers, with passengers ordering food and drink on iPads. The pool area added the frozen drink bar Slush, and the American-style casino became more "British," with 12 new British-themed slot machines. Oddly, though, American-style roulette wheels replaced European-style ones. Eclipse also added a private photo studio. New services for suite passengers, including a suites-only restaurant, a VIP Lounge and 24-hour butler service, were added as well.
Ship: Celebrity Xpedition
Details: During dry dock, Celebrity's expedition ship received all-new upholstery, carpeting, lighting and chairs in the main dining room; upgrades were also made to the outdoor dining furniture. An additional suite was added to the vessel, and local art was included throughout the ship.
Ship: Celebrity Equinox
Details: During refurb, retail space was expanded on Equinox, and drinking spots Gastrobar and Slush were added.
Details: Following an initial dry dock in 2010, which added some Solstice-class features to the ship, Celebrity Constellation received 66 brand new cabins, as well as 107 AquaClass cabins (the first of their kind on Constellation) during this 2013 dry dock. Other new features included: New verandas for suites, an upgraded basketball court, craft beer in Michael's Club and the introduction of the iLounge. Wi-Fi was added throughout the ship, plus public areas received new color schemes, new carpeting, new upholstery and new sun loungers on the pool decks.
Ship: Crystal Serenity
Dates: October - November 2018
Details: Crystal Serenity received the same dining and suite refurbishments as its sister ship. Serenity replaced smaller suites with 36 new penthouses and two new penthouse suites, dropping its passenger capacity from 1,070 to 980.
Ship: Crystal Symphony
Dates: September - October 2017
Details: Crystal Symphony replaced smaller suites with 28 new penthouses and 12 new penthouse suites, dropping its passenger capacity from 922 to 848. The main dining room, to be called Waterside, now features all open seating; Silk Road has become Umi Uma (a new Nobu venue), Tastes became Silk (a casual Chinese-inspired venue) and the Lido Cafe has become the Marketplace, with a Brazilian churrascaria taking over the space at night. New tech innovations include free Wi-Fi for all passengers.
Details: Not available.
Dates: September 2014
Details: A two-week, $20 million dry dock gave the ship an enlarged fitness space with an outdoor Fitness Garden and new indoor equipment, more PURE allergy-friendly cabins, a waterfall added to the Crystal Plaza, more seating in the Cove Bar, an expanded casino, new digital signage displays and general upgrades to the spa, salon, Bistro and cabin carpeting and balcony furniture.
Dates: November 2013
Details: Crystal spent $17 million on refurbishing Serenity, revamping the lido deck by removing the indoor pool and Tastes kitchen, adding four "living" walls and updating the lido cafe. It also remodeled Serenity's top four suites to move the dining areas closer to the floor-to-ceiling windows and added a den/library/media room with a queen-sized sleeper sofa and closet. The guest bathrooms got showers. Each Penthouse received three flat-screen TVs, including a 3D TV, plus a surround-sound audio system and iPod docking station.
Dates: June 1 - 16, 2012
Details: The ship's theater, kids area and several lounges were redone during the 15-day, $15 million dry dock.
Ship: Queen Victoria
Dates: June 2017
Details: Cunard spent $40 million on refurbishing Queen Victoria, adding 30 cabins, refurbishing 24 suites, adding a new dining room and a new sundeck and a specialty cafe. The ship now has 43 Britannia Club cabins, including the new ones, on Decks 7 and 8, which have newly-designed carpets, soft furnishings, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee facilities. A new Britannia Club restaurant has been installed for Britannia Club passengers. The Cunard Grand Suites have been redesigned and reconfigured. The Aquitania, Berengaria, Mauretania and Laconia Suites have similar square footage to those on Queen Elizabeth at approximately 1,436 square feet. Five new Penthouse Suites on Deck 8 aft feature floor-to-ceiling windows, defined living and sleeping spaces, and bathrooms with natural light. The ship has a new Chart Room on Deck 2 off the Grand Lobby, where Cafe Carinthia is currently located. The Chart Room now boasts illy coffee, Godiva chocolate, with light bites by day and cocktails by night. Cunard has also introduced a "gin and fizz" themed menu to the Midships Lounge, including a variety of wines, Proseccos, Cavas and Champagne alongside premium gins and spirits.
Dates: May 27, 2016 - June 21, 2016
Details: An extensive dry dock added staterooms for singles, more balcony cabins and more kennels for traveling pets.
Ship: Disney Wonder
Details:Disney Wonder underwent a dry dock upon completion of its 2019 Alaska cruise season. Additions included a new family-friendly lounge (the French Quarter Lounge), which offers plenty of New Orleans flair inspired by the Disney film, "The Princess and the Frog." Teens got a redesigned Vibe club, complete with a new design, new coffee bar, and virtual reality technology. The adults-only Cove Cafe was transformed into a coffee joint featuring comfortable and trendy furnishings. The nearby Signals Bar also benefited from a more contemporary look and feel.
Ship: Disney Magic
Dates: Returns to service March 9, 2018
Details: New additions will include Rapunzel's Royal Table, a Tangled-themed restaurant; a transformed teen club and Cove Cafe, an adults-only cafe retreat. Other enhancements onboard Disney Magic will include the addition of Club Disney Junior in Disney's Oceaneer Club for children, and a redesigned Rainforest Room with steam and hydrotherapy in Senses Spa for adults.
Ship: Disney Fantasy
Details: The most major changes to Disney Fantasy during its 2017 dry dock can be found in the children's Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. The space now boasts the Marvel Superhero Academy, where kids can enroll in courses taught by Dr. Strange, Thor and other heroes. If your brood are more into becoming Jedis than superheroes, they'll want to check out the Star Wars Command Post, where they can train to become members of The Resistance. Other upgrades to the ship include a new candy and ice cream shop, Sweet on You, which has taken up residence in the former arcade; an outpost of upscale jewelry store Tiffany & Co.; and aesthetic improvements like new carpeting.
Details: When Disney Wonder emerged from a massive dry dock in fall 2016, it emerged with fleetwide enhancements like Cabanas, the buffet; Senses Spa and Chill Teen Spa; D Lounge, a family space; Twist 'n' Spout water slide and AquaLab splash zone; Edge, a teen club; "it's a small world" nursery; Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique; updates to Palo, the adults-only Italian restaurant; an overhaul of Animator's Palate restaurant; and the After Hours adults-only space with a refinished Cadillac Lounge and a new Azure Nightclub. New and unique spaces to wonder include Tiana's Place restaurant; Crown & Fin, a British pub; Dory's Reef, a splash area for toddlers; and the Wandering Oaken's Trading Post in the kids' Oceaneer Club (Marvel Superhero Academy is new to Wonder, but also on Magic). After dry dock, Wonder also debuted "Frozen, a Musical Spectacular." All cabins were touched including soft furnishings, more drawer space to replace the antique-looking steamer trunks and raised platform beds. The atrium has been transformed to feature a new Dale Chihuly chandelier, resembling Ariel's flower from "The Little Mermaid," that allows for better viewing across the decks of the atrium. The grand staircases in the lobby have been reduced from four to just one.
Ship: Disney Dream
Details: Following its May 2016 refurb, Disney Dream emerged with fantastic new kids spaces in its Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. The most impressive highlight is a Star Wars area, where young cruisers can sit in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon while taking it for a simulated flight, play games in the aircraft's common room and enjoy visits from R2-D2. Additionally, the space also has a room dedicated to Disney Infinity, complete with a wall of gaming consoles and a life-size version of the game where kids act as the action figures. A new candy and ice cream shop, Vanellope's, was added to the spot where the ship's arcade was formerly located. Other improvements were also made in the way of soft furnishings and carpeting.
Details: Disney Magic received several updates during its fall 2015 dry dock, including the addition of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and the relocation and enhancement of Edge, its club for tweens.
Dates: September 7 - October 10, 2013
Details: Catching up with fleetmates Dream and Fantasy, Magic added major attractions and updates during its 2013 refurb, including a three-story AquaDunk water slide, AquaLab kids water park and Nephew's Splash Zone for babies. Additionally, the kids club now consists of Marvel Avenger's Academy, along with Andy's Room, Pixie Hollow and the Mickey Mouse Club in the Oceaneer Club themed areas. In dining, an update was made to Animator's Palate and its programming, Parrot Bay became Brazilian venue Carioca's, and updates were made to Cabanas and Palo. Adults-only area After Hours was added, including late-night venues Fathoms, Keys piano bar and O'Gill's Pub. Meanwhile, the ship's atrium, Senses spa, D Lounge and cabins (to increase space) also received upgrades.
Ship: Boudicca
Dates: Spring 2018
Details: In addition to upgrades to furniture, upholstery and carpeting throughout cabins and public spaces, Boudicca'sdining room was refreshed.
Ship: Noordam
Details: Noordam was drydocked in Victoria, B.C. following the completion of its 2019 Alaska season. In addition to technical and general refurbishments throughout the ship, Noordam received the new Gallery Bar (replacing Northern Lights Disco) and the new Explorations Central concept that saw the Crow's Nest on Deck 9 reconfigured. The ship also received the new Billboard Onboard entertainment concept in place of the current Piano Bar and Sports Bar on Deck 2. Suites received new furniture and soft furnishings, while staterooms saw an upgrade to soft furnishings.
Ship: Zaandam
Dates: March 2018
Details: As part of a $300 million investment, Holland America is updating entertainment, dining and suites across its fleet between 2016 and 2018. While enhancements will vary by ship, all Vista- Signature- and Rotterdam-class ships will receive new furniture, carpeting and wall covers, as well as a new quartz stone top on the desk, dresser, nightstands and makeup vanity. Electronic upgrades include a USB outlet added the bed's headboard, LED reading lights and a lighted closet rod. Suite passengers will also have access to a new interactive TV system with free movies on demand, in-cabin coffee and espresso machine, binoculars for use during the sailing, free mimosas with ensuite breakfast and more. Zaandam will receive the transformation that will turn Crow's Nest into the line's new interactive destination experience center, EXC or Explorations Central.
Ship: Amsterdam
Details: As part of a $300 million investment, Holland America is updating entertainment, dining and suites across its fleet between 2016 and 2018. While enhancements will vary by ship, all Vista- Signature- and Rotterdam-class ships will receive new furniture, carpeting and wall covers, as well as a new quartz stone top on the desk, dresser, nightstands and makeup vanity. Electronic upgrades include a USB outlet added the bed's headboard, LED reading lights and a lighted closet rod. Suite passengers will also have access to a new interactive TV system with free movies on demand, in-cabin coffee and espresso machine, binoculars for use during the sailing, free mimosas with ensuite breakfast and more. Amsterdam will receive the transformation that will turn Crow's Nest into the line's new interactive destination experience center, EXC or Explorations Central.
Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam
Dates: December 20, 2017
Details: Refurbishments included replacing Explorers Lounge with Lincoln Center Stage; replacing Northern Lights Bar with the Gallery (Arts) Bar and doing away with the traditional piano bar (replacing it with with "Billboard Onboard.") Parts of the casino were touched as well the spa and some other public areas. Suite upgrades and improvements included new furniture, modern fixtures and new carpeting. Crow's Nest lounge transformed to become a new, interactive trip-planning and enrichment center called Explorations Central.
Ship: Volendam
Dates: November/December 2017
Details: As part of a $300 million investment, Holland America is updating entertainment, dining and suites across its fleet between 2016 and 2018. While enhancements vary by ship, all Vista- Signature- and Rotterdam-class ships will receive new furniture, carpeting and wall covers, as well as a new quartz stone top on the desk, dresser, nightstands and makeup vanity. Electronic upgrades include a USB outlet added the bed's headboard, LED reading lights and a lighted closet rod. Suite passengers will also have access to a new interactive TV system with free movies on demand, in-cabin coffee and espresso machine, binoculars for use during the sailing, free mimosas with ensuite breakfast and more. Volendam turned the Crow's Nest into the line's new interactive destination experience center, EXC or Explorations Central.
Ship: Rotterdam
Dates: October 26 - November 3, 2017
Details: Rotterdam underwent a fall dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas, receiving new furniture, carpeting and wall covers, as well as a new quartz stone top on the desk, dresser, nightstands and makeup vanity. Electronic upgrades included a USB outlet added the bed's headboard, LED reading lights and a lighted closet rod. Suite passengers will also have access to a new interactive TV system with free movies on demand, in-cabin coffee and espresso machine, binoculars for use during the sailing, free mimosas with ensuite breakfast and more.
Ship: Zuiderdam
Details: Zuiderdam was updated in fall 2017 in Freeport, Bahamas. While enhancements will vary by ship, all Vista- Signature- and Rotterdam-class ships received new furniture, carpeting and wall covers, as well as a new quartz stone top on the desk, dresser, nightstands and makeup vanity. Electronic upgrades include a USB outlet added the bed's headboard, LED reading lights and a lighted closet rod. Suite passengers will also have access to a new interactive TV system with free movies on demand, in-cabin coffee and espresso machine, binoculars for use during the sailing, free mimosas with ensuite breakfast and more. Additionally, Zuiderdam saw its Crow's Nest lounge transform to become a new, interactive trip-planning and enrichment center called Explorations Central.
Ship: Westerdam
Details: New spaces and cosmetic updates were made to Holland America's Westerdam in dry dock in Palermo, Sicily. The 1,916-passenger ship received the line's popular musical entertainment venues, Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard, as well as the Gallery Bar, which replaces the Northern Lights nightclub and features custom-crafted cocktails by the line's partner, master mixologist Dale DeGroff. As for a new look, the buffet transformed into the Lido Market, which features a more open layout and themed stations serving up grab-and-go and made-to-order items. Pinnacle Grill, the line's signature steakhouse, also received a makeover for a sleeker, more modern look. Public areas near the casino were refreshed. Additionally, all suites received new furniture, carpeting and wall coverings; designer glass tile and a new vanity in the bathroom; and electronic upgrades such as a USB outlet on the headboard, bedside LED reading lights and more outlets. The first Explorations Central, an interactive destination planning and enrichment center, has also been added (in the space formerly occupied by Crow's Nest).
Ship: Prinsendam
Details: The most notable changes to Prinsendam can be seen in the ship's buffet and suites -- both of which received complete makeovers. The buffet now boasts the line's Lido Marketplace concept, with themed stations serving a variety of made-to-order and to-go items. In addition to a new layout, the buffet received new carpeting and furnishings. The suites also received a slew of cosmetic enhancements, as well as a new bathroom vanity and technology upgrades. Get a glimpse of some of the other changes, on our forums.
Ship: Oosterdam
Details: During its last dry dock, Oosterdam received a modern makeover and new spaces. The ship now features the line's new musical venues, Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard; the Gallery Bar, which replaced the Northern Lights nightclub and serves up an exclusive menu of cocktails courtesy of the line's partner, master mixologist Dale DeGroff; upgrades suites (with new furniture and decor, bathroom fixtures and electronics; 25 new cabins, including 18 balcony and seven inside; and a fresh design in its buffet.
Ship: Eurodam
Details: Eurodam introduced Billboard Onboard and Lincoln Center Stage, two new musical entertainment options to complement the line's popular B.B. King's Blues Club. The ship transformed its buffet into the Lido Market, a series of themed dining stations serving to-go and made-to-order food items, and replaced Slice with New York Pizza. It also replaced the Northern Lights bar with the Gallery Bar, a sophisticated watering hole serving up crafted cocktails from a menu created by master mixologist Dale DeGroff. Suites received new furniture and carpet, bedside LED lighting, new bathroom tile and fixtures, and more. Throughout the ship, passengers can access complimentary movies on demand as well as the daily program, guest services and restaurant and spa information via LED flat-screen TVs.
Details: During Volendam's "Signature of Excellence" dry dock, the ship added 21 Lanai category cabins and contemporary bar Mix. Lanai cabins feature one-way mirrored sliding-glass doors with direct access to the Lower Promenade wraparound teak walking deck and include reserved deck chairs. The ship's centrally located bars were reconfigured into a new venue, which comprises three themed bars: Martinis, Champagne, and Spirits & Ales, each offering its own signature drinks. Additionally, all suites and select cabins received updated bathrooms with new whirlpool tubs, stone vanities, lighted mirrors, fixtures, floors, walls and sinks.
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic
Ship: National Geographic Orion
Details: Lindblad's National Geographic Orion saw two public space renovations -- one to its main lounge and the other to the Observation Lounge. The library was removed from The Lounge (main lounge) to make more room for lectures and meetings. Audiovisual equipment was updated shipwide, including new high-definition flat-screen TVs. Carpeting and furnishings in the main lounge were updated to reflect a "modern expedition style." There's also a newly designed bar, and a "circle of truth" was added to the center of the room as a focal point for group discussions. The Observation Lounge gained a small library, self-service beverage station and nautical chart table.
Ship: Norwegian Spirit
Dates: January - February 2020
Details: Prior to being deployed seasonally to the Chinese market in the spring of 2020, Norwegian Cruise Line gave Norwegian Spirit a stem-to-stern makeover. It was the final ship in the fleet to undergo Norwegian’s "Norwegian Edge" enhancement program. The ship received new staterooms and saw all existing cabins refurbished. Many of the lounges and bars onboard were replaced with signature NCL venues including the Taste dining room, Spinnakers Lounge and
Ship: Norwegian Jewel
Details: As part of Norwegian Cruise Line's Project Edge, Norwegian Jewel received bow-to-stern upgrades and refreshed public spaces.
Ships: Norwegian Breakaway
Dates: Summer 2018
Details: Norwegian Breakaway received the all new American rock 'n' roll bar and lounge Syd Norman's Pour House featuring vintage decor, diner-style seating and a playlist of classic rock from the late 1960s to 1980s. Other areas touched during the refurb included the Bliss Ultra Lounge, which got new furniture; all staterooms and suites, which got new carpeting; and the gift shops, which were fully overhauled. Staircases, elevators and lobbies also all received new carpeting.
Ships: Norwegian Star
Details: The ship received three new venues: Sky High Bar, Bliss Ultra Lounge (which replaced the Spinnaker Lounge) and Spice H2O. Additionally, public spaces, and select restaurants, bars and lounges, and staterooms were refreshed, incuding the addition of USB charging ports.
Ships: Norwegian Sun
Dates: March/April 2018
Details: The ship received three new venues: Los Lobos Cantina, the Bliss Ultra Lounge and Spinnaker Lounge. Additionally, public spaces, and most restaurants, bars and lounges, and staterooms were refreshed, including the addition of USB charging ports.
Ships: Norwegian Jade
Dates: March 10-30, 2017
Details: Public areas, including restaurants and lounges, were redecorated. Staterooms got a modernization.
Ships: Norwegian Pearl
Dates: February 6-27, 2017
Details: Public areas, including restaurants and lounges, will be redecorated. Staterooms will get a modernization. More details to come.
Ship: Norwegian Sky
Dates: January 23-29, 2017
Details: A short dry dock for technical work and upgrades to some public areas. Full Norwegian Edge enhancements will come at a later date.
Ship: Norwegian Dawn
Details: On Norwegian Dawn, O'Sheehans replaced the Blue Lagoon, and the Sugarcane Mojito Bar stood in for Shakers. Staterooms were upgraded with new bedding, carpet and artwork; the sprawling Garden Villa got an enhanced makeover. Restaurants, the atrium and the Dawn Casino were refreshed. A barber shop and nail bar were added to Mandara Spa. Entourage and other kids' facilities were modernized, and teak flooring was installed on all open decks.
Ship: Norwegian Sun
Details: Public areas, including restaurants and lounges, were redecorated. Staterooms were modernized, with new beds added. Most upgrades were technical.
Ship: Pride of America
Details: In an extensive refurbishment, Pride of America received new bedding and furniture, updated flooring and new flat-screen TVs in all cabins; new loungers and Jacuzzis in refurbished pool area; the addition of the Soho Art Gallery and Perspectives Photo Studio; the addition of Dolce Gelato, the line's signature gelateria; six computer stations, as well as new flooring and furniture, in the library and card rooms; new furniture, flooring and decor in the Conservatory; new location, as well as furniture and flooring, in the wedding chapel; expansion of the Mandara Spa, with more treatment rooms and New Mexican décor; renovations in all dining venues, including the Skyline Main Dining Room, La Cucina, East Meets West Asian restaurant, Cagney's Steakhouse and Jefferson's Bistro; and new menus in dining rooms, based on those found on Norwegian Escape.
Details: During a two-week, $30 million refurb, Norwegian's Pride of America got four solo cabins, 24 suites and a Brazilian-style steakhouse. The Hawaii-based ship also was rigged for bow-to-stern Wi-Fi.
Ship: Norwegian Gem
Details: In this dry dock, Norwegian Gem renovated Bliss Lounge and introduced a new area for casino games. There was also a new photo gallery added with computer displays, furniture and a more open layout. The Haven's courtyard, lounge and restaurant received a more modern design, with the sundeck including more shaded areas, cabanas and loungers. New furniture and flooring was added to several restaurants, bars and lounges.
Ship: Norwegian Epic
Details: Changes on Epic included the addition of The Cavern Club, a brand-new venue for a Beatles-inspired British pop-rock experience, which replaces Fat Cats. The musical "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" replaced Blue Man Group as the main theater entertainment during the dry dock.
Ship: Paul Gauguin
Details: Paul Gauguin has had refurbishments in public areas and cabins, including new carpeting, pool deck furniture, teak wood in the pool deck and marina, and furnishings in La Palette and Le Grill. The ship has also had regular maintenance of stabilizers and thrusters, hull painting, tank coating, equipment updates and steel replacement.
Ship: Britannia
Details: The atrium was given a new lease on life to create a lively social hub at the heart of the ship. There is a new colour scheme and a fresh design, relaxed entertainment and a lively scene with music and informal performances under the starburst chandelier. The Java café on deck 7 serves alcoholic drinks. The photo gallery received a Dixons electronics hub featuring the latest imaging, computing and audio tech from Amazon, Apple, Beats, Bose, Canon, Fitbit, GoPro, Microsoft and Sony, among others. There is a new art gallery next to Blue Bar on deck 5 by the atrium. There are new premium brands and a more interactive environment, including try-before-you-buy tasting tables and consultation areas in the beauty and make-up zones. Jo Malone, Tom Ford, Edinburgh Gin, Michael Kors accessories and exclusive fine jewellers, Clifton, joined the line-up. The Oasis Spa and Salon added two ‘express spa’ pods. In one pod, there are high-tech massages; in the other, a zero-gravity lounger offers express skin treatments as well as LVL lash treatments. There are two innovative new experiences in the thermal and hydro-pool suite: an Arctic cold room and an aroma steam room.
Ship: Pacific Eden
Dates: August 2017
Details: Some mini-suites and balcony cabins received new carpets and outdoor furniture. In total, 11,000 square metres of new carpet was be fitted on the 1500-passenger ship. The Dome, Marquee Show Lounge, cinema, spa, gym, HQ and HQ+ teen clubs were also be revitalised.
Ship: Pacific Aria
Details: After sailing its last cruise as Ryndam for Holland America Line in 2015, this ship joined P&O Cruises, was renamed Pacific Aria and received a much more contemporary look including resort-style pool areas with new poolside furniture, new bars and restaurants, and new bed linens, towels and Australian power points in all cabins.
Ship: Pacific Jewel
Details: Barefoot bowls added to outdoor deck, as well as upgrades to public spaces such as the Atrium, Orient and Connexions bars, the Dome nightclub and Oasis deck, plus a new Shell & Bones seafood restaurant.
Ship: Pacific Dawn
Details: The Brisbane-based ship introduced P&O's first waterpark with two waterslides and a kids-only play area. The Pantry food court replaced the traditional buffet, while the poolside Grill was added. The Orient, the Promenade Bar, Charlie’s and the atrium were styled with similar décor to sister ships Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden. The Dome nightclub was also redesigned.
Ship: Pacific Explorer
Details: Transformed from its former life as Dawn Princess for Princess Cruises, the ship joined the P&O fleet as Pacific Explorer after a major overhaul. New features included side-by-side waterslides with special effects, a kids waterpark, barefoot bowls green on the top deck, new bars and restaurants, a poolside lobster bar, and a supper club. The decor saw additions of modern art, high quality furnishings, chandeliers and moody lighting.
Ship: Regatta
Dates: Septemeber 2019
Details: As part of OceaniaNEXT, Regatta received the same sweeping refit that was first introduced aboard Insignia during its December 2018 refit. Miami-based Studio DADO reimagined Oceania's R-Class ships with entirely updated staterooms, suites and public spaces that shed the formerly dark décor of these vessels and replaced it with new softer colors inspired by the sea, along with new furnishing, décor, lighting options, and more. Oceania also took the time to integrate new technological options into this refit, including USB ports and a state-of-the-art interactive televisions system in all accomodations.
Ship: Insignia
Dates: November - December 2018
Details: As part of the OceaniaNEXT project, Insignia was the first Regatta-class ship to get a brand new look. Staterooms and suites got new furnishings and decor, with a lighter look. Bathrooms received new fixtures, lighting and glass shower doors. The Grand Dining Room and Grand Staircase in the Reception Hall both added new chandeliers, and Martinis swapped its country house look for a modern vibe inspired by Santorini.
Ship: Sun Princess
Details: During its refurbishment, Sun Princess received new Club Class mini-suites, along with the Club Class dining room; the new Camp Discovery kids club; enhanced shopping spaces; and the new Princess livery.
Related: Cruise Line Loyalty Programs
Ship: Crown Princess
Details: The ship's poolside grill was replaced by The Salty Dog Grill, while Prego Pizzeria was replaced by Slice. The ship also received the line's new Club Class Mini-Suites, a new premium stateroom category that takes the ship's junior suites and layers on several included perks, such as Club Class Dining, a reserved dining room with expedited seating and expanded options.
Ship: Sapphire Princess
Details: As part of a two-week dry dock in Singapore, Sapphire Princess received the line's signature logo on its bow; the addition of the Club Class Mini-Suite stateroom category; updated equipment in the fitness room; Princess Luxury Beds in all cabins; new carpeting and upholstery throughout the ship; updated spa treatment rooms; and revamped kids' spaces with new educational programming.
Ship: Star Princess
Details: As part of a two-week, multimillion-dollar dry dock that began in late December 2017, Star Princess received an enhanced Sabatini's (with a new look and menu in partnership with Chef Angelo Auriana, Executive Chef and partner at land-based The Factory Kitchen and Officine BRERA); Princess Luxury Beds in all cabins; new carpeting and upholstery throughout the ship; updated spa treatment rooms; revamped kids' spaces with new educational programming; and the addition of Under Armour apparel in the shops.
Ship: Sea Princess
Details: Sea Princess received the line's new Club Class Mini-Suites featuring VIP amenities, a new Movies Under the Stars screen and Princess Luxury beds in all cabins; its Crooners Bar was updated with a new design; Cafe Corniche received a new Italian menu and The Wheelhouse Bar got a revised beverage menu. The ship's youth and teen centers were also be refurbished.
Ship: Pacific Princess
Details: Not available at this time.
Ship: Dawn Princess
Details: Dawn Princess will leave the Princess Cruises fleet and join P&O in Australia, to be renamed Pacific Explorer, with new bars, restaurants and a supper club, two waterslides, a waterpark, and a barefoot bowls green on the top deck.
Ship: Regal Princess
Ship: Diamond Princess
Ship: Caribbean Princess
Details: Caribbean Princess received seven new food and beverage options including the World Fresh Marketplace, Salty Dog Grill, Planks BBQ, Steamers Seafood, Slice, The Mix and Coffee & Cones.
Ship: Grand Princess
Details: Grand Princess received Princess Luxury Beds, as well as the line's new Camp Discovery program, which includes revamped kids' spaces, as well as programming that leverages the line's partnership with Discovery.
Ship: Royal Princess
Details: Royal Princess was the first Princess ship to receive the line's new livery design. The ship also received minor upgrades including that of the midship staircase, which is now public, and the addition of new Princess Luxury Beds, developed by board certified sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus and HGTV Designer Candice Olson, to all cabins.
Ship: Ruby Princess
Details: Ruby Princess upgrades include Share, a new restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Curtis Stone; the Salty Dog Gastropub, a new dining experience within the Wheelhouse Bar; new Princess Luxury Beds; and revamped entertainment.
Ship: Emerald Princess
Details: Recent dry dock upgrades include the addition of celebrity chef Curtis Stone's Share restaurant, which replaced Sabatini's; the Salty Dog Gastropub at the Wheelhouse Bar; Princess Luxury Beds; and new theater entertainment.
Details: Crown Princess' upgrades were mainly cosmetic, including new carpeting and furnishings as well as upgraded technology in various areas of the ship.
Details: Sun Princess received a new atrium, sushi bar and an upgraded Horizon Court buffet dining area. The Lotus Spa was completely renovated, as were the ice cream bar and outdoor dining space.
Dates: January 7 - February 4, 2012
Details: Princess' signature elements -- including the Piazza and Movies Under the Stars outdoor cinema -- were added to the ship during the monthlong makeover. The ship also gained an upgraded buffet and a new top-deck "lawn court" (artificial grass) for putting, bocce and croquet.
Ship: Seven Seas Mariner
Details: Seven Seas Mariner received a comprehensive upgrade, with similar refurbishments to Seven Seas Voyager.
Ship: Seven Seas Voyager
Dates: October-November 2016
Details: Seven Seas Voyager will receive a comprehensive upgrade, receiving additions inspired by the fleet's newest ship, Seven Seas Explorer. Penthouse, Concierge and Deluxe Suites will be redesigned with Elite Slumber Beds, marble-accented bathrooms and sitting areas with new artwork. French restaurant Chartreuse will replace Signatures, and La Veranda will get a structural change with a more open buffet. Other public areas receiving upgrades include Compass Rose, the Pool Grill, Voyager Lounge, the reception area, the Coffee Connection, Connoisseur Lounge, card room, shops, casino and the Canyon Ranch SpaClub.
Details: Voyager underwent redecoration of all Penthouse Suites and Horizon and Observation lounges. It also got custom-crafted furnishings, wall coverings, original artwork, new lighting and new carpets. New furniture was added to the Deck 11 relaxation area and to Deck 12.
Ship: Seven Seas Navigator
Details: Seven Seas Navigator got the biggest refurbishment in its 25-year history. All cabins were completely redecorated and received new furniture, bedding, soft goods and artwork. The Compass Rose, the ship's main restaurant, was overhauled with new lighting, color schemes, furniture and table settings. Also getting a contemporary makeover was La Veranda, the ship's casual venue. On Navigator's main "street," bars and lounges were modernized, including the addition of a dedicated coffee cafe. The existing cigar bar was eliminated, and a brand new library was constructed. The pool deck was reconstructed, with new chaise lounges, teak decking, and the adjacent bar and grill all being replaced.
Related: Balinese Beds on SeaDream Cruises
Ship: Freedom of the Seas
Dates: January to March 2020
Details: Freedom of the Seas underwent a Royal Amplified refurbishment, which touched on most elements of the ship including the addition of two waterslides (Typhoon and Cyclone), the Splashaway Bay water park, a redesigned Caribbean-themed pool deck, new eateries and bars and transformed kids and teen spaces.
Ship: Oasis of the Seas
Details: As part of a $165 million full-ship Royal Amplified refurbishment Oasis of the Seas received all-new thrill attractions, pools, bars and dining venues, as well as some of the new concepts introduced on Symphony of the Seas. The ship now has a modified pool deck with new seating options, including day beds and hammocks, along with the 10-story Ultimate Abyss slide that debuted aboard Harmony of the Seas. Also added were new dining venues Portside BBQ, the first barbecue-themed eatery aboard a Royal Caribbean ship; El Loco Fresh, serving up fast Mexican fare; Playmaker’s Sports Bar and Arcade; and the candy-themed Sugar Beach. Oasis of the Seas was also outfitted with a dedicated karaoke bar and the Music Hall, which made its first debut on an Oasis-class vessel after originally debuting in 2014 aboard Quantum of the Seas. Also added were the Bionic Bar and two new family-friendly amenities, Mission Control: Apollo 18 Escape Room and the Clash for the Crystal City laser tag.
Ship: Voyager of the Seas
Dates: September 10 to October 20, 2019
Details: As part of a full-ship Royal Amplified refurbishment Voyager of the Seas received all-new thrill attractions, pools, bars and dining venues. Among the many new features it got included a Perfect Storm duo of racer waterslides, a new Vitality Spa, Battle for Planet Z laser tag, redesigned kids and teens spaces, and a new nursery for babies and tots. It also received 72 new inside and balcony staterooms, a Suite Lounge and outdoor area -- exclusively for guests in Grand Suites and above.
Ship: Mariner of the Seas
Details: Royal Caribbean invested $100 million in a massive six-week overhaul of Mariner of the Seas, which returned to the U.S. market after several years sailing in China. During the refurb the ship received a virtual reality trampoline attraction called SkyPad, the Perfect Storm duo of waterslides, a FlowRider surf simulator, laser tag and escape room experiences, a new-to-the-line bar called The Bamboo Room, Jamie's Italian (which replaces Giovanni's Table), Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, and more than 100 additional cabins. The ship lost the DreamWorks experience.
Ship: Independence of the Seas
Details:Independence of the Seas received a raft of new features including: Splashaway Bay aqua park, Izumi Asian restaurant, Panoramic Ocean View cabins a fish 'n' chip shop, an ice cream store and a sports bar. Also new were an Escape Room, SkyPad -- a top deck virtual reality trampoline attraction, and a laser tag arena. It also now features the Broadway musical, "Grease," onboard.
Ship: Adventure of the Seas
Details: Adventure of the Seas received FlowRider surf simulators, the cyclone and typhoon water slides, and the family-friendly Splashaway Bay aqua park.
Ship: Splendour of the Seas
Dates: April - June 2016
Details: Splendour of the Seas went into dry dock in spring 2016 and re-emerged in June 2016 as the latest Thomson Cruises' ship, Thomson Discovery. The "new" ship is the largest in the Thomson fleet and has the most features, with a rock-climbing wall and outdoor movie theater, as well as 40 percent of cabins with balconies.
Ship: Majesty of the Seas
Details: During its refurbishment, Majesty of the Seas received a new poolside bar and movie screen, family-friendly hot tubs, a kids-only pool area with the Splashaway Bay aqua park and upgraded cabins.
Ship: Jewel of the Seas
Details: During dry dock, Jewel gained a number of new restaurant options (Asian, steakhouse, Italian), a new bar, the line's now-signature Royal Babies & Tots Nursery, a poolside movie screen and flat-screen TVs in cabins. Other changes included the addition of 42 new cabins, including a two-bedroom family room, and the addition of the line's hi-speed Voom Internet.
Ship: Empress of the Seas
Details: After sailing its last cruise for Royal Caribbean International in March 2008, Empress of the Seas returned to the cruise line's fleet in late May 2016 after a refurbishment. The ship has spent the past few years sailing as Empress for Pullmantur, the Spanish sister company to Royal Caribbean.
Ship: Liberty of the Seas
Details: During the dry dock, Liberty received the Perfect Storm water park, which includes the Tidal Wave, the first-ever boomerang-style slide at sea. Perfect Storm also features two side-by-side racer slides, Cyclone and Typhoon. Other additions included the kids-only Splashaway Bay, with water cannons and geysers. New dining venues that were added include Sabor, with its modern Mexican menu, and Giovanni's Table, an Italian trattoria serving family-style meals. Also new is the R Bar, decked out in a 1960s vibe and offering signature cocktails. Eighty-nine cabins also were added, including 26 panoramic ocean-view rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Ship: Explorer of the Seas
Details: Explorer gained the Chef's Table experience, Park Cafe and Giovanni's Table (Italian), as well as a Concierge Lounge for suite passengers and top-tier Crown & Anchor members, a Diamond Lounge (for Diamond members) and the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery. On the technology side, the ship received digital signage, flat-screen TVs in cabins, bow-to-stern Wi-Fi and a poolside Jumbotron.
Details: To get Voyager of the Seas ready for its Australia debut, Royal Caribbean added a number of its signature features, including the FlowRider surf simulator. The line also upgraded the technology onboard, adding interactive signage throughout and "virtual balcony" cabins, essentially floor-to-ceiling flat-screen TVs that provide real-time views of what's going on outside the ship, a feature that debuted on fleetmate Navigator of the Seas. The line also added a number of restaurants, including Asian/sushi spot Izumi Japanese Cuisine, steakhouse Chop's Grille and Italian restaurant Giovanni's Table. The R Bar replaces the Champagne Bar, and a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor passengers was added. The ship features new releases from partner DreamWorks (and other studios) on the big screen in its 3D movie theater. The line also added a 220-square-foot movie screen poolside.
Details: Adventure of the Seas gained upgraded technology that includes digital signage, a poolside big screen, flat-screen TVs in staterooms and shipwide Wi-Fi. In the way of eateries, cruisers can now enjoy the Chef's Table experience, Park Cafe and Giovanni's Table (Italian). A Concierge Lounge was added for suite passengers and top-tier Crown & Anchor members, while the Diamond Lounge caters to Diamond members. The Royal Babies & Tots Nursery is also now available for the youngest passengers.
Details: Navigator of the Seas gained Park Cafe, Giovanni's Table (Italian), Sabor Modern Mexican and Izumi Asian Cuisine, as well as a Diamond Lounge (for Diamond Crown & Anchor Society members) and the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery during dry dock. It also got the line's popular FlowRider surf simulator. Interactive signage, flat-screen in-cabin TVs, bow-to-stern Wi-Fi and a poolside big-screen round out the technological offerings that were added. The line also introduced its first virtual balconies on any ship to Navigator of the Seas during the dry dock.
Ship: Vision of the Seas
Details: Vision of the Seas gained the Chef's Table experience, Chops Grille (steakhouse) and Izumi (Asian), as well as a Concierge Lounge for suite passengers and top-tier Crown and Anchor members, a Diamond Lounge (for Diamond members) and the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery. Shipwide Wi-Fi and a poolside screen were added, in addition to interactive signage and new cabin TVs.
Ship: Brilliance of the Seas
Details: Brilliance of the Seas got a bevy of new dining options, including the Chef's Table experience, Park Cafe (bistro) and Chops Grille (steakhouse), as well as a new family suite and Royal Babies & Tots Nursery. The ship now also boasts interactive signage, upgraded TVs in cabins, Wi-Fi from bow to stern, and a new big screen by the pool.
Details: Independence of the Seas got a cupcake shop and a Royal Babies & Tots Nursery, as well as digital signs, enhanced Wi-Fi and an outdoor movie screen.
Ship: Legend of the Seas
Details: Legend of the Seas received Wayfinder interactive signage, new cabin TVs, improved Wi-Fi and a giant outdoor screen. The ship also gained the Chef's Table experience, Park Cafe (bistro deli), Chops Grille (steakhouse), Izumi (Asian), Concierge and Diamond lounges and a Royal Babies & Tots Nursery.
Ship: Enchantment of the Seas
Related: Enchanted Garden Restaurant on Disney Cruise Line
Details: During its 2012 dry dock, Enchantment of the Seas received the Chef's Table experience, the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, a Diamond Lounge and a Concierge Loung. The ship also welcomed a giant outdoor screen by the pool, shipwide enhanced Wi-Fi, Wayfinder signage, upgraded stateroom TVs.
Ship: Serenade of the Seas
Details: Serenade of the Seas' new dining venues include Asian, steakhouse and Italian options. There's also a new bar, an outdoor movie screen area, new stateroom televisions and the line's now-signature Royal Babies & Tots Nursery.
Ship: Grandeur of the Seas
Details: After a month-long dry dock, Grandeur of the Seas now has Asian, steakhouse and Italian restaurants, a new watering hole, the line's Babies & Tots Nursery for the youngest cruisers, and new technology in the form of enhanced in-cabin TVs and an outdoor big screen.
Details: The Royal Caribbean ship gained an outdoor poolside movie screen, a hot dog venue first introduced on Allure of the Seas, digital signage throughout, flat-screen TVs in cabins and improved Wi-Fi.
Ship: Rhapsody of the Seas
Details: Rhapsody of the Seas' month-long dry dock included the addition of a number of Oasis-class dining options, plus a slew of new technology-based amenities (digital signage), and new bars and lounges.
Ship: Seabourn Sojourn
Details: Restaurant 2 was replaced with The Grill by Thomas Keller. Public areas and suites received a refresh, and the Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil program has been added.
Ship: Seabourn Quest
Details: The ship got new carpeting in certain areas and new teak decking by the pool. All wood floors were refinished, and select furnishings and cabin soft goods were replaced. Restaurant 2 was transformed into The Grill by Thomas Keller.
Details: Sojourn gained four 516- to 538-square penthouse spa suites, located directly above the Spa at Seabourn facility. Each of the suites features a 172-square-foot balcony with views over the ship's stern and out to sea, as well as a living and dining area with seating for up to four, a separate bedroom, walk-in closet, a bathroom with tub, and a glass door and floor-to-ceiling windows onto the balcony.
Ship: Silver Shadow
Details: Silver Shadow was the last of Silversea's "classic" ships to receive updates based on the line's flagship, Silver Muse. Highlights included a revamped atrium; a new Arts Café; a complete overhaul of all suites, including upgrades of all cabin TVs; complete refurb of the buffet, La Terrazza and The Restaurant; expansion of La Dame; new steam room and sauna for Zagara Spa; an expanded casino; new teak decking and outside furniture and a new Connoisseur's Corner.
Ship: Silver Whisper
Dates: December 8 to 19, 2018
Details: The Restaurant received a full upgrade. Other public areas to get a refresh included La Dame, the casino, the card/conference room and the Zagara Spa. All passenger suites were updated with a new look inspired by Silver Muse, 40-inch flat-screen TVs with interactive programming and redone bathrooms. The nine Terrace Suites on Deck 5 were turned into Veranda Suites with private balconies. The line installed storage space and a crane for new Zodiac boats.
Ship: Silver Spirit
Details: A 49-foot-long midsection will be added to Silver Spirit during a major refurbishment. The additional space will allow for new suites: 26 Veranda Suites, six Silver Suites and two Panorama Suites. Other upgrades include new dining venues and decor in suites and public areas indoors and out, all inspired by sister ship Silver Muse. Technical upgrades will also be made.
Ship: Silver Cloud
Details: Silver Cloud underwent a major refurbishment to become Silversea's fourth luxury expedition ship. The 296-passenger ship was refit to carry just 260 passengers and converted into an ice-class ship. It also received a fleet of 18 Zodiac watercraft to carry onboard.
Ship: Silver Discoverer
Details: The focus of Silver Discoverer's makeover was on public spaces. The Restaurant was remodeled with a more modern look, the pool grill got new furniture and the Discoverer Lounge was remade from a breakfast venue into an upscale lounge. The Explorer Lounge received new furniture and AV technology.
Ship: Silver Wind
Details: Suites were refreshed, with interactive TVs and on-demand movies added to every cabin. The Restaurant and La Terrazza received new furniture and carpet or hard-wood parquet. The sun deck got all new teak decking. Two new satellite antennas were added to increase Internet speeds.
Ship: Star Pride
Details: A $3-million renovation continued the enhancements made to Star Pride when it transferred from the Seabourn fleet to Windstar. The AmphorA dining room remodel was completed, and the Lounge, Veranda and screening room were renovated.
Ship: Wind Spirit
Details: Upgrades were made to the yacht's cabins, including new sofas and more sitting space.
Ship: Wind Surf
Dates: Winter 2014
Details: Wind Surf saw refurbishments to its public spaces during a dry dock just before 2015.
Ship: Wind Star
Details: Upgrades to cabins included inserting sitting nooks and more fold-out surface space.
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Home > Legislation > 104th Congress > H.R.1384
H.R.1384 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to exempt certain full-time health-care professionals of the Department of Veterans Affairs from restrictions on remunerated outside professional activities.104th Congress (1995-1996)
Rep. Hutchinson, Tim [R-AR-3] (Introduced 04/04/1995)
House - Veterans' Affairs | Senate - Veterans' Affairs
09/28/1996 For Further Action See H.R.3118. (All Actions)
Array ( [actionDate] => 1995-08-02 [displayText] => Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 104-226. [externalActionCode] => 5000 [description] => Introduced [chamberOfAction] => House )
Armed Forces and National Security
Cosponsors (22)
Cosponsors: H.R.1384 — 104th Congress (1995-1996)All Information (Except Text)
Sponsor: Rep. Hutchinson, Tim [R-AR-3] | Cosponsor statistics: 22 current - includes 2 original
Rep. Edwards, Chet [D-TX-11]* 04/04/1995
Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-9]* 04/04/1995
Rep. Kleczka, Gerald D. [D-WI-4] 05/02/1995
Rep. Stump, Bob [R-AZ-3] 06/15/1995
Rep. Bilirakis, Michael [R-FL-9] 06/15/1995
Rep. Stearns, Cliff [R-FL-6] 06/15/1995
Rep. Barr, Bob [R-GA-7] 06/15/1995
Rep. Cooley, Wes [R-OR-2] 06/15/1995
Rep. Evans, Lane [D-IL-17] 06/15/1995
Rep. Filner, Bob [D-CA-50] 06/15/1995
Rep. Brown, Corrine [D-FL-3] 06/15/1995
Rep. Mascara, Frank [D-PA-20] 06/15/1995
Rep. Flanagan, Michael Patrick [R-IL-5] 06/27/1995
Rep. Quinn, Jack [R-NY-30] 06/27/1995
Rep. Hall, Tony P. [D-OH-3] 07/13/1995
Rep. Thurman, Karen L. [D-FL-5] 07/19/1995
Rep. Rivers, Lynn N. [D-MI-13] 07/20/1995
Rep. Ward, Mike [D-KY-3] 07/21/1995
Rep. Rahall, Nick J., II [D-WV-3] 07/21/1995
Rep. Pastor, Ed [D-AZ-2] 07/25/1995
04/04/1995 - Rep. Edwards, Chet [D-TX-11]*
04/04/1995 - Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-9]*
05/02/1995 - Rep. Kleczka, Gerald D. [D-WI-4]
06/15/1995 - Rep. Stump, Bob [R-AZ-3]
06/15/1995 - Rep. Bilirakis, Michael [R-FL-9]
06/15/1995 - Rep. Stearns, Cliff [R-FL-6]
06/15/1995 - Rep. Barr, Bob [R-GA-7]
06/15/1995 - Rep. Cooley, Wes [R-OR-2]
06/15/1995 - Rep. Evans, Lane [D-IL-17]
06/15/1995 - Rep. Filner, Bob [D-CA-50]
06/15/1995 - Rep. Brown, Corrine [D-FL-3]
06/15/1995 - Rep. Mascara, Frank [D-PA-20]
06/27/1995 - Rep. Flanagan, Michael Patrick [R-IL-5]
06/27/1995 - Rep. Quinn, Jack [R-NY-30]
07/13/1995 - Rep. Hall, Tony P. [D-OH-3]
07/19/1995 - Rep. Thurman, Karen L. [D-FL-5]
07/20/1995 - Rep. Rivers, Lynn N. [D-MI-13]
07/21/1995 - Rep. Ward, Mike [D-KY-3]
07/21/1995 - Rep. Rahall, Nick J., II [D-WV-3]
07/25/1995 - Rep. Pastor, Ed [D-AZ-2]
Florida [4]
Illinois [2]
Pennsylvania [2]
California [1]
New Jersey [1]
New York [1]
Texas [1]
West Virginia [1]
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North American paperboard association formed via merger
By Katie Nichol
23-Feb-2010 - Last updated on 23-Feb-2010 at 17:00 GMT
Related tags: Paperboard packaging council, United states, North america
The merger of the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) with the North American Packaging Association (NAPA) has led to the creation of a united, North American association for the packaging industry.
The merger unites nearly 200 companies within the industry, with more than 30 current PPC members supplying to the cosmetics and personal care market; a number set to increase with the merger, according to PPC President Ben Markens.
Companies which supply to the cosmetics and personal care sector that hold PPC membership include Burts Rigid Box, Colbert Packaging and MWV.
‘Significant move’ benefits industry and association members
PPC board chair Tony Petrelli described the merger as an ‘extremely significant moment in PPC’s eighty-plus year history’, as it offers both enhanced benefits for members and a stronger voice for the industry.
“This merger expands and enhances the work, resources and impact of our association at a critical time in the packaging industry,” he said in a statement.
In addition to the difficult economic climate of the past 18 months, Markens explained to CosmeticsDesign.com USA that the packaging industry is “transitioning through some critical issues, including sustainability, new technology and innovations, and new models for doing business.”
