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A Swamp Thing Bibliography
• #1-50
• #51-100
• #101-150
• Swamp Thing
• Justice League Dark Vol. 1
• Vol. 6 (2016)
• Justice League Dark Vol. 2 (#1-19)
• Justice League Dark Vol. 2 (#20-)
• Giant Series
Misc. Appearances
1990 TV Series
1991 Animated Series
2017 JLD Animated Film
2019 Web TV Series
May 30, 2020 / ZH / Leave a comment
I haven’t been doing a lot of Swamp Thing-related reading or writing while the world has been on virus lockdown. There hasn’t been any new DC comics in stores for weeks now and I’m missing my regular fix of superhero adventures. However, things seem to be slowly returning to normality, at least here in Australia. New Swamp Thing stories have been appearing digitally in a series called Swamp Thing: New Roots. These stories seem to be included in the 2nd ‘Giant’ series. The Giant comics were being released in Walmart stores slightly before the Direct Market editions, but COVID-19 threw this schedule into chaos. At the time of writing, New Roots #6 is about to come out, while Swamp Thing Giant #5 is out in Walmart stores in the US, and Giant #4 is about to hit comic stores everywhere.
Other than the Giant issues, Swampy is continuing to appear as a member of Justice League Dark, and seems to be included in another team that will appear in the DCeased: Dead Planet series. I’m also excited for the Tom King/Mitch Gerads Strange Adventures series to resume. (I’m not sure if Swampy will show up there, but it is possible given his past relationship with Adam Strange).
In TV/movie news, the latest Swamp Thing TV series will be broadcast on The CW television network, where many of DC’s TV series already reside. The animated film Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is out now. This is a follow-up to the 2017 Justice League Dark film, which Swamp Thing briefly appears in. I haven’t watched Apokolips War yet but I suspect that Swampy only has a bit part. He is voiced again by Roger Cross.
Finally, a few weeks ago Martin Pasko passed away at age 65. He wrote 17 of the first 19 issues of The Saga of Swamp Thing when it was relaunched in 1982, teaming up with such notable artists as Tom Yeates, Stephen Bissette and John Totleben. Pasko introduced the characters General Sunderland, Liz Tremayne, and Dennis Barclay – all of whom would appear in the latest Swamp Thing television series. He also brought Abby and Matt Cable back to the series. I’m not a big fan of these issues and they tend to be pretty dialogue-heavy but there are some cool ideas in here, including the teen punk vampires of Rosewood who would be revived during the Alan Moore run and who possibly had some influence on the film The Lost Boys. While working with Bissette and Totleben, Pasko brought back Anton Arcane (in his creepy arachnid form) and these final issues are a nice lead-in to the iconic Moore run. Outside of his Swamp Thing work, Pasko wrote many stories for DC in such flagship titles as Superman, Wonder Woman, and Justice League of America, and also wrote for TV.
Zac.
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Rheobatrachus Liem, 1973
Class: Amphibia > Order: Anura > Superfamily: Myobatrachoidea > Family: Myobatrachidae > Genus: Rheobatrachus
Rheobatrachus Liem, 1973, Mem. Queensland Mus., 16: 467. Type species: Rheobatrachus silus Liem, 1973, by original designation.
Gastric Brooding Frogs (Ananjeva, Borkin, Darevsky, and Orlov, 1988, Dict. Amph. Rept. Five Languages: 105; Frank and Ramus, 1995, Compl. Guide Scient. Common Names Amph. Rept. World: 95).
Queensland, Australia.
The status of this taxon is controversial. Placed in a distinct subfamily of Myobatrachidae (sensu lato), Rheobatrachinae, by Heyer and Liem, 1976, Smithson. Contrib. Zool., 233: 14, and in a separate family, Rheobatrachidae, by Laurent, 1980 "1979", Bull. Soc. Zool. France, 104: 401; a reanalysis by Farris, Kluge, and Mickevich, 1982, Syst. Zool., 31: 317-327, placed Rheobatrachus as the sister-taxon of Limnodynastinae and not of the entire Myobatrachidae as posited by Heyer and Liem. Daugherty and Maxson, 1982, Herpetologica, 38; and Burton, 2001, Aust. J. Zool., 49: 539, both considered Rheobatrachinae synonymous with the Limnodynastinae. Hutchinson and Maxson, 1987, Amphibia-Reptilia, 8: 1-11, could not resolve the relationships of Rheobatrachus with any other myobatrachid or limnodynastid group on the basis of immunological evidence. Ford and Cannatella, 1993, Herpetol. Monogr., 7: 94-118, discussed the possibility of Rheobatrachus being the sister taxon of Myobatrachidae (sensu stricto). Read, Keogh, Scott, Roberts, and Doughty, 2001, Mol. Phylogenet. Evol., 21: 294-308, did not address this taxon in their phylogenetic study of the Myobatrachinae, presumably suggesting that they regarded Rheobatrachus as being outside of this group. Davies, 2003, in Duellman (ed.), Grzimek's Animal Life Enclop., 6(Amph.): 153, regarded Rheobatrachus as being in the Myobatrachidae (sensu stricto). See Barker, Grigg, and Tyler, 1995, Field Guide Aust. Frogs., Ed. 2, for keys and accounts. Frost, Grant, Faivovich, Bain, Haas, Haddad, de Sá, Channing, Wilkinson, Donnellan, Raxworthy, Campbell, Blotto, Moler, Drewes, Nussbaum, Lynch, Green, and Wheeler, 2006, Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., 297, considered, on the basis of molecular evidence, that Rheobatrachus is the sister taxon of Mixophyes, and in Myobatrachidae. Bossuyt and Roelants, 2009, in Hedges and Kumar (eds.), Timetree of Life: 357-364, on the basis of divergence time, posited as mid-Cretaceous, estimated from a study of phylogeny reflecting narrower taxon sampling than Frost et al. (2006), regarded Rheobatrachidae as a coordinate family with Limnodynastidae and Myobatrachidae, and included Mixophyes in Limnodynastidae. Pyron and Wiens, 2011, Mol. Phylogenet. Evol., 61: 543-583, in their study of Genbank sequences, confirmed the placement of this taxon as the sister taxon of remaining myobatrachids.
Rheobatrachus silus Liem, 1973
Rheobatrachus vitellinus Mahony, Tyler, and Davies, 1984
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Amsterdam Times
Home Games Persona 5: Dancing In Starlight Review – The Shujin Shuffle
Persona 5: Dancing In Starlight Review – The Shujin Shuffle
One of the most important pieces of the Persona series, and a major reason why we remember each game so fondly, is the music. Each mainline game and spin-off has its own memorable songs that encapsulate its defining moments. And with Persona 5: Dancing In Starlight, the evocative soundtrack that wonderfully captured the journey of Persona 5 is brought to the forefront for a fun, exhilarating rhythm game with its charming personalities taking center stage.
Here, the rhythm gameplay system used in Persona 4: Dancing All Night makes a comeback. As songs play, you're tasked with hitting the corresponding notes that align with the six button inputs that border the screen. Notes come from the center and move outward to the corresponding input, with unison notes, double notes, holds, and DJ scratches (using the analog stick or L1/R1) keeping you on your toes. It's a system that's beginner friendly with lower difficulties and assist modifiers, but wildly challenging on the highest difficulty. There's an incredible satisfaction to nailing perfect combos as note patterns flow seamlessly with the tracklist. The audible claps, tambourine shakes, and scratches that come from these notes mesh impeccably with beat of the song. It's not far off to say that you feel the rhythm when note patterns start to come naturally as you grow familiar with each track.
A perfect combo and dance routine in the song "Price" for Makoto Niijima.
The style and swagger of the Phantom Thieves bursts at the seams in Dancing In Starlight; it's seen in a wink, nod, or smile as they move in ways that fit their personalities. They'll be getting down in familiar locations like Mementos, Shibuya Crossing, and Shujin Academy. Even deep within hostile palaces, they express themselves by going all out on the dance floor with an impressive fluidity. Tandem dances in Fever Time and group dances are choreographed with a natural imperfection, supported by the eclectic soundtrack.
The style and swagger of the Phantom Thieves bursts at the seams in Dancing In Starlight; it's seen in a wink, nod, or smile as they move in ways that fit their personalities.
The theme song "Groovy" is so beautifully drawn and animated that the unapologetic confidence of the Phantom Thieves comes through vividly–it's an inspiring microcosm of the original game's attitude. A number of hard-hitting songs like "Rivers In The Desert", "Blooming Villain", and "Yaldabaoth" are featured here alongside the more calming tones of "Life Goes On" and "Tokyo Daylight". And, of course, the best palace theme "Price" features Makoto throwing it down in front of Kaneshiro's bank in the Metaverse sky. The masterful fusion of jazz, pop, metal, and rock make for a great playlist that feels like a trip through the struggles and triumphs of Persona 5 all over again. There some decent remixes, like the house-style version of "Whims Of Fate", but many are a little underwhelming, such as the "Beneath The Mask" remix that doesn't quite make the same impact for a rhythm game. That's not to say they're bad songs, but with the bar set so high, you wish they had a bit more punch for the gameplay to thrive on.
There are also a few shortcomings in Dancing In Starlight when it comes to presentation. "Life Will Change", an empowering song with infectious conviction is paired to a fairly cheesy music video. But what's much worse is that the female cast members (who are also high school students) get oversexualized in the Last Surprise music video, which is some sort of bizarre burlesque show that's out of touch and wholly unnecessary.
Dancing In Starlight doesn't feature a traditional story mode, unlike its predecessor Persona 4: Dancing All Night. However, there are Social Events, which are scenes of dialogue where characters banter–these play out similar to a visual novel-style of Confidants in the original game. The overarching premise is that you and your crew are stuck in a dream state dictated by Caroline and Justine of the Velvet Room, and they're enforcing the one rule of Club Velvet: dance. Admittedly, it sounds silly, but it works to pave the way for some joyous moments in Social Events. You shouldn't expect much when it comes to further character development, although they embrace their newfound passion for dance. Conversations and references play off of what you already know about the cast; Ann's striving to be the next top model, Yusuke's enraptured by his artistic side, and Ryuji's as brash as ever. While these don't play into the high stakes and striking themes of the RPG, it's great to be with these characters again and watch the silly banter unfold, especially since the original English and Japanese voice casts return.
You're also incentivized to play in different ways since each character has specific conditions for unlocking their Social Events, like passing several songs using modifiers or customizing characters during your time playing. Viewing scenes grants you these cosmetics, too, so the game naturally guides you to seeing most of its features. And the conclusion to Social Events rewards you with room visits; even if its just the attic of the Leblanc coffee shop or a crew member's room, working towards them is worthwhile as you get to see familiar places in first-person and take a closer look at a world you thought you already knew.
The masterful fusion of jazz, pop, metal, and rock make for a great playlist that feels like a trip through the struggles and triumphs of Persona 5 all over again.
It might take some adjusting to the overall premise, but it's fitting to see this cast getting footloose across Tokyo and the Metaverse. Dancing In Starlight shines the spotlight on the original RPG's rich, wide-ranging soundtrack and highlights some of the best work from series composer Shoji Meguro. Although many of Persona 5's tracks struck a chord because of their evocative attachments to the events of that game, these songs come back around to remind you just how special that journey was. And the fact that these amazing tracks are tied to a great rhythm gameplay system make this game a fantastic new way to enjoy Persona 5's tremendous music and revisit the Phantom Thieves.
[contf] [contfnew]
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
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As a continuation of the Black Ops subseries, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 both benefits from and is li..
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Home News and Editorial Four new Google Assistant-enabled touchscreens revealed at CES
Four new Google Assistant-enabled touchscreens revealed at CES
Scott Plowman
It is now official — we are just part of the way through the first main media day of CES and Google Assistant is everywhere. Not only are we seeing them in speakers, televisions and headphones but now also in a smaller “smart display”.
At CES 2018 we have seen, so far, four new Google Assistant speakers with touchscreens announced and/or revealed. The four manufacturers are Sony, JBL, LG and Lenovo and all are powered by Android Things.
The smart displays allow you to use Google Assistant just as you would any other Google Assistant-enabled speaker such as a Google Home. They allow the users to view pictures, stream audio and video, view web pages and documents and video call with family and friends — all through voice control and Google Assistant. Of course all your compatible IoT devices can be controlled by the smart displays as well.
JBL Link View
The JBL Link View includes an 8 inch display nested in between two 10-watt stereo speakers and a rear-facing passive radiator for improved bass. Video calling is enabled with a 5MP camera (front facing obviously).
Other features include Google Cast support for multiroom audio and of course Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It is IPX4 splash resistant making it ideal for a kitchen smart speaker.
With JBL’s background of making decent speakers at an affordable price they are hoping to capture the market for those looking for a decent sounding speaker.
The JBL Link View will be available mid-year in the US and at this stage Australian availability and pricing is unknown.
The Lenovo Smart Display is the more plain-looking of the two announced today but comes with options. It is available in both and 8 inch and a 10 inch display which can be used in either landscape or portrait mode. Both with a single 10-watt speaker and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Lenovo has built the Google Assistant interface upon Qualcomm’s new Home Hub Platform with a Snapdragon 624 inside and is capable of streaming Full-HD video.
The Smart Display comes in Grey and Bamboo colours with availability expected mid-year. Australian availability and pricing is unknown at this stage but it is expected to be US$249 for the 10 inch model and US$199 for the 8 inch model in the US.
The other two smart displays at CES 2018 were seen sitting alongside Chris Turkstra, director of Google Assistant by CNet. Details, features and specs of these two are yet to be released by either LG or Sony. We will keep you posted as soon as we hear more.
Google Assistant is everywhere and we love it. How about you?
Source: Android Developers Blog.
Via: CNet.
Link View
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Food Chef Daniel Serves Syd Barrett Raw at the Rock-It
Posted By Michael Leaverton on Fri, Oct 12, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Locally, Daniel Patterson is known as the celebrated chef of Coi on Broadway, which SF Weekly restaurant reviewer Meredith Brody liked so much during a visit last year she used the word coup de grace to describe dessert: “An extremely beautiful orange coffee cup containing a few swallows of caramel milkshake set off with a sprinkling of salt crystals, a tiny chocolate madeleine resting on its saucer.” (Yum! We’ll take six.)
Nationally, Chef Daniel is also known as a frequent contributor to the New York Times, where he writes witty, insightful, sometimes damning essays about regular things like butter, tofu, and squash. Recently he blew the stopper off of truffle oil, which, he pointed out, is about as natural as a bag of Fun Dip but is nonetheless used (or was until the article ran) by nearly every great restaurant in the business, from the French Laundry on down. (It seems the problem is the American palate, which requires a truffle dish to have enough aroma to blow diners into next week. Hence: 2,4-dithiapentane.)
On Saturday night, however, Chef is not going to be filleting neither fish, dithiapentane, or Alice Waters (forgot to say: he did a little number on her as well), but rather the keyboards, for Chef is also the lead and only keyboard player for the Syd Barrett cover band Syd’s Last Trip.
Really. There he is in the lower left hand corner of the photo. And you never thought a top chef would be found in Ireland’s 32.
We saw Syd’s at Edinburgh Castle Pub months ago, and there was Chef, bent over the keys, lighted by the beam of the projector (every Syd Barrett cover band must have a projector), carefully arranging notes of songs like “Astronomy Domine” as if he were positioning two baby carrots and a scallop on a plate. The band is the brainchild of the Floyd Brothers, if you go by their MySpace page (which you should, since it contains the line “we currently perform ‘Piper at the Gates of Dawn’ from beginning to end”) who formed a Syd Barrett cover band for the only reason that anyone does anything worthwhile: Someone had to. On Saturday night, they appear at Floyd Fest 2007, opening for House of Floyd (you can call them the appetizer or the aperitif -- I ain’t) at the Rock-It Room, 406 Clement Street, at 9 p.m. Admission is $10. You can also catch them on Halloween at the Knockout. -- Michael Leaverton
Follow @SFAllShookDown
Tags: Coi, Daniel Patterson, House of Floyd, Rock-It Room, SF cover bands, Syd Barrett, Image
Michael Leaverton
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Progressive interstitial lung disease in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease in the EUSTAR database
PDF +
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6467-7422Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold1,
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6149-0002Yannick Allanore2,
Margarida Alves3,
Cathrine Brunborg4,
Paolo Airó5,
Lidia P Ananieva6,
László Czirják7,
Serena Guiducci8,
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7432-847XEric Hachulla9,
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4252-2889Mengtao Li10,
Carina Mihai11,
Gabriela Riemekasten12,
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5484-2930Petros P Sfikakis13,
Otylia Kowal-Bielecka14,
Antonella Riccardi15,
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0546-8310Oliver Distler11
on behalf of EUSTAR collaborators
1 Department of Rheumatology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
2 Department of Rheumatology A, Descartes University, APHP, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
3 Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
4 Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Research Support Services, Oslo University Hospital - Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
5 UO Reumatologia e Immunologia Clinica, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
6 VA Nasonova Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russian Federation
7 Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
8 Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
9 Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Hôpital Claude Huriez, University of Lille, Lille, France
10 Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (West Campus), Beijing, China
11 Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
12 Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
13 Joint Rheumatology Programme, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
14 Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
15 Department of Precision Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
Correspondence to Prof Oliver Distler, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland; oliver.distler{at}usz.ch
Objectives To identify overall disease course, progression patterns and risk factors predictive for progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated ILD (SSc-ILD), using data from the European Scleroderma Trials And Research (EUSTAR) database over long-term follow-up.
Methods Eligible patients with SSc-ILD were registered in the EUSTAR database and had measurements of forced vital capacity (FVC) at baseline and after 12±3 months. Long-term progressive ILD and progression patterns were assessed in patients with multiple FVC measurements. Potential predictors of ILD progression were analysed using multivariable mixed-effect models.
Results 826 patients with SSc-ILD were included. Over 12±3 months, 219 (27%) showed progressive ILD: either moderate (FVC decline 5% to 10%) or significant (FVC decline >10%). A total of 535 (65%) patients had multiple FVC measurements available over mean 5-year follow-up. In each 12-month period, 23% to 27% of SSc-ILD patients showed progressive ILD, but only a minority of patients showed progression in consecutive periods. Most patients with progressive ILD (58%) had a pattern of slow lung function decline, with more periods of stability/improvement than decline, whereas only 8% showed rapid, continuously declining FVC; 178 (33%) experienced no episode of FVC decline. The strongest predictive factors for FVC decline over 5 years were male sex, higher modified Rodnan skin score and reflux/dysphagia symptoms.
Conclusion SSc-ILD shows a heterogeneous and variable disease course, and thus monitoring all patients closely is important. Novel treatment concepts, with treatment initiation before FVC decline occurs, should aim for prevention of progression to avoid irreversible organ damage.
This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Unported (CC BY 4.0) license, which permits others to copy, redistribute, remix, transform and build upon this work for any purpose, provided the original work is properly cited, a link to the licence is given, and indication of whether changes were made. See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-217455
What is already known about this subject?
A subset of patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) develop progressive ILD, which is associated with higher mortality, but the prevalence of progressive ILD and the overall disease course and patterns of SSc-ILD are unknown. Current clinical practice emphasises treatment initiation of SSc-ILD patients with progressive ILD.
What does this study add?
Around 30% of SSc-ILD patients experienced ILD progression during any 12-month period, and 67% of all SSc-ILD patients experienced progression at any time over the mean 5-year follow-up.
ILD patterns in patients with SSc-ILD are very heterogeneous, with most patients showing both progressive and stable periods.
Of all progressive SSc-ILD patients, only a minority showed a pattern of rapid, continuously declining forced vital capacity (FVC) with several consecutive episodes of FVC decline and no periods of FVC stability or improvement.
How might this impact on clinical practice or future developments?
These results highlight a pitfall in current clinical practice, where treatment is often initiated after FVC decline has happened, and thus when lung damage has already occurred. Novel treatment concepts are needed and should aim for prevention of progression to avoid irreversible organ damage. This study defines factors that can identify patients at risk for progression. The results also stress the heterogeneity and variability of the course of ILD in SSc, and highlight the need for close monitoring of all patients with SSc-ILD.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease, frequently complicated by interstitial lung disease (ILD), which is associated with worse outcomes.1–5 Some patients with SSc-associated ILD (SSc-ILD) develop progressive ILD, showing decline in lung function and/or increasing extent of fibrosis by high-resolution CT (HRCT).4–10 The proportion of patients with SSc-ILD who develop progressive ILD and the pattern of disease course in these patients are incompletely understood. Prior analyses of disease course in SSc-ILD have found different disease patterns in different patient cohorts.8–11 However, these studies are limited by their small sample size, selected patient populations, significant referral biases and statistical instabilities of the trajectories. Randomised clinical trials provide valuable data, but the 12-month or 24-month duration often used12–14 is insufficient for assessment of long-term disease course. There also remains a high unmet need to specifically identify patients with SSc at risk of progressive ILD. Risk factors for SSc-ILD progression have been proposed by several studies;15–21 however, their clinical applicability and specific power to predict progression are limited. The optimal combination of risk factors to accurately predict progression has not been identified.
Treatments are available for SSc-ILD, but to date, nintedanib is the only approved treatment shown to reduce lung function decline in patients with SSc-ILD.14 22 23 Current clinical practice emphasises treatment of patients with progressive ILD,24 and a recent study showed that nintedanib reduces decline of forced vital capacity (FVC) in progressive ILD associated with various underlying conditions, including connective tissue disease-associated ILD.25 However, waiting for FVC decline and/or extensive ILD involvement neglects the opportunity of early treatment intervention until after clinically meaningful lung damage has occurred. Novel treatment concepts are therefore aiming to prevent progression and avoid irreversible damage to organs. This requires an understanding of the course and patterns of ILD progression, and reliable prediction algorithms that allow the specific detection of patients at risk of progression at a very early stage. Unfortunately, in SSc-ILD, this knowledge is currently lacking, and treatment initiation is often delayed in clinical practice by waiting for lung function decline over the preceding year before initiation.
The European Scleroderma Trials And Research (EUSTAR) group database is a large, real-world database representative of the general SSc population. It includes a wide range of patients with SSc-ILD, from those with mild and stable to advanced progressive disease.26 27
Thus, the aims of this study were: to assess the prevalence of progressive ILD over 12-month periods; to examine disease course and identify patterns of ILD progression in SSc over a 5-year period; and to identify risk factors predictive for progressive ILD in patients with SSc-ILD, using the EUSTAR database.
Post hoc analyses of prospectively collected patient data from the EUSTAR database were conducted. The structure of the online database, the collected data set and definitions of clinical variables have been described in detail previously.3 28
Patient population and characteristics
Patients registered since 2010 in the EUSTAR database (start of the online version), aged ≥18 years, who fulfilled the 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism SSc classification criteria;29 30 with presence of ILD by HRCT or X-ray; recorded disease duration; and with available measurements of FVC and diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) at baseline and after 12±3 months were included.
Progressive ILD measured by FVC changes in a 12-month period
To reflect clinical practice with respect to patient follow-up, and the usual study duration in clinical SSc-ILD trials, absolute changes in FVC% predicted were first evaluated over a 1-year period (baseline to 12±3 months).8 14 31 32 FVC decline ≥10% predicted is frequently used to define significant ILD progression and was therefore selected in this study as the main outcome measure for progressive ILD. Furthermore, an FVC decline >5% predicted is greater than the estimated minimum clinically important difference at a group level and has previously been associated with increased mortality in SSc.33 34 Patients were therefore divided into four progressive ILD subgroups based on absolute change in FVC% predicted from baseline to 12±3 months: significant progression (decline of >10%); moderate progression (decline of 5% to 10%); stable ILD (decline or improvement of <5%); and improvement (improvement of ≥5%) (table 1). The prevalence of annual FVC changes was assessed prospectively in patients with available data over a mean follow-up of 5 years, using the definitions of progressive ILD described above.
Overall baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients with SSc-ILD and characteristics stratified by ILD progression over the 12±3-month observation period
Progressive ILD measured by changes in FVC and DLCO over 12 months
A decline in FVC of ≥10%, or a decline in FVC of 5% to 10% along with a decline in DLCO of 15%, is a proposed definition of progressive fibrosis.8 31 35 36 Therefore, we also assessed the prevalence of this combined endpoint.
Disease course and patterns in patients with SSc-ILD, measured by change in FVC from baseline to last available measurement
Because annual FVC patterns can change over time, we evaluated the overall lung function course in patients who had at least two 12-month periods with FVC measurements. These periods could be, but did not need to be, consecutive. For the overall FVC course, patients were divided into five subgroups based on the difference between the first and last available FVC measurement: major decline (FVC decline of >20%); significant decline (FVC decline of >10 and ≤20%); moderate decline (FVC decline of 5% to 10%); stable (FVC decline or improvement of <5%); and improvement (FVC improvement of ≥5%).
The numbers of patients who experienced no 12-month period of decline, one period of decline (moderate or significant) or multiple periods of decline (moderate, significant or both) across all periods with data available over the 5-year follow-up were assessed. Patients with ILD progression were split into different progression patterns according to the number of FVC decline periods: rapid progression (no periods of FVC stability or improvement); progression (more periods of decline than stability/improvement); and slow progression (more periods of stability/improvement than decline).
All-cause mortality was assessed in all patients with SSc-ILD, and in patients with progressive ILD, until last available follow-up.
Risk factors predictive for progressive ILD
Candidate baseline variables to predict progressive ILD were selected based on reports from the published literature and expert opinion: sex,15 age,16 reflux/dysphagia symptoms,17 18 SSc subtype,16 antibody status (anti-topoisomerase antibody (ATA) anti-centromere antibody (ACA), anti-RNA polymerase III antibody (ARA)),16 19 baseline FVC,16 20 baseline DLCO,16 21 disease duration,11 15 37 38 skin involvement measured by modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS),16 19 21 39 erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, dyspnoea class, treatment, synovitis and muscle weakness.16 Extent of lung fibrosis on HRCT was not included due to extensive missing data.
Statistical methods
All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics V.25 and Stata V.15. Pearson χ2 test, Fisher’s exact test or independent sample t-test was used, as appropriate. For correlation analyses, Pearson or Kendall’s tau-b coefficients were applied as appropriate. All multivariable analyses were preceded by estimation of correlation between risk factors. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses with OR and 95% CI were applied to analyse the predictive ability of baseline variables for progressive ILD. In the multivariable analyses, 10 events per variable were needed, and the variables were selected by expert opinion.
Univariable and multivariable linear mixed-effect models were performed to identify risk factors of longitudinal changes in FVC (% predicted) over the maximum 5-year follow-up period (baseline, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years). Only patients with at least three serial FVC measurements were included in the analyses. Time and risk factors were fixed effects. Interaction effects between time and fixed factors were checked by including product terms in the models. Only significant interaction terms in the univariable analysis are presented, and they were further included in the multivariable model. Risk factors selected for multivariable analyses were based on expert opinion. All models included random intercept and slope, and an unstructured correlation matrix was used.
Patient and public involvement
EUSTAR is part of the World Scleroderma Foundation, which has patient representatives from the Federation of European Scleroderma Associations (FESCA) in its governing board.
Patient population
Within the EUSTAR database, 6004 patients included since 2010 aged ≥18 years fulfilled the SSc classification criteria and had lung imaging data available. Of these, 2259 (38%) had evidence of SSc-ILD on imaging, of which 826 had valid lung function data available after 12±3 months follow-up and were eligible for inclusion.
Demographic and clinical characteristics of all eligible patients are shown in table 1. No significant difference was observed in the baseline characteristics of the 826 eligible patients and the 1433 ineligible patients (online supplementary table S1).
[annrheumdis-2020-217455supp001.pdf]
Prevalence and risk factors of progressive ILD at 12 months
When analysing the prevalence of progressive ILD within the initial 12-month period, we found that 100 patients (12%) had significant ILD progression, 123 (15%) had moderate progression, 396 (48%) were stable and 207 (25%) had improvement.
In multivariable logistic regression analyses, FVC (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03; p<0.001), presence of reflux/dysphagia symptoms (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.14 to 3.40; p=0.016) and mRSS (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.12; p=0.036) at baseline were predictive for significant ILD progression at 12±3 months. No association was seen with age, sex, disease duration, antibody status, SSc subtype or immunosuppressant treatment.
Prevalence and prediction of progressive ILD measured by the combined FVC and DLCO definition over the initial 12-month period were comparable to these data (online supplementary table S1 and figure S1).
Disease course and ILD patterns in patients with SSc-ILD
A total of 535 (65%) patients with SSc-ILD had ≥3 FVC measurements available during the mean 5-year (±2.2) follow-up period, allowing for assessment of long-term ILD course. Baseline characteristics did not differ between patients with ≥3 and patients with <3 FVC measurements (n=291 (35%)).
To assess the overall disease course, we assessed FVC changes between baseline and last available FVC. We found that 49 (9%) showed major FVC decline (FVC decline of >20%); 75 (14%) had significant decline (FVC decline 10% to 20%); 76 (14%) had moderate decline (FVC decline 5% to 10%); 206 (39%) were stable (FVC changes <5%); and 129 (24%) experienced improvement in FVC (FVC improvement >5%) over the overall disease course (mean 5-year follow-up) (figure 1A). The prevalence of significant ILD progression was between 13% and 18% and the prevalence of moderate progression was between 9% and 10% in each 12-month period over this 5-year follow-up (figure 1B). These progressive periods rarely appeared in consecutive 12-month periods, and progressive periods were mostly followed by stable periods (figure 2A). Stable periods were followed by a progressive period in about 30% of cases (figure 2B). Irrespective of the severity of overall FVC decline (major, significant or moderate), most patients still experienced at least one 12-month period of stable or improving FVC (table 2). On the other hand, patients with stable or improved overall FVC could still experience 12-month periods of FVC decline; these declines were more frequently moderate (FVC decline 5% to 10%) than significant (FVC decline 10% to 20%). Only 178 (33%) patients experienced no period of FVC decline of ≥5% during any 12-month period (table 2).
Number of patients (n (%)) with SSc-ILD in the EUSTAR database with 12-month periods of FVC decline, stratified by overall FVC decline from first to last available FVC measurement
FVC changes among patients with SSc-ILD in the EUSTAR database (number of patients per category): (A) overall change during the 5-year follow-up period; (B) changes during each 12-month follow-up period. (A) Patients for whom ≥3 serial FVC measurements were available were divided into five disease course subgroups based on the overall difference between the first and last FVC measurement (% predicted): major decline (FVC decline of >20%); significant decline (FVC decline of >10% to 20%); moderate decline (FVC decline of 5% to 10%); stable (FVC decline or improvement of <5%); and improvement (FVC improvement of ≥5%). (B) Disease course each year was evaluated by determining the magnitude of FVC changes (% predicted) in each 12-month period during the mean 5-year follow-up defined as follows: significant decline (FVC decline of >10%); moderate decline (FVC decline of 5% to 10%); stable (FVC decline or improvement of <5%); and improvement (FVC improvement of ≥5%). EUSTAR, European Scleroderma Trials And Research; FVC, forced vital capacity; SSc-ILD, systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease.
FVC changes in consecutive 12-month periods among patients with SSc-ILD in the EUSTAR database (number of patients per category): (A) subsequent course among patients with stable or improved FVC during the first year of follow-up; (B) subsequent course among patients with minor or moderate decline during the first year of follow-up and those who had further declines. Disease course each year was evaluated by determining the magnitude of FVC changes (% predicted) in individual patients in each 12-month period during the mean 5-year follow-up, defined as follows: significant decline (FVC decline of >10%); moderate decline (FVC decline of 5% to 10%); stable (FVC decline or improvement of <5%); and improvement (FVC improvement of ≥5%). EUSTAR, European Scleroderma Trials And Research; FVC, forced vital capacity; SSc-ILD, systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease.
Most patients with SSc-ILD with an overall FVC decline over 5 years had a slow pattern of lung function decline, with more periods of stability/improvement than decline (58%); 34% showed a progressive pattern, with more periods of decline than stability/improvement and slow progression. Only 16 (8%) patients showed a rapidly declining FVC pattern, with several consecutive episodes of FVC decline and no periods of FVC stability or improvement. Patterns of progression in patients with moderate, significant and major overall decline in FVC%, stratified by the presence or absence of a decline in the first 12 months, are shown in figure 3.
Patterns of disease course in SSc-ILD. Overall disease course was evaluated by determining the magnitude of FVC changes (% predicted) in individual patients from baseline to the end of follow-up defined as follows: major decline (FVC decline of >20%); significant decline (FVC decline of 10% to 20%); moderate decline (FVC decline of 5% to 10%); stable (FVC decline or improvement of <5%); and improvement (FVC improvement of ≥5%). Patterns of disease progression are shown in patients with improved FVC, stable FVC and those with significant or major decline. FVC, forced vital capacity; SSc-ILD, systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease.
Risk factors predictive of 5-year FVC decline
To identify SSc-ILD patients at risk of ILD progression, we assessed the predictive value of baseline clinical variables on FVC measurements over the 5-year follow-up period. In multivariable linear mixed-effect models, we identified male sex, presence of reflux/dysphagia symptoms and high baseline mRSS as the strongest predictors, with significant interaction effects between time and these variables. This indicates that FVC changed differently over time as a function of one of these predictors (ie, different slopes). Older age, higher DLCO, dyspnoea (New York Heart Association class 3 or 4) and increased ESR were also significantly predictive for FVC decline but without a time interaction effect, indicating that the FVC changed significantly over time but not differently between patients with or without these clinical features (table 3). Immunosuppressive treatment was not predictive for FVC decline over time.
Risk factors for change in FVC over the 5-year follow-up in patients with ≥3 serial FVC measurements in univariable and multivariable linear mixed-effect regression analysis
Of 826 patients with SSc-ILD, 85 (10%) died during follow-up. There were no significant differences in mortality rate between patients with significant ILD progression (11 (12%)), moderate progression (18 (15%)) or stable ILD (36 (9%)) over the initial 12±3-month period. In patients with overall FVC changes measured between baseline and last available FVC, death occurred in 9 of 49 (19%) patients with major decline; 7 of 75 (9%) patients with significant decline; 12 of 76 patients (16%) with moderate decline; 18 of 206 (9%) patients who were stable; and 9 of 129 (7%) patients with improvement, with differences not statistically significant. As there were only a small number of events, no regression analyses were performed.
This is the largest study to prospectively analyse the prevalence of progressive ILD in patients with SSc-ILD, and the first to describe comprehensively the disease course and patterns of ILD progression in patients with SSc over the long term.
The proportion of patients with SSc-ILD who experienced progressive ILD during the initial 12±3-month period was 27%, and in each 12-month period over the mean 5-year follow-up, 23% to 27% of patients experienced progression. These findings are in agreement with estimates of progressive ILD prevalence of 31% to 32% derived from serial lung function data in patients with SSc6 and an international physician survey.40
Here, we show that patterns of FVC are frequently inconsistent between consecutive 12-month periods. Most patients who experienced an overall decline in FVC had periods of FVC improvement and, conversely, some patients whose FVC improved overall had periods of FVC decline. Patients with overall major FVC decline (FVC decline >20% over the entire study period) usually had several 12-month periods with FVC decline >10% rather than FVC decline of 5% to 10%. Others experienced a slower, but cumulative course of declining FVC. Such patients with slower progression can easily be overlooked in clinical practice and in current treatment strategies that target patients who progress rapidly and with significant FVC changes. Smaller changes in FVC (5% to 10%) may in themselves be clinically significant, as seen in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.41 42 In clinical practice, this means that FVC decline >5% should alert physicians, especially when multiple declines occur, even when not in consecutive periods. These results highlight a pitfall in current clinical practice, where treatment is often initiated after FVC decline has happened, and thus when lung damage has already occurred.24 Novel treatment concepts are needed and should aim for prevention of progression to avoid irreversible organ damage. These results also stress and highlight the need for close monitoring of all patients with SSc-ILD, as also recently suggested by the European expert consensus.43 Respiratory symptoms, changes in HRCT findings and desaturation on exercise tests should all be implemented in clinical practice to assess ILD progression and aid treatment decisions.
Robust predictive risk factors are very important for the early identification of progressive patients. Our large, multicentre study demonstrates that skin fibrosis (higher mRSS), male sex and the presence of reflux/dysphagia symptoms are the strongest predictors for FVC decline over time. Other predictive parameters included the presence of inflammation (higher ESR) and shorter disease duration, which are already frequently used as enrichment strategies for clinical studies. These parameters may also be applied in daily clinical practice, helping to identify patients who should receive treatment early, even before the first FVC decline has occurred. However, if earlier treatment of patients at risk for FVC decline truly leads to better outcomes, it needs to be analysed in appropriate randomised controlled clinical trials in the future. Risk factors identified in this study are potential inclusion criteria for such a trial. Interestingly, contrary to our finding that higher FVC at baseline was predictive for ILD progression, previous studies suggested that lower FVC at baseline is a risk factor for progressive ILD.16 20 These studies included some SSc patients without ILD, and one study assessed patients within 3 years of SSc diagnosis. Furthermore, definitions of progression (FVC decline of ≥15%,20 FVC or DLCO decline of ≥15%, or FVC or DLCO falling below 55%16) differed from those in our study. The strongest association with further FVC decline was seen in patients with baseline FVC <65% predicted,16 lower than the mean value in our study (86%). Our contrasting findings may reflect these differences and should be assessed in other unselected cohorts.
Strengths of our study include the use of a large set of prospective, representative real-world data, which increases the applicability of our results to clinical practice and different definitions of ILD progression. Nonetheless, this study has several limitations. While the data were gathered prospectively, this was a post hoc analysis. No central lung function reading was conducted, increasing the variability of FVC and DLCO. Most patients with SSc-ILD in the database (1433/2259) did not have serial lung function data. Data on immunosuppressant use were only available for 244/826 eligible patients, and the exact date of initiation, treatment indication and cumulative doses are unknown. Several studies7 8 15 have suggested that the extent of lung fibrosis by HRCT is prognostic for disease progression and mortality in SSc-ILD. Although data regarding the extent of lung fibrosis were not available in the database for the present analysis, they may be a valuable addition in future studies. Recent analyses also suggest that mRSS progression is an important risk factor for later FVC progression,39 which was not analysed in this study. A lead time bias cannot be excluded, as this was not an incident cohort. Finally, ILD-specific mortality was not available in the EUSTAR database. Here, all-cause mortality was not influenced by ILD progression; as recently highlighted,5 it is likely that ILD-specific mortality differs between progressive and stable ILD patients.
This study provides novel insights into the occurrence of progressive ILD in SSc-ILD. The results stress the heterogeneity and variability of the course of ILD in SSc. Close monitoring of patients with SSc-ILD and awareness of the variable course of progression is of high importance in considering when to initiate treatment.
The authors meet criteria for authorship as recommended by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). The authors received no direct compensation related to the development of the manuscript. Editorial support was provided by John Carron, PhD, of Nucleus Global, which was contracted and funded by Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH (BI). This analysis, using the EUSTAR database, was funded by BI. BI was given the opportunity to review the manuscript for medical as well as scientific accuracy and intellectual property considerations, if applicable. Authors maintained full editorial control over the content of the manuscript and were responsible for all final decisions on manuscript content, for final approval of the version for submission, and of the version for publication.
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This web only file has been produced by the BMJ Publishing Group from an electronic file supplied by the author(s) and has not been edited for content.
Data supplement 1
Handling editor Josef S Smolen
Correction notice This article has been corrected since it published Online First. The collaborator group, EUSTAR, has been added to the author list and affiliations updated.
Collaborators On behalf of EUSTAR collaborators: Marco Matucci Cerinic (Florence (Italy)); Ulrich Walker (Basel (Switzerland)); Florenzo Iannone (Bari (Italy)); Radim Becvar (Prague (Czech Republic)); Gabriele Valentini (Naples (Italy)); Elise Siegert (Berlin (Germany)); C. Montecucco (Pavia (Italy)); Patricia E. Carreira (Madrid (Spain)); Carlo Chizzolini (Geneva (Switzerland)); Eugene J. Kucharz (Katowice (Poland)); Andrea Doria (Padova (Italy)); Pr Dominique Farge Bancel (Paris (France)); Roger Hesselstrand (Lund (Sweden)); Alexandra Balbir-Gurman (Haifa (Israel)); Raffaele Pellerito (Torino (Italy)); Cristian Caimmi (Verona (Italy)); Christopher Denton (London (United Kingdom)); Nemanja Damjanov (Belgrade (Serbia & Montenegro)); Jörg Henes (Tübingen (Germany)); Vera Ortiz-Santamaria Granollers (Barcelona (Spain)); Stefan Heitmann (Stuttgart (Germany)); Maria João Salvador (Coimbra (Portugal)); Bojana Stamenkovic (Niska Banja (Serbia and Montenegro)); Carlo Francesco Selmi (Rozzano, Milano (Italy)); Ariane Herrick (Salford (United Kingdom)); Ulf Müller-Ladner (Bad Nauheim (Germany)); Merete Engelhart (Hellerup (Denmark)); Valeria Riccieri (Roma (Italy)); Ruxandra Maria Ionescu (Bucharest (Romania)); Ana Maria Gheorghiu (Bucharest (Romania)); Cord Sunderkötter (Münster (Germany)); Jörg Distler (Erlangen (Germany)); Francesca Ingegnoli (Milano (Italy)); Luc Mouthon (Paris (France)); Vanessa Smith (Gent (Belgium)); Francesco Paolo Cantatore (Foggia (Italy)); Susanne Ullman (Copenhagen (Denmark)); Maria Rosa Pozzi (Monza (Italy)); Piotr Wiland (Wroclaw (Poland)); Marie Vanthuyne (Brussels (Belgium)); Brigitte Krummel-Lorenz, Petra Saar (Frankfurt (Germany)); Kristine Herrmann (Dresden (Germany)); Ellen De Langhe (Leuven (Belgium)); Branimir Anic, Marko Baresic, Miroslav Mayer (Zagreb (Croatia)); Sule Yavuz (Altunizade-Istanbul (Turkey)); Carolina de Souza Müller (Curitiba (Brasil)); Thierry Zenone (Valence (France)); Alessandro Mathieu; Alessandra Vacca (Monserrato (CA) (Italy)); Kamal Solanki (Hamilton (New Zealand)); Edoardo Rosato (Roma (Italy)); Fahrettin Oksel Figen Yargucu (Bornova, Izmir (Turkey)); Cristina-Mihaela Tanaseanu (Bucharest (Romania)); Rosario Foti (Catania (Italy)); Daniel E. Furst (Los Angeles (USA)); Peter Villiger Sabine Adler (Bern (Switzerland)); Paloma García de la Peña Lefebvre, Jorge Juan González Martín (Madrid (Spain)); Ira Litinsky (Tel-Aviv (Israel)); Francesco Del Galdo (Leeds (United Kingdom)); Goda Seskute (Vilnius (Lithuania)); Lesley Ann Saketkoo (New Orleans (USA)); Eduardo Kerzberg (Buenos Aires (Argentina)); Ivan Castellví (Barcelona (Spain)); François Spertini (Lausanne (Switzerland)); Vivien M. Hsu (New Brunswick (USA)); Thierry Martin (Strasbourg (France)); Tim Schmeiser (Wuppertal-Elberfeld (Germany)); Dominik Majewski (Poznan (Poland)); Vera Bernardino (Lisboa (Portugal)); Piercarlo Sarzi Puttini (Milano (Italy)).
Contributors The authors meet criteria for authorship as recommended by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Authors maintained full editorial control over the content of the manuscript and were responsible for all final decisions on manuscript content, for final approval of the version for submission and the version for publication.
Funding The study was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany.
Competing interests A-MH-V received research funding and/or consulting fees or other remuneration from Actelion, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, Bayer, Thermo Fisher, MSD, Arxx and Medscape. YA received research funding and/or consulting fees from Actelion, Alpine, Bayer, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Inventiva, Italfarmaco, Genentech Roche, Sanofi and Servier. MA is an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim. LA received consulting fees or other remuneration from Boehringer Ingelheim and Roche. LC received consulting fees from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Medac, Pfizer and Roche. EH received research funding and/or consulting fees or other remuneration from Actelion, Bayer, GSK and Pfizer. CM received consulting fees or other remuneration from Actelion, Geneva, Roche and Rofarm. OK-B received consulting fees or other remuneration from Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Inventiva, Medac, Novartis and Roche. OD received consulting fees and/or research funding from A.Menarini, Acceleron Pharma, Amgen, AnaMar, Bayer, Blade Therapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim, Catenion, CSL Behring, ChemomAb, Ergonex, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, GSK, Inventiva, Italfarmaco, iQone, IQVIA, Lilly, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Target Bioscience and UCB in the area of potential treatments of scleroderma and its complications, and holds Patent mir 29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (US8247389, EP2331143). CB, PA, SG, ML, GR, AR and PPS have no competing interests to disclose.
Patient and public involvement Patients and/or the public were involved in the design, or conduct, or reporting, or dissemination plans of this research. Refer to the Methods section for further details.
Patient consent for publication Not required.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer-reviewed.
Data availability statement Data are available upon reasonable request.
© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Unported (CC BY 4.0) license, which permits others to copy, redistribute, remix, transform and build upon this work for any purpose, provided the original work is properly cited, a link to the licence is given, and indication of whether changes were made. See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
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Tag Archives: Mae Marsh
“The Spitball Suffers from Nothing so much as its Vulgarity”
Louis Lee Arms became well known for being the husband of actress Mae Marsh and publicist for studio head Samuel Goldwyn, but before the age of 30 he was sports editor for The St. Louis Star and a sports columnist for The New York Tribune.
Louis Lee Arms
In 1918, after it was reported in The Washington Post that Pittsburgh owner Barney Dreyfuss and “other big league magnates (would be) behind a movement to legislate the spitball and other freak deliveries,” at that year’s winter meetings, Arms wrote in The Tribune:
“It is apparent that for the first time in its gay young life the spitball is going to be placed seriously on trial.”
Arms said there were good cases on each side of the debate over “the saturated slant.”
He laid out the arguments:
“Those most opposed to this effective style of delivery make general claims against it, as follows:
From its nature it is not legitimate
It leads to other illegal styles of delivery
It retards hitting
It mars fielding
It delays the game by delaying pitching
Each one of these claims is more or less justified. In opposition, those who favor the spitball submit the following:
From its nature it is NOT illegitimate
It depends upon skillful manipulation
It greatly increases pitching effectiveness
It is an effective substitute for a pitcher who is unable to develop a first-class curve ball
Its abolition would greatly weaken, if not destroy the major league usefulness of many established pitchers.”
Arms had a theory that the pitch was not so much targeted for extinction for baseball reasons, but for changing social mores:
“It is our humble opinion the spitball suffers from nothing so much as its vulgarity. As a nation we are being taught more and more that it is usually unsanitary and largely unlawful to spit in public places. A ballpark is certainly public enough for anyone.
“Pithy placards in our subways, surface cars, and ‘L’s’ and in theaters and public places remind us that two years in prison or $500, or both, may be the penalty for even a first offence. We think now ere we spit. Back in grandfather’s salad days the town bloods may have sat before the grocery store and spit with formality and greater accuracy. But if grandfather had happened along in 1918, he would have smoked Egyptian cigarettes and saved the coupons.