NAPA board chair Dave Ellis was also enthusiastic about the merger, which will see the two merged associations operate under the moniker of the Paperboard Packaging Council, calling it a “win-win for industry and association members.”
Successful historic relationship between PPC and NAPA
According to Markens, the successful historic relationship between the PPC and NAPA and the shared perspectives of its members signaled a clear opportunity for a single North-American association.
“Many companies in the industry, in fact, held memberships in both organizations. As the business world has become more and more connected and, in effect, smaller, it became obvious that one, united North American paperboard packaging association would better server our members and our industry,” he explained.
The PPC represents manufacturers and suppliers of paperboard packaging and aims to grow and protect this sector of industry as well as providing its members with effective tools to compete in the market.
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API Laminates adds holographic option to eco-laminated cartonboard
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Bettina Cosmetics strengthens US market reach with Walgreens deal
Bettina Mercado, President of Bettina Cosmetics
Related tags: Nail polish products, retail, Latina Beauty, Latinx, Puerto rico
Just this week, the Puerto Rico – based color cosmetics brand announced signing a deal with the pharmacy retail chain that brings a sizable selection of Bettina nail polish into over 600 Walgreens stores.
Bettina Cosmetics was founded in 1963; and current company President, Bettina Mercado has led the family-owned beauty brand since 2001.
“When my family gave me the opportunity to take over this company, which has been a family business for six decades, I had a successful acting career in New York. However, I took a chance and embraced this project and we have already seen the fruits of our effort,” says Mercado in a media release circulated by the brand this past Monday.
And now, coinciding with the brand’s new Walgreens retail deal, Bettina Cosmetics is supporting other Latin women entrepreneurs with an initiative called Bettina Permia tu Valor.
“We want to recognize other stories of women who have successfully taken that leap,” says Mercado, adding that she expects “their testimonies will help inspire others and with it, boost the economy."
Bettina Cosmetics strives to encourage and support Latinx women entrepreneurs
For now, the Bettina Permia to Valor is a competition open to entrepreneurs in Florida “who even in times of crisis, like those caused by the pandemic, dared to take a leap of faith and launch their company,” according to the media release. But the brand has plans to roll the initiative out across the United States.
(“To enter Bettina Premia tu Valor, participants will post a photo or video of themselves along with their success story on Facebook or Instagram tagging @bettinacosmeticsusa and @bettinacosmetics using the hashtag #BettinaCosmetics.”)
The 5 selected entrepreneurs will have a nail color named after their business and the proceeds from the online sale of each color will go to the corresponding winning brand.
Bettina Cosmetics expands beyond Puerto Rico to reach more Latinx beauty consumers
Bettina Cosmetics already had a presence in the US market, retailing in 28 Navarro pharmacies and over 100 Walmart stores across Florida. And according to this week’s media release Bettina Cosmetics nail polishes are the best-selling nail color products in Puerto Rico.
Now, 50 of the brand’s 145+ nail colors are available in over 600 Walgreens stores in Florida. “It is with great pride and excitement we announce that, thanks to our partnership with Walgreens, our nail polishes are now available at 738 points of sale throughout the state of Florida,” says Mercado.
“We bring a quality product with beautiful colors while still offering a competitive price that is lower compared to other global brands,” she adds, explaining one aspect of the brand’s value proposition.
And Mercado has plans to expand not only the entrepreneurship initiative across the States but the Bettina Cosmetics brand as well: “I also dream of taking our products to places where there are more populations of Hispanic women like Texas, New York, New Jersey and more,” she says.
“In fact, from these and other states, we receive several online orders, which tells us there is a demand and brand recognition in many other states.” There are also plans to expand the Bettina Cosmetics brand into Central America, starting with Peru.
Meeting expectations of Latina beauty consumers across the Americas region
Bettina Cosmetics isn’t simply an affordable brand targeting Latinx consumers; the brand’s full range of color cosmetics products are pigmented “specifically for the skin of Latin women,” as the media release notes.
And, “if there is something that characterizes Hispanic women, it's that they like to accentuate their natural beauty at all times,” says Mercado in her comments to the media. “We always like to be beautiful,” she says—a sentiment that the Cosmetics Design audience will recognize from the recent 5 Insights video on the Latina Beauty movement, featuring Stephanie Flor, Founder of Around the World Beauty.
“With Bettina Cosmetics,” Mercado says, “we want Latin women to have nail polish options beyond the traditional ones and to offer colors that match their skin color and mood.”
Related topics: Market Trends
Women now outnumber men on Coty’s Board of Directors
Mozzafiato: Italian Beauty has a new retail home in the US and Canada
5 Insights on the current Latina Beauty movement
Dr Vivian Valenty expands VB Cosmetics into new HQ and manufacturing site
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Deepanjan Nag's Magnum Opus
Happy the man,and happy he alone, He,who can call today his own; He who,secure within,can say, Tomorrow do thy worst,for I have lived today.
Mantu buys a laptop!
Yeah! It's an Acer with minimal configuration to get you going. He's been fixated on buying the laptop ever since he came across an advertisement in TOI touting its features viz-a-viz price. Sure, Rs22,000 didn't look too much of an ask for a laptop. Se we visited Acer Mall (Jayanagar) yesterday after work, and after making up his mind, we had to return from home (to fetch my Mastercard) to take possession of the heavenly machine. The final price was Rs26,000 after including miscellaneous charges and VAT.
The machine was preloaded with Linux. No good. Mantu will visit Manilal tonight to wish Suman a happy birthday and get XP installed on his machine.
This is the cue for me!
I'm wearing a rather striking shirt, one that makes me feel like a clown fooling around in a graveyard. Roving eyes latch on to me and make me too conscious of myself. Checkered in red, grey, black and maroon, I've excused myself into donning it and looking silly for two reasons. It's Friday and…more importantly, the last working day of the year. Tailored half-a-year back, I never had the courage to wear it, not until today. It's that time of the year when it's time to reflect on the events that transpired. Last year ended on the worst possible note. Dad had expired and I was numb with shock. The repercussions rippled halfway thought this year. Things were so abysmal initially that I had lost the will to live. Acrid in everything I did, I was immensely angered by time phlegmatically flowing through its cadence. It was as if Dad meant nothing to anybody. What right did people have to live the way they always had when Dad was no more? Why was much of the world still
It's been 10 years...
...since I last heard Willis Conover ! I managed to download a 2-minute live introduction to a jazz band by him today. It was divine hearing him after so many years. Old memories flooded my mind.
Searching for someone
I remember hearing a song by someone in a movie with Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves as the protagonists. Charlize is a free-spirited girl who is terminally-ill while Keanu is an ambitious lawyer who is captivated by Charlize's ways. The most memorable thing about the movie, though, was the song. I tried to ferret some information about the song yesterday, and its unknown singer. Searched for Charlize Theron via Wikipedia . Browsed through her filmography and zeroed in on Sweet November (2001), which rung a bell. I didn't remember the name of the movie and hoped this was the one. Clicked on Sweet November . The plot confirmed my doubt! This was indeed the movie I was looking for. Searched for Sweet November via Yahoo! Music. Managed to find the original motion picture soundtrack. Clicked on the link . Found the list of tracks. There were 13. Now which one was I looking for? Visited Amazon and searched for Sweet November . Gotcha! The list of tracks, however, gave no in
Deepanjan
2014 at 06:40AM
2014 at 08:45PM
arihant
Flickr-Public
Call from Canada
Air-Car Ready for Mass Production (reproduced from...
A modern art
Romance in the dark
Blogger Ban Continues
Over to Podcasting!
Rain, Bank & Sabu
The weird logins
History in the Mobile
Oft running into trouble
Prateek, Mantu and all that Jazz
8-2=6
A question is answered
Prateek showed up at my place on Saturday and we s...
A few things transpired...
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Tag: Francisco Brito Cruz
Demotion, dilution, delay & diversion: strengthening digital resilience
DemDigest March 25, 2019 March 25, 2019
Whatever the domestic repercussions of Robert S. Mueller III’s report, Moscow will likely continue its campaign of disinformation and disruption against American democracy, a prominent analyst tells the New York Times: Aleksandr… Read more »
Analysis, Authoritarianism, Censorship, Central/Eastern Europe, Civil Society, Democracy Assistance and Promotion, Democratic Governance, Democratic institutions, democratic resilience, digital democracy, disinformation, Eurasia, Europe, hybrid warfare, Information Security, INFORMATION WARFARE, Latin America/Caribbean, Media, Russia Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, Amaro Grassi, and Polarization in Elections, Andrew Sollinger, Animal Político; Coordinator Verificado 2018 (Mexico), Associate Director, Atlantic Council, Atlantic Council’s DFRLab, Carl Woog, Carlos Cortés, Co-Founder, delay and diversion, demotion, Department of Public Policy Analysis, Digital Democracy Room, Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), Digital Resilience in Latin America: Automation, dilution, Director, Director and Head of Communications, Director and Managing Editor, Director of the Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation, disinformation, Disinformation in Democracies: Strengthening Digital Resilience in Latin America., Executive Editor, Facebook, Foreign policy, Foreign Policy Group, Francisco Brito Cruz, Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV-DAPP) (Brazil), Gerardo de Icaza, Global Elections, Graham Brookie, InternetLab (Brazil), Katie Harbath, Lead Coordinator, Linterna Verde (Colombia), Nathaniel Persily, Organization of American States (OAS), Public Policy Director, Publisher, Robert S. Mueller III’s report, Roberta Braga, StopFake.org, Sylvie Kauffmann, Tania Montalvo, WhatsApp, Yevhen Fedchenko
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“Democracy Digest is the single best source of news and analysis on the evolving challenges to democratic governance and ideas for democratic renewal. For consistently engaging insights, it is indispensable.”
Director of the Program on Democratic Resilience and Renewal, Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Israel.
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“Democracy Digest is the most focused and indispensable regular compendium of news and analysis about what is happening to democracy around the world. Both scholars and practitioners of democracy depend on its invaluable daily flow.”
Larry Diamond, Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution; Senior Fellow, Center on Democracy, Development & the Rule of Law, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.
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Credit: NDI
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10 / 100 / 1000 Ethernet MAC
Audio codec with capacitor-less 106 dB dynamic range ADC and 100 dB DAC with very low latency filters
MIPI D-PHY Receiver
ONFI 4.1 NAND Flash Controller & PHY & IO Pads on 16nm
New SteelVine Storage Processor from Silicon Image Enables Affordable, High-Performance, Two-Drive 3Gb/s SATA Solutions
SiI 4723 Features Easy RAID Configuration of Fast, Big, or Safe Modes, Providing Flexible and Easy to Use CE and Home Storage Solutions
INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, San Francisco, August 23, 2005-Silicon Image, Inc. (Nasdaq: SIMG), a leader in multi-gigabit semiconductor solutions for the secure transmission and storage of rich digital media, today unveiled the SiI 4723™, the latest addition to the company's SteelVine™ product portfolio. The SiI 4723 is a Serial ATA (SATA) to two-port SATA SteelVine Storage Processor operating at 3Gb/s, the first storage processor to offer 3 Gb/s port speeds with hardware RAID. SteelVine is a next generation SATA based storage architecture that delivers simplicity, reliability, scalability and performance at commodity prices. Silicon Image will be showcasing the SiI 4723 at booth number 409 during the Intel Developer Forum (IDF), being held August 23-25 at Moscone Center in San Francisco.
The SiI 4723 enables OEMs and system integrators (SIs) to offer next generation plug-and-play, high-performance storage expansion solutions for price-sensitive, mass-market applications. The SiI 4723 can be configured for internal or external SATA (eSATA) applications where plug-and-play, reliable, high-performance data storage and backup are vital. Its versatility makes it suitable for the creation of easy to use, yet powerful storage appliances for home personal video recorders (PVRs), media centers, PCs, or home network attached storage (NAS) expansion. Its multiple features and unparalleled 120MB/s streaming performance make it suitable for prosumer drive expansion, small office/home office (SOHO), small and medium business (SMB), video editing and industrial data protection.
"The exploding volume of digital content is creating unprecedented storage requirements. Disk drives will fail over time and most users don't protect the valuable content on these drives because existing back-up solutions aren't user friendly or widely adopted," noted Jimmy Garcia-Meza, vice president, storage products business. "Silicon Image is a market leader in high-performance SATA, and the SiI 4723's easy RAID implementation addresses the needs for data protection through automatic mirroring, and/or high performance capacity expansion in a simple, plug-and-play device that is six times faster than USB and two times faster than 1394b."
"Consumers continue to store increasing amounts of digital data that are captured during once-in-a-lifetime events, such as weddings, graduations, and birthdays. Family memories are at risk of being lost unless this data is protected," said Dave Reinsel, director of storage research at IDC. "Companies such as Silicon Image that offer data protection technologies such as SteelVine, which enables professional, yet consumer-friendly RAID strategies, should find acceptance within a growing base of concerned consumers looking to protect their digital family archives."
SATA is becoming the de-facto standard for storage today. Until now, users have had to compromise performance on their external solutions by using SATA disk drives through slower, last generation USB or 1394 interfaces. eSATA and the SiI 4723 represent the new way of adding external storage with uncompromised 3Gb/s wire speed performance, consumer simplicity, and commodity pricing.
The SteelVine storage architecture enables easy configuration of RAID modes depending on the user's storage needs. Capable of supporting up to one terabyte of storage using a single system-on-chip (SoC), the SiI 4723 supports Silicon Image's plug-and-play easy RAID including: data mirroring (RAID 1 or Safe mode); data striping (RAID 0 or Fast mode); drive spanning (concatenation or Big mode); and JBOD (or port multiplier mode). At the heart of the SiI 4723 is an embedded SteelVine Storage processor that executes the storage virtualization completely in hardware, eliminating CPU loading and maximizing application performance. As with all SteelVine architecture based solutions, the SiI 4723 does not require special drivers, BIOS settings, or RAID software on the host and is completely operating system independent. This provides storage systems manufacturers the ability to easily target devices with embedded operating systems such as set top boxes (STBs) or digital video recorders (DVRs), as well as any PC or device that runs a commercial operating system such as Windows, Linux or MAC OS X.
The SiI 4723 is designed to maximize uptime even in the face of a single drive failure. It supports auto rebuild, auto failover and hot-swap without the use of host resources, and at a speedy 100GB/hr, a mirrored drive set will be re-established quickly after a failed drive has been replaced. The SiI 4723 works with any SATA-compliant host port, although higher virtualization functionality is achievable when it is connected to a port multiplier-aware SATA host controller such as the SiI 3124™ or SiI 3132™.
The SiI 4723 is sampling now and will be in production in Q4 2005 with a price of $15 in 10K quantities.
About Silicon Image
Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Silicon Image, Inc. designs, develops and markets multi-gigabit semiconductor and system solutions for a variety of communications applications demanding high-bandwidth capability. With its proprietary Multi-layer Serial Link (MSL™) architecture, Silicon Image is well positioned for leadership in multiple mass markets including PCs, consumer electronics and storage. Currently, Silicon Image is a leader in the global PC/display arena with its innovative digital interconnect technology, and has emerged as a leading player in the consumer electronics and storage markets by offering robust, high-bandwidth semiconductors. For more information on Silicon Image, visit www.siliconimage.com
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities regulations. These forward-looking statements include statements related to the capabilities of the SteelVine storage architecture and the SiI 4723 product, to an anticipated increase in storage requirements, and to anticipated consumer usage of storage products and technologies. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those described from time to time in Silicon Image's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. In particular, the capabilities of the SteelVine storage architecture and the SiI 4723 product, future storage requirements, and future consumer usage of storage products and technologies may differ materially from what is currently anticipated. Also see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Factors Affecting Future Results" in the most recent Annual Report, Form 10-K or 10-Q filed by Silicon Image with the SEC. Silicon Image assumes no obligation to update this forward-looking information.
Silicon Image, SteelVine, EZ-RAID, SiI, SiI 4723, SiI 3124, SiI 3132, MSL and www.siliconimage.com are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Silicon Image, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
Contact Silicon Image
Fill out this form for contacting a Silicon Image representative.
Silicon Image Launches SteelVine(R) Series 3 Core Storage Processor and SATA Port Multiplier
LaCie Selects Silicon Image's SteelVine Storage Processor for eSATA Products
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See Silicon Image Latest News >>
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Passenger vehicle, 2-wheeler wholesales to decline over next few months: Ind-Ra
The overall auto industry would however continue to grow in the next few months, it noted. "With the festive season now over in India, the rating agency expects wholesale billings to moderate in the next couple of months, given that the inventory at dealer level for passenger vehicles (PVs) and two-wheelers is already at higher than the 21 days recommended by Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA)," Ind-Ra said in a statement.
PTI | New Delhi | Updated: 30-11-2020 16:27 IST | Created: 30-11-2020 16:27 IST
Domestic passenger vehicle and two-wheeler wholesales will come down in the next few months as inventory levels remain high at dealer level, according to rating firm India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). The overall auto industry would however continue to grow in the next few months, it noted.
"With the festive season now over in India, the rating agency expects wholesale billings to moderate in the next couple of months, given that the inventory at dealer level for passenger vehicles (PVs) and two-wheelers is already at higher than the 21 days recommended by Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA)," Ind-Ra said in a statement. However, it expects the overall automotive industry to continue to revive in the next two to three months, in line with improving economic indicators, it noted.
Over the past two-three months, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) had been focusing on stocking-up at dealership level ahead of the peak demand expected during the festive season in October-November, Ind-Ra said. Consequently, production levels had surged since August 2020, with production volumes for PVs and two-wheelers up 32 per cent and 40 per cent (year-on-year), respectively, in October this year, it added.
"However, the continued higher wholesale billings than retail registrations during August-October have led to a considerable inventory build-up at the dealership level, particularly for two-wheelers, with the retail sales lagging behind wholesales during this period," Ind-Ra noted. At October-end this year, average inventory for PVs at dealership level stood at 35-40 days as compared with 25-30 days in the same period last year.
Similarly, average inventory for two-wheelers at dealer level at October-end remained high at 50-55 days as against 35-40 days in October-end last year, Ind-Ra said. Retail registrations of PVs fell 9 per cent (year-on-year) in October this year, while the decline was much higher for two-wheelers, commercial vehicles and three-wheelers at 27 per cent, 30 per cent, and 65 per cent (year-on-year), respectively, the rating agency said.
It suggests that demand at the consumer level is yet to reach the pre-COVID levels despite the festive season tailwind, it added..
Ind-Ra
EXCLUSIVE-Qatar fund put pandemic bets on distressed debt, high-grade bonds -sources
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TBA adds pale brick volume to traditional Montreal "shoebox" home
Bridget Cogley | 30 April 2020 Leave a comment
Curved glass doors puncture the residential extension of this brick house in Montreal, designed by local studio TBA.
Called DeNormanville, the single-storey dwelling is in Montreal's Rosemont borough, also known as La Petite-Patrie. It comprises a historic red brick home with a paler, more contemporary addition.
Tom Balaban Architect (TBA) designed the extension for the house to both connect and contrast with the original structure, which is known as a shoebox home.
These dwellings were erected in Montreal in the early the 20th century in tandem with the development of the tramway system, but over the decades they have been replaced with low-rise, multi-unit apartment buildings.
Recently, however, regulations have been put in place to retain such homes and TBA's project joins this movement.
"DeNormanville is part of the first wave of protection-era additions exploring new avenues for a more modest transformation of the city's ubiquitous one-storey typology," TBA said.
"The modest flat-roofed, single-storey boxes were built as starter homes, often measuring no more than 600 square feet (55 square metres) in area," it added.
"The shoebox was usually a self-build, designed to be expanded upon in a piecemeal fashion as need and money arose."
TBA built the addition close to a street, concealing the traditional home in the rear. It is designed around the property's mature Siberian elms, and features a glass front door that accesses a foyer and an open-plan kitchen and dining room.
A corridor acts as the structural spine of the addition linking to the original home, and contains a bathroom, storage and laundry.
Appareil Architecture uses minimal palette to update 1960s Montreal home
In the rear of the property, where the original home is located, are a living room, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a separate entrance.
"The goal was to conserve not just the existing house but also the single storey topology," TBA added.
In total, DeNormanville measures 135 square metres. The extension's interiors are bright with white walls, pale wood floors and white cabinets and closets.
Large portions of glazing offer a connection to both the front garden and courtyard, including a rounded glass wall that accesses a pebbled courtyard in between the old and new structures. A glazed wall within the home also offers a view from the entry to the enclosed patio.
Montreal is host to a number of home renovations by local studios, including a Victorian townhouse revitalised by Michael Godmer in the city's Outremont neighbourhood.
Others are Appareil Architecture's Du Rocher Residence and Hampstead House by Robitaille Curtis, both of which were built in the 1960s and have received a new lease of life.
Photography is by TBA.
Project team: Tom Balaban, Jennifer Thorogood, Mikaèle Fol, Pascale Julien
Engineer: Latéral
Residential extensions
Canadian houses
More images and plans
Long section plan
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The clock is ticking on those Thanksgiving leftovers. Here's how long before they go bad
Joel Shannon, USA TODAY
You've eaten all you can possibly eat at Thanksgiving dinner, and there's still plenty of food left. It's a problem so common that experts have linked holiday leftovers to a seasonal increase in food poisoning cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that outbreaks of a bacteria that causes food poisoning occur most often in November and December. Many of those outbreaks have been linked to common holiday foods such as turkey and roast beef.
What to do with those Thanksgiving leftovers? Look to the French
And while for many people food poisoning is a short-lived discomfort, for vulnerable members of your family – such as the young or the elderly – it could be life-threatening.
“Food-borne illnesses are no joke,” Lisa Yakas, a senior project manager at NSF International, told USA TODAY. The organization develops health standards and certifications for food, water and consumer products.
Here's how to protect yourself and your family:
Store the Thanksgiving leftovers quickly
The holiday season spike in food poisoning outbreaks reported by the CDC occurs because of a bacteria that grows in cooked foods left at room temperature.
The key to preventing such outbreaks: Put your leftovers away quickly.
Leftovers shouldn't be left at room temperature for longer than two hours. So after you're done eating your holiday meal, getting the food put away should be a priority, Yakas says.
“The dishes can wait, but the food can’t,” she says.
When you're putting away leftovers, take the time to portion them out into small containers, preferably ones that are airtight, Yakas says.
Putting large masses of food into a refrigerator or freezer is ineffective because it takes a long time for the food to cool, Yakas says.
Don't eat old Thanksgiving leftovers
Once the leftovers are put away in the refrigerator, you have only a few days to eat them before they become a safety risk.
If stored in a refrigerator, leftovers can stay good for three to four days. If they're stored in a freezer, it's three to four months.
It's best to label the food with an expiration date when you put it away, to help you keep track of when it's no longer safe to eat, Yakas recommends.
That's especially true of food that you put in the freezer, as it's tough to remember how long food has been stored months into the future.
Cook (and reheat) the leftovers correctly
Putting away leftovers correctly won't keep you healthy if you don't cook the food correctly the first time.
There's only one number to remember whether you're cooking the food the first time or reheating it: 165º.
The CDC recommends heating all leftovers to 165 degrees before eating them.
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Robert W. Crosby
Rob Crosby began his career in Winnipeg, in 1977, as an early Garry Hilderman recruit. Garry’s mentorship stuck, transferring Robert home in 1979 to manage the Saskatoon office of Hilderman Feir Witty & Associates which, over time, evolved into Hilderman Witty Crosby Hanna & Associates and, finally, maturing into Crosby Hanna & Associates.
Rob was the first private sector landscape architect resident in Saskatoon. He resisted requests to teach drafting to the local parks department, instead focussing efforts on building the business and the profession, locally and provincially.
Rob was a Charter Member of SALA, active on the Executive, Co-Chair of CSLA Congress ’85, a member of various SALA committees, and active nationally on CSLA Board of Governors (1996-1998) and numerous initiatives including on the College of Fellows Nominations Jury.
While co-managing the firm, with Andy Hanna, MCIP, through recessions and robust times, Rob engaged a diverse clientele on a broad spectrum of projects, including the award winning Wanuskewin Heritage Park, River Landing Riverfront, and Innovation Place Research Park. He is particularly proud of ensuring the firm remained true to its prairie roots. From 2014 to 2018, Robert transitioned into full (way more relaxed) retirement, and took much of the firm’s corporate memory with him.
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Allergic reactions remain ‘rare’ for COVID vaccine as Nuvance proceeds with distribution
CT Insider
Shayla Colon Jan. 11, 2021 Updated: Jan. 11, 2021 8:46 p.m.
Ezra Zimmerman, of Ridgefield, owner of EZ Moving, volunteered to dive to Kentucky to pick up four used ventilators that Danbury Hospital had purchased. He was given a hero's welcome at the hospital and a police escort by state and local departments from I-84. Tuesday, April 7, 2020, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Nuvance Health officials said COVID-19 vaccine distribution is “going smoothly,” despite minor bumps in the road.
Nuvance Health is vaccinating approximately 775 individuals a day across its four Connecticut hospitals after beginning distribution on Dec. 18., according to System Chair of Primary Care Dr. Cornelius Ferreira. He said the hospitals were well-prepared for the vaccines and have not seen any doses spoil or go to waste.
While most of those vaccinated did not experience any issues, “probably five or less” equating to approximately .2 percent of individuals experienced allergic reactions, according to Dr. Ferreira. Physicians were able to immediately treat even those who might have had a “significant anaphylactic” reaction.
Reports of allergic reactions to the COVID vaccines have popped up around the world, but they remain rare according to Yale Department Chair and Professor of Epidemiology Dr. Albert Ko.
“These are exceedingly rare types of reactions given up to 6.7 to seven million people have been vaccinated just in the United States,” Ko said.
According to Ko, “even the best vaccines we have aren’t 100 percent” effective but the COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to have a strong efficacy rate. While not all will be protected, 95 percent will be protected against severe disease, he expects.
Ko added that although it is not exactly clear what is causing these “very rare allergic reactions,” it is presumably due to some component of the vaccine.
“These vaccines are made out of RNA molecules, as well as some lipids, some many people already have in their bodies, that package the RNA when they deliver. It is not unlike lipids you would see in eggs or commonly eaten foods,” Ko said.
Ferreira also said some people reported symptoms, such as headache, fatigue and arm soreness after the initial dose that grew worse, escalating to a fever after receiving a second dose. All of the reported symptoms are the same as noted in the clinical trials, Ferreira noted Friday.
By Peter Yankowski and Ken Dixon
Vaccine registration starts this week for people 75 and over
By Clare Dignan
What happens to unused COVID-19 vaccine doses in CT?
In response to follow-up questions about the aforementioned symptoms, Nuvance spokesperson Amy Forni said the hospitals “only just started giving second doses last week” and does not have data to share. The previous comments were referencing data from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna clinical trials, according to Forni.
When the hospitals were distributing the first round of vaccines, some administrators — not technically eligible for the vaccine yet because they were not in inpatient care settings — received the vaccine due to an issue with the state’s VAMS system, but it was corrected right away, according to Ferreira. Ferreira said it was something he would not report on because it was “so low” an amount.
Forni later said there might have been some confusion. “Administrators in our health system are considered healthcare workers. [Connecticut] is using the term ‘healthcare personnel’ and defines this group as ‘all paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients of infectious materials.’”
“There are groups within Phase 1A. Some administrators received an invite to get vaccinated. However, based on available and limited supply, we are now only able to offer vaccines to healthcare workers who are in high risk of exposure situations because they have direct contact with patients,” Forni added.
Forni wrote in an email “there were no mix-ups” and things are changing quickly based on vaccine supply meaning they “have to be agile and pivot when necessary.”
Shayla Colon
Follow Shayla on:
https://www.facebook.com/shayla.colon.549Shayla_Colon1
Shayla Colon is a Native New Yorker, recently graduated from Quinnipiac University. Previously she worked for the Quinnipiac Chronicle and interned for Futuro Media. She now covers statewide breaking news for Hearst Connecticut. When she's not reporting, find her working out or tucked under a tree with a book.
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Couple finds more than 66 bottles of Prohibition-era whiskey hidden in the walls of their New York home
Kelsie Smith
When a New York couple was told their over 100-year-old home was built by a notorious bootlegger, they passed it off as small town legend.
But during a recent home renovation, the couple discovered something that revealed the legend could be true.
In early October, Nick Drummond and Patrick Bakker said they found more than 66 bottles of whiskey from the Prohibition-era hidden within the walls and floorboards of their home, which was built in 1915.
"Our walls are filled with bundles of booze!" Drummond, who documented the unexpected find in a series of posts on social media, wrote on his Instagram. "I can't believe the rumors are true! He was actually a bootlegger! "
The couple had been living in the house nestled in the small village of Ames, located about three hours away from New York City, for a little over a year before they decided to begin major renovations two months ago.
Drummond, a designer and historic preservationist, told CNN he was removing outside skirting along the bottom of the mudroom attached to the house when a mysterious package fell out.
"I'm like what is that? I'm very confused," he said. "I'm looking and there's hay everywhere, there's paper, and glass ... I see another package and it's this whiskey bottle."
"I'm like holy crap. This is like a whiskey stash. And this is like, all of a sudden, the whole story of the bootlegger."
Drummond went on to find more packages of smuggled whiskey under the floorboards after entering the mudroom through a uncovered hatch inside the floor. He said the couple continues to find more bottles.
"Initially we found seven bundles of six in the wall and then at that point we found four more bundles and actually funny enough as of less than a week ago we just found more," said Drummond.
The liquor is a brand of Scottish whiskey labeled Old Smuggler Gaelic whiskey, which is still made today. Each bottle was wrapped in tissue paper and straw and bundled in a package of six, said Drummond.
The original owner of the house was a German man known as Count Adolph Humpfner.
After researching newspaper articles and various legal websites, Drummond said he found out that Humpfner was known to be a man of mystery in the town and took part in many scandals. He died a sudden death and left behind the smuggled liquor, as well as a heavily disputed fortune.
The series of discoveries lead Drummond to continue documenting his home renovation on social media. Followers have reached out to participate in learning new history about the home and its bootlegging owner.
The couple plans to leave the bottles they found empty or evaporated preserved in the home -- and sell the bottles they found full. The full bottles are estimated at a value of around US$1,000 each, said Drummond.
The couple said they will keep one of the full bottles of whiskey to taste test.
Nick Drummond and Patrick Bakker said they found more than 66 bottles of whiskey from the Prohibition-era hidden within the walls and floorboards of their home. (Nick Drummond)
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They're baaack: Trump and allies still refuse election loss
Colleen Long, Alanna Durkin Richer and Zeke Miller
Published Thursday, November 26, 2020 8:10AM EST Last Updated Thursday, November 26, 2020 12:45PM EST
Approximately 100 Trump supporters across from the Federal Building in Williamsport, Pa., on Nov. 17, 2020. (John Beauge / The Patriot-News via AP)
WASHINGTON -- Monday seemed like the end of U.S. President Donald Trump's relentless challenges to the election, after the federal government acknowledged president-elect Joe Biden was the "apparent winner" and Trump cleared the way for co-operation on a transition of power.
But his baseless claims have a way of coming back. And back. And back.
By Wednesday, Trump was phoning into a local Pennsylvania Republican lawmakers' meeting that had been orchestrated by his campaign to assert falsely, again, that the election was tainted.
Complete coverage on CTVNews.ca/AmericaVotes
"This election was rigged and we can't let that happen," Trump said by phone, offering no specific evidence.
The 2020 presidential race is turning into the zombie election that Trump just won't let die. Despite dozens of legal and procedural setbacks, his campaign keeps filing new challenges that have little hope of succeeding and making fresh, unfounded claims of fraud.
But that's the point. Trump's strategy, his allies concede in private, wasn't to change the outcome, but to create a host of phantom claims about the 2020 presidential race that would infect the nation with doubt and keep his base loyal, even though the winner was clear and there has been no evidence of mass voter fraud.
"Zombies are dead people walking among the living -- this litigation is the same thing," said Franita Tolson, a professor at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. "In terms of litigation that could change the election, all these cases are basically dead men walking."
It's a strategy tolerated by many Republicans, most notably Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who are clinging to Trump as they face a test of retaining their own power in the form of two runoff elections in Georgia in January.
"This really is our version of a polite coup d'etat," said Thomas Mann, senior resident scholar at the Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California at Berkeley. "It could end quickly if the Republican Party acknowledged what was going on. But they cower in the face of Trump's connection with the base."
A day after Trump said his administration should begin working with Biden's team, three more lawsuits were filed by allies attempting to stop the certification in two more battleground states. In Minnesota, a judge did not rule on the suit and the state certified the results for Biden. Another was filed in Wisconsin, which doesn't certify until Tuesday. Arizona Republicans filed a complaint over ballot inspection; the state certification is due Monday.
And the campaign legal team said state lawmakers in Arizona and Michigan would hold meetings on the election "to provide confidence that all of the legal votes have been counted and the illegal votes have not been counted in the November 3rd election."
In Pennsylvania, where state Republican lawmakers met at Gettysburg on Wednesday to air grievances about the election, Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani attended in person and Trump dialed in from the Oval Office.
"We have all the evidence," Trump asserted. "All we need is to have some judge listen to it properly without having a political opinion."
But the strongest legal rebuke yet came from a conservative Republican judge in federal court in Pennsylvania, who on Saturday dismissed the Trump team's lawsuit seeking to throw out the results of the election. The judge admonished the Trump campaign in a scathing ruling about its lack of evidence. The campaign has appealed.
Trump's allies have privately acknowledged their plan would never actually overturn the results, but rather might provide Trump an off-ramp for a loss he wasn't owning up to and an avenue to keep his base loyal for whatever he does next.
"And then our governing and politics will be hellish, because he will continue doing what he's doing from his private own perch," Mann predicted.
Emily Murphy, the top official at the General Services Administration, declared Biden the "apparent winner" Monday, a procedural yet critical step that allowed for the transition to begin in earnest. She made the determination after Trump's efforts to subvert the vote failed across battleground states. She cited "recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results."
Michigan certified Biden's 154,000-count victory Monday, despite calls by Trump to the GOP members to block the vote to allow for an audit of ballots in Wayne County, where Trump claimed he was the victim of fraud. Biden crushed the president by more than 330,000 votes there.
"The board's duty today is very clear," said Aaron Van Langevelde, the Republican vice chair. "We have a duty to certify this election based on these returns."
Still, the Trump legal team dismissed the certification as "simply a procedural step" and insisted it would fight on.
Trump and his allies have brought at least four cases in Michigan that sought -- unsuccessfully -- to block certification of election results in part or all of the state.
In Pennsylvania, after Gov. Tom Wolf certified Biden as the winner, an appeals court judge ordered state officials to halt any further steps toward certifying election results. The state has appealed to Pennsylvania's Supreme Court.
In Arizona, just as lawyers for a woman in the Phoenix area dropped a case alleging that equipment was unable to record her ballot because she completed it with a county-issued Sharpie pen, Trump's campaign filed its own lawsuit echoing some of the same complaints. As that suit was about to be dismissed, lawyers for the woman filed a new case reviving the claims and demanding that she be allowed to recast her ballot. All three of the cases have now been dismissed.
"The legal process seems to be unfolding the way it's supposed to, but the Trump campaign has made clear its desire to throw wrenches in the system wherever it can," said Lisa Marshall Manheim, a professor at the University of Washington School of Law.
Richer reported from Boston. Associated Press writers Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia, Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin; Jacques Billeaud in Phoenix and Steve Karnowski in St. Paul, Minnesota, contributed to this report
'This election has to be turned around': Trump claims election 'rigged' in phone call
Trump pardons Flynn despite guilty plea in Russia probe
Biden seeks unity as Trump stokes fading embers of campaign
Biden appears to pour cold water on Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders joining cabinet
China's Xi congratulates Biden, hopes for 'win-win' ties
WATCH:CTV National News for Jan. 18: Interrupted inoculations
WATCH:EU nations to get normal Pfizer supply weeks before Canada
WATCH:Conservative Leader O'Toole kicks out Sloan from Tory caucus
WATCH:Peggy's Cove to get a new look with multi-million makeover
WATCH:'4.5 stars:' Woman writes thank-you note to B.C. jail
WATCH:Kansas family's balloons with Santa letters found by La. man
WATCH:Sloan removed from CPC caucus
WATCH:CTV National News for Monday, Jan. 18, 2020
WATCH:CTV National News: Diminishing doses
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Revealed: Airport staff HELPED partially-blind Extinction Rebellion activist up steps of British Airways jet before he leapt on top of it and glued himself down prompting more questions about security farce at London City
Scores of police officers were sent to London City Airport today as flight passengers face three days of chaos
Partially-blind Olympic Paralympian cyclist James Brown managed to get on top of the British Airways plane
Another man forced an Aer Lingus flight to Dublin to turn around on the runway after refusing to have a seat
In the wake of the incident, Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick slammed James Brown for his 'stupid' act
She also revealed that Extinction Rebellion protesters had diverted resources away from tackling knife crime
Met Police said 1112 people have been arrested in the protests since Monday, with 29 charged with offences
* Do you know who the arrested man is? Please email: mark.duell@mailonline.co.uk or call 020 3615 1838 *
By Mark Duell and Shekhar Bhatia and James Tapsfield and Martin Robinson, Chief Reporter For Mailonline
Published: 21:30 EST, 9 October 2019 | Updated: 18:36 EST, 10 October 2019
Airport staff helped a partially-blind Extinction Rebellion activist up the steps of a British Airways jet before he leapt on top of it and glued himself down, prompting more questions about the security fare at London City Airport.
James Brown, a partially-sighted Irish cyclist who was banned from athletics in 2016 for a doping violation, was able to circumvent security at London City Airport by buying a boarding pass.
This allowed him to get through the relevant security checks that are prevalent at any UK airport and board a flight he had no intention of taking.
Brown, was then being helped onto the plane by staff, before breaking free and apparently managing to shin up the side of the fuselage and onto the roof.
He admitted he was 's***ing myself' while filming a video in the wind from on top of the Embraer 190 plane bound for Amsterdam as the activists began three days of action at London City Airport.
Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick slammed Brown saying it was a 'stupid and dangerous thing to do' adding that there will now be a full security review into the incident.
She said: 'My early understanding is somebody has been arrested after they presumably bought a ticket, went through security perfectly normally, went up the steps of a plane and hurled themselves on top of a plane.
'Actually, that was a reckless, stupid and dangerous thing to do for all concerned. But I think you can see that is quite a hard thing to predict or stop from happening.
'We will do a full review of the security there, of course we will.
'These protesters have shown they are determined to go where they can, when they can, occupy what they can and disrupt whoever they can, frankly.'
Extinction Rebellion activist James Brown sits on top of the roof of a British Airways plane at London City Airport today
James Brown is seen clinging to the fuselage of the plane at City Airport today in a video streamed online by the protest group
The man on top of the British Airways plane at City Airport today was identified by Extinction Rebellion as cyclist James Brown
The Paralympian took part in the stunt today, one month after being arrested for allegedly flying a drone over Heathrow
The man on top of the British Airways plane scheduled to fly to Amsterdam is James Brown, a partially-sighted cyclist
Police officers search an Extinction Rebellion protester after he was removed from on top of a British Airways plane at London City Airport today
Dame Cressida also criticised Extinction Rebellion for diverting resources away from officers usually dedicated to tackling knife crime or safeguarding children.
'We are already taking people away from keeping people safe in local areas and putting them into central London, particularly, more than in the last five years,' she said.
'We have the skills, the leadership and fantastic officers to continue to do that, but of course it takes its toll.'
Addressing Extinction Rebellion activists, she said: 'Protest lawfully or go home. You have caused disruption to many people and caused misery to some people's lives.
'We have cleared you away again and again, and now secured the sites you really wanted to occupy. You have a place to protest. Go and protest there.'
Retired lecturer and grandfather-of-four, 83, arrested for... Boris Johnson's father Stanley backs Extinction Rebellion's... Benedict Cumberbatch is latest luvvie to join Extinction... 'Remove him from the plane!' Angry passengers turn on... Jeremy Corbyn THANKS Extinction Rebellion activists who have... Extinction Rebellion protests threaten Queen's Speech and...
Brown, a London 2012 bronze medallist, was arrested just last month over a foiled plot to fly drones over Heathrow to shut it down - and questions will now be asked over how he managed to get through security checks today.
In a dramatic Facebook Live video filmed from on top of the plane this afternoon, watched by more than 5,000 people, Brown said: 'OK, here I am, on top of a f***ing aeroplane at City Airport. I hate heights, I'm s***ing myself.
'I managed to get on the roof. Oh man, I'm so shaky. I hope this is going out live. So this is all about the climate and ecological crisis. We're protesting against Government inaction on climate and ecological breakdown.'
Emergency service workers used a cherry picker to eventually release him from top of the plane, while an orange blanket was placed over him to protect him from the cold. He was eventually brought down shortly after 2pm.
Robert Sinclair, CEO of London City Airport, said the two cancelled flights were BA8453 to Amsterdam, where James Brown climbed on top of the aircraft and was removed, and BA4472, due to a knock-on crew shortage
He added:’There are no longer any protestors outside the airport terminal but we continue to work with the Metropolitan Police to ensure that our passengers tonight and tomorrow have a safe and secure service.
’The airport has remained fully operational throughout the day and has run an almost complete schedule of flights, with just two flights cancelled as a result of the protest activity.
’We want to thank all our passengers today for their patience, and the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police for their support and professionalism.
‘If you are flying from London City Airport this evening or tomorrow, please do check the status of your flight with your airline before travelling to the airport.’
At City Airport today, activists also blocked the roads into the site, shut down its Docklands Light Railway station and stopped an Aer Lingus flight to Dublin taking off as they unleashed a three-day Hong Kong-style protest.
Police confirmed more than 1,000 people have been arrested in the XR protests since Monday including 50 at the airport today, with 29 charged with offences including obstructing a highway and knowingly failing to comply with a Section 14 Public Order Act condition.
Fire crews cover the man in a sheet before removing him from the British Airways plane at London City Airport today
Emergency services use a cherry picker to try to remove an Extinction Rebellion protester on top of the BA plane today
Dame Cressida today insisted Scotland Yard does have enough cells to hold and process all of the people who have been arrested.
She said her officers are working 12-hour shifts to staff the 'huge operation', supported by hundreds of colleagues from police forces across the country.
'It adds up to an enormous number of people who are working very hard to keep our streets moving and to keep us safe from the protests,' she said.
'Responding to emergency calls is going well only because Met officers are working extremely hard.
'We have had to clear people from 12 sites. Protesters were determined to take over and occupy important arterial roads in London, and stay occupied for a two-week period. It is utterly irresponsible and completely unreasonable.
'We have cleared those sites, we have secured those sites. We need to keep police officers at those sites to make sure they don't come back.'
Police are working to clear a camp in St James' Park, with Trafalgar Square the only other site still occupied in central London.
Brown is a partially-sighted former Irish Paralympian cyclist who was banned from athletics in 2016 for a doping violation
Fire crews put a sheet over Brown as they try to get him down from the British Airways plane at City Airport today
The man on the BA plane at City Airport has been identified by Extinction Rebellion as former Paralympic cyclist James Brown
Police officers search the Extinction Rebellion protester after he was removed from on top of a British Airways plane today
Police officers speak to Brown after the emergency services got him down from the BA plane at London City Airport today
Mr Brown is taken away in the grey police van having managed get on top of the British Airways plane at the airport today
BA insisted officials were 'investigating what's happened as a matter of urgency' and said staff were re-booking affected customers onto alternative flights to Amsterdam to get them to their destinations as quickly as possible.
Brown was said to have been given 'special assistance' by BA staff at the gate. He had a flight ticket and seat and had checked in, but arrived several hours before his scheduled lunchtime flight and was later joined by a woman.
One BA source said: 'Staff felt sorry for him as he was clearly partially sighted and was having trouble reading his mobile phone as he sat in the waiting area. He had the phone right up to his face and head sideways.
'We felt sorry for him. He was given assistance as is the norm for those who may have difficulties boarding. A woman then joined him and walked alongside him. Somehow, he managed to get on top of the plane.'
James Brown is pictured with his bronze medal after the men's individual B time trial at the London 2012 Paralympics
The source added that Brown 'may have been given a leg-up as it isn't easy'. He said both Brown, who was on top of the plane for more than an hour, and his accomplice were arrested.
Brown had been helped up the stairway to the plane by contract staff called by British Airways ground staff at gate 7.
They walked him up the stairs, guiding him to the doorway. The Paralympian then jumped onto the handrail and clambered onto the top of the aircraft himself to begin his protest.
This morning, a protester forced the Aer Lingus flight to Dublin to turn around on the runway as he stood up and roamed the cabin while giving a lecture on climate change just before take-off. Angry passengers urged cabin crew to 'do us all a favour and remove him from the plane', with others telling him: 'You need to sit down.'
The security breach comes as passengers arriving for flights had to show their boarding cards before entering the terminal, after XR protesters declared they would occupy and shut down the airport in East London.
Witnesses reported 'an extraordinary number of police officers' at the terminal as demonstrators try to emulate protesters who cancelled more than 1,000 flights as they condemned police brutality in Hong Kong.
Viewers of a video of the incident said it could have been worse, with one tweeting: 'This is a major breach of airport security. Lucky he was only an eco-preacher not a terrorist. Things would have been very different.'
Police had arrested 12 people with the demonstration just 30 minutes old today after it began at 9am as video footage showed people involved in the 'Fly Today, No Tomorrow' protest being dragged away by officers.
Around 150 protesters were sitting in the road outside the terminal by lunchtime - chanting and blocking all traffic in and out of the airport, as police moved in to arrest them one by one for alleged public order fences.
An activist, dressed in a suit, gestures after scaling the roof above the entrance to London City Airport this morning
Extinction Rebellion protesters with bicycles block a roundabout near London City Airport during the demonstration today
Police officers arrest an activist at London City Airport during the fourth day of demonstrations by the group today
Police officers stand guard as Extinction Rebellion demonstrators block an entrance at City Airport in London today
Extinction Rebellion protesters with bikes block a roundabout during a demonstration near London City Airport today
A protester is removed by police as climate change action group Extinction Rebellion stage a protest at City Airport today
: A protester is removed by police during the Extinction Rebellion demonstration at London City Airport this afternoon
Police officers cut the locks of Extinction Rebellion protesters during a demonstration near London City Airport today
A man is removed by police officers after activists staged a 'Hong Kong style' blockage at City Airport today
A police officer checks on an Extinction Rebellion protester with bikes as they block a roundabout at City Airport today
Extinction Rebellion activists block the roundabout at the entrance to London City Airport this afternoon
Extinction Rebellion activists block the roundabout at the entrance to City Airport by gluing themselves to their bikes today
A police officer sits next to an Extinction Rebellion activist who block a roundabout at City Airport this afternoon
Extinction Rebellion climate change protesters sing as they block a road outside City Airport in London this afternoon
Conservative MP David Davies told MailOnline he was 'deeply concerned' by Extinction Rebellion, adding: 'We are allowing a few thousand people to dictate terms to us. They are holding a major capital city to ransom.'
The pilot on the Aer Lingus flight was told about the on-board protest at the end of the runway, and the plane then had to turn around and taxi back along to the terminal before the man was arrested by police who came on board.
The pilot then told passengers that the plane ironically had to take on board more fuel to replace what was used up during the protest. Passengers applauded the crew after the pilot praised how they handled the situation.
The man holding up the Aer Lingus flight, which later took off with a delay, calmly told fellow passengers: 'I don't wish to travel but I don't wish to get off. I'm sorry, I'm very sorry, I'm extremely sorry for the inconvenience.'
As others asked 'How long are you going to be?' and told him to 'sit down', he added: 'Today there's a protest at this airport. We have two generations of human civilisation left if we carry on doing what you're doing.'
An Extinction Rebellion protester got on board a plane a London City Airport today as the demonstrations continued
Passengers on board the Aer Lingus flight to Dublin urged cabin crew to 'do us all a favour and remove him from the plane'
The man is spoken to by cabin crew on board the Aer Lingus flight before passengers were taken off then allowed back on
A demonstrator wearing an Extinction Rebellion tie is removed by police officers at London City Airport this morning
An Extinction Rebellion protesters smiles as he is arrested and led away by police at London City Airport this morning
Police officers detain Extinction Rebellion protester during the demonstration at London City Airport this morning
Police officers carry away an Extinction Rebellion protester during the demonstration at London City Airport today
Viewers of a video of the Aer Lingus incident said it could have been far more serious, with one tweeting: 'This is a major breach of airport security. Lucky he was only an eco-preacher not a terrorist. Things would have been very different'
Protesters were arrested while trying to enter the terminal, which was heavily surrounded by police. Many of the arrested were elderly who smiled as they were led away and sat on the pavement before being removed in vans.
BBC Newsnight political editor Nicholas Watt said he was on board the Aer Lingus flight involved, tweeting: 'My flight from London City airport to Dublin has just been grounded by a climate change protester.
'On runway and about to take off when smartly dressed man in late middle age stood up with iPhone to deliver lecture on climate change. Cabin crew calmy and very politely asked protester to resume his seat.
'Politely but persistently he declined and proceeded to deliver his lecture on climate change in aisle. Some passengers annoyed, others listened to lecture with humour as cabin crew alerted pilot.'
An Aer Lingus spokesman said: 'Aer Lingus can confirm that a passenger scheduled to travel on EI283 flight from London City to Dublin airport was removed from the flight due to disruptive behaviour on board.
A man is removed by police officers after activists staged a 'Hong Kong style' blockage at City Airport this morning
An Extinction Rebellion protester stands on the top of the roof during a demonstration at London City Airport today
A man is removed by police officers after activists stage an Extinction Rebellion climate change protest at City Airport today
Passengers make their way past Extinction Rebellion demonstrators and police officers at City Airport in London today
Police officers watch as an activist scales the roof above the entrance to London City Airport this morning
A man dressed in a suit is led away by police after they arrested him at London City Airport this morning
A man is escorted by police officers from the Docklands Light Railway station at London City Airport this morning
Police officers detain an Extinction Rebellion protester during a demonstration at London City Airport this morning
'The safety and security of our guests and crew is our number one priority and as a result, a full security check of the aircraft was completed prior to the flight departing.
Grandfather-of-four, 83, arrested for NINTH time in an XR protest
Police arrested a veteran 83-year-old environmental campaigner today for the third time in just a week - and the ninth time in the last year.
Retired probation officer Phil Kingston, from Bristol, said before his arrest that he was joining the Extinction Rebellion climate change protest at London City Airport for his four grandchildren and 'all of their generation'.
Phil Kingston said today he is taking part in the protest at City Airport for his four grandchildren and 'all of their generation'
Mr Kingston said it was the ninth time he had been arrested with XR within the past year, and joked with LBC radio that he had been 'just going to get a plane' before he was dragged outside. He added: 'I'm very happy to be here.'
It comes after Mr Kingston was arrested on Monday for spraying the words 'Life not death for my grandchildren' on the walls of the Treasury in Westminster, and last Thursday for spraying fake blood on the same building.
Mr Kingston is dragged away from London City Airport this morning as the demonstrations continue
Asked why he was at the protest today, Mr Kingston said: 'My grandchildren and all of their generation. I'm mostly here for the poorest peoples, who have done the least to cause climate breakdown and are suffering the most.
'(They) are predicted to suffer dreadfully in the coming years, as eventually we all will, unless we do the most enormous turnaround which I don't even know if that's possible now.
Police also arrested campaigner Mr Kingston on Monday for a spray paint protest at the Treasury building in Westminster
'But if it isn't possible, then I am here to help us tell the truth and prepare for what we need to prepare together. Lastly, I'm a Christian. This lovely creation is God's creation, and for us to be destroying it, it's is an affront.
Mr Kingston, a retired Bristol University social work lecturer who is now a regular at major XR protests, added: 'The God of love has given us all this, and we are just misusing it hopelessly. So that's why I'm here.'
Police arrest Mr Kingston outside the Treasury building last Thursday after protesters sprayed fake blood on it
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'The flight departed at 11.16am and arrived in Dublin at 12.33pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.'
At the terminal, Victoria Bamford, 71, of Wales, chatted happily and smiled with officers as she waited to be put into a van. She said: 'I have been arrested before. It's nothing new to me. It's for all the children of the world.'
Another arrested woman was Ruth Collins, 80, of South Wales, who said: 'Airports are a major contribution to Co2 omissions and they need to be shut down. I am OK with being arrested. I am a bit shaken. But it is worth it.'
Around 30 protesters sang songs supported by a trumpeter in front of the terminal and raised an XR flag. One managed to climb onto the terminal roof, sang songs and was cheered by his fellow demonstrators.
The activists are highlighting what they claim is the 'incompatibility' of the East London airport's planned expansion with meeting the Government's legally binding commitment to go net carbon neutral by 2050.
Police made several arrests as the group sat and chanted 'Fly today, gone tomorrow' in unison during the action, which included some people gluing themselves to the floor.
Those arriving for flights were redirected to a second terminal entrance by security workers and were not allowed to enter the building without showing their boarding cards first.
One of XR's ringleaders Dr Vishal Chauhan, who gave up his job at a South London hospital to join XR, was arrested for allegedly obstructing the public highway.
He apologised to the arresting officer for 'inconveniencing' him as he was led away, and told MailOnline: 'Being arrested is a little price to pay against the enormous challenge of saving the planet.'
Olympic gold medalist Etienne Stott was also arrested near City Airport. The canoeist, who won gold at London 2012, had hinted before XR launched their fortnight of campaigning that he was willing to be detained by police.
He had said being arrested for civil disobedience was 'one of the most powerful things you can do.' In an ITV interview he said: 'I have not quite decided and the police will probably find out at some point.
'But I actually believe it is one of the most powerful things an individual can do to show people, 'I'm just a normal person, I'm a good person, I am prepared to do this because I believe it is so important. And this is perhaps the only way we can actually get people to listen. It is absolutely the sensible and responsible thing to be doing.'
Today's arrest was the second time he had been arrested while campaigning with ER. He was detained at a protest in April.
An activist who gave her name as Claire, 51, said: 'I don't know what's going to happen over the next few hours, but I do know that a number of people have come here, City Airport, today to make the statement that there are many areas of our lives that are going to have to change because of the climate crisis we've created, and one of them is flying. 'We can't carry on with life, with business as usual,' she said.
Claire said she had not made up her mind about whether she would allow herself to be arrested, but was later led away by police officers.
In Westminster, tents and protesters had been cleared away from the roads leading into Parliament Square.
But the streets around Parliament and Whitehall remained closed to traffic, apart from cyclists, amid a heavy police presence in the area.
At Trafalgar Square, tents, banners with messages such as 'This is change' and a hearse still blocked the roads, and a protest camp occupied the pedestrian area of the square.
Mr Davies told MailOnline: 'I am deeply concerned by this organisation, that appears to be in favour of banning all flying, driving, meat-eating and industrial production within the next five years – something that would have a devastating impact on jobs and the economy and reduce us to a pre-industrial standard of living.
'It seems to be spearheaded by affluent well-to-do people who have enjoyed the benefits of western civilisation and are now trying to impose their misguided views on everyone else through blackmail and mass inconvenience to hard-working people. I think there needs to be much tougher action taken against them.'
Mr Davies said he wanted new rules on protesters using vehicles as part of stunts, and more targeted arrests.
'We need to get a bit cleverer about this. We are allowing a few thousand people to dictate terms to us. What they are asking for is ludicrous. They are holding a major capital city to ransom at the moment,' he added.
Police officers react as an activist, dressed in a suit, scales the roof above the entrance to London City Airport this morning
Extinction Rebellion protesters with bicycles block a roundabout during a demonstration near London City Airport today
Two people stand on roof above the entrance to London City Airport this morning during the fourth day of demonstrations
Police carry away an Extinction Rebellion protester involved in the demonstration at London City Airport this morning
Police officers try to free a man who has glued himself to the pavement outside City Airport in London this morning
Activists, dressed in a suits, scale the roof above the entrance to London City Airport during the protests today
Security staff try to get a man down from a shelter during the Extinction Rebellion protest at London City Airport today
Activists blockade the Docklands Light Rail station at London City Airport today during the fourth day of demonstrations
Police officers guard the entrance to London City Airport this morning as Extinction Rebellion activists demonstrate
Police officers detain veteran protester Phil Kingston during the demonstration at London City Airport this morning
Activists hold a sit-in outside the Docklands Light Rail station at London City Airport during the demonstrations today
Meanwhile Scotland Yard said they are unable to confirm how many demonstrators are being held in cells across the capital after the force said they had made more than 800 arrests in just three days.
Who has been charged in relation to the protests?
There have been 842 arrests in connection with the ongoing Extinction Rebellion protests across London.
Some 29 individuals have been charged with various offences including 'knowingly failing to comply with a condition imposed under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986', and obstructing a highway.
Appearing today at Westminster Magistrates' Court were:
Angela Zelter, 68, Powys
Jane Gregory, address unknown
Vicky Hargreaves, 47, address unknown
Blythe Pepino, 33, address unknown
Sarah Benn, 52, Birmingham
Joshua Hallam, 34, address unknown
Hamish Haynes, 45, Stalybridge
The majority of the following individuals will be appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court between November 5 and November 7:
Jeffrey Brewster, 60, address unknown
Sue Parfitt, address unknown
Peter Bailey, address unknown
David Buchan, 37, address unknown
Cameron Walker, 20, address unknown
Theresa Persighetti, Waltham Forest
Cian Daglish, 27, Northwich
Matthew Tulley, address unknown
Francis McArthur, 55, Trafford
Julie Hotchkiss, 58, Wigan
Susan Sidey, 64, Bath
Ian Coatman, 59, Horsforth
David Barnes, 37, Leeds
Anton Gijsen, 32, London
Hugh Coakley, 65, Guildford
David Hall, 66, Frome
Helen Miller, 42, Southampton
Five individuals have been charged but have refused to provide police with their name. Those arrested but not charged have been released under investigation.
Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said today: 'Our policing plan is aimed at preventing criminal activity which poses a significant safety and security risk to the airport, and the thousands of passengers using it. We are determined to deal with protestors robustly but proportionately.
'Targeting an airport and inconveniencing travellers in this way is wholly unacceptable and irresponsible.
'The consequences of committing offences at airports are serious; individuals breaking the law are being, and will continue to be, arrested and prosecuted where appropriate.'
Extinction Rebellion co-founder Gail Bradbrook spoke outside the airport terminal on Thursday afternoon as the number of protesters that remained at the site dwindled.
Speaking to PA news agency about the success of the demonstration, she said: 'I think the most important thing is that we are alerting the British people to the crisis that we're in and the threat to all the forms of business-as-usual.
'We've had a lot of press here to talk about these issues and that is what our intention is.'
Asked whether the remaining protesters should go home, she said: 'I don't know, I think we've made our point, but I'm not making that decision for other people.'
A handful of protesters plan to stay at the airport until 9pm today, when they will decide whether or not to remain overnight or continue their protest on Friday, a spokesman from Extinction Rebellion said.
The Prime Minister's father Stanley Johnson has backed the tactics of the protesters. Mr Johnson Snr was asked if he supports the demonstrators occupying streets and their plans to chain themselves to parts of the airport.
'I think we've got to take a fairly relaxed view on this,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'I don't think many of them are breaking the law. I believe that they are wedded to non-violence, to peaceful protest.'
He insisted that the crisis is one thing that unites the family, whose views over Brexit range wildly. 'If there's an issue that does unite us, I would say it's this environmental issue, climate change,' Mr Johnson said.
A London City Airport spokesman told MailOnline today: 'We continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to ensure the safe operation of the airport, which remains fully open and operational.
'As of 9.15am there have been over 60 flights which have either arrived or departed. If you are flying from London City today, please check the status of your flight with your airline before travelling to the airport.'
Later, Extinction Rebellion founder co-founder Gail Bradbrook said: 'I think the most important thing is that we are alerting the British people to the crisis that we're in and the threat to all the forms of business-as-usual.
In the early hours, dance music duo Orbital had played a DJ set to crowds of flag-waving environmentalists in Trafalgar Square amid claims that police were running out of cells in which to hold those they had detained since Monday.
The Met Police told MailOnline this morning that this is 'not accurate' but was unable to say how many of the 800 arrested were still detained. A spokesman for the force said: 'The Met has not reached cell capacity.'
Police officers arrest an Extinction Rebellion climate change activist during a demonstration at London City Airport today
Police stand in front of the climate change activists as they blockade the Docklands Light Rail station at City Airport today
Police officers speak to an Extinction Rebellion protester on the ground during a demonstration at London City Airport today
Extinction Rebellion protestors sit on the ground at the DLR station during a demonstration at London City Airport today
Police at the scene of the protest by Extinction Rebellion activists at the Docklands Light Rail station at City Airport today
Police officers detain Extinction Rebellion protester during the demonstration at London City Airport today
Police arrest Extinction Rebellion demonstrators lying on the pavement outside London City Airport this morning
Demonstrators hold signs and Extinction Rebellion flags as the Docklands Light Rail station at London City Airport today
Police arrest Extinction Rebellion protesters at London City Airport this morning ahead of the activists' planned shutdown
Activists stage a 'Hong Kong style' blockage of the exit from the Docklands Light Railway to London City Airport this morning
It comes a day after the Government took the extraordinary step of drafting in 500 officers from 43 other police forces in England and Wales as they try to round up the mob bringing chaos to the capital.
Do you know who the arrested man on the Aer Lingus flight is? Please email: mark.duell@mailonline.co.uk or call 020 3615 1838
Those arrested include 91-year-old veteran campaigner John Lynes. Illegal sites in Whitehall and Horseferry Road remain closed while police spend hours moving the activists to avoid injury and potential compensation claims.
Circus performers joined in last night, draping themselves in red robes to resemble blood. Invisible Circus, a street performance group from Bristol, joined their ranks - adding their painted faces to the throngs on Downing Street.
With faces painted white, they wore clothing designed to remind everyone present of the blood that binds humanity together as police admitted they were being forced to neglect crime victims to patrol the protests.
Activists are staging an Extinction Rebellion climate change protest at City Airport today on the fourth day of demonstrations
Police await the arrival of Extinction Rebellion protesters at London City Airport outside the DLR station this morning
Police officers look at Extinction Rebellion activists protesting about climate change at London City Airport this morning
Police officers are seen at London City Airport today as they try to avoid disruption at the terminal this morning
Passengers walk into the London City Airport terminal building this morning ahead of the planned XR demonstration
Flight passengers were not allowed to enter the City Airport terminal today without showing their boarding cards first
A police van waits outside the London City Airport terminal today ahead of what could be a 'Hong Kong-style' shutdown
Security guards in place at City Airport after XR protesters declared they would occupy and shut down the airport
The protest group said its members intended to 'peacefully occupy and shut down' the airport's terminal building from 9am this morning.
Activists said they would achieve this by lying, sitting or gluing themselves in front of the departure and arrival gates at the East London airport.
If they do not make it into the building, they planned to occupy the airport's access road and DLR station. The latest protest is against the climate impact of flying and the Government's ongoing support of airport expansion.
Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Rupert Read said: 'By non-violently shutting down this airport, in homage to the style of the Hong Kong democracy protesters, we are demonstrating the utter frailty of the transport systems that countries such as ours, unwisely, have come to depend upon.'
Extinction Rebellion protesters gather at Trafalgar Square where police stood around a group who climbed a structure today
Members of Extinction Rebellion and climate change supporters blockade roads at Trafalgar Square in London today
Protesters in a plastic swimming pool Extinction Rebellion at Trafalgar Square in London today
Members of Extinction Rebellion and climate change supporters set up camp in St James's Park in London today
An XR camp in Trafalgar Square today (left) where one of the stone lions was decorated with an XR necklace (right)
Extinction Rebellion protesters carry out an early morning protest at Trafalgar Square in London today
Extinction Rebellion climate change protesters carry out yoga today after the demonstration closed roads in Westminster
Mr Read added: 'Air travel is an icon of our fragile 'just-in-time' economic system. That system will break, as climate chaos hits.'
The group said hundreds of people have already signed up to take part in the protest, which will seem them 'non-violently use their bodies' to close the airport. It said those taking part are willing to risk being arrested to achieve their aim.
Hundreds of police officers are being drafted in from across England and Wales to help the Metropolitan Police with the protests, which are now in their fourth day.
Activists have been camped on rounds around Parliament Square and Whitehall since Monday calling for urgent action on climate change and wildlife.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 800 people had been arrested on Monday and Tuesday, with another 220 detained yesterday.
Dance music duo Orbital perform a DJ set at an Extinction Rebellion rave last night at Trafalgar Square in London
Orbital are pictured on stage in Trafalgar Square at an Extinction Rebellion rave last night as the protests continue in London
The Red Brigade group has hit the streets of London in the Extinction Rebellion protests at Trafalgar Square last night
Benedict Cumberbatch is the latest famous face to have shown up at the Extinction Rebellion protests in London last night
Cumberbatch is pictured speaking with protesters demonstrating for Extinction Rebellion in London yesterday evening
Sherlock star Cumberbatch poses for a photograph with the protesters last night who are camped at Trafalgar Square
Mr Taylor said there are plans in place to intervene and 'deal proactively' with anyone who has the intention of shutting down the airport.
Mr Taylor said yesterday that the scale of operation was having a big impact on policing in other areas of the capital.
He said: 'We haven't stopped policing, we never will, but it does mean that some activities beyond the normal responses are affected.
'We cannot spent the amount of time with victims we would normally because we have to make sure we are dealing with the protests. We are not at the level we would want to be... and police officers should be working in their communities.'
*Do you know who the arrested man on the Aer Lingus flight is? Please email: mark.duell@mailonline.co.uk or call 020 3615 1838 *
Police drag Extinction Rebellion campaigners from London City Airport
Time for water cannons or fire hoses. Most of them...
by popsie 500 8263
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Poco Loco Gang
A few years ago the Poco Loco Gang was a successfull belgian project. They came up with a new sound, called the ‘happy house’. Unfortunately this is all history now, but nevertheless I think they still deserve a page on this site.
The new sound was actually invented in discotheque Poco Loco, the club where Fred Vandermast (2 Black 4 U, Oxyd) and Reinier were DJ’s at that time. After a lot of experimenting Poco loco was born-a nice sound with a funny voice mixed in it.
Together with the sound a new project was born: the Poco Loco Gang. The single became a big succes in January 1999 and a group was formed:singer Saïda, dancer Mike and a robot.
Poco Loco has been five weeks the number 2 in the Ultratop 50 and they received a golden record for selling over 25 000 singles in Belgium.
The unexpected succes seem to give them inspiration and soon an follow-up single was created, called Let’s go to the Party. 3 weeks after the release of this second single, they could be found back in the top 10 of the Ultratop 50. Also in the Netherlands, people were fond of this new sound
Fred quitted the project (personal reasons?) and also the singer and dancer couldn’t combine it anymore with their other activities.
By the time that the third single Tropical Paradise was released, a new group was created. Fred was replaced on stage by Patrick. Severine became the new singer and Moustic and James took care of the dance act.
Poco Loco Gang released also a fourth single Come Along and a full-cd-co-produced by Phil Sterman. The cd contains 13 tracks including the three hits and the 3 original mixes and the videoclip of Tropical Paradise.
And then it became very quiet for a while- a silence for the big storm???? – because they came back. People weren’t forgotten their successes yet which the Loco Gang considered an advantage. What was changed is the people of the Loco Gang, a lot of new faces on stage. Kirsten, a 21 year old girl from Maasmechelen, became the new leading lady of the group. She is very professional and could be seen in the past as the singer and dancer of DJ Sakin & Friends.
Marco and Mendo are the 2 new professional dancers of the Loco Gang. Both guys have an impressive ‘palmares’. They danced together for Marissa (Paradisio), Sharon Williams, Marissa Turner
. They are grown up together, practiced together and are inseparatable dancepartners.
And as mentioned before, Fred Vandermast was replaced on stage by Patrick alias Patje Loco Gang. Under his impulse the group changed the name and also the sound. The Poco Loco sound was replaced by a Loco Sound, an amusing sound with a lot of bass and beats and a very recognizable, catchy refrain.
Sunshine On A Rainy Day was written by Sven Maas and Yvo Donckers. It is a happy song with a lot of ‘hitpotential’. It’s the come-back song for a group that has never disappeared out of the charts. Europe is more than ever excited about the project. Positive reactions came from the Netherlands, Scnadinavia, Spain, England and France.
In October 2000 was a new single Yaki Yo Yaki Ye released, another hit ranked for several weeks in the hitlists.
Now it seems that the, (Poco) Loco Gang is completely history mainly due to juridical problems with management and record company.
Let’s go to the Party
Sunshine on a Rainy Day
Yaki Yo Yaki Ye
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Welcome to Discover Boating, where you'll learn everything you need to know about getting out on the water
Introduction to boating
Power Boating
Maintaining my boat
Annual Check
Where to go Boating
Pre-departure checks
Rules of the sea
Storm Preparations
The Boating Map
Taiwanese Coast Guard’s newest 600-tonne patrol boat powered by HamiltonJet
October 5, 2020 by Caroline
The Anping, a 600-tonne class twin-hulled catamaran commissioned for the Taiwanese Coast Guard (TCG), is nearing completion. Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Group expects the vessel to be completed in October 2020 ready for sea trials before being deployed for protection and fishing control rights in the southern waters.
Powering the vessel are 4x MTU engines with a combined total power of over 15,000kW and quad HT900s waterjets from HamiltonJet, operated using HamiltonJet’s Modular Electronic Control System. The HT900s waterjets feature a mixed-flow pump that provides high efficiency at medium to high speeds and retains the high thrust at zero speed required for dynamic positioning in high sea states.
The expected top speed of this impressive vessel is 35 knots compared to 30 knots for a current 600-tonne craft.
The design is based on the Tuo Jiang-class stealth missile corvette in service with the RoC Navy. The Anping carries a high-pressure water cannon which can convert to carrying anti-ship missiles in wartime. The Tuo Jiang-class features an advanced optimised twin-hulled catamaran design configuration to enable smooth operations in harsh sea conditions.
The HamiltonJet team jumped at the opportunity to work on this challenging project and eagerly await the upcoming sea trials.
“This project is the result of a great team effort across the whole company, as there were significant challenges in winning the tender, designing the project-specific components, sourcing parts from all over the world and manufacturing the entire system to a very tight timescale. The result is a credit to everyone involved,” says HamiltonJet CEO, Ben Reed.
The launch of the Anping marks the first of a potential new fleet of 12 TCG 600-tonne patrol vessels.
Contact: Jo de Joux on +64 21 245 6924 or jo@hcgroup.nz
Categories: Marine Exporters, News stories, Ship & Workboat Group
« Go to News Archive
Auckland Boat Show
NZ Marine
© 2021 Discover Boating • +64 (0)9 360 0056 • info@nzmarine.com • www.discoverboating.co.nz
Project by the NZ Marine Industry Association PO Box 90 448, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142
Website by Liquid Scope Ltd
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Rio Grande do Sul »
Distance from Rio Grande do Sul to Frederico Westphalen
Distance from Rio Grande do Sul to Frederico Westphalen is 365 kilometers. This air travel distance is equal to 227 miles.
The air travel (bird fly) shortest distance between Rio Grande do Sul and Frederico Westphalen is 365 km= 227 miles.
If you travel with an airplane (which has average speed of 560 miles) from Rio Grande do Sul to Frederico Westphalen, It takes 0.41 hours to arrive.
Rio Grande do Sul is located in Brazil.
30° 2´ 4.6680'' S
51° 13´ 3.7200'' W
Rio Grande do Sul Distances to Cities
Distance from Rio Grande Do Sul to Acre 3,093 km
Distance from Rio Grande Do Sul to Rio De Janeiro 1,123 km
Distance from Rio Grande Do Sul to Ribeirao Preto 1,039 km
Distance from Rio Grande Do Sul to Brasilia 1,614 km
Distance from Rio Grande Do Sul to Rondonia 2,418 km
Frederico Westphalen is located in Brazil.
Frederico Westphalen Distances to Cities
Distance from Frederico Westphalen to Celso Ramos 206 km
Distance from Frederico Westphalen to Canoinhas 326 km
Distance from Frederico Westphalen to Campo Largo 439 km
Distance from Frederico Westphalen to Florianopolis 480 km
Distance from Frederico Westphalen to Arroio Do Meio 267 km
Map of Rio Grande do Sul
Map of Frederico Westphalen
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Welcoming you back, safe and sound – Covid-19 Program Update
Teeling Whiskey Distillery, flavours of Irish whiskey
Irish Whiskey Distillery
Teeling Whiskey Distillery is an Irish whiskey distillery established in Dublin in 2015. It is the first new whiskey distillery to have opened in Dublin. Once a world whiskey distilling capital, in over 125 years.
A selection of pre-book language tour options is also available. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery is open seven days a week, with tours running every 20 mins. From 10:00 am to 5:40 pm. It is just a 20-minute walk away from the Dublin Citi Hotel. Remember to book well in advance to secure your booking. You can book here!
The Spirit Of Dublin
Whiskey making and entrepreneurship have been in the Teeling genes as far back as 1782. When Walter Teeling set up a small craft distillery on Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8. Right back in the heart of the Liberties district of Dublin. Jack and Stephen Teeling, the latest generation of whiskey makers, set up the Teeling Whiskey Company in 2012.
A Craft Revival
In March 2015 they opened the Teeling Whiskey Distillery the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years. Just a stone’s throw from their old distillery. In the heart of the Golden Triangle, the historic distilling district of Dublin. With one eye on the past, but looking to the future, we’re the new generation of Dublin distillers. In addition, their approach to craft with respect for generations passed but with the confidence; to forge the next chapter of Irish and Dublin whiskey.
In the late 18th and early 19th century, Irish whiskey ruled the world, and Dublin whiskey was king. The seal of Dublin on your bottle meant quality and craft – Dublin meant distilleries – lots of them. From the early artisan producers on the outskirts of the city grew the great titans of the distilling industry. Certainly, known for their superior quality and character, the bold and unique Spirit of Dublin flowed from the 3 corners of the Golden Triangle to the 4 corners of the world.
As the 20th century dawned, a perfect storm loomed. A reluctance to move with new production techniques left Dublin distillers in the wake of the Scottish, and coupled with a war of independence at home and prohibition in the United States, the Irish whiskey industry was brought to its knees. The copper pot stills of the Golden Triangle fell cold. On the wind that once carried the unmistakable scent of barley, silence hung. The last distillery of the first golden era of Dublin Whiskey, in 1976, ran dry.
About Irish Whiskey
Brought to the brink of near extinction, Irish whiskey refused to back down. Now a new generation of whiskey drinkers is discovering, enjoying and embracing the liquid that once conquered the world. Since 1990, Irish whiskey has been the fastest-growing premium spirit globally– truly a new Golden Era has begun. With renewed interest in Irish whiskey at home and abroad, we are seeing the revival of hand-crafted, flavoursome and unique whiskeys,
This era defined by small, craft producers, and Teeling Whiskey is proud to be leading the way, with innovation and liquid excellence at the core of everything they do. Irish whiskey experienced dynamic growth for over twenty years, yet still only commands 5% of the global market. The industry expects to double over the next ten years, meaning this new Golden Era is just beginning.
From Dublin Citi Hotel, is just a 20 min walk through the city centre. Learn more about our rooms and benefits when booking directly on our official website.
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Email: reservations@dublincitihotel.com
Group bookings – Agencies – Tour operators enquiries, please contact us.
Dublin Citi Hotel
46-49 Dame Street
D02 X466
Getting here?
Privacy Policy 🢛
Privacy Policy Dublin Citi Hotel and Trinity Bar Venue is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We adhere to the Privacy Policy (the “Policy”) together with any disclaimers sets out the basis on which any personal data we collect from you or that you provide to us, or that is provided to us relating to you (“Data”) by any means will be processed. Please read the following carefully to understand our use of personal data. Please note that the Policy relates only to living individuals in relation to personal data relating directly to themselves, and not to persons in any other capacity. Read the complete policy here.
Terms & Conditions 🢛
Rate terms:
All rates quoted are subject to availability and alteration.
The discounted rates are limited offers and may be subject to a minimum night stay.
Hotel terms:
Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in.
Check In Time: 3pm
Check Out Time: 11am
Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed.
Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information.
The Dublin Citi Hotel does not accept liability for any errors or omissions and reserves the right to change information.
Please phone, email or fax the Dublin Citi Hotel direct in order to cancel your reservation.
For any special requests please do not hesitate to contact us directly via phone on 00353 1 6794455 or via email on reservations@dublincitihotel.com
Maximum number of rooms booked per session: 3
Please note that when booking multiple rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
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Here at the Dublin Citi Hotel we want to ensure that you are always getting the best possible deal and the rate booked is the most competitive within the Market.
Please check out our Book Direct offer to avail of exclusive extras.
Made in Ireland with ❤ by Cat Media
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Cancel free of charge up to 2pm on the arrival day, for the months of August, September and October
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Gardai searching for boy, 16, in Dublin for second time in month
Conor Trindle
Garda are on the look-out for a 16-year old boy who has gone missing in suburban Dublin for a second time in a month.
Gardai in Dundrum say Colin Doyle was last seen in Ballinteer on Saturday.
He is described as being 5' 6" in height, of stocky build with short brown hair.
DULIN, Ireland - Garda are on the look-out for a 16-year old boy who has gone missing in suburban Dublin for a second time in a month.
When last seen Colin was wearing a grey cap, green track suit and green fleece.
The boy previously went missing on 9 September, just a month ago, again from Ballinteer.
Anyone who has seen Colin or can assist in locating him on this occasion is asked to contact Dundrum Garda station on 01 666 5600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
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Violin Solo without Basso
Violin Solo with Basso
2, 3, and 4 Violins without Bass
2 Violins with Bass (Trio Sonatas)
Violin Etudes
Violin with Piano
Viola da gamba / Violoncello / Violone
Other Instruments and Vocal
Flute / Travers Flute
à 3-4
à 5 and more
Concerto / Orchestra
Home › Johann Sebastioan Bach: Sonata in D-Dur für Traversflöte, Violine und Bsso continuo
Johann Sebastioan Bach: Sonata in D-Dur für Traversflöte, Violine und Bsso continuo
Re-transcription after the Sonata für Viola da gamba or Violino and obligato Cembalo, BWV 1028
edition offenburg BC 3176
ISMN 979-0-700359-50-8
Score with 3 part books
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sonata in D Major for viola da gamba and obbligato harpsichord (BWV 1028) is a well-known and frequently played work. Less known, on the other hand, is a version of this sonata for violin and obbligato harpsichord. It has come down to us in three manuscript sources: a score and two sets of parts. Both sets of parts are based on the score. All three sources stem from the same scribe and were made around 1800 – thus long after Bach’s death. Nevertheless, they transmit – in addition to several scribal errors –somewhat simplified readings, which in turn presumably trace back to an even earlier version. Judging from the individual ranges of the parts, the original version was possibly scored for transverse flute, violin, and basso continuo.
The present retranscription for this scoring represents a welcome addition to the two other Trio Sonatas BWV 1038 and BWV 1079, no. 3.
Re-transcription by Hans Bergmann
Adagio - Allegro - Andante - Allegro
Charles Avison: 12 Concertos in Seven Parts, Vol. I (Cto. 1 & 2)
Johann Sebastian Bach: 15 Inventionen
Georg Philipp Telemann: Triosonate d-Moll
Franz Schubert: Sonate für Arpeggione und Pianoforte
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8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow’s Schools, Today
By Eric Sheninger and Thomas C. Murray May 31, 2017
For the past 20 years, we have worked as teachers, administrators and advisors in public schools around the country. And we’ve traveled meeting with thousands of school leaders, teachers and students, listening to their experiences, both good and poor. Those experiences have sharpened our desire to prepare this generation of students to become successful citizens in a global society by putting to rest the weary industrial model of education and shifting to a more personal approach.
This is hardly some idealistic, utopian dream. Based on all that is known about how students learn, the predictions for the world they will face after graduation and the vast disparities of opportunity and privilege that have existed for centuries, we believe that continuing to use a traditional, one-size-fits-all approach to teaching and learning amounts to educational malpractice.
Our new book, Learning Transformed, published by ASCD, outlines eight keys to intentionally designing tomorrow’s schools to prepare today’s learners for success far beyond earning a high school diploma. We want to make sure our students are ready to create new industries, to find new cures for disease and to solve tomorrow’s world problems. Each of our keys is based on research and is part of unlocking a new design for our K-12 education system of teaching and learning. Here’s where we start:
Key #1: Leadership and school culture lay the foundation
School improvement efforts rely heavily on high-quality, collaborative leadership. Educational leaders are tasked with establishing a collective vision for school improvement and initiating change to spur innovation, ensure student learning and increase achievement. In a world where change continues to accelerate exponentially, school cultures need to evolve at a faster rate than in the past if we are to prepare today’s learners for future success. The overarching emphasis is and must be about making a difference in the lives of children. Leading and teaching is challenging work that requires a high level of understanding and patience to transform a school’s learning culture into one valued by students, educators, and other key stakeholders. Relationship-oriented, innovative leadership practices are core to creating a culture of learning that will prepare students for their future--not our past.
Learning Transformed
Key #2: The learning experience must be redesigned and made personal
We have all experienced a time when we crammed for a test, earned a passing grade and promptly forgot the information a few weeks later. Neuroscience studies indicate that simply shoving factual information into students’ brains ultimately wastes time and resources. Worse, dictating to students what to learn, when to learn it and how it should be learned leaves them disengaged. Very rarely do students have the opportunity to follow their passions, explore their interests and engage in relevant opportunities that break down traditional classroom silos. Going forward, student agency must become the norm, not the exception. We must find ways to focus instructional pedagogy on higher-order skills and problem solving so that anytime, anywhere learning can become a realistic possibility for today’s “Netflix generation” of students.
Key #3: Decisions must be grounded in evidence and driven by a Return on Instruction (ROI)
The evolution of the U.S. educational structure has created a generation of students that is hyperfocused on grades, not learning. Students need authentic opportunities to use real-world tools to do real-world work that matters. Technology provides educators with the means to allow students to demonstrate conceptual mastery and develop ownership in ways never before imagined. Changing the way and means by which we assess student learning is a step in the right direction. But we must make a more concerted effort to provide evidence that technology is genuinely affecting learning and achievement. That means school cultures must begin to focus on the “Return on Instruction” or ROI. If we are going to spend billions of dollars each year infusing technology, we must be prepared to share evidence of an ROI that demonstrates improved student learning outcomes.
Key #4: Learning spaces must become learner-centered
A shift in pedagogy mandates a shift in learning space design--and that means much more than snagging an idea from the latest Pinterest board. Instead of an industrial era model where orderly rows of desks require all students focus their attention on the teacher, school and classrooms need spaces that are learner-centered, more personal in nature and correlate with research on how space affects learning. Educators who want to build collaboration and engage students in problem-solving and higher-order thinking skills miss opportunities to unleash student genius by packing them into industrial era classrooms. Learning spaces need to be flexible, provide areas for movement, and promote collaboration and inquiry. These types of modern spaces resemble the local Starbucks more than they do the nearby cemetery.
Key #5: Professional learning must be relevant, engaging, ongoing, and made personal
For decades, we’ve debated how to make teachers’ professional learning experiences more relevant. Compare different school districts’ professional learning philosophies and you’ll see a continuum of practices around who controls and owns the learning. Various studies indicate that the top-down, one-size-fits-all, hours-based, sit-and-get approach to professional learning shows little-to-no impact on student achievement. Nevertheless, many districts continue down this path. We believe that equating professional learning seat time with accountability is teetering on negligence. The professional learning that occurs in many districts today must undergo radical reform, as the traditional model is outdated and ineffective. A personal approach to professional learning, where growth is valued more than hours obtained, is needed to shift instructional pedagogy. Who owns the learning is key.
Key #6: Technology must be leveraged and used as an accelerant for student learning
Much of the money spent on technology today has little-to-no impact on student learning. In many classrooms, technology is used simply to digitize outdated practices. Many of today’s classrooms have amazing 21st century tools being used in 20th century learning environments. Research also indicates that one of the most common forms of integration—the digital drill-and-kill—has no effect on achievement. Even with stagnant budgets, school districts continue to buy more educational technology than ever before, often with little to show for it. However, when effectively used, technology can amplify great instructional pedagogy, adapt to the individual needs of the learner and help make learning a more personal, engaging and rigorous experience. Intentionally designed schools also maintain a focus on access and opportunity for all students.
Key #7: Community collaboration and engagement must be woven into the fabric of a school’s culture
We know parents are instrumental in the academic success of children. Yet walk into schools and you’ll witness a sweeping range of parent engagement. Some schools work to create a welcoming environment where the community is seen as a tremendous asset. In these schools, you’ll see parents working side by side with students, laughing at lunch with groups of students, working in classrooms and collaborating with staff in various capacities. By contrast, other schools create cultures in which parents hardly feel welcome at all. Except for a few planned events each year, parents in these schools typically feel locked out, left standing at the front door. Businesses and universities may be located within school boundary lines, yet the vast majority of these have little to no relationship with schools lining the same streets. From daily collaboration to consistent, relevant communications to supporting home access for students in need, intentionally designed schools are collaborative partners and the hub of the local community.
Key #8: Schools that transform learning are built to last as financial, political, and pedagogical sustainability ensures long-term success
A budget impasse. A political attack. A shift in instructional pedagogy. How will your school district’s success stand the test of time? Will one budget cycle or a defeated referendum sink the ship? Will a shift in school board politics undo recent progress? Will instructional growth continue as your teaching staff changes? With the average district superintendent tenure lasting only a handful of years and the pending retirement of a generation of experienced school leaders, we need to build schools to sustain over the long term and override the negative turmoil that could hurt future generations. Is your school built to last?
We can no longer wait. We must prepare our students for their future, not our past. We must create and lead schools that are relevant for the world our students live in—not the world our staff grew up in. We must do this . . . starting today.
Eric Sheninger (@e_sheninger) serves as a Senior Fellow at the International Center for Leadership in Education. Connect with him at ericsheninger.com. Thomas C. Murray (@thomascmurray) serves as the Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, a project of the Alliance for Excellent Education, located in Washington, D.C. Connect with him at thomascmurray.com.
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Inicio / Noticias Globales / LETS JOURNEY TO JHAPA
LET’S JOURNEY TO JHAPA
Por Cap Miller, S.J.
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“Our journey to Jhapa aims not at fulfilling
a tourist’s desire for comfort and thrilling
experiences. It’s a visit to see
what the Jesuits are doing there.”
Please accept this invitation to journey to a part of Nepal that few people in the outside world know about: Jhapa District in South East Nepal. Don’t expect a stereotyped Shangri-la. Jhapa’s beauty is of a subtler kind: green jungles and fertile plains.
The indigenous people of Jhapa exhibit another beauty of their own. They possess the quiet dignity of plains people, in contrast to the happy-go-lucky spirit of those who live in the crisp air of the hills and the cold of the mountains. Jhapa District shares the climate of the adjoining Gangetic Plain of North India with its intense summer heat, somewhat reduced in the months of monsoon rains and followed by a foggy bone-chilling winter.
Our journey to Jhapa aims not at fulfilling a tourist’s desire for comfort and thrilling experiences. It’s a visit to see what the Jesuits are doing there. So we board a night bus in Kathmandu for a 16 hour trip to the village of Deonia. On arrival in the morning we climb down from the bus on wobbly legs and stumble along a mud road marked St. Xavier’s Deonia. A girl in a simple school uniform of blue and white catches up to us. When we tell her, “We’re going to our school,” she answers, with obvious pride, “It’s my school too.”
The Bishop of Kathmandu, Mgr. Simick, visiting the school of Maheshpur, in the East of the Country.
Fr. George spots us as we come through the gate. Though still young, he has spent many years at St Xavier’s Deonia as teacher, as Principal and now Superior of the school and the Jesuit community. He welcomes us enthusiastically and brings us to meet the energetic principal, Fr. Mathew Das. He is walking to the outdoor assembly of over 700 girls and boys from Class One to Class Ten and invites us to take part. The Nepalese lay teachers line up the children, joined by Fr. Juel, Fr. Lawrence, three Daughters of the Cross, and two Carmelite Missionary sisters. All these Jesuits and their sister collaborators from India have made Nepal their home. Fr. Mathew Das introduces us to the children and asks us to say a few words of encouragement. The School Captain calls all to attention for prayer and the national anthem and thus the school day of classes and many activities is launched for God’s greater glory.
During the first break in classes, we find Fr. Lawrence outside his classroom and reminisce about the origins of this Mission. It began with an intervention at a Nepal Jesuit meeting in 1996 when Fr.Victor Beck issued a challenge to us, “We must go to the Catholics of East Nepal!”
Who were those Catholics? They comprised several ethnic communities with their own distinctive languages and cultures. The Oraon, Kharia and Munda aboriginals migrated generations ago to South-East Nepal from North India to work in Nepal’s tea plantations. Even earlier the Santhal aboriginals walked a shorter distance across the unmarked Indian border to clear jungle areas in Nepal for subsistence farming. Only the Santhal had acquired Nepali citizenship. Many among both groups had been baptized while living in India.
In the early 1950’s pioneer Jesuits Fr. Marshall Moran and Fr. Ed Niesen in Kathmandu had heard reports of tribal Catholics living somewhere in the wilds of South-East Nepal but, without roads or bridges over the many large rivers in the area, it was not possible to minister to them. At one point a Canadian Jesuit, Fr. Tony Milledge, sent an Indian catechist from his mission in Darjeeling District in India to search for these Catholics. After many days of dangerous travel on foot through the jungles, the intrepid man did find a community of Oraon Catholics in a tea plantation near a small settlement called Damak. He also discovered that the people had built a church where their lay leader, Simon, faithfully conducted weekly prayer services.
But, back to that Region meeting. Fr. Victor’s prophetic challenge produced an enthusiastic response. For years the younger Jesuits had been raising a cry: let’s move out of the Kathmandu Valley! Now here was a place to go and the means were now available too: a road. King Mahendra’s dream (which many called impossible) of an East-West highway through the Terai had just materialized in the eastern sector. Fr. Leo Cachat, the Region Superior at the time, missioned Fr Victor himself to “go east, young man” and so began the Jhapa Mission.
The Jhapa mission aimed at faith-formation and the sacraments for the Catholics there, present and future. This included providing opportunities for education and Fr. Victor began to search for land for a school in Deonia that could be a service for all the people in the area. This school would build good will among the predominately Hindu population and facilitate work for missionary effort. Scholastic James P.A. served as founding principal. Another pioneer, Fr Norbert, founded a second school in the area, seven kilometers from Deonia in Maheshpur village. This school would provide education for the children of Catholics working in a large tea plantation on meager daily wages and living in sub-standard living conditions.
At Deonia Fr Victor first put up a small building to store materials for the school construction. It also served as a humble place to live for him and Br. Ireneus. In Maheshpur, founding principal Fr. Norbert built a one-room school in 1999 on land bordering the tea plantation. He lived at one end of the room and the children attended class at the other, sitting on the floor with their slates.
The next Region Superior, Fr. Mathew, often traveled to the Jhapa District headquarters to deal with the red tape of registering the schools. It was he who chose the name Moran Memorial School for the school in Maheshpur, to honour the memory of Fr. Marshal D. Moran, founder of St Xavier’s School, Kathmandu, in 1951.
The School of Maheshpur; on the left, Bro. Irenius Guria and, to the right, Fr. Sanjay Ekka, with children. In this region of Nepal, the earthquake of April 2015 did not cause much damage.
Now let’s go and see what is happening today at “Moran”, as the school is called locally. Br. Clarence arranges a jeep for us to travel the seven bumpy kilometers from Deonia to Maheshpur. We first meet Br. Ireneus, now administrator and treasurer of the school. Most of his Jesuit life has been spent here in Jhapa. But Moran Memorial School is no longer a one-room school house for little ones but an impressive 3-storey building. Another veteran of Moran, Br. Tej Kalyan, guides around the school grounds adjoining the tea plantation where most of the children live. He points out a bamboo grove at the far end of the school property and tells us it is the site for a large parish church to be built in the near future. He has been one of the first Jhapa Jesuits to offer Mass there after his priestly ordination last year.
It is especially here at Moran, the centre of the Jhapa parish of St. Ignatius, that we sense the ongoing fulfillment of Fr Victor’s vision of Jesuit ministry to the Catholics. The parishioners with their catechists gather for worship and faith formation here and in 15 mission chapels scattered over a vast area. The Pastor, Fr. Paul. K.C. and the other Jesuit priests and brothers of Jhapa Mission minister to them at all seasons, in the heat, the rains, the foggy cold.
Let’s journey now to Sadakbari village to meet recently ordained resident priest Fr. Tomson. We travel with nurse Sr. Jaya in the Nepal Jesuit mobile clinic for her weekly health camp and also visit the temporary convent of three Sisters of St. Anne. These sisters teach in St. Xavier’s School, Sadakbari, now temporarily housed in five bamboo huts. The huts serve as classrooms for the little children in nursery, lower kindergarten, upper kindergarten, Class One, and an office for the principal Br. Clarence and his staff. A few feet away local workers busily build permanent structures for the children as they progress year by year to high school graduation. Fr. Tomson adds supervision of this construction work to his pastoral work in Sadakbari and nearby Simulbari village. There Carmelite Missionary Sisters from Mumbai will soon begin a primary school which can send students to the future high school section in Sadakbari. This area has the greatest concentration of Santhal Catholics and thus the development work going on there.
Now let’s return to Maheshpur. A young Catholic is waiting there to take us for a visit to the tea garden homes. The families we visit welcome us warmly and inspire us with their faith as we pray with them. Two of the families have sons now preparing for the priesthood at the initial stage in Kathmandu. We rejoice that the dream of local vocations is becoming a reality.
Fr. Cap Miller, the author of the article, speaks to the students of the St. Xavier’s School of Deonia; on the right the principal of the school, Fr. Mathew Das.
It’s the end of a busy day now and time for supper, good conversation and sleep at the Jesuit residence. The sun shines as we wake up to a new day and a meeting with Fr Sanjay, a veteran of the Mission as Pastor, teacher, and now Principal of Moran. His face shines as he tells us about the changes he has experienced. In his early days the parents seemed indifferent to the opportunity for their children’s education. The children too lacked motivation to attend classes regularly. Now, after 7 graduating classes, parents show great interest in their children’s progress and the boys and girls study seriously. He adds proudly that girls are a majority at Moran. We sense that seriousness as we walk around the school and see students spend a study period sitting on the grass in small groups or individually focused on their textbooks and paying no attention to us as we move among them. Impressed by this last image, we return to Deonia to catch the night bus to Kathmandu.
Jhapa Mission may never attract international tourists during its beastly hot summers, torrential monsoon months, and bone-chilling winter season. But for you and me, our journey to Jhapa has been worth it, don’t you think? Worth it in terms of our joy at witnessing what is being done for God’s greater glory and of admiration for the parents, catechists, sisters, brothers, priests – so many of them over the years since 1977 – the workers, past and present, in this vineyard. The harvest is indeed showing signs of greatness. Thanks for coming to experience it.
This article was republished with the permission of the Editor of Jesuits, Yearbook of the Society of Jesus.
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Home > News > Uncategorized > Chargemaster helps Corby’s EV owners reconnect with replacement chargers
Chargemaster helps Corby’s EV owners reconnect with replacement chargers
By SharonM Posted on 12 August 2016
In an effort to give Corby’s electric vehicle drivers more recharging options, Chargemaster has replaced five of the borough’s oldest public charge points across its 23-strong Plugged in Midlands network with state of the art units. Chargemaster’s new charging posts boast a reliability record of more than 98% and will be connected to over 4,000 public charging points nationwide as part of the company’s POLAR network.The oldest of Corby’s 23 chargers which were supplied by another EV charging company under the Plugged in Midlands initiative in 2011 were no longer working. Chargemaster has replaced the five defunct units with five new charging posts located at the Parkland Gateway Carpark in the Town Centre, The Railway Station and the Corby Enterprise Centre.
Chargemaster’s chief executive, David Martell, said: “Nothing is more frustrating for EV owners than not being able to recharge their vehicle wherever and whenever they want. By bringing five new chargers into service, we can make EV drivers’ journeys easier and show the UK that Corby is an EV-friendly town.”Corby’s replacement units were provided by Chargemaster as part of its acquisition and renewal of the Plugged in Midlands network, which became part of the POLAR network in 2015. The acquisition has seen Chargemaster take ownership of 870 public charging points across the Midlands, of which at least 100 are being replaced.
The growing POLAR network is the UK’s largest network of public EV charging points, with more than 4000 charging points already available. EV users can charge their vehicle using the network, either by pay-as-you-go or through a monthly subscription of £7.85, called POLAR Plus.