“Assuredly the spitball is vulgar, it is a highly effective pitching asset. Ed Walsh and Jack Chesbro will be remembered as among the greatest pitchers in baseball and the spitter made them that. Dozens of other pitchers have owed the greater part of their success to the (Elmer) Stricklett discovery.”
Stricklett
Of the pitch itself, he said:
“In effect, it is an artistic and astonishing delivery, as showing the ‘stuff’ that may be put upon a ball over a flight of sixty feet. There is no curve that has to it the arrogant viciousness of the spitter. No delivery is harder to control. By control we mean the ability to ‘break’ the spitter either way as well as to regulate the angle of the break.
“The spitter that carries the biggest break is not necessarily the most effective. It was only the other day that Miller Huggins was saying he had seen Bill Doak, eminent among modern spittists. Knocked from the box when his ‘spitter was breaking a foot,’ only to come back the next day with a delivery that jumped but a few inches and pitch unbeatable ball.
“It is unfair to the spitball to attribute to its influence the discovery of such illegal pitches as the resin and emery balls. Why not indict the knuckle ball on the same score? Yet no word is heard against the knuckle ball, which breaks like the spitter, requiring, albeit highly talented knuckles to control.
“We shall continue to believe the main objection its antagonists find against the spitball is that it isn’t polite. Yet they do not to be thought so softened by civilization as to admit that.”
It would take until the winter between the 1919 and 1920 seasons for the first stage of the spitball ban which allowed two pitchers per team to use the pitch, and the second after the 1920 season which grandfathered in 17 pitchers.
Tags: Barney Dreyfus, Elmer Stricklett, Jack Chesbro, Louis Lee Arms, Mae Marsh, Pittsburgh Pirates, Samuel Goldwyn
“Matt Simply Wasn’t to be Toyed With” January 15, 2021
Frank Chance: “How I Win” January 13, 2021
“My Pitching Stock Consisted Mainly in Speed” January 11, 2021
Things I Learned on the way to Looking up Other Things #44 January 7, 2021
“A New Era in the Sport” January 6, 2021
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Locust LCT-1S
Stock Role Light Striker & Scout
2 x Missile
"Locust 1S models tend to sacrifice the little armor they normally mount to fire respectable SRM salvos. Definitely useful for hit-and-runs, especially if those shots provide the extra punch to knock down a target." - Yang Virtanen
The Locust LCT-1S is a Light-class 'Mech in Battletech.
The Locust 1S is the close-combat variant of the standard 1V model. The machine guns have been swapped with two SRM-2 racks, at the cost of one ton of armor. Remaining in motion is still the Locust's best defense.
While not quite the LCT-1M in terms of loadout versatility, the LCT-1S has the LCT-1V beat in terms of usable hardpoints, so that's a start. And really, four missile hardpoints do allow for some pretty silly things if you're willing to throw all pretenses of armor out of the window.
The stock build is quite straightforward, playing much like a (very, very) poor man's Jenner with hit-and-run attacks that also contribute just a little stability damage with the SRMs. Lacks anything resembling the Jenner's potent laser carving power, though.
Since you've only got one energy hardpoint and not much tonnage to work with, the ML is really the only viable energy weapon. The insane among us can strip everything to mount an LL or a PPC, but that kind of craziness is best left to the LCT-1V you started the game with as it does not have that much better to do.
The single support weapon hardpoint can be used for an SL or Flamer at the expense of armor if you really like to get in close with the enemy. The extra damage of the former may be worth it to you, especially if you favor the hit-and-run strategy.
Stripping the ML allows for the addition of a third SRM2 (or replacement of an SRM2 with an SRM4, or replacement of both with an SRM6...) to turn the LCT-1S into a pure SRM6 shotgun. It's faster than a Commando-2D (another light 'mech devoted to missiles) and might just get you that last bit of stability damage to knock the occasional enemy 'mech over. Sacrifices a little raw damage, though, and if you do run out of ammo (after 16.66666666... salvos) you're out of everything.
Technically, the Locust does have 7 free tons if you are willing to forego armor entirely. If so, consider moving up to an SRM12 combo for maximum punch for all of 8.333333... salvos. Maximum is a relative term here, and fragility will likely limit you to hit-and-run only, which might actually reduce your ammo problem. Enemy sensor locks and LRM fire will ruin your day quickly, though. As will repair bills.
In between the extremes, any combo from the stock SRM4 to SRM12 can be made viable depending on the situation and how much armor you dare to lose.
Lastly, at the expense of all armor you can kit yourself out with a 3xLRM5 build that packs 1 ton of ammo to become the smallest of LRM boats. For 8 turns, you can have one-and-a-half LCT-1Ms for the price of one! Afterwards... well, there's always that 15 melee damage. Still, if you favor punch over consistency and can avoid return LRM fire, it's an option.
Click here to add a strategy!
If you've replaced the SRMs with LRMs to pretend to be an LCT-1M, use the same survival tips as that 'mech.
As such, since it has no armor, don't ever take it. Ever. At least it makes it easy to wipe out.
Retrieved from "https://battletech.gamepedia.com/Locust_LCT-1S?oldid=4866"
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Home News Baylor StuGov votes against officer impeachment
StuGov votes against officer impeachment
By Dan Henson
At the final Student Government meeting of the semester, it was discussed at length whether or not to impeach Sophomore Class President Ben Prado, who is also running for student body president.
Some of the student senators raised concerns regarding Prado fulfilling his duties.
“It had to do with following and not following guidelines for sophomore class president,” said Student Body President Kelly Rapp.
There was a debate that lasted over two hours.
“It was a healthy debate,” Rapp said.
The impeachment failed. In order for the impeachment to be successful, it required a three-fourths majority vote. This amount was not reached, according to Rapp.
At the time of publication, Prado declined comment.
Internal Vice President Brian Kim said Prado can still run for student body president. If he had been impeached, he would not have been able to run. Kim said that, at the beginning of the meeting, Prado was impeached and the proceedings were to decide if he should be convicted of not fulfilling his duties. Because the charges were not supported by the vote, the impeachment failed.
During the rest of the meeting, the senate passed and rejected several bills.
The Student Senate voted to pass an allocation of $16,000 from the Student Government Allocation Fund for renovations to the SUB Bowl, with a vote of 30-4. Part of the renovations will include permanent speakers. Student Activities would pay an additional $10,000 for renovations, which would include lighting.
“It is practical. We can use it every year,” Colorado Springs, Colo. sophomore Chaplain Meagan Rowell said.
The student government also passed an appropriations act that would allocate $18,075 from the Student Government Allocation Fund to purchase three Big Belly Solar recycling and garbage bins.
“We are looking to buy three units,” senior senator Nick Pokorny said. These units will measure the amount of material inside of them, and will notify the housekeeping staff when they need to be emptied.
Pokorny said the university would start to add more of these units if they prove to be successful. This bill passed with a vote of 20-14.
Student senator Meredith Meece discussed a bill she had authored which proposes an all-way stop at the intersection of M.P. Daniel Esplanade and 8th Street.
“It would fit with the flow of traffic,” Meece said.
Meece also proposed a bill to decrease the amount of papers the Baylor Lariat prints.
“The Baylor Lariat currently prints too many copies of its issues,” Meece said.
Regarding the Lariat app on smart phones, Meece said, “It’s a great source for news when I’m not on campus.”
This bill failed in its first reading during yesterday’s meeting.
Ben Prado
Student Government Allocation Fund
Students await pass/fail decision
Semester reflections: Baylor community members look back at fall 2020
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By Jill Weinlein / October 6, 2016
Fall Restaurant News
Lunch at Casa Vega
In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Casa Vega is rolling back prices to 1956 on its signature Southern California Mexican cuisine today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Owner Christy Vega is offering house combos for $2.15 per person. The combos, regularly $18.95, are served with Spanish rice, refried beans and choice of two items including a chile relleno, chicken taco, beef taco, beef enchilada or tamale. The rollback prices will only be available during lunch. 13301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818)788-4868.
Sweet Rose Creamery
Families are invited to patio movie nights at Sweet Rose Creamery, which is showing Halloween-themed films every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. The fun event runs from Monday, Oct. 10 through Monday, Oct. 31. Free screenings will be held on the ice cream shop’s heated back patio, and guests can enjoy Sweet Rose Creamery Halloween sundaes with spiced pumpkin ice cream, hot fudge, salty pepitas, brownie bites, caramel, whipped cream and ghost meringue topping. The schedule includes “Casper” on Oct. 10, “Addams Family” on Oct. 17, “Nightmare Before Christmas” on Oct. 24 and “Hocus Pocus” on Oct. 31. 4377 Tujunga Ave., Studio City. (310)260-2663.
High Holidays at Wexler’s Deli
Yom Kippur catering packages prepared by chef Micah Wexler of Wexler’s Deli include his traditional holiday brisket with root vegetables. Order Dana’s matzo ball soup – named after Wexler’s mother – by the pint or quart. Wexler’s house-smoked white fish and smoked trout is available by the whole- or half-fish. Other items include lox, sturgeon and smoked fish salad with bagels and cream cheese, red onion, capers and lemon. Sides include cold slaw, potato salad and pickles. Wexler’s Deli catering is available for pick-up at the Santa Monica location, or can be delivered anywhere in Los Angeles County for an additional fee. Yom Kippur is Wednesday, Oct. 12. 616 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. (424)744-8671.
The Larder Yom Kippur Takeaway
Choose from six starters, three main course entrées and six side dishes for Yom Kippur at The Larder, and don’t forget to order one of seven types of baguettes and boules. Desserts range from apple honey upside down cake to chocolate-almond rugelach, as well as assorted cookie platters and house-made “snickers” bars. A credit card is required when placing orders; allow approximately 30 minutes for pick-up. The Larder offers delivery for orders of $100 or more. There is a $10 charge for delivery within a 3-mile radius; $5 for each additional mile outside the radius. Yom Kippur orders must be completed by Monday, Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. for pick up on Wednesday, Oct. 12. 8500 Burton Way, (310)278-8060; 11648 San Vicente Blvd., (310)806-6464.
Canter’s Deli
Canter’s Deli is open 24-hours most days, except for the Jewish holidays. For Yom Kippur, we will close Tues. Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. and re-open the Deli and Bakery at 10 a.m. and the Restaurant at noon on Wed. Oct. 12. Pick up your favorite holiday dishes and bakery items before Tuesday to create a holiday meal for family and friends. 419 N. Fairfax Ave. (323)651-2030.
Art’s Deli Yom Kippur
Dine in or order take-out from Art’s Deli on Tuesday, Oct. 11 and Wednesday, Oct. 12 in observance of Yom Kippur. The dine-in Yom Kippur-Kol Nidre dinner menu includes matzoh ball soup, herring in sour cream, chopped liver and a gefilte fish appetizer. Main courses include brisket, stuffed cabbage, grilled salmon and roasted chicken. Side dish choices are kasha varnishkas and noodle kugel. Finish with a slice of apple strudel, rice pudding or cheesecake. 12224 Ventura Blvd. (818)762-1221.
Lenny’s Deli
Lenny’s Deli is offering Jewish delicacies for Yom Kippur including sponge cake, chocolate macaroons, honey cake, challah and tagelach. 2379 Westwood Blvd. (310)475-5771.
Rocktöberfest
Rock & Brews restaurants are celebrating food, beer and rock music during the traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest. Through Saturday, Oct. 22, Rock & Brews offers a special menu with German-inspired food such as pretzels, bratwurst and chicken schnitzel sandwiches, chicken schnitzel platters, braised red cabbage and German potato salad. One-liter steins of beer are available for $12, with a choice of Spaten Lager, Spaten Oktoberfest and Franziskaner Hefeweizen. On Friday and Saturday nights, Rock & Brews El Segundo will have a DJ spinning classic rock tunes. 615 Main St., El Segundo, (310)615-9890; 6300 S. Pacific Coast Highway, (310) 378-4970.
New DTLA restaurant
The new restaurant Manuela in the Hauser Wirth & Schimmel arts complex serves seasonal cuisine by chef Wes Whitsell. The restaurant is open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Influenced by Whitsell’s culinary roots in rural North Texas, the menu highlights in-house smoking, fermenting, preserving and pickling with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s design features unique artwork, including pieces by artists Paul McCarthy, Mark Bradford, Mary Heilmann and Raymond Pettibon. Manuela features an exemplary bar program, with cocktails made with house-made bitters and tonics. Local beers are available on tap and select wines can be paired with dishes from Manuela’s menu. 907 E. Third Street, (323)849-0480.
Healthy cool treat
The Frozen Fruit Company is serving soft FroFru, a treat made exclusively from fruit. They have added pumpkin flavored FroFru to the fall menu made with banana, pumpkin, coconut milk, dates and pumpkin spices. The sweet treat is dairy-free, vegan and Paleo Diet compatible. It is sweetened only with natural fruit sugars and is available with optional toppings such as fresh fruit, carob, banana chips and coconut flakes. 729 Montana Ave., Ste. 2, Santa Monica. (424)744-8860.
Special seafood izakaya at Katana
During October, guests can enjoy a three course menu of Katana’s signature dishes plus robata skewers for $55 per person, with a minimum order of two per table. Katana also offers a sake flight for $20 featuring three, 3-ounce pours of sake paired with each course. The sake flight is available throughout October, but is not available à la carte. 8439 W. Sunset Blvd. (323)650-8585.
Sipping pink in October
Fig & Olive Melrose Place is holding “Pink Thursdays” to support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout October from 7 to 10 p.m., a portion of proceeds will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Offerings include pink champagne, pink cocktails and pink bites. Sip Verve Clicquot Rosé champagne with tomato watermelon gazpacho, and a Bergamot Breeze made with Earl Grey-infused pink grapefruit vodka and grapefruit. Desserts include strawberry vacherin with strawberry marmalade, strawberry sorbet, thyme meringue and whipped cream. Diners can also enjoy music by a resident DJ. 8490 Melrose Place. (310)360-9100.
Gallery exhibit explores dynamics of Ethiopian clay figures
LAUSD opens expanded enrollment for magnet schools
Artful cuisine September 20, 2019
Restaurant News December 13, 2018
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Christian Book Reviews
Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
Murderous Monday
Author: Suzette Harrison
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services LLC
I Rate it:
Genre: Christian
Welcome to the sleepy, all-Black southern town of Bledsoe, where Colored residents proudly declare “ain’t nothing white here ‘cept milk and teeth.” It’s 1935. A press-and-curl costs a quarter. Records play on phonographs. And a telephone is a luxury. Meet twenty-three-year-old Taffy Bledsoe Freeman. She doesn’t need her gift of second sight to know her “mockery of a marriage” to a man twice her age is far from good. After a seven-year exile Up North, Taffy travels down-home to the small town bearing her family’s name, plotting her escape from a marriage not worth the price of a press-and-curl. She only needs to retrieve the son her husband banished to her parents’ care, before boarding a train headed for the Windy City filled with liberty and opportunity. Instead, Taffy stumbles into Roam Ellis: the man Taffy meant to marry. Twenty-six-year-old Roam Ellis is a “broad-shouldered, hard-bodied” Pullman porter riding the rails coast-to-coast, outrunning the bitter heartbreak Taffy left behind. Now, after a seven-year absence, Roam is face-to-face with his first love. Anger ignites. Old wounds are exposed. But when pain subsides, passion rises, thrusting Taffy and Roam into a hurricane of buried secrets and lies. Reminiscent of the works of Bernice McFadden, Bertice Berry, and Andrea Smith (The Sisterhood of Blackberry Corner) this Historical Romance is bathed in southern lore and sweeping imagery. Lyrical and powerful, Taffy is a story of restoration and redemption that you won’t soon forget.
Suzette D. Harrison, a native Californian and the middle of three daughters, grew up in a home where reading was required, not requested. Her literary “career” began when her poetry appeared in a volume of creative writing published by her junior high school. While Ms. Harrison pays homage to Gloria Naylor, Dr. Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, and Toni Morrison for initially inspiring her creative spirit, it was Alex Haley’s Roots (which she read at the age of fourteen) that unveiled the tremendous power and importance of African American literary voices. In addition to being the wife of a university professor and mother of gorgeous children, Suzette is a cupcake proprietor who loves singing gospel-with-a-hint-of-jazz. An elementary school librarian, Suzette is currently working on her next novel…in between batches of cupcakes.
You can connect with Suzette on:
SDHbooks.com
Professional Reader Affiliates
Peruse My Other Reviews
I am grateful to be of service and bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases I will receive a referral commission. Your support in purchasing through these links supplements the costs of keeping my website up and running, and is very much appreciated!
Suzette Harrison on October 4, 2016 at 5:40 pm
Hello!I’m honored that you’ve hosted TAFFY & shared your spotlight with me. To all my African-American Historical Fiction/Romance fans…and to those who have yet to jump in those waters…wade on in. The water’s good and the ficition is easy. (“Summertime” fans will catch that reference). Take a trip back in time with TAFFY. Hers is a wonderful story full of unexpected surprises. So come along. Let’s ride. Blessings, Suzette
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Bellona.org > About CCS > Why CCS > Global power production
Global power production
There are essentially three ways to adapt to stricter climate rules and reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuel-fired plants.
Today, coal power plants without CCS are the most common source for power production globally. The reason is simple; it is cheap and coal is easily available in most places of the world. Regulations to tackle climate change and limit CO2 emissions are placing an additional cost on fossil fuel power plants. This has already happen in the EU where the EU Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is established to regulate emissions from the power sector, or in Canada where an Emission Performance Standard in effect calls for CCS on coal power plants.
There are essentially three ways to adapt to stricter climate rules and reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuel-fired plants:
By improving the stock of operational plants, e.g. by closure of the most inefficient plants, modernising and refurbishing existing plants or improving their operation and manteinance, and by deploying avaliable technologies in new plants,
By switching to lower-carbon fuels, e.g. by switching from coal to natural gas or by co-firing coal with sustainable biomass, or
By employing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
The obvious question is then: How can we ensure the roll-out of CCS?
The challenge for CCS is to reduce its costs so that it becomes cheaper to invest in CCS than to buy emission allowances. When introducing new technology, the initial prototypes will always be expensive, while further research and development results in a learning effect that reduces the costs considerably. That has happened for many new technologies, ranging from solar cells to mobile phones.
The answer is to build large-scale CCS demonstration projects. Scientists and industry believe that experience and knowledge from building and operating CCS demonstrations, together with continued research activities, is the optimal way to reduce CCS costs.
However, the political challenges are often regarded as larger barriers for CCS than the technological ones. These entail the role of CCS in international climate negotiations, in national and EU-level regulatory frameworks and in public financing. On public funding, Bellona has published a report examining the various options – CCS Market Incentives Report.
Successful deployment of CCS worldwide will require a long-term and transparent regulatory framework. Legislation for how CO2 storage should be performed has been established in some regions, like Australia and the EU, but consistent regulations are required worldwide. Furthermore, both push and pull incentives need to be established.
The first full-scale CCS demonstration projects will be expensive and industry is reluctant to pay the entire bill for the first projects. Therefore, public funding for the demonstrations projects is required and reliable well-functioning funding mechanisms need to be established.
Furthermore, despite being around for decades, the concept of CCS is not well known to the general public and has suffered from miscommunication. When asked how they regard CCS, people tend to be sceptical because they have heard little of it before. Many also raise concerns about the safety of CO2 storage.
When people are provided with objective information about CCS they tend to be more positive to the technology as a tool to combat global warming. Consequently, it is important to ensure well-founded information campaigns to inform both the public and public decision-makers about CCS.
Sist oppdatert July 8, 2015 av Maya Vedeld
Bellona and CCS
How CCS
Utilisation of CO2
Storage of CO2
Transport of CO2
Capture of CO2
Why CCS
Industrial Emissions
Carbon negative with Bio-CCS
FAQ about CCS
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Tag Archives: author
Wisdom from Theresa Cheung: Science Meets Spirit – The Big Seance Podcast #79
Experience the beautiful energy and wisdom of Theresa Cheung as she shares evidence that we are all spiritual beings having a spiritual experience, plus science, religion, and doubt!
Get to this episode in iTunes!
Leave a comment | tags: afterlife, author, big seance, big seance podcast, big seance podcast 79, big seance podcast episode 79, claire broad, cynicism in the uk, depression, doubt, EVP, heaven, heaven called my name, heaven called my name theresa cheung, Incredible True Stories of Heavenly Encounters and the Afterlife, institute of noetic sciences, interview, interview with theresa cheung, jean mareschal comes back, jedi church, millennials, noetic, other side, paranormal, podcast, religion, religion and a search for meaning, science, science meets spirit, science religion and doubt, seance, skeptics, spectral edition, spectral edition with tim prasil, spirit world, spiritual, spiritualism, spiritualism in the uk, the afterlife is real, the jedi church, the path to heaven, theresa cheung, theresa cheung big seance podcast, theresa cheung interview, theresa cheung science meets spirit, what does heaven look like, wisdom from theresa cheung, wisdom from theresa cheung science meets spirit | posted in Book Discussions, Interviews, Loved Ones from The Other Side, Mediums/Psychics/Sensitives/Intuition, Paranormal Evidence, Skeptics, Spirit Communication, Spiritual, Spiritualism, The Big Séance Podcast
The Mysterious Story of Patience Worth – The Big Séance Podcast: My Paranormal World #32
Pearl Curran, the voice of Patience Worth
The mysterious story of Pearl Curran, who channeled entire books and other works from a spirit known as Patience Worth, and all through the Ouija board. Also, the winner of the Love Never Dies book giveaway!
Ghostwriter and Ghost: The Strange Case of Pearl Curran & Patience Worth by Ed Simon, from The Public Domain Review 1:18
Two Moms and a Baby from the article Ouija poet Patience Worth: 100 years and many moons later, by Jane Henderson, from the St. Louis Post Dispatch (Shared by permission.) 18:17
I am currently reading The Patience of Pearl: Spiritualism and Authorship in the Writings of Pearl Curran by Daniel B. Shea 21:57
Rebecca Codner is the winner of the Love Never Dies Book Giveaway! Congratulations, Rebecca! Also, thanks to author Jamie Turndorf and Hay House for the book! 22:26
An update on my future episode with Keith Johnson, demonologist and paranormal investigator who was one of the first investigators on the scene at the house where the experiences that inspired The Conjuring movie took place. 24:57
Additional music in this episode:
String Quartet No. 10 in E flat major Op. 51 iii. Romanza by Antonín Dvořák
Mazurka Op. 63 No. 3 by Chopin, performed by Vadim Chaimovich
The Big Seance Podcast can be found right here, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, Google Play Music, and iHeart Radio. Please subscribe, submit a rating, or share with a fellow paranerd! Do you have any comments or feedback? Please contact me at Patrick@BigSeance.com. Consider recording your voice feedback directly from your device on my SpeakPipe page! You can also call the show and leave feedback at (775) 583-5563 (or 7755-TELL-ME). I would love to include your voice feedback in a future show. The candles are already lit, so come on in and join the séance!
2 Comments | tags: author, big seance, big seance podcast, big seance podcast 32, big seance podcast my paranormal world, channeling through a ouija board, daniel b shea, daniel shea, episode 32, ghost, ghosts, ghostwriter and ghost, hay house, keith johnon, keith johnson update, Love Never Dies, love never dies book giveaway, my paranormal world, ouija, ouija author, ouija board, ouija poet patience worth, paranormal, patience worth, pearl curran, podcast, saint louis, seance, spirit, spirit author, spirit communication, spirits, spiritual, spiritualism, spiritualism and authorship in the writings of pearl curran, st. louis, the conjuring, the mysterious story of patience worth, the mysterious story of pearl curran, the patience of pearl, the patience of pearl by daniel b shea, the patience of pearl spiritualism and authorship in the writings of pearl curran by daniel b shea | posted in Book Discussions, Dreams, Ouija, Spirit Communication, Spiritualism, The Big Séance Podcast
Psychic Predictions and Prophecies for 2015 – The Big Séance Podcast: My Paranormal World #24
Check out your Psychic Predictions and Prophecies for 2015 from Janice Carlson, Angela Thomas, Rob Gutro, Carole J. Obley, Karen A. Dahlman, Lee Allen Howard, and Marilyn Painter.
Get this episode on iTunes!
Some of the Prophecies and predictions of Edgar Cayce and Sylvia Browne.
Janice Carlson – Janice has been a lovely friend and supporter of the podcast. You can hear my interview with her if you go to episode 10 from August 27, 2014. I wanted to start our special predictions episode with Janice today, because this was actually all her idea… and I thought it was brilliant! For more on Janice, visit janicecarlson.com.
Janice gives us her psychic predictions for 2015.
Angela Thomas – Next up is a psychic named Angela Thomas. She is a research psychic for the study of precognition with Dr. Vernon Neppe. She’s been a guest of George Noory’s Beyond Belief on Gaiam TV, and in the spring of 2015, she’ll be publishing her book “Three Dimensional Tarot: The Art of Gathering Information”. You can find more about Angela at AngelaThomas.org.
Angela gives her psychic predictions for the next 18 months.
Rob Gutro – Rob is an author, medium, and scientist, and he made his initial appearance on the 13th episode from September 18, 2014. For more on Rob, visit ghostsandspiritsinsights.blogspot.com.
Rob joins us today to tell us how we all have the ability to have premonitions, and he shares a very touching story about one of his own premonitions.
Carole J. Obley – A future guest of an upcoming episode of The Big Séance Podcast, Carole has been the bridge between heaven and earth in over 7,000 group and individual readings. It’s no surprise that she is fast becoming a sought-after medium, author, workshop leader and speaker given the startling clarity, specificity and accuracy with which she sees, hears and senses people’s loved ones in spirit. Names, descriptions of loved ones’ personalities and uncanny, validating details as well as grief support and teachings about the Afterlife are typically delivered in her readings. Heartfelt and compassionate in her approach, Carole is also well-known for her practical, down-to-earth guidance and insight into life issues, such as relationships, career and finance. Fore more on private sessions, visit soulvisions.net.
Carole shares the message that coming in 2015, we will have a deeper awareness of humanity and unity.
Karen A. Dahlman – You remember her. She’s been on the show several times already. Her interview in episode 5 from July 23, 2014, remains very popular! For more on Karen, visit karenadahlman.com.
Karen shares some predictions for the year 2015 that she received from one of her spirit friends known as “The Moon”, and she received these predictions from the Ouija board.
Our last two contributions stand out, because they are channeled messages that are recorded as they’re happening. Both Lee Allen Howard and Marilyn Painter have been guests on the podcast, and I’m glad to have them back.
Lee Allen Howard – He was with us on episode 12 from September 11, 2014. For more on Lee Allen Howard, visit building-the-bridge.com.
Lee gives his 2015 psychic predictions, but also leaves us with the recording of him channeling a message that he received from a “watcher” that he talks about on building-the-bridge.com. He received this on November 24, 2014 during a channeling session.
Marilyn Painter – She was my very first guest in episode 1. You can also hear her in episode 9 from August 20th, 2014. For more on Marilyn, visit ahtahsanctuary.com.
Marilyn also shares a recording of her channeling the energies of 2015.
I hope you enjoyed this episode, and I would absolutely LOVE to hear from you if you have any thoughts about any of the messages you heard today. I’m sure all of these folks would love to hear about any validation if you notice anything lining up as they predicted. I hope to hear from you!
Happy New Year! Have a GREAT 2015!
Leave a comment | tags: 2015 predictions, 2015 prophecies, 2015 psychic predictions, 2015 psychic predictions and prophecies, angela thomas, audio of channeling, author, big seance, big seance podcast, blogging, carole j obley, carole obley, channeled messages, edgar cayce, energies of 2015, janice carlson, karen A. DAhlman, karen dahlman, lee allen howard, marilyn painter, ouija, ouija board, paranormal, paranormal research, podcast, predictions for 2015, predictions using the ouija, premonitions, prophecies, prophecies for 2015, psychic angela thomas, psychic carole j obley, psychic carole obley, psychic channeling, psychic janice carlson, psychic lee allen howard, psychic marilyn painter, psychic medium, psychic predictions, psychic predictions and prophecies for 2015, psychic predictions for 2015, psychic rob gutro, recording of channeled messages, rob gutro, seance, seance podcast, spiritual, spiritualism, sylvia browne, sylvia browne and 2020, the big seance podcast, the big seance podcast 24, the future, the moon, the year 2015, using the ouija board for 2015 predictions, what is coming for 2015, what will happen in 2015 | posted in General, Interviews, Mediums/Psychics/Sensitives/Intuition, Ouija, Spiritual, Spiritualism, The Big Séance Podcast
Help for the Haunted and Vera Van Slyke: My Interview with Tim Prasil – The Big Séance Podcast: My Paranormal World #22
Tim Prasil, writer and author, shares how he inherited the stories of Vera Van Slyke, one of America’s earliest paranormal investigators, from an ancestor who chronicled them. Find these stories in his soon-to-be-published book, Help for the Haunted: A Decade of Vera Van Slyke Ghostly Mysteries (1899-1909) by Emby Press. Who is Finbar Kelly? Tim explains. We also spend a bit of time talking about our common love of cemetery photography.
For More on Tim Prasil, or for up-to-date release information about the book:
Like Tim’s Facebook page.
Follow @TimPrasil on Twitter.
Visit TimPrasil.wordpress.com or GhostlyMysteries.wordpress.com.
1 Comment | tags: a decade of vera van slyke ghostly memories, americas earliest ghost hunters, americas earliest paranormal investigators, americas first ghost hunters, author, author interview, big seance, book coming soon, book review, cemeteries, cemetery photography, discovered manuscripts, emby press, finbar kelly, ghost, ghost hunters, ghost mysteries, ghost stories, ghost story, ghosts, grave yards, graveyards, great book, haunted, help for the haunted a decade of vera van slyke ghostly memories by tim prasil, help for the haunted a decade of vera van slyke ghostly mysteries, help for the haunted and vera van slyke my interview with tim prasil, help for the haunted by tim prasil, interview, lida parsell, mysteries, paranormal, paranormal investigators, seance, spirit, spirits, spiritual, spiritualism, tim prasil, turn of the century, vera van slyke, Vera Van Slyke Ghostly Mysteries, who is finbar kelly, writer | posted in Book Discussions, Cemeteries, Interviews, Paranormal Investigation Topics, Spiritualism, The Big Séance Podcast
A Beautiful Conversation with Sara Wiseman – Author, Spiritual Teacher, and Intuitive Counselor – The Big Séance Podcast: My Paranormal World #15
In this episode, we sit down with Sara Wiseman, author, spiritual teacher, intuitive counselor, and host of the popular Contact Talk Radio show, Ask Sara/Sanctuary. She’s also the author of Writing the Divine: How to Use Channeling for Soul Growth and Healing.
Topics discussed in this episode:
Connecting to the Divine
The spiritual awakening that changed her life
What Channeled/Automatic Writing looks like in 2014
Finding your spirit guide
Do you have to be psychic to channel?
How do you interpret the message you’ve channeled from the Divine?
What is Manifesting?
Fortunately, Sara has given me permission to share the really cool track titled Ananda, from her band, Martyrs of Sound. Enjoy!
Listener feedback from Karen
For More on Sara Wiseman, visit SaraWiseman.com.
Check out Sara’s books, Writing the Divine: How to Use Channeling for Soul Growth and Healing and The Four Passages of the Heart: Moving from Pain into Love.
Thanks, Sara!
Leave a comment | tags: a beautiful conversation, a beautiful conversation with sara wiseman, ananda, ananda martyrs of sound, ask sara, author, author spiritual teacher and intuitive counselor, automatic writing, big seance, big seance podcast, channeled writing, connecting to the divine, do you have to be psychic to channel, finding your spirit guide, how do you interpret the message you've channeled from the Divine, interview, intuition, intuitive counselor, manifesting, martyrs of sound, mediums, paranormal, podcast, podcast interview, podcast interview with sara wiseman, psychics, sanctuary, sara wiseman, sara wiseman interview, seance, sensitives, spiritual, spiritual awakening, spiritual teacher, spiritualism, Talk Radio show, the spiritual awakening that changed her life, what does automatic writing look like in 2014, what does channeled writing look like in 2014, what is manifesting, writing the divine | posted in Book Discussions, Mediums/Psychics/Sensitives/Intuition, Spirit Guides, Spiritual, Spiritualism, The Big Séance Podcast
Let’s Talk About Channeling! An Interview with Medium and Metaphysician, Lee Allen Howard from Building the Bridge – The Big Séance Podcast: My Paranormal World #12
Author, Medium, and Metaphysician, Lee Allen Howard, talks to us about his journey through Channeling. Also a brief discussion about Lily Dale.
For more on Lee Allen Howard, visit http://building-the-bridge.com/
Twitter: @RevLeeHoward
Facebook: Lee Allen Howard, Medium & Metaphysician
Blog posts mentioned in this interview:
How I Began Channeling (Building the Bridge)
The Mechanics of Recorded Channeling (Building the Bridge)
My First Higher Channeling Session (Building the Bridge)
Time to Pick Up and Move? (Building the Bridge)
The Saga of Selling My House, Part 1 (Building the Bridge)
Death Perception’s Kennet Singleton: A Psychic Medium (Big Séance)
Thanks, Lee!
1 Comment | tags: an interview with lee allen howard, an interview with medium and metaphysician lee allen howard, author, big seance, big seance podcast, building the bridge, channeled messages, channeling, channeling tips, DEATH PERCEPTION, heaven, how to channel, journey through channeling, lee allen howard, Let's talk about channeling, lily dale, mediums, metaphysicians, other side, paranormal, podcast, seance, spirit world, spiritual, summer land, summerland, the big seance podcast #12, the big seance podcast: my paranormal world #12 | posted in Mediums/Psychics/Sensitives/Intuition, Spirit Guides, Spiritual, Spiritualism, The Big Séance Podcast
Sylvia Browne (1936 – 2013)
Spiritual teacher and psychic Sylvia Browne didn’t have the easiest life, and controversy sometimes followed her, but today she passed on, presumably to a beautiful and picturesque Other Side that she wrote so much about. I absolutely love her books, and am convinced that many of her critics have not read one. I just know that she’s working on a new book right now, well, at least after her guide Francine drops her off at one of the marble benches inside the Hall of Wisdom for the cool scanning machine, which she claims is our first stop after reuniting with our pets and loved ones.
She always claimed that she was on her last incarnation, so what now? I wouldn’t mind having an extra guide! And if Francine is looking for another gig, the more the merrier! I have to tell you, it makes me want to have a séance right now. I sincerely hope she reports back to someone soon!
Our lives on this earth, no matter how briefly or how long they last, are just moments in the context of the eternity God breathed into us at the instant He created us. Our real lives, joyful and glorious and perfect, are back Home, on the Other Side, where we all came from, the place we’re wistfully Homesick for every minute we’re here whether we’re consciously aware of it or not, and where we’ll go when we abandon these flawed, cumbersome bodies and soar Home again as alive as ever. Clinging fiercely to this one life, as if it’s all there is and all there will ever be, would be no different than clinging fiercely to one random day of school, as if there’s nowhere else to go but there and nothing more to learn.
–Sylvia Browne, from Prophecy, 2004, Health and Medicine, page 217.
More Sylvia Browne:
Sylvia Browne: In her own words… (Big Séance)
Sylvia Browne: Are members of the “spiritual community” turning on her? (Big Séance)
17 Comments | tags: after life, afterlife, author, big seance, books, francine, heaven, medium, other side, paranormal, psychic, psychic medium, psychic Sylvia Browne, reincarnation, seance, spirit communication, spirit guide, spirit world, spiritual, spiritual teacher, sylvia browne, sylvia browne 1936-2013, sylvia browne dead, sylvia browne dies, the other side | posted in Mediums/Psychics/Sensitives/Intuition, Spirit Communication, Spirit Guides, Spiritual
Messenger Between Worlds: True Stories from a Psychic Medium
I’m not exactly sure why I find books by mediums so fascinating. Actually, that’s not true. I admire mediums… and as someone who is obsessed with learning about spirit communication and the afterlife, I’m envious of their ability to reach out to the Other Side, often helping souls, both living and deceased, at the same time. Sometimes when I read a string of books that are so serious or about paranormal research or something heavy, I just end up needing to put whatever I’m reading down. I end up breaking my rule, which is to never start a new book when there’s one that still needs to be finished. And it’s like a breath of fresh air. Messenger Between Worlds: True Stories from a Psychic Medium by Kristy Robinett was my most recent breath of fresh air.
About five months ago I discussed Kristy Robinett here on the blog after hearing her interview on a podcast. I found that just listening to her was a comforting experience. She is so very genuine, she has a beautiful personality, and she has some fascinating stories. Her book was teased in the interview at that time, but I had to wait months since it was released only a few weeks ago. It was well worth the wait.
From the back of the book:
At the age of three, Kristy Robinett predicted her grandmother’s death. When she was eight, the spirit of her deceased grandfather helped her escape from a would-be kidnapper. This captivating, powerful memoir is filled with unforgettable scenes: spot-on predictions, countless spirit visits at home and school, menacing paranormal activity, and Kristy’s first meeting with two spirit guides who became her constant allies. Born into a strict religious family, Kristy believed she was cursed and hid her psychic abilities for many years. Over time, she learned to use her talent to do good in the world, and now she has decided to share her incredible story. Follow Kristy’s emotional journey through a difficult childhood, stormy marriages, conflict with faith, job loss, and illness—and the hard-won lessons that opened her heart to true love and acceptance of her unique gift.
My emotions took a few turns while following Kristy’s journey, and I think most readers can relate to many of the struggles. Throughout the first half of the book, I found myself frustrated that not only was she often not treated kindly, but not accepted for who she was and the reluctant gift that she was given. I think that’s why for a long time she couldn’t find herself. But it’s easy to cheer her on. Haven’t we all had those “what am I SUPPOSED TO BE when I grow up” moments? I’m 35 and I’m still having them. I think we all want to land on the right track. Some of us don’t know we’re on the wrong track, and some of us know but we’re not entirely sure what train to hop and where it’s going… and how to pay for the ticket… and what will be waiting for us when we get to that mysterious destination, anyway? Well I found myself smiling and truly happy for her as she took a giant risk and bravely jumped onto the right track for the rest of her journey… and because she’s so young, there’s a lot of track left, with plenty of stories yet to tell. Okay, enough trains. But seriously, I look forward to reading about the next part of the journey.
Yes, the book is about the medium author herself, but if you’re wanting the stories of spirit communication in her readings, of helping to solve cold cases, of the conversations with spirit guides, don’t worry. If you’re looking for validation from the various messages she gets, it’s here. Those beautiful moments, the heartfelt stories, the changed lives… those gems can be found throughout as well.
I truly loved it! Thanks for being brave enough to share you life with us, Kristy!
If you haven’t heard or seen Kristy Robinett, I wanted to give you the chance to see and hear her below. The first is video of a recent radio show appearance that I enjoyed. Below that is Kristy’s appearance from this last October on the Ricki Lake Show. Kristy has several other videos online. For more info, visit KristyRobinett.com.
The Conjuring Movie Review
Running with the Bulls
Death Perception
9 Comments | tags: afterlife, author, big seance, book, book discussion, book review, breath of fresh air, cold cases, heartfelt, heaven, journey, kristy robinett, life story, literature, Llewellyn, Llewellyn books, medium, memoir, messenger between worlds, other side, paranormal, psychic, psychic medium, review, ricki lake show, seance, spirit communication, spirit guides, spirit world, spiritual, stories from a reluctant psychic medium, tangled wishes, tangledwishes, true stories from a psychic medium, video | posted in Book Discussions, Mediums/Psychics/Sensitives/Intuition, Paranormal TV
True Haunting: Reads Like Fiction… But it’s Not!
Today I want to tell you about a great book I just finished! True Haunting by Edwin F. Becker is the true story of the incredible experiences that Edwin and his young family experienced in Chicago in 1970. In a time before there were thousands of paranormal groups and Ghost Hunters on TV, this family had to make quite a few brave decisions to survive. It ended up being the first haunting and exorcism to be reported on and covered on the news. I shared the old video footage in a previous post, but I’ll include it at the end of this one as well. I’ve read that the house had been empty for quite some time, recently. But I also found a photo online of a clearly remodeled home… and it looked fairly current. One can only imagine what, if anything, still goes on there.
How often have you or anyone you know asked any one of these questions?
Can a ghost move an object?
Do they hear us?
Can they hurt us?
Could they be demonic?
Should we be giving them attention?
Is it okay to show them off?
Can we get rid of them?
Should we move?
Most of these questions are still being asked today… and the “paranormal field”, for lack of a better term, has come a long way since 1970. Or has it? For sure, finding access to information, the ability to find and communicate with people having similar experiences, and finding help is a lot easier to accomplish today, but there are still individuals and families out there going through similar experiences. I know, because I get contacted often. They’ll sometimes ask for advice, they’ll often seem embarrassed, but most of the time they just need someone to listen… to tell them they’re not crazy. And that’s a good thing, because do I always know what to say? Of course not! But I sure try… and sometimes it’s just about getting them hooked up with the right resource.
Most of the paranormal books that I read tend to be more technical in nature. I try to learn as much as I can. This book reads like fiction… but it’s not! I clearly got into this book, because I read it in considerably less time than most of my recent reads. I have come to the realization that I can learn a lot from books like this, and there are a lot of them out there. It very much reminded me of Graves End: A True Ghost Story by Elaine Mercado. You’ll find it on my recommended reading list.
So check this book out! I heard in an interview that Edwin documented all of these experiences a decade ago and meant for it to be just for the family to have. Apparently there was never a goal of getting it published, until a loved one convinced him just recently. It was published in 2011. Also, the family’s story was featured on the SyFy show, Paranormal Witness. According to Ed, the producers predictably embellished some of their story, but for the most part did an “amazing job”. You can find the complete Paranormal Witness episode, named “The Tenants”, HERE.
And as promised, here is the 1970 NBC footage.
True Haunting (the author’s interview on Jim Harold’s Paranormal Podcast)
I Still Watch Ghost Hunters… So What? (BigSéance.com)
13 Comments | tags: 1970, afterlife, author, big seance, book, book review, books, drama, edwin becker, edwin f becker, exorcism, footage of a haunted house, ghost, ghost hunters, ghost hunting, ghosts, haunted house, haunted real estate, literature, marsha becker, missouri spirit seekers, mo spirit seekers, mospiritseekers, moss, NBC footage of a haunted house, nbc footage of an exorcism, paranormal, paranormal evidence, paranormal investigation, paranormal witness, reads like fiction but it's not, seance, selling a haunted house, spirit, spirit communication, spirits, spiritual, the tenants, the tenants paranormal witness, true haunting, video of an exorcism | posted in Book Discussions, Ghosts in General, Haunted Spots, Paranormal Evidence, Paranormal Investigation Topics, Spirit Communication
Kristy Robinett: Messenger Between Worlds
Author and Psychic Medium, Kristy Robinett. Image from kristyrobinett.com
Today I want to share some thoughts I had after listening to an episode of Jim Harold’s The Other Side podcast. Jim interviewed Kristy Robinett, a psychic medium. Now days everyone seems to be a medium or a psychic, and Jim has interviewed plenty of them, so as I started the podcast while driving to work yesterday morning I probably rolled my eyes. But as the interview went on, I realized how easy this woman was to listen to, and it almost seemed like she was in the car with me. She seemed so very honest and real, and she got emotional as she talked about some of her experiences with clients. It really was a great interview!
Kristy told Jim some personal stories from her childhood, a time that was apparently very challenging for her. She says she has been seeing and communicating with spirits since the age of three. She didn’t have a lot of support and it seems the adults in her life often just didn’t understand and didn’t know what to do with her. I can’t imagine how lonely it must have been growing up with people not believing you, not understanding you, or even thinking your gift was evil. Below is a portion of her bio from her website, kristyrobinett.com.
I grew up in a religious household and attended parochial school from K-12. Seeing spirits from the tender age of 3 I had difficulty understanding what I was being taught at school and church compared to what I was seeing, feeling and hearing. For several years I fought with the rationale, my sanity and my religion. It wasnt until I was in my 20s that I decided to consult my minister.
As I sat down across from the man, his eyes looked into mine with wonder. I was the good girl of the school and the church; a straight A student, active in youth groups, the choir, the band, drama, varsity sports – an All American Girl – so the reason why I was sitting across from him wringing my hands profusely confused him. Not necessarily knowing how to begin, I merely blurted out I see ghosts. I see angels. I see spirits. And they talk to me! My minister looked at me without expression and asked me to explain more in depth to the degree of communication. At that moment his son came through. A son I never knew he even had. A son nobody in the parish knew he had and who he had lost. Tears shone in his eyes and he hugged me, giving me his blessing to pursue the work he believed I was given by God. It sounds oh so simple, but a theology debate with me playing the devils advocate took place over a matter of a few hours. I continued to consult with him and he would counsel me and I would often counsel him. He told me that it wouldnt be easy, me being who I was, but that if it were easy everybody would do it. He also cautioned me on the types of people who would try to ridicule me, play theology Jeopardy with me and mock me.
Becoming comfortable with my gift has taken an awful long time and still when I speak with someone who doesn’t know “what” I am, I begin – “Now, I am perfectly sane, but….I see ghosts….” I am not different than you. Everybody has the ability to “see”, you just have to open yourself to it.
I think some of us probably have this idea that many psychics or mediums somehow chose this path, and maybe even for the purpose of gaining attention or fame. It made me stop to realize that for some of these people, they had no choice. It’s who they are.
I have pre-ordered Kristy’s latest book, Messenger Between Worlds: True Stories from a Psychic Medium, that is due out in July of this year. I can’t wait to read it.
4 Comments | tags: afterlife, author, big seance, book, ghost, ghosts, growing up a medium, growing up psychic, heaven, interview, intuitive, kristy robinett, medium, messenger between worlds, other side, paranormal, podcast, psychic, psychic medium, seance, seeing dead people, spirit, spirit communication, spirit world, spirits, spiritual, spirituality, true stories from a psychic medium | posted in Book Discussions, Mediums/Psychics/Sensitives/Intuition, Spirit Communication, Spiritual
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Blademaster™ is the global leader in skate care equipment and supplies. Blademaster skate sharpening machines are sold worldwide, and can be found in over 50 countries. We are proud to be the official and exclusive supplier to eight of the top national hockey federations, including Hockey Canada and Team USA. Blademaster machines are also endorsed by the Society of Professional Hockey Equipment Managers (SPHEM).
Blademaster is a division of Guspro Inc., a family owned and operated business located in Chatham, ON, Canada. Guspro entered the skate sharpening business in 1987 with the acquisition of TSM/Custom Radius, and shortly thereafter renamed the division to Blademaster.
Guspro Inc. was established in 1932 as the Canadian division of Sunnen Products Company, headquarted in St. Louis, MO. For over 50 years, Guspro distributed and manufactured Sunnen honing products, including machines, abrasives, and tooling. In 1980, Canadian manufacturing for Sunnen Products was set to wind down, and so Guspro Inc. began a transformation. Guspro is comprised of three unique but complementary divisions.
The #1 skate care company worldwide, Blademaster equipment can be found in over 50 countries. The Choice of Professionals, Blademaster is trusted by eight of the top national hockey federations, and endorsed by the Society of Professonal Hockey Equipment Managers (SPHEM).
Since 1968, Ice King has been a pioneer in the quest for a machine that can help ice makers produce optimal ice conditions for curlers. This dedication has made the Ice King brand synonymous with curling ice scraping machines throughout the world.
BAYCO designs, manufactures and sells innovative heat-cleaning solutions for the electric motor rewind industry, the powder coating and finishing industry, the automotive rebuilding industry and the plastic and polymer industry.
Our Distributed Products division principally serves the Canadian industrial and automotive sectors. Guspro distributes products for a number of other excellent companies:
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Ecosystm TV
Ecosystm appoints seasoned executive Michal Osmo as Director of Business Development, ANZ
Appointment adds to Ecosystm’s existing best-in-class team of thought leaders in Australia and New Zealand to mark the research firm’s aggressive expansion plans in the market.
27 May 2019, SINGAPORE – Ecosystm, the global disruptive technology research and advisory firm, has today announced the appointment of Michal Osmo as Director of Business Development, Australia & New Zealand, adding to its growing team of analysts across Australia and New Zealand. In this role, Michal will be responsible for establishing and growing the firm’s consulting and strategic advisory capabilities in the South Pacific, as well as identifying new growth opportunities. Her appointment also coincides with Ecosystm’s official office launch in Australia, further adding to the firm’s international footprint.
Michal has a proven track record in business development and sales working for some of the biggest names in tech on both a regional and international level. A veteran of the analyst and conference world, Michal previously spent five years with IDC, most recently as an Account Director. This role saw her work with a number of major ICT firms to develop and execute their go-to-market strategies. Prior to joining Ecosystm, Michal also served in business development roles at Gartner and Informa.
Commenting on the appointment, Amit Gupta, Founder and CEO at Ecosystm, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Michal to the team as we enter the next phase of our international expansion. With a number of our foremost analysts already based throughout ANZ, and the launch of our Australian office, Michal’s appointment marks Ecosystm’s continued commitment to providing research democratisation worldwide.”
Michal Osmo, Director of Business Development, ANZ at Ecosystm added: “Throughout my career, I have always strived to work with my clients in partnership, and to create solutions that are mutually beneficial – so Ecosystm’s dedication to developing a fairer, more open and collaborative technology community really resonated with me. I’m raring to go, and ready to get my teeth stuck into bringing affordable, real-time ‘research-as-a-service’ to the ANZ market.”
Founded in 2016, private equity backed Ecosystm democratises research availability and accessibility for technology buyers, vendors and analysts globally using a ‘research as a service’ model. It focuses on offering transparency and autonomy to users, allowing them to consume data in a way that is affordable, and contextualised to their needs.
For further information, please visit: https://www.ecosystm360.com.
About Ecosystm
Ecosystm is a new age Technology Research and Advisory Firm that brings together tech buyers, vendors and analysts into one integrated platform. The firm moves away from the highly inefficient business models of traditional research firms and instead focuses on data democratisation, with an emphasis on accessibility, transparency and autonomy.
With technology becoming the number one source for innovation and differentiation, and global annual spending on technology due to exceed US$5 trillion by 2020, Ecosystm aims to enable all companies to harness the power of market data to make informed decisions. Offering data and research input, sourcing and subscription services, Ecosystm promises its users in-depth and relevant research by default.
For more information, please visit https://www.ecosystm360.com.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Isabelle Demaude
Email: ecosystm@hoffman.com
Tech Domains
Copyright © 2019 Ecosystm
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Stay Informed - Subscribe To Our Newsletters
Coronavirus hits all 50 states as the death toll continues to rise
Yesterday, it was reported that coronavirus (COVID-19) has hit West Virginia, the only state that had previously avoided the outbreak. Now, there are coronavirus cases in every state across the country and the situation seems to be getting worse by the day.
According to USAToday.com, 114 have died from the disease in the United States and "[w]orldwide, the virus has killed nearly 8,000 people, with more than 200,000 infections reported."
This news comes as more and more restrictions are being put into place to prevent the outbreak across the globe. Right now, countries like Italy are in lockdown and that lockdown might be lengthened because the virus shows few signs of slowing down.
In the United States, Governors have taken drastic steps to reduce the outbreak. Those steps have included shutting down schools, setting restrictions on some industries and even ordering some businesses to close.
Movie theaters, bowling alleys and nightclubs have been ordered to close in cities like New York City and Los Angeles. Such shutdowns are only becoming more commonplace as the virus continues to spread.
President-elect Joe Biden lays out stimulus plan
President Trump finally honors Capitol Hill officers with flags flying at half-staff
Biden certified as next president after turmoil on Capitol Hill
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Better Bet: NCAA Cinderella’s and Surprises
March Madness is as loved for its Cinderella stories and its outsiders who charm the nation as much as it is for its favorites. Last year, the collegiate basketball world stood stunned as the UMBC Retrievers became the first ever 16 seed to beat a one seed, in Virginia.
The Cavaliers are a one seed again this year. 2018 also saw the latest in a long line of Cinderellas, as Loyola-Chicago captivated the nation, and reached the final four as an 11 seed. The lowest seed to ever win March Madness was an eight seed, way back in 1985.
ResortsCasino.com looks at some of the potential surprise packages in this year’s Big Dance.
Saint Mary’s have just beaten Gonzaga, who are the one seed in the West region, in the WCC tournament, and the Gaels enter March Madness full of confidence. In their first round matchup, against reigning champions Villanova no less, they could make a huge statement. By knocking off the three-time winners, they could alert everybody to their Cinderella status.
Saint Mary’s can score, and score quickly, which can always be dangerous to face against in March – who could forget FCGU’s Dunk City? If opponents aren’t switched on against the Gaels, then they could quickly be out of sight before higher seeds know what’s hit them. A trip to the second weekend wouldn’t be out of the question for Saint Mary’s, and after that…who knows?
Look for: Saint Mary’s to topple the Wildcats
Saint Mary’s moneyline v Villanova: +190
Saint Mary’s NCAA Basketball Tournament winner moneyline: +55000.
The 10th seed Hawkeyes have one of the most efficient offences in the nation, but like many fringe teams the other aspects of their play aren’t as refined. Iowa are a team who like to shoot threes and get to the line. This can be difficult to defend against especially in tournament play when you can’t afford to be in foul trouble.
They face a Cincinnati team who may feel hard-done by getting a seven seed, but Iowa could quickly have them packing their bags. Almost a complete opposite of the Hawkeyes, the Bearcats play a low tempo, defence heavy game plan, and could struggle against an efficient Iowa squad.
Iowa have been inconsistent this season, but have two wins against Conference Champions, and a quality win against Michigan, who were last season’s beaten finalists.
Look for: Hawkeyes to stun Cincinnati
Iowa moneyline v Cincinnati: +135
Iowa NCAA Basketball Tournament winner moneyline: +27500.
Murray State have one of college basketball’s genuine stars in Ja Morant, and the prospective top-5 draft pick will look to sign off his Racers career in style. Averaging over 24.5 points and 10 assists a game, the guard will be a real handful for Marquette, who they face in the first round. If Morant and co. can get past Marquette, then either Florida State or Vermont will await them in the Round of 32.
Being tested against NBA length will be difficult for the Racers, especially as they play in the weaker Ohio Valley Conference, but we’ve seen countless times how having one star can carry a team in march, not least when 10 seed Davidson, led by a certain Steph Curry, made the elite eight. 12 seed.
Murray State could cause a lot of trouble to a lot of brackets in March, and if so it will be Morant’s fault.
Look for: Morant’s Murray State to race to the next round
Murray State moneyline v Marquette: +160.
Murray State NCAA Basketball Tournament winner moneyline: +32500.
Filed Under: march madness, NCAA Tournament, Resorts Digital, Villanova
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Julian Edelman returns to Patriots' practice after foot issue
By Mike Reiss
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- One day after taking himself out of practice in frustration and having his surgically repaired left foot examined on the sideline, New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman returned to practice Wednesday.
Edelman wasn't a full participant in the rainy practice, which was held in light shoulder pads and mostly at a half-speed pace, but his presence confirmed Tuesday's preliminary diagnosis that he had avoided a serious injury.
He planted hard on his left foot and appeared to have no issues during practice drills in which receivers ran routes. He later retreated to a lower practice field as the practice continued and ran full-speed sprints.
Edelman didn't address reporters after Wednesday's practice, which marked the second day in a row that the Patriots worked with the New Orleans Saints in advance of the teams' preseason opener Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.
On Tuesday, when Edelman took himself out of practice, his reaction of throwing his helmet into the ground contributed to initial concern of an injury.
Edelman had undergone offseason surgery on his left foot after initially injuring it Nov. 15, in a game against the New York Giants. He missed the final seven games of the regular season before returning for the playoffs.
When Edelman returned for the playoffs, he knew a second surgery was possible in the offseason, which he underwent to further stabilize the foot. His availability for the start of the 2016 season, however, was never considered in question.
sportsespnpatsnflnew england patriotsfootjulian edelman
Copyright © 2021 ESPN Internet Ventures. All rights reserved.
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Is there a role for more than one test case in pre-trial outlining assessment?
Sarah Gwynne1,2, Emiliano Spezi2, George Joseph2, Chris Hurt3, John Staffurth2, Tom Crosby2,4
1Singleton Hospital, Swansea, UK, 2Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff, UK, 3Wales Cancer Trials Unit, Cardiff, UK, 4Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
The pre-trial quality assurance (QA) programme for SCOPE 1, a UK chemoradiotherapy trial of oesophageal cancer, included an outlining assessment based on a single mid-oesophageal cancer case. The purpose of this study is to determine if outlining can be adequately assessed on this single case.
12 UK investigators who achieved a Jaccard Conformity Index (JCI) of ≥0.7 against a pre-defined reference volume in the SCOPE 1 pre-trial test case (case one) re-outlined a GTV on this and 2 further mid-oesophageal cancer cases on a total of 2 occasions. Reference volumes for case two and three were defined in the same way as case one (by GJ and TC). JCI values of ≥0.7 and <0.5 were considered to be excellent and poor concordance respectively.
Median JCI for the 1st and 2nd attempts at case one were 0.73 (IQR 0.71-0.74) and 0.72 (0.64-0.74), case two 0.67 (0.64-0.73) and 0.70 (0.64-0.72) and case three 0.65 (0.58-0.68) and 0.61 (0.57-0.67) respectively.
Only one investigator achieved a JCI of ≥0.7 on all outlining attempts. No investigator achieved a JCI <0.5 on their 1st attempt but 2 investigators achieved JCI <0.5 on their 2nd attempt at case two and three respectively.
This data shows that there are differences in investigator performance, as measured by JCI, between 3 different mid-oesophageal cases, suggesting that there may be a role for more than one outlining assessments in trial QA programmes. Excellent performance in a single case does not guarantee excellent performance in subsequent outlining attempts at the same or other cases.
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Why School Is a "Confusing Mental Mish-Mash" for Kids
The federal and state education reform initiatives kicked off about a quarter-century ago by the No Child Left Behind legislation assume the following: that the institution itself is basically sound, that teachers bear major blame for poor school performance, that the Common Core State Standards tell teachers what to say and kids what to remember, that bringing market forces to bear will make them do it, and that high-stakes tests monitor what’s important.
Those six assumptions shape American education policy, and they’re all false. Today’s reform initiative began with a wrong diagnosis of what ails the institution and, by its own measure — standardized testing — the initiative has failed. By all other measures, the initiative hasn’t just failed, it has been an institution-destroying catastrophe.
Responding to public protest, Congress recently went through the motions of loosening its grip on schooling. But not understanding the problem, it refused to abandon the sixth assumption, that standardized tests measure what’s important.
They don’t because they can’t.
Consider, please, this paragraph:
We want a pair of socks. Those available are knitted in Third World countries. Power to run the knitting machines is supplied by burning fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming. Global warming alters weather patterns. Altered weather patterns trigger environmental catastrophes. Environmental catastrophes destroy infrastructure. Money spent for infrastructure replacement isn’t available for health care. Declines in the quality of health care affect mortality rates.
Buying socks is a matter of life and death. Whether or not you think buying socks and mortality rates are connected; study the paragraph. It contains nine statements of fact — the kind of information kids are expected to remember long enough to pass tests.
But isolate the nine statements of fact from each other, or change the order in which they appear, and sense changes to nonsense. What makes the paragraph make sense aren’t facts but relationships, relationships between and among aspects of reality.
Learners discover and deepen their understanding of such relationships by inferring, imagining, hypothesizing, predicting, sequencing, extrapolating, valuing, generalizing, and so on — thought processes too complex and interwoven to be evaluated by standardized tests.
Billions of dollars, trillions of hours, and intellectual potential beyond measure, are being wasted on tests that can’t measure complex thought.
Blame the core curriculum. Think I’m wrong? The core is fundamentally flawed.
The core curriculum has major problems. The core subjects are important, but they’re being dumped on kids many years too soon. Their number, specialized vocabularies, differing conceptual organizers, varying levels of abstractness, and their disconnectedness from each other and from life as kids live it, create a confusing mental mish-mash.
The ridiculous rate at which law and custom require the core courses to be “covered” adds to the confusion. Under enormous pressure, kids store enough information in short-term memory to make their elders think they’ve learned, but they’ve no intention of remembering it, and don’t.
In matters of the mind, kids are expected to run before they’ve crawled or walked, and the Common Core State Standards make the mish-mash, information overload problem much worse. Specialized studies — which the core subjects are — should be offered no earlier than high school.
Crawling, Walking
The solution to the problem could hardly be simpler. We’re born “pre-wired” to make sense. Whatever we’re thinking about we locate in space and time, identify participants, describe action, and assume or attribute cause for the action. In simpler language, when we think about something, we seek — in sufficient detail to adequately communicate — answers to five questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why?
Those are our primary information organizers. School subjects are secondary organizers, elaborating our primary organizers as necessary to make sense — not much to arrange to meet someone for coffee, more to complete a police report of a crime scene or describe a social problem, a great deal more to trace the causes of an international crisis or the trends of an era.
At least up through middle school the emphasis should be on mastering the basics of sense making — exploring in hundreds of different ways the systemic relationships of our five primary organizers of information.
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!This Porsche Impact Bumper 911 got away, but there are more like it here.
22-Years-Owned 1980 Porsche 911SC Coupe
Bid To $25,911 On 3/17/20$25,911 Ended
Seller: RocketSled
Location: Manhattan Beach, California 90266
Chassis: 91A0141856
216k Miles Shown
3.0-Liter Flat Six
Five-Speed Manual Gearbox
Polished 16" Fuchs Wheels
Pioneer CD Player
Service Records Since 1998
Model Page: Porsche Impact Bumper 911
This 1980 Porsche 911SC is a black-on-black coupe that was acquired by the seller in September 1998 and shows 216k miles. Power is from a 3.0-liter flat-six paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, and the car features US-spec impact bumpers and headlights, a sunroof, and polished Fuchs wheels. Modifications include a multi-spark ignition unit and a Pioneer CD player. The clutch plate is said to have been replaced in 2016. This 911SC is offered with service records from 1998 onward, two sets of keys, a tool kit, repair manuals, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.
The car is finished in black (700) and features fog lights and a sunroof. The seller notes two rock impacts on the hood and an area of paint touch-up on the rear. Detailed photographs of the paintwork and trim can be viewed in the gallery below.
Polished 16″ Fuchs wheels feature Porsche center caps and are mounted with 205/55 Yokohama Avid V4 tires from 2001 up front and 225/50 Kumho Ecsta rubber from 2004 in the rear.
The interior is upholstered in black and the driver’s side seat was recovered in black leather. The seller notes splitting of the passenger seat cover as well as a missing speaker grille on the right door. Leather to reupholster the passenger seat is included in the sale. The air conditioning system does not work due to the compressor having been removed and discarded.
Wear is noted on the steering wheel, and the rim has been wrapped in tape. Instrumentation consists of a central tachometer, an 85-mph speedometer, an analog clock, and gauges for fuel level, oil level, oil pressure, and engine temperature. The six-digit odometer shows 216k miles, approximately 28k of which were added by the seller since 1998.
The air-cooled 3.0L flat-six produced 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque when new and features an MSD Blaster 2 ignition coil. Shifting is via a five-speed manual transaxle. The fuel pump and fuel lines were replaced in February 2011 and the clutch plate was replaced in February 2017.
The catalytic converters were replaced in January 2001 and a finned sump plate was installed in February 2011. Additional underside photos can be viewed in the gallery below.
A binder of service records dating to September 1998 is included in the sale. A walk-around and driving video is provided below.
Filed under: 911, 911 sc, impact bumper, impact-bumper
High Bid USD $25,911 (Reserve Not Met)
13,302 views | 1,122 watchers
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'Thanks Jon': Minnesotan who co-created 'The Daily Show' applauds Stewart
Jon Stewart, the critically acclaimed host of "The Daily Show," will be stepping away from the anchor desk after more than 16 years, and the Minnesotan who co-created the show has one thing to say to him: Thank you.
Lizz Winstead wrote about Stewart's decision following
" target="_blank">Comedy Central's announcement that he'd be leaving the show sometime this year.
"Madeleine Smithberg and I may have laid the foundation of The House of Daily, but it was Jon who turned it into an architectural landmark."
Stewart changed the course of "The Daily Show," which has won 15 Emmy Awards and two Peabody Awards since he took the reins from Minnesota-native Craig Kilborn in 1999. He also launched the careers of several comedians, helped change politics and "pulled America out of the gutter" during his tenure as host of the show.
Winstead thanked Stewart for the time he spent crafting the show, but also for caring enough to work with a team that will go on to build "an exciting new chapter in the life of this wonderful show" after he says goodnight for the last time.
“I’m not going anywhere tomorrow,” an emotional Stewart said as he shared the news of his decision to an unsuspecting audience during Tuesday night's show (watch his announcement below). “But this show doesn’t deserve an even slightly restless host, and neither do you.”
"Thanks Jon, you made the world a better place, now enjoy eating dinner at a decent hour. You ... deserve it," Winstead wrote. "Then get back to making something else great."
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Longtime WCCO weatherman Bud Kraehling dies at 96
Tom Barnard, Don Shelby launch show on sports 105 The Ticket
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Give to Brooklyn Friends School
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By: Jeffrey Stanley
Game Highlights for Week of April 22nd, 2013
On Monday the BFS Boys Varsity Baseball team defeated Martin Luther 7-2 on the road. The short handed team traveled to Juniper Valley Park and came away with their third straight victory. Playing with only 8 players the Panthers scored early for a 1-0 lead after one inning of play. MLHS fought back with single runs in the second and third innings to take a 2-1 lead after three innings. BFS continued to compete though and team captain Misha H. (sr.) had his best pitching performance of the season. He was able to keep MLHS from adding on to their lead, despite having only two outfielders. During the top of the fifth inning, after a bases loaded walk tied the game at two, Misha put his stamp on the game and displayed why he is the defending PSAA Player of the Year. With two out and the bases still loaded, Misha standing at third base broke for home as the pitcher went into his windup. Seeing Misha coming down the line, Jose U. (sr.) stepped back and out of the way allowing Misha a clear path to steal home. In doing so he gave BFS a 3-2 lead that they would not relinquish. BFS would go on to add four more runs in the top of the sixth with two a two out rally. Leading 7-2 Misha pounded the strike zone en route to a 13 strikeout performance. The win brings the teams overall record to 4-4 onthe young season, as well as 3-3 in PSAA league play. Next up for the Panthers is a non-league game tomorrow.
The BFS Boys Varsity Volleyball team defeated Horace Mann 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-17) in the upper gym. It was a great win against a very competitive opponent. The team really showed its improvement. They continued understanding the importance of keeping the ball in play, with consistence serve, aggressive offense, and by making smart decision while playing safe. Sophomores Thomas C. and Lucas M. were very aggressive offensively and defensively combining for 22 kills, and 29 digs. Everyone else contributed and did their role to the best of their ability, to put together one of our best games of the season. The team keeps showing great signs of progress! Blue Pride!!
On Wednesday the BFS Girls Varsity Softball team defeated Churchill 9-5 in a well played game at Van Voorhies Field. The victory over league opponent Churchill was their third of the season as they improved to 3-1 in league play. The weather was nice and the defense was great. Churchill scored a run in the top of the first inning and BFS answered back with a run of their own as sophomore Airenakhue O. continued her hot hitting picking up a RBI single. Churchill picked up another run during the top of the second inning and BFS answered with three runs of their own. The three and four hitters for BFS, sophomore Julia B. and junior Julia G., each picked up their second hit of the game for RBI singles. BFS freshman pitcher Taty R. struck out the side during the top of the third inning to shut Churchill down with no runs. Airenakue led the bottom half of the inning off with a hit and BFS picked up another run to give them a 5-2 lead going into the top of the fourth inning. Churchill tacked on another run as did BFS during the fourth inning. Julia G. picked up her third hit of the game during the fourth inning. The score was now 6-3 in BFS’ favor after four innings of play. Taty continued to pitch well for BFS picking up two more strikeouts in the inning to give her seven total at that point. Churchill did manage another run to keep things close at 6-4. BFS came back with their own run in the bottom half of the inning as Airenakhue once gain came up with a big lead off hit and BFS took a 7-4 lead going into the top of the sixth inning. BFS played great defense throughout the game, as did Churchill. Both pitchers threw strikes and fielded their position extremely well. Taty caught a line drive off the bat of the Churchill lead off hitter to pick up the important first out of the inning. Then she calmly retired the next to batters by field ground balls at her position on the mound firing the ball over to first base where Julia B. continued to make play after play. Then in the bottom half of the inning, Taty helped herself by leading off with a hard shot to the right field gap that rolled all the wall to the wall, she raced around the bases and coach sent her home even though it was not the smart thing to do with no outs and the three, four, five hitters coming up. But Taty deserved a home run, she has played extremely well all season and she was having a great all around game. The Churchill outfielder fielded the ball, gathered herself, and threw to the cut off, as Taty charged home and the BFS bench cheered her on, the Churchill cut off threw a strike to the catcher at home (who is the twin sister of one of the BFS players) and catcher made a great catch and tag, but Taty stepped in right before the catch and the tag for the home run. Blue Pride!! BFS had the momentum now and the next hitter up, Julia G., was instructed by her coach to drive the ball to left field and that is what she did. Julia G. took the first pitch, a low fastball and sent a charge into it, Julia G. and the team watched as the laser quickly flew over and by the Churchill left fielder head. Julia G. made it to third base for a triple. The next batter sophomore Sarah F. drove her in on a fielders choice and BFS now had a 9-5 lead. They were three outs away from picking up the all important league win. Taty took the hill for the final inning and calmly struckout the Churchill clean up hitter, she then walked Churchill’s pitcher who had a phenomenal game. Churchill picked up a hit and now had two runners on base. They hit a hard grounder to our wonderful shortstop Julia G. who was instructed to tag the runner running at her toward third, but instead she fired a strike after some hesitation to first where Julia B. caught it for the second out of the inning. One more to go. Taty continued her great pitching performance by striking out Churchill’s final batter for her ninth “K” of the game and sealing the victory for BFS. Way to go team!! Congrats to Churchill on a great game. We look forward to playing them again next week. Blue Pride!!
On Thursday BFS Outdoor Track runner Mali A. ran in the ISAL track meet up at Van Cortlandt Park. She participated in both the 800m and 400m events which she finished in first place. She ran a time of 2:42.03 in the 800m and a time of 1:09.59 in the 400m. Congratulations to Mali on her wonderful performance and her accomplishments. Blue Pride!!
On a beautiful Spring Saturday the BFS Boys Varsity Baseball team traveled to take on Lawrence Woodmere in a league game in Long Island. Led by senior captain Misha H. the team had one of its most complete efforts of the season and came away with an impressive 11-1 victory. Misha led the team offensively going 3 for 4 with a double, triple, and 5 RBI’s, as well as putting forth a great pitching performance. On the mound he allowed just one run, while striking out 12 LWA batters. Another key contributor was Malik W. who went 2 for 3 with a double, two runs scored, and a RBI. The team currently has a 6-5 overall record and is sitting in second place in PSAA league play. They are looking forward to taking the field again on Tuesday. Blue Pride!!
« Used Books: Your Trash, Our Treasure!
Readers Beware…Adam Gidwitz is coming to BFS »
Contributing Writer, Communications Office
189 A Schermerhorn Street
116 Lawrence Street
© Copyright 2021 Brooklyn Friends School
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COSMIN Risk of Bias tool to assess the quality of studies on reliability or measurement error of outcome measurement instruments: a Delphi study
L. B. Mokkink ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6489-28271,
M. Boers1,2,
C. P. M. van der Vleuten3,
L. M. Bouter1,4,
J. Alonso5,
D. L. Patrick6,
H. C. W. de Vet1 &
C. B. Terwee1
Scores on an outcome measurement instrument depend on the type and settings of the instrument used, how instructions are given to patients, how professionals administer and score the instrument, etc. The impact of all these sources of variation on scores can be assessed in studies on reliability and measurement error, if properly designed and analyzed. The aim of this study was to develop standards to assess the quality of studies on reliability and measurement error of clinician-reported outcome measurement instruments, performance-based outcome measurement instrument, and laboratory values.
We conducted a 3-round Delphi study involving 52 panelists.
Consensus was reached on how a comprehensive research question can be deduced from the design of a reliability study to determine how the results of a study inform us about the quality of the outcome measurement instrument at issue. Consensus was reached on components of outcome measurement instruments, i.e. the potential sources of variation. Next, we reached consensus on standards on design requirements (n = 5), standards on preferred statistical methods for reliability (n = 3) and measurement error (n = 2), and their ratings on a four-point scale. There was one term for a component and one rating of one standard on which no consensus was reached, and therefore required a decision by the steering committee.
We developed a tool that enables researchers with and without thorough knowledge on measurement properties to assess the quality of a study on reliability and measurement error of outcome measurement instruments.
Outcome measurement instruments can be used to measure changes in relevant constructs within patients over time in research or clinical practice [1]. Scores of outcome measurement instruments can be influenced by many factors (so-called sources of variation), such as the time or occasion when the measurement was taken, the instructions that were given to patients, the type of device or the settings that were used [2, 3]. In a measurement protocol it is specified how the measurements should be standardized to minimize the influence of these sources of variation. For example, the Administration and scoring manual of the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) provides detailed instructions and specification for use [4]. The MSFC consists of four tasks, one being the Nine Hole Peg test (NHPT) assessing arm and hand function [5]. The required equipment (e.g. 9-HPT apparatus, stopwatch, 9-HPT Record Form), including preparation of the equipment (e.g. ‘the apparatus should be anchored on a solid table’), instructions for communication with the patient, a schedule for conducting the test with dominant and non-dominant hand, and instructions for discontinuing the test and scoring are described in this measurement protocol. Any deviations from the protocol could lead to different scores.
Reliability studies help to estimate the influence of different sources of variation on scores, in two ways. First, by studying which sources of variation are most distorting the measurement (i.e. by evaluating the measurement property reliability) [3]. Second, by studying the amount of error in scores in absolute terms due to sources of variation as mentioned above (i.e. by evaluating the measurement property measurement error - in case of categorical outcomes also called ‘agreement’) [6]. When it is possible to better standardize these sources of variation, the measurement can be improved – leading to smaller errors, and less patients required in studies to find intervention effects [7].
When using a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM), one of the most relevant source of variation that we should know is that due to time: patients complete a PROM at different time points, e.g. before and after treatment, and we want to be sure that change in scores reflect real changes and not random or systematic variation over time. This is studied in a test-retest reliability study [8]. Other sources of variation may be important for other types of instruments, such as clinician-reported outcome measurement instruments (ClinROMs) (including e.g. readings based on imaging modalities and ratings based on observations); performance-based outcome measurement instruments (PerFOMs); and biomarker outcomes – also called laboratory values [9, 10]. These measurement instruments are typically more complex as more sources of variation can potentially influence the scores. More sources of variation complicate the design, analysis, and reporting of studies on reliability and measurement error. Depending on which sources of variation are considered, different research questions can be investigated. For example, intra-rater reliability is assessed when it is studied whether the measurement results differ when they are assessed more than once by the same rater; inter-rater reliability is assessed when it is studied whether the measurement results differ when they are assessed by different raters; more complex designs can assess whether measurement results differ when they are assessed more than once by different raters at different time points, or with different equipment, etc. Also, different research questions can be investigated depending on what part of the measurement instrument (or measurement procedure) is repeated in the reliability study: i.e. a different research question is studied when the whole measurement procedure is repeated or when only a part of the measurement procedure (e.g. only the interpretation of images) is repeated.
High quality studies on measurement error and reliability are needed to get insight in the influence of different sources of variation on measurements and scores. To evaluate the quality of studies on reliability and measurement error is a challenging task. We previously developed the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist to assess the quality of studies on measurement properties of PROMs [11] (updated in 2018 [12], see also [13]). The COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist includes standards on design requirements and preferred statistical methods organized in boxes per measurement property.
In this study, we aimed to extend the COSMIN standards to assess the quality of studies on reliability and measurement error of ClinROMs, PerFOMs and laboratory values used in health care and research. More specifically, we aimed to develop a new COSMIN Risk of Bias tool to transparently and systematically determine (1) how the results of a study on reliability or measurement error can inform us about the quality of these types of outcome measurement instruments used in health care and research, and (2) whether we can trust the result obtained in the study through an assessment of its risk of bias. The target user of the Risk of Bias tool is a clinician or researcher who may or may not be familiar with all aspects of reliability, and who needs to understand reliability studies to select outcome measurement instruments. To develop the tool, we conducted a Delphi study to reach consensus among a group of international researchers with expertise on reliability and measurement error studies. A Delphi study is a method to structure discussion and come to consensus in opinion among a group of experts, by means of a series of surveys [14]. This is especially useful when issues cannot be empirically studied. In addition, by performing an online study, experts from around the world were able to participate.
Design of the study
This Delphi study consisted of three online survey rounds. In each round, we asked panelists to rate their agreement with each of a set of proposals. In addition, we asked reasons for each rating, to better understand the opinions of panelist and improve proposals in the next round. Responses were analyzed anonymously, and all responses were included in a separate feedback report per round (all documents are available at https://osf.io/6fnw3). We used Survalyzer (Survalyzer AG, Utrecht, the Netherlands) to create and disseminate the surveys.
Preparation of the Delphi study
The proposals were based on a literature search and are in line with current COSMIN terminology and the Risk of Bias checklist for PROMs [12, 15]. We searched for systematic reviews on the measurement properties of ClinROMs, PerFOMs or laboratory values in the COSMIN database of systematic reviews on outcome measurement instruments (https://database.cosmin.nl/). This database contains systematic reviews published in PubMed and EMBASE on the quality of outcome measurement instruments on any health aspect (for the search strategy, see the manual of the COSMIN database available at https://cosmin.nl). The database was up-to-date until March 2016 when we selected reviews on the specified types of outcome measurement instruments to inform and inspire us for this Delphi study. From each review we extracted any standard that was used to assess the quality of the design or the appropriateness of statistical methods used of the included studies on reliability or measurement error in the review. All these standards were ordered and merged when possible. This overview was used as input into the Delphi study. The questionnaire for each round was written by one of the authors (LB) and carefully discussed within a subgroup of the steering committee (LB, CB, HdV, and MB), in consultation with others (see acknowledgment), and checked and approved by the whole steering committee (all authors).
We aimed to include persons with expertise in complex studies on reliability and measurement error of outcome measurement instruments used in any medical field. We searched in PubMed and EMBASE for (co-) authors who published at least 4 studies applying generalizability theory, as complex reliability and measurement error studies often need to use generalizability (G-) coefficients (which are extended Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs)) [3, 16]. In collaboration with a clinical librarian we developed search strings for PUBMED and EMBASE using terms about Generalizability theory and source of variance to identify these authors (Additional file 1). In addition, we invited authors of methodological publications on reliability and measurement error, and representatives of scientific organizations focusing on improving outcome selection such as the International Society of Quality of Life Research (ISOQOL - specifically via the ISOQOL psychometrics Special Interest Group), the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative, and Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT). We invited people from various health care fields and countries.
Based on our experience, we anticipated that at the most 50% of the invited persons would participate in at least one round. Therefore, we invited approximately 150 people to ensure saturation in arguments.
Content of the rounds
In round 1 (see Fig. 1), we discussed the different components of outcome measurement instruments as potential sources of variation in a reliability study. Also, we discussed elements that together make up an optimally comprehensive research question, and how to construe the research question if it is not clearly formulated in the publication.
Content of the Delphi study
In round 2 we aimed to reach consensus on the issues left from round 1 based on previous ratings and feedback. Based on the comments in round 1 we decided to make a separate set of components for measurement instruments of biological samples (i.e. laboratory values), and a set for other measurement instruments (i.e. ClinROMs and PerFOMs). We also proposed standards on design requirements and preferred statistical methods.
In round 3 we aimed to reach final consensus. Issues without consensus after round 3 were resolved by the steering committee.
In the Risk of Bias tool, each standard will be scored on a four-point rating system (i.e. ‘very good’, ‘adequate’, ‘doubtful’, or ‘inadequate’) in line with the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist for PROMs [12]. In general, a standard is rated as ‘very good’ when there is evidence that the standard is met, or when a preferred method was optimally used; ‘adequate’ when it is assumable that the standard is met, or when the preferred method was used, but it was not optimally applied; ‘doubtful’ when it is unclear whether or not the standard is met or unclear if a preferred method was used; and ‘inadequate’ when there is evidence provided that the standard is not met or when the preferred method was not used. Decided a priori by the steering committee, we only discussed ratings for what constitutes very good, adequate, doubtful or inadequate preferred statistical methods. The ratings for what constitutes very good, adequate, doubtful or inadequate design requirements were not discussed, as these were adopted from the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist for assessing studies on measurement properties of PROMs [12]. In every COSMIN box a standard about ‘other methodological flaws’ is included by default. In this tool, we also included this standard, without discussing it.
Agreement was rated on a five-point Likert scale (i.e. strongly disagree to strongly agree, with ‘no opinion’ in the middle). In addition, a response option ‘no expertise’ was added to each question. Consensus was reached when at least 67% of the panelists agreed or strongly agreed with a proposal (the same criterion as used in previous COSMIN Delphi studies [15, 17]) – panelist who scored ‘no expertise’ were not taken into account in the calculation for consensus for the specific item. We chose this criterion as it indicated that a substantial part of the panelists agreed to a proposal, whilst retaining room for panelists with dissenting views. If less than 67% agreement was reached on a proposal, it returned in the next round, with pro and contra arguments of panelists, and an alternative proposal. LM read all arguments and made the summary of arguments, all arguments were provided in the feedback reports and sent to all panelists and the steering committee members. Promising proposals for improvement were also posted in the next round even if consensus had been reached. When no consensus had been reached after three rounds, a steering committee – consisting of all authors or this article - made the final decision. The steering committee was also responsible for the selection of potential panelists, the content of each round and each feedback report, the analyses of responses, and the reporting of the study. The steering committee members did not act as panelist.
Based on all consensus and decisions, the steering committee developed the ‘COSMIN Risk of Bias tool to assess the quality of studies on reliability or measurement error of outcome measurement instruments’ and the ‘COSMIN Risk of Bias tool to assess the quality of a study on reliability or measurement error of outcome measurement instruments – User manual’, avaliable at https://cosmin.nl.
We invited 161 panelists to participate in round 1 and 2, of which 52 people (32%) (at least partly) responded to either round 1 or round 2. Forty-five (87%) invited panelists completed round 1 (and three people partially completed this round), and 41 (79%) invited panelists completed round 2 (another five partially). Round 3 was only sent to the 58 panelists who at least opened the link to any of the previous rounds; 52 of them participated in round 1 or round 2, and six panelists opened round 1 or 2, but did not respond to any proposal; 39 (75%) of the 58 invited panelists completed the third round. Thirty-six panelists (69%) completed all three rounds, 10 (19%) completed two rounds, and 6 (12%) completed one round. See Table 1 for descriptive information on the 52 panelists who participated.
Table 1 Descriptive information of the panelists (n = 52)
Preparatory input to the Delphi study
In the COSMIN database of systematic reviews of outcome measurement instruments 174 reviews were found that included ClinROMs, PerFOMs or laboratory values. Of these, 103 reviews described standards on any measurement property to assess the quality of the study design or the statistical methods used, of which 30 of these reviews provided standards specifically for reliability and measurement error studies (see Additional file 1). Through references in these reviews, we found three methodological papers describing a relevant checklist or guideline [18,19,20], one extraction form [21], and one additional systematic review [22]. All standards from this literature were used as input in our Delphi study. Important themes included in these standards were the standardization of the application of the instrument (e.g. instructions about specific equipment and settings that should be used, the environment, the professionals involved (e.g. training), etc.), independency and blinding, stability of patients, time interval, and statistical methods. We tested these items on three published studies in which generalizability theory was applied [23,24,25], and subsequently we realized that the research questions in these papers were not specific enough to assess whether the chosen design and statistical models were appropriate. Based on these experiences we felt the need to disentangle steps in the process of assessing the quality of a study on reliability or measurement error, into (1) understanding how exactly results of a study informed us about the quality of an instrument, and (2) assessing the quality of the study. As a basic foundation to elaborate these two steps, we decided to first identify all general components (i.e. potential sources of variation) of a measurement instrument.
Components of outcome measurement instruments
In round 1 we started with a list of components of outcome measurement instruments that can be considered potential sources of variation that can influence the score on the measurement instrument. Based on panelists’ suggestions and comments, in round 2 the steering committee decided to propose two sets of components, one for outcome measurement instruments that involve biological sampling (i.e. blood or urine tests, tissue biopsy), and one for those that do not (i.e. ClinROMs and PerFOMs). This was proposed because the words ‘data’ and ‘score’ that we proposed to use for specific components were not considered appropriate for laboratory values. We reached consensus to use the words ‘biological sample’ and ‘value’, respectively, for outcome measurement instruments that involve biological sampling. Except for one, we reached consensus on all terms for the components and their elaboration (see Tables 2 and 3 and Additional file 1 for an elaboration). For the remaining issue, the steering committee decided to use the term ‘determination of the value of the biological sample’ over its alternative ‘actual measurement of the value of the biological sample’.
Table 2 Consensus of components of outcome measurement instruments that do not involve biological sampling
Table 3 Consensus on components of outcome measurement instruments that involve biological sampling
Elements of a comprehensive research question
In order to understand how exactly the result of a reliability study informs us on the quality of the measurement instrument under study, in round 1 we agreed on 7 elements that can be disentangled from the described design of the study and together form a comprehensive research question (Table 4). In round 2 we proposed an alternative wording for element 4 (see Additional file 1). As a result, agreement on this element increased from 70 to 86%.
Table 4 Elements of a comprehensive research question of a study on reliability or measurement error
Standards on design requirements of studies on reliability and measurement error
To assess reliability or measurement error of an outcome measurement instrument repeated measurements in stable patients are required. The design of a study assessing any of the two measurement properties is the same, i.e. the same data can be used for estimating reliability and measurement error. Only different statistical parameters are applied to the same data to express both measurement properties.
In round 2 we reached consensus on five standards on design requirements, referring to stable patients, appropriate time interval, similar measurement conditions, and independent measurements and scoring (Table 5). Alternative wordings for the standards 4 and 5 increased consensus for these standards from 73 and 78%, respectively, to 92% in round 3.
Table 5 Standards for design requirements of studies on reliability or measurement error
Standards on preferred statistical methods of studies on reliability
We reached consensus on three standards (Table 6) on preferred statistical methods to assess reliability of outcome measures that have continuous, ordinal and dichotomous/nominal scores, respectively, and how these standards should be rated. Preferred statistical methods are ICCs and (weighted) Kappa. Based on suggestions by the panelists, we asked in round 3 whether we should add that when the data was non-normally distributed standard 7 for continuous scores should be rated as inadequate – for which we did not reach consensus (i.e. 54%) and this proposal was therefore not included in the standard. The most important issue was the relatively low degree of consensus on the kappa statistic as a preferred statistical methods to assess reliability of ordinal scores (standard 8 for reliability): 67% agreed in round 2 that weighted kappa was the preferred statistical method to assess reliability for ordinal scores (standards 8 for reliability), and 56% agreed in round 2 that kappa was the preferred statistical methods to assess reliability for dichotomous/nominal scores (standard 9). Issues raised included the difficulty in interpreting a kappa value, and the dependence on the prevalence of a specific outcome (i.e. the heterogeneity of the sample). Panelists recommended reporting the marginals, as well as the percentage specific agreement. However, specific agreement is considered to be a parameter of measurement error (agreement), and therefore cannot be proposed as a preferred statistical method to assess reliability. In round 3 we again proposed the (weighted) kappa as the preferred statistical method to assess reliability of ordinal scores, while acknowledging that reliability is less informative than measurement error (standard 8 for reliability), and for dichotomous/nominal scores kappa was proposed calculated for each category against the other categories combined (standard 9 for reliability). The percentage consensus for standards 8 and 9 for reliability increased up to 73 and 71%, respectively.
Table 6 Consensus reached on standards for preferred statistical methods for reliability
We did not reach consensus on what is considered an adequate method to assess reliability of ordinal scores (standard 8 for reliability). In round 2 60% of the panelists agreed or strongly agreed to the proposal to rate the standard as ‘adequate’ when in a study ‘the weighted kappa was calculated, but the weighting scheme was not described’. In round 3 we proposed to rate the standard as ‘adequate’ when ‘the kappa is calculated, but weighting scheme is not described or does not optimally match the reviewer constructed research question’. This proposal was in line with the proposal for the preferred statistical method to assess reliability of continuous scores. Only 54% agreed or strongly agreed to this proposal. In round 2 62% consensus was reached on the proposal to rate a study using the unweighted kappa statistic for ordinal scores as ‘doubtful’, while in round 3 only 49% (strongly) agreed to rate a study as ‘adequate’ when the unweighted kappa statistic was used. Panelists argued that the weighted kappa is mathematically the same as the ICC. After round 3, we further discussed this issue within the steering committee, and decided to keep it as suggested in round 3 (Table 6) to be in line with the standard for continuous scores.
Standards on preferred statistical methods of studies on measurement error
We reached consensus on two standards on preferred statistical methods to assess measurement error (Table 7). For continuous scores (standard 7 for measurement error) we reached consensus that the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), Smallest Detectable Change (SDC), Limits of Agreement (LoA) or Coefficient of Variation (CV) were the preferred statistical methods, and for ordinal/dichotomous/nominal scores (standard 8 for measurement error) the percentage specific (e.g. positive and negative) agreement was preferred (see Table 7). In round 3 we agreed on an alternative wording for the responses of the four-point rating system of the standard for continuous scores, to be in line with the proposed wording for the standard on reliability for continuous scores.
Table 7 Consensus reached on standards for preferred statistical methods for measurement error (agreement)
Sometimes Cronbach’s alpha instead of the ICC is used to calculate the measurement error with the formula \( SEM={\sigma}_y\sqrt{\Big(1}- ICC\Big) \), where σy represents the standard deviation (SD) of the sample [26]. The panelists agreed this method is inadequate, because it is based on one full-scale measurement where items are considered as the repeated measurements, instead of at least two full-scale measurements using the total score in the calculation of the SEM. Moreover, Cronbach’s alpha is sometimes used inadequately, because it is calculated for a scale that is not unidimensional, or based on a formative model. In such cases the Cronbach’s alpha cannot be interpreted. Some panelists argued that this method of SEM calculation was better than nothing. With the explanation that a rating of ‘inadequate’ means that the SEM resulting from such a study can still be used, but the results are less trustworthy, 72% agreed to rate ‘a SEM calculated based on Cronbach’s alpha, or using SD from another population’ as ‘inadequate’.
In round 2 we reached 53% consensus to consider the Coefficient of Variation (CV) as the preferred statistical method to assess measurement error for scales with proportion or percentage scores. Several panelists pointed out that the CV is also frequently used for continuous scores, specifically for laboratory values. Therefore, we proposed that the CV is also an appropriate statistical method for continuous scores on measurement error (add it to standard 7 for measurement error), and reached 73% consensus.
Term for ‘research question’
One final issue remained without consensus. In general, the statistical methods should match the research question and study design. We proposed to state that the statistical methods should match the ‘retrospectively formulated research question’ (round 2) or the ‘reviewer constructed research question’ (round 3). However, some panelists considered the term ‘retrospectively’ unclear and inappropriate as it could be interpreted that the research question was defined afterwards (while we meant that it was comprehensively formulated afterwards). The term ‘reviewer constructed research question’ was also considered unclear, as it was not very clear to whom ‘reviewer’ referred to (i.e. the one who is using the Risk of Bias tool and reviews a study). The steering committee finally decided to use the term ‘study design’ instead, and to state in the standards that the statistical methods should match the ‘study design’.
We developed a consensus-based ‘COSMIN Risk of Bias tool to assess the quality of studies on reliability and measurement error of outcome measurement instruments’, specifically ClinROMs, PerFOMs, and laboratory values, that are used in health care and research. It comprises two parts: (1) seven elements that make up a comprehensive research question of the study, which informs us on the quality of the outcome measurement instrument under study, and (2) standards on design requirements (n = 5) and preferred statistical methods of studies on reliability (n = 3) and measurement error (n = 2), which can be used to assess the quality of the study. The tool allows transparent and systematic determination of the quality of a study on reliability or measurement error. It guides assessment of the risk of bias, i.e. the level of trust we can place in the results, and whether the estimated parameter in the study is not systematically over- or underestimated. More information on the tool can be found in the user manual available on the website https://cosmin.nl.
The COSMIN Risk of Bias tool to assess the quality of a study on reliability or measurement error can be used, for example, in a systematic review of outcome measurement instruments. The COSMIN methodology for conducting systematic reviews of outcome measurement instruments [27] was developed specifically for PROMs. In general, this methodology can also be used for conducting systematic reviews of other types of outcome measurement instruments, incorporating the new Risk of Bias tool for studies on reliability or measurement error. Guidelines for how to incorporate it are described in the user manual.
The new tool was developed specifically for ClinROMs, PerFOMs, and laboratory values. This tool can also be used to assess the quality of studies on reliability or measurement error of PROMs or observer-reported outcome measures (ObsROMs), for example if it is used in a systematic review in which different types outcome measurement instruments are included. However, for the latter types of instruments the tool may seem unnecessarily complex. The first step in the tool (i.e. understanding how the results inform us on the quality of the measurement instrument under study) is often obvious, as the aim of reliability studies of PROMs and ObsROMs is most often to assess test-retest reliability or measurement error of the whole measurement instrument. The second step in the tool (assessing the quality of the study using the standards) will lead to the same rating compared to using the standards of the Risk of Bias checklist for PROMs. The first three standards on design requirements in both tools are the same. The standards 4 and 5 (i.e. about administrating the measurement and assigning scores without knowledge on other repeated measurements, respectively) that are included in the new Risk of Bias tool are usually not applicable to PROMs and ObsROMs, except when the aim is to assess whether the involvement of different proxies (e.g. the mother versus the father) influenced the score. However, this issue can also be taken into account in standard 3 of the Risk of Bias checklist for PROMs on the similarity of test conditions, or in standard 6 (additional flaws) in case the COSMIN checklist for PROMs is used. The response options for standards on preferred statistical methods in the new tool are somewhat differently formulated, but will lead to the same rating.