Corby Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environment, Cllr Mark Pengelly, said:“With more and more people going green and switching to electric vehicles, it is very welcome news that Corby now has brand new state of the art charging points for residents to use. As a council, several of our corporate vehicles are electric and we want to encourage more people to be kinder to the environment and purchase electric vehicles, we feel that installing more charging points is the way forward.”
Corby has set itself the target to be at the forefront of EV infrastructure in the UK and has played an integral part in bringing ample charging points to the Midlands. There are currently 34 charging points installed across the borough.
Chargemaster press release
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D&D 5E Enhancing "Rise of Tiamat" (Practical stuff to try at your table!)
Thread starter jayoungr
Sloblock
Eltab said:
3) Let the group fight the Dragon by his lonesome then leave, probably in triumph
Preferences? Thoughts?
I vote for option 3
Where did they take their long rest?
in my game the PCs also cleared out everything aside from the Ettins (who they made friends with ) and the Dragon.
Whilst they rested in the entrance of the cave, I felt that now that the influence of the cult was gone that the lair would return back to what it should be. I took inspiration from the Green dragon lair entry in the Monster Manual.
So the Party heard the sounds of nature returning back to the lair, but unless they wanted to sacrifice their long rest to investigate they would have to leave it alone. 8 hours seemed just long enough for it start happening for me.
Also meant that if the PCs wanted to return back into the lair they would find that the easy route back via the rooms the cult used was now full of vicious plants. If they head back that route then the dragon will be aware of them and can be prepared. Plus dragon can always escape via the pool and leave the cave to fight another day, leaving treasure behind so they can feel like they have won.
GuardianLurker said:
Here's the Jotunmoot, extracted from my FG module. If you spot any problems or mistakes, let me know.
That looks great! I look forward to looking into it in more detail, but based on a quick glance, it looks very readable. Thanks for posting it!
1) Rewind to "you arrive outside the cave where the Green Dragon and his Rider lurk"
2) Figure out what the Dragon will do while they sleep all day - probably set up a TPK using "the Classic Cult is a criminal ring" assets
I'd talk to your group. Be honest, tell them that you weren't really prepped for the interrogation scene, and ask them if they'd rather have another try at it. If they don't especially care, then use your other options.
If they do go with the other options...why would Chuth hang around for eight hours waiting to be killed? It's not his regular main lair anyway. I'd have him leave while they were asleep.
Eltab
Is this a moon, or is it a space station?
Sloblock said:
In the Cult barracks room. No picket, no scout, no view of the entrance - just "we barricade ourselves in this dark dead-end room over here"
Hence my temptation to narrate a TPK.
even better then, as they will hear first hand the vines returning
Just popping in to post this image of Rian Nightshade with Zhentarim faction symbol.
GuardianLurker
Replacing the Mission to Thay
In the interest of keeping my RoT posts in one place, I'm just posting this here. I'll place links in the other places.
Earlier I placed a complete tansformation of my work on the Jotunmoot. It was more work than I thought it'd be to translate it over, and frankly most of the work was in the stat blocks, which can be easily generated. So for efficiency (and my sanity's sake) I'll just be posting without the complete stat blocks, just listing the compositions of the encounters, and only providing notes on the monsters themselves.
I call this section of the arc:
Off to See the Wizards
Part 1. The Ritualist
[sblock]
The ritualist is hiding in Candlekeep. Once a frequent visitor, he has now joined the ranks of the Avowed, and has advanced to the rank of Scribe.
The characters face the following challenges:
acquiring the entrance-gift
arranging to find the ritualist - the Avowed adopt aliases upon entrance, and the ritualist is afraid that Thayan Wizards or their agents, will be seeking him out to take his life.
speaking of Thayan Wizards, they do maintain an agent here, and once the characters manage to expose the ritualist she will summon a strike team. Said strike team will not pursue beyond the Court of Air.
the cultists, by this point, are actively watching the characters. They too, have a strike team nearby. They will attack to prevent the characters from talking to the ritualist - they will also pursue into the Library itself.
Mero Ganim, the Scribe; Wizard(Transmuter) 14, CR 11 (7200 xp).
Rostek Hospod, the Thayan's Agent; Rogue(Assassin) 15, CR 11 (7200 xp)
The Thayan Strike Team; CR 21 (30300 xp)
2 Chain Devils
Horned Devil
3 Red Wizards
The Cultist Strike Team; CR 19 (21300 xp)
Dragonsoul
3 Dragonfangs
Half-green dragon assassin
Half-red dragon gladiator
Mezzoloth
Nycaloth
Candlekeep's Gatewardens; CR 13 (8900 xp)
Khristos Primo; Dwarf Paladin(Oath of Vengenance) 11, CR 9 (5000 xp)
2 Priests
Khristos, as the leader of the Gatewardens, also has a number of Lair Actions available to him.
Once per round, Khristos can summon aid from the watchers along the walls and in the towers. On his command, they provide one of the following:
Focus Fire:The archers on the wall focus fire on a single target, as indicated by Khristos. The target takes 18 (5d6) piercing damage. (Many more arrows miss.)
Volley Fire: The archers on the wall spread their attacks across every hostile target in the Court of Air or the Entrance Yard. Each target takes 1d6 piercing damage.
Conjure Elemental (1/day): The highest ranking priest in the tower will cast Conjure Elemental for Khristos, summoning an Earth Elemental.
Conjure Minor Elemental (3/day): Other priests in the towers can be called on to cast Conjure Minor Elemental on Khristos' behalf. The following will be summoned in sequence: 4 Magma Mephits, 8 Mud Mephits, 2 Fire Snakes.
Advantage on any roll to disrupt or analyze the rituals involved in summoning the temple and Tiamat herself. Additionally, with the information in hand, any character may add their proficiency bonus to the Arcana rolls, even if already proficient.
[/sblock]
This is intended to be a RP-heavy section, hence the light detailing. As a general note, I've found that adding 10 hit dice to a PC-classed monster brings their CR into rough line. Generally, though, damage output is a bigger problem, especially if the PC is a spellcaster without a lot of direct damage. Then you just have to WAG their threat level. As for the Lair Actions (I love that concept!), yes, those arrow attack don't involve a to hit roll - there are a sufficient number of archers on the wall, that I felt this was the best way to model their capability. After all, assuming a +5 to hit for the archers, you'll only need 20-30 (on average) to get 5d8 on a single target, something I felt was quite reasonable. As for the group CRs, remember that the party is supposed to be 13th-or 14th level, and that this isn't part of a standard adventuring day. (I'm also GM'ing a party of 6 savvy players, who generally perform tactically well. I'm more worried that the combat is a little too easy on them.)
Part 2. Revealing the Masks
Szass Tam's rule sent large numbers of Thayan wizards and scholars fleeing from his rule. Many of those possessed extremely rare books and knowledge. Of particular interest to the Alliance are the three Thayan exiles who each own one of the three surviving copies of "An Avatar's Tools: The Histories of Divine Artifacts Through the Ages". According to the information discovered by the Harpers and the Arcane Brotherhood, this book details other appearances of the Dragon Masks in Faerun. The Harpers are also certain that the Cult doesn't know this. The character's mission is to retrieve these books or the wizards before the cult discovers them.
The three wizards are located in Waterdeep, Neverwinter, and Luskan.
Waterdeep
The wizard in Waterdeep is known as the Wizard of the Red-Feathered Hood. He makes his living as an information broker and investigator. He also has the reputation of being extremely ... cautious ... *cough*paranoid*cough* in arranging his contacts, and in conducting his investigations. No-one is known to have ever met him in person, and the few times he's been caught in public, the person under the hood has never been a wizard at all - an actor, an urchin, and a peasant, but not the wizard.
However, the contacts all start with reading the posting board by the Yawning Portal.
A notice on the posting board will lead to the next step. From there, lead the characters on a wild goose chase - except the goose is a disguised snipe. In short, the contact will always have been hired/given their instructions anonymously, and doesn't know who they'll meet next, they just have instructions for the next link. Sometimes, even that's misdirection - the Red-Feathered Hood has been known to use pickpockets to leave instructions on people's persons that the next contact tells them to look for. Sometimes, the contact is just an instruction. Characters who try to back-track the chain find themselves following another chain of instructions. Feel free to send the characters to *every* single ward of Waterdeep as part of the chain.
Eventually, the characters will be able to negotiate a price for the book. The wizard will discount the price if their antics amuse him. He'll also raise the price if the characters try to backtrack the chain, or otherwise annoy him. The starting price is 750 gp. The Red-Feathered Hood isn't interested in joining the Arcane Brotherhood or the Alliance. Once purchased, the characters will discover that the book is Volume 2 of 3. The other wizards must have the other volumes.
If the characters are not dealing with the Red-Feathered Hood first, the cultists are likely to have discovered the character's activity, and will be following them. In which case, the Red-Feathered Hood is likely to arrange one or more nasty surprises for the cultists (and for the characters if they don't enter the fight against the cultists). Aiding the cultists will have the Red-Feathered Hood end all discussions.
That's right, I didn't stat the Wizard of the Red-Feathered Hood. The PCs are supposed to meet him at all. In fact, my aim here is to make them paranoid and suspicious of how he always is one-to-two steps ahead of them. The ultimate answer is paranoid Divination specialist with a Charlatan background. If I was to stat him I'd make him a Wizard(Divination) 20, but I wouldn't place him any lower than 13th, to keep him in line with the others. Before you stat him, though I'd keep in mind on of the unwritten rules of GM'ing: If you stat it, your players will kill it. This guy isn't intended to be an actual opponent. In fact this entire scenario could even be played for laughs.
The Thayan exile in Neverwinter is the wizardess Sanura Hadad. She is known for her protective and time-keeping magics, and for her avid interest in history. She's authored a number of highly regarded scholarly essays on history, but she makes her living selling magical timepieces. She insists that these are not enchanted, or permanent.
She's also known to be a bit reclusive. She rarely leaves her well-known home, a walled mansion in the Bluelake District with a view of the Neverwinter River. The mansion is also known to be very well defended and protected. This is not unexpected considering that she established her presence before Lord Neverember's rise, some thirteen years ago. (She'll correct that number to 12 years, 7 months, and 9 days if mentioned in her presence.)
Arranging a peaceful meeting to discuss purchasing the book (Volume 3 of 3) is relatively easy. The meeting will be held in a specially-reinforced room at the front of the mansion, with Hadad attending via Simularum. If the characters investigate, they'll discover :
that the room is designed to channel explosions to the front wall, which is not reinforced (Architecture, DC 12)
that the wizard's desk in the room is protected by a number of spells (Spellcraft DC 16)
that the other furniture of the room is also spelled (Spellcraft DC 19)
that there are a number of mundane traps located about the room (Investigation DC 21)
If confronted with any of this information, the Wizardess Hadad responds:
"Not all of my potential clients are as peaceful or honest as I would like. I protect myself. Of course, this is all most unimportant, as you are both, are you not?"
She will reluctantly part with her copy of the book for 2400 gp. She'll also attempt to sell the characters some magical timepieces. She's also the most knowledgeable about the contents of the three volumes, and while she can't give definitive answers, she certainly could if the characters brought the other two volumes to her for consultation.
Characters who decide to try to acquire the book on their own are entering the lair of a paranoid high-level abjurer who has reason to fear for her life, and has spent 12 years, 7 months, and 9 days making a living with a high-end business in a lawless city. Her mansion is under a permanent Mordenkainen's Private Sanctum (preventing divination, teleportation, and planar travel), trapped, and aside from a few warn-aways and subdual traps (mostly along the mansion walls), her traps are designed to be as lethal as possible. Sanura is a firm believer in the adage "there is no such thing as overkill". Where needed, she's even reinforced the mansion to be able to deal with her traps structurally. For the most part, she also doesn't believe her traps should have a disarm option or a minimum safe distance (again, she's reinforced the mansion). Where this isn't an option (for instance, in her bedroom, or her workshop, or her safe), the disarm trigger is itself the subject of a trap, and that trap is usually protected by a glyph or symbol keyed only to her. She also habitually wears enough protections that she can, if needed, trigger her own traps to eliminate her opponents.
If she is the first visit, the characters encounter no other complications. If the characters visit her last, she'll be annoyed, as the cult has tried to penetrate her defenses, and suffered lethal failures. If she is the second visit, the characters will get to watch the spectacle as the cult tries to enter the mansion after their visit. If the characters decide to try and assault the mansion, the cult (or some local fools) try before they can, suffering the same deadly fate.
Sanura Hadad; Wizard(Abjurer) 16, CR 9 (5000 xp)
Lair Actions
Once per turn, Sanura Hadad can activate a glyph or symbol. Each glyph or symbol can only be activated once per room, and she must move if she wishes to activate more than one per room. Activating these glyphs or symbols does not break her concentration. Her options are:
Glyph of Fire: everyone in the room barring Sanura Hadad and anyone directly adjacent to her takes 10d8 fire damage.
Glyph of Acid: as Glyph of Fire, but 10d8 acid damage.
Glyph of Cold: as Glyph of Fire, but 10d8 cold damage.
Glyph of Lightning: as Glyph of Fire, but 10d8 lightning damage.
Glyph of Thunder: as Glyph of Fire, but 10d8 thunder damage.
Glyph of Prismatic Spray: as the spell.
Glyph of Color Spray: as the spell, 20d10 hit points.
Symbol of Death: DC 18 Constitution saving throw, die or 10d10 necrotic damage.
Symbol of Hopelessness: DC 18 Charisma saving throw, or incapacitated with despair for 1 minute.
Symbol of Insanity: DC 18 Intelligence saving throw or insane for one minute.
Symbol of Pain: DC 18 Constitution saving throw or incapacitated with pain for 1 minute.
Symbol of Sleep: Dc 18 Wisdom saving throw, or unconscious for 10 minutes.
Symbol of Stunning: DC 18 Wisdom saving throw, or stunned for 1 minute.
Yes, those lair actions are for *EVERY* room in the house. Not that I expect it'll matter, as if it comes to combat, it's sure to be over quickly. But if you really feel like staging a running battle through her mansion, feel free. Be sure to add LOTS more traps that she'll lure/manuever her assailants into.
Luskan
The Thayan exile in Luskan is the Sea-Wizard Kontar Bahar. He's attached himself to the power structure in Luskan as a member of Ship Taerl, and also serves as a Magistrate of Luskan. His primary responsibility is to help Taerl and help serve as a counter to the Arcane Brotherhood for the Ships as a whole. He is a very visible presence in the city, along with his guards, the semi-retired remnants of an adventuring company known as the Opened Fist.
He's the least knowledgeable about the book - in fact, he didn't even know he had it, as it was part of a lot he purchased from an older wizard's estate. He is however, able to recognize the import of the volume, and thus won't part for it for less than 5,000 gp. Or the characters could do him a favor. Ship Taerl wants to rebuild the Upstream Span, and reopen the Mirabar trade route along Blackford Road. But right now, the span is control of various street gangs and monsters, and Taerl just doesn't have the strength to spare to clear it. Maintain it, yes, but not clear it. If the characters are willing to do that, he'll gladly give them the book.
Enc: Kontar Bahar; CR 15 (12200 xp)
Kontar Bahar, the Sea-Wizard; Wizard(Evoker) 15, CR 9 (5000 xp)
Darion Penna; Monk (Open Hand) 7, CR 5 (1800 xp)
Fedor Stratos; Monk (Shadow) 7, CR 5 (1800 xp)
Zera Petrou; Monk (Elements) 7, CR 5 (1800 xp)
Hyacith Polites; Bard (Valor) 7, CR 5 (1800 xp)
Kontar and his company should be built around tactical synergy. The monks and bard especially should all be big team players, and use lots of tricks to support themselves and their allies. (E.g. At one point, I considered giving Hyacith Hallucinatory Terrain, so she could appear to summon a thick fog, and place the surroundings into a dim light condition.) They aren't a real threat to the party, but can probably trounce almost anything else in the city, barring the Shiplords and the drow underlords.
To complicate matters, if this is the third volume being recovered by the characters, the cult will have planted rumors that the Thayans have hired the characters to deal with Kontar Bahar. As a first visit, there are no complications. As a second visit, the cultists will try to frame the characters for a theft from one of the ships. If the characters survive either Kontar or the frame-up, the cultists will attack them while the characters are still recovering.
Enc: Luskan Cultists; CR 11 (5950 xp)
Thirel the Cunning; Rogue(Thief) 9, CR 6 (2300 xp)
Dragonfang
Dragonwing
2 Dragonclaws
10 Thugs
The cultists are woefully underpowered compared to the party. But Thirel is a powerful "face" rogue, and might just be able to talk his way out of the character's clutches, if they catch him. He's a big proponent of "Let's you and him fight", and that's really the best option he has if facing the party.
Kontar's Favor
The Upstream Span is controlled by three gangs. The North Tower gang controls the tower gate on the north bank and two of the towers of the north wall. The South Tower gate is controlled by Kirat's Guard, and the span itself is controlled by a small band of rather intelligent scrags (aquatic trolls). The North Tower gang won't clear out without a fight, but if it's clear the characters could handle them (if say, they kill the scrags easily), the fight will only be a token. With a fair bit of persuasion (DC 23), they will agree to a peaceful restructuring under Ship Taerl's command. Kirat's Guard will agree to the peaceful solution much more readily (DC 16). The band of trolls will not agree, and must be eliminated.
Enc: North Tower Gang; CR 8 (2950 xp)
Bandit Captain
Enc: Kirat's Guard; CR 9 (4950 xp)
Kirat (a Knight)
20 Pikeman
Pikemen are Thugs with short swords, heavy crossbows, pikes, and shields. Basically, these guys are a well-trained peasant militia. They've also set up their barricade with lots of oil-soaked hay bales, stone drinking troughs full of oil, etc. Kirat and the knight even have access to a poison known as Trollbane (DC 20 Constitution save; no damage, but trolls are unable to regenerate for 4 (1d8) rounds.)
Enc: The Scrags on the Span; CR 16 (14400 xp)
5 Luskan Scrag; CR 6 (2300 xp)
Margarth; CR 7 (2900 xp)
A Luskan Scrag is a scrag (aquatic troll) with maximum hit points, 17 AC, and pack tactics. Margarth is a scrag with 14 hit dice, maximum hit points, 17 AC, and pack tactics. His attack sequence is also different. His three attacks are claw, vicious chain, vicious chain. He also has a special action - Ripping Chain
Vicious Chain
A vicious chain is a chain, barbed along its entire length, capable of entangling its targets.
Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6+4) slashing damage. DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or restrained. A restrained creature may make a saving throw every round; when freeing itself, it takes an additional 1d6 slashing damage.
Ripping Chain
If a medium or smaller creature is restrained by the Vicious Chain, Margarth can use the chain to spin them around, freeing them, dealing an addition 3d6+4 slashing damage, and granting their opponents advantage until the beginning of the creature's next turn.
If the characters have managed to collect all three volumes, they can glean they following information from them:
The actual powers of each of the dragon masks (Investigation DC 15 and Arcana DC 15)
Rituals on how to enhance the power of a dragon mask (Investigation DC 15 and Arcana 10)
A way to forcibly extract a dragon mask from the joined Mask of the Dragon Queen (Investigation DC 20 and Arcana 25).
To forcibly extract a dragon mask, a priest of Bahamut must suppress the Mask of the Dragon Queen's magic, at the same time the dragon head that is to be removed takes 10*the number of heads in the crown of the opposing energy. The dragon mask will rejoin the Mask of the Dragon Queen the following round if it is not separated from the crown. (Opposing Energy: White = Fire, Black = Lightning, Green = Radiant, Blue = Acid, Red = Cold)
If Sanura Hadad is consulting, the characters have +5 on all Investigation checks, and advantage on all Arcana checks.
3500 xp to each character for each Thayan exile they peacefully and legally acquire the book from. An additional 1500 xp if they manage to acquire all three volumes.
If the cultists manage to aquire some of the volumes, reduce the highest faction score by one for each volume the characters lose.
Edit: Spellcheck
many, many thanks for sharing your work.
My group and I are about to start the Tower of Xonthal and then we head into the final battle…
I mentioned in an earlier post I am planning on keeping the action away from the PCs but need to write / plan out the battle that they see.
So does anyone who has played out the battle have any notes / help that they wish to share?
Up thread, I posted how I plan to handle the final battle.
If you use FG, you'll probably find this useful: http://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?26949-Rise-of-Tiamat-a-more-climatic-end-battle
Here are the critical sections for the battle:
Breaking the Ritual
What the Characters Know About the Ritual
Summoning Tiamat bodily from Hell is a two-stage process. First, the Temple of Tiamat must be pulled from Avernus to Faerun, then a portal can be opened from within the Temple, from which Tiamat will emerge.
Calling Forth the Temple
Calling forth the Temple requires the following:
The bodies of 50 Huge Earth Elementals, soaked in the blood of enough devils to turn the earth to a thick mud.
The spine and skull of 5 metallic wyrmling dragons (one of each type), set with the gem corresponding to the color of the opposing chromatic dragon, each blessed by a cleric of Tiamat.
The blood of those wyrmlings, used to draw the outline of the Temple.
50 good mortal humanoids, who will be sacrificed during the ritual.
50,000 gold pieces
Once the materials are assembled, the wyrmspeakers will conduct the ritual. The ritual itself requires 25 minutes of chanting. When complete, the Temple will begin constructing itself over the next 5 days.
The wyrmspeakers are expected to be wearing their Dragon Masks. If the Cult is missing one or more Masks, for each missing mask the ritual will require an additional 50 mortals, an additional 10,000 gold pieces, and one additional day for construction. For example, if the Cult is missing the Black, White, and Green Dragon Masks, the ritual would require 50 Huge Elementals, the blood, spine, and skull of five metallic wyrmling dragons, 200 good mortals, and 80,000 gold pieces, and would then require 8 days of construction time.
Summoning Tiamat
Summoning Tiamat requires the following:
A hoard worth at least 500,000 gold pieces that will be claimed by Tiamat, and blessed by 5 priests of Tiamat.
500 mortal humanoids, who will be sacrificed during the ritual.
5 chromatic dragons, adult or older, one of each type.
5 specially prepared harnesses that will be worn by the dragons.
5 sets of ritual circles, used by the dragons and the spellcasters.
5 sets of ritual spellcasters that will channel and control the sacrificed energy. A set is one or more spellcasters.
The combined Mask of the Dragon Queen, worn by the leader of the ritual.
Starting this ritual is quite simple - every ritual particpant says a minute long chant, then the dragons begin the sacrifices, which the ritual spellcasters channel to the leader. After all the sacrifices have been made, the portal to Hell will open one round later. The dragons do not have to finish their sacrifices in synchronization.
Vulnerabilities in the Ritual
From the characters point of view, this ritual will be hard to interfere with. A DC 20 Arcana check (which cannot be made if the character is not proficient in Arcana) reveals the following:
The elementals and devil blood are only spell away, and can be preserved. The Cult cannot be prevented from acquiring them.
Based on intelligence, the gold and the sacrifices (for both rituals, barely) have been already acquired.
The wyrmlings should have been assumed to be acquired. If the metallic dragons are allied, they agree with this - unfortunately, 5 wyrmlings dying is well within normal, and their loss would not raise any flags.
Another proficient DC 20 Arcana check reveals:
The spine and skulls can be eliminated from the ritual by removing Tiamat's blessing, giving them burial rights in the name of Bahamut, then destroying them beyond recovery.
Killing the Wyrmspeakers will also interrupt the ritual.
Interrupting the ritual will cause a large energy backlash.
Interrupting the ritual deals 5d6 radiant damage, plus 1d6 radiant damage for every minute (or fraction thereof) the ritual continued to every being within the ritual circle, and a 50' ring surrounding the ritual circle. If any of those targets are good-aligned, they take a half as many d6's of necrotic damage. (E.g. if interrupted at minute 7, any good-aligned characters within the area would take 12d6 radiant + 6d6 necrotic damage.)
From the characters' point of view, this ritual is easier to interfere with, but harder to completely stop as it can produce weaker results. A proficient DC 20 Arcana check reveals the following:
There are 5 "chains" of sacrifical energy flowing to the leader.
All 5 chains will need to be broken to completely stop the ritual.
Destroying the ritual circle is also a certain way of breaking the chain, but they will probably be hard to destroy, and heavily guarded.
Stopping the sacrifices is the most certain way of breaking the chain, but easy to guard against, and would involve fighting what is probably a powerful dragon. They could also be resumed.
The dragon has to kill the sacrifices with its body, not its breath weapon (I.e. bite, claws, and tail).
Having more than one spellcaster in the ritual chain grants finer control and redundancy. However, the spellcaster must be competent and reasonably powerful, capable of casting 5th level spells.
The ritual spellcasters and the dragons must be constantly concentrating on performing the ritual.
The ritual spellcasters are replaceable as long as the sacrifical energy flows.
Breaking a chain while the sacrifical energy flow will cause a large energy backlash.
A chain has to remain broken for 3 minutes to remain broken, but if the sacrifices are still continuing, it can be reforged with a minute's work.
The Mask of the Dragon Queen is the key - destroy it, and the ritual will also fail. Reaching it during the ritual is likely to prove very dangerous and difficult.
Determining how to destroy the Mask of the Dragon Queen is difficult (a proficient DC 25 Arcana check). For maximum effect, it requires a cleric of Bahamut and a metallic dragon of each type. For each participant in its destruction that doesn't match the maximal requirements, the Mask of the Dragon Queen receives a saving throw against each of the participant's efforts. If the participant is one of the maximal ones, the Mask receives no saving throw against the particpant's efforts. The steps involved in the destruction, which must be done in the order listed:
(Cleric of Bahamut) Cast Dispel Evil and Good on the Mask
(Gold Dragon) Deal 70 points of fire damage in one action
(Silver Dragon) Deal 60 points of cold damage in one action
(Bronze Dragon) Deal 70 points of lightning damage in one action
(Copper Dragon) Deal 60 points of acid damage in one action
(Brass Dragon) Deal 50 points of fire damage in one action.
(Cleric of Bahamut) Cast Divine Word on the Mask
(Cleric of Bahamut) Deal 10 points of damage from a DragonSlayer, or any magical bludgeoning weapon.
Each dragon can attempt its effort multiple times, as long as the dispel evil and good is in effect. Likewise the divine word, and the physical damage. If the dispel evil and good reaches its maximum duration before all the steps have been completed, the process must start over.
Interrupting the summoning ritual will weaken Tiamat, with some interruptions weakening her more than others.
Automatic Failure: Breaking the ritual lines on all 5 chains, destroying the Mask of the Dragon Queen, stopping the flow of sacrifices for all the chains for more than 3 minutes (30 rounds).
Critical:Breaking the ritual lines for a chain, stopping the flow of sacrifices for a chain for more than 3 minutes, preventing a Dragon Mask from joining to form the full Mask of the Dragon Queen, killing both wizards in a chain, removing the Mask of the Dragon Queen from the focal point for more than 5 rounds.
Severe: Stopping the flow of sacrifices on a chain for more than 2 minutes, killing a single wizard in a chain, causing an energy backlash, removing the Mask of the Dragon Queen from the focal point for 5 rounds or less.
Minor: Stopping a dragon or wizard from concentrating for more than 10 rounds.
As a Background Task
If the characters choose to assign this objective to another group, the most natural fit will be the allied wizards (regardless of whether the wizards are from the Arcane Brotherhood or Thay). As a background task, a successful resolution requires a successful DC 20 Intelligence saving throw. There will be a total of 5 such saving throws, one for each "chain". Each successful saving throw counts as a Severe weakening of the ritual.
Weakening the Dragon Queen
The actions of the heroes in and prior to this final battle can reduce Tiamat's power before she appears. Make a note of any weakening events, and their severity. A full strength ritual has 30 points. For each severity level:
an Automatic Failure: Remove 30 points.
Critical: For each Critical weakening, remove 6 points.
Severe: For each Severe weakening, remove 3 points.
Minor: For each minor weakening, remove 1 point.
Increase Tiamat's Hit Points to 900. Do not change any of her other statistics. Once all the point removals have been calculated, compare the result:
30: Tiamat emerges at full strength, with 900 hit points.
29: Tiamat's maximum hit points are reduced by 75.
24: Tiamat's attack and breath weapon damage is reduced by 15.
20: Tiamat cat only take 4 Legendary Actions.
18: Tiamat loses her Regeneration trait.
15: Tiamat loses her immunity to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical weapons. It becomes resistance instead.
12: Tiamat loses Limited Spell Immunity.
9: Tiamat's maximum hit points are reduced by 75.
6: Tiamat takes a -5 penalty to attack rolls, saving throw DCs, and to her AC.
3: Tiamat can take only three legendary actions.
1: Tiamat can only use her Legendary Resistance 3 times per day.
0 or less: Tiamat is still trapped in the hells; the portal is completely uncontrolled for 1d8 rounds before it collapses completely. During its uncontrolled period, the portal will send a pit fiend, 2 ice devils, 4 erinyes, 4 horned devils, 6 bone devils, 8 chain devils, 10 barbed devils, and 12 spined devils. Only one group of devils will be sent a round, and the groups will be sent in exactly that order.
Once the score has been compared, apply all of the penalties at and above that point.
White Chapel
"The walls at the end of this chapel have been stoneshaped into a series of titantic arches big enough to let a gargantuan dragon pass through easily. The remaining walls of the temple are covered in murals depicting the triumphs of white dragons - winter or arctic scenes predominate, but there are also scenes from the Plains of Avernus with white dragons variously fighting devils, daemons, and demons. The walls are covered with dust from various white gems. Embedded in the floor is the symbol of a white dragon claw and tail striking, which glows a glaring white brightly enough to illuminate the entire chapel."
"A very large ritual circle, big enough to contain 100 people and a dragon, lies just outside the temple door, with a line of arcane symbols and runes extending into the middle of the chapel, where a much smaller ritual circle contains a red wizard."
The white wyrmspeaker (Talis) and her dragon ally (Arauthator) are sacrificing commoners (80-3d10) within the ritual circle. The stolen power of their sacrifices' souls arcs along the ritual's lines to red wizard, who channels the power up into the spire. The sacrifices have to be made by the dragon, who can sacrifice one commoner per attack ( or 4 per round if uniterrupted).
Placing the Lines
The Ritual Lines:
AC 18, HP (20+3d10)x10+(10/commoner sacrificed), damage resistance to all non-magical weapons, immune to spell damage of any type.
Using the pointer tool in Fantasy Grounds, draw a circle 10' in diameter, and center it on the Red Wizard in the middle of the chapel.
Next, draw a circle 50' in radius, and place the center just inside the tip of the chapel. This will place the dragon just inside, at roughly the 8 o'clock position.
Next, draw a single line connecting the centers of these to circles, beginning in the large circle, and extending to the small circle.
White Wyrmspeaker (Talis)
Ancient Red Dragon
Red Wizard
The Red Wizard in the ritual circle and the dragon performing the sacrifices must both maintain concentration to channel the soul energy. Concentration can be regained (and the channeling restored) with a full round action, during which the ritual participant is incapacitated.
Talis and Arauthator will attack the characters if they interfere with the sacrifices, attack them, or 5 rounds after the characters attack the red wizard.
The red wizard attacks if the characters attack him, or 5 rounds after the characters have stopped the sacrifices.
Talis, Arauthator, and the red wizard all attack if the players attack the ritual lines.
If Talis and Arauthator are killed, an Ancient White Dragon will resume the sacrifices, if possible, 20 rounds after their death.
If the Red Wizard is killed, a replacement will arrive 10 rounds after his death.
If the ritual lines are broken, this chain is permanently broken.
If the characters can stop the flow of sacrifices for 30 rounds, this part of the ritual will have to be restarted, which takes 10 more rounds, and requires a dragon and red wizard.
If the characters can prevent the red wizards (here and in the spire) from channeling the soul energy to Severin for 15 rounds, the energy starts to collect within the smaller circle, and two rounds later explodes dealing 12d8 poison damage to all within the chapel (no save). It also deals 6d8 damage to the ritual lines (which are neither immune nor resistant to this damage).
The other chapels are similar, just change the colors. However, the Red Chapel is a little different. Since Severin is the Red Wyrmspeaker, the dragon's companions are different. The red chapels encounter is:
Rath Modar (Archmage)
2 Dragonwings
Blue Spire
"This spire rises above the floor of the chapel, its irregular walls with innumerable and irregular patches of those walls rendered a translucent blue. Floating 50 feet above the chapel, the walls of the spire towering another 100 feet above him, floats a red wizard."
"The wizard is held immobile and crucified by a stream of the soul energy. It enters his body vertically through his feet, and emerges horizontally in five colored beams from his feet, genitals, heart, throat, and the crown of his head. Those five beams braid themselves together and merge with the other streams of soul energy to form a kaleidoscopic, multicolored whorl of energy that rises into an inverted funnel of energy that stretches up to the upper reaches of the temple's central spire."
While in the stream the wizard is immune to all magic, resistant to all other damage, and paralyzed.
The wizard can be pushed out of the stream with a DC 20 Strength check. If this done with a shove, grapple, or some other personal physical contact, the attacker must make a DC 20 Dexterity save or take 12d8 radiant damage. If the attacker fails the Dexterity save, they must make a DC 20 Strength save or take the wizard's place in the stream. If the player tries, he can attempt to control, redirect, or purify the soul stream. Each requires the character to first make a DC 25 Constitution saving throw, followed by a DC 30 Wisdom check to succeed.
If the wizard takes 10 hit points of damage total (1/4 his maximum), he is no longer paralyzed, but is restrained.
If the wizard takes 20 hit points of damage total, he leaves the stream and downs a potion of greater healing.
If the wizard leaves the stream, for the next five rounds every target (other than the red wizard) within 40' of that point must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, or receive 6d8 radiant damage, or no damage on a successful save. At the end of five rounds, the stream connects directly to the portal, and the portal is reduced 5 feet in radius.
If the characters manage to prevent the red wizard on the chapel floor from channeling the soul stream to this wizard, this wizard will take 2d4 psychic damage per round (a successful DC 15 Wisdom saving throw each round reduces this by half).
If this wizard dies, he is replaced in 15 rounds.
The obvious color changes apply for the other spires.
The Great Aspe (The centerpoint between the Spires)
"50 feet above the temple floor, at the base of the central spire, a large multicolored whorl of energy rotates. Looking up, you can see that the whorl actually forms a funnel, with the tip of the funnel above the mouth. Colored bolts of lightning - red, green, blue, black, and white - shoot from one side of the funnel to the other, descending down to the mouth of the funnel."
"At the mouth of the funnel, the lightning flares and intersects with other bolts. Where the bolts intersect, a small translucent disk remains behind. Eventually, the mouth of the funnel will be filled by those disks."
Any character that makes an active DC 20 Perception check can determine that they can see through the disks, and that what they see on the other side of the disk does not match the inside of this temple. In fact, the characters are seeing through small portals straight into Avernus itself, something that can be determined with a DC 15 Arcana or Religion check. The mouth of the funnel is 40 feet in radius, and the funnel is 50 feet tall.
Every round, there is a 20% chance that one of the inhabitants of Avernus emerges from the portal. This chance increases 20% a round, until something emerges, which resets the chance to 0.
Great Apse Portal
(01 - 20) 1 Imp
(21 - 38) 1d3 Imps
(69 - 78) 9-16 Lemures
(79 - 89) 1 Spined Devil
(90 - 94) 1 Spined Devil, 2 Imps
(95 - 97) 1d3 Spined Devils
( 100 ) 1 Erinyes
"The peak of the funnel of energy reaches to here, 100 feet above the floor of the temple; the central spire rises another 150 feet to a peak of striped crystal - one color for each of the chromatic dragons. At the very peack of the funnel, it separates once again into five colored beams. Each of those beams curves caressingly around the man floating in their center to plunge into one of the 5 mouths of the Mask of the Dragon Queen. Contrasting with the energy flowing over his body, the man's body is contorted in obvious pain. The man, most likely Severin, the leader of the Cult of the Dragon and the Red Wyrmspeaker is guarded by a force of devils - four angel-like devils with red feathered wings and 8 small winged and spiny devils - arranged in a pyramid around the man, a feathered angel and 2 spiny devils at each vertex."
The group of devils at the apex of the pyramid serve as coordinators and reserves for the other devils. The others will not leave their apex until commanded by the apex erinyes, though they will engage in ranged attacks. Unless directly attacked, at least one devil will always be watching for other threats.
Each erinyes is capable of summoning, and will summon spined devils by preference.
The energy acts as a variant prismatic wall, protecting Severin. Unlike a normal prismatic wall, this variant only has five colors -
Red - unchanged from a normal prismatic wall
Black - deals acid damage as if it were the orange layer of a prismatic wall.
Blue - deals lightning damage as it were the yellow layer of a prismatic wall.
Green - unchanged from a normal prismatic wall.
White - deals cold damage as if were a normal prismatic wall.
Furthermore, this variant orders the layers (from outside inwards) as white, black, green, blue, red.
Severin is incapacitated until the energy's protection is dispelled. The next round, he will be able to act as normal. Severin consumed a Potion of Flying, but he will not leave the center of the funnel.
Once the energy's protection has been dispelled, Severin (and the Mask assuming he is still wearing it) can be pushed out of the focal point with a shove attack and a DC 25 Strength check.
The Mask of the Dragon Queen can be removed from Severin's head (assuming he's still alive and resisting), with two successful grapple attempts.
If the Mask of the Dragon Queen is removed from Severin's head, and not restrained, it will float (under its own power) back to the focal point in one round. It takes no special effort to capture and restrain the Mask in this state.
discosoc said:
Example: There's a random encounter early on, when the players are probably going to be level 4 or 5, that pits them against something like 4 assassins from the MM. Problem is, those assassins turned out to be CR 9 each.
The NPC Assassin is one of the most front-loaded creatures for its level of the whole of the Monster Manual.
Some CR 9 creatures would make a good challenge for a level 4-5 party. The Assassin not so much, since it could conceivably insta-kill two PCs before the party can even act...
...much less four of them...
Replace them with Thugs. Once the party sports 70 hp or so, you can have *one* Assassin plus one Thug per party member, though.
pukunui said:
Your examples from HotDQ are well-documented. The only one I've noticed in RoT is Rath being able to concentrate on both fly and invisibility at the same time.
On the other hand, if you decide one of those spells is from a potion, you're fine.
Meaning, small "cheats" from NPCs aren't usually a problem and can easily be handwaved/explained.
Steve Winter has explained that this was an artifact of the monster stats being in flux while they were writing the adventure. Probably they were more like Thug stats at the time they were inserted. And originally, they were slaads! The full explanation is quoted in this post on the other thread.
jayoungr said:
Discosco said as much in his post I responded to, so my post wasn't written in horror over the unfairness of it all... more a visceral reaction: "of all the NPCs in the MM they had to choose the pointiest of them all".
Thanks though! I guess it would have been even worse if the L4 party was ambushed by four Archmages...
My group has finally restarted this adventure!
Neronvain
1. I made Neronvain female. This was mostly for the sake of variety--otherwise, there's only one female wyrmspeaker, and she's the first one to be defeated. The illustration is fairly androgynous, so it works either way.
2. Be prepared in case the PCs ask what Neronvain did to get him/herself banished. I was caught a little off-guard by the question and quickly improvised that "she" had joined the Eldreth Veluuthra. Since I have an all-human party, that had the benefit of being something they would all agree was bad enough.
Council of Waterdeep "2.5"
I'm inserting "The Frozen Castle" into Rise of Tiamat right after "Death to the Wyrmspeakers." To facilitate this, I also inserted an extra Council of Waterdeep session. Here's what happened at it:
1. Follow-up on defeat of Neronvain and Chuth.
2. Introduction of Rian Nightshade. I'm running "Death at the Council," so I said she's sitting in the spot where the aide who committed suicide used to be. I'm hoping that will encourage the party to talk to her when they investigate, so they'll actually find out who she is.
3. "Fallen Hero": Cylanestriel, whom the PCs had met on their way to the Tomb of Diderius, reports to the council on her experiences at the Well of Dragons. She has seen Severin the Red, Galvan the Blue, and Rezmir's replacement, a male half-elf whose name she didn't catch. She has also seen the preliminary preparations for raising the Temple of Tiamat (though she didn't realize that's what it was), suggesting that the cult is moving toward the summoning ceremony.
4. Follow-up on the Council of Metallic Dragons. This just consisted of stating that the dragons have agreed to join the alliance and that Elia is present as their official representative.
5. The Arcane Brotherhood has made a proposal to contact the Red Wizards of Thay and see if they might join the alliance. So far, they are the only ones in favor of the idea.
6. I meant to work in "Power of the Cult" by having a representative from the south (Ontharr Frume, maybe) report on how the cult's agents had been demanding tribute from communities like Berdusk and Scornubel. If I have a session 2.75, as seems likely, I'll work it into that meeting.
Question: The Cult Strikes Back #2
I'm having some trouble trying to figure out where to work in another cult attack. The first one happened on a deserted street when the PCs were completely fresh; I don't want to do that again. The book suggests having it happen when they're tired and depleted of resources, and ideally in a location full of innocent bystanders. I only have three major segments left before the end of the adventure--the Frozen Castle, Xonthal's Tower, and the mission to Thay--and none of them seem like appropriate times to have a cult attack. Plus, the group has learned teleportation circle, so they always travel back that way once they're tired at the end of a mission.
I do plan to have a fair amount of time in Waterdeep between each of these episodes, so that could possibly provide the location with innocent bystanders, but just hanging around Waterdeep doesn't usually deplete the party's resources at all. Unless I could work it in with the succubus from "Death at the Council" somehow, maybe? A succubus is only CR 4, so I don't think she'll pose much problem for the party, really. The easiest solution is for her just to disappear when they get too close.
Heh. The easiest solution in the old days would be to have the cult attack the party in the place where they're sleeping, while they're sleeping. Especially if you've established the area as "safe", so they aren't posting watches. This of course, gets you casters without spells, etc.
In 5e, the equivalent would be to attack during a long rest, but that doesn't have quite the same effect. Still, if you work it right, you should at least be able to catch the casters with their utility/non-combat spell load outs prepared.
For attack number 2
I had a fight in a market stall in Waterdeep, the lead up was some traveller types asking the PCs if they had recently been to Boreskyn bridge? ( the first encounter I ran on the outskirts of said place ). They said yes and then we had a fight including a quick chase scene as one of the cultists fled.
PCs took a few knocks due to them not being fully combat ready whilst out basically shopping
Oh, also, here's the picture I ended up using for Elia:
Well, I may have figured out where to have that second cult attack. The PCs are teleporting to Silverymoon on their way to investigate what's happened to the Frozen Castle, and this seems like a perfect place for it. But I'm worried that it won't seem credible; according to the entry at the Forgotten Realms wiki, it sounds like the place is well-defended and bristling with magic. But it might be a good chance to play up how the cult of the dragon is raiding all over the place...the defenders are stretched thin trying to help out other communities? I'd love to find an excuse for the PCs to meet Alustriel Silverhand, too. (She is still out there as leader of the Silver Marches, right? The wiki made it sound like she was.) Maybe on their way back.
Does anyone know much about Silverymoon? Any good opportunities for local color that I shouldn't miss?
Alright... for a minute there I thought we lost [MENTION=786]GuardianLurker[/MENTION]'s Giant Moot, Arcane Brotherhood and Breaking the Ritual sidequests/re-writes
We did lose some, but nothing significant I think. I had a couple posts about using Talis the White as the new White Speaker.
pukunui
Looks like we lost all of my little posts about Waterdeep and Boareskyr Bridge and the like. I am attempting to recover them from the google cache.
Allocating Metallic Dragons
Steve Winter said:
I suppose a decent rule of thumb would be that each dragon councillor that ended Friendly provides enough dragons to protect two territories, and each that ends neutral has a 50/50 chance to provide enough for one. But it was left indefinite so DMs could adjust to suit their own conditions and preferences.
If players were brilliant during negotiations, 2 dragons per friendly faction is warranted. If it was a tough slog, even friendly factions might provide only one. DM's input is vital.
Arthagast Ulbrinter
So while the book just says that the cult assassinates Ulbrinter without giving any reason why, the Tyranny of Dragons webcomic makes it so that the white dragon mask ends up in his hands after being stolen from the Zhentarim (who found it in Neverwinter). The cult then kills Ulbrinter while recovering the mask.
I'm not going to have that happen in my campaign, although it's possible that it could happen with the black dragon mask, given that I let the PCs recover it from Rezmir instead of having it teleport to the Well of Dragons. I thought that was a bit cheap. Anyway, depending on what the PCs do with Rezmir's mask, it could ostensibly end up in Ulbrinter's hands, in which case the cult might assassinate him during the recovery attempt.
That being said, for my campaign, I'm going to fast forward the campaign a month or two, during which time Ulbrinter will wine and dine them around Waterdeep in an effort to drum up support to oppose the cult's activities. The cult will assassinate him in an attempt to shut him up, which, of course, backfires on them.
The front of Ulbrinter and Haventree's mansion:
An interesting tidbit from Ed Greenwood's new novel, Death Masks: There is mention of Waterdeep's Field Ward being burned down by dragon attacks. It doesn't specifically mention when or why, but it would be reasonable to assume that this happened during the Tyranny of Dragons period.
The book also makes it quite clear that Laeral is losing magical power, and not just because of the edition change. Apparently her body isn't truly immortal, and she's having to sacrifice magical power to keep her body going. She admits to herself that she is forgetting spells, and that she would barely be able to stand against a member of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors, let alone multiple enemy archmages as in days past.
It also makes it clear that Mystra wanted Laeral to become Open Lord of Waterdeep because of the fall of the Silver Marches. There's a scene where Laeral shares a memory with Elminster where Mystra tells her that she has other plans for Alustriel and now it is Laeral's "turn to sit on a throne". Mystra wants her there to fend off people who might be anti-wizard or something.
I mention all of this because I intend to make use of it in my campaign. I allowed the PCs to acquire Rezmir's black dragon mask at the end of Hoard. Last session, I had some cultists attempt to blackmail the PCs into giving it back by threatening to kill innocent people at a market. The PCs refused, and while the cultists managed to kill twenty people, they were ultimately slain or driven off. The players chocked it down to a lesser evil, as they reckoned many more would be killed if the cultists got the mask back.
Anyway, I am now going to have the cult mount a major operation to get the mask back. They are going to send dragons to attack the Field Ward (and possibly other parts of the Waterdeep, as Ed says the city's dragonward waxes and wanes and no one really knows which wards are adequately protected at any given time) as a distraction while a bunch of Red Wizards led by Rath Modar break into Laeral's home to recover the mask. Given that she's a lot weaker than she's letting on, it shouldn't be *that* hard for them to do so.
RE: Waterdeep's dragonward.
In previous editions, a dragon needed to be touched by the Dragonstaff of Ahghairon in order to be able to bypass the mythal. The last known wielder of the staff, Maaril the Dragon Mage, disappeared after the Spellplague, and the current wielder of the staff is classified info (Ed can't say due to an NDA).
There is good news, however, as Ed says the staff is no longer needed for anything other than altering the properties of the mythal itself. The Blackstaff, the Open Lord, the Masked Lords (by vote), and the highest-ranking officers in the City Watch are all able to grant a dragon permission to enter the city.
Just mentioning it in case it is of any use to anyone.
Boareskyr Bridge
I found this cool image of Boareskyr Bridge online. It's from the new Siege of Dragonspear game.
Also, if you're wondering how to pronounce "Boareskyr", the original FR grey box guide has it as "Boar-reh-SKYR".
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Ginger Zee Slams Pregnancy Speculation and Opens Up About Her ''Difficult'' Battle With Anorexia
Ginger Zee responds to pregnancy speculation on Twitter by candidly discussing her previous struggles with anorexia
By Cydney Contreras Nov 26, 2019 9:23 PMTags
TwitterCelebritiesEating Disorders
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Dress for Success Worldwide
No, Ginger Zee is not pregnant.
It appears some people have yet to learn it's not appropriate to ask a woman if she's pregnant. Thankfully, one person learned their lesson on Tuesday, after they asked Good Morning America meteorologist Ginger Zee if she's expecting. In response, she tweeted, "Yes! I'm due in a month!!! So glad you asked. Just kidding—I'm not pregnant. That's called a woman who just went on 11 planes just last week, didn't work out, needs new spanx and had two children. HAPPY TUESDAY!"
Of course, some people defended the social media user's comment saying that Ginger "does look pregnant." But as Ginger said before, she might look "bumpy" because of the fact she's a woman who's birthed children. "Proud of my UCA—my upper c section area—it birthed two babies. Perhaps it's highlighted in my satin dress today, but no, not pregnant," the ABC talent shared.
Ginger Zee Can't Believe "DWTS" Finale
As unpleasant as it might be for people to say you look pregnant, Ginger took it as an opportunity to educate people on why you shouldn't ask anyone if they're pregnant, regardless of appearances. "Wish it didn't affect me but I'll probably be even harder on myself—anorexia is a difficult disease but I am recovered and these types of comments make me rely heavily on my therapy and self confidence I've been working on for years," the 38-year-old shared.
Watch: Ginger Zee Brings the Sexy to "Dancing With the Stars"
Regardless, Ginger knows she looks great even when she's not wearing Spanx. She told her supporters, "I wish I didn't have that seed of anorexia that still tells me lies—I'm constantly keeping it muted but this challenges me. Thank you for your support."
This isn't the first time the star's opened up about mental health issues. In 2017, she released the book Natural Disaster, in which she revealed she was checked into a mental health hospital just 10 days before she started her career at ABC.
Hopefully, social media users learned a valuable lesson today: Don't make assumptions based on appearances!
Kate Moss Celebrates Her Birthday With a Tribute From Daughter Lila
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Romancing the Stone (1984)
In Robert Zemeckis' ultimate cliff-hanger and tongue-in-cheek romantic action-adventure film - a rousing, Indiana Jones-type treasure hunt for a valuable "stone" (a giant emerald) named "El Corazon" (The Heart) in South America - it was followed by the similar sequel, the romantic adventure comedy The Jewel of the Nile (1985):
the film's funny opening prologue - a Western storybook tale featuring sexy blonde Angelina (Kymberly Herrin, Playboy Playmate March 1981), who was being assaulted by evil villain Grogan (Ted White) who threatened her life and demanded sex: ("So, you can die two ways, Angel: quick like the tongue of a snake, or slower than the molasses in January"), but as she undressed, she threw her hidden knife on her upper thigh at him and killed him; she departed (to the theme music from How The West Was Won), but when Grogan's three brothers appeared on horseback, she was saved by sexy cowboy hero Jesse (Bill Burton); she thankfully kissed him and rode off with him: ("...But suddenly, there he was, my beloved Jesse. He was the one man I trusted - the only man. My heart leapt as I watched him ride near. I could barely wait to feel the warmth of his touch. At the moment his lips met mine. I knew that we would never again be apart. I knew then that we would spend the rest of our lives together. Forever")
Western Storybook Prologue
Angelina (Kymberly Herrin) Angelina With Jesse
(Bill Burton) Joan's Typewritten Story Manuscript
the character was the heroine of one of the books written by romance-starved, lonely, best-selling romance novelist Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) in her New York (on West End Ave.) apartment (with her cat named Romeo); the writer was at her IBM Selectric typewriter finishing up her latest fictional book (with headphones) - crying and fantasizing that she was the strong-minded Angelina - living vicariously through her own stories - and looking for her own "Jesse": ("Here's looking at you, Jesse. Whoever you are")
on her way to a business meeting, Joan was handed a newly-arrived, oversized envelope from an elderly neighbor Mrs. Irwin (Eve Smith) - it had been mailed from her brother-in-law Eduardo Quinones in Colombia (South America) to himself - using her address [Note: He was murdered just after mailing the envelope]
while Joan was away, a dark stranger (later identified as Colonel Zolo) confronted her building's janitor-supervisor in her 3rd floor hallway and knifed him to death - and then ransacked Joan's apartment (off-screen)
during the meeting in a bar, Joan presented the draft of her latest manuscript to her editor-publisher Gloria Horne (Holland Taylor), who was distracted by proposing male match-making for the writer (but Joan preferred someone more like her literary hero Jesse: "I know that there is somebody out there for me"); Joan mentioned that her grieving sister Elaine (Mary Ellen Trainor) was still in Colombia searching for the body of her recently-murdered husband Eduardo
in the next scene set in Cartagena, Colombia, Elaine was knocked unconscious in the head in her villa's alleyway with a bola and her red sports-car convertible was stolen; she was driven to kidnappers led by two villainous, wisecracking, greedy, illegal American treasure hunters: Ralph (Danny DeVito in a star-making role) and his crocodile-loving, almost-bald cousin Ira (Zack Norman), an importer
upon arriving in her damaged apartment, Joan received a frantic, unexpected phone call from her abducted sister Elaine in South America - who was threatened at knifepoint by Ralph and Ira; the kidnappers demanded that she travel to the coastal city of Cartagena (Colombia), and at the Hotel Cartagena turn over the just-delivered treasure map (known as "El Corazón" (translated 'The Heart')) as ransom - to free Elaine and save her from torture
Joan's Treasure Map: "El Corazon" Elaine Abducted by Ralph and Ira Joan Ordered to Travel to Cartagena
at the chaotic airport in Colombia, the ill-prepared Joan was deliberately given faulty directions by menacing, shady, corrupt and despicable Colonel Zolo (Manuel Ojeda) who was trailing her; Ralph (who was there to also follow her) saw that Joan boarded the wrong bus; on a remote road, she distracted the Spanish-speaking driver (Camilo García) of the coach and caused a major crash; the bus plowed into a parked Land Rover
in the aftermath of the accident, she was saved from a gun-wielding Zolo who demanded the map, by the owner of the Rover - a soldier of fortune, exotic bird-collector, swashbuckling daredevil and drifter-mercenary named Jack T. Colton (Michael Douglas); after several blasts from Colton's gun, Zolo fled for his life, and soon after commandered Ralph in his white Renault 4L on a jungle road to take him to his private military police forces; Zolo was the head of Colombia's secret police
Colton angrily rummaged through his destroyed vehicle and threw out a couple of things, including a Playboy Magazine (July 1983 issue) and a picture of his dream sailboat; Joan claimed her destination was Cartegena and needed a payphone; he bargained ("Now I ain't cheap, but I can be had") and she agreed to pay him $375 dollars worth of traveler's checks - American Express - to assist her to get out of the jungle and seek help, but he refused to carry her luggage
the film's main plot line was the action-filled, joke-rich repartee between Jack and Joan while experiencing dangers from all sides in South American Colombia
during a torrential downpour, the two slid down into a ravine on a river of mud, and Jack ended up face-first between Joan's legs and howled with delight: "Oh, God damn it! What a ride, huh? Whoo! Ha ha! I'm tellin' ya, this is turnin' out to be one hell of a morning!"
on a phone call to Ira from Colonel Zolo's police HQ, Ralph explained how he and Ira were being blamed for the death of Elaine's husband by Zolo - who was the actual murderer
during Jack and Joan's flight through the jungle, they were shot at and pursued by the corrupt Colonel and his private military forces (and later also by Ralph and Ira); Jack exclaimed: "Lady, you are bad news! What did you do? Wake up this morning and say, 'Today, I'm gonna ruin a man's life'?"; he muttered to himself about his terrible luck: "God-damn it, I knew I should've listened to my mother. I could've been a cosmetic surgeon, five hundred thou a year, up to my neck in tits and ass"; she transversed a deep ravine by crossing a rickety bridge and swinging on a vine, leaving Jack behind to defend them and eventually catch up
the two discovered a wrecked cargo plane's fuselage (with the corpse of the pilot hanging out of the cockpit), filled with bundles of contraband marijuana;Joan again tried to explain that she was in Colombia to help her widowed sister, but Jack was disbelieving; when he looked in Joan's satchel for matches, he saw her treasure map and realized the real danger they were in; as he burned kilos of marijuana to keep warm, they sought shelter in the plane throughout the night from more rain; he suggested that they find the El Corazon treasure for themselves (and use it as collateral bargaining power) rather than give up the map as ransom for her sister, since they were in Cordoba Province where the loot was located
while conversing, Jack was distracted and looked away - and she politely reprimanded him: ("Would you please do me the courtesy of looking at me when I'm speaking to you?"); he saved her from a poisonous bushmaster snake crawling near her by slashing it with his machete - and she became nauseated; later while eating the "very tasty" snake as his evening meal, Jack explained how he had lost $15,000 dollars worth of birds in the crash
as he told her his name for the first time (Jack T. Colton), he delivered a funny line of dialogue while reading a recent Rolling Stone magazine dated September 9, 1982; he blurted out: ("Aw, dammit man, the Doobie Brothers broke up! S--t! When did that happen?"); he told her a short history of his life, and how the crash had shattered his ocean-loving dream of sailing around the world by himself; he also told her that his middle initial stood for "trustworthy"; he delivered a follow-up line to his earlier quote: "Oh, man, I'll tell ya. One hell of a morning has turned into a bitch of a day!"
the next day in a local outlaw village, Joan and Jack were intimidated by drug-running thugs and their drug-lord Juan (Alfonso Arau), an unfriendly bell-maker, who suddenly became more welcoming in his hacienda-mansion when he recognized Joan as his favorite book author 'Juanita Wilder'; trailed by Zolo and his men, Joan convinced Juan to borrow his black, rugged and armored 1982 4x4 Ford Bronco XLT (nicknamed "Pepe" or "Little Mule"), to speed away in muddy streets from Zolo and his men amidst gunfire; the three escaped across a river via Juan's remote-controlled ramp
in a meadow as they celebrated their escape, Jack recognized one of the map's markers - a pitch-forked tree: (known as "El Tenedor del Diablo", the Devil's Fork); after being dropped off in a different town (where Ralph immediately recognized them), Jack rented a room in Hotel Blanquita for them and they celebrated in the town's festival with dinner and dancing (with kisses); while in bed with Joan that evening after making love, Jack expressed his hope-dream to take Joan around the world with him on a luxury sailboat he hadn't yet purchased; they both agreed to work together to find the treasure (to use it as leverage to get her sister) and possibly - in the future - split the treasure 50/50 to fulfill their dreams
The Beginnings of a Romance
the next day, they barely escaped from Zolo when they unknowingly stole Ralph's car (he was asleep in the back seat) to search for more treasure map landmarks (including a roadside shrine); Joan realized a hidden clue in the map -- a folded corner that revealed the location of a nearby waterfall and cave where the treasure was marked with an X; a final clue in the cave ("Leche de la Madre" or "Mother's Milk") referred to a pool where white stalactites were dripping whitish, milky water; in the pool, they found a straw-wrapped cloth and uncovered a cheap, ceramic bunny statue - inside the cracked-open porcelain figurine was "El Corazon" - the fabled large heart-shaped green emerald
Joan's Discovery of the Map's Hidden Waterfall Clue The Bunny Figurine The Emerald Stone
suddenly, Ralph held them at gunpoint, seized the emerald for himself, and ordered: ("Now move it, before Batman comes home!"); outside, he accused Jack of deceptively 'romancing the stone' away from Joan: ("Oh, I'm the creep, huh? At least I'm honest. I'm stealing this stone. I'm not tryin' to romance it out from under her")
but then Colonel Zolo and his men also arrived in vehicles and on horseback; there was a back-and forth struggle for possession of the jewel-stone, ending up with Jack reacquiring the jewel (from Ralph) and Joan already with the map in her possession; both Joan and Jack floated down a river in the Renault, tumbled over a waterfall, and jumped to safety - but they were separated and unable to swim to each other; they split up and agreed to reach Hotel Cartagena separately
in the city of Cartagena, Joan took a night-time water taxi (the 'Orca') to meet with Ira and his men at an abandoned seaside fort; she went through with the earlier deal to trade the treasure map, and was reunited with her sister Elaine; however, Colonel Zolo appeared (with both Jack and Ralph as his captive hostages) and took Ira prisoner; Zolo knew that the map was now worthless, grabbed it, and burned it; Zolo then threatened to throw Joan into a swampy marsh of crocodiles if she didn't reveal the location of the emerald stone; Jack interjected that he had the stone in a "safe place" (in the groin area of his pants); he shook the stone from his pant leg onto his boot, and kicked it in the air over to Zolo
Zolo Threatening to Throw Joan into Crocodile Pit The Stone on Jack's Boot Zolo's Hand with Stone Chomped Off
in a startling scene, as the Colonel reached out to clutch onto the much-sought-after gigantic emerald in mid-air, the jaws of a man-eating crocodile burst out of the water and chomped off his left hand; Jack took the opportunity to grab a machine gun to initiate a gunfight between Zolo's men, Ira's gang, and himself; Elaine fainted; ultimately during the subsequent struggles, Ira escaped on his boat (leaving Ralph stranded), and Jack (who had pursued the crocodile with the emerald in its belly and had ahold of its tail), was forced to let go of the creature and grab his gun in order to save Joan from Zolo who approached her, and threatened with a knife: ("How will you die? Slow like a snail? Or fast like a shooting star?")
Joan was able to save herself - she burned Zolo with his cigar, hit him with a piece of wood, and pushed him backwards onto a gas lamp; as he charged toward Joan with his back aflame, he crashed through a wooden grating into the crocodile pit and was eaten alive (off-screen); Jack embraced Joan, but when he heard police-boat sirens, he kissed Joan goodbye as he assured her: "You're gonna be alright, Joan Wilder - you always were," dove into the water, and again went after the crocodile to fetch the stone; after they last parted, Jack was presumed dead
in the film's conclusion set back in New York sometime later, newly-confident novelist Joan turned in her latest "inspired" work to her editor-publisher; it was the story of her adventures with Jack; Gloria looked upon it with very high regard: (Gloria: "You are now a WORLD-CLASS hopeless romantic" Joan: (correcting her) "No, hopeful. Hopeful romantic")
Joan to Her Publisher:
"No, hopeful. Hopeful romantic" Returning to Apt. to See Sailboat Parked On Street
later as she was returning to her Manhattan apartment building, Jack completely surprised her when he reappeared with his new large sailboat on a trailer parked on the street; they were reunited when he lowered a ladder down the side and she climbed onboard - she admired his crocodile boots that were shown in close-up; the two exchanged lines about how the crocodile that had swallowed the emerald died of "indigestion" - Jack cut out the gem, then sold it and purchased a sailboat to voyage around the world; he was wearing crocodile shoes, made from the dead reptile -
Joan: "I like your boots."
Jack: "Yup, that poor old yellow-tailed guy. Developed a fatal case of indigestion. He died right in my arms."
Joan: (dreamily, and in his arms) "I can't blame him. If I were to die, there's nowhere else on Earth I'd rather be."
Jack: "I couldn't stop thinking about you. I even read one of your books."
Joan: (smiling) "Then you know how they all end."
Jack: "Yeah. Hi."
Joan: "Hi."
Joan and Jack Reunited Back in NYC
they romantically embraced and hugged and shared a passionate closing kiss on the boat as it was towed down the city boulevard -- she had found her "Jesse" (the hero of her romance novels); the final revelation was that the name on the stern of his boat was 'Angelina'
Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) at Her Typewriter in Manhattan
The Treasure Map Package from Eduardo
Stranger (Colonel Zolo) in Joan's Apartment Hallway
Joan with Her Editor Gloria
Ralph (Danny DeVito)
Crocodile-Enthusiast Ira (Zack Norman)
Joan on the Wrong Bus in Colombia
Bus Crash into Land Rover
The Entrance of Jack T. Colton (Michael Douglas)
Mudslide: "This is turnin' out to be one hell of a morning!!"
Jack and Joan Shot At and Pursued by Colonel Zolo's Police Forces
Shocking Discovery of Crashed Plane in Jungle
Distracting Bushmaster Snake Incident
Jack's Dream: To Sail Around the World Solo
Drug Lord Juan - Happy to Meet Author Joan Wilder
The Meadow with a Pitch-Forked Tree
Stealing Ralph's Car
In the Cave, Ralph Held Them at Gunpoint: "Now move it, before Batman comes home!"
Ralph to Jack: "I'm not tryin' to romance it out from under her"
Over the Waterfall in the Renault
Joan Reunited with Sister Elaine in Exchange for Worthless Map
Jack Holding onto Crocodile's Tail
Zolo's 2nd Attack on Joan
Jack's Reassuring Kiss to Joan: "You're gonna be alright, Joan Wilder"
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The road to wisdom? — Well, it's plain and simple to express: Err and err and err again but less and less and less. –Piet Hein
err &err
Untangling WebDriver and the Browser Automation Landscape I Live In
This piece is about too few names for too many things, as well as a kind of origin story for a web standard. For the past year or so, I’ve been contributing to a Mozilla project broadly named Marionette — a set of tools for automating and testing Gecko-based browsers like Firefox. Marionette is part of a larger browser automation universe that I’ve managed to mostly ignore so far, but the time has finally come to make sense of it.
The main challenge for me has been nailing down imprecise terms that have changed over time. From my perspective, “Marionette” may refer to any combination of two to four things, and it’s related to equally vague names like “Selenium” and “WebDriver”… and then there are things like “FirefoxDriver” and “geckodriver”. Blargh. Untangling needed.
Aside: integrating a new team member (like, say, a volunteer contributor or an intern) is the best! They ask big questions and you get to teach them things, which leads to filling in your own knowledge. Everyone wins.
The W3C WebDriver Specification
Okay, so let’s work our way backwards, starting from the future. (“The future is now.”) We want to remotely control browsers so that we can do things like write automated tests for the content they run or tests for the browser UI itself. It sucks to have to write the same test in a different way for each browser or each platform, so let’s have a common interface for testing all browsers on all platforms. (Yay, open web standards!) To this end, a group of people from several organizations is working on the WebDriver Specification.
The main idea in this specification is the WebDriver Protocol, which provides a platform- and browser- agnostic way to send commands to the browser you want to control, commands like “open a new window” or “execute some JavaScript.” It’s a communication protocol1 where the payload is some JSON data that is sent over HTTP. For example, to tell the browser to navigate to a url, a client sends a POST request to the endpoint /session/{session id of the browser instance you're talking to}/url with body {"url": "http://example.com/"}.
The server side of the protocol, which might be implemented as a browser add-on or might be built into the browser itself, listens for commands and sends responses. The client side, such as a Python library for automating browsers, send commands and processes the responses.
This broad idea is already implemented and in use: an open source project for browser automation, Selenium WebDriver, became widely adopted and is now the basis for an open web standard. Awesome! (On the other hand, oh no! The overlapping names begin!)
Where does this WebDriver concept come from? You may have noticed that lots of web apps are tested across different browsers with Selenium — that’s precisely what it was built for back in 2004-20092. One of its components today is Selenium WebDriver.
(Confusingly3, the terms “Selenium Webdriver, “Webdriver”, “Selenium 2” and “Selenium” are often used interchangeably, as a consequence of the project’s history.)
Selenium WebDriver provides APIs so that you can write code in your favourite language to simulate user actions like this:
client.get("https://www.mozilla.org/")
link = client.find_element_by_id("participate")
link.click()
Underneath that API, commands are transmitted via JSON over HTTP, as described in the previous section. A fair name for the protocol currently implemented in Selenium is Selenium JSON Wire Protocol. We’ll come back to this distinction later.
As mentioned before, we need a server side that understands incoming commands and makes the browser do the right thing in response. The Selenium project provides this part too. For example, they wrote FirefoxDriver which is a Firefox add-on that takes care of interpreting WebDriver commands. There’s also InternetExplorerDriver, AndroidDriver and more. I imagine it takes a lot of effort to keep these browser-specific “drivers” up-to-date.
Then something cool happened
A while after Selenium 2 was released, browser vendors started implementing the Selenium JSON Wire Protocol themselves! Yay! This makes a lot of sense: they’re in the best position to maintain the server side and they can build the necessary behaviour directly into the browser.
It started with OperaDriver in 2009-2011, and then others followed such as ChromeDriver and Mozilla’s geckodriver with Marionette.4 This is where the motivation for a WebDriver standard comes from.
Let’s Review
Selenium Webdriver (a.k.a. Selenium 2, WebDriver) provides a common API, protocol and browser-specific “drivers” to enable browser automation. Browser vendors started implementing the Selenium JSON Wire Protocol themselves, thus gradually replacing some of Selenium’s browser-specific drivers. Since WebDriver is already being implemented by all major browser vendors to some degree, it’s being turned into a rigorous web standard, and some day all browsers will implement it in a perfectly compatible way and we’ll all live happily ever after.
Is the Selenium JSON Wire Protocol the same as the W3C WebDriver protocol? Technically, no. The W3C spec is describing the future of WebDriver5, but it’s based on what Selenium WebDriver and browser vendors are already doing. The goal of the spec is to coordinate the browser automation effort and make sure we’re all implementing the same interface; each command in the protocol should mean the same thing across all browsers.
A Fresh Look at the Marionette Family
Now that I understand the context, my view of Marionette’s components is much clearer.
Marionette Server together with geckodriver make up Mozilla’s implementation of the W3C WebDriver protocol.
Marionette Server is built directly into Firefox (into the Gecko rendering engine) and it speaks a slightly different protocol. To make Marionette truly WebDriver-compatible, we need to translate between Marionette’s custom protocol and the WebDriver protocol, which is exactly what geckodriver does. The Selenium client can talk to geckodriver, which in turn talks to Marionette Server.
As I mentioned earlier, the plan for Selenium 3 is to have geckodriver replace Selenium’s FirefoxDriver. This is an important change: since FirefoxDriver is a Firefox add-on, it has limitations and is going to stop working altogether with future releases.
Marionette Client is Mozilla’s official Python library for remote control of Gecko, but it’s not covered by the W3C WebDriver spec and it’s not compatible with WebDriver in general. Think of it as an alternative to Selenium’s Python client with Gecko-specific features. Selenium + geckodriver should eventually replace Marionette Client, including the Gecko-specific features.
The Marionette project also includes tools for integrating with Mozilla’s intricate test infrastructure: Marionette Test Runner, a.k.a. the Marionette test harness. This part of the project has nothing to do with WebDriver, really, except that it knows how to run tests that depend on Marionette Client. The runner collects the tests you ask for, takes care of starting a Marionette session with the right browser instance, runs the tests and reports the results.6
As you can see, “Marionette” may refer to many different things. I think this ambiguity will always make me a little nervous… Words are hard, especially as a loose collection of projects evolves and becomes unified. In a few years, the terms will firm up. For now, let’s be extra careful and specify which piece we’re talking about.
Thanks to David Burns for patiently answering my half-baked questions last week, and to James Graham and Andreas Tolfsen for providing detailed and delightful feedback on a draft of this article. Bonus high-five to Anjana Vakil for contributions to Marionette Test Runner this year and for inspiring me to write this post in the first place.
Terminology lesson: the WebDriver protocol is a wire protocol because it’s at the application level and requires several applications working together. ↩
I give a range of years because Selenium WebDriver is a merger of two projects that started at different times. ↩
Abbreviated Selenium history and roadmap: Selenium 1 used an old API and mechanism called SeleniumRC, Selenium 2 favours the WebDriver API and JSON Wire Protocol, Selenium 3 will officially designate SeleniumRC as deprecated (“LegRC”, harhar), and Selenium 4 will implement the authoritative W3C WebDriver spec. ↩
Many of my claims about Marionette are confirmed by this historical artifact from 2012, which I came across shortly before publishing this post. ↩
For example, until recently Selenium WebDriver only included commands that are common to all browsers, with no way to use features that are specific to one. In contrast, the W3C WebDriver spec allows the possibility of extension commands. Extension commands are being implemented in Selenium clients right now! The future is now! ↩
Fun fact: Marionette is not only used for “Marionette Tests” at Mozilla. The client/server are also used to instrument Firefox for other test automation like mochitests and Web Platform Tests. ↩
By Maja Frydrychowicz
tags: mozilla foss web automation
Not Testing a Firefox Build (Generic Tasks in TaskCluster)
This work by Maja Frydrychowicz is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Proudly powered by Pelican, which takes great advantage of Python.
Based on theme by Smashing Magazine, thanks!
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FairVote and CA Common Cause file amicus in favor of state-based VRA
On March 2, FairVote and California Common Cause filed an amicus brief to defend the California Voting Rights Act and argue that proportional voting systems are sensible remedies in such cases.
Adopted in 2001, the California Voting Rights Act showcases how states can protect voting rights even when Congress may weaken the federal Voting Rights Act. Among other provisions, the Act allows plaintiffs to challenge winner-take-all, at-large election systems when racially polarized voting exists. The Lawyers Commitee for Civil Rights filed such a challenge in Sanchez v. City of Modesto, but a judge struck down the Act.
FairVote and Common Cause argue that remedies like proportional voting systems can address the impact of winner-take-all, at-large voting methods. Beyond this case, FairVote urges other states to consider state Voting Rights Acts and, for those challenging winner-take-all at-large systems, to look to proportional systems as a sensible remedy.
[ Application for leave to file amicus ]
[ Brief of Amici Curiae ]
[ FairVote support for reauthorizing federal Voting Rights Act ]
[ Talking points on state Voting Rights Acts ]
[ What is proportional voting? ]
Voting rights Staff Voting rights act
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Home » Winter wheat ratings mixed in latest week
Winter wheat ratings mixed in latest week
By Laura Lloyd
KANSAS CITY – States such as Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma showed small, mixed shifts in winter wheat crop condition ratings in summaries for March 11-17 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, whose field offices have been reporting weekly on those crop conditions during March.
Kansas, the top hard red winter wheat producing state, rated 29% of the crop in good to excellent condition, an improvement from 27% in the previous week, the U.S.D.A.’s Kansas Field Office said Monday.
Texas saw a small decline in good-to-excellent rated winter wheat in the latest week to 16%, down from 18% the previous week, said the U.S.D.A. Texas Field Office.
Oklahoma picked up a few percentage points in the good-to-excellent category. The state’s U.S.D.A. Field Office said 24% of the winter wheat crop was rated good to excellent, up from 20% in the previous week.
Large percentages of the crops in these three states continued to be rated poor to very poor because of continuing drought, but both Kansas and Oklahoma saw declines of these lowest-rated categories compared with a week earlier. In Kansas, a total of 29% of the 2013 crop was rated poor to very poor in the latest week, a decline from 32% in the previous week. Texas saw 44% of its crop rated poor to very poor, the same as the previous week. Oklahoma saw a decline in poor-to-very-poor wheat conditions in the latest week to 37%, down from 41% the prior week.
Soil moisture levels remained a concern in all three states, each one reporting less than 5% surplus moisture in the most recent week. In Kansas, a total of 48% of the state had adequate moisture, while 30% was short and 19% was very short, little changed from the previous week.
“The Kansas wheat crop has started to green up with the warmer temperatures. Producers were top dressing wheat and cool season grasses. Lack of soil moisture is a concern for spring planting and for development of the wheat crop,” said the Kansas U.S.D.A. Field Office.
Texas reported 27% of the state had adequate oil moisture, while 41% was short and 31% was very short. “Dry conditions continued to be a problem, with winds depleting soil moisture,” said the Texas Field Office.
Oklahoma said 53% of the state had adequate soil moisture in the latest week, down from 57% the previous week and 63% a year ago, while 32% was short and 14% was very short.
“March is off to a dry start, and six of the nine districts have received less than half of normal precipitation for the period since March 1,” said the Oklahoma Field office.
Ingredient Markets Wheat
Winter wheat condition deteriorates in latest week
Winter wheat ratings show mixed changes
Corn condition deteriorated in latest week
Hard winter wheat ratings mostly decline in January
Winter wheat ratings improve slightly
Sosland Publishing's Purchasing Seminar Winter Webinar
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The Winners and Losers of the British Grand Prix
Lawrence Barretto
Just days after announcing a new five-year contract, Silverstone reminded everyone why it deserves a place on Formula 1’s calendar with a stonking Grand Prix. But while some left Northamptonshire with reason to be happy, there were those who were departed ruing misfortune. We pick out the winners and losers of the British Grand Prix…
Winner: Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton has been a familiar face in the winners’ section in 2019, but with seven victories from 10 races, that’s no real surprise. His latest triumph was a smidge fortunate, the Briton capitalising on a Safety Car to nab a free pit stop – but the great champions make their own luck.
Disappointed that he missed out on pole to team mate Valtteri Bottas by just 0.006s, Hamilton had the bit between his teeth on Sunday and battled the Finn hard for victory. He was the quicker driver throughout, with his fastest lap on the final tour despite having tyres that were more than 30 laps old is testament to that.
It was his sixth British GP triumph, moving him clear of Alain Prost and Jim Clark’s record. He has also tied Prost for the most wins by a driver at his home Grand Prix, while it is his ninth British Grand Prix podium – another record with his name on it. And on top of all of that, he has now scored in 55 out of the last 56 races. What a machine.
READ MORE: Record home win felt 'just like the first time' for Hamilton
SILVERSTONE, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 14: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1, 1st position during the British GP at Silverstone on July 14, 2019 in Silverstone, United Kingdom. (Photo by JEP / LAT Images)
Losers: Rain mac salespeople
Those who sell rain macs at the British Grand Prix are usually in for a windfall, such is the tricky British climate. There have been a fair few wet races over the years at Silverstone – remember the sodden 2008 race which Hamilton dominated? – but while it drizzled at various points over the weekend, the heavy stuff never came.
Instead it was luscious warm weather, a fine reward for the hundreds of thousands of people who turned out in force to remind the world how much Great Britain loves motor racing, and in particular a certain Lewis Hamilton.
WATCH: Race highlights from the 2019 British Grand Prix
Winner: Sir Frank Williams
Records are made to be broken, as Hamilton continues to remind us, but the one Formula 1 legend Sir Frank Williams is clocking up – 50 years as Team Principal and counting – will likely never be surpassed.
To mark the occasion, Hamilton took Sir Frank for a Pirelli Hot Lap around Silverstone – and it went so well, the reigning world champion decided to ignore instructions to only do one lap and continue round for a second! Watch it below.
LAP OF LEGENDS: Lewis Hamilton's Hot Lap with Sir Frank Williams
Loser: Valtteri Bottas
This was perhaps one of Valtteri Bottas’ finest performances in terms of racecraft. And up until the Safety Car was called into action, when Antonio Giovinazzi stuck his Alfa Romeo in the gravel, it was set to be one of the Finn’s finest wins, if not his finest.
Bottas had absorbed the pressure from Hamilton all weekend, despite it being his team mate’s backyard. He took pole with a brilliant lap and then went wheel-to-wheel with Hamilton. When the Briton got back in front, Bottas bullishly fought his way back into the lead.
His boss Toto Wolff said Bottas had driven a “splendid” race and that both of them deserved to win. Unfortunately for Bottas, he was on the losing end this time, taking his third second-place finish at the venue without ever having won. But it was a strong performance nonetheless.
British GP: Battling Bottas and Hamilton swap places twice in a lap
Winners: Campsite owners
On the drive up to Silverstone on Wednesday, the campsites that surround Silverstone were already filling up with caravans, motorhomes and good old fashioned tents. By Thursday, you could hardly see a patch of grass. So popular is the race that locals open up their gardens as makeshift campsites – and fans happily oblige.
It creates a fantastic festival atmosphere, with pop up bars, shops and food trucks giving fans plenty to do back at the campsites once the day’s racing action is concluded. And most tend to stick around till Monday, making a holiday of it. It’s great for those who own fields around the track, and great for the local economy, too.
Losers: Haas
Oh Haas. What have the American team got to do end their miserable run of luck? Twelve months ago, they had the fourth fastest car. Now, that only happens on occasion, and usually only in qualifying.
There were glimmers that they were making progress with their race pace woes, but they never got the chance to really find out as Grosjean and Magnussen collided after just four corners in the race. Team boss Guenther Steiner was furious.
That was the fourth race in succession they have failed to score points and their fast double retirement since the 2018 season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Romain Grosjean now has five retirements, more than any other driver. Sigh.
READ MORE: Grosjean and Magnussen’s driving 'not acceptable' says furious Steiner
British GP: Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen collide on opening lap
Winner: Pierre Gasly
Frankly, this has been a lacklustre season for Pierre Gasly, who was promoted from Toro Rosso to Red Bull for this season. He hasn’t been able to match team mate Max Verstappen in the first nine races, and even finished a lap down in sixth in Austria as the Dutchman won the race.
But there was hope at Silverstone as the Frenchman appeared closer all weekend. He topped the first Friday practice, was the fastest Red Bull driver in FP2, and while beaten by Verstappen in qualifying, he was just one grid slot behind this time around.
Come race day, he didn’t have the pace to match Verstappen. But after his team mate’s collision with Sebastian Vettel, Gasly’s improved pace meant he was in a position to capitalise, the Frenchman gaining two places to move into fourth, tying his best-ever F1 finish. He has work to do, though, having trailed Verstappen for 98% of the 2019 season until Silverstone.
Loser: Sebastian Vettel
A first non-top five finish in race 10 of a campaign doesn’t sound too bad. But when you consider that Sebastian Vettel finished down in 16th, the penultimate classified finisher, and that that came as a result of getting his braking all wrong and clattering into Max Verstappen, it soon starts to sound bad.
A 10-second time penalty was justified. Sportingly, Vettel went over to Verstappen in Parc Ferme to shake his rival’s hand, admitting he was to blame. And as if the loss of points wasn’t bad enough for Vettel, having run third, his Ferrari team mate Leclerc starred and has now crossed the finish line ahead in each of the last three races. The pressure mounts.
READ MORE: Verstappen ‘doesn’t know how he got car to finish’, as Vettel admits blame for crash
ALL THE ANGLES: Vettel's Silverstone crash with Verstappen
Winner: Charles Leclerc
Another mixed result for Ferrari, but as far as Leclerc is concerned, he won’t mind much as he was the one who came out on top. The Monegasque admitted his battle with Verstappen in Austria had been an eye-opener and he subsequently “adjusted his aggression” for Silverstone.
His wheel-to-wheel battle with Verstappen was a joy to watch, and while he lost their duel, he ultimately won the war, taking third place – his fourth successive podium – to close to within three points. Had Ferrari not used team orders earlier in the season, he would almost certainly be clear of Vettel, rather than trailing, by now.
British GP: Verstappen and Leclerc almost come to blows in dice for P4
Loser: Alexander Albon
Danger! High Voltage. Electric Six’s 2002 song title was apt for Toro Rosso’s Alexander Albon at Silverstone, as the Thai driver agonisingly missed out on a point as a result.
An electrical issue with Albon’s power unit led Honda to inform the team it was unsafe for them to allow him to pit, forcing him into a one-stop strategy. So while he had clawed his way into the points, he couldn’t hold on against rivals on fresher rubber.
Winners: British fans
A record 353,000 fans attended the British Grand Prix over the course of the weekend. That’s a phenomenal tally – and one which few, if any, rival races can match.
Fortunately, they were treated to a thrilling race, with on-track battles for the lead, for the podium spots and for points. There were even squabbles outside the top 10. It was a sensational race, coming after an exciting Grand Prix in Austria.
Good news, then, that we’ll be heading back to Silverstone for at least the next five years…
New Aston Martin factory ‘on target’ to be opened in August 2022, says Szafnauer
Vettel unfazed by prospect of just 1.5 days of testing Aston Martin car ahead of 2021 season
WATCH: Multi-car scraps and a photo finish – the Top 10 best battles of 2020
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The magazine of the European Physics Community
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Applications of Liquid Crystals p. 1
W. Helfrich
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/epn/19760709001
Heavy Nuclei and Super-heavy Elements p. 4
S. G. Nilsson and S. E. Larsson
Letter to the Editor - The Individual Ordinary Member and the European Physical Society p. 7
A.L. Smith-Haenni,
Conference Report - 8th Conference on Atomic Spectroscopy, Oxford, 13-16 July p. 7
H. Hühnermann
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/epn/19760709007b
Atomic Physics Division p. 8
Condensed Matter Division p. 8
Reduced Rates for Individual Ordinary Members p. 8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/epn/19760709008c
Editor: Els de Wolf ; Science editor: Ferenc Igloi
© European Physical Society, EDP Sciences
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Compromise on the backstop would solve nothing now
by Frank Schnittger Thu Aug 8th, 2019 at 11:00:42 AM EST
The Irish Independent, the highest circulation Irish daily newspaper, has published my letter to the editor in full and as the lead letter on its letters page:
Letters to the Editor: 'Compromise on the backstop would solve nothing now'
The core weakness of Leo Varadkar's position is that a no-deal Brexit would create a hard customs Border with Northern Ireland - precisely the outcome his insistence on the backstop is designed to avoid.
Consequently, there are increasing calls from Fianna Fáil's Timmy Dooley and in the media for Mr Varadkar to back down from his insistence on the backstop in order to enable the passage of the Withdrawal Agreement through the House of Commons. In my view there are at least four flaws in this argument:
It is becoming increasingly clear even removing the backstop from the Withdrawal Agreement entirely wouldn't guarantee its passage through the House of Commons. Hardline Brexiteers actually seem to want a no-deal Brexit.
The EU has staked its entire position and credibility on avoiding a hard customs Border in Ireland (which they know would be a smugglers' paradise in any case). For Mr Varadkar to cave on this now would be like a stab in the back, undermining perhaps the most impressive display of EU solidarity in its history. He would lose all credibility with his EU peers were he to let them down now.
Although there are isolated calls for compromise now, the moment Mr Varadkar concedes he and his party are consigned to electoral history. Fine Gael has never quite recovered from perceptions of being soft on patriotism by agreeing to the partition of Ireland as part of the 1922 peace settlement with Great Britain in the first place. This caused a civil war and an enduring split in Irish politics. To cave in to British bluff and bluster would be a national humiliation and would give Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin the boost they badly need.
Compromising on the backstop would be seen as a betrayal of the people of Northern Ireland, who have benefited from border-less travel and trade with the Republic since the Good Friday Agreement and who voted by a large majority against Brexit. Many in the North (and not just nationalists) are also Irish citizens and would lose the EU dimension of that citizenship and the protections of their identity in the Good Friday Agreement if the backstop is dropped.
The bottom line: We are where we are, and there is no going back.
I have been a little concerned at the number of calls in the Irish media for Varadker to "show flexibility" and to compromise on the Irish backstop. Usually these calls are couched in well meaning terms of recognising the long and close association we have with the UK and the danger the current sharp deterioration in that relationship poses for our economy going forward.
Sometimes they are couched in quite vituperative terms by writers such as Bruce Arnold who used to be the lead political writer for the Irish Independent. Generally they betray quite a servile attitude to the UK. It is as if the sharp deterioration in the Irish British relationship caused by Brexit is somehow all our own fault.
Arnold, in an opinion article for the Daily Telegraph published on Wednesday, delivered a scathing assessment of the Government's policy and approach to Brexit.
"This is tough right now, being a proud and loyal British subject who has lived in, and loved, Ireland for more than 60 years," he wrote in the piece, headlined `Bought by Brussels, little Ireland's ridiculous leaders have landed it in a Brexit crisis'.
"What is tough is watching the ridiculous behaviour of the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and his foreign minister, Simon Coveney, trying to destroy, like wilful children, relations with an ancient and friendly neighbour.
"Whatever faults the British may have, they understand independence and freedom. I can understand why they mock the ridiculous behaviour of these two men.
"Varadkar and Coveney are both members of Fine Gael, a party that has its roots in the fight 100 years ago to secure independence and freedom for Ireland. Yet now here they are trying to block the UK's path to the same independence and freedom."
Claiming that the British understand "independence and Freedom" and likening the fight for Brexit to the Irish fight for Independence are two canards which come up frequently in Brexiteer comments direct at the Irish. From an Irish perspective describing the UK as "an ancient and friendly neighbour" beggars belief, and their understanding of independence and freedom seems much more like an obsession with dominance and control: Comparing Brexit with the fight for Irish freedom when many people died or were executed by the British is hugely insulting.
And while the UK tabloids have been having a field day heaping personal abuse on "little Leo" Varadker and Simon Coveney, one would have expected a little more cop-on from "a leading Irish political correspondent". Such abuse merely increases the political support for Varadker and Coveney in Ireland and further diminishes the UK in Irish eyes. Arnold went on to describe Theresa May's approach to the Brexit negotiations as "painful and embarrassing stuff", and was highly critical of the EU's treatment of the UK:
"The European Parliament had a brief walk-on part in the humiliations - to approve the draft agreement. They seemed from time to time to be sniggering behind their hands at this unfortunate woman who was betrayed on all sides."
Arnold, who has written for several newspapers including The Irish Times, the Irish Press, the Sunday Independent, and the Guardian, accused Dublin of acting as "cheerleader for these tormentors".
"Yet their cheerleading operates in terms that make no sense at all," he said. "Varadkar and Coveney are increasingly uncertain fools. Their desire to be players in a game they don't understand is causing their clothing to unravel and their minds to lose their way.
"Their determination to work against the UK's desire for a smooth and prosperous Brexit will in the end leave Ireland diplomatically estranged from its most important trade and political partner.
"With some satisfaction I see that public opinion in Ireland is at last questioning their policies."
Arnold, who was awarded an OBE in 2003 "for services to Irish journalism and Anglo-Irish relations", said Brussels was using the "spaniel-like euro-eagerness" of the Government "for its own ends".
He added: "Once Brussels gets what it wants, it will dump all interest in Irish concerns.
"What Varadkar and Coveney are doing is helping Brussels to block the path for the UK government to implement the democratic decision of the British people to leave the EU. There was a referendum. The people gave their decision.
"And yet a Dublin government which brags that it is republican and democratic denigrates this decision as populism. It colludes with the EU to try to have the decision dismissed and resisted."
The European Parliament can be forgiven for a little schadenfreude given the abuse it has constantly endured from Nigel Farage and friends. And for the umpteenth time Arnold repeats the canard that Ireland is somehow trying to prevent the UK implementing the democratic decision of the British people. It is not: if the UK wants to engage in an act of self-harm, that is their prerogative. But the Irish Government has a responsibility to ensure that Irish interests are protected as much as possible from the damage that will inevitably be caused by the Brexit process.
In short Bruce Arnold, like many Brexiteers, seems to have a problem with Ireland acting independently of Britain, and puts it down to Varadker and Coveney acting like Spaniels eager to please their EU masters. Arnold for his part, seems to have repaid the OBE he was awarded "for services to Irish journalism and Anglo-Irish relations" in spades. He won't be getting any awards from Irish sources for this article.
Northern Irish unionist commentator, Newton Emerson, has written that:
What everyone in Northern Ireland actually sees is a rise in British nationalism provoking a rise in Irish nationalism. That leads nowhere but disaster, as all good Europeans ought to know.
He may have a point. But what is striking, from an Irish perspective, is how slow and measured that Irish nationalist response has been. Fine Gael is the least nationalist major Irish political party, and Varadker and Coveney and the Irish government in general have been moderate and reasoned in response to much provocation by British and DUP media and politicians.
Varadker, in particular, may have been doing too much talking about the possibilities and risks of a United Ireland for this writer's tastes, as I think the two issues are separate and shouldn't be confused with one another in official government communications. But even those pronouncements have been moderate and cautious and within the context of the Good Friday Agreement.
A little more respect from British media, commentators and politicians wouldn't go amiss. Ireland may soon become the only friend the UK still has within the EU, not that we can expect much thanks for it. Perhaps, in some ways, Brexit could be the making of Ireland as an independent country as well: forcibly removed from over-dependence on Irish/UK trading links and dominance by their media and companies like Tesco importing almost solely British brands.
There is nothing too wrong with that in an EU context: it is normal for a small country to have a heavy dependency on a much more powerful close neighbour. But at least the EU guarantees us a near equal voice at the table, something we never enjoyed as a colony of Great Britain. I am viscerally opposed to fanatical nationalism within a European context because of all the senseless wars it has caused, but Bruce Arnold and his ilk may make an Irish nationalist of me yet...
Compromise on the backstop would solve nothing now | 125 comments (125 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)
Re: Compromise would solve nothing now (4.00 / 5)
Great stuff Frank ... as always! The Irish and the blog community can be rightly proud and thankful for your "stubbornness" or should I say perseverance and knowledge of Brexit. 😉 🥺
by Oui on Thu Aug 8th, 2019 at 11:44:10 AM EST
Re: Compromise on the backstop (4.00 / 9)
It would be absolutely idiotic for the EU to compromise on the backstop. It would validate the Leaver's belief the EU will back down when faced with intransigence.
She believed in nothing; only her skepticism kept her from being an atheist. -- Jean-Paul Sartre
by ATinNM on Thu Aug 8th, 2019 at 03:04:33 PM EST
Not to mention the simple fact that the backstop should be there on the merits. And it's the Brits' best friend, it seems to me, because if you remove the backstop, there's very little point in the EU bothering with Britain outside of sorting a few things out on the rights of EU nationals in Britain and British nationals in Europe (where everybody seems to be on the same page).
Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to your country.
by Drew J Jones (pedobear@pennstatefootball.com) on Sat Aug 10th, 2019 at 11:52:33 AM EST
Re: Compromise on the backstop would solve nothing (4.00 / 7)
Have these people (Arnold and its ilk) realized that the Republic of Ireland is an independent country?
Reading them, it always feel like Ireland is still a Crown dependency and the ROI is illegally occupying a part of the UK.
A little more respect from British media, commentators and politicians wouldn't go amiss.
All Europeans have stopped expecting that long ago.
by Bernard on Thu Aug 8th, 2019 at 06:23:03 PM EST
Some top retired Irish diplomats speak out (4.00 / 4)
Irish ex-diplomats claim Britain does not engage very willingly with Ireland
"The British do not engage very willingly with or about Ireland, " Ó hUigínn says. "Burke said that the English have only one ambition in relation to Ireland, which is to hear no more about it. And that is still not a bad working maxim if you want to analyse British relations.
"When they have to focus on it, there is another mechanism which comes into play which I would call the Irish anomaly. Something that would be taken very seriously in another context can be disregarded if it comes with an Irish label. The Border is a classic example of this.
"Why didn't the British focus on the fact that they had an extensive land border with the European Union? The answer is that it was in Ireland. It wasn't serious."
An exhibit of this, he argues, were comments made by former UK Brexit secretary David Davis just days after the initial Brexit joint report first containing the backstop, the insurance policy to avoid a hard Border, was signed in December 2017.
Davis told the BBC the backstop was "much more a statement of intent than it was a legally enforceable thing".
"He gave a very broad wink to the British public," says Ó hUigínn. "This is Irish stuff. Don't take it too seriously. And I think there's a kind of psychological shock among the Tories that the Europeans don't seem to grasp this fundamental convention."
Michael Lillis, who was a diplomatic adviser to Garret Fitzgerald and was a negotiator of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, also says there have been "numerous very difficult moments" and "a lot of obdurate, of almost blind attitudes by the British".
What you hear in the public space is the bit of the iceberg that's above the water and there's a lot more to it underneath
While acknowledging the difficulties caused by Brexit, he says "it's been much more difficult several times in the past".
"People would find that surprising, but I've been through dealing with Northern Ireland in one way or another since the early 1970s. [Conservative UK prime minister Edward] Heath made it very clear that Northern Ireland was none of the business of Dublin.
"This was in the middle of the worst period of violence that we've had in the 30 years, mainly Provisional IRA violence of course, but also disastrous policies by the British like internment, other disasters like Bloody Sunday. And you know eventually, in both instances, we got over it."
Lillis believe Boris Johnson, the British prime minister, will lead the UK to a no-deal Brexit at the end of October, while Ó Uigínn says "they will crash out or they will leave, certainly".
"I think Boris Johnson is determined that there will be no issue between himself and Brexit as he goes toward an election," he adds. "And that's why he has to avoid the practical stuff which is messy and go for the Agincourt.
Index of Frank's Diaries
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Sat Aug 10th, 2019 at 11:14:03 AM EST
Re: Some top retired Irish diplomats speak out (4.00 / 5)
That's a really essential question.
I can't do better than the answer offered there. With just a quibble on the tense of the verb: should be "is" not "was". When you see Boris calling on "common sense" wrt the border, you just know neither he nor anyone else in power takes the problem seriously. Neither in its inter-Irish dimension, nor its European dimension.
Boris, tell us: what part of "extensive land border with the European Union" do you not understand?
Things are going to slide, slide in all directions
Won't be nothing
Nothing you can measure anymore
L. Cohen
by john_evans (john(dot)evans(dot)et(at)gmail(dot)com) on Sat Aug 10th, 2019 at 11:30:13 AM EST
Pathetic (4.00 / 5)
There has been absolutely no attempt to engage with either Ireland or the EU since Boris became PM. The British are still negotiating with themselves. I presume the game plan is to win a general election on a no deal platform, preferably after no deal has already happened. If there is one thing more pathetic than the performance of successive British governments since 2016, it has been the collective performance of those opposed to their policies...