Comparison with existing literature
It was our aim to develop a risk of bias tool, not a study design checklist, nor a reporting guideline. Therefore, we did not include standards referring to the relevance or generalizability of the study results. For example, we did not include standards about choices regarding the inclusion of patients or professionals (e.g. well-trained), or how the measurement procedure was carried out. In other existing checklists such standards were included. For example, the first item in the Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies (QAREL) checklist [20] is ‘Was the test evaluated in a sample of subjects who were representative of those to whom the authors intended the results to be applied?’. This refers to the generalizability of the results, but it does not refer to the quality of the study.
Other checklists have a different scope. The Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies (GRASS) are reporting guidelines [19], and therefore include items referring to the relevance and the generalizability of the study. For example items about the description of the patient population and rater population are included. The QAREL checklist [20] and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) [18] are checklists to assess the quality of studies on accuracy of diagnostic tests, while the COSMIN Risk of Bias tool focusses on outcome measurement instruments.
Strength & Limitations
The strength of our study was that we focused on the arguments instead of solely on the percentage consensus reached on proposals. We valued the comments and arguments provided by the panelists highly. After each rating on each proposal we asked panelists to provide their arguments. Also, we gave the opportunity to comment on the proposals or the study in general in each round. The arguments enabled us to make better proposals in the next round. For example, we improved the formulations of standard 4 on design requirements, where we proposed to ask whether ‘professionals independently administer the repeated measurement’. Based on suggestions by panelists we changed it into whether ‘professionals administered the measurements without knowledge of the scores of other repeated measurements’. Even when we reached consensus (i.e. 67% or more of the panelists agreed or strongly agreed to a proposal) we occasionally made an alternative proposal in the next round, if valid arguments were provided which led to a better proposal. In addition, we think that panelists can better participate in the discussion when summaries of pro and contra arguments are provided. All comments were thoroughly read by one of the authors (LM), and part of them were read by one or more of the other co-authors. In addition to a full feedback report, a summary of the arguments per proposal was also given in the next round, when necessary.
There were three issues on which no consensus was achieved after three rounds, which were on the terms ‘determination of the value of the sample’, and ‘reviewer constructed research question’, and on the most adequate rating for the standard on reliability for ordinal scores. We discussed these issues in the steering committee by means of a similar approach as we did in the Delphi study. LM summarized all arguments per issue, and asked the other steering committee members to rate their agreement or preference on the proposals for these three issues and provide arguments. We think that because we received a number of arguments to facilitate our choice, we were in line with the opinions of the panelists.
The response rate of potential panelists actually participating to our study was lower than of previous COSMIN studies: 45/161 (28%) participated in round 1 in this study, while in the COSMIN Delphi study to develop the taxonomy and original Risk of Bias checklist 42/91 (46%) participated in round 1 [15] and in the COSMIN Delphi study for content validity 158/340 (46%) participated in the first round [17]. The lower response rate could to be due to the fact that in round 1 we started with a survey asking questions about the components of outcome measurement instruments, and therefore, people with a methodological background might be put off to participate to this Delphi study. As we don’t know how much expertise panelists had with the different types of outcome measurement instruments, this could have influenced in the results of the consensus on the components of measurement instruments. Also, we asked people an hour of their time per round. This might have prevented people from participating to this study. However, we received around 40 responses in each round, reached consensus within the panel on most standards and harvested many useful remarks and comments. Next, six of the 52 participating panelists responded to one round only. By personal email contact, three of them indicated that they couldn’t participate to a round due to time restrictions, and one was with maternity leave after round 1.
In this study, we focused on ‘preferred statistical methods’, referring to methods that are appropriate for evaluating reliability or measurement error of outcome measurement instruments and are commonly used in the literature. Other methods may be appropriate as well (for example bi-factor models [28] or Multi-Trait Multi-Method (MTMM) analyses [29], or newly developed methods). It was not our intention to comprehensively describe all possible statistical methods. When these methods become common practice, the standards for statistics possibly need adaptation to accommodate newer methods.
In some of the standards on preferred statistical methods it is stated that the ICC model or formula should match the study design and the data (e.g. standards 7 for reliability and for measurement error). Statistical knowledge is required to answer this question, especially in complex situations. Text books e.g. [2, 3], or methodological papers e.g. [16, 30, 31] on ICC or Generalizability theory are available. However, these are often written in the context of psychology and education, and require extensive statistical knowledge. More accessible papers would increase the understanding and facilitate the choice for the appropriate ICC model.
The COSMIN Risk of Bias tool to assess the quality of a study on reliability or measurement error aims to enable clinicians or researchers who may or may not be familiar with all aspects of reliability to assess the quality of these studies in a systematic and transparent way, for example in the context of a systematic reviews on outcome measurement instruments. Furthermore, the consensus we reached on the construction of a comprehensive research question can facilitate future researchers to better report their research question in studies on reliability or measurement error.
The rounds and feedback reports generated during the current study are available in the OSF.io repository, see https://osf.io/6fnw3/.
ClinROMs:
Clinician-reported outcome measurement instruments
COMET:
Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials
COSMIN:
COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments
Coefficient of Variation
G–coefficients:
Generalizability (G) –coefficients
GRASS:
Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies
ICC:
Intraclass Correlation Coefficient
ISOQOL:
International Society of Quality of Life Research
ISPOR:
The International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research
Limits of Agreement
MTMM:
Multi-Trait Multi-Method
MSFC:
Multiple Sclorosis Functional Composite (MSFC)
NHPT:
Nine Hole Peg test (NHPT
OMERACT:
Outcome Measures in Rheumatology
PROM:
Patient-reported outcome measure
PerFOMs:
Performance-based outcome measurement instrument
SDC:
Smallest Detectable Change
SEM:
Standard Error of Measurement
ObsROM:
Observer-reported outcome measure
QAREL:
Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies
QUADAS:
Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies
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Powers JH 3rd, et al. Clinician-reported outcome assessments of treatment benefit: report of the ISPOR clinical outcome assessment emerging good practices task force. Value Health. 2017;20(1):2–14.
Mokkink LB, et al. The COSMIN checklist for assessing the methodological quality of studies on measurement properties of health status measurement instruments: an international Delphi study. Qual Life Res. 2010;19(4):539–49.
Mokkink LB, et al. COSMIN risk of Bias checklist for systematic reviews of patient-reported outcome measures. Qual Life Res. 2018;27(5):1171–9.
COSMIN website. Available from: http://www.cosmin.nl/.
Powell C. The Delphi technique: myths and realities. J Adv Nurs. 2003;41(4):376–82.
Mokkink LB, et al. The COSMIN study reached international consensus on taxonomy, terminology, and definitions of measurement properties for health-related patient-reported outcomes. J Clin Epidemiol. 2010;63(7):737–45.
Bloch R, Norman G. Generalizability theory for the perplexed: a practical introduction and guide: AMEE guide no. 68. Med Teach. 2012;34(11):960–92.
Terwee CB, et al. COSMIN methodology for evaluating the content validity of patient-reported outcome measures: a Delphi study. Qual Life Res. 2018;27(5):1159–70.
Whiting PF, et al. QUADAS-2: a revised tool for the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies. Ann Intern Med. 2011;155(8):529–36.
Kottner J, et al. Guidelines for reporting reliability and agreement studies (GRRAS) were proposed. J Clin Epidemiol. 2011;64(1):96–106.
Lucas NP, et al. The development of a quality appraisal tool for studies of diagnostic reliability (QAREL). J Clin Epidemiol. 2010;63(8):854–61.
CANCHILD Centre for disability research, I.o.a.h.s., McMaster University. Outcome measures rating form guideline. 2004[31/8/2017]; Available from: https://www.canchild.ca/system/tenon/assets/attachments/000/000/372/original/measrate.pdf?license=yes.
Audige L, Bhandari M, Kellam J. How reliable are reliability studies of fracture classifications? A systematic review of their methodologies. Acta Orthop Scand. 2004;75(2):184–94.
D’Agostino M, et al. How to evaluate and improve the reliability of power Doppler ultrasonography for assessing enthesitis in spondylarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(1):61–9.
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Miles A, Hunting A. Development, intra- and inter-rater reliability of the New Zealand secretion scale (NZSS). Int J Speech Lang Pathol. 2019;21(4):377–84.
De Vet HCW, Terwee CB, Mokkink LB, Knol DL. Measurement in medicine: a practical guide. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2011.
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McGraw KO, Wong SP. Forming inferences about some intraclass correlation coefficients. Psychol Methods. 1996;1:30–46.
We are very grateful to all the panelists of this study, who provided us with many helpful and critical comments and arguments (in alphabetical order): M.A. D’Agostino, Dorcas Beaton, Sophie van Belle, Sandra Beurskens, Kristie Bjornson, Jan Boehnke, Patrick Bossuyt, Don Bushnell, Stefan Cano, Saskia le Cessie, Alessandro Chiarotto, Mike Clark, Jon Deeks, Iris Eekhout, Jim Farnsworth II, Oke Gerke, Sabine Goldhahn, Robert M. Gow, Philip Griffiths, Cristian Gugiu, Jean-Benoit Hardouin, Désirée van der Heijde, I-Chan Huang, Ellen Janssen, Brian Jolly, Lars Konge, Jan Kottner, Brittany Lapin, Hanneke van der Lee, Mariska Leeflang, Nancy Mayo, Sue Mallett, Joy C. MacDermid, Geert Molenberghs, Holger Muehlan, Koen Neijenhuijs, Raymond Ostelo, Laura Quinn, Dennis Revicki, Jussi Repo, Johannes B. Reitsma, Anne W. Rutjes, Mohsen Sadatsafavi, David Streiner, Matthew Stephenson, Berend Terluin, Zyphanie Tyack, Werner Vach, Gemma Vilagut Saiz, Marc K. Walton, Matthijs Warrens, Daniel Yee Tak Fong.
I am grateful to Charlotte Teunissen, Femke Rutters, Sandra Amor and Erik Nutma all working at the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, for their time to teach me about laboratory and imaging tests.
We would like to thank Ilse Jansma for her help to develop the search strings for PubMed, and EMBASE.
This Delphi study was funded by ZonMw (The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development) (grant number 916.176.098).
This work is part of the research programme Veni (received by LM) with project number 91617098, funded by ZonMw (The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development). The funding body has no role in the study design, the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data or in the writing of this manuscript.
Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
L. B. Mokkink, M. Boers, L. M. Bouter, H. C. W. de Vet & C. B. Terwee
Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
M. Boers
Department of Educational Development and Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, School of Health Professions Education, Maastricht, The Netherlands
C. P. M. van der Vleuten
Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
L. M. Bouter
Health Services Research Unit, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP); Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
J. Alonso
Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
D. L. Patrick
L. B. Mokkink
H. C. W. de Vet
C. B. Terwee
LM, MB, CvdV, LB, JA, DP, HdV and CT were involved in the design of the study and in the invitation of the panelists. LM prepared the survey rounds, the feedback reports, and draft of the tool; LM, MB, CT analyzed the rounds. LM, MB, CvdV, LB, JA, DP, HdV and CT contributed to the discussion of the findings. LM, MB, CvdV, LB, JA, DP, HdV and CT read, revised and approved each round. LM, MB and CT prepared the manuscript. LM, MB, CvdV, LB, JA, DP, HdV and CT have read, revised and approved the manuscript.
Correspondence to L. B. Mokkink.
The Institutional Review Board of the Amsterdam University Medical Centers (location VUmc), confirmed that for this project the requirements of the Dutch Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act (Wet medische-wetenschappelijke onderzoek met mensen) do not apply, so their ethical review is not required.
Participants were provided with an information email, prior to commencing the survey. We assumed informed consent when participants took part in the survey. We asked permission to acknowledge the panelists.
We have permission from all acknowledged people to publish their name.
LM, HdV, LB, JA, DP and CT are the developers of the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist for patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) [12] and the COSMIN guideline for conducting systematic reviews of PROMs [27].
Additional file 1: Appendix 1.
Search strategies for finding potential panelists. Appendix 2. References for systematic reviews on measurement instruments from the COSMIN database of systematic reviews of outcome measurement instruments. Appendix 3. Components of outcome measurement instruments that do not involve biological sampling. Appendix 4. Components of outcome measurement instruments that involve biological sampling. Appendix 5. Formulation for element 4 of a comprehensive research question as proposed in round 1 and 2.
Mokkink, L.B., Boers, M., van der Vleuten, C.P.M. et al. COSMIN Risk of Bias tool to assess the quality of studies on reliability or measurement error of outcome measurement instruments: a Delphi study. BMC Med Res Methodol 20, 293 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-020-01179-5
Received: 08 July 2020
Risk of Bias
Delphi study
Measurement error
Outcome measurement instruments
Data collection, quality, and reporting
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Information on how to enter and the prize form part of these Terms and Conditions. Participation in this competition is deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Entry is only open to residents of Australia who are aged 18 years or older.
Employees (and their immediate families) of the Promoter and agencies associated with this promotion are ineligible to enter. Immediate family means any of the following: spouse, ex-spouse, de-facto spouse, child or step-child (whether natural or by adoption), parent, step-parent, grandparent, step-grandparent, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, brother, sister, step-brother, step-sister or 1st
The competition opens at 12:00:01AM AEST 3 August 2020 and closes at 11:59:59PM AEST 29 September 2020 (“Promotional Period”). After this date, no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
To enter, individuals must make sure we have a compatible product for their vehicle (https://bocar.com.au/bull-bars/steel/), like the Promoter’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BocarAuto/) and subscribe to the Promoter’s mailing list at https://www.bocar.com.au/subscribe, follow the prompts on the mailing list subscription page, input the requested details in the form, including: first name, last name, email, post code and vehicle. Only one (1) Entry is permitted per person.
Incomplete or indecipherable Entries will be deemed invalid.
The Promoter reserves the right, at any time, to verify the validity of Entries and entrants (including an entrant’s identity, age and place of residence) and reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who the Promoter has reason to believe has breached any of these Terms and Conditions, tampered with the entry process or engaged in any unlawful or other improper misconduct calculated to jeopardize fair and proper conduct of the promotion. Errors and omissions may be accepted at the Promoter's discretion. Failure by the Promoter to enforce any of its rights at any stage does not constitute a waiver of those rights. The Promoter's legal rights to recover damages or other compensation from such an offender are reserved.
If there is a dispute as to the identity of an entrant, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to determine the identity of the entrant.
The draw will take place at the Promoter’s office, 17 Johnstone Rd, Brendale, Queensland on 30 September 2020 at 2pm The Promoter may draw additional reserve entries and record them in order in case an invalid entry or ineligible entrant is drawn. The winners will be notified in writing or via telephone within two (2) business days of the draw.
The first valid entry drawn will win the prize of a genuine steel Bocar bull bar valued at RRP $1,499 and does not include fitting to the winner’s vehicle. The winner must have the prize fitted to his/her vehicle at a Flexiglass Branch, Aeroklas Fitting Centre or authorised distributor, at the winner’s cost.
The prize is as stated, and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prize is not transferable or exchangeable.
The Promoter will notify the winner when and where the prize will be available at the closest Flexiglass Branch, Aeroklas Fitting Centre or authorised distributor to the winner. The prize does not include home delivery.
If for any reason the winner does not take/redeem the prize and have the prize fitted on the winner’s vehicle by 31 December 2020, then the prize will be forfeited.
If the prize is unavailable, the Promoter, in its discretion, reserves the right to substitute the prize with a prize to the equal value and/or specification.
A draw for any unclaimed prizes may take place on 15 January 2020 at the same time and place as the original draw, subject to any directions from a regulatory authority. Winner (if any) will be notified in writing within two (2) business days of the draw.
Entrants consent to the Promoter using their name, likeness, image and/or voice in the event that they are a winner (including photograph, film and/or recording of the same) in any media for an unlimited period without remuneration for the purpose of promoting this promotion (including any outcome), and promoting any products manufactured, distributed and/or supplied by the Promoter.
If this promotion is interfered with in any way or is not capable of being conducted as reasonably anticipated due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter, including but not limited to technical difficulties, unauthorised intervention or fraud, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to the fullest extent permitted by law (a) to disqualify any entrant; or (b) to modify, suspend, terminate or cancel the promotion, as appropriate.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits, excludes or modifies or purports to limit, exclude or modify the statutory consumer guarantees as provided under the Competition and Consumer Act (Cth), as well as any other implied warranties under the ASIC Act (Cth) or similar consumer protection laws in the States and Territories of Australia (“Non-Excludable Guarantees”). Except for any liability that cannot by law be excluded, including the Non-Excludable Guarantees, the Promoter (including its respective officers, employees and agents) excludes all liability (including negligence), for any personal injury; or any loss or damage (including loss of opportunity); whether direct, indirect, special or consequential, arising in any way out of the promotion.
Except for any liability that cannot by law be excluded, including the Non-Excludable Guarantees, the Promoter (including its respective officers, employees and agents) is not responsible for and excludes all liability (including negligence), for any personal injury; or any loss or damage (including loss of opportunity); whether direct, indirect, special or consequential, arising in any way out of: (a) any technical difficulties or equipment malfunction (whether or not under the Promoter’s control); (b) any theft, unauthorised access or third party interference; (c) any entry or prize claim that is late, lost, altered, damaged or misdirected (whether or not after their receipt by the Promoter) due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter; (d) any variation in prize value to that stated in these Terms and Conditions; (e) any tax liability incurred by a winner or entrant; or (f) use of the prize.
The Promoter collects personal information ("PI") in order to conduct the promotion and may, for this purpose, disclose such PI to third parties, including but not limited to agents, contractors, service providers, prize suppliers and, as required, to Australian regulatory authorities. Entry is conditional on providing this PI and the entrant agreeing to join the Promoter’s mailing list and receive promotional material, deals and offers, be retargeted and for the entrant’s data to be shared within the Aeroklas Australia group for those purposes. The Promoter will also use and handle PI as set out in its Privacy Policy, which can be viewed at https://bocar.com.au/privacy-policy.
In addition to any use that may be outlined in the Promoter’s Privacy Policy, the Promoter and its related companies in the Aeroklas Australia group may, for an indefinite period, unless otherwise advised, use the PI for promotional, marketing, publicity, research and profiling purposes, including sending electronic messages or telephoning the entrant. The Privacy Policy also contains information about how entrants may opt out, access, update or correct their PI, how entrants may complain about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles or any other applicable law and how those complaints will be dealt with. All entries become the property of the Promoter. The Promoter will not disclose PI to any entity outside of Australia.
Any questions, comments or complaints about this promotion must be directed to the Promoter (Attention: Group Legal Counsel).
The Promoter is Aeroklas Australia Pty Ltd, ABN 66 149 775 628 , 17 Johnstone Rd, Brendale, Queensland.
Published at: 02-08-2020
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2020 Isuzu D-MAX Alloy Ute Tray
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Extended alloy tool box range
Make Ford Toyota Holden Isuzu Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mitsubishi Nissan Volkswagen Model Cab
Ute trays - Alloy Deluxe
Ute trays - Alloy Ultimate
Bull bars - Steel Stockade
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The Great Gatsby 13 Essay Research Paper
The Great Gatsby 13 Essay, Research Paper
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is an intriguing account about love, money and life during the 1920s in New York. The story begins when Nick Carraway, a young man, moves to New York from the Midwest to join the bond business. There, he soon becomes acquainted with his wealthy neighbor Jay Gatsby, and they become good friends. Gatsby confides in Nick and tells him that he is in love with Nick s cousin, the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. However, she is already married to the young and successful Tom Buchanan, who is unfaithful and has an affair with poor George Wilson s wife. Later, Nick arranges a meeting between Gatsby and Daisy and soon thereafter, they become involved in a love affair. It is revealed that many years ago, Gatsby and Daisy were in love, but Daisy would not marry him because he was rather poor. Gatsby, however, made his fortune and became determined to win Daisy s heart. Towards the end of the story, however, Tom finds out about Gatsby and Daisy s affair. One day, while they were all in New York City, he confronts Gatsby and Daisy and a heated argument ensues. That fateful night, returning to their homes on Long Island, Daisy, while driving Gatsby s car, accidentally runs over Tom s mistress, Myrtle Wilson. Her deranged husband George Wilson discovers that it was Gatsby s car that hit his wife; as a result, he seeks out Gatsby and kills him. Consequently, The Great Gatsby represents mankind s feebleness by illustrating its blind struggle to find acceptance within society, its materialism, and its naturally sinful disposition through the characterization of Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan, and Tom Buchanan.
First of all, the depiction of Nick Carraway represents humankind s desperate struggle to be accepted by society. Nick Carraway, although relatively new to New York, quickly attaches himself to Jay Gatsby. Nick reflects, At nine o clock, one morning late in July, Gatsby s gorgeous car lurched up the rocky drive to my door and gave out a burst of melody from its three-noted horn. It was the first time he had called on me, though I had gone to two of his parties, mounted in his hydroplane, and made frequent use of his beach (Ch. 4, pg. 63-4). Nick was quite lonesome after his move to New York. He had a decent job in the bond business and lived in a small bungalow. Basically the only acquaintances he had were the Buchanans and Jordan Baker, to an extent. It is not human nature to live a desolate and lonely life; humans are social animals. Therefore, Nick desperately needed company if he were to stay in New York. Once given the opportunity to make new acquaintances, normal human beings would grab such an opportunity and try to make the best possible impression of themselves upon others, and the best way to make a grand impression is to attach oneself to a prominent member of society, like Jay Gatsby. Nick, in order to maintain Gatsby s friendship, agrees to arrange a meeting between Daisy and Gatsby. Nick says to Gatsby, I talked with Miss Baker . I m going to call up Daisy tomorrow and invite her over here to tea (Ch. 5, pg. 82). Apparently blinded by his friendly relationship with Gatsby and by his effort to remain attached to him, Nick agrees to Gatsby s request and arranges a meeting between Gatsby and Daisy, which later becomes a fatal mistake. Nick failed to take into account the consequences of such a meeting and the tribulations that it may later cause. Fitzgerald points out that men are so consumed with trying to maintain their social stature and be accepted that they become blinded and tend to act irresponsibly.
Furthermore, Daisy Buchanan symbolizes mankind s affection towards materialistic things. Later in the story, Jordan Baker reveals that Tom Buchanan had bought Daisy a pearl necklace worth three hundred and fifty thousand dollars before their wedding. Jordan explains, June [Daisy] married Tom Buchanan of Chicago, with more pomp and circumstance than Louisville ever knew before. He came down with a hundred people in four private cars, and hired a whole floor of the Seelbach Hotel, and the day before the wedding he gave her a string of pearls valued at three hundred and fifty thousand dollars (Ch. 4, pg. 77). It appears that Tom had bought Daisy s love with an expensive piece of jewelry. Upon observing Gatsby s wealth, Daisy rushed blindly into his love. Men, consciously or not, try to put a value on everything; and therefore, people like to judge love and other intangible objects with their materialistic minds. For instance, love tends to be judged by wedding gifts and jewelry, whereas happiness usually is based upon wealth. The author uses Daisy to demonstrate how utterly common materialism is and how pathetic it can be. Several years prior to the time frame of the novel, Daisy had refused to love Gatsby on the basis that he was a poor young man, but after discovering how wealthy he had become; she immediately falls in love with Gatsby and his material possessions. Nick describes how Daisy reacts to Gatsby s wealth, With enchanting murmurs Daisy admired this aspect or that of the feudal silhouette against the sky, admired the gardens (Ch. 5, pg. 92). Daisy, forgetting about their past indifferences, falls in love with Gatsby, not knowing and not caring about what kind of person Jay Gatsby is, but about the incredible wealth of Jay Gatsby. Later in the novel, however, it is revealed that earlier, Gatsby was a poor young man; therefore, Daisy would not and could not love him. Fitzgerald writes, But he knew that he was in Daisy s house by a colossal accident. However glorious might be his future as Jay Gatsby, he was at present a penniless young man without a past, and at ant moment the invisible cloak of his uniform might slip from his shoulders (Ch. 8, pg. 149). The human mind is very easy to sway. Given facts or data, one can manipulate the minds of many. This is especially true for materialistic people, since all that is needed to control a materialistic mind is wealth. Gatsby s plan throughout the years was to gain enough wealth to capture Daisy s attention and love. This love, however, is what led to the downfall of both Daisy and Gatsby. The author Fitzgerald warns that materialistic minds are easy to alter and may lead to pain, anguish, and perhaps even death.
Finally, the character of Tom Buchanan symbolizes man s tendency towards sin. Although married to Daisy, Tom is unfaithful and has an affair with Myrtle Wilson. Tom says to Nick, We re getting off, [Tom] insisted. I wanted you to meet my girl (Ch. 2, pg. 24). Fitzgerald uses Tom as the antagonist in the novel, because he gets in the way of the love between Gatsby and Daisy. Yet, Fitzgerald also uses Tom as an example of evil and sin. Men are always looking for adventure and a thrill, even if these adventures and thrills will get them into trouble. In Tom s case, having a mistress is a thrill to him, although it eventually leads to the deaths of Myrtle Wilson and Jay Gatsby. Another example that Tom symbolizes man s tendency towards sin is that Tom s temper often has violent flares that usually have destructive results. Fitzgerald writes, Some time towards midnight Tom Buchanan and Mrs. Wilson stood face to face, discussing whether Mrs. Wilson had any right to mention Daisy s name . Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke [Myrtle s] nose with his open hand (Ch. 2, pg. 37). Controlling human emotions is a very difficult thing to do. Many people often fail in doing so; therefore, they hurt others physically or emotionally. Tom is a man who finds it difficult to keep his emotions to himself so he ends up expressing those emotions, whether appropriate or not; consequently, he becomes a despised character in the novel because he is portrayed as an uncouth and vile man. The author uses Tom to explain that it is human nature to express one s emotions, even if these emotions are dangerous.
The Great Gatsby is a novel that shows man s weak willpower through its anxious efforts to be accepted by society, its love for materialistic things, and its inclination to sin, as exemplified by Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan and Tom Buchanan. F. Scott Fitzgerald successfully captures the lifestyle of the 1920s in The Great Gatsby. This novel has a theme with historical significance, since life during the booming decade was one of extravagance and glamour. People were starving for money and love. Fitzgerald, who lived during this time period, observed first-hand the superficial lifestyle of the American population and was reminded that the human spirit is weak and selfish. He masterfully laces that message into his masterpiece The Great Gatsby to share with future generations.
Great Gatsby Essay Research Paper Through the
The Great Gatsby9
The Great Gatsby Essay Research Paper
Gatsby One Of The Socially Elite Essay
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Time’s Person of the Year Poll Has Been Hacked
Time Magazine is running a poll on their website in conjunction with their annual naming of the Time Person of the Year. Twenty five finalists are presented, and users are encouraged to rank each person on a ten point scale. Following in a time honored tradition, supporters of scientist Douglas Melton have apparently hacked the poll, as Melton currently has an average ranking of twelve on the ten point scale. Well done.
Update: Melton’s average ranking has now dropped to a more resonable ten, probably due to Time finding and fixing the problem, or the Melton supporters realizing they’d gone to far and covering their tracks a bit. Note Obama’s number is also suspiciously high.
Update 2: One of our developers here, Brandon Savage, weighs in on how the poll was probably hacked:
“I took a look at the process of voting with a very basic set of tools on Firefox: Firebug and LiveHTTPHeaders. What I found is that when you submit the rating, it calls another page and passes a key, the rating, and the poll information through the URL to the page, like so:
http://www.timepolls.com/contentpolls/Vote.do?key=eba3a55e955bc93ade4fc820649cde04&rating=9&id=1857552&pollName=poy2008
Theoretically, then, you could hit this page as many times as you wanted with any rating you wanted, and drive up a candidates’ score. Though one would expect that Time would have figured that anyone could game the system, it’s easy for a programmer to forget that what they don’t intend for public viewing may still be visible, and that they always need to check to ensure that the data they expect is the data they are getting.”
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SKAPE: Centre for Science, Knowledge and Policy at Edinburgh
SKAPE Website
Writing for the blog
/ Uncategorized /
What would a more evidence-informed impact agenda look like?
Posted on November 16, 2020 by Co-Director
By Kat Smith and Justyna Bandola-Gill
Earlier this year (against the difficult backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic), Policy Press published our book, The Impact Agenda: Controversies, Consequences and Challenges, co-authored with Nasar Meer, Ellen Stewart and Richard Watermeyer. This book brings together earlier work that we had developed in discussion with SKAPE colleagues.
Our aims were:
To bring together disparate work on the impact agenda to critically reflect on the controversies, consequences and challenges that are arising;
To reflect on our own role, as academics, within this;
To collectively propose an alternative approach.
And the last point was the focus of our recent SKAPE seminar, and this linked blog, in which we set out an alternative approach to research impact – one which we feel is more evidence-informed and sustainable and which, while inevitably still imperfect, addresses the major drawbacks of the current approach.
What might a more evidence-informed approach to supporting, assessing and incentivising research impact involve?
Since we each brought our own experiences, preferences and convictions to the book, it was not easy for us to identify a way forward that we could all support. However, we all agreed that the following changes would better reflect what we know about both the complex relationship between academic work and real-world change and the consequences of audit regimes and performance assessment.
Reward impactful environments, rather than individual achievements: The requirement of impact case studies to demonstrate and document change inevitably narrows the scope of impact activities and outcomes. We should, instead, strengthen a focus on how universities create impactful environments; workplaces that are outward-looking, open and engaged with the world beyond academia.
Value a wider range of activities, especially around public engagement: The NCPPE is leading the way in both supporting academics to do public engagement better and encouraging the research audit process to value it fairly. There is more work for to do and, we suggest, it may be desirable to go further, recognising the impacts of the university’s wider role as an ‘anchor institution’.
Protect spaces and funding for critical and discovery focused academic scholarship (without obvious impacts): There are many examples of academic scholarship that is valuable for reasons other than impact. This includes critical, theoretical and experimental work (some of which, as several interviewees pointed out, contributed to major impacts at later dates).
Reject crude and simplistic classifications of ‘excellence’ (which, for example, denigrate the local): The quality of research in REF promotes the idea that wider geographical relevance equates to higher quality. Although most recent impact case study guidance notes that there is value in ‘having a big impact on a small group of people’, our interview data suggest academics tend to believe that those focusing on local impacts are not viewed as “impact stars”. If we want universities to be active members of their local communities, this could, and should, be changed. It should not be the proximity of external communities that is key to assessing excellence, but relatability to potential research users such as communities of policy and practice.
Weaken the link between original research and impact to encourage knowledge synthesis and collaboration: There are very good reasons to support mechanisms that allow for bodies of work to achieve greater influence than single studies. Yet the approach impact of both REF and the UKRI funders appears to do much more to encourage the impact of individual research projects than work to pool and synthesise knowledge for external audiences. We suggest that research funders and REF assessors are encouraged to do more to value academic scholarship that focuses on knowledge synthesis.
Develop a conversation about the ethics of impact: The approach to research impact being taken in the UK and elsewhere appears to assume that if research is ‘excellent’ then the impacts will inevitable be positive. Yet, there are plenty of examples in which excellent research has had deleterious societal impacts so we need to develop conversations and tools that allow us to meaningfully consider the ethics of research impact.
Defend and promote academic rigour and autonomy: Researchers already exist within governments, NGOs, think tanks, private companies and often produce rapid, responsive research. We worry that some of the impact incentives encourage academics to shift towards this kind of responsive research to such a degree that it risks blurring the role of academics with consultants. What exactly is unique about academic research and scholarship will vary by discipline and field but, if we want to maintain a distinction, we all need to get better at articulating and valuing our USPs.
Create spaces in which valiant failures are celebrated and learned from: The current form of impact assessment in REF, and the high financial value of impact case studies, combine to prompt institutions to focus on tried-and-tested pathways to impact. We suggest funders and universities should do more to promote innovation in engagement and knowledge exchange, encouraging contributions that are about learning from challenges and failures (as well as successes).
The above suggestions are not exhaustive but they are intended to be a starting point for discussing how we might improve the current approach to research impact. We, as academics, are involved in constructing, enacting and reviewing impact’s performance indicators and we therefore have opportunities to reshape and improve the current approach. These are opportunities we should take.
Kat Smith is Professor of Public Health Policy at Strathclyde University, with a longstanding interest in the relationship between evidence, expertise, policy and practice, especially for issues relating to public health and inequalities.
Justyna Bandola-Gill is a post-doctoral researcher at METRO, where she explores the production and governance of poverty indicators, with a wider interest in how knowledge is organised, governed and mobilised across different settings.
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Goodbye Cassini; Shape-Shifting Bacteria; New Horizons Wakes Up
With this view, Cassini captured one of its last looks at Saturn and its main rings from a distance. (NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute)
Rick Pantaleo
NASA Cassini Mission to Saturn Comes to Fiery End
English Poet Geoffrey Chaucer once said, “all good things must come to an end”.
And so it goes with NASA’s Cassini mission, which provided a close-up look of Saturn, its moons and famous rings over the last 13 years, came to a blazing end on September 11, 2017.
The space agency sent the spacecraft plunging through the ringed planet’s thick atmosphere to its total destruction.
Earl Maize, the Cassini program manager, announced the end of the mission.
“Just heard the signal from the spacecraft is gone and within the next 45 seconds, so will be the spacecraft.”
NASA says even as it was being sent on its fiery final journey, the spacecraft continued to collect and transmit valuable data back to Earth.
An electron micrograph of a cluster of E. coli bacteria, magnified 10,000 times. Each individual bacterium is oblong shaped (USDA)
Bacteria Shapeshifts in Space
Scientists, who sent a unique experiment up to the International Space Station, have learned that bacteria can be quite adaptable in order to survive.
A group of scientists, led by researchers at the University of Colorado, Boulder, found bacterial cells, when treated with a common antibiotic, in the near weightlessness of space, resorted to maneuvers such as shapeshifting to avoid being destroyed.
The researchers cultured some E. coli bacteria on the Space Station and then exposed it to an antibiotic that normally kills it on Earth.
They found that rather than being wiped out by the antibiotic, the number of microbes increased by 13 times and behaved in other ways that may have added even more protection from the antibiotics.
The researchers say their findings have implications for those in space and on Earth.
Artist’s concept of the New Horizons spacecraft as it approaches Pluto and its largest moon, Charon. (Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Southwest Research Institute (JHUAPL/SwRI))
New Horizons Roused from Summer Slumber
After hibernating for the last five months, officials with NASA’s New Horizon’s Mission recent roused the spacecraft from its slumber.
Before being put to sleep in back on April 7th, New Horizons had been awake and at work since December 2014.
During that time the spacecraft prepared for and conducted its historic close encounter with the dwarf planet Pluto and Charon its largest moon.
It then spent another 16 months sending all its observational data back to Earth.
New Horizons will be kept plenty busy until its next scheduled hibernation in December.
The space agency says it make observations of distant Kuiper Belt Objects, measure its environment and prepare for its flyby of Kuiper Belt object 2014 MU69 on New Year’s Day 2019.
Rosetta’s NavCaM snapped this shot of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko on November 20, 2014 ((C) ESA/Rosetta/NAVCAM – CC BY-SA IGO 3.0)
Does Organic Material on Comets Predate our Solar System?
Among the findings made by the European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission, that ended a year ago, is that comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko contained a good amount of organic compounds, which have been associated with life on Earth.
Scientists theorize that comets delivered material that may have kick-started life on our planet almost 4 billion years ago.
Researchers at the French National Center for Scientific Research say they found evidence in data gathered by Rosetta that suggests these organic compounds may have been produced in interstellar space, well before the solar system was formed over 4.6 billion years ago.
If the organic compounds were indeed produced in interstellar space, the researchers suggest it might be possible that life on other planets in our galaxy may have been seeded in the same way theorized for Earth.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare – as seen in the bright flash on the right side – on Sept. 10, 2017. The image shows a combination of wavelengths of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the extremely hot material in flares, which has then been colorized. (NASA/SDO/Goddard)
Solar Flares Keep Sun Active
The sun has been quite active recently, erupting with more than a half dozen solar flares in recent days.
A solar flare is described as a quick outburst of magnetic energy that occurs on or near the sun’s surface.
Most of the solar flares have been considered to be mid-level in strength, but a couple of significant flares blasted from the sun on September 6 and 10, 2017.
Scientists from the UK’s University of Sheffield and Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland say the September 6th eruption was the largest solar flare that’s been observed in 12 years.
And NASA says its Solar Dynamics Observatory detected what it describes as a significant solar flare on Sept. 10th, 2017.
Scientists say the two huge solar flares were not harmful to humans because of Earth’s protective atmosphere and the distance from the sun.
astronomy, Biology, NASA, Space
"2014 MU69", "67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko", "e. coli"; microbes, "European Space Agency", "French National Center for Scientific Research", "International Space Station", "Jet Propulsion Laboratory", "Kuiper Belt", "New Horizons", "Solar Dynamics Observatory", "solar flares", "solar system", "space agency", “Grand Finale”, asteroid, bacteria, Caltech, Cassini, hibernation, NASA, Rosetta, Saturn, shape-shifting, spacecraft, Sun
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The longer you live, the farther you get from life
I recently joined Twitter. My decision was strictly work-related: I’ve been interviewing a lot of people lately for Posting & Toasting, and a lot of them, in place of email addresses, list Twitter handles for their contact info.
I left Facebook months ago and haven’t missed it one bit. In my first few weeks on Twitter, I learned it’s no social media. It’s antisocial. Took me a while to learn that when people tweet comments or links, they don’t do so to start a conversation. They don’t want to hear what you think about it. They just spit shit out, getting dozens, even hundreds of retweets. They’ll be favorited ad nauseam. But there are never replies. Audience is assumed, required, yet simultaneously superfluous. Twitter’s like a land whose people have three mouths and no ears.
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50 States of Public Art: Gators on the Geaux in Lake Charles, Louisiana
By Shala Howell, March 15, 2019
See You Later Alligator by Fred Stark. (Photo by The Pelican Girls)
Public art is everywhere, and in some parts of the country you can even still go out and enjoy it. (Sorry, snow-packed Northerners, the public art portion of this blog is headed south for the winter.) This week on Caterpickles, we meet an eleven-year-old boy who is nearly as excited about his town’s gators as my daughter is about the Dedham bunnies.
Gators on the Geaux in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Public Art Program: Gators on the Geaux, 2001-2002
Purpose: Fundraiser for the Lake Charles Symphony
Location: In and around Lake Charles, Louisiana
Source: Tip from reader Victoria M, who pointed me to a story on KPLC, Gators on the Geaux: Where are they now?
In 2001, the Lake Charles Symphony sponsored a public art project to raise awareness and funds for their music programs. The project called for artist-decorated alligator statues to be placed in 70 locations around southwest Louisiana.
The Gators on the Geaux alligators were primarily decorated with paint. Artists also used elements like glass scales and bones to add character to their creations.
At the end of the project, the alligators were sold to various collectors in the area. In a 2017 interview with Jillian Corder of KPLC TV, Lake Charles Symphony Executive Director Shelly Appleby said that the Gators on the Geaux program ultimately raised more than $150,000 for the symphony.
In the intervening years, many of the gators have been sold on to other collectors, brought into private homes, or destroyed by hurricanes and vandals. All of which makes it much harder to find them out in the wild these days.
So why feature Gators on the Geaux?
Eleven-year-old Brandon Fruge hadn’t even been born yet when the Gators on the Geaux first appeared in his community. But after spotting an old poster of the Gators several years ago, he became obsessed with finding them all. He and his mother have devoted countless hours to hunting down the remaining Gators, and maintain a Facebook page of their finds.
This is a family after our own hearts.
Katrina Stephens and Lexi Hagen at The Pelican Girls have also spent quite a lot of time hunting down the Gators. So far, they’ve found and posted information on 23 Gators on the Geaux. (In fact, I pulled the picture of the See You Later Alligator by Fred Stark at the top of this post from their blog.)
You can find See You Later Alligator outside 1407 West Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles, and The Pelican Girls’ blog post about it here.
Want to see a few Gators on the Geaux for yourself?
Your best best is to start with The Pelican Girls’ blog or to visit the Little Gator Hunter’s Facebook page to get pointers on where to find the remaining Gators on the Geaux in the wild.
Good luck! If you do find a Gator, drop us a line here at Caterpickles. We’d love to hear all about him.
Happy public art hunting!
The Little Gator Hunter’s Facebook page
Gators on the Geaux: Where are they now? (KPLC TV)
The Pelican Girls‘ Gator Collection
What’s That, Mom?: How to use public art to engage your children with the world around them… without being an artist yourself by Shala Howell (Did you know I had a book about public art? It’s full of tips for viewing public art with kids ages 3-10. This link takes you to Amazon, but it’s also available on IndieBound.)
What’s That, Mom? (The Journal): Field Notes from your Encounters with Public Art out in the Wild by Shala Howell (A customized journal for viewing public art with kids. This link takes you to Amazon, but you can also find it on IndieBound.)
Categories: Public Art
Tagged: 50 States of Public Art
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Monash University Coding Bootcamp
Joshua Weinstein
Monash University in Melbourne partnered with Trilogy Education Services to produce their very own coding bootcamp to help students and adults train for a lucrative career in technology. As the coding bootcamp model began to take hold and produce results, universities such as Monash decided to offer the same incredible education program to their own students. Now, the premier Australian university has one of its own, and it’s set to be a big success. Monash University’s new part-time intensive coding program takes place in Caulfield, and the whole curriculum lasts twenty-four weeks. Like other Trilogy coding bootcamps, Monash University can turn motivated students into web developers in just six months, with portfolio experience and a certificate from the program included in tuition.
The program is relatively new, as it launched in January of 2019 with a good bit of fanfare. Trilogy came to Australia with their proven education program and collaborated with the university to create its new coding bootcamp. According to Monash University, the main reason they instituted a coding bootcamp was to help address the country’s skill shortage in development positions. While one bootcamp isn’t likely to solve the problem entirely, it’s still an excellent step in the right direction. Coding bootcamps are a proven way to produce qualified programmers, and the program at Monash University will be tremendously helpful to students and the booming tech industry.
Monash University Coding Bootcamp Review
Australian adults and students now have access to the new coding bootcamp at Monash.
The coding bootcamp at Monash University is relatively new, and therefore, there aren’t too many reviews from former students yet. As a result, we’ll likely have to wait a few more months before more students graduate and start filling the Internet with reviews. That said, it’s pretty easy to get an idea of what to expect. Trilogy has already built dozens of other coding bootcamps, all of which receive excellent reviews from former and current students. Most people agree that Trilogy programs cover an enormous amount of material, all of which is necessary for a web development career. We’ll have to wait and see what students say about the new Monash program, but based on the reputation of the university and past Trilogy programs, it’s reasonable to assume it’ll do quite well.
» MORE: University of Adelaide Coding Bootcamp Guide
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Monash University Coding Bootcamp Cost
There’s plenty of ways to reduce coding bootcamp tuition and put some money back in your pocket.
Coding bootcamp is an excellent investment, but it’s still important to consider the cost. Coding bootcamps, like any other kind of career education, has tuition costs and fees associated with the program. Luckily, coding bootcamps cost significantly less than college, even without scholarships. The Monash University coding bootcamp costs $12,500 AUD, which includes all twenty-four weeks of the program. When considering your income potential after such a program, the price seems justifiable. Also, the program requires a down payment of at least $2,500 AUD to secure a spot, but the entire tuition will eventually become due. The total price of tuition covers everything—there are no expensive textbooks or extra coursework to buy later. This price is average for coding bootcamps, and scholarships can help reduce the financial burden. Plus, Monash University offers a $1,000 AUD discount to students who pay the tuition in full before the early registration deadline.
While coding bootcamp may seem expensive, you have to consider what you receive for the price. It’s easy to dismiss such a program until you realize that this coding bootcamp teaches everything you need to know to land a job right after graduation in just six months. You’ll learn and master several coding languages and have access to instructors and tutors whenever you need, which will dramatically increase your chances of success. Plus, you’ll receive a coding certificate from Monash University to prove to prospective employers that you passed the test and qualify for their position. In addition to learning how to code, you’ll also participate in portfolio-building projects, so you’ll have plenty to show off when the job search rolls around.
Monash University Coding Bootcamp Instructors
Instructors at the Monash University coding bootcamp are expert programmers and are well-equipped to pass on their coding knowledge to motivated students. These professionals are experienced in all of the major coding languages featured in the course, and they have the industry know-how to help students learn how to apply their new skills in the real world.
» MORE: University of Wisconsin Extension Coding Bootcamp: Reviews, Cost, and Guide
Additionally, students in the Monash coding bootcamp have one-on-one access to tutors whenever they need, as well as a personal career coach to help you land a job after the program.
Overall, the instructors at the Monash coding bootcamp are just what students need to do well as entry-level fullstack developers. Once students near completion in the program, they’ll also have access to a profile coach to help teach them how to be competitive in their job search.
Monash University Coding Bootcamp Curriculum
You’ll learn several programming languages in coding bootcamp.
The coding bootcamp at Monash University offers an intensive twenty-four-week fullstack development course, which covers all the necessary coding languages and skills needed to land a web development job. Fullstack is an excellent choice for coding bootcamp students because it includes all the primary front end and back end skills they need to build a website. In this program, students master programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Git. In addition to primary coding languages, they also learn and practice with jQuery, Bootstrap, Express.js, React.js Node.js, MongoDB, Database Theory, and Command Line.
Programming languages aren’t all students will learn in this class, as they’ll also practice real-world applications for their code and build a portfolio with their projects. Even though you’ll learn a lot in coding bootcamp, you’ll still have to prepare before applying to build a foundation that’ll get you through the increasingly complicated course material.
Monash University Coding Bootcamp Schedule
The Monash University coding bootcamp is a part-time program that takes place on weekdays and Saturdays. It starts on September 2nd, 2019, and with rolling admissions, you can apply whenever it’s convenient. Don’t forget to sign up early and pay tuition if you want that $1,000 AUD discount! Classes run Monday through Friday from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Students at the Monash coding bootcamp will spend between ten and twelve hours in class each week, plus an additional twenty at home working on projects and ‘homework’ assignments.
» MORE: University of Oregon Coding Bootcamp: Reviews, Cost, and Guide
Unlike other college programs, it’s absolutely mandatory to attend as many of these classes as possible. Even though this is a part-time program, it still covers a lot of ground in a short time—this is why the twenty extra hours of work is so vital. Missing just one or two classes can cause a serious gap in your learning, which will make it challenging to keep up with current work. Students should make it a priority to attend every class in this twenty-four-week program to ensure their success.
Monash University Coding Bootcamp Reddit
Reddit is a useful tool to use when deciding on a coding bootcamp.
Reddit is a great place to get people’s honest opinions about subjects like coding bootcamps. Unfortunately, there’s not much from former students about the Monash coding bootcamp on Reddit at this time. Instead, Redditors seem to be more curious about the program than anything. Some report positive anecdotes about people they know who did well in coding bootcamp, and some simply ask if it’s worth signing up for. Time will tell what people eventually decide to talk about regarding the Monash bootcamp, so be sure to check Reddit periodically to see what new information surfaces.
Monash University Coding Bootcamp Job Placement
Monash University’s coding bootcamp is brand new, and it’s too early to tell what the exact job placement statistics here will be. However, we can make an educated guess based on the history of similar programs in growing tech economies like Australia’s. Most coding bootcamps that display their job placement statistics claim about 70% to 90% of graduates land a programming job within a year of graduation.
Based on Trilogy’s reputation, it’s reasonable to assume that most graduates will be able to land a tech job in the area, especially given the massive labor shortage in tech. Time will tell, but coding bootcamps like the one at Monash University are a proven way to land a job in the tech industry. As the tech economy grows, it’ll be even easier to find an entry-level position in the area with a certificate from this coding bootcamp.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Read more
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Joshua Weinstein is a senior staff writer focusing on future of work and alternative education programs.
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Discover The Daily
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‘Rankly Unfit’: The View From a Republican Who Voted to Impeach
2021-01-1551:40 4
This episode contains strong language. Three days after being sworn into Congress, Representative Peter Meijer, Republican of Michigan, was sitting in the gallery of the House of Representatives as pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol.After the siege, Mr. Meijer made his feelings clear: President Trump’s actions proved that he was “rankly unfit.” A week later, he became one of just a handful of Republicans to vote for impeachment.We talk with Mr. Meijer about his decision, his party and his ambitions.Guest: Representative Peter Meijer, a first-term Republican congressman from Michigan.For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading: Meet the first-term Republican representatives who are emerging as some of their party’s sharpest critics.Many Republican leaders and strategists want to prepare the party for a post-Trump future. But the pro-Trump voter base has other ideas.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
Impeached, Again
“A clear and present danger.” Those were the words used by Nancy Pelosi to describe President Trump, and the main thrust of the Democrats’ arguments for impeachment on the House floor.While most House Republicans lined up against the move, this impeachment, unlike the last, saw a handful vote in favor.Today, we walk through the events of Wednesday, and the shifting arguments that led up to the history-making second impeachment.Guest: Maggie Haberman, a White House correspondent for The New York Times. For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading: President Trump has become the first president to be impeached twice, after the House approved a single chargea single charge of inciting the mob that stormed the Capitol. He faces a Senate trial that could disqualify him from future office.Senator Mitch McConnell is said to have privately backed the impeachment of Mr. Trump.The second impeachment — in a Capitol ringed by troops — seemed like the almost inevitable culmination of four years that left the nation fractured, angry and losing its sense of self.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
Is More Violence Coming?
After the attack on the Capitol, social media platforms sprang into action, deleting the accounts of agitators.Without a central place to congregate, groups have splintered off into other, darker corners of the internet. That could complicate the efforts of law enforcement to track their plans.We ask whether the crackdown on social media has reduced the risk of violence — or just made it harder to prevent.Guest: Sheera Frenkel, a cybersecurity reporter for The New York Times. For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading: In the days since rioters stormed Capitol Hill, fringe groups like armed militias, QAnon conspiracy theorists and far-right supporters of President Trump have vowed to continue their fight in hundreds of conversations on a range of internet platforms.Amazon, Apple and Google have cut off Parler, all but killing the service just as many conservatives were seeking alternatives to Facebook and Twitter.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
A Swift Impeachment Plan
At the heart of the move to impeach President Trump is a relatively simple accusation: that he incited a violent insurrection against the government of the United States.We look at the efforts to punish the president for the attack on the Capitol and explain what the impeachment process might look like.Guest: Nicholas Fandos, a national reporter for The New York Times.For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading: Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House would formally call on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to strip President Trump of power and move to impeach the president if Mr. Pence refused.Here’s a closer look at what the president said at a rally of his supporters, which is a focus of the impeachment case.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
A Pandemic Update: The Variant and the Vaccine Rollout
As 2020 drew to a close, a concerning development in the pandemic came out of Britain — a new variant of the coronavirus had been discovered that is significantly more transmissible. It has since been discovered in a number of countries, including the United States.The emergence of the new variant has added a new level of urgency to the rollout of vaccines in the U.S., a process that has been slow so far.Today, an exploration of two key issues in the fight against the pandemic.Guests: Carl Zimmer, a science writer and author of the “Matter” column for The New York Times; Abby Goodnough, a national health care correspondent for The Times. For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading: The new variant of the coronavirus, discovered in December, appears to be more contagious than, and genetically distinct from, more established variants. Here is what we know about it.The first case of the variant in the U.S. was found in Colorado in December. Pfizer has said that its vaccine works against the key mutation.The distribution of the vaccine in the U.S. is taking longer than expected — holiday staffing and saving doses for nursing homes are contributing to delays. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
The Sunday Read: 'A Mother and Daughter at the End'
Without many predators or any prey, rhinos flourished for millions of years. Humans put an end to that, as we hunted them down and destroyed their habitat.No rhino, however, is doing worse than the northern white. Just two, Najin and Fatu, both females, remain.In his narrated story, Sam Anderson, a staff writer at The Times Magazine, visits the pair at the Ol Pejeta conservancy in Kenya, speaks to the men who devote their days to caring for them and explores what we will lose when Najin and Fatu die.This story was written by Sam Anderson and recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.
How They Stormed Congress
This episode contains strong language. The pro-Trump mob that stormed the Capitol on Wednesday made their plans in plain sight. They organized on social media platforms and spoke openly of their intentions to occupy the Capitol.But leaders in Washington opted for a modest law enforcement presence. In the aftermath, those security preparations are attracting intense scrutiny.Today, we explore how the events of Jan. 6 could have happened.Guest: Sheera Frenkel, who covers cybersecurity for The New York Times; Zolan Kanno-Youngs, a homeland security correspondent for The Times. For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading: Inside Trump supporters’ online echo chambers, the chaos of Jan. 6 could be seen coming.Failures by the police have spurred resignations and complaints of double standards.During the storming of the Capitol, social media sites were used by the mob to share information, including directions on which streets to take to avoid the police and which tools to bring to help pry open doors.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
An Assault on the Capitol
This episode contains strong language.It was always going to be a tense day in Washington. In the baseless campaign to challenge Joe Biden’s victory, Wednesday had been framed by President Trump and his allies as the moment for a final stand.But what unfolded was disturbing: A mob, urged on by the president, advanced on the Capitol building as Congress was certifying the election results and eventually breached its walls.Today, the story of what happened from Times journalists who were inside the Capitol.Guests: Nicholas Fandos, a national reporter for The New York Times; Jonathan Martin, a national political correspondent for The Times; and Emily Cochrane, a congressional reporter for The Times. For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading: Journalists from The Times witnessed the violence and mayhem. Here’s how it unfolded.One of the most disturbing aspects of Wednesday’s events was that they could be seen coming. The president himself had all but circled the date.Here is an explanation of how the pro-Trump mob managed to storm the Capitol For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
A Historic Night in Georgia
The long fight for control of the U.S. Senate is drawing to a close in Georgia, and the Democrats appear set to win out — the Rev. Raphael Warnock is the projected winner of his race against Senator Kelly Loeffler, while Jon Ossoff is heavily favored to beat the other incumbent Republican, Senator David Perdue. Today, we look at the results so far from these history-making Senate races and at what they mean for the future and fortunes of the two main parties.Guest: Nate Cohn, a domestic correspondent for The Upshot at The New York Times. For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading: A Baptist preacher born and raised in Georgia, Raphael Warnock has defeated Kelly Loeffler to become his state’s first Black senator, breaking a barrier with distinct meaning in American politics.A surge in turnout from Georgia’s Black voters has powered the fortunes of Mr. Warnock and Jon Ossoff.You can follow the results here. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
The Georgia Runoffs, Part 2: ‘I Have Zero Confidence in My Vote’
Since the presidential election was called for Joe Biden, President Trump has relentlessly attacked the integrity of the count in Georgia. He has floated conspiracy theories to explain away his loss and attacked Republican officials.Today, we speak to Republican activists and voters on the ground and consider to what extent, if at all, Mr. Trump’s rhetoric could discourage Republicans from voting in the runoff elections. For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading: Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue have sought to motivate a conservative base that remains loyal to Mr. Trump while also luring back some of the defectors who helped deliver Georgia to a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time since 1992.Democrats may have claimed a bigger share of the early vote than they did in November’s vote, election data shows. Here’s what else we know about the voting in Georgia so far. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
The Georgia Runoffs, Part 1: ‘We Are Black Diamonds.’
A strong Black turnout will be integral to Democratic success in the U.S. Senate races in Georgia this week.In the first of a two-part examination of election strategies in the Georgia runoffs, we sit down with Stacey Abrams, a Georgia Democrat who has become synonymous with the party’s attempts to win statewide, to talk about her efforts to mobilize Black voters.And we join LaTosha Brown, a leader of Black Voters Matter, as she heads out to speak to voters.Guest: Audra D.S. Burch, a national correspondent for The New York Times. For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading: Control of the Senate could hinge on Black voters in Georgia — and on an ambitious effort by the likes of Black Voters Matter to get them to the polls in the largest numbers ever for the runoff elections on Tuesday.Democrats are making their final push to rally supporters, targeting Black voters in regions far from Atlanta but equally important to Georgia’s emerging Democratic coalition.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
Genie Chance and the Great Alaska Earthquake: An Update
This week, The Daily is revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the year and checking in on what has happened in the time since they first ran.When Alaska was hit by a devastating earthquake in 1964, it was the voice of Genie Chance — a journalist, wife and mother — that held the state together in the aftermath.In the episode, we heard about sociologists from Ohio State University’s Disaster Research Center rushing to Anchorage to study residents’ behavior.Today, Jon Mooallem, who brought us Genie’s story in May, speaks to a sociologist from the University of Delaware to make sense of the current moment and how it compares with the fallout of the Great Alaska Earthquake.Guest: Jon Mooallem, writer at large for The New York Times Magazine and author of “This Is Chance!,” a book about the aftermath of the earthquake.For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background Reading: For our Opinion section, Jon Mooallem wrote about the lessons of the 1964 earthquake.Listen to Jon talk about his experience writing and researching for his book about the aftermath of the disaster on an episode of The Times’s Book Review podcast.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
‘Who Replaces Me?’: An Update
This week, The Daily is revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the year and checking in on what has happened in the time since they first ran.Scott Watson — a Black police officer in his hometown, Flint, Mich. — has worked to become a pillar of the community. And he always believed his identity put him in a unique position to discharge his duties.After watching the video of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody in May, his job became a source of self-consciousness instead of pride.Today, we call up Scott once again and ask how he’s been doing and how things have been in his police department.Guest: Scott Watson, a police officer in Flint, Mich.For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading:Lynsea Garrison wrote about interviewing Scott in an edition of The Daily newsletter.Many Black and Hispanic officers in New York City have found themselves caught between competing loyalties in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
A New Way to Mourn: An Update
This week, The Daily is revisiting some of our favorite episodes from this year and checking in on what has happened since the stories first ran.In our society, the public part of mourning is ritualized by a coming together. What do we do now that the opportunity for collective mourning has been taken away?Earlier this year, we heard the story of Wayne Irwin. A retired minister of the United Church of Canada who lost his wife, Flora May, during the coronavirus pandemic.He never once considered delaying her memorial, opting to celebrate her life over the internet — a new ritual that, as it turned out, felt more authentic and real.Today, we check back in with Wayne to find out how he’s been doing in the months since his wife’s passing.Guest: Catherine Porter, Toronto bureau chief for The New York Times.For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading:The rituals of our lives have been transformed. An expert on gathering shares advice for birthdays and baby showers in our audio series “Together Apart.”For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
How a Small Bar Battled to Survive the Coronavirus: An Update
This week, The Daily is revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the year and checking in on what has happened in the time since they first ran.When Jack Nicas, a technology reporter for The Times, first moved to California five years ago, he set about finding a local bar of choice. Unpretentious, cheap and relaxed, the Hatch fit the bill.Over six months during the coronavirus pandemic, he charted the fortunes of the bar and its staff members as the lockdown threatened to upend the success of the small business.Today, Jack checks in with the bar’s owner — Louwenda Kachingwe, known to everyone as Pancho — to see what has happened since we last heard from him in the fall.Guest: Jack Nicas, a technology reporter for The New York Times. For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading: Here’s the full article about the Oakland tavern and its staff members as they try to weather the fallout from the pandemic.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
The Sunday Read: 'Cher Everlasting'
The escapism of movies took on a new importance during pandemic isolation. Caity Weaver, the author of this week’s Sunday Read, says that to properly embrace this year’s cinematic achievements, the Academy Awards should not only hand out accolades to new releases, but also to the older films that sustained us through this period.If they did, Caity argues, Cher would be on course to win a second Oscar for her performance as Loretta Castorini in 1987’s “Moonstruck” — a film that, under lockdown, was a salve to many.On today’s episode, a conversation with Cher about the film’s production, cast and legacy.This story was written by Caity Weaver and recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.
24 Hours Inside a Brooklyn Hospital: An Update
This episode contains strong language.This week, The Daily is revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the year and checking in on what has happened in the time since they first ran.When New York City was the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis in the U.S., Sheri Fink, a public health correspondent for The Times, was embedded at the Brooklyn Hospital Center.In April, she brought us the story of a single day in its intensive care unit, where a majority of patients were sick with the virus.Today, we check back in with one of the doctors we heard from on the episode, the unflappable Dr. Josh Rosenberg.Guest: Sheri Fink, a correspondent covering public health for The New York Times.For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.Background reading:“Covid will not win” — here are some portraits and interviews with the staff members powering the Brooklyn Hospital Center.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
The Year in Good News
A few weeks ago, we put a callout on The Daily, asking people to send in their good news from a particularly bleak year.The response was overwhelming. Audio messages poured into our inboxes from around the world, with multiple emails arriving every minute. There was a man who said that he had met Oprah and realized he was an alcoholic, a woman who shared that she had finally found time to finish a scarf after five years and another man who said he had finished his thesis on representations of horsemanship in American cinema. Eventually, we decided to construct the entire show out of these messages.This episode is the result — a Daily holiday card of good news, from our team to you.
The Lives They Lived
It is a very human thing, at the end of a year, to stop and take stock. Part of that involves acknowledging that some remarkable people who were here in 2020 will be not joining us in 2021.Today, we take a moment to honor the lives of four of those people. And in marveling at the extraordinary and sometimes vividly ordinary facets of their time among us, we hold a mirror up to the complexities of our own lives.For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily
The radio host Delilah has been on the air for more than 40 years. She takes calls from listeners across the United States, as they open up about their heavy hearts, their hopes and the important people in their lives.She tells callers that they’re loved, and then she plays them a song. “A love song needs a lyric that tells a story,” she says. “And touches your heart, either makes you laugh, or makes you cry or makes you swoon.”On today’s episode, producers Andy Mills and Bianca Giaever do what millions before them have done: They call Delilah.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily.For an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. You can read the latest edition here.
jana om
Great interview, at least one normal Republican...but do not forget that he is from Meijer family, he is rich enough to talk like that.
Maria Fattore
To Republicans who believe in the original, moderate to conservative principles of what was ONCE their party--- get in touch with the Lincoln Project people. White supremacy is at the core of the Trump Republican base, pasted together with the dissemination of lies, which are termed "alternative facts". Arnold Scwarzenegger' s speech should be viewed, for he is direct about how our path is moving as did the Third Reich in installing Hitler. There is no excuse for despotism.
Hamish Lamont
It's encouraging to hear an intelligent, fair minded, principled Republican. I'm very glad they still exist. I used to support them before the GOP became the party of Trump; and the party of lies. Shameful. Accountability *then* unity. The GOP badly needs patriots like Rep. Meijer.
Nicole Campbell
His explanation towards those Republicans who weren't going to certify is bullshit. Just another Republican who really doesn't care for either their constituents or the constitution.
he's a republican tool and is perfect for his position as a politician. just listen to his words.
Serge Davidov
‘Donald J. Trump [as a notion] is a living and breathing impeachable offense’ —from the U.S. House of Representatives floor debate before the vote for the second impeachment of the worst president in the history of the United States.
carol mcking
I agree. Mr Meijer is some one I could talk with and work with to get solutions. He has a personality I look for in an elected official. It makes me hopeful.
Dez Rock
First Republican I've respected in a long while. His measured thinking is very promising.
ToliG
This is deeply troubling to say the least.
Shauna Mercy
This was beautiful.
Jonathan Petherbridge
So Trump thinks it's a good idea to use lots of militarized police even if they look scary because they can control a crowd. Democrats are required to disagree with Trump, so deploy cops with no equipment that can't control a crowd but look more friendly. Time to reflect on policy? Nope tone to blame Trump. Defund the police and use social workers to clear them out next time, that way you'll have more to blame Trump for.
seemed like a mostly peaceful protest.
Reply (19)
Wendy Bruder
peace In God
great piece.... thank you for the update
These people are crazy. Zero proof of fraud, thrown out of every court.... and they still believe it. Cultish and frightening... and so very idiotic.
Charlie Benson
The end of this episode reminds me of the end of the film The Kingdom, when both sides resignedly tell themselves the only way out is to kill everyone in the other side. It's depressing.
Vicky Riddle
To me listening to this woman I can see how our minds get warped by continual blasting of misinformation. It's like George Orwell's 1984. You get told over and over and over again that there's a conspiracy against the president, there's voter fraud going on, China is running our government underground etc. The more you hear this things the more you believe it. she was to the point of accepting information without any proof at all because it must be so. I think this is the real evil to be frightened of. I wonder is this how Hitler got a hold of Germany? He was a great orator too. He convinced that country that he knew what was best for them. very very frightening.
Mahsa Valiashrafi
he was terrorist,it were not sad!people who attebded in his funeral was goverments' people
Latosha* where respect is due....
I am in love with Latasha and her work! holy crap she's a boss!
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A Visual History of Arms and Armor
With a spectacular illustrated journey through 4,000 years of weaponry, Weapon: A Visual History of Arms and Armour is a comprehensive visual reference charting the history of arms and armour. Follow the evolution of weaponry from stone maces to machine-guns, and discover the brutal history of the warriors who wielded them. Drawing extensively on the treasures of the Royal Armouries Museum, this fully updated guide uniquely details the date, weight, size, and country of origin of these arms. Weapon showcases the function and history of key arms from across the world with fascinating photography, taking you on a journey to discover a wealth of weaponry from crossbows to samurai swords. Delve into the brutal side of history and travel through 4,000 years of mighty weaponry.
Publisher: London : Dorling Kindersley Ltd , 2016
Characteristics: 392 p. : color ill. ; 31 cm
Read more reviews of Weapon at iDreamBooks.com
green_owl_504 Jul 25, 2019
Definitely hyped...can't wait to read the new one!
Adam Hussain Mar 11, 2013
very boring but whatever
22950010365013 Apr 29, 2012
A definite must-read by the warfare historian. Very useful for information or just to explore.
green_owl_504 thinks this title is suitable for 8 years and over
22950010365013 thinks this title is suitable for 8 years and over
Military Weapons — History
Weapons — History
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AUDITOR APPORTIONMENT ROC FILLING
When a firm appoints an auditor, it is under obligation to acknowledge the registrar of companies (ROC) about the appointment of auditor in a described manner as per section 139 (1) of new companies act 2013. Form ADT-1 is employed for this purpose. Under Section 139 (1) of new companies act 2013, a firm shall communicate the auditor of its appointment and at the equivalent time, a notice of such appointment requires to be filed with the registrar of company within 15 days of this appointment. According to the rules, such notice regarding the auditor appointment is required to be filled in Form ADT 1 in MCA portal.
Form ADT- 1 is used by a company to denote the registrar of companies about the appointment of an auditor after the completion of its annual general meeting (AGM). The new Companies Act 2013 – Sec 139 (1) mandates this and this form need to be filed every year after the AGM in which the auditor was appointed.
When should you file Form ADT-1?
In Case of Newly Incorporated Company: - Form ADT-1 must be filed with the registrar of companies within 15 days from the date of appointment of the Auditor.
In Other Cases: - Form ADT-1 should be filed by the company with the registrar of companies within 15 days of the date of AGM in which Auditor was appointed or reappointed as the case may be. For example, if the company’s AGM was conducted on 30 September 2020, then the company should file Form ADT-1 by 15th October 2020.
What are the documents need to be filed along with Form ADT-1?
These documents are required to attached along with Form ADT-1:
Company’s Board resolution copy
A written consent from the Auditor
A certificate from the Auditor where mention that he/she not disqualified to be appointed as an Auditor
What information is required to file form ADT-1?
Corporate Identification Number (CIN) of the company
Nature of appointment
Permanent Account Number (PAN) of auditor or auditor’s firm
Name of the auditor or auditor’s firm
Membership No. of auditor or auditor’s firm’s registration number
Address of the Auditor or auditor’s firm
Period of account for which appointed
Person vacated the office
Membership no. of auditor or Registration no. of auditor’s firm who has vacated the office
E-filing of Form ADT-1
What is the Procedure to File form ADT-1?
You can follow below steps to file form ADT-1
Step 1- Download form ADT1
Download form ADT-1 from MCA site. It is advised that do not download from any other website as those forms may not be the recent updated one.
Step 2- Fill up the required details with respect to Company & Auditor
Fill up all the required details correctly as asked for in the form. If you have collected above mentioned information, then it will be easier for you to fill the form.
Step 3- Attach Appointment letter, Consent Letter & Resolution
Attach scanned copies of appointment letter sent by the company, consent letter given by auditor, and certified copies of resolution for an appointment.
Step 4- E-Sign Form with DSC
Sign form ADT-1 with authorized director’s valid DSC (digital signature certificate). Keep remember company auditor is not required to sign the form.
Step 5- Click on check & pre-scrutiny
Now in the last step, before uploading to the MCA site click on check and pre-scrutiny.
Step 6- Upload Form
Go to MCA site and Upload your form after logging in to your account.
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NHL Realignment Impacts Broadcasting
As Winnipeg Free Press reporter Gary Lawless first reported last night, the National Hockey League has voted on, and approved, a new conference re-alignment that results in four conferences in the NHL. This new alignment was reported by Elliotte Friedman during The Hotstove on Hockey Night in Canada Saturday night. This new alignment will impact the NHL in obvious ways, such as travel and a re-newel of regional rivalries (especially in the playoffs). There are other not so obvious effects the new system will have on the NHL as well.
Map courtesy of Raw Charge
At first glance the new alignment is great. It puts the Jets, the Stars and the Wild where they belong, with other teams in the Central Timezone. The Stars are back with old rivals like Chicago and St. Louis. The nucleus of the Northeast and Atlantic stay together, as most agreed they should. Washington joins the Penguins, giving fans more chances to see Crosby vs. Ovechkin. And maybe most importantly, every team plays every other team home and away. That means that cities like Phoenix, Dallas and Nashville will get the boost of Crosby every season.
The Pacific Conference – or Gretzky Conference, as I suggested – is the simplest to understand. Every team in the Mountain and Pacific Timezones is in it. Games will all start between 7 and 8:30pm Mountain, or 6 and 7:30pm Pacific. This is one of the biggest benefits of the new alignment (more on that later). Expect to see a lot of these conference matchups at 10pm ET on Hockey Night in Canada. On the US side of the border, it unites the Avalanche with the other US west coast teams. NBC would be happy with the Avalanche, Kings or Sharks winning this conference. The chances of an all-Canadian matchup for CBC would be high.
The Midwest Conference – I suggest re-naming it the Howe Conference – was also quite simple to put together. It includes all Central Division teams, plus three teams that are actually in the Central Time Zone. No longer will Minnesota and Dallas fans have to stay up until midnight to watch their teams play divisional road games. Games will start between 6 and 7:30pm Central, or 7 and 8:30pm Eastern. This benefits children, who in the past couldn’t watch many of their teams’ road games. I honestly think it had an impact on the fanbases in both Dallas and Minneapolis. Old rivals, like the Stars and Blackhawks or Jets and Blues are back together. Mark my words, this conference will have great playoff games.
The Atlantic Conference – or Lemieux Conference – features all five current Atlantic Division members, plus Washington and Carolina. Again, a very sensible conference. In my opinion, the NHL needed to put Crosby and Ovechkin in the same division. NBC and Versus will love this division. The Capitals and Penguins will play a total of 28 games against Canadian teams, compared to 40 this season and 30 last season. So this will mean less Crosby and Ovechkin on Canadian television, not that the NHL needs them to promote hockey in Canada anyway.
The Northeast Conference – which isn’t very accurate, I prefer Richard or Orr Conference – includes all current members of the Northeast Division, plus the two Florida-based teams. While the rumour is Tampa Bay and Florida were two of the four teams who voted against the new alignment, I think it will work out well for them. The travel is horrible, they are by far the worst off in the league; however, there are lots of Maple Leafs, Canadiens and Bruins fans in Florida. Those rinks usually sell a lot of tickets when those teams are in town. It should, at the least, help attendance.
The Canadian networks will love this alignment. It means every Canadian team will play the others twice. CBC will get to continue showcasing Jets games at 6pm CT on Saturdays, but many of those games will now be against Chicago and Detroit instead of Florida and Carolina. The chances of having an all-Canadian playoff matchup are also greater. If Winnipeg makes the playoffs in a given year, chances are they might play Detroit or Chicago. Sportsnet will get to showcase games at better regional times.
The new alignment works for NBC as well. The Atlantic Division playoffs will undoubtedly be their focus come April, but the other divisions will offer something too. No longer will a Central vs. Pacific matchup result in a conflict with another series in the playoffs. The two Pacific Conference games will take place on opposite nights, alternating, all available on NBC Sports Network. The other six series will compete for time in the 7pm/8pm ET timeslot. Between NBC Sports Network, NBC and other Universal-owned channels, Americans will have access to all six. A dreaded Stanley Cup final seems no more, or less likely. Now Bruins vs. Rangers is a posibility.
Sunday Night Baseball… Bobby Valentine and Terry Francona will switch jobs in 2011. Valentine will take over for Francona as the Red Sox manager, while Francona takes over Valentine in the ESPN Sunday Night Baseball broadcast booth. It has all the makings of an ESPN reality TV sh0w (Manager Swap, anyone?). Valentine was a horrible TV analyst. Every time he opened his mouth, I wanted to press the mute button. However, he was a great manager with the Mets – which gives this Red Sox fan hope. On the other hand, Francona was great on Fox working with Joe Buck during the American League Championship Series in October. He should fit in well with Dan Shulman and Orel Hershiser, who are two of the best.
Winter Meetings… The buzz in at baseball’s winter general manager meetings is that Albert Pujols is on the verge of signing a 10-year contract with the Miami Marlins. Pujols would follow Jose Reyes, who signed with the Fish yesterday, to South Beach. The new look – in every way with a new logo and uniforms, a new stadium, a new manager and new faces – Marlins look primed to take a run at the Phillies and Braves this season. It will probably result in more TV coverage on Fox and ESPN as well. Prince Fielder is also rumoured to have interest in signing in Toronto. This is the kind of boost the Jays could really use. Nothing brings fans to the gate like homeruns, and with Fielder and Jose Bautista, its a good bet the Jays would hit least one every night. It is usual to hear about AL and NL East teams making a splash in free agency, but its usually never the Blue Jays and Marlins.
Hockey Night in Punjabi… The popular broadcast among Punjabi speakers is returning this weekend. Punjabi is mainly spoken by those from Pakistan and western India. Many credit CBC’s hockey broadcasts in Punjabi with helping immigrants and their families understand the game. Grandparents can watch with their Canadian grandchildren, and to a certain degree at least, understand the sport. Harnarayan Singh returns as CBC’s main commentator. CBC will show one or two games each week in Punjabi. The broadcasts are available on CBCSports.ca, Shaw Digital Cable (channel 328), Telus TV (channel 131), Rogers Digital Cable (channel 799), BellTV and Bell Fibre (channel 232 on both).
Impact’s MLS Debut… Major League Soccer released a list of its opening day games for the 2012 season today. On Saturday March 10 the Montreal Impact travel to Vancouver to face the Whitecaps. TSN will show the game, along with RDS or RDS2 – RDS currently has a Senators game scheduled that evening. The game will go head-to-head with Hockey Night in Canada; however, neither the Canucks or Canadiens play at the same time (in fact they play each other later in the evening). TSN will squeeze the broadcast in between a playoff and the semifinal at the Brier. NBC will show its first MLS game on Sunday March 11 at 3pm ET when Dallas plays New York.
Bills Blackouts… I think I have an answer to everyone’s question about how Bills blackouts affect the Toronto market. Since Toronto is within the Bills home territory, and channels like CTV and Citytv are available over-the-air, they adhere to the NFL’s blackout policies. It seems that both Buffalo and Toronto are not allowed to see blacked out games. The Titans @ Bills game on Sunday was also blacked out on NFL Sunday Ticket. The NFL has a 75 mile rule on blackouts, where the blackouts are enforced within a 75 mile radius. Toronto is about 70 miles from Orchard Park, New York.
The CBC like HBO… Andrew Coyne has an interesting article in MacLean’s Magazine about how he would restructure the CBC. He makes some great points, including the fall of network television in general. Coyne essentially suggests that the CBC become a subscription channel. Canadian taxpayers who want it would pay for it. The rest of its money would come from government subsidies. Canadian content rules would still apply, with the hope that the result would yield higher quality Canadian shows. The problem is that not everyone has satellite or cable TV. The CBC could get around the issue by offering a CBC News Network simulcast over-the-air, with local news substituted in from 6-7pm local (and maybe again from 11 until 11:30). That way the CBC could still provide its most important mandate, to give news and breaking news to all Canadians, while offering a higher quality service to those who pay. Hockey Night in Canada would have to stay over-the-air as well. The idea is good, and with a few tweaks I think it could actually work.
MLSE on Xbox 360… Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has thought of a new way to make money, by selling its three television services in HD on the Xbox 360 platform. MLSE will make the streams available in HD, including GolTV Canada HD. No service providers have picked up GolTV Canada HD since it launched in August. The service will cost money. More on this later in the week.
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24 thoughts on “NHL Realignment Impacts Broadcasting”
Honestly I think you nailed it — Howe, Gretzky, Orr, Lemieux Conferences
WhitehorseJosh
I just don’t know about the conference names, Josh. I can’t see a Flames fan, if the Flames should ever win the “Gretzky” Conference, buying a championship t-shirt. I don’t think that’s fair to the teams that had rivalries with those players.
KGNKH1
I do agree that I the new conferences will be good for television in general. NBC game of the week will likely feature a main diet of Atlantic Conference (PHI, PIT, NYR, WSH) games during the regular season with a possible side of Chicago and Detroit from the Central. And as mentioned a team like Columbus which is still trying to grow its following in its own market won’t have nearly as many games on past 10:00pm ET which is better for their local television coverage.
I think the Jets are possibly going to be losers in terms of their national exposure on CBC. With no other Canadian teams in the division they’re going to be playing a lot of American opponents on Saturday nights which will mean a lot of their games won’t be going outside Manitoba/Saskatchewan. It will be limited opportunities to have them playing against the other 6 Canadian teams on Saturdays. I guess CBC will probably try to have them on in a few matinees from time to time. Kind of the same as this year where pretty much only the New Year’s Eve game against Toronto will be the only one to go national for sure.
The playoffs are basically going back to the way they did it before 1993/1994. That’s where good rivalries were built, everybody loved the almost annual clashes of Montreal-Quebec and Montreal-Boston, etc. The only thing is, how will they decide who gets (or what happens to) the Prince of Wales and Campbell trophies since the 4 conference winners will presumably be re-seeded for the semi-finals?
Don’t like it, especially the playoff format. It takes away from rivalries such as the Canucks and Blackhawks, Red Wings and Avs. The Montreal-Boston rivalry is alive and well in the present format and can’t happen in the 3rd round with this new format. Two thumbs down for the Florida teams with the ridiculous travel.
Josh I have one question about the realignment, How will the teams (4) get re seeded after the 1st 2 rounds of the playoffs?
Regular season standings. 1 plays 4 and 3 plays 2. So say conference champs are:
Montreal (96 points)
Washington (107 points)
San Jose (105 points)
Vancouver (117 points)
The matchups would be Vancouver vs. Montreal and Washington vs. San Jose.
Have they confirmed that, Josh? I’ve seen a lot of speculation on that point, but no one else saying it’s a done deal.
As far as I know, yes. The guys on HockeyCentral were talking about it last night, for what that’s worth.
No, it has not been confirmed. It won’t be confirmed until the GMs meeting n the Spring.
One of many sources: http://tinyurl.com/czq8skx
Josh do you know how many games will be played a season, will it stay at 82 or go up or down?
I have not heard. It will probably be an unbalanced schedule since some divisions have 7 teams and others have 8. Even in intra-divisional play, some teams will play 44 games (7 + 7 + 8 x 2), while others will play 46 games (7 + 8 + 8 x 2). I have no idea how the inter-divisional schedule will work.
That has also been announced.
8 team conferences: 5 games vs four conference rivals (20); 6 games vs three conference rivals (18) and 2 games against all other teams (44).
7 team conferences: 6 games vs all six conference rivals (36) and 2 games against all other teams (46)
Thanks for that, I hadn’t seen it anywhere. I wonder how the teams you play 6 times will be decided for the 8 team conferences? No doubt it would be something like this for the Pacific.
Edmonton – Vancouver, Calgary, Colorado
Calgary – Vancouver, Edmonton, Colorado
Vancouver – Calgary, Edmonton, San Jose
San Jose – Los Angeles, Anaheim, Vancouver
Los Angeles – Anaheim, San Jose, Colorado
Anaheim – Los Angeles, San Jose, Phoenix
Phoenix – Colorado, Edmonton, Anaheim
Colorado – Phoenix, Calgary, Los Angeles
Those make the most sense as far as geographical rivalries, time zones and travel.
And the Central:
St. Louis – Chicago, Minnesota, Dallas
Detroit – Winnipeg, Chicago, Columbus
Chicago – Detroit, St. Louis, Minnesota
Minnesota – Winnipeg, Chicago, St. Louis
Nashville – Dallas, Columbus, Winnipeg
Dallas – Nashville, St. Louis, Columbus
Columbus – Detroit, Nashville, Dallas
Winnipeg – Detroit, Minnesota, Nashville
quick note about titans-bills blackout; i was able to see the game on Shaw Direct Sunday Ticket even though I am in 905 (Markham)
regarding Jets, they will be playing against their future conference rival Detroit on Saturday. Will this game be shown on CBC in Windsor?
regarding the florida teams, my guess is they will have multiple three-four game road trips and the majority of their home games will be from November to February
Yes, It is on in Windsor, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Probably an easy decision for Windsor, especially without the Leafs playing.
I just checked and from Buffalo to Markham, the distance is 74.4 miles which falls just inside the 75 mile radius of Ralph Wilson Stadium. Maybe it was an error on Shaw Direct’s part. Did they black out the game in the rest of the GTA, Hamilton and Niagara regions?
Why would the majority of their home games be November-February?
To attract as many snowbirds from the northeast as possible to their home games in Florida. That is the trade off for the onerous travel requirements compared to all other teams in the league: home games timed to take advantage of their conference rivals’ drawing power.
Can’t forget March and spring break either though. I know quite a few people who have gone to Florida to see NHL/NBA/Spring Training etc. in March.
The travel for the Florida teams is not that bad its a short 2 hour trip to toronto which is the longest of there division games.
You might not think it’s a big deal but it’s obvious that some teams will have much larger travel burdens than others.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/How-does-the-new-NHL-realignment-impact-teams-8?urn=nhl-wp19087
For some they do but the Florida teams to canada its a very short 2 hour trip.
I’ve been saying for a long time that the NHL should adopt a rotating-divisions format – i.e. before every season the divisions are randomly drawn (which IMO is the best part of tournament soccer). In the current format, no matter who your favorite team is you’re still seeing the same 4 opponents half the season, year-after-year. The new format isn’t much different, just 2 less divisions.
It’s really just a pipe dream of mine at this point since it would be an absolute logistical nightmare.
Bear in mind Chuck that your suggestion is only done for the continental tournaments in which the professional clubs participate; where rivalries aren’t nearly as important as league games,
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Alberta libraries are closed to the public currently, but some Chinook Arch member libraries are able to offer curbside service; visit your local library website for more information.
Great American Writing on Rock and Pop From Elvis to Jay Z
"Jonathan Lethem and Kevin Dettmar's Shake It Up invites the reader into the tumult and excitement of the rock revolution through fifty landmark pieces by a supergroup of writers on rock in all its variety, from heavy metal to disco, punk to hip-hop. Stanley Booth describes a recording session with Otis Redding; Ellen Willis traces the meteoric career of Janis Joplin; Ellen Sander recalls the chaotic world of Led Zeppelin on tour; Nick Tosches etches a portrait of the young Jerry Lee Lewis; Eve Babitz remembers Jim Morrison. Alongside are Lenny Kaye on acapella and Greg Tate on hip-hop, Vince Aletti on disco and Gerald Early on Motown; Robert Christgau on Prince, Nelson George on Marvin Gaye, Luc Sante on Bob Dylan, Hilton Als on Michael Jackson, Anthony DeCurtis on the Rolling Stones, Kelefa Sanneh on Jay Z. The story this anthology tells is a ongoing one: "it's too early," editors Jonathan Lethem and Kevin Dettmar note, "for canon formation in a field so marvelously volatile--a volatility that mirrors, still, that of pop music itself, which remains smokestack lightning. The writing here attempts to catch some in a bottle."--Provided by publisher.
Publisher: New York, N.Y. : Library of America, ©2017.
Characteristics: xv, 601 pages ;,22 cm.
Additional Contributors: Lethem, Jonathan - Editor
Dettmar, Kevin J. H. 1958-- Editor
Read more reviews of Shake It up at iDreamBooks.com
candlesticktroughs Oct 29, 2019
"Pamela Courson was someone with red hair and a heart embroidered on her pants over the place her anus would be. He was a backdoor man, and Pamela was the door. Pamela was the cool one...She would take Jim's favorite vest and write FAG in giant letters on the back in india ink...She was mean and she was cool. She liked to scare people. Pamela had control over Jim in real life. He made his audience suffer for that." "John Bonham dressed up as a waiter and served little Jimmy Page up on a room service cart to a flock of girls." "From B.C., they went down to Seattle, and from there, to Honolulu, where even a few days of sunshine and rest after a concert didn't get them back in good physical shape." "At Fillmore East, on the last date of the tour, i stopped in to say good-by, and godspeed. Two members of the group attacked me, shrieking and grabbing at my clothes, totally over the edge. I fought them off until Peter Grant rescued me but not before my dress had been ripped down the back." " ' What do you think of the Beatles?' Marvin Gaye: ' I like them. I like their instrumentation. Being something of a drummer, myself, I think Ringo plays good drums.' " When Steve Cropper and Otis have the outlines of a song, they are joined by the MGs. Booker and Duck come in first, followed by drummer Al Jackson. Duck is telling Booker about his new stereo record player, complete with components. ' You can turn down the one speaker and hear the words real clear. I been listening to REVOLVER and on YELLOW SUBMARINE, you know what one of them says? I think it's Ringo, and he says, 'Paul is a queer.' He really does, man. Bigger than shit, man. ' Paul is a queer.' " "Sam Cooke altered the melodies the way a jazz musician will, as a way of personalizing the tune. He drew on gospel, blues, and related idioms for his basic stylistic orientation, but while his melodic embellishments had a gospelish fluidity and timing, the intervals he sung were more common in jazz than in gospel or blues--more sixths than sevenths, as rene hall put it." " I can still marvel at the way Springsteen caught the mystery of living life on the edge and mythologized it perfectly in a way that one can do if one doesn't understand it too deeply, which can make for great pop music, if lousy literature." ' Two auteurs ( Springsteen and Landau) made records on which Great Rock is supported by Deep Ideas by a Peoples' Artist....BORN TO RUN is one of the worst mastered records ever...You never can tell." " (Stephen Crane, quoted by Berryman: 'An artist, i think, is nothing but a powerful memory that can move itself through certain experiences sideways and every artist must be in some things as powerless as a dead snake.' " The Final Comeback Of Axl Rose " " You read things that say that NIRVANA made GUNS AND ROSES obsolete, but GUNS AND ROSES were never made obsolete. They just sort of disintegrated. Closer to the truth is that GUNS AND ROSES made NIRVANA possible." There are two articles which feature the BEATLES. One is good; the other, mistakes the singing voice of Paul, for John. That means to me that the writer did not listen closely enough to the tune he was writing about (A DAY IN THE LIFE). To this writer, this is nigh near unforgiveable, as i learned about them, while i learned their voices. And it belies the tone of expertise, with which he writes his piece.
Rock Music — History and Criticism
Popular Music — History and Criticism
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Outposts. Kandahar Province
Steidl, Göttingen — 2011
Dimensions: 23 x 29.5 cm
Outposts / Kandahar Province presents Donovan Wylie’s photographs of Forward Operating Bases constructed in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan.
From 2006 to 2011, Canada sent nearly 3,000 military personnel to Afghanistan in support of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force. Serving alongside infantry and artillery, military engineers designed a network of outposts throughout the province. Built on natural promontories with multiple lines of sight, these outposts formed a protective visual architecture. They were frequently positioned on defensive locations established during earlier conflicts and represent reincarnations of past histories under new powers. The resulting images are the latest phase in Wylie’s interrogation of the architecture of modern conflict. The work was made on behalf of the Imperial War Museum in London and with generous support from the Bradford Fellowship in Photography.
Yves Marchand, Romain Meffre
The Ruins of Detroit
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India Might See More Electric Vehicles | Suzuki, Toshiba, Denso To Together Produce EV Batteries in India
Shivali Angurala 16/04/2017
Suzuki Motor, Toshiba and Denso are set to enter a joint venture that will focus on producing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles right here in India. It is being speculated that this move will significantly boost to the promising electric vehicle market in India.
The Company, Investment, Vision and Plans
“The joint venture will be launched this year itself with an initial investment of 20 billion Japanese yen, Rs 1,186 crore in INR and the production will start as soon as possible, told Suzuki in a statement today.
“New CO2 standards for automobiles are planned to come into existence. Right now the Indian automotive market where compact car models are significant, a suitable sustainable technology is required for them”, added the Suzuki.
The company is aiming to achieve through its joint venture:
Stable supply of lithium-ion battery packs
Contribute to government’s Make in India initiative.
Massive Boost towards developing the state of electric mobility.
Drive growth in the EV industry.
Suzuki will have 50 percent share in the joint venture, 40 percent will be of Toshiba and 10 percent of Japanese automotive components manufacturer Denso.
The founder of Reva electric and one of the pioneers of electric vehicles in India Chetan Maini said: I haven’t seen as much action happening on the electric vehicles front as he did in the last nine months.
Adding further to his given statement he said: A number of initiatives have been taken up by the car makers in India over the last six to seven years, but this is the first major initiative that is coming out of tier I, which is critical.”
Mini thinks that this joint venture will spur the others to invest in the future.
Indian Government and Electric Vehicles
The Indian Government is looking forward to promoting sustainable development and has an ambitious target to achieve 6-7 million cumulative sales of hybrid and electric vehicles by 2020.
Incentives have been provided by the government of India for electric vehicles under the FAME India initiative since the electric vehicles have a really high price and with no charging stations available these vehicles’ selling rate came to a significant decrease.
By setting up local manufacturing unit for the EV batteries the cost of electric vehicles will come down as the cost of a battery adds to more than half of their cost. Right now batteries are mostly imported from China.
The partnership will bring in Toyota’s global leadership in technology and manufacturing, and Suzuki’s strength in making small cars, especially in India.
Also, Check Out
Jaguar Land Rover to Launch 10 New Car Models in India | Will Compete With Mercedes, Audi & BMW
Shivali Angurala
An Illustrator by profession and a writer by chance. Shivali's love for the city beautiful brought her to work as an author for Chandigarh Metro. Writing is something that she believe is as impactful as Art. She loves to mix up colors as much as she love mixing interesting adjectives in her writings. You may reach Shivali at hello@chandigarhmetro.com
UP Employment Fair | UP Rojgar Mela – All You Need to Know
Dr. Tushar Vishnoi is Touching Hearts Worldwide With His Incredible Designs
Bicchoo Ka Khel Promotions Are On a Full Swing!
“The Intruder” Starring Ritwika Gupta Is A Smartly Designed Spooky Short
Taking Punjabi music to the highest realms of the music industry is Teji Johal
Nikhil Kumar Jain – Winning The Game Of Digital Marketing
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Our Response To The Corona Virus Health Concern
Luxury Rehab
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Insurance & FAQ
Imprisoning drug addicts doesn’t seem to have slowed down or reduced the spread of drug addiction, and it is costly. Research suggests that treating drug addicts instead is more effective and less costly, but not all addicts want to be treated, even if the alternative is prison.
Forcing addicts into treatment is a possibility, though difficult because of civil liberties protections. It’s not clear if such treatment is effective, however.
A 2014 article on the National Institute on Drug Abuse website claims that “Most studies suggest that outcomes for those who are legally pressured to enter treatment are as good as or better than outcomes for those who entered treatment without legal pressure”.
By contrast, a 2018 article from US News & World Report states that “A 2016 meta-analysis of nine studies in the International Journal of Drug Policy found no evidence of improved outcomes with compulsory treatment.”
The US News story goes on to say that “a study by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health of clients served between 2011 and 2014 found that patients who received involuntary treatment died of an opioid-related overdose at more than twice the rate of people who had voluntary treatment” (1.4 percent vs. 0.63 percent).
That’s not really a fair comparison, however, as a Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson pointed out. “Patients who are committed for treatment … are appropriately among the sickest, most complex and at the greatest risk for an overdose. It is inappropriate to directly compare the treatment outcomes of two different populations: one group that is actively seeking treatment and the other [that] is not.”
An opponent of involuntary commitment of drug addicts points adds that one reason for the higher death rate may be the type of rehab offered, which often does not include “evidence-based care” such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine or methadone for opioid abuse. There is a prejudice against using these drugs because they also are opioids and can be abused themselves.
Another possibility is that after completing rehab and a period of sobriety, the patient is unaware that they have lost some of the tolerance for drugs that they had built up over time. The dosage that once made them pleasantly high might now be lethal.
Another critic says involuntary clinics often don’t include mental health counseling, which ignores the possibility that the addiction may be complicated by a dual diagnosis.
As for the discrepancy between NIDA and US News, there may not be one. Both conclusions could be correct. The NIDA article refers to “legal pressure”, while US News describes “compulsory treatment”. Presumably, an addict can resist pressure, even if it means going to jail or prison. With compulsory treatment, there’s no choice.