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Sat Aug 10th, 2019 at 12:31:40 PM EST
Re: Pathetic (none / 1)
Seems to me, naive American viewpoint, that the Irish question boils down to whether NI is worth supporting. It is a tiny part of the UK economy, it is politically reactionary, it is inhabited by extremists who refuse to cooperate or compromise on anything, the arguments are based on old grievances and obscure religious claim, etc. Just a pain in the neck every way you look at it.
If it were not for May and her election problems that led to needing DUP support, by far the easiest thing would be to toss NI overboard and let it merge with the rest of Ireland. If the DUP can't provide enough parliamentary votes to BoJo for him to maintain a Conservative majority, their power evaporates--and with it any English concern about NI.
by asdf on Sat Aug 10th, 2019 at 05:47:34 PM EST
< pick teeth, suck vigorously > (none / 1)
So many diabolical options, so much time.
Have you considered a US-UK Chagos option for NI?
Diversity is the key to economic and political evolution.
by Cat on Sat Aug 10th, 2019 at 06:00:16 PM EST
Re: < pick teeth, suck vigorously > (4.00 / 2)
We've got Keflavik in Iceland already, plus a few other sites in Europe. Why would we put up with the hassles of NI?
by asdf on Sun Aug 11th, 2019 at 12:47:41 AM EST
Not a bad idea. Buy the land, make everybody leave, turn it into a permanent US military outpost. Build some nuclear missile silos, build a giant wall, the best radar air defenses, etc. And, finally, Trump would have a source of "good" immigrants he doesn't hate, because they're white.
by Zwackus on Sun Aug 11th, 2019 at 02:26:57 AM EST
not sure about that (4.00 / 4)
the IRA wouldn't want to go to the USA, far too violent
keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Sun Aug 11th, 2019 at 02:45:02 PM EST
Re: not sure about that (4.00 / 2)
Didn't people use to go around collecting for the IRA in the Boston, MA, area?
There's a proud tradition of supporting Freedom Fighters!
by Number 6 on Thu Aug 15th, 2019 at 10:40:15 AM EST
Re; pick teeth, suck vigorously (4.00 / 2)
Hey. Trump is eyeing up Greenland, he could make an offer to the Orangepersons that might appeal to their settler spirit -- it may well be heading for a new climate optimum, after all.
The Catholics can just go back to whatever shithole Free State they came from.
It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II
by eurogreen on Fri Aug 16th, 2019 at 08:47:08 AM EST
Re: Re; pick teeth, suck vigorously (4.00 / 2)
It is a pretty solid bet, I would say, that one of his casting couch generals showed him a picture similar to this one, and his response was something about how the US of A needed to be the biggest and best player in the Arctic. Obviously a sh*thole country like Denmark doesn't deserve such a huge presence up there in polar bear land.
by asdf on Fri Aug 16th, 2019 at 01:45:45 PM EST
For Boris and his ilk, the UK doesn't have an extensive land border with the EU; the EU has an extensive land border with the UK. Hence it's the EU's issue to solve, not the UK's.
by rifek on Sat Aug 10th, 2019 at 11:49:35 PM EST
Multiple theories out there about cheap Chinese goods flooding English market, cheap Australian beef flooding English market, cheap counterfeit "made in UK" goods flooding English market, etc. Maybe the English would find it necessary to build a wall themselves...
An apologetic persosn who worked on VoteLeave says some interesting things, from 6:00
Re: Some top retired Irish diplomats speak out (none / 1)
After 7 min I turned it off .. confused and in search of an exit for someone to blame for a faulty decision ... a long winding mea culpa.
In a short version: "I was ignorant of the facts."
by Oui on Sun Aug 11th, 2019 at 05:33:57 PM EST
well yes, I doubt you can really be a leaver and not be "ignorant of the facts". I thought it was more interesting to see how even people who were relatively well informed managed to put themselves into a campaign mindset where the news cycle was dominant and inconvenient facts were simply there to be dismissed rther than addressed in a debate about the UK's future.
Also interesting to hear that Ireland just wasn't on anyone's thought agenda in the Leave campaign. No doubt some people at the top were aware it was a gnarly problem, and therefore to be dismissed, filed under Project Fear or Year 2K. Above all not addressed (still the case).
by john_evans (john(dot)evans(dot)et(at)gmail(dot)com) on Sun Aug 11th, 2019 at 06:23:34 PM EST
At the time of the election they'd really swallowed their Kool Aid that they were gonna have full tariff free access to EU markets as before, but with the ability to do their own trade deals.
So, Ulster's stuation wasn't going to change, so why worry?
It only became a problem when reality gnawed through their herd of unicorns
"intelligent" but certainly NOT well informed in particular where you make mention of the "news cycle". First thing the blog community speaks of ... the MSM and lack of insight. Speaking of the "Union" but lacking knowledge of NI, Belfast and the "troubles" seems to me a contradiction. Certainly a studied person should be qualified to see through propaganda. The "Leave" movement campaign was purely build on propaganda feeding on nationalist feelings. For all clear to see ... emotions win elections, not rationale.
By chance a forewarning the states Trump would win ... supporting the #VoteLeave campaign. Alt-right support.
Good for you! This Texan hopes y'all win! @vote_leave @maribellezza
— Leslie (@vamplita) June 20, 2016
tbh the "Union" is really an expression of Greater England. It's what Home counties Tories cleave to to make themselves seem rooted in our Imperial past.
Equally, in Ulter (and to a lessser extent in Scotland), it is a prop for politicians who fear irrelevance unless bolstered by the financial clout of Big Brother.
It's like the "Special Relationship", it's a confession of weakness rather than of strength
No German car industry veto (4.00 / 4)
The British are deluded about Germany's fear of a no-deal Brexit
Last month Ola Kaellenius, the new chief executive of Daimler AG, had a discreet meeting with German chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.
The two had a lot to talk about and their the meeting, scheduled for 40 minutes, ran on for more than an hour. Yet those present say one issue didn't even cross their lips: Brexit.
After the June 2016 vote, Merkel insisted on political carte blanche in looming talks and warned German industry not to harass her with special pleading over their UK business. Managers agreed and, three years on, that agreement has held.
Yet a competing narrative has stabilised itself during the same period in Brexit Britain: that Berlin will yield to its powerful car lobby to avoid a no-deal departure and, if necessary, Germany will sell the Irish down the river to keep the British market open for Daimler, VW and BMW.
Anything may happen between now and October 31st. But there have been no signs so far from Berlin - on or off the record - that the British narrative will come to pass.
Re: No German car industry veto (4.00 / 3)
The idea that the German car industry would gang up on the chancellor to shore up a 20 per cent stake of their dwindling EU market is wishful thinking. That such thinking refuses to go away is an indication of British self-delusion. That such British self-delusion has penetrated many Irish minds - on Brexit and beyond - tells a story all its own.
Our shared language makes it almost impossible to escape the framing, messaging and spin emerging from our larger neighbour. Though loyal consumers of domestic media, many Irish also graze on British news throughout the day on their phones, leave Sky News running as they're cooking dinner and tune into the BBC news and Newsnight before bed.
Knowing what the British are thinking and talking about in the Brexit debate is crucial. But not knowing what other big European neighbours are thinking and talking about is careless, even negligent.
The internet and cable/satellite television have opened up Europe and the world to us, but when was the last time you tuned into France24 reports on Brexit, or dipped into talk shows on DW - Germany's (largely English-language) equivalent of the BBC World Service?
Ireland's history in the EU to date has been about liberating itself economically from its larger neighbour.
Instead, laziness and habit traps people on their sofas, inside a monolingual bubble, eating the Brexit crisps on offer from the UK.
Re: No German car industry veto (none / 1)
I read an interesting article on dKos last week, about how the German car industry painted itself into a corner on the internal combustion engine and is now woefully behind on developing 21st century technology electric vehicles. Something which is hurting it badly on its main export market of china.
However, I suspect that they are planning to use the excuse of brexit to get the EU to pay for the R&D and re-tooling they declined to pay for themselves by way of brexit compensation.
Heck, the French car industry (Renault, Peugeot, Valeo...) will want in too. And they are not late to the EV party, but money is money.
(there's more to the EU than Germany)
by Bernard on Sun Aug 11th, 2019 at 03:59:02 PM EST
I'm not sure what constitutes high tech in electric cars, but I bought an i3 a couple years ago and I've never been more pleased with a new car. It goes. It stops. It's built to last. I drove Japanese, American, German and French EVs before buying, but in respect to actually driving a car, the BMW was as good as any, and better than most.
Cars aren't phones.
by Andhakari on Sun Aug 11th, 2019 at 05:20:53 PM EST
The problem with the traditional car companies, not only in Europe but everywhere, is that they think they need to be car companies. The outlier is Telsa, which sells a great car but more importantly has an extensive charging network. Porsche, for example, is going on and on about their new EV, but where will people plug it in? They need both a great car and a charging network.
EVs are disruptive. The existing car companies don't seem to get what they need to do to respond.
Tesla charger maps.
by asdf on Sun Aug 11th, 2019 at 05:34:44 PM EST
I'm blessed to live in the EV paradise of Norway, and finding a charging point of whatever flavour is not in the least difficult here. Replicating Norway's incentive programs would be a good place to start for any country seeking to expand the purchase and use of EVs.
Telsa, which sells a great car
There are some really bad news from Moscow for @Tesla https://t.co/JKz84RBbK2 pic.twitter.com/C1SYQVocen
— Maria Baronova (@ponny1) 10. August 2019
I'm really not much into cars, so can't really evaluate Tesla the car, but ol Musky is one of the most blatant grifters since Theranos.
by generic on Sun Aug 11th, 2019 at 06:41:02 PM EST
I think he has delivered a lot more than most grifters. That is not to say that he is not a grifter...
by asdf on Mon Aug 12th, 2019 at 02:13:45 AM EST
My understanding was that he bought the whole Telsa business plan from that Eberhard guy.
by generic on Mon Aug 12th, 2019 at 11:35:03 AM EST
Lots of Mercedes in the Tesla platform geometry, electrical parts, safety systems, etc. (At least for the model S.) But nevertheless he is selling a lot of them.
His motivation is certainly questionable; Musk obviously straddles the line between genius and insanity.
It seems pretty clear that Porsche have lost track of the fact that they sell a specialist version of a component part of a public transportation system. There's no utilitarian difference between a Porsche and a Toyota. That the basic structure of the transportation system is changing, and thus their position within that system also changing, has not occurred to them. Yet.
Sharing a charging station with a bunch of Fiats and Hondas is not going to provide the Porsche owner with the same class appeal as the Tesla-only stations provided by the competition.
by asdf on Mon Aug 12th, 2019 at 03:47:06 PM EST
Anecdotal, but I noticed on vacation this summer that lots of roadside eateries in Sweden has one or two parking spots with chargers. Probably on an assumption that you will grab a bite to eat while charging.
by fjallstrom on Sun Aug 11th, 2019 at 11:05:43 PM EST
Plus ça change... (4.00 / 4)
Ah, the German car industry, that old chestnut.
You covered this particular delusion in your last year's diary: BMW = Brexit Made Wonderful.
Merkel and the German leadership have always been quite clear; even the Torygraph reported about it back in 2016.
Also, this interesting piece on How Cameron's misreading of Merkel led to Brexit, in the Spectator, of all places
by Bernard on Sat Aug 10th, 2019 at 01:31:48 PM EST
"sell the Irish down the river" (none / 1)
What was the old bit about the British newspapers running headlines about "Chunnel shut down, Europe isolated"?
That's Brexit, basically, with all of the wrongness included.
by Drew J Jones (pedobear@pennstatefootball.com) on Sun Aug 11th, 2019 at 12:33:34 AM EST
"Fog on the Channel, Continent cut off."
by john_evans (john(dot)evans(dot)et(at)gmail(dot)com) on Sun Aug 11th, 2019 at 08:46:11 AM EST
Remainers have run out of road (none / 1)
Little can be done to stop Johnson crashing UK out of EU
Remarkably, we are now in a situation where, in the name of respecting democracy, the UK is headed for a no-deal exit from the EU that is opposed by a majority of voters and a majority of MPs.
Furthermore, the law that governs the removal of a government and calling of an election means that only the narrowest path to avoiding a no-deal remains open.
The House of Commons is now in recess and will not sit again until September 3rd. Imagine that Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, immediately puts down a motion of no confidence which is debated the next day (September 4th) and is passed with the support of moderate Tory MPs. Under the Fixed Term Parliament Act, this triggers a period of 14 days during which the government must try to win a second confidence vote. If by midnight on September 18th, Boris Johnson has not won a new confidence vote, then an early election is triggered.
However, the legal rules around timing an early general election give the prime minister sufficient scope to delay the vote until after Brexit takes place on October 31st.
In order for dissolution to occur, the queen must be advised by the prime minister to issue a crown proclamation dissolving parliament. This would not occur before September 19th and the proclamation would not take effect until the next day (September 20th).
Under the Fixed Term Parliament Act, an election cannot take place earlier than 25 working days after the dissolution of Parliament. That brings us up to Friday October 25th. UK general elections generally take place on a Thursday meaning the first Thursday available is Brexit day itself, October 31st.
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Mon Aug 12th, 2019 at 09:59:41 AM EST
Re: Remainers have run out of road (none / 1)
Would Boris Johnson dare to cut the British people out of the decision by holding an election too late to let them express their view? The polls suggest that he would not pay a price for doing so. Under the UK's "first past the post" system, you don't need a majority of voters to win and the minority who favour a no-deal exit is large enough to beat a splintered opposition.
A recent ComRes poll shows that in an election held after the UK has left with no deal, the Conservatives are likely win a majority in parliament with 36 per cent ahead of Labour 29 per cent, Liberals 15 per cent and the Brexit Party on 8 per cent. However, if the election happens after the UK has received an extension of article 50, Labour wins with 28 per cent followed by the Brexit Party on 23 per cent with the Tories and Liberals trailing on 22 per cent and 16 per cent. In other words, uniting the pro-no-deal Brexit minority by exiting before an election would benefit Johnson electorally.
Re: Remainers have run out of road (4.00 / 3)
Ain't that the way Pfeffle planned it?
by john_evans (john(dot)evans(dot)et(at)gmail(dot)com) on Mon Aug 12th, 2019 at 10:12:27 AM EST
Caroline Lucas has reacted to suggest a Parliamentary coup whereby a govt of National Unity is set up comprising Remain voting MPs of all parties, with her suggesting a Cabinet (led by her of course) of women who are, obviously, more sensible than their male counterparts.
Unfortunately, this would ineviably lead to a Cabinet mostly comprised of pro-austerity privatisers who would (presumably) be perfect to sort out the mess caused by a bunch of pro-austerity privatisers.
Which begs the question : A National unity to do what precisely? Stop a No deal brexit I presume, but how? And replace it with what? The May deal which has been soundly rejected by parliament 3 times? Or stop brexit entirely? This may seem sensible but would probably cause a widespread generational disaffection with UK democracy.
Frankly, even though I'm a staunch Remainer this looks as much of a coup as the one Cummings seems to be proposing to force a No Deal brexit.
I really don't see how you can protect Democracy by subverting democracy anymore than I can understand how you prtect Palriamentary sovereignty by suspending Parliament.
We live in strange times.
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Mon Aug 12th, 2019 at 02:42:11 PM EST
Presumably the "government of national unity" would hold office only long enough to request a further A.50 extension, hold a referendum where no deal and remain are the options, and then, perhaps, hold a general election. Alternatively it could hold office just long enough to request a further a.50 extension on the promise of organising a referendum and then hold a general election to elect a government to carry it out.
In practice, the later option would mean "holding office" for only a few weeks, and the A.50 extension request would be the only act of significance it would carry out.
I can't see Corbyn or his supporters agreeing to anyone but him holding the office of PM, however temporarily, and I can't see many dissident Remainer Tories voting for him.
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Mon Aug 12th, 2019 at 02:58:10 PM EST
No, Parliament chucking the PM and asking the Queen to appoint a new one is not a coup, it's how your country works. I know this is hard for people in the UK to understand given the constant storm of disinformation, but you don't have a presidential system where the PM is directly elected. Since the Tories and Lib Dems broke the system with the FTPA it's become much harder to kill off governments.
The "all woman" bit is marketing - I've seen the suggestion that it was thrown in to actually get coverage - but at least it raises the issue.
There's nothing undemocratic about either extension + referendum or election or even revoking A50, which doesn't stop Brexit, just means it needs to be restarted, hopefully with an actual plan this time if the polity so chooses.
This may seem sensible but would probably cause a widespread generational disaffection with UK democracy.
Do you see any paths forward that don't do that?
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Mon Aug 12th, 2019 at 03:05:37 PM EST
Do I see any path forwared that doesn't cause widespread disaffection? Yes, I do. But sadly it means to let this play out; for madness, catastrophe and worse.
After 40 years of right wing government, we have reached (I nearly typed retched) a crisis of government in the UK. It might have been avoided if we hadn't had the referendum, but the moment it was declared, let alone voted upon, we were, in hindsight, obviously doomed.
We need to eradicate, not just the parties, but an entire way of thinking. And to do that we have to rub the noses of the English authoritarians in the mud of where their stupidities go. There is no return to Empire, there won't even be a United Kingdom within a decade.
Alll their dreams of global consequence will turn to ash as they realise that politics isn't about identity, culture or sovereignty, it's about power. Those who have the most, get the most. Those who have little, get nothing. The EU is a powerful economy with a lot of global power while England is a little country and has little of anything. And the Little Englanders need to have that smashed into their skulls with baseball cricket bats.
I do not say this lightly. I fear there will be starvation, riots and national disorder leading to many, many deaths. We cannot save ourselves because there is no way out of the corner we are painted into.
There are a lot of depressing YouTube videos about daily life in Britain in the 1970s. I first went there in 1976 and was shocked, coming from a suburban US upbringing.
It is hard to believe that nostalgia for that period would be supportable, even through the most powerful rose-colored glasses.
Although apparently there is some nostalgia for the USSR, too. I suppose having social systems that provide basic necessities has some advantages.
I tend to look back on it as a period when there was a lot wrong with the UK, but that the solutions offered by thacher were just a cocaine rush that left us in a worse place.
We had cheap housing available for nearly everybody, if there were no jobs, there was a generous benefit scheme that meant that nobody went without food, clothing, warmth or shelter, we had a functioning NHS that kept us all healthy.
Frankly, there's a fuck of a lot of that which would make the US happy right now, let alone the UK.
I think the nostalgia is more for the 1950s and early '60s, (before the long-hairs took over).
You have to realize that, back then, Typhoo was real tea, Marmite had the proper flavour, Cadbury's Dairy Milk was the way it should be, and my fish and chips came wrapped in newspaper. All of which unelected Brussels bureaucrats have deprived me of.
by john_evans (john(dot)evans(dot)et(at)gmail(dot)com) on Tue Aug 13th, 2019 at 08:43:23 AM EST
Not only does the UK not have a Presidential system, but it doesn't have a normal parliamentary system where Parliament elects the PM either. The PM is appointed by the Queen, and thereafter she has no choice but to do his bidding, and Parliament doesn't have much control over him either even if it does vote no confidence in him - twice. He can still chose to delay an election until after Brexit day.
The bottom line is that so long as a majority in Parliament can't agree on an alternative plan or leader they are pissing into the wind, or perhaps more accurately, at each other. All their petty squabbles and personal ambitions are more important than stopping what they all claim to be against - a no deal Brexit.
Frankly the entire UK body politic needs to be flushed down the toilet - if they were representing my country I would be utterly appalled.
< wipes tears > (none / 0)
by Cat on Mon Aug 12th, 2019 at 04:40:38 PM EST
At This Point ... (4.00 / 2)
there's only one path out of No Deal.
Clearly Boris' government doesn't give a damn about a No Deal.
Parliament just won't accept - or cognize - the fact they don't have legislative power over the EU. So their vote against a No Deal is meaningless.
From what other people here have written, there's no way to prevent Boris, et. al., from forging ahead to a No Deal.
The path out demands the EU commits suicide. I'm fairly confident France will veto any move in this direction.
So: you're fucked.
And speaking of democracy, Brexit is exactly why going to Duh Peepul to give an answer to anything more complicated than "Do You Want Fries/Chips With That?" is a massively stupid idea.
by ATinNM on Mon Aug 12th, 2019 at 05:24:38 PM EST
Re: At This Point ... (none / 1)
Oh there is a path out of no deal.
If Boris loses a vote of confidence, the opposition have two weeks to elect an alternative PM designate who can ask for an A.50 extension and announce either a second referendum or a General election.
But could the opposition agree on an alternative PM, even one to serve only 4 weeks to ask for A.50 extension and then call a general election? Doesn't seem like a lot to ask, but I doubt they could agree on Corbyn, and I doubt he would agree to anyone else...
That's not a path. That's a fantasy, if you will excuse me for saying it bluntly. Corbyn doesn't have the votes to win a No Confidence motion.
There are an awful lot of conservatives who are now out of government and have relatively little to lose.
But I agree with you, its a 1% scenario.
Re: At This Point ... (4.00 / 3)
well that takes us back to the point I made earlier. Caroline Lucas offers herself as a compromise PM, and I'd say she could be considered a reasonable honest broker.
But to do what,precisely?
A National Unity to do what precisely?
Stop a No deal brexit I presume, but how?
And replace it with what?
The May deal has been soundly rejected by parliament 3 times
Or stop brexit entirely?
We stare at the probability of national insurrection in so many directions, I can't begin to see a way out. there are no good options, only some which offer a hope of salvaging something from the mess further down the line.
If we cancel brexit, I guarantee there will be riots and probably armed militia on the streets.
If we delay brexit, we're only kicking that can down the orad and that way lies trouble next year.
If we crash out no deal, there will be food riots by spring.
Perhaps if Boris could get May's deal through, it might be the least worst, but he would not survive the humiliation,. Which means he would never do it cos he's a coward when it comes to that.
Which goes back to the original problem: there's no such thing as a Brexit. There's a horde of mutually exclusive Brexits and May was too fucking stupid to force the Leavers to come-up with a Brexit BEFORE she sent the stupid letter.
No, she made a basic constitutional mistake : knowing she couldn't get any obtainable deal through Parliament, she tried to push it through on executive authority alone. It was the only plausible solution, but Bercow stymied her.
Now, only Bercow can save the UK.
by eurogreen on Wed Aug 14th, 2019 at 11:15:02 AM EST
Ten bucks sez the EU will dream up a reason to give them another extension. "Peace is at hand" or something.
But the EU cannot unilaterally give an extension. The UK government must ask for one.
"Dieu se rit des hommes qui se plaignent des conséquences alors qu'ils en chérissent les causes" Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet
by Melanchthon on Mon Aug 12th, 2019 at 09:30:35 PM EST
All the same, communications-wise, the EU would probably be well advised to attempt to throw out a lifeline at the last minute. It would blunt the accusation "EU made me do it".
At least, for those who are listening.
At least, for those who are listening
A small crowd, then.
by Bernard on Tue Aug 13th, 2019 at 08:20:21 AM EST
Europeans are not entirely subjected to the UK media...
Recall that the reason for democracy is to keep the peasants thinking they have a say in policy--so they won't revolt. The trick is to keep them from actually having a say in policy.
Boris is a #### (4.00 / 3)
right now, my biggest fear is that Boris calls an election timed so that a no deal brexit cannot be stopped. I'm pretty sure that Boris would ensure he loses that election so that he can walk away without having to deal with the consequences of his irresponsibility...AGAIN
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Tue Aug 13th, 2019 at 08:05:07 AM EST
Re: Boris is a #### (4.00 / 2)
I think that's his plan, for the first part: sideline Parliament and let Brexit happen while blaming the EU.
For the second, I think he wants to get in on the Brexit feelgood bounce (yes, there will be one, that's how many witless wonders there are in the country), with a comfortable Tory majority and be PM for five years. Someone's got to finish the work Margaret Thatcher started (so says Nigel Lawson, who nose everything).
From my quote above: "A recent ComRes poll shows that in an election held after the UK has left with no deal, the Conservatives are likely win a majority in parliament with 36 per cent ahead of Labour 29 per cent, Liberals 15 per cent and the Brexit Party on 8 per cent. However, if the election happens after the UK has received an extension of article 50, Labour wins with 28 per cent followed by the Brexit Party on 23 per cent with the Tories and Liberals trailing on 22 per cent and 16 per cent. In other words, uniting the pro-no-deal Brexit minority by exiting before an election would benefit Johnson electorally."
In fact its the only way he can win and win a mandate for himself while reprising Winston's role as a war time PM and leader of "a government of national unity".
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Tue Aug 13th, 2019 at 08:31:05 AM EST
Re: Boris is a #### BUT Jeremy is a sensible man (none / 0)
This assumption that Corbyn will prevent a provisional "national unity" government is questionable.
Its only function would be to take the keys off Boris, aske for an Article 50 extension, and organise élections.
Labour would most likely be the biggest party after the élections, so Corbyn would most likely end up Prime Minister.
mature democracy? (none / 0)
Agreed, but suppose if somebody like Keir Starmer is most acceptable to all anti-no deal factions and is nominated by Parliament for PM. He would have to appoint a cabinet to hold even one meeting to agree to ask for an A.50 extension, agree wording, and appoint a date to prorogue parliament and hold elections.
Keir would remain (albeit "caretaker") PM for the duration of the General Election campaign, hold a few cabinet meetings to deal with day-to-day stuff, and generally look "Prime Ministerial". Would Corbyn take a job in the cabinet, however temporarily? Would Keir have to appoint Lib Dem or ChangeUK/Green/SNP/Plaid cabinet members to be assured of those party's votes?
There would be enormous pressure for Corbyn to stand aside "for the younger man" if the media decide Keir looks good in the job, even if Labour becomes the largest party. Would anti-no deal parties agree to stand aside for the most favoured candidate to defeat a Brexiteer candidate in the Election? Would they make such a deal conditional on Corbyn standing aside?
Labour, and left wing parties generally put huge stress on being policy rather than personality centred, but would Corbyn and his inner circle agree to him being effectively sidelined in order to create a "government of national unity" and defeat Boris?
I think it's all a bit far fetched, but perhaps the only way a no-deal Brexit can be avoided now. In a mature democracy, that is what would probably happen, but the UK has a very basic democracy which promotes polarisation, extremism, and personality cults.
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Wed Aug 14th, 2019 at 12:16:35 PM EST
Re: mature democracy? (none / 1)
I have yet to see anyone suggesting this national unity government business without immediately moving to the possibility of a "peaceful handover of power" in Labour.
by generic on Wed Aug 14th, 2019 at 12:46:20 PM EST
Re: mature democracy? (4.00 / 2)
If plotters are plotting against Corbyn, that would be a relevant reason to nix that setup. Why should Labour accept other parties to select their PM?
In fact, if there is an extension-and-election government, the logical leader of it would be Corbyn, as the leader of the by far largest component of it. Why wouldn't the others accept Corbyn? Presumably because it would benefit Corbyn to be seen in the role as PM, and thus benefit Labour, but in the same way why should Labour accept someone else who would benefit?
So, I guess the only MPs who would be acceptable are MPs who are leaders of minor, geograpically contained parties that can't benefit much. This line of thinking ends with the PM being Liz Saville Roberts from Plaid Cymry or Sylvia Hermon, independent unionist (former UUP) from North Ireland. Not that I know anymore about them than what is mentioned on Wikipedia.
by fjallstrom on Wed Aug 14th, 2019 at 02:04:57 PM EST
h/t @iammightor pic.twitter.com/MT1RylzsR6
— Lafargue (@Lafargue) 15. August 2019
by generic on Thu Aug 15th, 2019 at 06:52:30 PM EST
Re: Boris is a #### BUT Jeremy is a sensible man (4.00 / 4)
If Parliament votes no confidence in Boris's government, there will be 14 days in which to cobble a new majority together. On his side, Boris will try to win back the Tory renegades who made him fall. On the other side, attempts will be made to put together a provisional coalition. If (1) the former happens, Boris goes ahead as PM (he might want to call an election). If (2) the latter, he will hand over the keys to whoever leads the coalition (who might want to call an election). If (3) neither succeeds, there must be an election because no one commands a majority in Parliament.
In the interim up to the election in case (3), Boris may remain nominally PM. This is all the same subject to an agreement that his government will undertake nothing major or controversial, and will just mind the shop. That agreement has to be passed with the Leader of the Opposition (that's an official position). The LOTO (Corbyn in this case) could perfectly well make a condition that the interim government must not allow anything major to happen by default, in this case a crash-out. This would mean Boris agreeing to request an A50 extension for reason of elections.
It's unlikely Boris would agree, in which case he should stand down. If he refused to resign, that would be uncharted territory. He would have to be sure he could count on the army.
The only case where Corbyn would have a say on a "national unity" or "caretaker" government, would be in case (2), but a coalition is most unlikely, or in case (3), if Boris did the decent thing and resigned. I doubt if Corbyn would refuse, but... It all boils down to, is there a majority in Parliament for an A50 extension? Boris and the Brexiters would immediately attempt to bring down the "unity" government on that question, and they might well succeed.
The above is long and complicated, but it's just to show that it's not simply a matter of Corbyn taking the keys from Boris and requesting an A50 extension.
by john_evans (john(dot)evans(dot)et(at)gmail(dot)com) on Wed Aug 14th, 2019 at 12:50:37 PM EST
An extension is probably the only thing that can get a majority. After that, who knows? Election seems most likely, even committing to a referendum seems beyond Labour.
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Wed Aug 14th, 2019 at 12:58:50 PM EST
I thought they have committed to a referendum?
Some terms and conditions may apply, as far as I can work out.
There is zero chance of Corbyn being able to force his version of Brexit - whatever that means - past Parliament and the voters. So there will be a PV, and Brexit will lose.
Corbyn may possibly believe otherwise, but it's clearly not going to happen.
Far more worrying is the prospect of Boris winning a larger majority in the next election. That would more or less guarantee No Deal, and all of the scheduled chaos and horror.
The only upside would be that no one under the age of forty would ever vote Tory. But it might be decades to the next election, so that would be a Pyrrhic victory at best.
I take Helen's point about the general uselessness of Emperor Boris and his cronies, but unfortunately the history of coups in other countries suggests that competence is not necessary for success.
The British aren't very good at mass protests, so all Boris has to do is keep most of the army onside - and their loyalty is probably a given, even after the cuts.
The alternative would be a Corbyn government, and the nation's military leaders aren't interested in that.
A month from now we'll either be in the middle of an election, or in the throes of an outright coup. I'd like to be more optimistic about the former, but I suspect the latter is still a real possibility.
by ThatBritGuy (thatbritguy (at) googlemail.com) on Wed Aug 14th, 2019 at 04:49:49 PM EST
"history of coups in other countries" (none / 0)
such as ... ? Trying to identify the relevant third party in this case. For a friend.
by Cat on Wed Aug 14th, 2019 at 05:47:57 PM EST
the history of coups in other countries suggests that competence is not necessary for success
You don't need a coup to demonstrate that! Exhibit no. 1 is in the US of A right now.
I think predictions of a coup or a revolution or a need for army support are overblown. The most likely thing is for the EU to give an extension, either in response to another request, or as a favor to the UK to give more time for them to come to their senses.
Or, maybe there will be a no-deal Brexit. Guess what, people will have to cope. There will be grumbling and deaths and demonstrations and politicking, lots of blame thrown around--some pointed at the EU which won't care, a broad recession, unemployment, etc. Back to the 1970s, which were survived by most people.
A question in my mind is what would happen after that. Suppose Corbyn's no confidence vote fails, there's a no-deal Brexit on 31 October, and general chaos after. Lots of emergency legislation, ratcheting up of police powers, deficit spending, etc. Boris survives and holds the next election a few years from now, and by then maybe has things under control enough to stay.
And then what? Is Labour going to change its stripes and become a solidly pro-EU organization, working hard for a "rejoin" effort? Are the Liberals going to switch back over to supporting the Conservatives? Are the Conservatives going to use the disruption as an excuse for more austerity, more handouts to the rich, etc.?
It seems like there is a lot of discussion about what might happen leading up to Brexit, but not much about the possibilities after. Cliff edge, then what???
by asdf on Thu Aug 15th, 2019 at 12:03:03 AM EST
No one knows because all of the possible outcomes are impossibly different. So it's impossibly difficult to make a predictions - especially about the future.
And No Deal would be much worse than the 70s, because ND wouldn't just take the UK back a few decades, but would tear the lid off the UK's internal contradictions.
The UK's problems are structural. As a country, it absolutely lacks any kind of long-term goals for the 21st century.
The only people making plans are the Brexiters, and those plans are insane. Remain just wants the status quo, and the status quo isn't going to be enough now.
by ThatBritGuy (thatbritguy (at) googlemail.com) on Thu Aug 15th, 2019 at 11:35:22 AM EST
Seems clear now (4.00 / 3)
I've written to the leaders of other political parties and senior backbenchers from across Parliament to lay out my plan to stop a disastrous No Deal Brexit and let the people decide the future of our country. pic.twitter.com/Jz1MjXCrqk
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) 14. August 2019
Latest development (none / 1)
Jeremy Corbyn has made a dramatic bid to secure a Commons alliance to block a no-deal Brexit by pledging to be prime minister for a few weeks only - if other parties agree to put him in No 10.
The Labour leader has abandoned a plan to head a minority government to implement his manifesto if Boris Johnson is toppled in a no-confidence vote, and promised to call an immediate general election instead.
The move is designed to break the parliamentary deadlock that threatens to wreck attempts to stop the UK crashing out of the EU on 31 October.
He has also dangled a promise of a Final Say referendum on Brexit, if Labour wins the general election after his "strictly time-limited" caretaker government.
Mr Corbyn hopes to convince the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish Nationalist Party and rebel Tories that he can be trusted to be the leader sent to Brussels to delay Brexit by agreeing an Article 50 extension. However, the Lib Dems have already rejected this offer, claiming he is not the man to build a majority against a no-deal Brexit in the Commons.
by john_evans (john(dot)evans(dot)et(at)gmail(dot)com) on Thu Aug 15th, 2019 at 06:01:21 AM EST
Re: Latest development (none / 1)
a plan to head a minority government to implement his manifesto
I must say that if he had one of those, he needs his head read.
Re: Latest development (4.00 / 2)
the Lib Dems have already rejected this offer
Pretty much sums up the whole problem. Even with imminent collapse of everything, partisan bickering takes higher priority.
Speaking the day after Jeremy Corbyn urged opposition leaders to back a Labour plan to topple Johnson, via a no-confidence vote, and install him to lead a caretaker government before a Brexit-based general election, Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson said she did not believe his plan was feasible.
Corbyn would not command sufficient support from rebel Tories and independent MPs to form a stable government, Swinson said.
Lib Dems back Clarke or Harman over Corbyn to lead interim government
by asdf on Thu Aug 15th, 2019 at 04:07:12 PM EST
Jonathan Lis in the Guardian:
The new Lib Dem leader risks making a grave mistake. Even in purely party political terms, a Corbyn-led caretaker government does not necessarily strengthen Labour in the long term. But more importantly, Swinson has always emphasised, rightly, that her party's priority is to stop no deal. This could prove the only way to do so. If the Lib Dems really believe that a few months of a limited Corbyn government is worse than medicine shortages, it is their duty to say why.
by john_evans (john(dot)evans(dot)et(at)gmail(dot)com) on Thu Aug 15th, 2019 at 06:53:25 PM EST
The callow Swinton called the idea ridiculous, and has been backpedalling ever since, as most of the others concerned told her to stop being a twit.
The leader of the Liberal Democrats, Jo Swinson, has reiterated that she would work with the Labour party to prevent a no-deal Brexit amid pressure from other opposition leaders, but underlined her belief that a Jeremy Corbyn-led unity government would not win the confidence of the House of Commons.
but nobody gives a crap about what she believes.
A Plaid Cymru interim PM would be better, though.
Looks like Swinton is following in Clegg's footsteps, demonstrating that you don't pay attention to LibDem leaders' policies because they don't have any; you only pay attention to what damage they can do you.
by rifek on Fri Aug 16th, 2019 at 04:37:50 PM EST
Rafael Behr in the Guardian:
The Fixed-term Parliaments Act gives the Commons 14 days to organise a replacement when an incumbent government is defeated in a no-confidence vote. Who else is going to lead that administration if not the leader of Her Majesty's opposition? In constitutional terms he is the obvious candidate; probably the only candidate.
But in the minds of scores of MPs he is not. His past equivocations over Europe are not the reason, or at least not the only reason. Pro-European Tory rebels, Liberal Democrats, the rag-tag platoon of independents and semi-autonomous tribes of Labour MPs have spent months fretting about ways to thwart a hard Brexit, apparently ready to pull every procedural lever and contemplate all manner of unorthodox coalitions. Not much has been excluded from those considerations, except for a tacit prohibition on any route that makes a prime minister of the current Labour leader. Their horror of Corbyn is equal to - or greater than - their horror of Brexit. That has been so well understood by the participants in the discussion that few have felt much need to articulate it. Corbyn's letter now obliges them to spell it out.
There is something disingenuous about the discussions among MPs about a "government of national unity"(GNU) to avert a no-deal Brexit. It is predicated on concepts of nation and unity that don't include those who are desperate to leave the EU. Those who voted leave are broadly satisfied with the government they currently have. It is, in truth, a euphemism for a model of technocratic, centre-facing liberal administration defined as much by a rejection of Corbynism as by revulsion at the Trumpian nationalist character that Brexit has acquired.
The Labour leader knows this and he is calling the whole GNU bluff. If a government falls, the opposition leader is the next in line to have a go and, if that can't be arranged, there is an election. That is how it works. There might be many reasons why MPs do not want an opposition leader to take charge - that is their constitutional right, too - reasons of tactical political advantage and reasons of conscience. But MPs have not all been candid about what those reasons are; why it is that so many find Corbyn as toxic as Brexit. Their problem is that there aren't a lot of other options. And the laws of political motion are working against them.
many find Corbyn as toxic as Brexit
If that is their thinking, there is no hope. Prime Minister is a temporary position, can be revoked or renewed at almost any time, has some political power but works within the existing state institutions. Brexit, on the other hand, is a permanent change, subject to possible renewal on a time scale that probably exceeds a decade, and has reams of impacts that are not even partially under the control of the state.
Corbyn should be made PM in order to back out of Brexit, then he should be replaced by whoever can get the job. The tactics at this point should have nothing to do with whether you like any particular politician, they are (or should be) entirely about avoiding Brexit.
Seems to me, naive American, that politicians saying "we oppose Brexit but will not support Corbyn" are simply Brexiteers.
by asdf on Fri Aug 16th, 2019 at 12:30:12 AM EST
Polls of Tory members have shown they hate and fear Corbyn more than even the threat of the break-up of the UK or of Brexit not happening at all. This is a totally irrational position for them to take, but then politics is often more about emotions than rationality. Right now its about not handing a victory (however temporary) to someone they hate and fear.
Rationally it shouldn't matter all that much who is the temporary caretaker PM as long as he/she requests and receives an A.50 extension long enough to call an election and possibly a referendum thereafter - and then actually calls the election.
Someone like Ken Clarke would be ideal to attract dissident Tories because of his Tory pedigree, ministerial experience, and (presumably) lack of personal ambition. Conceivably he could even offer not to stand in the election so he can "focus exclusively on his caretaker PM responsibilities" and not pose a threat to anyone else's PM ambitions.
However Corbyn is also in an exceptionally strong negotiating position, because only he can deliver the vast bulk of the votes required to elect any temporary PM. He may therefore feel no need to reward another Tory and can satisfy the minimal Lib Dem/dissident Tory demand that any temporary PM be not Corbyn by nominating his own choice as long term successor as leader of the Labour Party.
I don't know who his choice of potential successor might be, but provided it's not a hard-left choice also unacceptable to dissident Tory and Labour MPs but widely acceptable within the Labour party (and ideally the wider public), it doesn't much matter who it is. All anti-no deal Brexit MPs would be let off the hook of having to support Corbyn and be able to rally to the support of "anybody but Corbyn or Boris" on the grounds that it is a temporary appointment in the name of a greater cause.
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Fri Aug 16th, 2019 at 11:11:18 AM EST
I don't really follow the argument. Every Tory who votes for Corbyn, any Labour MP or to stop Brexit will end his carreer. If it isn't the rabid Tory base that turfs them out it's going to be the Brexit party. If they decide to suicide for the good of the country some faction of capital that stand to suffer they'll probably do so for a considerable payout. On the other hand the LibDems are a single issue anti-Brexit party. At least from the voter perspective, they don't seem so sure themselves. If they give that up they'll go back to their post coalition core if even that.
On the other hand, if Corbyn allows someone else to lead the interim gov the media will absolutely treat him as the new defacto Labour leader. I'd give it 90% odds that the PLP would try a new coup around that person.
by generic on Fri Aug 16th, 2019 at 02:23:34 PM EST
The first person in line for leading a caretaker government (supposing Boris must resign) is the Leader of Her Majesty's Opposition. That is an official post, and the person who occupies it has the first shot, by convention, at forming a majority. The Leader of the Opposition is Jeremy Corbyn, and he will be point man. Suggestions of meritorious others at this stage are fluff and/or smokescreens (eg Swinson's proposal of the longest-serving MPs).
Corbyn has committed to a clear plan:
Request A50 extension
Organize elections and accept their result
Abstain from any contentious governmental action in the interim
That is in accordance with convention re interim governments, and should not be an obstacle for any anti-no-dealer.
MPs who are against no deal may refuse to accept that plan under Corbyn, but it would be extraordinary if they managed to cobble a majority together under anyone else - given that a rejected Corbyn is not obliged to play ball, and he commands by far the largest chunk of opposition votes. He therefore has a quite reasonable chance of success. If Swinson has to eat her hat, no problem, politicians do that all the time. Some people just have to decide what it is they want. And, if they blow this chance, then they will have been objective allies of no-deal.
But of course, don't sell the bearskin before you've killed the bear. Boris first has to lose a vote of confidence.
by john_evans (john(dot)evans(dot)et(at)gmail(dot)com) on Fri Aug 16th, 2019 at 02:58:04 PM EST
Honestly, at this point I think the important thing is that we've gone from an interim government being a laughable idea to something they're fighting about the leadership of, with two weeks still left in August.
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Fri Aug 16th, 2019 at 03:54:08 PM EST
Coincidentally, that is the main point of the lesser ego
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Fri Aug 16th, 2019 at 06:44:04 PM EST
It's hard to blame the EU when it has twice given an A.50 extension and when you haven't even met any EU leaders to persuade them to change something in the Withdrawal Agreement. The whole point of the burgeoning "do deal" movement is that they want "a clean break" and no further "entanglement" with the EU whatsoever.
Of course it will be all the EU's fault when UK/EU trade breaks down altogether because "they hate us for our freedom" and they "want to punish Britain" and because they can't compete with Great Britain in a free trade world. The EU will be portrayed as an extension of the Soviet Union (or a fourth Reich) opposed to "western" ideas of free-wheeling capitalism.
With a radically devalued Pound and eviscerated workers rights, consumer protections, and environmental standards the UK may even "succeed" for a while, until they realise there is no competing with Singapore and the far east, no matter how far down your wages go and how many Billionaires, Oligarchs and tin-pot dictators you can attract to your shores. Rampant internal inequality and social unrest, not to mention the break-up of the Union is what will bring the whole thing crashing down.
"It's hard to blame the EU"
The Brexiteers don't mind hard work. In fact, the spin is already in. The UK has made "common-sense" suggestions (the backstop is dead, anyone can see that) that the EU refuses to recognize and will not negotiate on.
Agreed, when the shit hits the fan there'll be nowhere to run to beyond blaming the Soviet EU bloc.
Seems to me the EU would ignore any blame directed in its direction, and turn aside to focus on EU problems. What do they care about blame? It's just an internal English political scoring point.
Re: Boris is a #### (none / 0)
What is the timeline that would result in an election before 31 October? That's only 11 weeks from now. Is there a magical company over there that can retroactively print ballots for a question that has not even been formulated yet?
by asdf on Tue Aug 13th, 2019 at 03:00:15 PM EST
The timeline for an election is described here. No need to formulate a question for that. Last time a referendum took several months months to organise even when the question was deceptively straightforward. The Brits really aren't very good at this sort of thing, which isn't even part of their "constitution" such as it is...
If they decide they need to organise BOTH an election and a referendum, a further A.50 extension of at least 6 months and probably until July would be required. And that is assuming there is a clear Parliamentary majority for whatever is proposed.
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Tue Aug 13th, 2019 at 03:28:10 PM EST
Re: Compromise on the backstop would solve nothing (none / 1)
Reuters: UK PM expects EU to cave in to save Ireland from 'no-deal' Brexit (the Sun)
A no-deal Brexit would hurt Ireland the most and Johnson is convinced European leaders will budge over the key issue of the so-called Irish backstop, the Sun said.
by Melanchthon on Tue Aug 13th, 2019 at 12:20:55 PM EST
The Sun.....
I'm afraid that Tom Newton-Dunn (Sun's political editor) has been parroting the brexiteers political line unashamedly since he took over from the extremely evil Trevor Kavanagh.
I'm sure that's what Cummings/de Pfeffle want the rubes to think. However I'm I doubt they think that themselves, cos they actually want a no deal brexit.
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Tue Aug 13th, 2019 at 01:02:39 PM EST
So when does Bojo think the EU leaders are going to budge on this? He's not even talking to them. I'm with Helen on this: he may want to be able to blame EU leaders' intransigence for a no deal Brexit, but a no deal Brexit is what he actually seems to want.
A proposed meeting with Varadker never seems to happen. Maybe this is all about ramping up the psychological pressure in the expectation the Irish will eventually cave, but there is no sign of it on this side of the water - unless he believes what Arnold wrote...
Johnson wants power. He's been persuaded that jumping off the cliff is a good way to get it. We'll see how well he holds his nerve.
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Tue Aug 13th, 2019 at 01:46:18 PM EST
Press comment suggest there are plans to invoke the Civil Contingencies Act - a terrifyingly comprehensive piece of legislation originally drafted for war time and other emergencies which might require government control of essential services and infrastructure.
It more or less gives the government the right to do whatever the hell it wants, albeit with some limited Parliamentary oversight.
by ThatBritGuy (thatbritguy (at) googlemail.com) on Tue Aug 13th, 2019 at 06:21:38 PM EST
As if that was the plan all along...
We'll be fully back to the 70s then:
The fascist regime
They made you a moron
by Bernard on Tue Aug 13th, 2019 at 07:10:28 PM EST
they can try, but I seriously doubt they have the manpower to do anything effectively anymore. Not enough police, the civil service in ruins and even the army is 10s of 1000s short on manpower.
Frankly, all thoughts of an authoritarian coup seem to require a belief in the organisational competence of the Tories and the civil service which has been seriously absent in the last few years. Any party which has used chris Grayling for anything more complicated than as a doorstop is not a threat. They can make the attempt but it's all very wicked witch of the west, the harder they try, the more stupid they look.
Boris Johnston is not Emperor Palpatine and Domnnic Cummings is not Darth Vader, however much they pretend.
A half arsed coup would be both on-brand and the worst possible case. You'd end up with a failed state and multiple armed factions.
It's going to be fun when the EU has to figure out how to deploy French forces to the Irish border to provide security.
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Wed Aug 14th, 2019 at 09:40:38 AM EST
Come now, the how proceeds from UNSC jaw boning and UN Peace Keeper accessorizing, of which French detail.
Or is this protocol in the law of war only for other people's "inter-communal conflict"?
French blue helmets on the border? Better provide for a Dutch contingent too. (William of Orange, anyone?).
Between the Irish, the English, the French, and the Dutch, we'd have the makings of a first-class 17C war.
All provided by Boris "Don't thank me" Johnson.
hmm, yes, well, "template of European history" and all that.
by Cat on Thu Aug 15th, 2019 at 01:46:49 PM EST
Oh get serious, England will not be stabilized by importing the blue helmets of the UN or the berets of the French army or even the grey caps of the Germans. It would, obviously, be the Darth Vader helmets of the US Army. We will bring democracy back from America to its original home in England, and you will like it or else.
Original home? As the name suggests, the original home of democracy is Greece. Just like tyranny and oligarchy.
by gk (gk (gk quattro due due sette @gmail.com)) on Fri Aug 16th, 2019 at 03:01:40 PM EST
No, no, no. What Commie history book have you been reading? All good things originate in anglophone countries.
"Democracy" is our main export.
If "democracy" is our mission, why don"t we call our diplomats like Bolton, Pence, Pompeo and newly named Dominic Raab ... ehh "missionaries".