Maybe the comparison should be with how many addicts who didn’t receive addiction treatment died of an overdose. If that number is higher than how many died after compulsory treatment, forced rehab might still be worthwhile in certain cases.
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With the current COVID-19 outbreak, many questions surrounding the virus arise. The safety of our staff and patients is the top priority across all of our centers. We have taken the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of exposure and transmission of the Coronavirus to those in our treatment programs, allowing them to focus on their recovery.
We are here to answer your questions and alleviate any concerns. Call us at 949-276-2886. Do not allow COVID-19 to stop you from seeking the care you need.
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Our Team Philosophy
Population without access to clean cooking in Africa
Around 900 million people are without access to clean cooking in Africa; in 32 countries more than 75% of the population is without access to clean cooking.
Share of population (millions)
Source IEA Africa Energy Outlook 2019.
Huge Unserved Market
Globally more than 2.6 billion people lack access to clean cooking, about 900 million people in sub-Saharan Africa. They use firewood, charcoal and kerosene. This causes almost 500,000 premature deaths per year because of the resulting household air pollution.
Established Product of Choice
Gas is the cooking fuel of choice for those who can afford it, and there has been a huge increase in the use of cooking gas in Africa over the last 5 years. However, this has remained out of reach for the mass market.
The Timing is Right
African cities are growing dramatically. At the same time, regulations there are making charcoal and kerosene more expensive. This together with the widespread use of mobile money offers a unique opportunity for our LPG smart meter technology, which allows for pay as you go gas cooking.
Now Available to the Mass Market
Urban customers are now concentrated enough to make the logistics of delivering affordably priced gas to the home, paid for in small increments using our smart meter and mobile money, an attractive commercial proposition.
Global Expansion Potential
Circle Gas can extend its business model and offer its technology to markets around the world, especially Asia, over time, to significantly reduce the number of people still cooking with unhealthy and polluting fuels.
Check back frequently to hear the latest news from Circle Gas.
Circle Gas and Safaricom extend strategic collaboration
Safaricom has expanded its collaboration with MGas, our Kenyan subsidiary, to deliver solutions that transform the lives of even more Kenyans. The relationship will enable joint technology development, expertise sharing, co-creation of solutions, and market support between the two firms.
Circle Gas is adapting to COVID 19
The pandemic is creating great uncertainty for all businesses. We expect there are going to be significant and long-lasting changes to the societies we live in. It is too early to fully understand the ramifications of the pandemic, but the need for affordable and clean cooking solution, and Circle Gas services, seem as pressing as […]
Clean Cooking Alliance interview CEO Volker Schultz
Our CEO Volker Schultz recently spoke with Peter George, the Clean Cooking Alliance’s Senior Director for Private Sector & Investment, about our recent the acquisition of of KopaGas's propriety technology and what this deal means for the future of the company and its contribution to scaling up clean cooking solutions in emerging markets.
Circle Gas Launch at UK-Kenya Tech Hub
We announced the launch of Circle Gas and our Kenyan subsidiary MGas at the UK-Kenya Technology Hub, hosted by the Nairobi Tech Hub and the UK High Commission to Kenya. In attendance were Alok Sharma, UK Government Sectary of State for the Department of International Development, Susie Kitchens, Deputy High Commissioner and Michael Joseph, current […]
Circle Gas Completes Acquisition of KOPAGAS™ Technology
Circle Gas Limited has concluded the acquisition of KopaGas’s proprietary technology in a transaction worth USD 25 million.
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Posts Tagged "Ancol Theme Park Tour"
Kharisma Indonesia Tour
Posted By citytourjakarta on Jul 6, 2014
Tour Included: AC Transportation, English Speaking Guide, Entrance Ticket as per itinerary, Parking Fee This tour is created especially for those who have never been to Indonesia. It provides a glance of Indonesia, the history, traditions, etnics, and cultures. This city tour is featuring the following objects and attractions: Monumen Nasional (Monas) This 132-meters-high column towering over Merdeka Square is Jakarta’s principal landmark. Topped by a glittering flame symbolizes the nation’s independence. The flame is gilded with 50 kg of gold leaf. The basement of the monument houses an exhibit of 50 dramatic dioramas depicting the history of Indonesia from prehistoric times to the present. Istiqlal Mosque and Cathedral Church (Passing By) Inaugurated in 1978, Istiqlal Mosque (id: Masjid Istiqlal) owned by Indonesian State Secretary with Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesian Republic. Istiqlal meaning ‘Independence’, is a reminder of Indonesia’s struggle for national independence. Its 17 years construction was personally supervised by the first President of Indonesian Republic, Soekarno. The largest mosque in Southeast Asia both in structure and capacity, as it can accommodate congregation of up tAn extensive theme park set in over 180 hectares on the outskirts of Jakarta. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park) is Indonesia’s answer to visitor’s will to see the magnificent archipelago in just one day. All of the Indonesian islands are realistically reproduced in miniature inside a central lake. Surrounding the lake are pavilions to represent the 33 provinces in Indonesia. Each of them is a house of the province with the traditional architectural style. The houses here were built in real size. Museum Indonesia The museum houses a vast collection of Indonesian traditional costumes, puppets, musical instruments, masks, and daily life utensils as well as contemporary arts and crafts from the various regions. Komodo Park It stands on an area of 10,120 m² with a building area of 1,500 m². When it’s possible you can take foto with huge tame snakes or other reptiles. Batik Shop Stop and visit to one of the Batik shops in Jakarta to find high quality selection of BATIK, traditional cloth of Indonesia, in classic and modern designs. Price per person in USD. Language Single 2 – 4 pax 5 – 7 pax 8 – Up Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child English 125 65 55 55 50 50 45 Japanese/Mandarin 225 110 90 90 80 80 70...
Tour Included: AC Transportation, English Speaking Guide, Entrance Ticket as per itinerary, Parking Fee. Jakarta began its history in the 14th century as a small harbor town and today become a bustling metropolitan city. Old Batavia’s heart is in the ‘Kota’ area now. The Old Batavia tour presents the uniqueness of Jakarta with various blends of culture and traditions. This tour featuring the following objects and attractions: National Museum The National Museum, built in 1862, is the best museum in Indonesia and reputedly one of the finest in Southeast Asia. The museum has an enormous collection of cultural objects of the various ethnic groups – costumes, musical instruments, model houses, numerous fine bronzes from the Hindu-Budhist Javanese period, as well as many interesting stone pieces salvaged from Java and other temples. (Monday & Public Holidays closed. Visit the National Monument instead). Glodok China Town Glodok is the center of Jakarta’s China Town. Visit to Petak Sembilan Chinese temple dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin. Built around 1650, it was on of the earliest center of worship for the Batavian Chinese. Also experience walking through the traditional market and find new things you never expect here. Kota Intan Drawbridge In the 18th century, At the north end of the Kali Besar lays a small Dutch drawbridge the last in the city, called the Kota Intan Drawbridge. Sunda Kelapa Harbor This old harbor area was a vital link to the outside world markets for the 15th Century kingdom of Pajajaran. Since then this port had belonged to the Portuguese and Dutch. The harbor is still one of the most important calls for sailing vessels from all over Indonesia. Fatahillah Museum Prior to its being officially functioned as a museum, the building had been the City Hall (Stadhuis). It provides the historic background of Jakarta through a display of maps, antiquities, and furnitures. (Monday & Public Holidays closed. Visit the antique and flea market in Jalan Surabaya instead). Puppet Museum The museum of great collections of Javanese leather puppets (wayang kulit), wooden puppets (wayang golek), as well as masks of Indonesian and other countries. UNESCO proclaimed Indonesian puppets as “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” Prior to it’s being officially functioned as a museum, the building had been the City Hall (Stadhuis). It provides the historic background of Jakarta through a display of maps, antiquities, and furnitures. (Monday & Public Holidays closed. Visit the antique and flea market in Jalan Surabaya instead). Price per person in USD. Language Single 2 – 4 pax 5 – 7 pax 8 – Up Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child...
Tour Included: AC Transportation, English Speaking Guide, Entrance Ticket as per itinerary, Parking Fee Try this afternoon ‘Best introduction on Indonesia’ program and find the genuine culture and tradition of Indonesia. This tour featuring the following objects and attractions: Price per person in USD. Language Single 2 – 4 pax 5 – 7 pax 8 – Up Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child English 85 55 50 50 45 45 40 Japanese/Mandarin 225 110 90 90 80 80 70...
Tour Included: AC Transportation, English Speaking Guide, Entrance Ticket as per itinerary, Parking Fee. Drive through one of Jakarta’s suburbs and lovely countryside, this tour takes you to Bogor, 60 km south of Jakarta and on to Puncak and Cisarua area at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level. This tour featuring the following objects and attractions: Bogor Botanical Garden This garden is located in the heart of Bogor town, home of more than 15.000 plants from all over the world. In this huge (87 hectares) garden you can walk around in fresh air area while learning many trees that you’ll never seen before. Bogor used to be the residential area of Dutch people in colonial time (19th century) when they wanted to escape from the bad situation in Batavia till they named it ‘Buitenzoorg’ that means ‘nothing to worry’ and then pronounced by local people as Bogor. Bogor also played an important role as the centre activities of the most powerful of Padjajaran Hindus Kingdom in West Java in 16th century. Puncak Tea Plantation From Bogor, drive across this beautiful 1400-meters high pass, winding mountain road that passes through small resort towns and tea plantations you will arrive to Puncak that meaning ‘summit’. At this high altitude, it’s cool and often misty. Tea pickers with their colorful costumes and big broad hats are good objects for photo lovers It is a popular escape from the heat and crowds of Jakarta. LUNCH will be served at a local restaurant here. Taman Safari Indonesia The Taman Safari Indonesia or Indonesia Safari Park is a drive-through game park created for animals in an environment as close as possible to their natural habitat. Watching various kinds of animals from all continents roaming nearby your tour bus is a very interesting experience that cannot be found in other zoos. Adjacent to the park is Baby Zoo which will offer another interest where you could hold friendly lion cubs, shake hands with orangutans and see a very unique white tiger. Price per person in USD. Language Single 2 – 4 pax 5 – 7 pax 8 – Up Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child English 190 100 90 90 85 80 75 Japanese/Mandarin 280 150 140 135 120 125 115...
Tour Included: AC Transportation, English Speaking Guide, Entrance Ticket as per itinerary, Parking Fee. Visit TAMAN IMPIAN JAYA ANCOL or known as ‘Ancol Dream Land’. It is Jakarta’s all-in-one recreation park located on the waterfront in north of the city. Ancol is also home to the city’s only appreciable beachfront, a great place for fun at the Bay of Jakarta. This tour featuring the following objects and attractions: Ancol Art Market Located inside the Ancol Dreamland, it is an outdoor art market likely recreational place where you will be most tempted to purchase something. Items include antiques, handicrafts, paintings, potters, and knickknacks. With many of the artisans working on site, it is a paradise for souvenir hunters and art lovers Sea World Inside the Ancol Dreamland complex, Sea World is a high tech modern huge aquarium exhibiting the special and diverse tropical marine life found throughout the Indonesian waters. Stroll through Freshwater World and Microworld, see beautiful tropical fish and corral reefs, and get friendly with marine life at the Touch pool. A theater screens movies about the underwater world and a necessity is the Antasena Tunnel, a walk-through acrylic tube that gives first hand experience of life under the sea. Dunia Fantasi Dunia Fantasi or ‘Fantasy World’ is a fun and theme park designed to entertain the visitors into the fascinating worlds of modern science and technology. The facilities take visitors on imagination tours of Africa, America and Indonesia through some breath taking games. Price per person in USD. Language Single 2 – 4 pax 5 – 7 pax 8 – Up Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child English 150 85 75 75 65 65 55 Japanese/Mandarin 280 150 140 135 120 125 115...
Tour Included: AC Transportation, English Speaking Guide, Entrance Ticket as per itinerary, Parking Fee. A full day scenic-sightseeing tour to Bandung, the capital of West Java province and the Indonesia’s third largest city, also known as ‘the city of flowers’. A pleasant drive via Subang roads, passing by mountainous area, paddy fields, rubber and tea plantations makes this excursion worth. This tour featuring the following objects and attractions: Ciater Hot Spring Ciater is a pretty little place in the middle of huge tea estate. Its main attraction is the Sari Ater Hot Spring Resort; the pools are probably the best of all the hot springs around Bandung. You can enjoy swimming in warm sulphurous water pools that can heal rheumatism and skin problems (note: pool ticket will be on your own expenses). Tangkuban Perahu Crater The name Tangkuban Perahu or the ‘overturned boat’ derived from the Sundanese ‘Sangkuriang’ legend. Its craters are the remnant of a gigantic collapsed volcano; it still simmers and bubbles, sending up deadly sulphurous fumes. Its last serious eruption was in 1969, filling the area with black clouds, ash, and mudflows. Tangkuban Perahu crater is easily accessible by car that makes it as impressive sight. Bandung Factory Outlet No discussion of Bandung’ sights would be complete without mention of its famous jeans street, Jalan Cihampelas. This is a commercial area, which offers a huge collection of jeans and the most beautifully decorated shop. It is the ultimate in arts and has to be seen to be believed. Price per person in USD. Language Single 2 – 4 pax 5 – 7 pax 8 – Up Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child English 200 100 85 90 75 80 70 Japanese/Mandarin 325 150 115 120 105 100 90...
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Home » Blogs » WW4 Report's blog
China: internal resistance to bio-police state
Submitted by WW4 Report on Fri, 02/14/2020 - 18:54
East Asia Theater
bionoia
conspiranoia
idiot left
politics of cyberspace
Trumpism
"Citizen journalists" and "netizens" in China who are critical of the government's handling of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak are apparently being "disappeared." Winning most attention are two cases from Wuhan, infamously the epicenter of the outbreak. Wuhan businessman Fang Bin was posting videos to YouTube (presumably through a VPN) to "report on the actual situation here," with one on Feb. 1 seeming to show eight corpses piled in a minibus outside a hospital, going viral. On Feb. 9, he posted a 13-second video with the words "All people revolt—hand the power of the government back to the people." After that, the account went silent. The other is Chen Qiushi, a human rights lawyer turned video journalist who built a reputation through his coverage of the Hong Kong protests last year and in late January traveled to Wuhan to report on the situation. He visited hospitals in the stricken city, looking at the desperate conditions and speaking with patients. Then, on Feb. 7, a video was shared on his Twitter account (currently managed by a friend) featuring his mother, who said he had gone missing the day before. His friend, Xu Xiaodong, later claimed in a YouTube video that he had been forcibly quarantined. (BBC News, Feb. 14)
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists is calling on the Chinese government to "immediately account for the whereabouts of journalist Chen Qiushi, and ensure that the media can cover the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan without fear of retribution."
Wuhan has been on lockdown since Jan. 23, and harsh restrictions on movement have now spread beyond Hubei province to several provinces across central and eastern China. (Bloomberg, Feb. 11) The coastal province of Zhejiang, immediately south of Shanghai, has imposed a "draconian quarantine," according to the South China Morning Post. Some residents are being locked inside their homes. while others must present a "passport" to go out every two days for supplies.
In the south, the cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen have imposed measures allowing the governments to seize private property under emergency powers—marking a first since the establishment of China's property law in 2007. (HKFP, Feb. 12)
In at least one city—Wenzhou in Zhejiang province—public anger over the government's reaction to the crisis has actually spilled into street protest. A YouTube video dated Feb. 5 showed crowds gathering on a roadway, chanting and shouting angrily, as riot police close in. A scuffle breaks out as the video ends.
Most of the dissent has been online—and not only on VPN-accessed officially blocked sites like YouTube and Twitter, but China's own Sina Weibo. Outcry has seemingly been so overwhelming that the government's very industrious censors are having a hard time keeping up. It is especially taking the form of homages a young Wuhan doctor, Li Wenliang, who tried to raise the alarm about the virus back in December before it was out of control—only to be silenced by police, who told him to stop "making false comments." He continued working at the overwhelmed Wuhan Central Hospital, and last week succumbed to the virus. (BBC News, Feb. 7)
It is likely that many dissident netizens have been detained or "quarantined" apart from those cases that have reached the outside word. Radio Free Asia reports that seven have been detained in Tibet for spreading "rumors" online.
Among the items that have slipped through the censors is horrific video footage from Wuhan of men in hazmat suits apparently dragging people from their homes to be forcibly quarantined. (Daily Mail) One Wuhan resident with an ailing father in her home was able to reach BBC News. "We'd rather die at home than go to quarantine," she said. "My uncle actually died in one of the quarantine points because there are no medical facilities for people with severe symptoms. I really hope my father can get some proper treatment but no-one is in contact with us or helping us at the moment."
States a commentary in Japan Times: "For the first time since coming to power, Xi’s high-tech censorship machine is meeting with intense resistance from millions of Chinese internet users. The controlocracy is being put to the test. Most likely, though, the outbreak itself will be used to justify even more surveillance and control of the population."
Chna's leaders seem to be aware of the potential threat to the legitimacy of their rule. Xi Jinping presided over a meeting of the party's Politburo Standing Committee to discuss the crisis last week. An official statement released by state news agency Xinhua said the leaders acknowledged the epidemic poses "a major test of China's system and capacity for governance..." (SCMP, Feb. 8)
Dissident legal scholar Xu Zhangrun has written an essay entitled "Viral Alarm: When Fury Overcomes Fear," which is online in translation at the website ChinaFile. Xu blames the current national crisis on "systemic impotence" that Xi has fostered through an atmosphere of intimidation. "It is a system that turns every natural disaster into an even greater man-made catastrophe. The coronavirus epidemic has revealed the rotten core of Chinese governance; the fragile and vacuous heart of the jittering edifice of state has thereby shown up as never before." He implies that the regime may be facing the biggest challenge to its legitimacy since the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989. (The Guardian. Feb. 11)
Hong Kong-based ChinaWorker website sees the crisis of legitimacy as a dual one, with the coronavirus outbreak and draconian response closely following the protests in the semi-autonomous city: "Coming in rapid succession, and further accentuated by an unprecedented superpower struggle with US imperialism (with the epidemic destined to become an additional battleground in this conflict), these crises have begun to sap the confidence of China's ruling elite and its previously rock solid belief in the CCP's authoritarian capitalist model. Xi, the 'strongman' who was charged with rescuing CCP rule, looks more likely to trigger its downfall."
Ironically and tellingly, the current panic has put a media spotlight back on Jiang Yanyong, the military surgeon who exposed the government's cover-up of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2003. It now emerges that he has been under house arrest since last year, after he wrote to the top leadership asking for a reassessment of the 1989 Tiananmen pro-democracy movement and its repression. (The Guardian, Feb. 9)
We will close by recalling that two of the cities most impacted in the current crisis have been the scene of protests over the past years. Wuhan was shaken by demonstrations over placement of a waste incinerator last June. Wenzhou saw two eruptions of protest in 2012: First, in May, a migrant worker was killed in a clash with factory security guards over a wage dispute, leading to riots and street-fighting. (BBC News, May 30, 2012) Then, in November, residents in Liuliang and Fangbei villages, within Wenzhou prefecture, clashed with police in a protest against the construction of power pylons over their homes. (SCMP, Nov. 22, 2012)
And we can be sure that China's rulers are now recalling the long revolutionary legacy in Wuhan. In July 1967, it was the scene of the notorious Wuhan Incident in the Cultural Revolution, in which workers and local military commanders in the city rose up against Mao Zedong. In 1927, after the Chiang Kai-shek regime in Nanjing unleashed its brutal repression of Chiang's erstwhile allies the Communists, a rival left-wing Kuomintang-Communist government was established in Wuhan, claiming to be the legitimate capital of all China. And the historic October 10, 1911 uprising that ultimately turned into the revolution that brought down the Qing Dynasty began in Wuchang, a district of Wuhan prefecture.
1911, 1949, 2020? You can bet that there is fear in the Zhongnanhai today....
WW4 Report's blog
Conspiranoid, Trumpist and pseudo-left responses to coronavirus
Submitted by Bill Weinberg on Sat, 02/15/2020 - 01:06
A few final things to note about the coronavirus crisis...
First, we are not sure how much to make of it, but the Daily Mail reports that Wuhan is the site of the high-level Wuhan National Biosafety Laboratory, established to study SARS and Ebola. After it opened in 2017, Tim Trevan, a Maryland biosafety consultant, told Nature he worried that China's culture of secrecy could make the facility unsafe. The conspiracy theorists have of course been having a field day with this.
The World Health Organization declared the coronoavirus a "public health emergency of international concern" on Jan. 30. And despite the low risk in the US, the Trump administration declared a public health emergency the next day. US citizens who have been to Hubei Provence in the past 14 days are being quarantined for an additional 14 days upon returning to the US. Further, the US is temporarily prohibiting most travelers arriving from China, or who have recently traveled to China, unless they are US citizens. (Jurist)
Given Trump's own fetish for mass detention, this is not exactly comforting news.
Finally, we note with deep chagrin that the freedom-hating propaganist John Pilger (one of several pseudo-left voices in the West that are openly shilling for the Beijing regime) tweeted Feb. 2:
Under cover of coronavirus, the US and its 'allies' are waging war against China. The racist travel bans and media hysteria are not approved by WHO. China's response to the emergency has been a model - unlike the US whose current flu epidemic has killed 10,000 and isn't news.
It's appalling enough to be upholding the massive lockdown in China—and, seemingly, the conversion of Wuhan into a virtual death-camp—as a positive "model." But, beyond that, Pilger is simply spreading disinformation. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the current flu outbreak in the US is "below the epidemic threshold."
China: dissident detained after criticism of virus response
Submitted by Bill Weinberg on Mon, 02/24/2020 - 02:51
Chinese authorities have detained a prominent activist and legal scholar who issued a harsh attack on president Xi Jinping for mishandling the coronavirus crisis. Xu Zhiyong was taken away by police Feb. 15 while he was seeking refuge at the home of a lawyer in the southern city of Guangzhou.
Xu had managed to evade authorities for 50 days as police began rounding up fellow activists the day after Christmas. But while in hiding he released his essay on Xi's response to the COVID-19 crisis. "You didn’t authorise the truth to be released, and the outbreak turned into a national disaster," Xu wrote. "Whenever you face looming crisis, you're clueless."
Xu, co-founder of the New Citizens' Movement, was released in 2017 after serving a four-year prison sentence for his legal activism. (NPR, NYT, The Guardian)
Media accounts were unclear on where the essay appeared.
NY Post: COVID-19 (may have) escaped from lab
Steven W. Mosher wrote for the New York Post on Feb. 22, in a piece entitled "Don’t buy China’s story: The coronavirus may have leaked from a lab"...
...the People’s Liberation Army’s top expert in biological warfare, a Maj. Gen. Chen Wei, was dispatched to Wuhan at the end of January to help with the effort to contain the outbreak.
According to the PLA Daily, Chen has been researching coronaviruses since the SARS outbreak of 2003, as well as Ebola and anthrax. This would not be her first trip to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, either, since it is one of only two bioweapons research labs in all of China.
Does that suggest to you that the novel coronavirus, now known as SARS-CoV-2, may have escaped from that very lab, and that Chen’s job is to try to put the genie back in the bottle, as it were? It does to me.
The Wuhan Institute of Virology is the parent organization of the National Biosafety Laboratory, which is perhaps ironically named.
Coronavirus outbreak impacts cannabis industry
Submitted by WW4 Report on Sun, 03/08/2020 - 21:41
With half a billion people under lockdown, the coronavirus outbreak in China is virtually certain to take a grave impact on the Asian superpower's economy—with ripples across the planet. And the cannabis industry is, like so many global concerns, dependent on labor in China's factory zones. Canna-businesses as far away as Canada's prairies are fearing an imminent pinch. Read more at Global Ganja Report...
China: another coronavirus dissident disappears
Submitted by Bill Weinberg on Wed, 03/18/2020 - 03:45
Reuters reports that an influential former Chinese property executive who called Xi Jinping a "clown" following a speech the president made last month about the government's efforts to battle the coronavirus has gone missing. Ren Zhiqiang, a member of the ruling Communist party and a former top executive of state-controlled property developer Huayuan Real Estate Group, has not been heard from since March 12.
COVID-19 conspiranoia weaponized
Submitted by Bill Weinberg on Fri, 03/20/2020 - 01:55
The resident anti-China hack at the NY Post is floating the conspiracy theory that China created the virus. Meanwhile, the resident anti-America hack at Beijing's Foreign Ministry, Lijian Zhao, is citing the sinister-wacky conspiranoid website Global Research to back up his claim that the US created the virus. (Forbes, AFP, SCMP) The US has summoned the Chinese ambassador over Zhao's comments. (Reuters) If you have been trading in such conspranoia, just stop. The stakes are way too high.
State Department cables warned of safety issues at Wuhan lab
From WaPo:
Two years before the novel coronavirus pandemic upended the world, U.S. Embassy officials visited a Chinese research facility in the city of Wuhan several times and sent two official warnings back to Washington about inadequate safety at the lab, which was conducting risky studies on coronaviruses from bats. The cables have fueled discussions inside the U.S. government about whether this or another Wuhan lab was the source of the virus — even though conclusive proof has yet to emerge.
What the Fuck, America?
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What is the Scholarship Essay Format?
ASHLEY FRIEDMAN
No matter what you're hoping to study in college, you're going to need to write a scholarship essay if you're applying for a scholarship. This is the most important part of your scholarship application because it lets the scholarship committee understand who you are, what you want and why you'd be a valuable asset to their academic community.
What is a Scholarship Essay?
How Do You Win a Scholarship?
Scholarship Essay Format
1 What is a Scholarship Essay?
A scholarship essay is an essay you'll be required to submit to accompany your scholarship application. The essay is a critical part of the application because it helps the scholarship committee identify what makes you unique from the many other applicants who are also highly qualified and may have very similar grades, extracurricular activities, hobbies and interests. By writing an essay that truly communicates your values, who you are and what you're hoping to gain by joining this academic community, you're helping the scholarship committee decide if you'd be the right fit.
2 How Do You Win a Scholarship?
Some scholarships are merit-based only and will be offered to students with a particularly impressive set of academic credentials. To win a scholarship, you'll want to let the university know that you have additional achievements beyond your outstanding grades. Building a resume that shows the way you've spent your time over the four years you've been in high school is an excellent way to advocate for yourself to the scholarship committee. Summer and part-time jobs, volunteer experiences, academic achievements and any clubs, teams or organizations you belong to should all be listed and explained. Most universities require letters of recommendation for all applicants, but you'll want to add a few more if you're applying for a scholarship. Teachers, academic advisors and administrators who know you well and can describe what you'd bring to the community are great people to ask to write letters for you.
When it comes to applying for a scholarship, however, the essay is the most important part. Most universities, colleges and scholarship-funding organizations – especially the particularly competitive ones – have scores of applicants every admissions season and must make difficult decisions about who'll receive scholarships. The scholarship essay is a way of narrowing the pool as schools receive thousands of applications from students with outstanding GPAs, excellent references and impressive resumes. Your scholarship essay not only tells the university or scholarship committee about who you are, it allows the evaluator to get a sense of your writing and communication abilities, which are critical skills to have at the university level.
3 Scholarship Essay Format
The organization offering the scholarship will likely give you a topic or question for your essay. Before you begin writing, be sure to look at the guidelines. Is there a maximum word count? Is there something you're supposed to address pertaining to your academic history or future? Are there other formatting concerns that you need to pay attention to?
Depending on the word count constraints, your essay may be under two pages long but should still follow the format of a five-paragraph essay, which you have probably been writing for the bulk of your high school career. In a five-paragraph essay, you introduce your topic and your argument in the first paragraph and make a case for why you're writing what you're going to write. The following three paragraphs should be used for evidence, anecdotes or other reasoning that backs up the claim you made at the beginning of the essay. The final paragraph is the conclusion and should explain or express the way the topic you've chosen has affected you and how it might be brought to bear on your future.
1 International Student: How to Write a Scholarship Essay
2 University Language: How to Write a Scholarship Essay
Ashley Friedman is a freelance writer with experience writing about education for a variety of organizations and educational institutions as well as online media sites.
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Water & Conservation
Are you a CleanTechie?
2012 Death Toll for Bats Reaches 600,000 Due to Wind Turbines
by Walter Wang November 20, 2013 0 comment
Efforts to promote and develop new forms of sustainable energy have pushed wind power to the forefront. However, this type of power comes with a cost — as it often interferes with birds’ and bats’ migration, killing hundreds of thousands of these winged species.
According to a new study from the University of Colorado Denver, more than 600,000 bats were killed by wind energy turbines in 2012. This has serious environmental repercussions as bats help pollinate crops and help control harmful insect pests.
“The development and expansion of wind energy facilities is a key threat to bat populations in North America,” said study author Mark Hayes, PhD, research associate in integrated biology at CU Denver. “Dead bats are being found underneath wind turbines across North America. The estimate of bat fatalities is probably conservative.”
The study, which analyzed data on the number of dead bats found at wind turbine sites, will be published this week in the journal BioScience.
Hayes said areas near the Appalachian Mountains like Buffalo, Tennessee and Mountaineer, West Virginia had the highest bat fatality rates. Little information is available on bat deaths at wind turbine facilities in the Rocky Mountain West or the Sierra Nevadas.
The bats are killed when they fly into the towering turbines which spin at up to 179 mph with blades that can stretch 130 feet. Earlier estimates of bat deaths ranged from 33,000 to 880,000.
Hayes said his estimates are likely conservative for two reasons. First, when a range of fatality estimates were reported at a wind facility, he chose the minimum estimate. Secondly, the number of deaths was estimated for just migratory periods, not the entire year, likely leaving out many other fatalities.
There are 45 known bat species in the contiguous U.S. many of which have important economic impacts. Not only do they control flying insects like mosquitoes, they also pollinate commercial crops, flowers and various cacti.
Those suffering the most fatalities are the hoary bat, eastern bat and the silver-haired bat.
Hayes said there ways to mitigate the killings. One is to have the turbines activated to spin at higher wind speeds when bats don’t tend to fly.
“A lot of bats are killed because the turbines move at low wind speeds, which is when most bats fly around,” said Hayes, who has studied bats for 15 years. “In a recent study in Pennsylvania, researchers adjusted the operating speeds from 10 mph to 18 or 20 mph and decreased fatalities by 40 to 90 percent.”
Article appearing courtesy Environmental News Network.
bastsbladesEconomic ImpactWindwind speedsWind turbines
Walter Wang
Walter’s contributions to CleanTechies over the past 4 years have been instrumental in growing the publications social media channels via his ongoing editorial and data driven strategies. He is the founder and managing director of Sunflower Tax, a renewable energy tax and finance consultancy based in San Diego, California. Active in the San Diego clean technology community, participating in events sponsored by CleanTech San Diego, EcoTopics, and Cleantech Open San Diego, Walter has also been a presenter at numerous California Center for Sustainability (CCSE) programs. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Law where he teaches a course on energy taxation and policy.
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Lynn Jurich
Matt Moroney
Kyle Field
Chelsea Harder
Griff Jurgens
Scott Cooney
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CLEVELAND, TN – On Monday, September 16, 2019 Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner Clay Bright officially announced funding of $13,669,998 across several communities in the state of Tennessee through TDOT’s Transportation Alternative Grant program.
The city of Cleveland was one of fifteen communities in Tennessee to receive funding from TDOT’s extremely competitive Transportation Alternative Grant Program. The city of Cleveland was awarded $1.4 million in grant funding. The grant received from the state will be used for construction of Phase VI of the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway.
Phase VI of the greenway will connect the current terminus on the greenway at Willow Street to Inman Street and the Village Green Shopping Center. The project includes ADA compliant sidewalks, landscaping, a pedestrian bridge, elevated crosswalk, retaining walls and pedestrian signals.
“Tennessee is committed to continuing to develop safe infrastructure across our states,” Governor Lee said. “These grants will help us reach our goal of being a healthier state and will enhance the lives of Tennesseans by making our communities more accessible and livable.”
“I’m extremely appreciative of Governor Lee’s and Commissioner Bright’s commitment and faith in our community,” said Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks. “This is a highly desirable project that our citizens have patiently waited to begin. “This project is an important link in the redevelopment of our city’s downtown.
“Through these grants, TDOT has funded $386 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” said TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright. “this program has assisted communities all over the state in their efforts to revitalize downtowns, highlight historic areas, provide alternative means of transportation, and increase opportunities for economic development.
“Phase VI of the greenway is a critical link between our greenway system and downtown,” said Greg Thomas, Transportation Director.
Funding for the state’s transportation alternatives grants are made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Pictured left to right: Brian Moran, Assistant to the City Manager/Communications Coordinator; Cleveland City Councilman Tom Cassada; Tennessee Governor Bill Lee; Cameron Fisher, Cleveland/Bradley Greenway Board Chair; Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks; Cleveland City Councilman Ken Webb; Corey Divel, Senior Planner; Patti Petitt, Parks and Recreation Director; and TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright.
⇐Previous GEORGETOWN ROAD TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURENext⇒ 20TH STREET BRIDGE CLOSURE
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The Weekend Wonk: Small Modular Reactors: Yes or No?
34 Responses to “The Weekend Wonk: Small Modular Reactors: Yes or No?”
ecoquant Says:
So, this was a good show, but the discussion skips over a lot of background.
To my mind, it’s no doubt that nuclear electrical power could have had a big role in providing reliable, safe zero Carbon energy. And I grant that, apart from long term disposal of nuclear waste, and contrary to what many environmentally-minded progressives believe, nuclear power can be built and operated very safely. However, choices by the nuclear industry long ago doomed them and our chances to do so. In fairness, this kind of choice isn’t limited to the nuclear power or nuclear industry: The military and their contractors tend to go in preference with fewer big individually expensive units, to their detriment. Why that is the case may have something to do with profit margins and risk on big contracts being better for the contractor if they are structured as cost plus, or it could be many other things. And, with the long term plan of the U.S. military to build up a nuclear materials and fissile fuels industry to feed their need for weapons grade in lieu of building one up themselves, they may have had something to do with nuclear industry choices.
So why do I say it’s doomed and big expensive reactors are a detriment? It’s a simple engineering matter. If one builds a few big reactors, no two of them are identical by definition, and the engineering experience of building one is not that transferrable to building a second. On the other hand, if the Ford Model T route is elected, and thousands of identical copies of a unit are built, the standard techniques of quality control and mass production can be brought to bear to making the units cheaper and more reliable.
So, instead of building big reactors, the industry should have seized the idea of building small ones — and I’d go with the VSMR size rather than SMR — and learning how to lash them together to scale up to power stations of arbitrary size, even if this is less efficient, in many ways, than building the big one. The ancillary efficiencies and cost reductions are what matter. Moreover, they could have been detachable and portable so, for example, if one broke or needed to be refueled, it could be hauled away and replaced with another unit, without bringing down the central power or affecting it much. Think of the comparative redundancies a big wind farm or solar farm provides, and you’ll get the idea.
In a world of digital control, and using another analogy, that of computer server farms, with identical makeup, these reactors could be controlled by very few individuals, even remotely. I’m sure that if nuclear bombs can have PALs and ENDS, breach-preventing mechanisms could be built into portable nuclear reactors, satisfying concerns about diversion.
They did not however, and this is why the building of nuclear power, even after long operation, means per Watt-hour, it is the most expensive electrical power on the planet. In addition, the upstream Carbon emissions for manufacture and construction of plants are enormous. In addition, when a 600 MW Pilgrim plant goes offline all at once, with little notice, the grid groans under the loss of power. Today peaking gas plants jump on to fix that. They are expensive. And they are, from an emissions perspective, dirty. (No one should confuse them with emissions from gas combined cycle plants.)
However, none of this will happen. It isn’t 1965 or even 1975, it’s 2020. Now there’s a need for a crash program. This is a completely new technology, irrespective of what the industry will tell you. And even if its long term per Watt-hour costs are low, there is the investment and time required in the new technology. So what’s a realistic time frame for rolling this out? And what could that investment buy if simply used to purchase and build wind turbines, solar farms, and battery storage even using today’s technology? A lot. It could even be used to develop a much smarter self-healing electrical grid for much of the country.
And how “necessary” are these for a zero Carbon electrical power source and why? Are they necessary because they needed for technical or engineering reasons? And are some of those reasons because they regulatory authority and apparatus is too inflexible to be able to, say, update the grid for widespread wind, solar, and batteries? How much of that is because the utility companies don’t like it or think it’s bad for their shareholders, in the cases where they have shareholders?
And the big question is how much do people who, in many jurisdictions, claim to care about mitigating climate change and moving to zero Carbon electrical energy, and even who claim to care about environmental and climate justice, how much are they willing to “soil the appearances” of their pristine suburban and rural communities to build solar farms and wind turbines, and battery farms to achieve these? Because if they are not, then there will be a zero Carbon energy deficit and a false need for things like nuclear power. What they’ll end up with isn’t nuclear but electricity generated by natural gas.
It’s really hypocritical for white, liberal and progressive people in suburban towns and rural centers to claim to care about climate justice and climate change mitigation, yet continue to consume electrical power, switching to EVs and the like, yet insisting these be generated by dirty and dangerous plants situated in communities of color and low income, while they retain the “pristine” look of their towns. In my book, if you use electrical power and do not want to conserve, you should be willing to give up some substantial chunk of your town’s area to help generate it. And you shouldn’t oppose large solar and wind farms built on private property.
My annoyance is based not only upon the public’s attitude but that they get people like Sierra Club and 350.org to back them up in their opposition.
It’s really hypocritical for white, liberal and progressive people in suburban towns and rural centers to claim to care about climate justice and climate change mitigation, yet continue to consume electrical power, switching to EVs and the like, yet insisting these be generated by dirty and dangerous plants situated in communities of color and low income, while they retain the “pristine” look of their towns.
So, what, they should insist that the power be generated by nuclear power plants situated in communities of color and low income instead? Is decrying NIMBY supposed to be some kind of argument as defense/advocacy of nuclear power plants?
Upper middle class and richer communities will always have more resources to fight the placement of power plants, diesel truck transfer hubs, prisons, train lines, Section 8 housing, highway interchanges, etc. Furthermore, builders of these facilities naturally migrate to places where it will be cheap to buy land (or politicians), and where some of the lower-income working class will even welcome them as job providers. People who make money off of these projects groom such working class communities to vote in their favor and against their own self-interests.
Yeah, but solar farms, as I noted, aren’t that dirty or noisy or anything else.
Opposing them is really quite contrived.
No matter, what will happen is their opposition will entitle the towns which do this to much more expensive electricity down the road if they don’t have local generation.
That will, in the long run, tend to deflect local business and ownership.
They’ll change their minds. Maybe all the people there now need to die first.
Keith McClary Says:
SMRs are also being promoted for cooking the tar out of the Tar Sands.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/nuclear-power-oilsands-1.5142864
dumboldguy Says:
Cook the oil out the tar sands with nuclear energy? Someone has truly lost their mind there.
J4Zonian Says:
If it weren’t so typically dishonest and dangerous I’d be amused by the glowing reports of safety of these reactors-that-don’t-exist-yet. Oh good! More meterless power!
But it’s the classic Bermuda business triangle, isn’t it? Cheap, fast or safe. You can have them cheap which is the only way they can be built in our psychopathic economic system; you can have them fast, which is the only way they’ll be useful at all in our crisis; or you can have them safe. So, cheap, fast, and unsafe it is. 7:40.
Except no, not that fast. If we move to emergency footing we’ll have everything else built and half paid off on the carbon cost of its construction before the first of these is on line and even starting to pay it off. (If we don’t, we’ll be unable to build any of these because civilization will be imploding.) And almost certainly not that cheap, since there’s no reason to think the industry has given up its long tradition of lying about everything. So unfast, uncheap, and unsafe it is. Let’s cancel the Haliades and get started. MTNIGA!
redskylite Says:
U.K are investing in the development of such devices – looks much more likely to come to fruition, well ahead of the nuclear holy grail “fusion”.
We need as many low-carbon options as we can muster, as well as co-operation across time zones, countries etc.
energylivenews 13th July 2021 ::
“UK Government invests £40m to develop next-gen nuclear tech
A majority of the funding will support three Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) projects, which are much smaller than traditional nuclear energy power plants
https://www.energylivenews.com/2020/07/13/uk-government-invests-40m-to-develop-next-gen-nuclear-tech/
oops impatient me, should read 13th July 2020 (fingers crossed for a climate friendly 2021).
Glenn Martin Says:
Many new designs, specifically MSR’rs, burn ‘spent’ fuel and could go a long way to solving the bulk of our nuclear waste problem. That they could also generate power makes them liklely the most cost effective way of doing so.
So they’re going to be developed anyway. The fact is a lot of spending by world governments is useless subsidies for industries that don’t need them or defense spending which good diplomacy would render pointless. We’ve got the money to go full blast on both renewables and develop sensible nuclear power. All that’s lacking is the will.
Burning spent fuel doesn’t solve any problems, it does create new ones at least as bad. The development you mention is in the wrong direction, can’t be done in time to help with our crises, and can’t compete with the still rapidly dropping price of clean safe renewables.
The only sensible nuclear development is to decommission them all as fast as they and fossil fuels can be replaced with clean safe renewable energy. Useless subsidies? Exactly what any money thrown into the black hole of nukes would be. Like fossil fuels, it’s an industry that sensible energy development would render gone forever.
@J4Zonian,
I agree. I think your sketch is also the cheaper route.
My big concern of late is that the lower spatial energy density of zero Carbon sources is colliding with privileged populations who very much enjoy the idea of putting dirty and dangerous fossil fuel or nuclear facilities far away from their homes. Putting them, apparently, in low income communities and communities of color is okay by them. Because of the higher energy density, it’s okay by them that a few places are spoiled by these, as long as they are not in their backyards.
Yes, thanks for that. I’ve been mystified by the completely bogus “energy density” argument; it’s untrue, irrelevant, and makes no sense, but comes up over and over. I’m sure this is why—it’s pointing, consciously or un, to the reassuring ability of the privileged to escape the effects of their exploitation by pushing them onto scapegoated people and nature. Externalization—of economic costs, health effects, and pollution, etc.—is one of the corollary social processes of projection, along with scapegoating, ignoring, marginalizing, isolating (redlining, over-incarceration, forced emigration or banishment…) and others. With fossil and fissile fuels it’s been easy to separate extraction/generation and benefits, economically and in the landscape, especially mostly grandfathered-in sites and forcing new extraction, generation, and transmission on the politically less powerful. Renewables tend to be more local and harder to split, so there’s yet another, even stronger and more concrete excuse for the right to hate them than all the others.
Compared to fossil and fissile fuels’ ever-expanding stain of wrecked land and leaked-out damage, clean safe renewable energy will take up tiny amounts of land, most of which can be on wasteland, (including fossil fuel wasteland) rooftops, parking lots, roadways, bridges, and in the oceans and other water bodies with offshore wind, solar, tidal, wave, and OTEC. And as it improves it takes up even less land.
“A newer wind turbine in Altamont Pass.
On the rolling hills of Altamont Pass, east of San Francisco, one of the country’s oldest wind farms has produced power for more than 30 years.
1500 wind turbines were recently removed from one of the oldest wind farms in the US, and replaced with enough new turbines to supply about the same amount of electricity—82 of them.”
https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/2018/08/wind-power-is-getting-more-efficient/
Agreed on the tiny amount of land. The percentage is 0.17% for 143 countries to convert. Figure below is from that text by Professor Mark Z Jacobson of Stanford University.
He has a book coming out going over all this. I just pre-ordered a copy.
disdaniel8 Says:
I’m waiting for the nano-SMRs to be developed–you know the ones that are so small they can power your cellphones continuously for 2.4 years…and because they are so small they won’t produce enough waste to be concerned with. And since we don’t need to worry about waste they can be made rather light—no shielding needed–just imagine less radiation than a bunch of bananas. And since they are small and light, they can also be cheap–why there will be billions of them in just a decade or so powering all your devices around the clock, and that scale will make them even cheaper!
I’ve got a Mr. Fusion™ on back-order.
My e-cat should arrive soon:
https://e-catworld.com/2020/05/15/rossi-on-opposition-to-the-e-cat/
Mike Dombroski Says:
A story that hasn’t gotten a lot of notice is meltdown proof nuclear fuel pellets:
https://www.wired.com/story/nuclear-power-balls-triso-fuel/
Triso— short for “tristructural isotropic”—fuel is made from a mixture of low enriched uranium and oxygen, and it is surrounded by three alternating layers of graphite and a ceramic called silicon carbide. Each particle is smaller than a poppy seed, but its layered shell can protect the uranium inside from melting under even the most extreme conditions that could occur in a reactor.
Paul Demkowicz is the director of the Advanced Gas Reactor Field Development and Qualification Program at Idaho National Laboratory, and a large part of his job is simulating worst-case scenarios for next-generation nuclear reactors. For the past few years, Demkowicz and his colleagues have been running qualification tests on triso fuel that involve putting them in a reactor and cranking the temperature. Most nuclear reactors today operate well below 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and even the next generation high-temperature reactors will top out at about 2,000 degrees. But during the INL tests, Demkowicz demonstrated that triso could withstand reactor temperatures over 3,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Out of 300,000 particles, not a single triso coating failed during the two-week long test.
Neat, but addressing the wrong problem, in my opinion.
Nuclear reactors, even existing ones, are pretty safe. Quibbles can be had over the safety of spent waste and mining new fuel.
The trouble is constructing nuclear reactors is horrifically expensive, in time, cost, and impact upon environment, both directly and in terms of upstream environmental emissions and cost and impacts. Mining fuels has big environmental impact.
Hence, Wind, Water, and Solar.
See also.
The world is heating up and it will be catastrophic, meaning very bad. The solution is to reduce effectively all GHG. The belief this can be done by renewable’s is wishful thinking, as in not THINKING at all. So stop cluttering crock with dogmatic anti nuclear crock and look for solutions,
Tens of thousands of land base wind and hundreds of thousands of solar farms can be rolled out for the price of 10 big nuclear plants. Placed at synoptic scale or larger and properly integrated these are independent of weather. Coupling solar with good storage makes them independent of night. Solar and wind are so cheap it’s reasonable to overbuild to hit any demand target and use active demand controls to modulate shortfalls.
If solar and wind are placed close to consumption, most of the time they win purely because joule losses and energy conversion losses by other technologies are avoided, including step up/down.
And nuclear power is intermittent …. Perhaps not with as high a frequency as wind and solar appreciably below synoptic scales, but when it goes down, it is unpredictable and warning time is a couple of minutes. That means in effect nuclear demands peaking natural gas as a backup which means those emissions need to be assigned to nuclear, too. Ad well as upstream for pipelines, mining and refining, etc, and cost of money for keeping the peakers idled most of the time.
A stable continuous power grid requires a minimum of 40% firm turnkey power to work. Renewable’s are not firm. Solar spikes in the middle of the 1/3 of the day when the sun is shining! wind is at the whim of the gods, all of whom have a warped sense of humor. This is self evident. And you say nuclear is intermittent. A joke perhaps? This is too important for ideological favorites. You are wrong.