Just like the Jesuits leading the Conquistadors, the Conquest of the New World. Recall Iraq, George Bush, Donald Rumsfeld and the Biblical verses in support of the invasion and occupation.
by Oui on Fri Aug 16th, 2019 at 05:38:48 PM EST
Patience. Once the US becomes a Christian Dominionist state.
Brexit enforcer Cummings' farm took €235,000 in EU handouts - Observer
Boris Johnson's controversial enforcer, Dominic Cummings, an architect of Brexit and a fierce critic of Brussels, is co-owner of a farm that has received €250,000 (£235,000) in EU farming subsidies, the Observer can reveal.
The revelation is a potential embarrassment for the mastermind behind Johnson's push to leave the EU by 31 October. Since being appointed as Johnson's chief adviser, Cummings has presented the battle to leave the EU as one between the people and the politicians. He positions himself as an outsider who wants to demolish elites, end the "absurd subsidies" paid out by the EU and liberate the UK from its arcane rules and regulations.
But his critics say the revelation that Cummings has benefited from the system he intends to smash underscores how many British farmers are reliant on EU money that would evaporate if the UK leaves.
by Bernard on Fri Aug 16th, 2019 at 02:50:31 PM EST
Just like Farage, they consider it their duty to pillage the EU for every cent they can steal. And consider it a job well done
I think Johnson wants his name in the history books, so that thousands of Eton and Oxford students will read about how he took on the evil French and Germans and finally won England's independence.
If his nerve gives out, or he is defeated in a no confidence vote and can't hold his plan together, or is slipped an unwanted Article 50 extension by the EU, his chances of getting into the textbooks is as a footnote to May.
"Oh and there was this other guy who fooled around for a few months, whatever his name was, useless twit."
Theresa May: Hey leavers, here's everything you've ever wanted, what do you say?
The ERG: NO YOU TRAITOR A MILLION TIMES NO
Jeremy Corbyn: Hey remainers, here's everything you've ever wanted, how about it?
Hard remain: WE HATE YOU AND WE HOPE YOU CHOKE ON IT
— Edmund Griffiths (@EdmundGriffiths) 14. August 2019
Compromise on the backstop would solve nothing (4.00 / 2)
Well, Johnson just sent a letter to Donald Tusk...
Johnson tries to reopen Brexit talks with backstop plea to EU
he claims th backstop is anti-democratic. I think he's gonna have to work on that line cos that's even more full of bullshit than his Telegraph columns from Brussels were
Tusk is unimpressed.
The backstop is an insurance to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland unless and until an alternative is found. Those against the backstop and not proposing realistic alternatives in fact support reestablishing a border. Even if they do not admit it.
— Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) 20 août 2019
Neither is Angela Merkel.
Merkel: No need to reopen Brexit deal to tackle Irish border - Politico.eu
The EU will consider "practical" solutions for the Irish border after Brexit, but this does not mean re-opening the Withdrawal Agreement, Angela Merkel said Tuesday.
"As soon as we have a practical arrangement where we can abide by the Good Friday Agreement and also define the borders of the [EU's] single market, we won't need the backstop," Merkel said at a press conference during a visit to Iceland.
"That means we will, of course, think about practical solutions, and I always say that if you want to find these solutions, you can do so in a short period of time," she said. "The European Union is ready to do this, but we don't need to open up the Withdrawal Agreement. It's a question of the future relationship."
Re: Compromise (4.00 / 2)
"Those against the backstop and not proposing realistic alternatives in fact support re-establishing a border. Even if they do not admit it."
Finally, a succinct translation of Tory gov NI "unionist" gibberish including but not limited to a NEW! line through the Irish Sea.
BorderIrish definitively segregates UK gov claim to geographic and jurisdictional possession of that colony from all others' claims. Tory gov defense of the '22 border --first international treaty-- is precisely what keeps UK "orderly" withdrawal from TFEU --second international treaty-- hostage.
Since '99 (eurozone est'd) Tories have been quibbling amongst themselves about price of the ransom.
According to pirate guidelines.
US-UK do not do international law. 'k?
by Cat on Tue Aug 20th, 2019 at 02:46:33 PM EST
Go to: [ European Tribune Homepage : Top of page : Top of comments ]
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Kelli Hilgenfeld serves the Firm as an Associate Attorney.
Prior to joining Evans & Davis, Kelli worked for a local firm where she practiced oil and gas property law with an emphasis on mineral title examination.
Kelli graduated magna cum laude from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. While at TCU, Kelli served as the President of her sorority and was a member of Mortar Board.
Subsequently, Kelli graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2010 where she served as the 3L Class Vice-President and the President of the Organization for the Advancement of Women in Law. Further, she received the American Jurisprudence Award for Alternative Dispute Resolutions and the National Association of Women Lawyers recognized her as the Outstanding Law Graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law for 2010. Additionally, Kelli studied abroad at the University of Oxford.
Kelli resides in Oklahoma City, OK and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, volunteering, and attending OU football games. She currently serves as the Vice President of Membership for the Junior League of Oklahoma City.
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Vietnam Installs World’s first Fully Automated AI-based RF Test System for Digital TV
Leading broadcast solutions expert, Rohde & Schwarz, has announced the installation of an AI-based RF test system for digital TV compliance test in Vietnam. The system consists of the R&S BTC Broadcast Test Center and RFSpark AutoTester.
The R&S BTC Broadcast Test Center is a reference signal generator featuring analysis functions and automated tests for audio, video and multimedia applications. It is a unique combination of outstanding technical features and a modular, flexible design to meet the highest demands and latest transmission technologies such as DVB-S2X and ATSC 3.0.
The RFSpark AutoTester picture quality engine can achieve great accuracy with less than 0.1dB deviation against human tester for most DVB-T2 test cases. In addition, the automation yields consistent result when conducting repeat test.
The combination of the R&S BTC Broadcast Test Center and RFSpark RF automation has unleashed the full capacity of the R&S BTC, enabling test labs and TV/STB manufacturers to conduct compliance testing in the most cost-effective manner. The system provides two working modes: a full automation by using AI powered video engine and a semi-automation that combines the instrument auto configuration and human tester subjective decision. Under full automation, the duration for a full round testing can be reduced up to 75% when working 24/7 continuously.
Since Rohde & Schwarz and Vietnam Telecommunications Authority (VNTA) set up the first digital TV receiver compliance test lab in Hanoi in 2015, the companies have been actively involved in the development of new test systems for QCVN.63 compliance test in Vietnam. Thanks to the recent development in Computer Vision (CV) technology and big data analysis on images processing, Rohde & Schwarz has been able to collaborate with Spark Systems (a local system integrator) to bring this AI-based RF test system to test labs and TV/STB manufacturers in Vietnam.
More News from Rohde & Schwarz
Anritsu's Real Time Field Spectrum Analyzer Now Addresses Military and Government Requirements
Rohde & Schwarz Introduces Handheld Vector Network Analyzer that Operates up to 26.5 GHz
New Contactor and Probe Head Platform Targets 5G RF Semiconductor Testing
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Club Connection: Luton Town
Kyle Tagg
Having played for both City and the Hatters, Bucks is now involved in the game stateside
HOW DOES a Hertfordshire-born manager go from a League 2 relegation battle to a coaching role in the California sun?
Step forward PAUL BUCKLE, current head coach and technical director at Sacramento Republic.
The former City midfielder migrated to the states in 2013, after his wife Rebecca was offered a presenting job at NBC. It called time upon a twenty-four-year spell in in English football, as well as year-long managerial stint with today’s opponents Luton.
KYLE TAGG spoke to Paul recently to find out how he’s been getting on.
“I decided to more or less start again in the States,” he said. “I took over an academy in New York, worked there for thirteen months and tried to sort of learn the landscape. It’s very different over here.”
The difference was initially very evident. Buckle briefly returned to England in 2014, having struggled to get the English game out of his system.
“After being in the game for thirty-odd years in England it’s hard to get it out of your system. I was missing the challenge. I went back for a short spell last season and had a very difficult job in trying to turn Cheltenham around, which obviously nobody could in the end. Then when I came back to the states, I felt that I was ready for my first managerial role.
“I’ve taken the role of Head Coach and Technical Director here [at Sacramento], which means I run the first team and I’m overseeing the academy. I’m happy with the club and it feels really good. This is the right first job for me.”
Buckle called St James Park his home on four separate occasions, both as a player and a coach. He knows the area, and the climate, very well.
“I miss the weather terribly! I miss those rainy days in the winter in Exeter! Devon is beautiful, I lived down in Devon for many years. I’m more or less heading towards three years being in America, so it does feel like home now. It’s nice having a fresh challenge, which is the one thing I wanted when I decided to leave the UK.
“I’ve had some wonderful years as a player and as a manager in England and now I’m looking forward to the same thing here, not as a player because those days are gone, but as a coach.”
Towards the end of his playing career Buckle was encouraged to take up a coaching role at Exeter, providing him with a valuable education.
“Obviously I was a player at Exeter City coming towards the end of my career, and Julian [current club chairman Tagg] encouraged me to come and work with the Under-10s. I’m really thankful for the education I got at Exeter City, because the academy has gone from strength to strength not only with players, but producing coaches.
“Exeter City have a brilliant setup, obviously with Steve Perryman there, who I’ve known for an awfully long time; he has had a big influence on my career. I’m so grateful for the way I was treated at Exeter, it’s nice looking back on it actually. Playing over a hundred games for the first team, and then coming through from the U10s all the way to assistant manager at the club.”
After such a long association with the club, Buckle has some very fond memories from his time with the Grecians.
“I scored a decent goal against York a long time ago which I enjoyed, at the Big Bank end. I think the standout would be working with two managers really, working in a dynamic that was very strong and very honest. It was great that I had the opportunity to be an assistant with Alex [former manager Inglethorpe] on the first occasion, and then obviously with Paul who’s still there. He knows what he’s doing, there’s no two ways about that. I think it’s an incredible measure of loyalty on both parts.”
In terms of today’s fixture, he naturally preferred to take a neutral stance: “I’m going to say a draw; I don’t want to upset the Luton fans or the Exeter fans! I think there’s a lot to play for, both teams are capable of getting promoted this year.
"Exeter and Luton are both in really good hands, with a good structure. I’m glad to see that they’re both back in the Football League.”
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533: Laptop Hell
Revision as of 18:57, 28 August 2020 by 162.158.75.150 (talk)
Comic #533 (January 21, 2009)
Laptop Hell
Title text: The xkcd.com sysadmin has a Q2010, and I can attest that it can handle a fall down several flights of concrete steps. Relatedly, he's upset with me - I hope he doesn't take revenge by messing with my site's contenDISREGARD THAT I SUCK COCKS
Explanation[edit]
The Devil Mephistopheles (named so in the official transcript) is greeting the new souls sentenced to Hell, and recognizes an executive from Fujitsu Ltd in the form of Hairbun. Mephistopheles accuses her of causing his favorite laptop, the Fujitsu Q2010, to be taken out of production. Mephistopheles is displeased because he thought it was a good laptop, just poorly marketed by Hairbun. Hairbun is confused and asks Mephistopheles why he is upset, as acts of evil are generally encouraged by the demons of Hell. Mephistopheles agrees but explains that Hell also needs good laptops, and in her case their need for laptops was greater than the need for her evil works. Though, Mephistopheles then goes on to confess, that it would not really have mattered as Hell has an exclusive deal with Fujitsu competitor, Sony, and he could not have bought the Fujitsu Q2010 anyway.
This would explain why the sale of the laptop failed, and Hairbun also exclaims I knew it to indicate that she had suspected it was weird that Sony did so well. When one strikes a deal with a devil from Hell, their affairs in life go great, but of course one has then sentenced their soul to eternal damnation in Hell when one eventually dies. Seems like Sony has done so according to this comic.
This comic is likely a wish fulfillment fantasy by Randall for the canceling of his favorite laptop, the Fujitsu Q2010. Exclusivity deals are typically thought ill of as they are bad for competition. Also, since exclusivity deals solely benefit the provider, there are often reciprocal arrangements for the purchaser. This implies that the devil has influence at Sony. Likely, Sony was chosen as the electronic distributor to Hell because of the Sony rootkit scandal. This scandal inspired many to call Sony an evil company.
It is the second time in a short while that a demon was depicted in a similar fashion although without the trident and not in Hell. This devil was also named Mephistopheles in the caption of that comic 501: Faust 2.0.
The title text explains that Randall's system administrator is upset with him because he tested the system administrator's laptop by throwing it down several flights of steps. The systems admin is implied to have taken revenge childishly, by replacing part of the text with "DISREGARD THAT I SUCK COCKS" although it was almost certainly done by Randall as a joke.
The "suck cocks" part is a reference to a post in bash.org which went on to attain moderate fame.
Transcript[edit]
[A devil, Mephistopheles (according to the official transcript), with bald head horns, tail with arrow ending, a trident in one hand and a paper in the other hand is ready to welcome Hairbun to hell. Above Mephistopheles there are three large stalactite hanging down and behind Hairbun there is one very large stalagmite and three small and also two small stalactites.]
Mephistopheles: Welcome to Hell. Here's—
Mephistopheles:Wait. I know you.
[Zoom in on the two, with white background. Mephistopheles trident breaks the panels frame.]
Mephistopheles: You're the Fujitsu exec who killed the Q-series.
Hairbun: ...Yes?
Mephistopheles: The Q2010 was the perfect laptop!
[In this frame-less panel with white background Mephistopheles walks away from Hairbun trident pointing up and left. Hairbun throws her arms out to the side.]
Mephistopheles: Powerful, durable, had every feature, and made the Air look bulky. And that was back in 2006!
Hairbun: But no one bought it!
Mephistopheles: Then you marketed it wrong!
[Mephistopheles turns around towards Hairbun who both standing as in the first panel but still with white background.]
Hairbun: Wait. Don't you encourage evil acts down here?
Mephistopheles: In theory, yes, but we need laptops too!
Mephistopheles: Although it's moot, since we have an exclusive deal with Sony.
Hairbun: I knew it!
add a comment! ⋅ add a topic (use sparingly)! ⋅ refresh comments!
The alt text is a reference to a hilarious post in bash.org, which is at this moment the #12 in the top 100 list:
http://bash.org/?5775
http://bash.org/?top 113.119.86.124 (talk) (please sign your comments with ~~~~)
Only the devil is traditionally shown with a pitchfork. 108.162.217.89 15:05, 1 August 2014 (UTC)
Do you mean a trident? --Kynde (talk) 22:57, 22 July 2016 (UTC)
What's with the incomplete tag? This article has links to the wikipedia page for both devil and laptop. 108.162.238.155 05:38, 2 August 2014 (UTC)
"the smarter devil is a sony sales rep" What does this mean? 108.162.217.155 16:05, 2 August 2014 (UTC)
That Sony execs can ruin you computer and not have to reacall all their CDs so that you can buy the evil ones at car boot sales decades later.
I used Google News BEFORE it was clickbait (talk) 19:06, 30 January 2015 (UTC)
Related: https://blog.xkcd.com/2009/02/11/a-math-problem/ -- jonas 141.101.96.40 14:33, 25 November 2020 (UTC)
Retrieved from "https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=533:_Laptop_Hell&oldid=196543"
Comics from 2009
Comics from January
Wednesday comics
Comics featuring Hairbun
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Investigation finds interim superintendent packing supersized salary
FOX 32 NEWS - A joint investigation between FOX 32 and Open The Books uncovered another Illinois superintendent who is raking in a supersized salary.
Dr. Joyce Carmine showed up to the Park Forest District 163 School Board meeting Monday, continuing to run the school district on a part-time basis while drawing a massive pension.
When Carmine retired in 2017, records obtained by Open The Books show she was the highest paid school superintendent in the state, making $398,229
Because of that big salary, Carmine began drawing a big pension, just under $300,000 dollars in 2018.
Earlier this year, board members re-hired Carmine to serve as interim superintendent for two more years. The contract says she only works 100 days a year—at $1,200 a day—a $120,000 annual salary.
Which means between her pension and new/old job, Carmine will take home $419,235.
“The pension is designed to give [employees] some income after they're retired. It wasn't designed to give people double or triple salaries,” said retired state lawmaker Karen May.
Former Democratic lawmaker Karen May helped pass a bill in 2011 banning former state employees drawing a pension from returning to the same job on a full-time contract, which is why Carmine's contract only allows her to work 100 days.
May says that loophole needs to be closed.
“I think this particular bill was trying to stop—what's especially egregious is that people would go back to the same school district and that is totally, totally double dipping,” May said.
Carmine says she was asked to return by the board, which was having trouble finding her replacement.
"The board asked me to remain as interim superintendent in order to maintain progress we had achieved while a successor was identified," Carmine said.
Board President Lance Jefferson calls it a win-win.
"We brought her back because we knew she knew the district, and that's what the board wanted to do as it relates to bring back someone who knew the district,” Jefferson said.
But a resident who's running for the board says it's an expensive fix for a self-created problem.
"The tax situation in Cook County is one of the highest texting bodies in the state of Illinois. How can we afford this without raising taxes?" asks school board candidate Randall White.
The school board has hired an superintendent "designate" to take over next year.
2 men charged in 1998 killings of Hammond woman, 2 teens
Local activist Rev. Acree traveling to DC for inauguration: 'What would Dr. King do?'
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Deputies: Florida teen tried to hire someone to murder her parents
FOX 35 Orlando
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. - A 17-year-old from Umatilla has been arrested for allegedly trying to pay two people to kill her parents.
Lake County Sheriff’s detectives arrested Alyssa Hatcher, a 17-year-old Umatilla High School student.
“This is a sad case when you think about the family dynamics and everything,” Sergeant Fred Jones with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said. “I couldn’t even imagine something like that.”
Deputies said Hatcher stole her parents debit card and withdrew about $1,400 which she used to pay two different people to carry out the murders. They said she also bought some cocaine. This all came to light when a student reported Hatcher to the high school.
“Whether it was going to take place or not, the money did exchange hands and we’re glad we were able to stop what could’ve happened,” Sgt. Jones said.
Fox 35 spoke to people who live near the high school and couldn’t believe the arrest.
“I just didn’t understand it,” Richard Green of Umatilla said. “The way kids are now, going against their parents and all that.”
After Hatcher was arrested, she was turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Detectives do not believe her parents are in danger now.
“The parents did press charges,” Sgt. Jones said. “When it comes to something like that I cannot imagine the shock you would be in as a parent knowing that this is my daughter -- what my daughter intended to do.”
More FLORIDA news:
Orlando firefighters climb 110 flights of stairs to honor those lost in the 9/11 attacks
Endangered sea turtle shot in neck with 3-foot spear off Florida coast
VIDEO: Ducklings rescued from storm drain reunited with mama duck
Woman banned from Disney World after cigarette fracas
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Business for Sale | Willow Park, Texas
Discover business opportunities, in or around Willow Park, with well-established brands, who are looking for people like you to help them grow.
As of the 2010 United States Census, Willow Park, located in the Lone Star State, had a total population of 4,523 people.
City Statistics and Other Information About Willow Park
From a total population of 4,523, Willow Park has a median age of 39.4. The average age of males, in Willow Park, is 39.3 while the average age of females is 39.5. When you compare this to median age of Texas, Willow Park is 5.5 years older.
The median income of individuals, in Willow Park, is $37,355 while the average household income is $85,541. When comparing the median income of people living in Willow Park to the rest of Texas, the average income in Willow Park is $10,842 more.
ZIP code 76008-76087
County Name Parker County
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Hilary Swank to Star in and Produce Adaptation of 'Shrapnel' Comic
Radical Publishing already has their high concept sci-fi comic book Oblivion set up as a feature film at Universal under the title of Horizons with Tom Cruise signed to star and Tron Legacy director Joe Kosinski set to direct the film. Now the comic book company has just announced yet another adaptation of one of their properties as Variety reports their film production banner Radical Pictures has set Hilary Swank to star in and produce a feature film version of Nick Sagan and M. Zachary Sherman's comic book trilogy Shrapnel. The futuristic story follows a former military officer who organizes a revolt on the planet Venus.
The project initially started as a graphic novel trilogy but has also expanded into mobile gaming with an iPhone game in the Apple App Store and another multiplayer game on the way soon. As for the film, Radical head Barry Levine says, "Hilary came to Radical excited to find a project with a strong female protagonist that could show off her abilities to do action films. With Hilary being an actor's actor, Shrapnel will give a whole new definition to that type of role." This will be the first major, high concept action film for Swank and could turn her into a real action star. The Mummy producer Sean Daniel is equally excited about the prospect saying, "Shrapnel takes core elements of classic Westerns and brings them into a futuristic epic. We are excited to be working with Hilary to create a cutting edge heroine for a new generation."
Find more posts: Casting, Development, Movie News
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Accurate sports listings despite COVID-19. Some links & partners may run a limited service.
Melbourne Cricket Ground
THIS WEEK IN SPORT
Iconic Sporting Moments
Sporting Rivalries
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Event of the Day: Delhi Capitals versus Sunrisers Hyderabad
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Our event of the day is the intriguing clash in the Indian Premier League between the Delhi Capitals and the Sunrisers Hyderabad at Feroz Shah Kolta. Both sides have made a respectable start to this new campaign, with the Capitals sitting two spots behind the Sunrisers who currently reside in third place. However, after winning two games on the spin, Hyderabad will be the slim favourites going into this one as they look to keep touch with the league’s early pace-setters. Delhi are already having to play catch up with the teams above them after losing two and winning two of their first four games. Their average start was compounded last time out as they fell to a devastating defeat at the hands of Kings XI Punjab when at one stage it seemed harder to lose than to win. With 21 balls left in the match, Delhi needed a mere 23 runs to topple the second-placed side, but failed to capitalise on the potentially profitable position, and lost their final seven wickets after notching just eight runs in a spectacular capitulation, as Sam Curran recorded an astounding bowling analysis of 4 for 11. There was an iota of encouragement for the Capitals on what was an otherwise forgettable evening in Mohali, as all-rounder Chris Morris snatched three wickets from four overs of bowling but his batting undid some of his hard work when he received his marching orders after facing just one ball at the crease. Hyderabad’s batsmen have been lethal at the crease so far this season, with the opening pair producing two century and one double century partnerships in their opening three league outings.
Last time out, Johnny Bairstow and David Warner had an innings to remember as the pair scored a collective 214 runs from just 111 balls to single-handedly demolish the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Last year, the left-handed Warner was forbidden from participating in the IPL season following the ball tampering incident in South Africa. Nonetheless, Sunrisers still reached the IPL final, losing out on the day to the Chennai Super Kings. However, upon returning to the competition this year, Warner has struck up a deadly partnership with Englishman Johnny Bairstow, who recorded his first ever IPL century last time out, and the pair will take some stopping as the Sunrisers target their second title in four years. Today should see an exciting game between two teams desperate for victory.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to Day 1 of the Randox Health Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. With seven races to watch out for, including four grade one contests, the Thursday at Aintree is always one of the most popular events in the jump racing calendar and over 35,000 spectators are expected to fill the prestigious terraces on opening day. Elsewhere, there is an unmissable meeting in the NBA between two of this year’s title contenders as the Philadelphia 76ers face the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center. Meanwhile, the AFL season continues with a thrilling matchup today as league leaders Geelong Cats will do battle with the Adelaide Crows at the Adelaide Oval. Week 10 of the Unibet Premier League will take place at the SSE Arena in Dublin where eight of the world’s best darts players will battle it out for the top spot ahead of the playoffs next month. Finally, two of the Super League’s slow starters will look to kick-start their seasons with a win tonight as Hull KR welcome Leeds Rhinos to Craven Park.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by IPL; Delhi Capitals
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What Government Purchasing Reveals
New technology aggregates government purchasing information, offering insights that help agencies make better spending decisions.
by Noelle Knell / March 5, 2013
Purchasing in government is frequently cited as an example of a process rife with bureaucratic inefficiencies. While most in the public sector aim to be good stewards of the tax dollars for which they are responsible, they have limited information available to them when making spending decisions. But a new technology -- one that aggregates government purchasing information and offers insights that can help agencies make better spending decisions -- could change all that.
As a captain in the Aventura, Fla., Police Department's administrative division, Capt. Tom Labombarda told Government Technology that in addition to overseeing several units -- including the communications fleet, quartermaster, records, personnel, training and special projects -- he also has the complex task of managing most purchasing conducted by the department, composed of 86 sworn police officers.
As with most public-sector agencies, the police department obtains at least three bids on needed services or materials from qualified vendors. Larger purchases require the city to issue an RFP and wait for responses. While the lowest price is often the determining factor when making a decision, it’s not the only factor, Labombarda explained.
Sharon L’Herrou, administrative officer of the Delray Beach, Fla. Police Department, describes a similarly cumbersome process, complicated by a conservative purchasing policy that requires going out to bid for every purchase that exceeds $15,000.
“When it goes out to bid, that’s a very, very staff-intensive, time-intensive process,” L’Herrou said. Much of the responsibility for routine purchases lies with the employee who needs the item, who must research the product or service and vendor options.
The challenge for Labombarda, L’Herrou and so many others is that it’s difficult and time-consuming to gather additional information on which to base purchasing decisions. How do they know if the prices they are being quoted are the most competitive available? How do they get an objective assessment of the quality of the vendor offering a particular item? Vendors typically provide hand-selected references, but only those they know will speak highly of the company – is this truly an objective analysis?
L’Herrou points out that staff members oftentimes do have other resources to draw from, like contacts with other agencies, but the information they can gather is limited and doesn’t offer the full picture of the activity around a particular item in the marketplace.
Big Data Enables Smarter Purchasing
A new online information service called SmartProcure (screenshot below) is analyzing and normalizing thousands of sources of government purchasing data, and offering it back to agencies in an effort to make sure they benefit from their collective purchasing power.
“Government agencies together … local, state and federal, represent the largest purchaser in the world combined," said CEO Jeff Rubenstein. "Yet because it’s so fragmented, they rarely get economies of scale."
California Controller Announces IT Procurement Task ForceIT Purchases and Procurement in CA
As of February, the company has access to purchasing data from 1,500 government agencies, including cities, counties, school districts, state and federal agencies, state attorneys, public defenders, medical examiners, public hospitals, state colleges and universities. Once it establishes a relationship with an agency, it sets up a method to get that agency's purchasing data on a regular basis -- and that agency qualifies for free access to the database. SmartProcure’s patented technology evaluates the data in the format it is provided and integrates it into its database.
Government agencies get a log-in, and can access the system at any time to gather information on recent purchases made by their peers. They can quickly locate which vendor is offering the best price, and exactly which agencies have made the purchases. Agencies use the system to analyze their spending too, as they are able to quickly isolate how much they spent in a specific timeframe with a particular vendor. Multiple search parameters can be saved to ease future searches.
Beyond saving money and allowing agencies access to a broad range of potential vendors, Rubenstein argues that the service helps officials do their jobs, and therefore serve the public, more effectively.
“It does what you would you like to do if you had hours for every type of procurement you're going to do -- to go through and properly vet a vendor, find out what all the cities and counties within 100 miles are buying,” he said.
Purchasing Efficiencies Gained
While Labombarda and L’Herrou are relatively new users of SmartProcure, both have discovered information on past purchases using the system that they wished they’d had before. In Aventura, Labombarda discovered that the department recently paid too much for an interactive whiteboard. While the discovery was disheartening, he takes comfort in the fact that using the system will prevent that scenario from recurring.
In Delray Beach, L’Herrou made a similar discovery. She presented the vendor with the discrepancies, and through persistence, was able to get the difference between what her city paid and another municipality paid credited back to Delray Beach.
Aventura PD is currently working on an upgrade to its automatic vehicle locator systems. Using SmartProcure, they have identified three other agencies with contracts for the same technology. Through the piggy-backing process, employed frequently in government purchasing, agencies can use an existing vendor contract that has been competitively bid by another government agency. This will be the first large purchase Aventura is using the system for – the units run about $90,000 each.
“This all happened in days, where typically we would take weeks, maybe even months, if we had to draw up an RFP, put it out, wait for responses, and go through that whole process,” Labombarda said. “Right off the bat on this … it's going to save us a tremendous amount of time and probably money.”
L’Herrou expects that SmartProcure will also help expedite the piggy-backing process, and the purchasing process in general, for Delray Beach. “It should make the process of researching prices quicker; it should expedite that process if we need to find something to piggy-back off of; and obviously, last but not least, it should help us ensure we’re always getting the best price,” she said.
Main image from Shutterstock
California Controller Announces IT Procurement Task Force
IT Purchases and Procurement in CA
MORE FROM Government Technology State & Local Articles - e.Republic
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Greek music Greek songs
Greek Songs
Greek Folk Songs
Rebetika Songs
Greek Composers
Greek Lyrics Writers
Greek Singers
Greek Music News
Giannis Parios
Giannis Parios is the singer of love and one of the most beloved and popular singers in Greek music.
Giannis Parios appeared in music in 1969 but few people would have guessed that this voice would be associated with some of the greatest hits in Greek music and that Parios would become one of the most successful Greek singers with millions of albums sold all these years.
Short biography of Parios
Parios was born in 1946 on the island of Paros – his original name is Giannis Varthakouris.
Due to his great love for his island, when he first started singing he changed his name to Giannis Parios, because it sounded better.
Giannis was the youngest son of the family, and left Paros to study in the Medical School in Athens. He got a job at the hotel Saronida, opposite from the famous night stage Neraida in Alimos Athens. At that time Tzeni Vanou and Giannis Vogiatzis were also singing in Neraida.
He got to know the conductor of the club, Kosts Klavas who stayed at the hotel, and little later he started his music classes at Klavas’ school. This is how he made his first steps in Greek song, singing songs by Giorgos Katsaros who was also a teacher in that school.
Since then he started singing songs of the greatest Greek composers, such as Pythagoras and Kaldaras.
Little later he sang the song “Tora pia”, which is the Greek version of the song “Tu t’en vas” by Alain Barriere. This album sold more than 240,000 and became the second most well sold album till then.
The 80s started in the best possible way, since Parios released the album “Nisiotika” with songs from the Cyclades and the islands of the Aegean. Parios made his best hit and became the singer of island songs, the “nisiotika”, which are heard till today in feasts and celebrations.
Since then, Parios has released more than 40 albums and has participated in even more albums of his friends and colleagues.
Parios has worked with all the great names of Greek music, such as Marinella, Haris Alexiou, Giorgos Dalaras, singing songs of great composers and lyric writers, such as Hadjidakis, Theodorakis and more.
Giannis Parios’ personal life
Since Parios received early the title of the singer of love, most people were really interested in his personal life. After all, he is one of the most approachable people, who never hid his personal life from the media.
In 1972, Parios got married with Ntina Markopoulou and had two kids, Haris Varthakouris, who also became a composer and singer, and Thanassis.
In 1986, Parios met Sophia Aliberti with whom he started an affair. In 1992, they had their first son, Michail and in 1997 the second, Nikolas.
Parios and Aliberti got married in 1996 and divorced in 1998 after 12 years of common life.
Since then Parios has been involved with some women from the show business or not that known, but he still remains single to this time.
Parios has collaborated with his son Haris Varthakouris who is an excellent composer. At the age of 6 he composed the music for the song “Pio kali i monaksia” (Loneliness is better) that became a huge hit of Giannis Parios.
In 1995, father and son worked together again and the song “Erotas einai tharro” ( I think it’s love) was born.
Giannis Parios – The singer of love
Except for his great hits, Parios became so popular and beloved to the Greek audience because of the tenderness of his voice.
The title “singer of love” came as no accident: Parios sang all versions of love, its pleasure, its joy and its unhappiness.
The 90s ended with a very successful collection of his love songs named “Parios – Love”.
Today, Giannis Parios is still a very popular artist who sings love and manages to accompany us in our hard times in love, or in the lack of it.
Categories Greek Singers Tags Parios
2 thoughts on “Giannis Parios”
I have a few favorite songs, but these of Yiannis Parios as Agapimeni and Your sins are among them.
Lyudmila, Sofia, Bulgaria
Έχω μερικά αγαπημένα τραγούδια, αλλά αυτά του Γιάννη Πάριου, όπως “Αγαπημένη” και “Το δικό σου αμάρτημα” είναι μεταξύ τους.
Flora Naggenda
I fell in love with Parios’s love songs way back in the late 1970, while studying in the Greece university in Thessaloniki. In my heart and head, I took back to Africa with me Parios’s love songs of which I still live with down in the villages of Africa. I love every word in every song of Giannis Parios. Parios, “Na mu zisis”. (Long live for me)
Poso s’agapo – Dimitra Galani
Aphrodisiac – English lyrics
Aphrodisiac – Eleftheria Eleftheriou
Tha patheis erota – Greek lyrics
Tha patheis erota – English lyrics
Alexiou Arvanitaki Asimos ballads Christodoulopoulos Diamanti Film Music Foivos folk dances Galani Hadjidakis Hatzigiannis Ioannidis Kiprianidis Kotsiras Kraounakis laika Lekkas Mahairitsas Mamangakis Mazonakis Mercouri Melina Mikroutsikos Moscholiou Mouskouri Mouzakis Papadimitriou Papakonstantinou Papiou Paschalis Terzis Protopsalti Remos Sidiropoulos Stokas Thalassinos Theodoridou Tsaligopoulou Tsanaklidou Tsatsou Tsitsanis Vandi Vanou Vissi Vossou zeibekiko
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Search/Offer
Artfinder
Galerie Thomas
Tuerkenstrasse 16
"Seemaus" (Sea Mouse), ca. 1980
gold sheet with Sea Mouse
ca 5,6 x 6 cm ( 2 1/4 x 2 3/8 in.)
The "Sea Mouse" is a very rare early sculpture by Horst Antes, who invented the "Kopffüßler" (Headfooters). The artist combined the found shell of a sea mouse (Aphrodita aculeata) which he used as the head, with a sheet of gold as the bust.
"Seemaus" (Sea Mouse)
Works by other artists
German Art After 1945
"Magnetic Rubbish", 1975
magnetic cast iron, paper, cardboard box
10,5 x 14,7 x 1 cm (4 1/8 x 5 5/8 x 3/8 in.)
Renée Sintenis
"Shetland Pony", 1941
height 10 cm ( 4 in.)
"Europa on the Bull", 1959 / posthumous cast 2013
27,5 x 37 x 9,5 cm (10 7/8 x 14 1/2 x 3 3/4 in.)
"Trauriges Taschenzimmer", 1969
collage in playing card case, with original cardboard box
10,8 x 7,5 cm (4 1/4 x 3 in.)
"Sea Swallows I", 1947
image 29,7 x 18,5 cm (11 3/4 x 7 1/4 in.) paper 44 x 29,5 cm (17 3/8 x 5/8 in.)
"Untitled", 1974
pencil and gouache on tracing paper
11 x 8 1/2 in.
"Battle of Turks", 1912
11,5 x 19,9 cm (4 1/2 x 7 7/8 in.)
Heinrich Campendonk
"The Rider II", 1919
watercolour and gouache on paper on cardboard
35,3 x 39,3 cm (14 x 15 1/2 in.)
Search and offer work
Are you looking for a specific work of art or would you like to sell an object? Please get in touch. We will clarify further details and make you an offer in a personal conversation.
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TGS 2011: Final Fantasy XIII-2 hands-on preview
By GamesRadarCarolynGudmundson 15 September 2011
A return to tradition with exploration, sidequests and chatty NPCs
It's the first day of TGS, and one of our first stops was to check out Square Enix's hands-on demo of Final Fantasy XIII-2. Recent screens showing off the sequel's totally new time- and space-bending overmap have gotten us excited for its decidedly non-linear approach, and while the demo didn't go into time travel too much, we still saw a surprising amount of new features in FXIII-2.
Our demo began at the start of the second episode, with Serah and Noel (pronounced like "knoll," by the way) floating through a time gate into an area of Cocoon called the Bresha Ruins. Immediately, our party of two was confronted with the giant disembodied arm of Atlas, which engaged us in a mini-boss battle.
Our favorite aspect of XIII was the battle system, so while Atlas was slapping us around with his godlike hand we were glad to see that the Paradigm Shift system remains unchanged in XIII-2. That's not to say the battles don't offer anything new though. As soon as we got Atlas's health down enough, we were introduced to one of the big additions to FFXIII-2 – cinematic actions, which is really just a fancy term for quick time events. These are exactly what you'd expect – during cinematic action cutscenes, you follow the button prompts on screen to successfully execute attacks and blocks within the cutscene.
Above: The E3 trailer shows a glimpse of Atlas in action
After dealing with said giant hand, we proceeded to enter the Bresha Ruins proper, where a handful of NPCs wandered around, eager to chat with us about Atlas and give us some sweet, sweet flavor text. It turns out that Atlas's unwanted arrival has something to do with a temporal anomaly, and he must be vanquished to set the timeline back on track. Before setting off on the main quest though, we explored the area a bit and found some NPCs offering sidequests too. For fans who felt like FFXIII was lacking in exploration, it seems like XIII-2 is really trying to make up for that.
Venturing into the monster-infested area of the ruins, we were then introduced to the other big addition to battles in XIII-2 – monster collection. Defeated foes will occasionally turn into a crystal that you can grab to add that beast to your menagerie. Then, you can add beasts to your party paradigms, so that select monsters fight alongside you as party members in their respective designated roles. Each monster also has a special attack that you can unleash when its gauge fills, which will be stronger depending on if you successfully execute a mini-cinematic action sequence. During our brief playtime, we fought alongside Chocobo, Cait Sith and Flanbanero.
As we neared Altas's lair, Noel and Serah discovered a mysterious ancient machine that may or may not control Atlas, and thus were suddenly confronted with a choice. Do they take a chance turning the machine on, in the hope of using it to control or weaken their foe, or do they leave it alone in the fear its activation might make it stronger? At this juncture, we saw another few feature of XIII-2, called a live trigger. Live triggers allow you to actually role-play a bit by choosing among four options which way you want the conversation to go. We decided to show caution here by asking for Mog's advice before eventually deciding to take our chances with the machine.
Suddenly, Noel and Serah were transported to a zero-gee starry spacescape called The Void Beyond, a temporal rift where we had to solve three tile puzzles before being sent back to the real world. Each tile could only be stepped on once before it disappeared, and we had to collect three crystals from the field and make it to the exit without getting trapped (you can retry anytime you get stuck, so it's not a huge deal). The puzzles we solved here were fairly simple, but it's a format that could obviously get much more complex and difficult as the game progresses. After solving all three puzzles, the machine switched on,draining Atlas of power and health, leaving us with a much easier task.
Our demo came to a close after the boss battle with Atlas, fading out after a splashy cinematic action where Serah located and stabbed his giant crystal weak spot. While the demo felt short, it left us wanting to see more of what we hope is a mix of what we loved about FFXIII coupled with a more traditional RPG approach. With Final Fantasy XIII-2 set to release in Japan at the end of this year, look for more details in the coming months.
GamesRadarCarolynGudmundson
Life is nature's way of keeping meat fresh.
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Bursts of Color - Brown M&Ms
This week brought one of those "I should have known better" business snafus, which reminded me of Van
By Geoff Donaker • Issue #31 • View online
This week brought one of those “I should have known better” business snafus, which reminded me of Van Halen and their legendary Brown M&M rider, described here by NPR:
It’s one of those rock ‘n’ roll legends that turns out to be true: In the 1980s, the party-rock superstars in Van Halen demanded, via a clause embedded in their tour rider, that no brown-colored M&Ms be allowed backstage at their concerts.
…The clause was less an example of “simple rock star misdemeanor excess” than an ingenious, curiously skewed (and sadly still relevant) safety measure.
David Lee Roth on the Brown M&Ms
Two Suggestions:
If you haven’t seen it before, watch David Lee Roth’s explanation of why and how this worked.
Consider what Brown M&M equivalents you use (or can add) as early warning detectors with your team, product or business.
An Example Brown M&M From My Past
During my time at Yelp, we had an amazing team of Community Managers (“CMs”), who built and nurtured our user groups in cities all over the world. The CM job was complicated and often difficult for us to measure from headquarters. Among the many things CMs were asked to do, there was a straightforward one: please write a new review every day. This new review (or absence thereof) became my brown M&M for the expanding team: I could simply glance at a CM’s profile to see their latest activity. If you’re 7/7 this week, good. While that doesn’t guarantee that the bigger projects are going well, it is a signal that you’re doing the small stuff right. On the other hand, if you’re only 1/7 on new reviews this week, that’s a real warning sign that we had better dig in and do a full “line check” (as David Lee Roth explains it) of everything going on in your city.
By Geoff Donaker
Bursts of Color is a newsletter for start-up leaders who work with Burst Capital. It's meant to include products, people and ideas that I think are interesting and maybe relevant for you.
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They are six
It’s official and it’s splendid news! Angelina Jolie has given birth to twins – a boy and a girl, Saturday night, the French newspaper Nice-Matin first reported. Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline [named after Jolie’s deceased mother] were born via C-section at the Lenval Hospital on the French Riviera. Knox weighed 5.03 pounds and Vivienne weighed 5 pounds, Dr. Michael Sussmann said to the AP:
Saturday was a great day for all. The babies are good, as is Angelina.”
According to the reports, the Cesarean section was moved up from its scheduled date “for medical reasons”” so the babies would be born “in the best conditions.” “Everything is normal. Everything is going well.” Sussmann said.
Brad Pitt was very supportive during the delivery. He was there all the time, holding Angie by the hand. According to Dr. Sussmann, the couple “were talking [during the delivery], they were together.”
It was an epidural, so [Angelina] was awake and speaking and laughing. They were happy,” the doc added, saying it was Brad to cut the babies’ umbilical cords. “He was my assistant!” Sussmann joked, “He was perfectly calm, totally determined, very pleased to be at the birth of his children, very moved and very emotional.”
So far, the babies and mother are perfectly fine and will remain in hospital for a few more days. “She [Jolie] will stay for a few days. You know, in Europe it isn’t like in the United States, where the patients go home after three days. They will stay a bit longer until everything is okay,” Mr. Sussmann added during the news conference Sunday.
Meanwhile, Angelina and her newborn twins start receiving their first visitors. Angelina’s brother James Haven visited his sister on Sunday morning. Jolie’s dad, Oscar-winning actor Jon Voight, hasn’t yet visited his daughter and his newly born grandchildren but said he was “over the moon”. “It’s magnificent,” he told The Insider. “I’m very excited. If I were called today, I’d be there.”
Though being just about 2 days old, the babies are here officially. On Sunday, Mayor Christian Estrosi of Nice, presented one of the birth certificates of Brangelina’s twins on the steps of Nice’s Fondation Lenval hospital, where son Knox Leon and daughter Vivienne Marcheline were born.
The typed certificate revealed that Knox was born at 6:27 p.m. on July 12. Sister Vivienne came within a minute of that time, Dr. Michel Sussmann told PEOPLE. The document also showed the Mayor’s signature, as well as Pitt’s initials, the letters WBP representing his full name, William Bradley Pitt.
”On behalf of the inhabitants of Nice, I congratulate the happy parents, the most famous couple of the world who have chosen our city for this happy event.” Estrosi said. “I would also like to congratulate the four brothers and sisters of the newborns,” he added. Estrosi told he’d be honored if Pitt and Jolie allowed their twins to be French citizens.
This is not the last good news for the babies and the whole family. According to the latest reports, Knox and Vivienne stand all chances to become world’s richest babies. Publicist Max Clifford estimated that the pictures could fetch about $20 million, “which would make it the biggest baby deal ever.” The proceeds are to go to charity, according to the source.
The twins Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline are the 5th and 6th kids in the Jolie-Pitt family, joining Maddox, 6, Pax, 4, Zahara, 3, and Shiloh, 2.
Well, congrats to the big happy family. Remember, once Jolie said they wanted to have about 13-14 children. Well, these guys are trying really hard! Keep it up!
Golden Globes '09 – tuxedo chic
Full trailer: Angelina Jolie & Johnny Depp in ‘The Tourist’
Uma Thurman Has Welcomed Baby Girl!
Category: Celebrity Kids
Posted to: Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Jon Voight
Save up to 30% at Banana Republic, starting today!
Justin Bieber’s first wax figure will be unveiled next week
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The stakes have never been higher as America reopens. What can a post-coronavirus world look like?
Marco della Cava / USA TODAY
Jun 1, 2020 at 12:01 AM Jun 1, 2020 at 4:18 PM
America will rebuild. But much like shop owners removing boards off windows in the wake of a natural disaster, Americans aren't quite sure what the aftermath of the deadly coronavirus pandemic will look like.
Will our economic engine need to change what it sells and how it sells it? Will the same consumer habits return?Can the familiar rhythms of the nation's unabashedly capitalist system resume?
The galvanic forces exerted bypandemics have always shaped global history, says Marina Gorbis, executive director at the Institute for the Future, a nonprofit think tank in Palo Alto, California.
“Whether it’s the bubonic plague, the Spanish flu or coronavirus, pandemics inevitably are both health events and social events that cause transformations in society and politics,” she says.
Leading indicators — from soaring unemployment to looming bankruptcies — suggest a rough re-start. As the nation opens, scientists continuea feverish search for a vaccine while health officials remain concerned that the comingfall and winter could bring a spikein new virus cases that require renewed quarantines.
But those possible obstacles aside, those who study the human march through history say it is vital to remember the nation's future can be better than its past.
“This isn’t a snow day where you’re waiting for the sun to shine and the world to return, because the world we have lived in for so long in many ways is never coming back,” says Jamie Metzl, technology futurist and co-founder of OneShared.World, an online group that promotes a globally interconnected response to the pandemic.
“This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for the country, the world and our species,” says Metzl. “Everyone has a role to play to build back something better than what is being destroyed.”
From Maine to California, reconstruction has started, in most places with equal parts excitement and caution.
In Roswell, Georgia, restaurant general manager Mikaela Cupp says "the community’s excited, there’s this pent-up ‘We want to get out of the house’ energy."
But in Atlanta, officer worker Denita Jones fears bringing the virus home to her family since few coworkers wear masks.
“I see people going back to pre-pandemic behavior like everything’s OK in the world, and the rest of us are walking on eggshells,” she says.
As this tenuous rebuilding phase unfolds, the USA TODAY Network took a deep dive into a dozen societal sectors to get a sense of how things might look in the future for key facets of the economy.
The result is a portrait of a nation in the initial throes of a rebirth, one both painful and high-risk as the country continues to feel the toll in human lives and economic livelihoods. Among our glimpses into the future:
• Health care: Despite its critical role in safeguarding the public during the pandemic, the virus has exposed the dire distress of those without healthcare, the financially tenuous nature of smaller hospitals, and the need to better secure nursing homes, whose residents and staff account for many U.S. coronavirus deaths.
• Education: School districts are facing massive shortfalls as state coffers get decimated by the coronavirus outbreak. That puts into jeopardy school feeding programs, teacher job security and online learning curriculum for students without at-home technology.
• Employment: The highest unemployment rate since the Great Depression, around 15%, is arguably the biggest threat to a robust recovery from the pandemic. Inevitably, sectors will face consolidation, new businesses will be created, and employees will be expected to develop new skills accordingly. The workplace environment also promises to be forever changed, with employees increasingly shifting to telecommuting.
• Entertainment: Restaurants are in dire straits, with reservation service OpenTable recently predicting 25% of all restaurants might never re-open. Scripted TV shows will remain on hold until sets can be made safe. Movie theaters, when they come back, are likely to find patrons seated apart and the same film on multiple screens. Big concerts may well never return until there is an effective global vaccine.
Virus will spur creative responses
Unmistakable in this emerging post-virus reality, experts say, are signs that human creativity will forge new approaches, new products and new social paradigms not only more adaptable to future global crises, but also more responsive to income inequality, climate change and other issues laid bare by coronavirus.
“COVID-19 is a dress rehearsal for a more turbulent world, one that will require businesses to be more adaptable to a consumer that is forever changed,” says James Allen, senior partner at global consulting firm Bain & Company and author of a recent blog post, “The Great Retooling: Adapting for Coronavirus and Beyond.”
Among a variety of coming trends, Allen sees a shift toward more "values-based consumption,” where consumers reward enterprises that are “acting as good citizens” during the epidemic."
Meanwhile, white-collar professionswill combine lessons learned from remote working with the enduring need for some occasional “high-touch experiences at offices," he says. And those office spaces are likely to shrink, paving the way for a possible revitalization of urban cores as office buildings become condos.
Maria Bothwell, CEO of future-focused advisory firm Toffler Associates, a firm started by the late futurists Alvin and Heidi Toffler, authors of the seminal 1970 book, “Future Shock," says the nation will reach a phase called "the novel normal" in three to five years.
Bothwell anticipates a long period of discomfort in public spaces with strangers, as a “heightened sensitivity to the vulnerability of our health” causes a reflexive recoiling at sneezes and coughs even after there is a vaccine.
In addition, no-touch payment systems will proliferate. Public places will temperature screen. And expect an exodus from crowded cities for those whose jobs promote telecommuting.
From COVID-19, a New America
In the end, there’s little debate that the America that emerges from the coronavirus pandemic will be a New America, not unlike the new nations that emerged from the forge of the Great Depression and World War II.
The former created a nation of frugal savers, the latter created a young post-war populace that fueled an unprecedented era of optimistic consumerism.
If there is one thing futurists seem to agree on as America rebuilds, it is the hope that resides in those children and young adults whose lives have been indelibly stamped by this pandemic, a group thatmay well prove to be the next Greatest Generation.
Says Bothwell: “In 10 years, we’ll look back at today’s graduates in amazement at what they did as a result of this event.”
Follow USA TODAY national correspondent Marco della Cava: @marcodellacava
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Home > Research > Research at Griffith
Research at Griffith
Research and Innovation at Griffith
We believe research is core to creating a more remarkable tomorrow
Our research highlights demonstrate the quality of our findings, while our Research Plan sets the high performance standards we expect of our researchers. Our extensive network of research centres and institutes, which span a diverse array of disciplines, help facilitate our research excellence.
Coronavirus – Information for Researchers
Visit this webpage for the latest advice for staff and HDR candidates about COVID-19 impacts and options as they relate to your research activities.
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Order of Australia researchers
Message from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)
Griffith has sealed its reputation as one of Australia's leading comprehensive research universities with strengths ranging from the creative arts, social sciences and humanities through to the physical and natural sciences, engineering and IT , health and medicine.
Professor Mario Pinto
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)
See how our research is making a positive difference
Griffith Open Research Statement
Griffith University aims to make a major contribution to society through high quality, ground-breaking research. Griffith is making an explicit commitment to foster an Open Research culture within the University to help drive greater societal and economic impact from that research. Our research and scholarship will be accessible both within and beyond the academy so as to advance scientific knowledge and understanding, inform public debate, and provide access to the public who fund research through their taxes.
The University’s Griffith Research Online (GRO) repository and other advisory and support services facilitate this commitment to the practice of Open Research. This aligns Griffith with national and international initiatives that foster open publication, as required by funding bodies such as the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council, as well as international funding bodies.
According to the CWTS Leiden Ranking, Griffith ranked 12th in Australia for open access to its research in 2020, and ranked at 281 internationally for open access–Griffith aspires to be in the top 200 by 2025. Collectively, GRO has registered more than 20 million downloads as of 2020. While more than 54 per cent of GRO records provide open access to full text outputs, Griffith can still improve.
The University recognises contributions from researchers at all career stages, working collaboratively across a wide range of disciplines. Across this spectrum, different cultural settings influence both the capacity for, and the appropriateness of, full Open Research. The University supports the academic freedom of researchers to pursue new knowledge, and to choose the best means of dissemination; but within that free choice, the University encourages researchers to make the outputs of their research and, where appropriate, the accompanying data, “as open as possible, as closed as necessary”.
Explore our vast network of research centres and institutes, which are responsible for much of our research output.
Research and Innovation Plan
Griffith's Research Plan 2021-2025 is designed to support researchers and research trainees to strive for greater heights in academic excellence, innovation and delivering impact.
New Research & Innovation Plan
Griffith Experts is your complete guide to our academic and research expertise. Here you can search for an expert and get in touch, as well as find details on projects, publications, datasets and more.
Gender Equality Research Network
Working closely with Griffith Athena Swan, the Gender Equality Research Network comprises outstanding early to mid-career research scholars in the Arts, Education and Law, and Griffith Business School disciplines.
See the latest headlines around our research
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ZappChai Weekend Irani: Reliance Jio, IUC drama, and the future of Indian telecom
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Last week Jio, the telecom giant who has taken the nation by storm, announced a rare set of negative news. Reneging on its promise of lifetime free calls, it announced that it would now charge outgoing calls to non-Jio phones at 6 paisa per minute to recover the costs of interconnect charges paid to other operators. Shareholders in its beaten up competitors took the news rather well, with Airtel jumping 12% and Vodafone Idea jumping 17% on the day.
In this article we decode what IUC is, why it is such an issue, and what the move by Reliance could signal for telecom competition, and you as a customer. We also try to gauge the impact the move will have on customers, regulator, and competitive behavior in the months to come.
Firstly a brief history on IUC (Interconnect usage charges). Interconnect usage charges are charges that telecom operators have to pay to each other for using the other party's network. When a Jio user calls an Airtel user for 10 minutes for example, Jio will have to pay Airtel 0.6 rupees under the current interconnect charges. The interconnect usage charge used to be 14 paisa per minute back in 2017 when TRAI (India's telecom regulator) slashed the rates by more than 50% to 6 paisa per minute. The move was a very strong negative for the then three industry incumbents (Idea, Vodafone, and Airtel) who lost close to 10% of their annual revenue because of the move. [Vodafone: 8.0%, Airtel 10.0%, Idea 10.2%]. The plan was to drop the charges to zero come January 2020, which would again have been a deadly blow to the already suffering incumbents, but TRAI recently launched a discussion paper seeking views on deferring the rate reduction.
Which raises the question, why is TRAI doing this? One major difference between Jio and its competitors is the customer cohorts the two have. While Jio has only 4G customers, its competitors have a lot of 2G and 3G customers still with them. Regulators had thought that with the greater spread of 4G adoption the two incumbents would be able to gain a larger proportion of 4G customers thereby reducing the inherent imbalance between them and Jio, but that hasn't happened. A move now to reduce the IUC charges to zero now, will have a tremendous financial impact on the two other players in the market because of the directionality of calls. To make matters worse both Airtel and Vodafone Idea have a tremendous amount of debt on their books, and are constantly ceding market share to Jio. The 800 odd crores that Jio pays them via interconnect charges is therefore a welcome reprieve. With competition in the telecom space dying like flies, it becomes important in someway to help protect the competition that remains.
Let us now hear Jio's side of the argument. Jio over the last three years has risen to meteoric heights capturing the market on the back of extremely cheap data and lifetime free calls. With a balance sheet unencumbered by any previous spectrum bidding and a tonne of oil business money, the firm set its eyes on capturing the promising Indian telecom market. The (minor) downside of its extremely attractive pricing was that its outgoing calls became significantly higher than its incoming calls. The 2G and 3G users on competitor networks had to incur relatively high charges for outgoing calls, which led to more calls from Jio to competition than the other way around. This is verfied in the outgo of around ~850cr from Jio to its competitors per quarter.
Jio even went as far as to argue that many of the current 2G and 3G users on competitor networks gave missed calls to users of Jio. Jio users who until now had free outgoing called back, causing a sharp cash outflow to its competitors. To back their claims they mentioned the close to 300 million missed calls they got every day. This not only means less revenue to it via IUC charges that its competitors would have to pay, but also an outgo at their end when, in most cases, their users call back. The "missed call epidemic" is thus hurting Jio two fold. In a response to the issue Jio had initially slashed its outgoing call ringer (the duration the phone rings before it gets disconnected) for calls on competitor networks from 45 seconds to 20 seconds, in a weird attempt to increase missed calls on the competitors networks forcing their users to call back! The 45 second ringer duration has has a 45% acceptance rate, which falls by 20% when reduced to 20 seconds. Upon some backlash the time was increased to 25 seconds.
And then it came out with its trump card, charging customers the interchange directly every time they call competition. For Jio in isolation the move will have two major impacts. On the upside it will ease its financial outflow, by moving one cost head from themselves to the customer. On the down side its offerings are now not as competitive as they used to be vs competition, with the customers having to bear a higher cost.
But the more interesting implications, are ones outside of the firm. The move to keep the 6p/minute charge on its customers has been viewed by some as Jio trying to strong arm the regulators, by effectively keeping the charges present till the IUC is removed. This to me seems unlikely. Infact it might just be playing right into what the regulator wants to happen.
Why would the regulators want the customers to pay a higher bill one might ask? Well, because a slightly higher bill now is preferable to a very high bill 5 years later. And that is exactly what could have happened if Jio continued to undercut its competition into perpetuity. As it gains market share competition around it will continue dying. A lot of smaller players have already seen this fate, and we have been effectively reduced to a market with 3 serious private players (Jio, Vodafone Idea, and Airtel) and one public player (BSNL). If Jio were to continue gaining customers on the back of pricing, it was very likely that more of its competition would die, effectively ending up in a pseudo monopolistic duopoly. In a market like this, where barriers to entry are high, Jio would have free reign to raise prices as they wish, which is a bad scenario for everybody. Well, everybody but Jio.
In my view what this move does is signal a situation in which even the market leader has conceded that playing on pricing is a bit too costly for their kitty. The implementation of the IUC charges increase the effective bill for its customer, and while Jio has tried to offer some consolation in terms of extra free data, the customer will still care about his monthly payout, which for most users will increase.
That leaves the last player in the game, the competition, Airtel and Vodafone Idea. Let's look at what options lie ahead of them now, and then see which one makes sense. This is a complex exercise in that we are effectively in a three player repeated game (one where all players can see their oponents prior move and change their reaction accordingly), with a fourth the regulator also adding some zing. But it is also simple, in that there are only two things the firms can do from here. One is raise their tariffs, and the second is drop their tariffs or keep them unchanged.
Lets look at the case where both Vodafone Idea and Airtel raise their tariffs, in reaction to Jio raising tariffs. The most immediate benefit of the move will be increased near term profitability. What it will also signal to Jio, who undoubtedly would be tracking both their new customer acquisition as well as existing customer churn diligently is that the competition is signalling a truce as well. Vodafone Idea and Airtel will continue losing customers to Jio, but they will improve their margins as they do, atleast in the short term. If attrition to the two continues even after Jio's price hike, it will give Jio greater confidence to raise prices in the future, and the telecom market in India will see better pricing in the days to come. The regulators will in all likelihood see the improved profitability figures post the hike along with an inability of the incumbents to acquire 4G users and decide to scrap the IUC post 2020 as planned, at which point Jio's effective bill falls and it gets a new fresh wave of customers. An important thing to note is that the long term picture is still bleak for the competition in this scenario, but they will atleast have a momentary reprieve. The market will probably react positively to this scenario though and stocks of both players will probably jump if this scenario plays out, as sell-side starts churning out reports of a "Market repair theme in telecom", but it will infact be the continuation of a slow death by a thousand cuts for the players.
Which brings us to our most interesting case, and something that will make the seven minutes you spent reading the article to this point worth it. What this move by Jio has done is given both Vodafone Idea and Airtel the rare chance to go on the offensive. This is extremely counter-intuitive given the pain the incumbents are in, but the scenario that makes the most sense from a long term wealth creation perspective. There is clearly discontent amongst Jio users post the move, discontent that will in all likelihood increase as they get their higher bills over the next few months. These are the coveted 4G customers that both players of the competition would love to have, not only because of the higher telecom ARPU they'll bring in, but also because these are high value customers that you can also cross sell your other services to (on demand content for example). In short it is an extremely good idea to acquire these customers. If both Vodafone Idea and Airtel are able to synchronize advertisement campaigns targeting Jio combined with a drop in prices/maintaining pricing at current levels in plans that 4G users would want to buy, they would be able to acquire some of Jio's existing customers, as well as improve their hold of their existing customers. The price drop scenario will probably not happen due to the sheer difficulty of implementing it in the current market scenario given a combination of their financial health, and market and stakeholder reaction to such a move, but a stable price scenario (i.e. not matching Jio is certainly possible). This will hurt in the short run ofcourse, but if done right the firm acquire some very high value customers. Jio will probably detect the pattern soon enough as it would be tracking new adds and churn with a hawk's gaze post the move, but with a commitment to keep IUC charges going till the regulators drop it as well as the lack of a outright offensive by the competition, replying in kind will be easier said than done. The only option they will have at their hand is increased data pack sizes, something that the competition can match with low and limited cost increases. With flat prices, improving competitive dynamics, and a greater intent shown by competition to acquire 4G customers, the regulator now also has leeway to delay the price increase to 2021 and beyond, which is an added benefit to the struggling incumbents. This is a very high risk path to take ofcourse, and something that will take supreme grit to execute, and will see a very harsh reaction from most external players, markets included. But the choice here is between perpetually bleeding customers, to bleeding some money in the short term but signalling to Jio that the long term market share should be at 33-33-33, not at 50-25-25 that Jio currently seems to have in mind. It helps to keep in mind that Reliance wants to spinoff and IPO its retail and telecom business in the not so distant future, and would thus be willing to play the money bleeding game for far less time than most people estimate, and the inability of the incumbents to sustain a longer period of lower prices might be exaggerated, with the Voda-Idea group having sufficient resources to stay in the game atleast for the next three to four years post it Indus tower and fiber asset sale, and Airtel with a much stronger balance sheet to be able to sustain much longer.
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Star Sports launches first Tamil sports channel
Star Sports has launched Star Sports Tamil, the country’s first dedicated Tamil sports channel. A first-of-its-kind regional sports channel, Star Sports Tamil will bring fans across Tamil Nadu closer to their favourite sports and heroes. The channel has a rich calendar of sports, starting with the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, moving into Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL 2.0), VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 5 and Hero ISL. The channel would provide curated Tamil content localized to Tamil super stars – R. Ashwin, M S Dhoni, TNPL Stars, and stars from Chennaiyin FC.
A 360-degree marketing campaign, #MachiAreYouReady (buddy, are you ready), has commenced along with the launch of the channel. The campaign underlines Tamil pride and is rich with nuances such as the presence of the soil of Tamil Nadu in the TVC. The campaign will be supplemented by comprehensive, high-impact promotions on radio, TV, print, digital, and OOH.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Tamil Nadu’s favourite cricketer and Star Sports ambassador, features prominently in the campaign. Thala Dhoni embodies the pride, valour and sportsmanship of the Tamil culture.
A Star India spokesperson said, “Tamil Nadu is a unique market with high affinity to language content and very distinctive viewing habits. Star India’s strong presence in the state has helped us understand the pulse of the Tamil sports fans. Star Sports Tamil is an extension of our belief to give people more relevant regional sports content and celebrate the ‘Tamizh’ culture. This is another resolute step in our constant endeavour to bring fans closer to sports.”
The channel will feature content exclusively packaged with a line-up of eminent Tamilian hosts and commentators from the sports fraternity such as K Srikkanth, L. Sivaramakrishnan, S. Badrinath, S Sriram, S Ramesh and H Badani. Star Sports Tamil will be available on leading DTH/cable operators across Tamil Nadu as well as rest of India. The channel has gone live as of May 28, 2017.
Labels: News, Sports
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TEEN is accused of duping Man of €3k in truck scam
Eimear Cotter
A TEENAGER is alleged to have stolen €3,000 in cash from a man after duping him into believing he had a truck for sale.
Colin Daly (18) allegedly advertised the truck for sale on an internet website – but when the victim transferred a deposit to his account he failed to show up with the vehicle.
Judge David McHugh adjourned the case until April to allow Daly speak to his solicitor.
Daly, of Old Court Mill, in Tallaght, appeared before Blanchardstown District Court charged with theft.
The alleged incident took place between September 29 and October 1 last year.
The court was told victim contacted Daly by telephone and said he was interested in buying the vehicle. He was told to make a deposit of €3,000.
The man made the deposit but Daly did not turn up with the vehicle.
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Saoirse's right about Kim pic
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vAs TDs queue up to oppose the water charges, perhaps it is worth addressing the old question of their tax-free allowances. Last September alone, three Sinn Fein TDs who have decided to oppose the water charge - Gerry Adams, Martin Ferris and Pearse Doherty - claimed nearly €13k in expenses. Much of these payments are absurdly generous allowances for travel to and from their constituency and overnight stays. Those three expense bills alone, paid for by the taxpayer of course, equate to more than 50 annual household water charge bills -even more if the Government reduced the charge this week. Surely that's the thing we should be really angry about…
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Virology: Current Research
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Home / World News / Syrian president to make maiden India visit
Syrian president to make maiden India visit
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad travels next week to India on a maiden visit and the first by a Syrian head of state to the South Asian nation in 20 years.
By HT Correspondent | AFP, Damascus
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad travels next week to India on a maiden visit and the first by a Syrian head of state to the South Asian nation in 20 years, officials said on Thursday.
The official Tishrin newspaper said that Assad would discuss with Indian officials "bilateral relations and topics of interest to the two friendly nations."
Tishrin said the visit would take place "next week" and that Syrian first lady Asma Assad would be part of the trip.
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah Dardari said that Syria and India would signs agreements to combat double-taxation and to bolster investments and energy cooperation.
In December 2005 India and China won a joint multi-million-dollar bid to buy Petro-Canada's 37 per cent stake in Syrian oilfields to feed their oil-hungry economies, prompting US objections.
Over the past years Syria has signed several oil and gas deals with foreign companies and launched tenders for exploration in both sectors in a bid to boost its dwindling energy output.
Assad's visit to India will be his first since he was propelled into power on the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, in June 2000 at the end of an iron-grip rule that lasted three decades, and the first by a Syrian president since 1978.
Tishrin hailed the "historic relations" between Damascus and New Delhi and India's "support to Arab rights, namely Syria's demand for the return of the Golan Heights," which Israel conquered in 1967 and annexed in 1981.
Syria and Israel announced last month that they have opened indirect peace talks brokered by Turkey after an eight-year freeze over the fate of the Golan.
Assad's visit also comes as inspectors of the UN atomic energy agency are due in Syria on June 22-24 to visit an alleged nuclear facility in a remote desert area.
Worries over possible unrest or other security threats following the attack on the Congress earlier this month seem to have abated somewhat as investors study the implications for markets of further stimulus. (Representative Image)(Reuters/ File photo)
Benchmarks were higher in Paris, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong but slipped in Shanghai. World markets were subdued on Monday, with US exchanges closed for a holiday.
Trump intends to leave in the morning for his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, arriving before President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated.(REUTERS)
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Australia blasted over ‘suicidal’ policy
Australia’s climate stance has been lashed as ‘suicidal’ by a former UN climate executive. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage
Australia's climate change policy has put it on a "suicidal" path and is evidence of a "lack of integrity", according to a former top United Nations climate official.
Christiana Figueres, who ran negotiations for the historic Paris Agreement in 2015 at the UN, said Australia had ignored its boundless potential as a renewable energy producer over internal political division.
"The climate wars have been going on in Australia for over a decade. They are in such a suicidal situation because Australia … holds such promise with renewable energy," she said during prerecorded remarks to the Australasian Emissions Reductions Summit.
Ms Figueres has been a consistent critic of Australia's approach to climate policy. In 2018, she called on Australia to phase out coal.
She said no country had "as much sun potential as Australia" but it had been hampered by a "completely unstable, volatile, unpredictable stand on climate change".
Former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres describes Australia’s climate stance as ‘suicidal’. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has resisted calls to commit to a net zero emissions target by 2050, but has consistently claimed Australia was "meeting and beating" its obligations under the Paris Agreement.
The government had argued it was entitled to use so-called carry-over credits from overachieving on the Kyoto Protocol to meet its Paris targets.
Although their use is not explicitly banned under the terms of the Paris Agreement, Ms Figueres has lashed it as "cheating".
"It is just a total lack of integrity and not something that does Australia proud," she said.
In a speech to the Business Council of Australia last week, Mr Morrison flagged a potential reversal in the policy, saying the government aimed not to use the credits.
"We will only use that carry-over … to the extent that it is required," he said.
"Let me be very clear: my ambition (and) my government's ambition, is that we will not need them."
Scott Morrison flagged a reversal on the use of Kyoto carry-over credits. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage
Independent MP Zali Steggall, who has called for Australia to adopt a net zero 2050 target, has urged the government to heed Ms Figueres' warning.
"Australia is going to be at the forefront of suffering from the impacts of climate change and we saw that last summer," she said.
"Australia has so many natural resources and opportunity to be a superpower in a low-emissions world, but instead we have a handbrake on at the moment.
"Countries are getting on with the job to transition to low emissions. State ministers are putting in place ambitious plans in the energy sector, but the federal government is sitting on its hands and we're not at the table."
Independent MP Zali Steggall has urged the government to heed Christiana Figueres’ warning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage
Ms Steggall's bill was introduced to parliament last month, and includes a net zero emissions target by 2050. It has gained support from the Greens, a number of senate crossbenchers and more than 100 Australian businesses.
She also called for the establishment of an independent climate change commission, and the rollout of risk-assessment plans.
US President-elect Joe Biden has committed to rejoining the Paris Accord as part of a push to hit net zero emissions by 2050. Federal Labor has argued his election is a chance to reset the nation's climate policy, urging the government to commit to adopt the same target.
Originally published as Australia blasted over 'suicidal' policy
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Home | Jewish World
Rabbi Freundel's Former D.C. Congregation Tries to Move Past Mikveh Trauma
Voyeurism scandal still casts shadow over his longtime Orthodox congregation, more than a year since he was arrested.
Uriel Heilman
Kesher Israel has yet to hire a permanent replacement for Rabbi Barry Freundel more than a year after his arrest for recording women undressing in the mikveh. Credit: Uriel Heilman / JTA Photo Service
JTA - Though it’s been more than a year since Rabbi Barry Freundel was hauled away in handcuffs for installing secret cameras at his synagogue’s mikveh, his crime still casts a shadow over his longtime Orthodox congregation, Kesher Israel.
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Three civil lawsuits are pending against Kesher by women who presumably used the Jewish ritual purification bath adjacent to his Washington synagogue and were filmed by the rabbi while undressing. (The women are identified as Jane Does in the lawsuits). The congregation, which is struggling financially, has yet to begin a search for Freundel’s permanent replacement. And many congregants are still grappling with a range of complicated feelings related to the betrayal by their rabbinic leader.
“It’s like the person you put on a pedestal urinated on you,” said one longtime congregant who asked not to be named. “I don’t think the effects are done. These effects go through the generations.”
Despite Kesher’s challenges, many community members and leaders say the congregation turned a corner with Freundel’s sentencing in May to 6 and a half a years in prison – 45 days for each of the 52 voyeurism counts.
Barry Freundel exits the courthouse in Washington, D. C., after entering his guilty plea Credit: Dmitriy Shapiro/JTA
“There was a tremendous sense of dread before the sentencing – What if he only gets a year? What if he doesn’t get anything?” recalled Elanit Jakabovics, Kesher’s president.
“It seemed like a fair sentencing,” she said. “People were ready to move on, and that helped.”
A few weeks later, the synagogue hired Avidan Milevsky, a clinical psychologist from Baltimore who is also an ordained rabbi, to be its interim, part-time clergyman. He still lives in Baltimore but spends every other Shabbat in Washington and comes twice during the week.
“I was warned by so many people, even on my [trial] weekend there: Don’t do this. It’s so complicated. In so many different areas there were difficulties and pain,” Milevsky told JTA. “But I realized they needed someone really unique who can infuse both the background in rabbinics and in mental health. Sometimes God sends us messages. In some ways it was a bit of a calling. My experiences really coalesced to be able to assist the community.”
Milevsky, who started at Kesher in late July, would not offer any details about what kinds of conversations he has had with congregants still struggling with Freundel’s betrayal. But he said his main strategy has been to listen, give them what they need and try to disentangle Orthodox Judaism from the troubled character of Freundel.
“Highlighting and conveying the beauty of Torah Judaism and completely detaching that from the image of what this former leader engaged in – that’s really a big part of the work,” Milevsky said. “It’s not a specific moment that’s going to create that. It’s not one event or sermon or email. It’s a long, long process. That’s how trauma works.”
Congregant David Barak said people have warmed to Milevsky, who is “very different in tone and substance” from Freundel.
Even before the voyeurism was discovered, Freundel had been a divisive figure. He could be gruff, feuded with other rabbis and was more focused on national issues than his own congregation, critics in the congregation have said.
“People were not happy with him,” Jakabovics said bluntly, noting his vocal opposition to a nearby “partnership minyan” in Rosh Pina, in which women lead some prayers and which drew some Kesher congregants. “That partnership minyan was a splinter from Kesher. He took a very hard line against it, and that caused issues. It pitted friends against friends.”
After Freundel’s arrest, there were women who stopped going to the mikveh, Jakabovics said, and the congregation lost a few members.
But because Kesher regularly experiences extremely high turnover – owing to the area’s high proportion of transient students and young people and the expense of nearby housing – Jakabovics said it’s not clear how many, if any, quit out of principle. (There is no other Orthodox synagogue within walking distance.)
“People experienced a whole host of emotions and went through different crises, but I think it was more a crisis between them and the office of the rabbi, not necessarily about shul,” Jakabovics said. “A lot of people come to shul for the social-communal aspect of it. That was a very big thing that helped us through the last year.”
Alyza Lewin, a trustee of the mikveh and a Kesher congregant, said mikveh attendance has held steady at 30 to 40 women per month.
Lisette Garcia, a Washington attorney who has been a regular at Kesher since late 2013, said the greatest sign of recovery was a congregational baby boom of five to seven newborns in the space of about two weeks nine months after the Freundel guilty plea in February.
“I look at it as a reward for people who even in the face of this kept ‘taharat hamishpacha,'” Garcia said, referring to mikveh observance. Under the Jewish laws of taharat hamishpacha (Hebrew for “family purity”), married couples abstain from sex during the wife’s period of menstruation and until her immersion in the mikveh.
Overall, congregational membership is up slightly from last year, to 250 from 225, and about 25 percent of current regular synagogue-goers are fresh faces who came after Freundel left, according to Jakabovics. Over the last year, the congregation has mended fences with other Washington institutions with which Freundel feuded, several congregants noted, including the Rosh Pina partnership minyan, the local Chabad, the egalitarian D.C. Minyan and the “Open Orthodox” Ohev Sholom-National Synagogue seven miles away.
On a visit to Kesher for a Shabbat in late December, the sanctuary pews were filled with young people, and there were two services each on Saturday morning and Friday night. The only hints of the scandal were the absence of Freundel’s photograph from the congregation’s wall of rabbis and an empty chair on the pulpit. With Milevsky off that Shabbat, a congregant delivered the sermon. Kesher calls it the People’s Pulpit.
Kesher isn’t quite ready to hire a new permanent rabbi. Over the next six months, the congregation first must figure out “what we’re looking for, who we are and what we stand for,” Jakabovics said. The plan is to launch a search in the summer and find someone to start by the summer of 2017. (One condition of Milevsky’s contract is that he is ineligible for the permanent position.)
Aside from the emotional baggage, Kesher has a few other challenges. The congregation doesn’t have much cash or moneyed donors, and hundreds of thousands of dollars are needed to renovate the rabbinic residence, which Freundel and his family occupied for 25 years and left in a state of disarray. After Freundel finally vacated the house, it took five or six truckloads to cart out all the junk.
And with the three lawsuits still hovering over the congregation, Kesher can’t rule out the possibility of having to pay a big legal settlement. The National Capital Mikvah, which is also named in the lawsuits, is a separate legal entity that is controlled by its own board of directors.
A few weeks ago, the mikveh held a celebration to mark its 10-year anniversary. Lewin, the mikveh trustee, spoke at the event but didn’t mention the elephant in the room. She talked instead about how the mitzvah of mikveh is an opportunity to put one’s busy life on hold and remember the blessing of family.
The way the Kesher community has come together as a family in the wake of the Freundel event has been a blessing, too, Lewin said.
“The community shared a difficult experience and then emotionally bonded over it,” she said. “Our mikveh, in ways we never could have anticipated, has brought our community much closer together as a family.”
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by Lisa Heathfield
Price: $16.95 / $21 (CAD)
ON SALE: March 10th 2015
Genre: Teen & Young Adult / Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / New Experience
All that Pearl knows can be encapsulated in one word: Seed. It is the isolated community that she was born into. It is the land that she sows and reaps. It is the center of her family and everything that means home. And it is all kept under the watchful eye of Papa S.
At fifteen years old, Pearl is finally old enough to be chosen as Papa S.’s companion. She feels excitement . . . and surprising trepidation that she cannot explain. The arrival of a new family into the Seed community — particularly the teenage son, Ellis — only complicates the life and lifestyle that Pearl has depended upon as safe and constant. Ellis is compelling, charming, and worldly, and he seems to have a lot of answers to questions Pearl has never thought to ask. But as Pearl digs to the roots of the truth, only she can decide what she will allow to come to the surface.
Lisa Heathfield’s suspenseful, scintillating debut features a compelling voice that combines blithe naïtékeen observation, and sincere emotion.
"Heathfield paints convincing portraits of an extremely naïve girl and of a cult from the inside. . . . An absorbing treatment of an ever interesting subject."
"Seed will hold readers' attention as the story's mood slowly changes and the work builds to an ultimately stunning conclusion."
"[P]earl grows throughout in a realistic way, offering a look at what it's like to live with no knowledge of the outside world. . . . Interested readers will certainly be seeking out the sequel."
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The Stolen Ones
by Richard Montanari
Mulholland Books Logo
Price: $9.99 / $11.99 (CAD)
ON SALE: February 25th 2014
Genre: Mystery & Thriller / Fiction / Thrillers / Crime
Audiobook Downloadable Unabridged Trade Paperback
In Richard Montanari’s chilling new suspense novel, a sealed-off network of secret passages connects all of Philadelphia to the killer hidden within.
Luther Wade grew up in Cold River, a warehouse for the criminally insane. Two decades ago the hospital closed it doors forever, but Luther never left. He wanders the catacombs beneath the city, channeling the violent dreams of Eduard Kross, Europe’s most prolific serial killer of the 20th century.
A two-year-old girl is found wandering the streets of Philadelphia in the middle of the night by detectives Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano. She does not speak, but she may hold the key to solving a string of murders committed in and around Priory Park. As the detectives investigate, more bodies are found at Priory Park, and they’re drawn closer and closer to the doors of Luther’s devious maze and the dark secrets of Cold River.
PRAISE FOR RICHARD MONTANARI:
"Richard Montanari's writing is both terrifying and lyrical, a killer combination that makes him a true stand-out in the crowded thriller market. A master storyteller at his very best."
"A writer whose prose can capture quite extraordinary subtleties....one of the best in the business".—Thomas H. Cook
"A master storyteller. Be prepared to stay up all night."—James Ellroy
"Psychologically dark, strangely erotic and definitely hard to put down. A winner."—Nelson Demille, on Deviant Way
"Richard Montanari's vivid portrayal of a serial killing bad-dream team is sick, kinky, realistic, scary as hell and absolutely great."—Kiny Friedman, on Deviant Way
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Inle Lake Holidays
Inle Lake holidays offer beautiful scenery and a glimpse into rural life in Myanmar’s southern Shan state. Cruise across Lake Inle to see floating gardens and villages, painted pagodas, monasteries and the famous Intha boat rowers.
Set in a valley surrounded by the Shan mountains, Inle Lake is a haven for photographers, stretching 13.5 miles long and seven wide. Take a peaceful trip across its glassy surface, passing local Intha fishermen, who travel on flat bottomed boats and stand poised on one leg, the other wrapped around the oar. The lake is crisscrossed with waterways that lead past villages with stilted bamboo houses, home to many different Shan ethnic groups. Locals have created floating gardens from thick water weeds, where they cultivate vegetables, rice and fruit. Visit Inle Lake’s village workshops to see blacksmiths, workers hand rolling cigars and artisans weaving silk and textile products.
Inle Lake Burma holidays offer a blend of nature and culture
Sellers from various ethnic groups like the Pa-o and Danaw come down from their hillside villages to sell products at Inle’s Five Day Market, which runs every month. Don’t miss a visit to the lake’s stilted wooden monastery Nga Phe Kyaung, as well as Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, which is the holiest religious site in the region, known for its five golden Buddha statues. Travel across the water to Indein village to see crumbling pagodas that have become tangled with the forest. Its two clusters of temples were built between the 14th and 18th century and are decorated with intricate Buddhist carvings.
Want to uncover more of Myanmar’s treasures? The country has only recently opened its doors to tourism so boasts an untouched, authentic feel compared to more popular destinations in Southeast Asia. Explore the country with one of our tailored Inle Lake tours. Highlights include the bustling city of Yangon and its glittering Shwedagon Pagoda, hill top temples, as well as sunsets in historical Mandalay and a visit to Bagan archeological site, where over 2,000 temples pepper the landscape.
Visit the sacred Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, a colourful water temple which houses five Buddha images covered in gold leaf
Wander Indein’s ancient pagoda ruins, which date back to the 14th century and have become entwined with the forest
Sail Lake Inle to discover stilt-house villages and floating gardens where residents grow fruit, rice and vegetables on the water
Tour village workshops in Inle. Watch locals weave silk and lotus textiles and make hand rolled cigars
GMT+6:30
Direct flights are available to Bangkok
British citizens will need to obtain a visa for travel to Myanmar.
English is widely spoken
No special vaccines are required or recommended for travel to Myanmar.
Destination Executive
“Soak in the views of Lake Inle, surrounded by mountains on a boat trip. Look out for locals and their unique leg-rowing technique and glide past farmers tending to their floating gardens. Watching the sunset on the lake is an unforgettable experience.”
“Study the lifestyle of Inle Lake’s residents. Visit floating villages, markets where locals sell their handicrafts and weaving factories. Be sure to visit some of the lake’s picturesque monasteries and temples as well.”
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival
This is one of Myanmar’s largest Buddhist festivals, and is held annually in September or October according to the lunar calendar. During the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, four of the temple’s iconic Buddha statues, covered in golf leaf, are placed on a royal barge and paraded around the lake while the fifth statue is left to guard the pagoda. Hundreds of smaller boats join the procession and there are boat races and festivities throughout the 18 day event.
We think you might also like to take a look at these destinations. If you'd like some advice, our Destination Specialists will be able to find something that is right for you.
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Film of the Week: Tazza: The Hidden Card knows how to keep you at the edge of your seat
Published on : October 8, 2020 October 8, 2020 Published by : Kat Czornij
Hidden card indeed! Tazza: The Hidden Card is filled with so many twists and turns in the plot that you are quite literally kept at the edge of your seat for the entire film- absorbed and equally terrified about what’s going to happen next. Just like the high stakes gambling games they play.
Dae-gil (T.O.P) is a young charismatic man who demonstrates a rather natural knack for gambling, or more accurately- hustling. He can switch cards and trick his opponents so cleverly that he soon finds himself climbing the dirty ladder of the gambling world. Along the way he meets Mi-Na (Shin Se-Kyung) and it’s quite literally love at first sight- and despite Mi-Na’s apparent disinterest, their first meeting is exceptionally cute. Dae-gil promises he will return for her when he is “someone”, but unfortunately just like in gambling- chance is not always kind.
Dae-gil is swindled, betrayed and has his kidney taken as debt (gross). What has started as lighthearted fun has begun to turn extremely dark. Now on the run he meets a great hustler, who teaches him more tricks of their trade. Dae-gil plays game after game slowly trying to make his way back to Mi-Na, but he soon finds out life has been equally unkind to her. This is a gloomy world where game partners constantly change and backstab each other, and the film doesn’t hold back on the brutality of it all.
There is some fantastic casting at work here, as you really become extremely swept up in the characters’ world. Kwak Do-Won is absolutely terrifying as the ruthless Jang. Perhaps it’s the predator glasses but you feel yourself recoiling every time he’s on screen. The two leading ladies Shin Se-Kyung and Lee Ha-Nui are both perfectly able to capture the desperation of women in compromised positions- desperate and unflinchingly capable of doing what they can to not sink. The big one here though is of course T.O.P, and he truly does deliver here. Compared to previous roles Dae-Gil offers T.O.P the opportunity to show a much vaster range of emotions, and what he manages to offer in return is a character that is constantly able to regroup with the hands he is dealt and play the hard game- one that you really want him to win. And let’s not forget this is the film of the big T.O.P body reveal, which is well worth the wait.
“Life is full of changes” so opens Dae-gil, and this film is exactly that. The pacing and constant shifts of character relationships are thrilling and the story drags you right in. Your move.
Review Score: FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Running Time: 147 minutes (w/English Subtitles)
Tazza: The Hidden Card originally screened at KOFFIA 2015, from where this review was originally posted.
Tagged in : KOFFIA South Korea Tazza: The Hidden Card
Categorized in : Film Reviews Reviews
(G)I-DLE To Hold Online Fan Meeting ‘GBC in the NEVERLAND’ In November
Flashback Friday: Part One Of Our Interview With Da-iCE (2014)
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Dupree’s
Boys Dupree’s
Girls Dupree’s
Eastern North Carolina’s Premier Clothing Store
If you’re looking for a quality dress suit, look no further than H. Stadiem in downtown Kinston, NC. We’ve been selling men’s suits for over 100 years, with the largest selection of suit seperates in Eastern North Carolina.
H. Stadiem boys suits include designer suits and separates from Lito and Ralph Laruen. Choose from boys sport coats and boys blazers that have been designed specifically for both casual and formal attire.
For generations H. Stadiem has been proud to offer Eastern North Carolina the finest selection of girls dress apparel. We feature a wide assortment of girls clothing, accessories and shoes from infant to teen.
The H. Stadiem shoe department carries a fine selection of footwear for Men, Women and Children. We have the name brands you know and hard-to-find sizes in many styles. Our sales associates are trained to assist you in getting the right fit.
For over 50 years H. Stadiem has been proud to be your source for everything to do with your new bundle of joy. We carry the finest in infant clothing from Peaches-n-Cream, Petit Ami and Mom & Me, along with many other top brands.
The staff of H. Stadiem is available to assist you Monday – Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm & Saturday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm EST. We welcome your questions, comments and suggestions, and look forward to hearing from you.
H. Stadiem has been serving Eastern North Carolina with the finest in clothing for men and children, and an extensive selection of shoes for men, women and children for over a century.
We invite you to visit our store in historic downtown Kinston, or call us for further information. We offer free alterations and free gift wrapping with every purchase, and have convenient parking on either the 118 North Queen Street or Heritage Street entrances. Our experienced sales associates and alterations staff look forward to serving you!
118 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
Mon – Fri: 9:30 – 5:30
Sat: 9:30 – 4:00
Contact H Stadiem Inc.
Stores Inside H Stadiem
Cheri La Mode
Website: www.cherilamode.com
Consigned Designs
© 2021 H. Stadiem | Theme: Scope
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Molly Fosco, Contributor
Natalie Cressman Fuses Jazz, Indie, and Jam Band Music with Sophomore Release Turn the Sea
If you haven't heard of Natalie Cressman, you definitely will soon. A Bay Area native, born to two musician parents -- Jeff and Sandy Cressman, Natalie grew up with music in her DNA. Recently graduating from the Manhattan School of Music, she's made a name for herself in New York City as quite a talented trombone player. Natalie has now begun transitioning into more of a singer/songwriter role with the release of her second studio album Turn the Sea.
Generally associated with the jam band category, Natalie's skills as a trombonist have allowed her to seamlessly fit right into a variety of musical ensembles. She's had stints performing with Lettuce, Van Ghost, Dumstaphunk, and most impressively, Trey Anastasio of the ultimate legendary jam band, Phish. Touring with Trey has gained Natalie the recognition she needed to jumpstart her career, and she's definitely taking advantage of it.
Since the release of her sophomore studio album Turn the Sea, recorded at Candid Music Studios in Brooklyn, Natalie is bringing her music home next month on a west coast tour that kicks off August 11th at the San Jose Jazz Festival. Turn the Sea is certainly peppered with some of the jam band essence Natalie is known for, but overall the album takes on a very different vibe than her previous release, and from the majority of performances she's given in the past. The strong jazz substance in her music has always been consistent, but this album is bursting with it more than ever.
Her veteran skills as a trombonist are clear, but what's even more impressive is her vocal performance and talents as a lyricist. The sound of her voice gives each track a very indie feel to it, which compliments the jazz melodies in a very unique way. At times her lyrics almost convey a feeling of loneliness and desperation, but with the generally upbeat, colorful music that accompanies it you wouldn't know it upon first listen. Natalie's cover of Bon Iver's Blindsided on this album is the cheeriest version of the usually somber and melancholy song I've ever heard.
Turn the Sea ends with a remix of the title track by another Bay Area native/New York transplant, electronic artist JNTHN STEIN. Still maintaining its jazz roots, the track has elements of EDM in just the right places making it discernibly the most danceable track on the album. In a recent interview with Jamband.com, Natalie revealed that she's been enjoying electronic music more and more these days and has even begun to work with Abelton. Perhaps an electronic album is in her future?
For now, check out the jazz/indie/jam band album Turn the Sea, and catch Natalie on one of her west coast tour dates this summer:
August 11th 4:00 PM
San Jose, CA: San Jose Jazz Festival, Gordon Biersch Brewery Stage
August 13th 10:30 PM
Los Angeles, CA: The Mint
August 16th -- 17th 7:30 PM
Truckee, CA: Moody's Bistro, Bar, and Beats
August 19th 8 PM
Berkeley, CA: Freight & Salvage Coffee House
August 21st 7:30PM
Portland, OR: Camelia Lounge
August 22nd 8PM
Vancouver, BC: Cellar Jazz Club
August 23rd 7PM
Seattle, WA: Tula's Jazz Club
Indie Jazz Music Jam Bands San Francisco
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What storage size iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 mini should you get?
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 come in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage sizes. But which one is the best to get? Decisions, decisions...
Christine Chan
Source: Rene Ritchie
This year, Apple is releasing four different iPhone 12 models: iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro will be available on October 23, while the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max will be available on November 13, with pre-orders starting November 6. If you're thinking about picking up the regular iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 mini, then you may be struggling with how much storage capacity you need. Fortunately, we're here to help break it down for you.
iPhone 12 storage size: Price per gigabyte
From a money perspective, you may want to consider which size option gets you the biggest bang for your buck. To go about that, you need to see how much it costs per gigabyte, basically. Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 start at 64GB and go up to 256GB.
For the iPhone 12 mini
64GB - $699 or $10.92 per gigabyte
128GB - $749 or $5.85 per gigabyte
For the iPhone 12
When you break it down to price per gigabyte, the 256GB option for both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 offer the most bang for your buck. However, 256GB can be considered too much for some, so the 128GB is a nice middle ground. But if you just want to get the most affordable iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 12, then the 64GB is the lowest price, but not the best value.
iPhone 12 storage size: Local storage or cloud storage?
Source: Joseph Keller/iMore
Since both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 still start at 64GB (the Pro models start at 128GB), it's important to ask yourself if you are going to be relying on local storage for files and media, or can you use cloud storage syncing services?
Apple offers 5GB of iCloud storage for free for every iPhone user, but let's face it — that is a paltry amount and really won't hold much before you fill it up. This is especially true if you want to use iCloud backups for your devices. But you can bump up that iCloud storage space with plans that start at $0.99 for 50GB, $2.99 for 200GB, and $9.99 for 2TB. iCloud storage will also be a part of the upcoming Apple One bundles, so if you use a few of Apple's services already (Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, Apple News+, and the new Fitness+), then these are a great value.
As long as your iCloud storage subscription is active, you'll be able to use things like iCloud Photo Library and iCloud Music Library. With these, you can have your photos and video stored in the cloud, accessible from anywhere, and you can stream your music instead of requiring them to be local on your iPhone. You can even use iCloud Drive to store files and documents and access them anywhere.
There are also third-party cloud storage options like Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and more, if you want something other than iCloud.
If you already use a lot of cloud storage and streaming services, then 64GB should be enough.
If you often travel or just don't always have a reliable data connection, then 128GB provides plenty of space for local storage.
If you prefer to have everything available offline or just on your iPhone, then go with 256GB.
iPhone 12 storage size: Make use of the great cameras
Even though the iPhone 12 Pro series will have bigger sensors and telephoto lens, the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 still have a fantastic camera system. After all, you are still going to have the dual 12MP Wide and Ultra Wide cameras, optical image stabilization, 2x optical zoom out and 5x digital zoom. And yes, the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 can still record 4K video up to 60fps, and do HDR Dolby Vision recording up to 30fps.
So while the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 may not not have the telephoto camera and all that extra stuff, you're still going to get some great shots with the camera. And if you plan on shooting 4K video, they'll look beautiful and stunning, but guess what? 4K video files can take up quite a bit of space!
If you don't plan to take a lot of 4K videos but just need to shoot some photos, then 64GB should be fine.
If you plan to shoot some 4K video and take a good amount of photos, then 128GB is what you should consider.
For those who are going to shoot a lot of 4K video and photos, then you should get 256GB.
iPhone 12 storage size: Entertain yourself with media
Source: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore
The iPhone 12 mini may have the smallest screen size right now at 5.4-inches, but it's still a great device to watch videos while in bed. And the iPhone 12 has a bigger screen at 6.1-inches, so it's great for consuming video too. Both can also play other audio files, such as music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more. If you plan to consume a lot of media, you should think about the storage size on your future device.
A typical movie in iTunes is between 1GB-3GB for standard definition, and can be anywhere from 3GB-6GB for HD. Television episodes are about half that, but require more episodes to compensate. Individual song files are only a fraction of that, but when you take into account multiple albums, they will add up quickly.
But in today's world, it's not just about buying these forms of media from iTunes. There are multiple streaming services, like Apple Music and Spotify, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more. All of these also give users the option to download audio and video files locally so that they can be played even without an Internet connection. If you want to download stuff so that it's always available, and not just when you have a good data connection, then you'll need to have space to do so first.
If you always stream content and don't plan on downloading any to your device, 64GB is good enough.
If you want to have some video and audio files downloaded, then you should think about 128GB.
If you think you will be constantly downloading multimedia files to your device (to watch on flights, for example), then 256GB is the only way to go.
iPhone 12 storage size: Apps and games
Source: iMore
The App Store debuted in 2008, and since then, there are millions of apps and games available to download. Apps can help you become more productive, entertain you, maintain healthy habits, communicate with others, make your photos and video better, and so much more. Games are just downright fun and entertaining, and there are so many offerings available now on Apple Arcade. With Apple Arcade, you get unlimited access to dozens of premium and exclusive games for just $5 a month or $50 a year, and a subscription can be shared among six other people with Family Sharing.
But if you want to be able to download all of these apps and games, you have to have enough free space. Most apps are not that big in size, but the more graphically intense and complex games can require 1GB of space sometimes, so you need to keep that in mind. You should always have some space for apps and games if need be, but it is always possible to run out of space if you have a smaller capacity and don't manage it often.
If you tend to stick with stock apps and don't need a lot of apps or games, then 64GB should be okay.
If you want to download some apps and get some mobile gaming in, then consider a 128GB device.
If you love to try out new apps and mobile games, then get 256GB.
Who should get the 64GB iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 12?
Those who mostly just store their files and documents in the cloud, stream content, take some photos and not shoot a lot of 4K video, and don't want or need a lot of third-party apps and games should be okay with 64GB. Just understand that you are getting the worst value if you look at the price per gigabyte.
The bare minimum
For those who mostly use cloud services and streaming, don't shoot a ton of video, and don't want a lot of apps or games, then 64GB is good enough.
From $699 at Apple
Who should get the 128GB iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 12?
People who want a nice middle ground should get the 128GB. With 128GB, you can do a mix of having local and cloud storage for files and documents, media, photos and video, as well as download apps and games without worry.
The happy medium
The middle option lets you have a nice mix of local and cloud storage if needed, and you can have some downloaded multimedia to play back at any time. It's also great if you want to make use of the cameras, and download apps and games.
If you want to be able to download files, documents, multimedia, apps, games, and shoot a good amount of 4K video and take a lot of photos, then you should get 256GB.
The most space
If you want to make the most of your new iPhone and not have to worry about space, then the 256GB option is great for the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12.
Get what you need
While we break it down for you, when it comes to iPhone 12 storage size, you really should go with what you need and what you can afford. Everyone's budget is different, and so go with what works best for you. But if money isn't an issue, then think about what you're going to be using your iPhone 12 for. And don't forget to get a nice case for your iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 12!
We hope this breakdown helps you with picking out the storage size for your next iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 12. If you get one and aren't satisfied with the storage space, you can also return it within Apple's 14-day return window. Just make sure to check Apple Store availability beforehand.
Lover of coffee, Disney, food, video games, writing, and photography. I've been writing about Apple and video games for almost a decade. If I'm not writing, you can probably find me over at Disneyland. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram as @christyxcore.
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