(a) Pilgrim nuclear in Massachusetts went offline several times with as little as two minute warnings. One time it was down for many months.
(b) “Solar spikes” and wind variability are only seen measured at the outgoing of a single generating station, geographically specific. To be fair, you need to look at the integrated, combined generation of a spatially dispersed amount of generation comparable to that with which you are comparing. In the limit in a properly designed zero Carbon energy system, such assets are broadly spread at synoptic scales and integrated across a modern grid with dynamic voltage and other management services. Some inverters are coming equipped with some of these services which can be activated by remote signalling. Synoptic scale is important because it is the scale of weather systems. Geographic build-out at such scales decorrelates output of individual systems, irrespective of weather. This can be seen in the phase shifting of peak loads when there’s greater spatial build-out.
(c) In New England, much of the current solar PV generation is connected to the distribution system, not the transmission system. This reduces demand for power from the grid, but does not affect the characteristics of the transmission system itself. So the grid is not disturbed. Imbalances and variability of generation have been studied in other climes as well.
(d) While nothing is quite as good as real time output measurements from all solar PV, including BTM, in its absence planners can still do a lot with clever modeling. Of course, these models can be tuned by looking at residuals.
The readership should understand that “baseload” is broadly misunderstood. Traditionally, it has been provided by generation from a relatively few large plants. But there is no reason it cannot also be provided by steady generation by a large number of much smaller generators, and the mix may not even be the same from minute to minute. See:
B. Matek, K. Gawell, “The benefits of baseload renewables: A misunderstood energy technology“, The Electricity Journal, 28(2), March 2015, 101-112.
J. W. Chang, M. G. Aydin, J. Pfeifenberger, K. Spees, J. I. Pedtke, “Advancing Past “Baseload” to a Flexible Grid“, Brattle Group report, 26 June 2017.
And, of course:
Jacobson et al., 2019, One Earth 1, 449-463
December 20, 2019 ª 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2019.12.003
More of the existing nuclear plants are having to be shut down due to overwarm cooling water events, as the French plants during the August 2019 European heat wave. What we need is to buffer against power-supply drops of any kind (including failed transmission lines) by adding a buffer of grid storage.
Grid storage (ranging from industrial-sized liquid air batteries to pumped hydro to lifting rocks) can take advantage of excess power produced from wind, solar, off-peak nuclear, etc., based on surge pricing. Power utilities can even trim the power with their own dedicated small fast-response battery arrays.
There are 4 countries with mostly nuke energy, 3 of them—Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine—just barely over 50%, the other (France, 72) cutting back to replace nukes with clean safe renewable energy.
At least 65 countries have mostly renewable grids; more than 40 with more renewable energy than France has nuke, and at least 23 at or near 100% renewable.
Dozens of studies have shown different paths to 100% renewable energy for the US, the world, and every region of it. Those studies (link is to 2016, ancient in RE years so tremendous progress has been made since: https://grist.org/business-technology/the-u-s-is-just-pathetic-on-high-speed-rail/#comment-4489519581 ) variously apply hocketed variable and dispatchable RE.
RE sources complement each other. Solar and wind peak, mostly (and mostly predictably) at opposite times over the course of both a day and a year; hydro has a third, also complementary peak but with geothermal, 24/7 concentrated solar, and other dispatchable renewables can be called on when needed. Those sources are integrated into a distributed generation smart grid, with demand response strategies, and when needed at very high levels of VRE, batteries and hydro and other storage. EV batteries, especially public EVs, can be used in V2G (Vehicle to Grid) systems of storage, too. So the grid can call on wind and solar PV from different time zones as well as different weather systems to combine with dispatchable RE to provide all the energy needed.
The marginal capacity factor of offshore (floating) wind is now 63%, higher than US gas or coal, and is still rising, while solar can be 30%. The cost and effectiveness of batteries are improving at such tremendous rates, wind + solar + batteries is now cheaper than all other sources except efficiency and wiser lives in a growing number of places. A recent study found hundreds of thousands of potential pumped storage sites worldwide. ARFs (anti-renewable fanatics) once claimed VRE couldn’t be 10% of a grid. That was passed and they said it couldn’t be 20%. That was passed… and so on. Then the general rule was % of a VRE could equal capacity factor (Ramez Naam) so W+SPV could theoretically be as high as 90%. In reality, especially at such high CF there’s some overlap, so it would be lower, but with hydro, geo, CSP, batteries, etc. 100% is obviously reachable. (The fact that it has been reached over and over is also good evidence that it can be. Inability/refusal to comprehend that is a clear sign of some disorder.) The only question left is why BJ-S et al have such a need to diss RE that they spread lies about it constantly. Job or hobby?
PS That should say “4 countries with mostly nuke electricity“, since even though renewables provide non-electric energy, nukes don’t.
Damn straight. And they are constrained by the thermodynamic inefficiencies of any heat engine. At that nuclear power site, they say it’s 33% tops.
A few 100% RE studies have modeled significant over-supply, but even so end up with cheaper electricity than today or on any other path. Most of them assumed the technology of their day or a slower advance of solar, wind, batteries and other technologies than has actually happened—and will continue to. So the development of batteries has negated both any need for such oversupply and any credibility to ARF arguments.
Some studies have used absurd exaggerations about what can be done with not-really-non-dirty coal, etc. but as far as I know, not one questions the ascendancy of a system so insane it can tell humanity:
Sorry, it’s not really profitable enough for the already-rich, for us to consider saving civilization from the ecological crisis. Come back in 10 years if there still is any civilization, and we’ll see if we feel like it.
All that’s required to implement solutions to concrete, steel, flying, long distance driving, most utility resistance to renewables, and several other major challenges is to stop being ruled by the notion that even every single non-punishment-and-coercion-oriented structure and act has to demonstrate dominance of the white male oligarchy and increase the concentration of wealth. Rejecting that notion also makes it cheaper and easier to transform the grid, primary energy, forestry (wow, talk about colonialism!) and agriculture, though the last may require a deeper change in our relationships to reach its full sequestration potential.
But there’s a small cadre of mentally ill people who run most of the world, and they refuse to consider even slowing the rate at which they’re hogging more and more of the wealth. They fanatically resist reducing their exploitation of humans and the rest of nature. Among the symptoms of their disease are fossil and fissile fuels.
Many of us have shown on this site that clean safe renewable energy can provide all the energy humanity needs. The belief that this can’t be done by renewable’s [sic] is part of that symptom, and represents the disease. So stop cluttering crock with dogmatic nuclear and capitalist/colonialist propaganda and stop dissing the only proven and possible solutions.
Personally, independent of GHG issues, I’m a big fan of wind and PV solar because they are waterless, scalable, quick to install, able to fit in tiny and/or odd-shaped lots, and require lower-cost maintenance skills. You can put PV solar kits on the backs of donkeys to deploy in remote villages.
Small growers in remote sites in Puerto Rico were able to recover some functionality much more quickly than those that depended on high-V transmission lines taken out by Hurricane Maria, where shipping in replacements for some of the broken panels took one trip in contrast to the months of ongoing resupply of fuel to diesel generators.
Yes, spatial dispersion and small unit size means robustness. How do you take out a constellation or wind farms with a single point attack?
grindupbaker Says:
At 7:58 stronger containment is not the way to deal with explosions for such an important safety-related structure as one involving nuclear radiation. The energy must be dissipated. Downwards is the way to go. So the floor of the containment is a pad that sits on a water bath supported by springs and the explosion forces the 1,000,000 tonnes of water beneath out through the few hundred pipes causing a huge explosion of dirt & water at the enclosed area 100 metres away, the relief pressure area. The containment and all internal components are designed the usual 2x the strength required to withstand the back pressure exerted on them as the 1,000,000 tonnes of water is forced out through the pipes. You don’t contain an explosion simply by building a stronger container. You dissipate the energy by making it do work. The alternative to my suggestion is seen in this very video at 2:19.
Yeah, we could put them in places where we wanted the work done–holes dug, mountain tops removed, ocean water boiled for instant large scale desalination, rapid acceleration for spaceships, trash vaporizing… We could give it a suitably Manichean/ Biblical name like…um…’Beaten Swords’ or something. The Invade Dept.–er, Attack Dept. no wait, Defensive Dept. could be in charge of it.
My comment’s with the video. I removed your bit because Greenman’s quite the Aunt Manners.
How very phreatic of you.
« Queen of the Wind
5 Dams on the Brink »
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Richards Kibbe & Orbe Discusses Delaware Rulings on Boards’ Duty of Oversight
By Scott C. Budlong, David B. Massey, Margaret W. Meyers, Lee S. Richards III and Daniel C. Zinman October 21, 2019 by renholding
Earlier this month, the Delaware Court of Chancery denied defendant directors’ motion to dismiss a duty-of-oversight claim brought by plaintiff shareholders in In re Clovis Oncology, Inc. Derivative Litigation.[1] This decision, together with a similar June 2019 ruling by the Delaware Supreme Court in Marchand v. Barnhill[2], confirms the prospect of liability for corporate directors who do not work hard enough to establish and monitor effective risk-management procedures at their companies. The two rulings therefore deliver timely lessons regarding directors’ duty of oversight under Delaware’s Caremark standard. The rulings are especially important for directors of companies whose business hinges on the success of a “mission critical” product in a regulated industry.
DIRECTORS’ DUTY OF OVERSIGHT
The Caremark Basics
The duty of oversight is a component of the Delaware fiduciary duty of loyalty that directors owe to the corporation and its shareholders. A director found to have breached the duty of oversight therefore may be exposed to personal liability for resultant shareholder losses.
The seminal Delaware duty-of-oversight case is In re Caremark Int’l Inc. Deriv. Litig.[3] Caremark and its progeny establish directors’ duty to “exercise a good faith judgment that the corporation’s information and reporting is in concept and design adequate to assure the board that appropriate information will come to its attention in a timely manner as a matter of ordinary operations.”[4] In other words, the board needs to: (i) institute a system of management information reporting and controls designed to flag for the board any potential problems with the company’s operational viability, legal compliance and financial performance; and (ii) ensure that the system operates as intended, by making directors aware of matters requiring their attention.[5]
Duty-of-Oversight Claims Are Traditionally Difficult to Assert
Historically it has been hard for shareholder plaintiffs to advance Caremark claims beyond the motion-to-dismiss stage. The impediment is the need to plead facts supporting an inference that a board’s alleged failure to establish or monitor a management reporting system reflects “bad faith”—not merely negligence or even gross negligence. This standard traditionally has been exceptionally challenging to satisfy under the Caremark framework, in which bad faith is evidenced only where directors “utterly fail” to implement any system of reporting and controls; or, having implemented such a system, “consciously” ignore the red flags it produces.[6]
TWO RECENT DELAWARE DECISIONS HAVE ALLOWED DUTY-OF-OVERSIGHT CLAIMS TO GO FORWARD
In light of the above, the recent decisions in Marchand and Clovis stand out for having permitted plaintiffs’ duty-of-oversight claims to survive defendant directors’ motions to dismiss.
Marchand: Tainted Ice Cream
Marchand concerned the listeria contamination in 2015 of ice cream made and sold by Blue Bell Creameries. The tainted ice cream killed three consumers, prompting the company to conduct a mass recall and suspend manufacturing operations. To cope with the ensuing cash crisis, Blue Bell entered into a highly dilutive private equity financing. Plaintiff shareholders sought to recover their losses, in part by derivatively bringing a Caremark claim asserting that Blue Bell’s directors had failed to oversee the food-safety aspects of the company’s operations. The Court of Chancery ruled for defendant directors upon their motion to dismiss. The Delaware Supreme Court reversed on appeal, finding that plaintiffs’ pleadings supported an inference that the board failed to implement any “board-level system of monitoring or reporting on food safety,” as a result of which the directors remained ignorant of the listeria problem until it was too late.[7]
The Supreme Court noted that because Blue Bell’s only product was ice cream, food safety was “one of Blue Bell’s central compliance issues.”[8] This recognition prompted the court to pay attention to two allegations by plaintiffs. First, the complaint alleged that Blue Bell executives had learned of relevant problems during the years preceding the listeria outbreak; inspectors from the FDA and state health departments had reported to management on several potential food safety issues at the company’s facilities, and listeria tests commissioned by management had come back positive.
Second, against that background of management awareness of food safety red flags, the complaint alleged that the board’s minutes and other records contained no evidence that the directors had established a board-level system to monitor food safety issues and to require management to report potential problems up to the board. The court found that plaintiffs fairly alleged the absence of any: (i) board committee charged with monitoring food safety; (ii) regular schedule for the board to discuss food safety compliance; (iii) processes or protocols requiring management to keep the board apprised of food safety compliance practices, risks or reports; and (iv) expectation that management would bring food safety compliance red flags to the board’s attention.[9]
Clovis: A Failed Drug Candidate
Clovis Oncology, Inc. was a small biopharmaceutical company. During the relevant 2014-15 timeframe, Clovis had no products on the market but had one especially promising cancer treatment drug (Rociletinib, or “Roci”) undergoing a clinical trial. Management expected Roci to generate large profits if Clovis could secure FDA approval for the drug and bring it to market ahead of a competing treatment being developed by AstraZeneca. Given the centrality of Roci to Clovis’s business prospects, the court referred to Roci as the company’s “mission critical product.”[10]
Roci’s initial clinical results were encouraging, but later trial data revealed that the drug was unlikely to gain FDA approval. When it ultimately became clear to investors in late 2015 that the FDA would not approve Roci, Clovis’s share price dropped 70%. The plaintiff shareholders sued derivatively to recover their losses via a Caremark claim, alleging that the Clovis directors had breached their fiduciary duty by failing to oversee the integrity of the Roci clinical trial and then allowing management to mislead the public about the drug’s efficacy while the trial was ongoing. The court ruled in favor of plaintiffs on defendants’ motion to dismiss, finding that if the pled facts were true, the Clovis board had “ignored red flags that [management] was not adhering to the clinical trial protocols, thereby placing FDA approval of the drug in jeopardy”; and then, with “the trial’s skewed results in hand, . . . [had] allowed the Company to deceive regulators and the market regarding the drug’s efficacy” prior to the FDA identifying the flawed trial data and rejecting Roci’s candidacy for approval.[11]
The court made a point of noting that Clovis—like the ice cream manufacturer Blue Bell—was a “monoline company operat[ing] in a highly regulated industry,” which made especially important the board’s duty to establish and monitor a viable management oversight system.[12] In this context, the court related plaintiffs’ allegation that the board stood idly by when it learned that management was knowingly departing from clinical protocols by miscalculating Roci’s objective response rate (ORR) for patients in the trial, and was publicizing the inaccurate ORR data in a way that misled investors about Roci’s potential for success.[13] The court further credited plaintiffs’ allegations that the board knew the FDA likely would not approve Roci on the basis of the correct ORR data it eventually would demand, and knew of other clinical protocol violations and patient side effects that dimmed the prospect of FDA approval, but did nothing to tone down management’s encouraging public statements about Roci’s progress.
An interesting feature of Clovis was the court’s recognition that the board did have a committee charged with oversight of FDA compliance and related matters, and that each board meeting did feature a detailed review of Roci’s clinical trial status. Accordingly—unlike in Marchand—the court doubted that plaintiffs could establish the lack of a reporting and controls system as the basis for a duty-of-oversight claim. But the court was more sympathetic to plaintiffs’ pleading that the board had failed to monitor the output of the reporting and controls system it had established—the second possible way for a board to breach its duty of oversight. For example, in recounting the board’s failure to respond to evidence that management was not respecting accepted clinical protocols and was misleading investors about Roci’s efficacy, the court described the directors as proceeding “[w]ith hands on their ears to muffle the alarms.” In discussing the board’s alleged unresponsiveness to clinical- and disclosure-related red flags, the court emphasized that the Clovis board was comprised largely of pharmaceutical industry experts who could be presumed to understand the ORR concept, know the proper ORR reporting protocols and anticipate how investors would react to apparently positive ORR data.[14]
TAKEAWAYS FOR DIRECTORS
The duty of oversight is alive and well in Delaware. It is true that plaintiffs historically have found it difficult to bring duty-of-oversight claims, due to the challenge of pleading facts implying directors’ bad faith. But the willingness of the Delaware courts to allow two Caremark claims to survive in recent months signals that the duty of oversight remains a vital fiduciary duty concept. A board that can be portrayed as failing to implement and monitor a reasonable reporting and controls system is at risk of liability, or at least of having to defend itself in ongoing legal proceedings after losing on a motion to dismiss.
A board must both implement a reporting and controls system and monitor its functioning. One way for a board to breach its duty of oversight is by failing to set up a system of management reporting and controls. That was the problem with the Blue Bell board. However, creating a reporting and controls system is not enough. To meet their duty of oversight, directors also must monitor the system. This means ensuring that relevant information in fact is being surfaced to the board as intended, and not ignoring any red flag information the system delivers to the board. The court in Clovis did not deny that the board had created a management reporting system—the trouble was the directors’ failure to act on the information it brought to their attention.
Oversight is in the spotlight when the company has a “mission critical” product and operates in a heavily regulated industry. Blue Bell and Clovis both depended on the success of a single product, and both operated under significant federal and/or state regulation. The board of a company in this situation may be subject to special scrutiny of its oversight performance, in the sense that dependence on a single product subject to a regulatory scheme creates compliance risks beyond the general business risks a typical board must monitor. As the Clovis court warned, “when a company operates in an environment where externally imposed regulations govern its ‘mission critical’ operations, the board’s oversight function must be more rigorously exercised.”[15]
Industry expertise is valuable for a board, but it may increase oversight expectations. Industry expertise on the board is clearly a good thing from a risk-monitoring perspective, especially for companies with complex business models, cutting-edge products or a high degree of regulation. From a Caremark point of view, however, the presence of expert directors may be a double-edged sword. The success of a duty-of-oversight claim depends on a showing that the directors acted in bad faith, i.e., knew they were ignoring their fiduciary duties in failing to provide oversight. A court may be more receptive to an allegation of bad faith on the part of directors who are industry experts, in that the court may perceive experts as especially knowledgeable about what potential problems to look for and particularly equipped to recognize and respond to red flags. The Clovis court tellingly devoted several pages to detailing the pharmaceutical industry experience of nearly every director.
The board should catalogue the company’s key risks and make sure the management reporting system produces actionable board-level information about each one. The current governance environment increases the expectation that directors will be proactive in understanding and acting on the company’s key business, compliance and operational risks. Directors must demand a regular flow of risk information from senior management, rather than trusting that employee-level compliance programs will keep problems at bay. Boards may wish to consider whether certain risks merit attention at a committee level, and should not hesitate to seek input from outside experts if the situation warrants. Boards also may wish to assess whether they would benefit from adding one or more directors with specific industry or regulatory experience.
Boards should document the existence and functioning of their reporting and control systems. A board that has established and is monitoring a reasonable system of reporting and controls should take care to get credit for that fact via careful documentation. This means properly documenting the system at its implementation phase; keeping records of any adjustments to the system; and ensuring that board minutes reflect the board’s receipt of information from management and the directors’ response to that information.
[1] 2019 Del. Ch. LEXIS 1293 (Del. Ch. Oct. 1, 2019).
[2] 212 A.3d 805 (Del. 2019).
[3] 698 A.2d 959 (Del. Ch. 1996). Shareholder derivative suits alleging a board’s failure of oversight are sometimes called “Caremark claims.”
[4] Id. at 970.
[5] See Stone v. Ritter, 911 A.2d 362 (Del. 2006).
[7] Marchand, 212 A.3d at 824.
[10] Clovis, 2019 Del. Ch. LEXIS 1293 at *31.
[11] Id. at *3.
[13] The court’s decision explains that ORR measures the percentage of patients who experience meaningful tumor shrinkage when treated with a cancer drug, and is thus a “success-defining metric” in a clinical trial. Plaintiffs alleged that Clovis management was improperly including “unconfirmed” patient responses in its ORR calculations, whereas the rules of the well-known clinical trial protocol adopted by Clovis (known as RECIST) required ORR to include only “confirmed” patient responses.
[15] Id. at *28, citing Marchand, 212 A.3d at 824.
This post comes to us from Richards Kibbe & Orbe. It is based on the firm’s memorandum, “DIRECTORS’ DUTY OF OVERSIGHT FOLLOWING RECENT DELAWARE DECISIONS INTERPRETING CAREMARK,” dated October 15, 2019.
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+"Peterson, Helen L."
411 documents - page 1 of 21
Helen Peterson photographs of Native American men
Peterson, Helen L. (photographer or collector) Search this
National Congress of American Indians Search this
3 Color prints
3 Copy prints
3 Copy negatives
Oglala Lakota (Oglala Sioux) Search this
Indians of North America -- Great Plains Search this
Copy prints
Copy negatives
Scope and Contents note:
Portraits of Native American men, possibly Oglala or members of the National Congress of American Indians.
Biographical/Historical note:
Helen L. Peterson (Oglala) served as director of the National Congress of American Indians in 1953-1961 and was later an employee of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Local Call Number(s):
NAA Photo Lot 83-12
Location of Other Archival Materials:
The National Museum of the American Indian Archives holds Helen L. Peterson's papers and records of the National Congress of American Indians.
The collection is open for research.
Access to the collection requires an appointment.
Contact the repository for terms of use.
Photo lot 83-12, Helen Peterson photographs of Native American men, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution
NAA.PhotoLot.83-12
Archival Repository:
ead_collection:sova-naa-photolot-83-12
Helen L. Peterson papers
Peterson, Helen L. Search this
American Indian Development, Inc. Search this
City and County of Denver Commission on Community Relations Search this
United States. Bureau of Indian Affairs Search this
55 Linear feet ((estimated))
Cherokee Search this
Seneca Search this
Menominee (Menomini) Search this
Bannock Search this
Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Search this
Dakota (Eastern Sioux) Search this
Kootenai (Kutenai) [Idaho] Search this
Diné (Navajo) Search this
Salish (Flathead) Search this
Warm Springs Chiricahua Apache (New Mexico) Search this
Shoshone Search this
San Carlos Apache Search this
Coeur d'Alene Search this
Tohono O'odham (Papago) Search this
circa 1944 to circa 1990
The Helen Peterson collection includes correspondence, notes, miscellaneous administrative documents, financial records, calendars, questionnaires, notes from interviews, survey forms, copies of resolutions, proceedings, speeches, programs, press releases, printed and processed material, and many other types of documents. Mainly these relate to Petersons's career and special interests between 1953 and 1970. There are also a few documents that concern the organizations which Peterson served for periods preceding or following her periods in office. Of special interest are the materials related to the NCAI, many of which supplement the records in that organization's files. The collection also includes documents that concern a wide range of Indian interests and activities.
These papers reflect the professional and personal life of Helen L. Peterson from her birth in 1915 until her 80th Birthday in 1995. Peterson worked for the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), 1953 through 1961; the City and County of Denver Commission on Community Relations (CCR), 1962 to 1970; and American Indian Development, Inc. (AID), 1967 to 1970. Peterson worked for the Bureau of Indian (BIA), 1970 through 1985. She was founder of the Church of the Four Winds which started as the Ecumenical Indian Congregation. She was leader of the Church of the Four Winds starting in 1989. She also served as chair of the National Committee of Indian Work (NCIW) beginning in 1980. Peterson also served as chair of the Province of the Pacific (Province VIII) Indian Commission.
Professional materials in this collection include information from Peterson's time working for NCAI, CCR, AID, BIA, Church of the Four Winds/Ecumenical Indian Congress, Province of the Pacific, and NCIW. Personal materials in the collection include personal documentations (baby book, yearbooks, etc.), personal letters, personal photographs, and news articles about her personal life, among other materials related to her personal life.
Arrangement note:
The Helen Peterson papers are organized into 13 Series. Series 1: National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is divided into four subseries; Subseries 1.1: Executive Council, Subseries 1.2: NCAI Conventions, Subseries 1.3: Chronological Correspondence, Subseries 1.4: Subject Files. Series 2: Commission on Community Relations (CCR), City and County of Denver, Colorado is divided into three subseries; Subseries 2.1: Subject Files, Subseries 2.2: Denver Indian Study Project, Subseries 2.3: Jobs for Indians. This is followed by Series 3: American Indian Development, Inc. (AID), Series 4: White Buffalo Council, Series 5: Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Series 6: Religious Organizations is divided into five subseries; Subseries 6.1: Church of the Four Winds, Subseries 6.2: Province of the Pacific (Province VIII), Subseries 6.3: Episcopal Church, Subseries 6.4: Other Religious Organizations, Subseries 6.5: Subject Files. This is followed by Series 7: Organizations, Series 8: Events and Series 9: Individuals. Series 10: Newspapers and Newsletters is divided into three subseries; Subseries 10.1: Native American Owned Newspapers and Newsletters, Subseries 10.2: Indian Related News Items, Subseries 10.3 Religious News Items. This is followed by Series 11: Indian Tribes, Series 12: Miscellaneous Subject Files and Series 13: Personal Materials.
Helen L. Peterson, born in 1915 on the Pine Ridge Reservation, was an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux tribe. She attended Chadron State College in 1932, beginning an educational process that included course work at Colorado State College of Education and the University of Colorado. She received a B.S. degree in Business Education from Chadron State College in 1957. In 1935 she began working with the Department of Agriculture's Resettlement Administration, a New Deal Agency. She served as director of the Rocky Mountain Council on Inter-American Affairs at the University of Denver Social Science Foundation and set up the Colorado Inter-American Field Service Program which later came under the Extension Division of the University of Colorado. In 1948, she was appointed as the first director of the Mayor's Committee on Human Relations in Denver, Colorado. As the "Commission on Human Relations," the committee became a permanent part of city government in 1949 transitioning to the "Commission on Community Relations" in 1959. Peterson acted as an adviser to the United States Delegation to the Second Inter-American Indian Conference in Cuzco, Peru in 1949 and in 1953 she was selected as the executive director of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), a position she held through 1961. During these years, NCAI experienced tremendous growth, becoming firmly established as a national organization during her tenure.
Peterson returned to Denver in 1962 as the director of the Commission on Community Relations. From 1967 to 1970 she served as part-time executive director to American Indian Development, Inc. She was appointed Assistant to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1970 and remained with the Bureau of Indian Affairs until 1985. Throughout her career, Peterson was an active member in the Episcopal Church and in later years served various Episcopal organizations. She was a chair of the National Committee of Indian Work (NCIW) beginning in 1980, chair of the Province of the Pacific (Province VIII) Indian Commission, and founder of the Ecumenical Indian Congregation. Ecumenical Indian Congress became the Church of the Four Winds in 1989. During that year Peterson became the chair of Church of the Four Winds.
Peterson received many awards and honors throughout her life. In 1955, Peterson was named "Outstanding American Indian of 1955" at the Anadarko Exposition. She received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the University of Colorado in 1973. She was also the recipient of distinguished service awards from Columbia University, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the National Congress of American Indians, the White Buffalo Council of Denver, the Multnomah County Commissioners, and the National Institute for Women of Color. She passed away on July 10, 2000.
This collection was received by the National Anthropological Archives from Helen Peterson in June 1987. It was then transferred from NAA to the National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center in 2007.
Access to NMAI Archive Center collections is by appointment only, Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Please contact the archives to make an appointment (phone: 301-238-1400, email: nmaiarchives@si.edu).
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center. Please submit a written request to nmaiphotos@si.edu. For personal or classroom use, users are invited users to download, print, photocopy, and distribute the images that are available online without prior written permission, provided that the files are not changed, the Smithsonian Institution copyright notice (where applicable) is included, and the source of the image is identified as the National Museum of the American Indian.
NCAI Bulletin Search this
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Helen L. Peterson Papers, Box and Folder Number; National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center, Smithsonian Institution.
NMAI.AC.016
ead_collection:sova-nmai-ac-016
Peterson, Helen L.
Collection Creator:
Collection Restrictions:
Collection Rights:
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish or broadbast materials from the collection must be requested from National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center. Please submit a written request to nmaiarchives@si.edu.
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Collection Title, Box and Folder Number; National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center, Smithsonian Institution.
National Congress of American Indians records
National Congress of American Indians records / Series 20: Photographs / 20.1: Portraits
ead_component:sova-nmai-ac-010-ref9509
Arrow, Inc. Search this
National Tribal Chairmen's Association Search this
Native American Rights Fund Search this
United Effort Trust Search this
United States. American Indian Policy Review Commission Search this
United States. Indian Claims Commission Search this
Bronson, Ruth Muskrat Search this
Curry, James E., 1907-1972 Search this
Deloria, Vine Search this
Harjo, Suzan Shown Search this
McNickle, D'Arcy, 1904-1977 Search this
Snake, Reuben, 1937-1993 Search this
Tonasket, Mel Search this
Trimble, Charles E. Search this
251 Linear feet (597 archival boxes)
Videotapes
Audiotapes
The National Congress of American Indian (NCAI), founded in 1944, is the oldest nation-wide American Indian advocacy organization in the United States. The NCAI records document the organization's work, particularly that of its office in Washington, DC, and the wide variety of issues faced by American Indians in the twentieth century. The collection is located in the Cultural Resource Center of the National Museum of the American Indian.
Scope and Contents:
The records of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) reflect the operations of its Washington, DC, headquarters and, in particular, the activities and responsibilities of its executive director. The papers primarily cover the period 1943 to 1990, although some documents pre-dating NCAI are present. The bulk of the material relates to legislation, lobbying, and NCAI's interactions with various governmental bodies. A large segment also concerns the annual conventions and executive council and executive committee meetings. Finally, the records also document the operations of the NCAI, including personnel, financial, and fundraising material. Materials found throughout the collection include letters, memoranda, handwritten notes, speeches, press releases, newspaper clippings, publications, minutes of meetings, transcripts, reports, agenda, programs, financial records, legislative materials, photographs, and sound recordings.
The National Congress of American Indians records are arranged in 21 series:
Series 1 -- : NCAI Conventions and Mid-Year Conferences
Series 2 -- : Executive Council and Executive Committee Files
Subseries 2.1: Executive Council
Subseries 2.2: Executive Committee
Subseries 2.3: Executive Committee: Benefit Awards
Series 3 -- : Correspondence Files
Subseries 3.1: Name Files
Subseries 3.2: Chronological Files
Subseries 3.3: Miscellaneous Files
Series 4 -- : Tribal Files
Subseries 4.1: Individual Tribes, Bands and Reservations
Subseries 4.2: Intertribal Organizations
Subseries 4.3: Special Issues
Subseries 4.4: Miscellaneous Tribal Files
Series 5 -- : Records of Indian Interest Organizations
Subseries 5.1: Other Indian Organizations
Subseries 5.2: Non-Indian Support Groups
Subseries 5.3: General Indian Interest Groups
Series 6 -- : NCAI Committees and Special Issue Files
Subseries 6.1: Alaskan Natives
Subseries 6.2: Policy Conference
Subseries 6.3: Religious Freedom and Related Cultural Concerns
Subseries 6.4: Hunting and Fishing Rights
Subseries 6.5: Natural Resources and Indian Water Rights
Subseries 6.6: Nuclear Waste
Subseries 6.7: Solar Bank
Subseries 6.8: AIMS [American Indian Media Surveillance] Committee
Subseries 6.9: HCR 108 and Federal Termination Policies
Subseries 6.10: Emergency Conference of 1954
Subseries 6.11: Jurisdiction --NCAI Commission and Federal Legislation
Subseries 6.12: Law Enforcement
Subseries 6.13: Litigation Committee
Subseries 6.14: Annual Litigation Conference
Subseries 6.15: Trail of Broken Treaties Impact Survey Team
Subseries 6.16: Block Grants
Subseries 6.17: Health and Welfare
Subseries 6.18: Self-Determination and Education
Subseries 6.19: National Conference on Federal Recognition
Subseries 6.20: Economic and Reservation Development
Series -- 7: United Effort Trust (UET)
Subseries 7.1: NCAI and NTCA Joint Committee
Subseries 7.2: Issues
Subseries 7.3: Legislation
Subseries 7.4: News Releases
Subseries 7.5: Indian Organizations
Subseries 7.6: Inter-Tribal Organizations
Subseries 7.7: Non-Indian Organizations
Subseries 7.8: Tribes
Series 8 -- : Attorneys and Legal Interest Groups
Subseries 8.1: Attorneys
Subseries 8.2: Legal Interest Groups
Subseries 8.3: Legal Services
Series 9 -- : Federal Indian Policy and Legislation Files
Subseries 9.1: American Indian Policy Review Task Force
Series 10 -- : Bureau of Indian Affairs
Series 11 -- : State and Local Government Organizations
Series 12 -- : Census
Series 13 -- : General Alpha-Subject Files
Series 14 -- : Records of Charles E. "Chuck" Trimble
Series 15 -- : Records of Suzan S. Harjo
Subseries 15.1: Indian Claims: Eastern Land Claims
Subseries 15.2: Indian Claims: Statute of Limitations
Subseries 15.3: Conference on -- The Indian Reorganization Act - An Assessment and Prospectus Fifty Years Later
Subseries 15.4: Inter-American Indian Institute (IAII)
Subseries 15.5: Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA)
Subseries 15.6: Institute of the American West (IAW)
Subseries 15.7: Common Cause
Subseries 15.8: Office Files
Series 16 -- : Fund Raising
Subseries 16.1: Gifts, Bequests, and Contributions
Subseries 16.2: Foundations
Subseries 16.3: General --Arrow and NCAI Fund
Series 17 -- : Business and Financial Records Files
Subseries 17.1: Personnel
Series 18 -- : "Give-Away" Files
Series 19 -- : Publications
Subseries 19.1: -- News/Sentinels -- and -- Sentinel Bulletin
Subseries 19.2: Other Publications
Series 20 -- : Photographs
Series 21 -- : Audio and Film Recordings
The National Congress of America Indians, which describes itself as the oldest and largest American Indian and Alaskan Native organization in the United States, was founded on November 16, 1944, in Denver, CO. NCAI was intended to serve as a link between individual tribal councils and the United States government, by defining and helping to crystallize Indian thought on the administration of Indian affairs. The Congress also aimed to educate the general public about Indians, preserve Indian cultural values, protect treaty rights with the United States, and promote Indian welfare.
At the first convention, delegates representing fifty tribes ratified the constitution and by-laws, drafted resolutions determining the direction of NCAI policy, and elected the organizations' first officers, with Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Napoleon B. Johnson (Cherokee) as president. The officers, as well as eight elected council members, formed the Executive Council. The Council chose the Executive Director; Ruth Muskrat Bronson (Cherokee) was the organization's first director, from 1944-1948. "Persons of Indian blood" could join the organization either as individuals or as groups. In 1955, however, the constitution was revised to restrict group membership to recognized tribes, committees, or bands, and to make the Executive Council chosen by tribal representatives. These changes gave control of the organization to governing bodies of organized tribes, rather than individuals. A further amendment that year created a five-member Executive Committee, headed by the president, which had all the powers of the Executive Council between council meetings.
Conventions have been held annually in the fall since the formation of the NCAI in 1944. Since 1977, mid-year conferences have been held in May or June of each year, to allow more frequent and thorough discussion of issues. The resolutions passed at these conventions are the basis for all policy of the Executive Committee and Executive Director between meetings. The conventions are also used for informational sessions and meetings of standing and special committees of NCAI. One or two-day workshops may also be held on special topics or Congressional issues of particular concern.
NCAI created a tax-exempt arm in 1949 to accept charitable contributions and apply for grants, the NCAI Fund, which soon changed its name to ARROW, Inc. By 1957, however, ARROW had split off to become an independent organization, and NCAI started a new arm, again called the NCAI Fund. In the coming decades, the NCAI Fund would obtain grants from sources including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of Veteran Affairs, Indian Health Service, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Ford Foundation, humanities councils and others, which they used for conferences, workshops, publications, and other projects.
In its early years, NCAI fought for the recognition of land claims of Alaska natives, the enfranchisement of Arizona and New Mexico Indians, the equitable settlement of tribal land claims, and the right of Indians to select their own attorneys. The NCAI lobbied vigorously for an Indian Claims Commission Bill, which became law in August 1946. NCAI's lobbying efforts on behalf of this act set the pattern for the organization's future role in legislative matters: keeping member tribes abreast of proposed legislation and ascertaining their views, and maintaining a presence in Congress through lobbying and testimony.
Beginning in 1954, the threat of termination pushed NCAI into a period of increased activity. Although some tribes were ready to terminate their relationship with the federal government, much of Indian Country felt threatened by the government's new stated policy. NCAI therefore organized an Emergency Conference of American Indians for February 1954 to protest this new termination policy. An agreement was forged at the conference between the NCAI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to work together toward slowly liquidating the BIA. The termination period of the 1950s and 1960s, while challenging, saw NCAI increase in confidence and political acumen.
During the 1960s, a number of other activist Indian groups sprang up and began to dilute the singular influence which NCAI had commanded. Newer, more militant groups often considered themselves at odds with NCAI, which was increasingly perceived as conservative. As the number of Indian advocacy groups grew in the 1960s and 1970s, however, NCAI actively partnered with other organizations, particularly the National Tribal Chairmen's Association (NTCA) and Native American Rights Fund (NARF), on a variety of projects.
Charles E. "Chuck" Trimble (Oglala Dakota) served as Executive Director of NCAI in 1972 until 1977, when he resigned to lead the United Effort Trust, a project designed to fight white backlash to Indian rights. NCAI spent most of the next two years trying to find another permanent director. In 1979, Ronald P. Andrade (Luiseno-Diegueno) joined NCAI and unfortunately found a group that was demoralized and underfunded. He was able to return the organization to good health but left in 1982. Si Whitman (Nez Perce), his successor, remained at NCAI for less than a year.
Suzan Shown Harjo (Cheyenne-Creek) became director of NCAI on May 1, 1984. Prior to taking this postions, she had served as Congressional Liaison for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior during the Carter administration and as legislative liaison for the Native American Rights Fund, as well as working for NCAI during the mid-1970s. Harjo was also an active and published poet, as well as a frequent speaker at events around the country. The National Congress of American Indians was particularly active on Capitol Hill while Harjo was director, advocating for government-to-government status, the Tribal Government Tax Status Act of 1983, repatriation legislation, and economic development programs, among other issues. Harjo was herself very involved in the establishment of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.
The NCAI Fund was very successful in receiving grants during this period, although they were chronically short of operating funds. Some of their most active projects during this period were the Indian and Native Veterans Outreach Program (INVOP), Inter-generational Health Promotion and Education Program (IHPEP), Environmental Handbook and related educational seminars, Solar Bank, nuclear waste disposal and transportation information sessions, and voter registration.
For years, NCAI's operating expenses had been funded by the Ford Foundation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). In 1985, the director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, opposing the use of Federal monies to support outside organizations, began to block the payment for services due to the NCAI. This created a financial crisis from which the NCAI did not recover during Harjo's tenure, and it became the major issue for which she was not rehired in October 1989.
Following the 1989 Annual Convention, Wayne Ducheneaux (Cheyenne River Sioux) became President of NCAI and A. Gay Kingman (Cheyenne River Sioux) was appointed Executive Director. Their first efforts were focused on recovering the financial well-being of the organization, which meant that less attention was devoted to issues in Congress. One of the successful projects NCAI pursued during the next two years was organization and presentation of the Indian pre-conference of the White House Conference on Library and Information Science, which was held in early 1991.
The National Congress of American Indians is still active today, continuing its work of lobbying, support for tribal governments, and advocacy for American Indian issues.
Related Materials:
Other collections at the NMAI Archives Center that include information on the National Congress of American Indians include:
Arrow, Inc., and the American Indian Tribal Court Judges records, 1949-1999 (NMAI.MS.013) James E. Curry papers, 1935-1955 (NMAI.MS.015) National Tribal Chairmen's Association records, 1971-1978 (NMAI.MS.014) Helen L. Peterson papers, 1944-1992 (NMAI.MS.016) Reuben Snake papers, 1971-1996 (NMAI.MS.012)
The National Congress of American Indians designated the National Anthropological Archives (NAA) as its official repository in 1976. This collection was received by NAA in four accessions between 1976 and 1991. It was transferred from NAA to the National Museum of the American Indian Archive Center in 2006.
Indians of North America -- Government relations -- 1934- Search this
Indians of North America -- Politics and government Search this
Indians of North America -- Social conditions -- 20th century Search this
Indians of North America -- Legal status, laws, etc. Search this
Indian termination policy Search this
Alaska Natives -- Land tenure Search this
Indians of North America -- Civil rights Search this
Indians of North America -- Economic conditions -- 20th century Search this
Radioactive wastes -- United States -- Management Search this
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National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
5.88 Linear feet ((14 containers))
NCAI was established in 1944. As the oldest national Indian organization, it seeks to protect, conserve and develop Indian natural and human resources; serve the legislative interests of Indian tribes; and improve the health, education and economic conditions of Indian people. During Helen Peterson's tenure as executive director, NCAI grew to become a well-established national organization. Although most of the documents in this series were created while Peterson held the previously mentioned position, the NCAI material contains documents that precede and succeed her tenure as executive director. This series contains materials spanning from 1944 to 1971. The materials in this series include correspondence, minutes, notes, calendars, surveys, clippings, reprints, photographs, audio tapes, executive council meetings, Congressional hearings, speeches, annual convention programs, and the NCAI Bulletin. The series has four subseries. The subseries are arranged as such: Executive Council, NCAI Conventions, Chronological Correspondence, and Subject Files.
NMAI.AC.016, Series 1
This subseries contains materials related to the NCAI's Executive Council. The materials in this subseries span from 1947 to May 1993. Most materials in this subseries date to when Helen Peterson was the executive director (1953-1961). Materials in this subseries include Executive Council correspondence, mailing list, meeting minutes, press releases, statements, a telegram, and lists of officers and members. Folders in this series are arranged alphabetically. If folders have the same label they are arranged chronologically with the earliest date first.
NMAI.AC.016, Subseries 1.1
Helen L. Peterson papers / Series 1: National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
1951-1953 September
Helen L. Peterson papers / Series 1: National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) / 1.1: Executive Council
1953 October-1954
"Educational Counselling Service for American Indian Youth"
Fisk University Institute of Race Relations
Information Agenda and Mailing List
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Return to BDN Connection Sports Page
Rocket Watts Gabe Brown Xavier Tillman Kyle Ahrens Cassius Winston Dachon Burke Jack Hoiberg Haanif Cheatham Yvan Ouedraogo Sports Men's college basketball College basketball Basketball College sports Men's basketball Men's sports
Michigan State shakes off sloppy play to beat Nebraska 86-65
Nebraska's Haanif Cheatham (22) drives to the basket around Michigan State's Malik Hall (25) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lincoln, Neb., Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Feb. 20, 2020 09:15 PM EST
Michigan State's Cassius Winston (5) drives between Nebraska's Jervay Green (23) and Nebraska forward Yvan Ouedraogo (24) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lincoln, Neb., Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Michigan State's Jack Hoiberg (10) defends against Nebraska's Cam Mack (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lincoln, Neb., Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Michigan State's Gabe Brown (44) shoots against Nebraska's Charlie Easley (30) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lincoln, Neb., Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Michigan State's Cassius Winston, center, drives between Nebraska's Cam Mack (3) and Nebraska guard Thorir Thorbjarnarson (34) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lincoln, Neb., Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
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Common Climate Network
Positive messages about climate change action in New Zealand.
Let’s Get Welly Informed – choose climate action this election
From Ōtaki to Seatoun, and Mākara to Kaitoke, voters can choose local governments that care about the issue these elections.
Following the enormous turnout of 40,000 people at the Wellington CBD climate strike yesterday, and the crowds of people at similar protests in Kāpiti and the Hutt Valley, the appetite for finding out where candidates stand on climate action has never been stronger.
For the first time, candidates for six councils in the region have been rated by two climate change groups. The Common Climate Network has published online scorecards for candidates in standing for election in Hutt City, Upper Hutt, Porirua and on the Kāpiti Coast at www.commonclimate.nz and Generation Zero has published scorecards ranking candidates for Wellington City and Greater Wellington Regional Council at www.localelections.nz.
The questionnaire asked detailed questions on what actions candidates will take on climate change, particularly their support for initiatives on public transport, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and urban development.
In the areas surveyed by the Common Climate Network, the vast majority of respondents agreed with the statements “I believe councils have an obligation to take a greater leadership position on reducing emissions”, and “I believe councils have an obligation to reduce their emissions”. Only 26 people agreed that “I think the risk of climate change has been exaggerated and should not be treated as an emergency.”
64 candidates replied to the questionnaire out of 106 standing, giving a response rate of 60%. Of the candidates who answered, there was a roughly even split on the question of “How important is the Wellington Airport runway extension?”, with 30% rating it not at all important, 34% somewhat important and 36% very important.
The Common Climate Network worked with Low Carbon Kāpiti to tailor the questions for their local issues.
Jake Roos, founder of Low Carbon Kāpiti, said “We recognize that individual actions are important, but what’s probably a lot more important is what the decision makers do, the laws of the land and how public money is spent. That will have a greater impact on climate change and emissions. Hence, it’s crucial at elections that the issues are highlighted and voters are aware of where different candidates stand.”
The Common Climate Network partnered with Millions of Mothers and the All Saints Parish Green Taskforce in Palmerston North to extend the reach of the questionnaire to other councils throughout the country.
Alicia Hall, founder and spokesperson for Millions of Mothers, said “Overall it’s great to see candidates thinking about climate and many are including this essential subject in their campaigns. However, we’re disappointed that many candidates including experienced councillors still don’t have the depth of understanding really needed on climate issues.”
Robert Gibb, one of the founders and co-leaders of the Green Taskforce at All Saints’ Parish in Palmerston North, said “Green Taskforce members are passionate about the environmental and climate crises that we face, and we saw the CCN questionnaire as an ideal way of letting people know where candidates stand on the wide set of issues that will have to be addressed with considerable urgency for us to pull back from the brink.”
Read more about the questionnaire
Author: Catherine Jeffcoat
Wellington-based communications manager. View all posts by Catherine Jeffcoat
Author Catherine JeffcoatPosted on September 28, 2019 October 2, 2019 Categories Local governmentTags media release, take action
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by condomcollective
Due to declining rates of condom use in South Africa, the Government has decided to make some fundamental changes to their public-sector brand “Choice” to encourage uptake. Coming out of recent research, they have decided to launch a grape-flavored variant targeting students at tertiary educational institutions around the country this year. The hope is that with an actual choice, between Grape-flavored and smelly latex flavor, students will be encouraged to try and adopt them into their sex life.
Read the recent article announcing the launch from the Times Live website below:
Grab a bunch of condoms
Katharine Child | 13 March, 2015 00:36
What is purple, grape-flavoured and soon to be found at South Africa’s universities and colleges?
The new government “Choice” condom, which finally offer users a choice.
About 2million of the new condoms will be distributed to students at tertiary institutions in the coming months.
The Department of Health launched the flavoured condoms yesterday.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said if uptake was high, yellow banana-flavoured and red strawberry-flavoured condoms would be distributed next.
He said the department wanted to monitor the youth’s interest in the grape condom before spending money on new flavours or textured condoms.
Focus groups conducted by the government revealed that young people were not using the ordinary, free Choice condom, reporting that it was “not cool”.
Doctor Kevin Rebe of Anova, an NGO that runs clinics for gay men, has long criticised the Choice condom, calling it the “no-choice” condom.
He welcomed the “exciting” move yesterday. Anova clinics offer people condoms in different sizes and flavours, including black condoms.
“I believe condoms are more than just a prevention tool. They have the ability to be fun and pleasurable and enhance responsible sex,” Rebe said.
South West Gauteng College student Desmond Mudau said he was excited to “try the purple condom and see if it was better than the ordinary one”.
His friend, who asked to be anonymous, said he would prefer condoms of different sizes.
Motsoaledi said teens still in school were also having sex and risked pregnancy, abortion and death. “Parents do nothing and that is not an option,” he said.
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Clyde «Dozen» Mullican
You can temporarily give control over your body to a Beast personality. The beast has a low vulnerability to bullets, it can run fast without getting tired, jump high and also fight bitterly. The beast cannot use weapons, relying only on his muscles.
Clyde received his nickname thanks to the 'multiple personalities’ he had acquired as a result of a mental disorder.
These included an orphan called Mary, a blogger called Charlie, a Mexican avant garde artist Hugo Ksaviery and others. But the most famous of all was Joe Salvini or the Sicilian, a cold blooded master thief that could blow up any safe. At least this name was the one that appeared in criminal news.
Joe worked for the mafia and in his own clan he had a good reputation. No one thought that a bulletproof Joe could be anyone else, whilst silence is a trait for seasoned criminals. But during one of the missions, the mafia had to eradicate two young children, who appeared to be unexpected witnesses, the ruthless Beast mind controlled Joe. Usually the Beast defended one of Clyde's other personalities - a talented and outgoing little Mary.
Just with a single machete, the Beast promptly dispatched all the mafia members. They tried to defend themselves and shoot the beast down, but they weren't able to stop him, even with several bullet wounds he held on to a cigar clamped in his mouth. He was caught by police at the crime scene.
He underwent a psychological examination and was considered non compos mentis, the jury and public at the court were also on his side. After several years of intensive mental treatment, he was released and started participating in survival game shows, where he found the best way to utilise his aggressive personalities.
Annie «Pin-up» Ashley
Louis «Bokor» Celine
Raise Dead
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A.J. Baime’s Harry S. Truman Book ‘The Accidental President’ In Series Development At Wiip With Scott Bloom & Dylan Clark
Nellie Andreeva
Co-Editor-in-Chief, TV
@DeadlineNellie
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Harcourt Mifflin
EXCLUSIVE: Indie studio wiip has optioned the rights to New York Times bestselling author A.J. Baimes’ book The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months that Changed the World for development as a limited series executive produced by Dylan Clark (The Batman, War for the Planet of the Apes).
Scott Bloom (Roosevelt) is attached to pen the adaptation of The Accidental President, which was published in 2017 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It tells the dramatic story of Harry Truman’s first four months in office, when this unlikely, small-town Washington outsider had to take on Germany, Japan, Stalin and the atomic bomb, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.
Clark will executive produce via Dylan Clark Productions. wiip’s Paul Lee (Dickinson) and Mark Roybal (No Country For Old Men) executive produce with Roybal and Nate Winslow overseeing the project for the studio. Brian Williams will oversee and produce for Dylan Clark Productions.
Bloom penned the screenplay for Roosevelt, an upcoming drama about another former President, Teddy Roosevelt, which has been set at Paramount as a potential star vehicle for Leonardo DiCaprio with Martin Scorsese directing.
Baime is the author of Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans, the book which was adapted into the Oscar-winning film Ford v Ferrari, starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale. He also penned The Arsenal of Democracy: Detroit, FDR, and an Epic Quest to Arm an America at War. His new book Dewey Defeats Truman: The 1948 Election and the Battle for America’s Soul will be published by Houghton Mifflin July 7.
Bloom is repped by LBI Entertainment and Morris Yorn.
A.J. Baime
Scott Bloom
The Accidental President
10 'The Chi': Luke James Upped To Series Regular For Season 4 Of Showtime Drama
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Latest in Portia de Rossi
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Portia De Rossi To Play Lily Munster In NBC's 'Munsters' Reboot 'Mockingbird Lane'
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Feb 16, 2012 4:30 pm
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Former Broncos QB Jake Plummer: Jerry Jones is a “billionaire —hole”
Jake Plummer did not appreciate Jerry Jones’ dismissal of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative disease found in people who have suffered severe and repeated blows to the head.
Christian Clark
Jun. 29, 2016, 11:59 a.m.
Strong language ahead.
BSN Denver talked to former Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer earlier this week about his role as an advocate for NFL players’ health and safety.
Plummer, who played in the NFL for 10 seasons and four with the Broncos, has come out as a strong advocate of the benefits of marijuana in retirement. He believes it helps players cope with pain.
Plummer also had thoughts on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative disease found in people who have suffered severe and repeated blows to the head (i.e., professional football players).
Earlier this year, Cowboys general manager Jerry Jones said he did not think there was a link between playing in the NFL and suffering from CTE. Plummer had some strong words for Jones.
“Like Jerry Jones, who says it’s ‘absurd’ that there would be a link between brain trauma, football and CTE. Shame on him for saying that, that billionaire asshole. It’s the worst thing in the world for a guy like that to say. That’s where we’re sitting; grown-ass men are asked to go out there for millions of dollars — which, yeah, it’s a lot of money — bang themselves around and completely fuck their lives over for their 40s and 50s. So yeah, poor football players is what I say. If you’re a grown-ass man, you should be allowed to make grown-ass decisions.”
Strong words on a serious subject. Go read the rest of the story, which is linked at the top.
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Jerry Jones, trails, concussions, Zac MacMath, NFL, netflix, Jake Plummer, National Western, Denver Broncos, Denver Public School
This year’s XicanIndie FilmFest at Su Teatro is now accepting submissions
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By Maggie Donahue
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Pelosi Agrees to Accept Smaller Relief Bill 'Because We Have a New President'
Speaker Nancy Pelosi isn't even pretending to care about the people she is working for at this point. She made that completely obvious when asked about her "shift in opinion" about a smaller relief bill.
Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Friday that she would work with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to pass a smaller coronavirus relief package which she deemed was now okay “because we have a new president.”
“What shifted in your opinion when the Problem Solvers Caucus had a much larger bill a few months ago?” a reporter asked Pelosi. “You did not like that piece of legislation. What has shifted now when they’re on board with this piece that’s come out in the Senate?”
“Perhaps you missed what I said earlier. Joe Biden committed to ending and crushing the virus and had a build better America initiative, build back better,” Pelosi snapped back. “A vaccine, answer to our prayers. An answer to our prayers of 95% effectiveness in terms of Pfizer and Moderna and there maybe others coming forward. That is a total game changer, a new president and a vaccine.”
Continue reading at Daily Wire...
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Of all the evidence that we've seen so far that has been uncovered during these investigations into the election fraud in multiple states, what we just recently saw from Georgia may be at the top of the list for things that are just damning.
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Report: Trump Aide Tests Positive for COVID-19
Copyright 2020 Daily Patriot Report
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Compagnie CNDC-Angers / Robert Swinston – Event: Choreography by Merce Cunningham – New York
Marina Harss
Compagnie CNDC-Angers in Event.
© Patrick Andre. (Click image for larger version)
Compagnie CNDC-Angers / Robert Swinston
Event: Choreography by Merce Cunningham
New York, Joyce Theater
www.cndc.fr
www.joyce.org
Cunningham, by Way of France
In the final decade of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company’s existence, the dancer Robert Swinston became Merce Cunningham’s right hand man – the official title was “assistant to the choreographer” – , in charge of keeping the repertory in shape and staging revivals. Then, after Cunningham’s death, during the remarkable two-year “Legacy Tour,” Swinston’s role expanded. He became the choreographer’s stand-in, the man responsible for selecting the repertory and putting together the epically-scaled farewell performances at the Park Avenue Armory at the end of 2011. For three nights, selected passages spanning five decades, deftly woven together by Swinston, were performed on platforms scattered around the armory’s vast space. (These compound works, or “Events,” were not a new thing: Cunningham began periodically presenting composites made out of excerpts in 1964.)
Then, in accordance with Cunningham’s directives, the company folded. The dancers dispersed; some are still in New York working with other choreographers. Others are staging Cunningham dances on other companies and schools. Some have settled into teaching. Swinston, however, took a different path: he headed to France, a country that embraced Cunningham long before his compatriots could begin to wrap their heads around this radically abstract, non-musically-based approach to dance. Swinston now directs the Centre National de Danse Contemporaine (CNDC) in Angers, a medieval city in western France, and leads its satellite company, CNDC Angers. In a way, it has become the final outpost of Cunningham’s technique and approach. This week, the ensemble is performing at the Joyce for the first time.
The eight dancers under Mr. Swinston’s care have had time to absorb the complicated coordination and autonomy that lies at the heart of this style. There’s no music to rely on; the aural environment (here by John King and Gelsey Bell, performed live) is completely independent from the dancing, offering no counts or beats for the dancers to adjust to. In this case, the score consists of vocal manipulations (whispering, humming, breathing) by Ms. Bell and computer-generated drones and violin scrapes by Mr. King. The dancers exist in their own separate space, animated by movement and the collaboration between bodies. The dancers seem well-adjusted to this total independence, as well as to the tilts, bends, falls, and endless relevés – standing on the tips of the toes – that riddle Cunningham’s choreography.
Even more, they flavor the steps with their own personalities, much as the Cunningham company dancers used to. (Only one, Gianni Joseph, goes so far as to “comment” on the action, squinting and raising his eyebrows as if letting the audience in on a private joke.) Fleeting smiles brighten faces at particularly tricky points in the choreography, or during pleasurable passages of partnering. (The dancers seem to greet each other with their eyes.) The stage is animated by a sense of camaraderie, common purpose and mutual awareness.
The dancers’ classical training is evident, as is their understanding of the particular rigors of Cunningham. Mr. Swinston has trained them well. It’s surprising just how classical many of these dances look now, with the benefit of a little hindsight. Much of the partnering – the “Event” is anchored by a series of male-female duets – have much in common with the modernism of Balanchine. Stretched, articulate bodies twisting, tilting and intersecting in unexpected ways, always with a certain air of formality and courtliness. The partners remain at a distance, usually touching at only at one point, the hand, the wrist, shoulder to shoulder, or a forearm beneath the shoulder blades. I was particularly struck by an exit in which a man gently directed a woman offstage: she was bent back so deeply that she couldn’t see where she was headed. Her legs led her, blindly, toward the unknown. It was like end of Balanchine’s “Divertimento from ‘Le Baiser de la Fée,’” taken out of context and stripped of its romanticism. The mystery remained.
All the dance excerpts included by Swinston in this Event date from before 1992, in other words before Cunningham began using a computer program to amp up his choreographic possibilities. The later works are almost inhuman in their complexity, but these still bear a clear connection to situations from life, animal behavior, art history. At one point, a quartet slowly traversed the stage, holding hands, like a family on an outing; the smallest member skittered here and there, sometimes pausing to embrace one of the others like an excitable child seeking attention. A woman stood in attitude, holding one arm up and the other down, like a religious icon. But the images were fleeting. As always with Cunningham, the feeling of enlightenment comes and goes. The situations are like a series of inexplicable enigmas. As one episode flows into the next, it’s difficult to keep track of what came before, and impossible to know what will come after. It’s an experience both frustrating and engrossing.
For the designs, Swinston selected two French collaborators, Jackie Matisse (visual design) and Michelle Amet (costumes). The costumes were simple and unisex, gray tights to the ankle and silky sleeveless tops the color of fog. (The dancers were barefoot, as usual.) The stage was framed by colorful vertical banners of fabric, animated by a breeze and bathed in shifting light by Augustin Sauldubois. There was something almost naïf about the banners: they looked like cheerful flags at a school “international day” fair. But once set in motion, they added warmth to the dancing, like a lace curtain fluttering over a kitchen window in the afternoon sun. One of the dancers skimmed the fabric as she glided past in swimming steps, giving the fabric an aquatic feel.
It was hard not to think that this is what life might have looked like had Cunningham determined that the company should live on after his death. But, one reminds oneself, there would have been no new works, just revivals and reconfigurations like this “Event.” Swinston is a master builder; the suite has a nice ebb and flow and reveals points of thematic interplay between the dances. It begins well – with each of the dancers walking calmly from the wings and standing in fourth position, facing a different direction–and ends well. But Swinston isn’t Cunningham; he can’t conjure a new Cunningham dance out of thin air. There’s the rub. The dancers, and Swinston, were warmly received by a home crowd happy to revisit a bit of its not-so-distant past.
TagsAugustin Sauldubois Balanchine Centre National de Danse Contemporaine CNDC Compagnie CNDC-Angers Event: Choreography by Merce Cunningham Gelsey Bell Gianni Joseph Jackie Matisse John King Joyce Theater Le Baiser de la Fee Merce Cunningham Michelle Amet New York Robert Swinston
Marina Harss is a free-lance dance writer and translator in New York. Her dance writing has appeared in the New Yorker, The Nation, Playbill, The Faster Times, DanceView, The Forward, Pointe, and Ballet Review. Her translations, which include Irène Némirovsky’s “The Mirador,” Dino Buzzati’s “Poem Strip,” and Pasolini’s “Stories from the City of God” have been published by FSG, Other Press, and New York Review Books. You can check her updates on Twitter at: @MarinaHarss
Compagnie CNDC-Angers / Robert Swinston – Inlets 2, Place, How to Pass, Kick, Fall and Run – New York
Ballet de Lorraine – Devoted, HOK Solo Pour Ensemble, Sounddance – New York
Sarasota Ballet – Monotones I & II, Symphony of Sorrows, There Where She Loved – New York
Merce Cunningham Trust – Night of 100 Solos, Centennial Event – New York
Bill T. Jones – Ravel: Landscape or Portrait? and Story/ – New York
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Methods, Social July 10, 2018 July 10, 2018
After analysing the field’s leading journal, a psychologist asks: Is social psychology still the science of behaviour?
Part of my role at the Digest involves sifting through journals looking for research worth covering, and I’ve sensed that modern social psychology generates plenty of studies based on questionnaire data, but far fewer that investigate the kind of tangible behavioural outcomes illuminated by the field’s classics, from Asch’s conformity experiments to Milgram’s research on obedience to authority. A new paper in Social Psychological Bulletin examines this apparent change systematically. Based on his findings, Dariusz Doliński at the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Poland asks the bleak question: is psychology still a science of behaviour?
Doliński is following in the footsteps of a paper published over a decade ago, which looked at the January 2006 contents of what Doliński describes as social psychology’s “flagship” publication, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, published by the American Psychological Association. Roy Baumeister and colleagues sought research that involved behavioural outcomes more active than “finger movements” – typing on a computer, clicking a mouse or filling in a survey by hand. They found active behavioural outcomes were measured by only 12 per cent of studies published in the journal that month, compared to an estimated 80 per cent in the same journal 30 years earlier.
Was this a blip, or a trend? Doliński looked at six issues of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology published in the second half of 2017. He found that from 45 empirical articles, only four went beyond participants answering questions or filling in surveys; overall, only 6 per cent of the analysed studies measured actual behaviour.
Moreover, when behaviour was studied, it was frequently nothing more than another case of finger movement. One study measured whether people would over-report their achievements on an experimental task; another looked at endurance in solving cognitive tasks; a third involved the “prisoner’s dilemma”, a financial game that doesn’t require any overt behaviour as such. Only one study looked at a truly active behaviour – the social interactions of pre-school children. Doliński likely had his tongue only partly in cheek when wondering whether this approach would still have been used if pre-school children were comfortable filling in questionnaires.
What’s behind this anti-behavioural turn? Some of it is connected to the cognitive revolution: the recognition in psychological science that internal processes like memory, learning and attention are crucial to understanding behaviour. This has been immensely useful and worth celebrating, but it doesn’t exclude studying a diversity of behaviours as well.
Doliński raises a few other obvious pressures that are harder to celebrate. Studying behaviours is more difficult, and often more costly and expensive, than studying verbal declarations. Behaviours are also harder to verify (was that spontaneous gesture friendly or unfriendly?) and to record. It may also be harder to convince ethics boards to approve a behavioural study than another survey study. In addition, observed behaviour is often binary and one-shot per participant. You offer help to cross a street; you return the found item; you go to vote; you sign the petition,… or you don’t. Not only does this often call for larger sample sizes, it limits how you can analyse the data, making it harder to produce persuasive models of pathways between mechanisms.
As a concrete example of how the behavioural instinct has been blunted, Doliński points to a piece of research on physical intimacy (from the journal issues he reviewed) that did make the effort to go into the field. Experimenters visited a clinic providing flu shots, but did they observe how waiting patients interacted, or how closely they approached the receptionist or stood in line? No: they simply asked people more questions.
This matters because declarations of behavioural intentions do not always translate to behaviours. For instance, lottery winners rarely donate their cash to charity, even though more than a quarter of survey respondents claim they would give substantially. Also, while the very robust “bystander effect” shows that people are less likely to act to counter a transgressive act when others are present, people asked to describe their hypothetical actions believe they would be as likely to act whether several other people are also present or not. Similarly, recent work canvassing opinions on the Milgram experiment showed that most people believe they would not have carried out the experimenters’ orders, even though most people do.
Doliński worries that social psychologists doing the important work of field studies, and those studying behaviour more generally, are being shut out of the best journals in their field. Social psychology is already going through a process of reform as it responds to concerns about research quality. Perhaps it should take this opportunity to also consider adjusting its incentive systems to make more of research that does the best it can to see how psychological manipulations impact the world.
—Is Psychology Still a Science of Behaviour?
We can tell from a person’s roar whether they are bigger and stronger than us
Just as in other mammals, it seems that humans convey their formidability through their vocalisations. By Emma Young
Performing meaningless rituals boosts our self-control through making us feel more self-disciplined
The results are promising for anyone who would like to boost their self-control, but many aspects of rituals remain unexplored. By Tom Witkowski
9 thoughts on “After analysing the field’s leading journal, a psychologist asks: Is social psychology still the science of behaviour?”
Pingback: After analysing the field’s leading journal, a psychologist asks: Is social psychology still the science of behaviour? – numerons
Pingback: After analysing the field’s leading journal, a psychologist asks whether social psychology is still a science of behaviour. From 45 empirical articles, only four went beyond participants answering questions or filling in surveys; overall, only 6% of the
Dr maryam says:
As a student of psychology…. .i always need such a great thing to my study… Thanks a lot for this…I’ll waiting your new article…
Mavis Johnson says:
Biased self referencing Studies and Surveys done with boilerplate forms, get more attention than thoughtful meaningful findings. These unethical “Researchers” typically start with their belief, or one that conforms to their preconceived ideas. They typically are used as misinformation or advertising in mass media. This has infiltrated Academia in the US, as the most ridiculous, small and deceptive studies are used to peddle books, speaking engagements or get attention for corporate funding. In the US Torture is now a matter of “Mindset, ” greed is good, and various ideas taken from Eugenics are recycled for a new generation. When the Suicide Rates began to climb in the U.S, Psychologists had to come up with a counter narrative.
I agree with Doliński on his opinion, that social psychologists are being sumhutnout from the best journals. You cannot expect any field research within Social Psychology to be in par with the ethical guidelines. Milgram’s research was unethical, but it showed us the true results of how people would really behave in such setting, whereas surveys aren’t capable of reproducing that effect. It is saddening, that we lose quality research, because of the strict guidelines.
John Cooter says:
This is such an excellent teaching resource. Students on my courses learn that the classic experiments from the glory days of US social psychology could no longer take place because of the ethical issues they involved, whether they be elaborate set-ups like Asch, Milgram and Zimbardo, or Candid Camera-type field experiments like Piliavin’s subway study. That doesn’t mean it’s not possible to research real-life behaviour though now. Observation, either naturalistic or staged should be in use much more than it is. Observational studies are less likely than experiments to involve deception about variables under investigation and if videoed can produce rich data at a micro-analytical level.
Pingback: Fallacy of Obviousness, Dangers of Conformity and More (Weekly News Digest) – Andante
tobi. says:
Thanks for Pinging! We like You keep it up.
https://goodchillz.com
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Home > Scholarly Works > Student Works > Theses > Master's Theses > 176
USF St. Petersburg campus Master's Theses (Graduate)
Soil Accumulation, Accretion, and Organic Carbon Burial Rates in Mangrove Soils of the Lower Florida Keys: A Temporal and Spatial Analysis
Amanda R. Chappel
Co-Major Professor: Joseph M. Smoak, Ph.D.
Co-Major Professor: Ryan P. Moyer, Ph.D.
Brad E. Rosenheim, Ph.D.
This study compared the temporal variability in rates of soil accumulation, accretion, and organic carbon (OC) burial from three sites in the Lower Florida Keys using two different radiometric dating techniques (210Pb, 14C). Comparison of these rates across various timescales (decadal, centurial, and millennial) permitted examination of temporal responses and drivers. Further, spatial variability was measured for these associated site rates. Differences in geographic location and site morphologies as predicted, were supported by spatial variability in all rates across sites with the exception of centurial rates of accretion. All rates were greater when assessed over shorter (e.g. decadal) timescales. The centennial OC burial rates measured via 210Pb during this study ranged from 106 ± 6 to 151 ± 7 g m-2 yr -1. A radiocarbon-based age depth model was constructed at Snipe Key, giving a mean OC burial rate of39.98 ± 13.53 gm- 2 yr-1, with estimated basal peat formation beginning around 6 ka BP (mid-Holocene). The 14C mean accretion rate was 0.69 ± 0.17 mm y-1, whereas the 210Pb mean accretion rates (10-, 50-, and 100-yr rates) ranged from 2.0 ± 0.76 to 4.2 ± 1.5 mm yr-1• The 100- and 50-yr mean accretion rates were within error of the associated rates of SLR. However, rates of SLR have increased over the past ten years and are now larger than the rates of accretion required for these mangrove forests to avoid submergence. The variability associated with the larger trend of lower rates of accumulation, accretion and OC burial over longer timescales ( centurial and millennial) was due to changes in sediment delivery and/or soil preservation. Stable isotopes (o13C, o15N) indicate that post-depositional transformations coupled with change in allochthonous source contribution over time were the main drivers of variability with respect to temporal rates of deposition.
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Environmental Science & Policy College of Arts and Sciences University of South Florida St. Petersburg.
Chappel, Amanda R., "Soil Accumulation, Accretion, and Organic Carbon Burial Rates in Mangrove Soils of the Lower Florida Keys: A Temporal and Spatial Analysis" (2018). USF St. Petersburg campus Master's Theses (Graduate). 176.
https://digital.stpetersburg.usf.edu/masterstheses/176
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Item - Red Richard; or, The Brand of the Crimson Cross. A Romance of Californian Mining Life
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Beadle's Weekly — v. 1 no. 23 — chapters I-IV, pages 1-2
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Subjects / Tags:
Bandit, outlaw, and highwayman stories
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Talbot, Dick (Fictitious character)
Is Sequel To:
Lion-Hearted Dick; or The Gentleman Road-Agent. A Wild Tale of California Adventure
Sequel:
Dick Talbot in New York; or, Tracked from the Mountains to the Metropolis
Aiken, Albert W., 1846-1894
April 21, 1883 (The Banner Weekly edition)
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Beadle's New York Dime Library edition: Beadle and Adams (1872-1898) (New York (N.Y.): No. 98 William Street) -- United States
07141588 (Beadle's New York Dime Library edition)
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Adventures in Sustainability, University of Cumbria, UK
Categories: Conferences & Lectures
A premiere networking event for the sustainability profession in the UK and beyond, “Adventures in Sustainability” is a celebration and call to action.
At the global home and heritage centre of the world’s most famous expeditions, we will hear inspiring stories from explorer and broadcaster Paul Rose, environmental travel writer Kate Rawles, former Faithless band cofounder and 1 Giant Leap producer Jamie Catto, Wild Swimming author Daniel Start, sustainability communications guru Ed Gillespie, and Professor of Sustainability Leadership Jem Bendell. It also offers the chance to tour the exhibition of the 60th anniversary of the 1st ascent of Everest.
It marks the launch of the Institute for Leadership and Sustainability (IFLAS), part of the University of Cumbria. www.cumbria.ac.uk/iflas
“Adventures in Sustainability” responds to an increased awareness of the challenges we face. In the words of the Founder of IFLAS, Professor Jem Bendell:
“During my career most professional environmentalists have sought to be positive, not alarmist. Focus on solutions, not scares. The result has been some big changes in individual firms, communities, or ecosystems. But in the round, it’s produced incremental and largely inconsequential change. Some call on us now to accept the coming disruption. They have a point. Adaptation is key, and doesn’t just mean higher sea walls. Adaptation to climate change must involve adapting our minds also. Otherwise we risk making things worse by holding on to patterns of thought and behaviour that are destructive. The transition will need to be mental, perhaps spiritual. So there needs to be a shift in our thinking about the “environmental challenge.” A shift beyond the dark projections on the one hand or go-green easy nonsense on the other. We need a new spirit of adventure. A very different future is coming, and we have to explore different ways of living, producing, trading, exchanging, consuming. That future won’t just come from new consumer choices or enlightened business. Sadly, it’s going to involve some discomfort and some struggle. It will involve periods where we feel on the edge of our abilities. It will involve stressful times where we discover more about ourselves and each other. That adventure is coming whether we like it or not. If we think ”sustainability” is about maintaining our current way of life we will fail just as if a mountaineer set out equipped for the shopping mall, when they were off to climb Sca Fell. It’s time to name the adventure, and find our expedition teammates – those who will join the necessary journey.”
Could a spirit of adventure lead us toward sustainable living? By attending, you will join the University of Cumbria’s celebration of sustainability exploration, with leading entrepreneurs, explorers, musicians, cyclists, intellectuals and wild swimmers.
Reserve Your Place Here
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ARI Sync - Inventory (OTA)
The ARI Sync - Inventory (OTA) is used to notify a booking source of the inventory amount available at a specific hotel property.
OTA_HotelInvCountNotifRQ
It allows the Property Management System and Central Reservation Systems or other booking sources to synchronize the number of inventory items available for sale between them.
Inventory values are updated by room type and can also be set at the hotel level. The inventory count specified should be the number of rooms available for sale. Any rooms not available for sale such as Out of Order rooms should be calculated into the inventory values that are sent for update.
The Inventory Count Notification message also allows for the update of Group Block inventory amounts. A group block can be updated with a number of allocated rooms that have been committed to the group block. Rooms allocated to a group through this update are not removed from general inventory.
<OTA_HotelInvCountNotifRQ TimeStamp="2019-07-01T11:25:15" xmlns="http://www.opentravel.org/OTA/2003/05" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" >
<Inventories HotelCode="10001" HotelName="Test Hotel" >
<Inventory>
<StatusApplicationControl AllInvCode="true" Start="2019-01-01" End="2019-01-31"/>
<InvCounts>
<InvCount CountType="1" Count="10"/>
</InvCounts>
</Inventory>
<InvCount CountType="1" Count="8"/>
</Inventories>
</OTA_HotelInvCountNotifRQ>
<OTA_HotelInvCountNotifRS TimeStamp="2019-07-01T11:27:04" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns="http://www.opentravel.org/OTA/2003/05">
</OTA_HotelInvCountNotifRS>
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Masood Khan condoles with families of victims of Machh incident
QUETTA, JAN 13 (DNA) – Sardar Masood Khan, President Azad Jammu and Kashmir while speaking to a 22-member delegation of the families of the Machh incident assured that the people and the government of Azad Kashmir stood by the Hazara community at this sensitive juncture.
The President met the delegation which called on him under the leadership of Majlisd-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen leader and former Provincial Law Minister Agha Syed Mohammad Raza. The delegation also included Secretary General of Majlis-e-Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen Arbab Liaqat Ali and member of the Martyrs Committee Amanullah and Owais Khan.
The President asserted that the peaceful and patriotic people of Hazara community have always played an important role in the development and prosperity of Pakistan, adding that the painful incident of Machh had traumatised the whole nation. “It is our belief that a murder of one person is the murder of all of humanity”, he said.
On the request of the delegation, the State President said that their demand for allocating exclusive seats for the students of Hazara community in the educational institutions of Azad Kashmir would be considered, and every possible step will be taken, as per resources.
On this occasion, Agha Syed Mohammad Raza said that the Machh incident was not the first tragedy but the Hazara community had been targeted by terrorists since long. Earlier, he said, community schools, colleges, hospitals and wedding functions were attacked, and the innocent people of the Hazara community were targeted in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
He said that whether it was international terrorist organisations like Daesh or India’s subversive terrorist proxies, their sole target is to destabilize Pakistan. Through terrorist activities, India is attempting to create mistrust within Pakistan and its brotherly neighbours, and it is trying to sabotage the strategic CPEC project, he said.
He said that the people of Balochistan, particularly the Hazara community strongly condemn genocide of Kashmiri people at the hands of the Indian Army and stand united with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their legitimate struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination. = DNA
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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/96152
Title: Nickel-complexes with a mixed-donor ligand for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from aqueous solutions under visible light
Authors: Han, Jianyu
Zhang, Wei
Zhou, Tianhua
Wang, Xin
Xu, Rong
Source: Han, J., Zhang, W., Zhou, T., Wang, X., & Xu, R. (2012). Nickel-complexes with a mixed-donor ligand for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from aqueous solutions under visible light. RSC Advances, 2(22), 8293-8296.
Series/Report no.: RSC advances
Abstract: Increasing interest has been paid to the development of earth-abundant photocatalyst systems for production of hydrogen from water. In this work, we, for the first time, investigated the photocatalytic activities of complexes formed between β-mecaptoethylamine (L) and Ni(II), NiL2, and the trinuclear complex, Ni(NiL2)22+, with a mixed S and N donor environment. Both complexes were found to be active catalysts for hydrogen evolution in aqueous solutions. In particular, a high quantum efficiency of 30.9 % at 480 nm was obtained over NiL2 when Erythrosin yellowish was used as the photosensitizer.
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/96152
DOI: 10.1039/c2ra21422a
Rights: © 2012 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Fulltext Permission: none
Fulltext Availability: No Fulltext
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Blue Origin soft-lands a rocket!
Posted by Deborah Byrd in Human World | Science Wire | Space | November 24, 2015
And Jeff Bezos, which founded the private spaceflight company, sends his first-ever tweet. Congratulations, Blue Origin!
Video still from Blue Origin of the November 23, 2015 successful soft landing of its New Shepard rocket.
Blue Origin, a private spaceflight company founded by Amazon originator Jeff Bezos, says it has made a safe soft landing of its main rocket – called New Shepard – following a launch to sub-orbital space. Bezos tweeted the landing success; you can see this tweet (below) is also his first, ever, since (it’s said) he set up his Twitter account seven years ago. Blue Origin made the announcement of the successful soft landing early this morning (November 24, 2015) and simultaneously released the wonderful video attached to Bezos’ tweet. According to the video, the soft landing itself took place yesterday in West Texas.
The rarest of beasts – a used rocket. Controlled landing not easy, but done right, can look easy. Check out video: https://t.co/9OypFoxZk3
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) November 24, 2015
New Shepard climbed to an altitude of 329,839 feet, which is where the vehicle’s crew capsule is meant to detach. In actuality – at the November 23 launch – no people were onboard; notice the word “simulation” in that part of the video. If people had been aboard the capsule, though, they’d have experienced four minutes of weightlessness before falling back to Earth.
You can also see in the video that the crew capsule is designed to land its future passengers safely, using a series of parachutes.
But – since no people were riding along – the real excitement about this launch comes when the rocket’s main fuselage, which houses most of the fuel and the rocket’s engines, make its soft landing back on Earth. New Shepard uses a technique known as a propulsive landing, in which the rocket’s engines are reignited as the vehicle plummets to Earth.
And that makes all the difference. The engines help control the rocket’s descent. They not only slow it down, but also help keep the rocket upright.
By the way, SpaceX has been trying to soft-land its main rocket, the Falcon 9, for the past year, also using propulsive landing. SpaceX’s plan is for a vertical rocket landing on an autonomous drone spaceport in the ocean. Those landing attempts have all failed spectacularly so far. But SpaceX founder Elon Musk was gracious on Twitter, regarding Blue Origin’s achievement. He also pointed out in a series of tweets that going to sub-orbit is not the same as going to orbit.
Congrats to Jeff Bezos and the BO team for achieving VTOL on their booster
It is, however, important to clear up the difference between "space" and "orbit", as described well by https://t.co/7PD42m37fZ
Bottom line: Blue Origin, a private spaceflight company founded by Jeff Bezos, sucessfully soft-landed its New Shepard rocket on November 23, 2015. Congratulations to Jeff Bezos and the Blue Origin team!
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Economic Development and Income Distribution: Schumpeter and the Institutionalist Heritage
Richard Arena and Alain Raybaut ()
Post-Print from HAL
Abstract: Heinz Kurz is recognised internationally as a leading economic theorist and a foremost historian of economic thought. This book pays tribute to his outstanding contributions by bringing together a unique collection of new essays by distinguished economists from around the world. Classical Political Economy and Modern Theory comprises twenty essays, grouped thematically into five sections. Part I examines political economy and its critique, Part II looks at entrepreneurship, evolution and income distribution, Part III discusses Cambridge, Keynes and macroeconomics, Part IV explores crisis and cycles, whilst Part V is dedicated to personal reminiscences. The essays in this book will be an invaluable source of inspiration for economists interested in economic theory and in the evolution of economic thought. They will also be of interest to postgraduate and research students specialising in economic theory and in the history of economic thought.
Keywords: History of Economic Thought; Economic Theory & Philosophy; Political Economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00772552
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Published in Neri Salvadori, Christian Gehrke, Ian Steedman, Richard Sturn. Classical Political Economy and Modern Theory, Essays in Honour of H. Kurz, Routledge, pp.120-141, 2012, Routledge Studies in the History of Economics
There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.
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Home » Analysis
Branding: Understand your ‘reason for being’
By Anthony Biles
Anthony Biles (pictured), creative director of branding and design consultancy at Biles Hendry gives his insight into how brands can use true stories to stand out from the crowd in today’s saturated market.
The drinks world has seen unprecedented change in the past few years, with the number of gin distilleries soaring, craft breweries beating the beer titans, and rum in higher spirits than ever before. Even blended scotch, which has been struggling to attract the all-important millennial and female fan base, is starting to engineer a turnaround.
But all of this heat and excitement means that brands are having to stand-out on a shelf like never before and work harder to engage target consumers.
To build that connection, brand managers need to look beyond their products’ face value and drill down to how people feel about them and the role they play in their lives. We are talking here of a brand’s inherent worth, its ‘reason for being’.
Whether you’re a start-up microbrewery or Brewdog, the aim for brands must always be to deliver what people want. And that process begins with developing an acute sense of your brand’s meaning, which in turn will help you understand how consumers evaluate and value it.
It’s all about tapping into the consumer mind-set. Get it wrong and, at best, your marketing communications will fail to resonate with consumers. At worst, you’ll alienate them. Get it right and you’ll have your hands on a distinctive, meaningful and ultimately valuable brand.
So how do certain brands stay more relevant than others? Why did Sipsmith wake up bright and perky while Qream suffered the worst possible hangover?
Challenge assumptions and unleash your reason for being
If you are to connect with your target consumer and understand what they’re looking for, you have to be willing to ask the difficult questions and challenge commonly held assumptions – look at every aspect of your business and take nothing for granted.
In the premium spirits market, the two founders of Warner Edwards Gin were understandably proud of the fact that they had started out by distilling on their beautiful farm in Northamptonshire. They were influenced by the phenomenal success of accessible and down-to-earth foodie personalities like Jimmy Doherty and Jamie Oliver. They’d been capitalising on their ‘farmer founder’ story at trade fairs and had gone all in with this messaging in their branding and marketing.
Keywords: Biles Hendry
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DriveEuropeNews
France at a Glance
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Road Tolls + Vignettes
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Romantic journey: Mrs Simpson’s desperate drive across France
Wallis Simpson motored to the South of France hoping that the Abdication crisis – and dense fog – would blow over. The press were in hot pursuit. We recreate the journey, based on contemporary reports.
For Christmas 1935, Mrs Simpson gave the then Prince of Wales this gold Cartier cigarette case, decorated with a map of their travels around Europe. Each of their holiday stops was marked with a precious stone. Her journey this time was to be almost as convoluted. The box recently sold at Sotheby’s for £181,250.
In early December 1936, two weeks after King Edward VII first told the prime minister he wanted to marry Mrs Simpson, the abdication crisis built to its climax.
On Wednesday 2 December British newspapers finally threw off their self-imposed censorship over an affair long played out in the rest of the world’s press. The ‘biggest news story since the resurrection’ was fully out in the open.
The next day, the New York Times quoted a friend of an ‘angry’ Mrs Simpson saying, ‘She is now determined that she will not leave the country unless the king commands her to do so. She does not want it said of her that she quit under fire. If she leaves at all she wants to go with banners flying and not creep from the country secretively like a fugitive.’
Later the same day though that is exactly what she did. Thick fog enveloped the king’s country house Fort Belvedere near Sunningdale as Mrs Simpson, accompanied Lord Brownlow, the king’s advisor, chauffeur George Ladbrooke and Inspector Evans of Scotland Yard, left on the seventy mile drive to Newhaven, ultimately heading for Cannes.
Mrs Simpson’s car was a Buick, identical to the king’s (pictured). To avoid accusations of disloyalty to the British car industry the chassis was re-bodied by Canadian coachbuilder McLoughlin. Powered by a straight eight cylinder motor and over 20 feet long, it could reach 60mph in 18.5 seconds. Dubbed ‘the most romantic car in the world’ at a Bonhams’ sale in 2007, the king’s car sold for £100,500. Photo © Bonhams.
Despite the conditions, they made the 10pm sailing of SS Brighton, reaching Dieppe in the early hours. The press were waiting for them on the quay side.
Their only advantage was that journalists weren’t sure where they were headed. They managed to shake them off initially until a brief stop at the Grand Hôtel de la Poste at Rouen at 3am when a customer recognised them and took a picture.
They turned towards Paris but by lunchtime had almost doubled back on themselves to Évreux.
At the Hôtellerie du Grand-Cerf in the shadow of the cathedral, Mrs Simpson phoned the King, shouting over a poor connection, pleading with him not to abdicate. Flustered, she left some notes in the phone booth, under the noses of reporters, later retrieved by the manager and kept in the hotel safe.
Fog gave way to sleet and driving snow as they motored past Orleans. Unexpectedly they then turned west, seeming to confirm that Mrs Simpson was really on her way to Biarritz on the Atlantic coast.
The Hotel de France at Blois, still open today. © British Pathé
Shortly after they checked in to the Hotel de France at Blois, twenty four reporters gathered outside (watch the British Pathe news reel here).
The next stage of the journey would inevitably give away their final destination so they tried to put reporters off by booking an alarm call for 9am while really intending to leave at 4am.
But for the newspaper reading public the trick might have worked. Reports soon emerged from Châtellerault that Lord Brownlow had tried to buy some aspirin.
To make matters truely miserable, after breakfast at the Hotel de Paris in Moulins, the flask of whiskey in Brownlow’s pocket shattered. They couldn’t even open the windows because it was snowing too hard.
After a high speed chase through the streets of Lyon, journalists finally caught up with them at the Restaurant de la Pyramide in Vienne.
Mrs Simpson dined on pâté de fois gras, shrimp salad, fowl, and some sips of white wine before leaving through the kitchen window.
By 18:00 they were in Avignon, 140 miles from Cannes. The final leg, ninety miles on ‘twisted’ roads from Aix-en-Provence, took three and a half hours. They finally arrived at Villa Lou Viei, in the hills above the town, at three minutes to midnight on 5 December. The 830 mile drive had taken fifty five hours.
Mrs Simpson’s car arriving back at Villa Lou Viei, Cannes, on 7 December 1936 © British Pathé
Progress had been torturously slow in the early stages. By Friday evening, after thirty hours travelling, they were only 275 miles from the start. However, in twenty hours almost continuous driving on Saturday they covered a very respectable 540 miles, especially given the conditions and state of the roads.
Mrs Simpson’s luggage – eight trunks and three suitcases – had already arrived. She stayed in bed until noon the next day when onlookers saw her on the terrace outside her room wearing, apparently, a pale pink négligée.
A few days later, in the face of frenzied speculation and continuing crowds outside the villa, Mrs Simpson said she would ‘withdraw forthwith from a situation which has been rendered both unhappy and untenable’ but it was too late. The king abdicated the following Friday and left the country immediately, bound for Austria. He sailed from Portsmouth on the destroyer HMS Fury to Boulogne where he was met by the Orient Express.
The couple didn’t meet again until their wedding at Château de Candé near Tours in June 1937.
Posted in Cars, Crossing the Channel, France, History of driving through Europe, Touring | Tagged avignon, blois, buick, cannes, dieppe, duchess of windsor, evreux, king edward VII, lyon, mcloughlin, moulins, mrs simpson, roanne, Rouen, vienne, wallis simpson | 1 Comment |
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One thought on “Romantic journey: Mrs Simpson’s desperate drive across France”
anthony keaveny says:
I am English, Manchester, and I remember as a child how many Buicks there were in our town. they were sold by Drabble and Allan on Deansgate Manchester. Even our Parish priest had one. Now they are only sold in China and South Korea.. The Buick Regal is still sold in England as the Vauxhall , and in Germany as Opel, but we do not get the real full-sized Buicks as in olden-days.
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Chapter 202 - Darken
Lily stared at the man in front of her. Yang Jing was a tall and muscular man. For someone from the military, Lily found this normal. However, what she found interesting was the latter's changing expression as realization hit him.
"You…."
On the outside, Lily's face was not showing anything, it was blank and cold. And to be honest, her outside appearance was the exact mirror of her current state of mind.
Lily's emotions right now are hard to describe because she'd buried these feelings. Her heart had been burrowing under layers and layers of protection for so long that she found it hard to reveal these emotions again. The instant that Lily heard Yang Jing reveal the truth about her mother's death, she felt nothing. Then slowly…. it hit her.
The pain that she had been hiding, controlling, and taming inside of her seemed to go on the rampage in her mind, but Lily held on. She slowly withdrew her hand from the table and put it on her lap before she clenched it into a fist. Her knuckles turned white as she started to feel the stinging sensation of her nails digging into her palm.
Still she held on. She had been through so much that a simple truth should not cause her to lose control right now. Lily was taught not to show any vulnerabilities. No matter how much she felt her heart breaking into pieces while thinking about her pitiful mother, she would not reveal these emotions. She cannot show her weakness as this is something that these people can use against her.
Lily's face was placid, calm as a lake after the storm. Not an ounce of pain or trouble was apparent on her face as she continued to study Yang Jing's expression. "So… are you going to tell me what happened? Or… Will I have to find out by myself and accidentally obliterate your entire family in the process,?" Lily's voice was soft and low. Her words were said slowly as if she was trying to make sure that the man in front of her comprehends every last word. However, this did not mask the chill that her words could make one feel, sensing the danger hidden behind them.
"President Zhuo…." Yang Jing was still unable to believe that Lily did not know about her mother's death. "If you didn't know about the cause of your mother's death then… why are you targeting the Yang Family?" he asked, confused. He clearly heard Yang Lina say that Lily knew and that is the reason why she set up the accident against Yang Mi, framing Yang Lina in the process.
Then she sent Yang Lina the video making her panic and ask for her family's help. At the same time, Lily also sent the proof about Yang Mi and the fake video to Yang Sen, letting the latter know that she was watching them.
This was Yang Lina's story. Is it possible that…. she was lying?
"Are you going to answer my question?" Lily asked once again, ignoring Yang Jing's previous question.
"Well… your mother recognized my aunt," Yang Jing said. "So when they were informed that there was a chance that your mother would survive, they decided to ask the doctor to … kill her."
"So it wasn't an accidental death caused by the accident," Lily stated. "You know this and you still had the guts to come here and attempt to negotiate with me."
"Everyone knows that what they did to your mother was wrong, however, most of the people from the Yang Family are innocents. We have a lot of relatives working in our construction companies and factories. We can't afford to offend someone with your standing in the market and lose our small businesses as a result."
"Trying to appeal to me using those people is useless. I don't have the heart to think about these innocents that you are talking about, Mr. Yang," Lily said.
"Revenge is pointless," Yang Jing said.
"Who said that I am out for revenge?" Lily countered.
"Then why did you make those fake videos? Why send it to my father? Was this just for fun?" Yang Jing asked, a little irritated that he can't see through her. She was calm and cold. Aside from that, Yang Jing could not read Lily. It was as if he was talking to a cold and hard stone.
"Revealing my reasons is pointless," she answered. "But I never thought that my simple actions would make you reveal what happened to my mother seven years ago."
"Is this a confirmation that you truly did not know what happened back then?" Yang Jing asked. For some reason, he found it hard to believe that Lily was not attacking their family because of what his mother and Yang Lina did. Right now, Yang Jing is wondering if Lily did what she did because of Xuan Hui and not because of what happened seven years ago. "Did you take action against us because you want to weaken Xuan Hui's backing?"
These was the only possibility that he could think of right now. A successful businesswoman like Lily would not waste her energy and resources without firm goals or reasons.
"Your brilliant aunt wanted me dead," Lily answered after a few seconds. "Did you think that I would just sit here and wait for her to continue attacking me behind my back?" Seeing Yang Jing fall into deep thought, Lily continued, "Your aunt wanted me dead as much as she wanted to silence your father."
"She wouldn't do that. Yang Lina does not have the courage to hurt my father. What happened before was just because she lost control of her emotions. I am sure that she would not do anything to my father, now that he is still unconscious."
"Oh…" Lily did not continue her words, as she typed something on her laptop and turned it towards Yang Jing. "Why do you think your father hasn't woken up until now, Mr. Yang? Did you think he loved sleeping so much that he refused to wake up from such a mild wound?"
Lily then played a video for Yang Jing. In the video, Li Tian Ya was sitting on a couch. From his clothes to his appearance, it was obvious that Li Tian Ya was at home. The video showed him talking to someone, however the identity of the person that he was talking to was blocked by a book. From this angle it was obvious that the video was taken secretly.
The conversation started casually - until Li Tian Ya started to talk about what Yang Lina asked him to do to Yang Sen, and how he was successful in sedating him.
Lily watched as Yang Jing's face paled. His face was showing an unfathomable expression. Originally Lily was not planning to do anything dangerous against the Yang Family and just wanted them to abandon Yang Lina, however now…. All she wanted to do was to destroy everyone involved in her mother's death.
Lily felt as if her world seemed to darken. All she wanted was to see blood. Endless blood of the people who hurt her and killed her mother. She wanted to make them suffer, skin them alive, and watch intently as life disappears from their eyes.
Lily was so engrossed in her own thoughts that she failed to notice when Zhuo Jingren barged into her office. He looked at Lily who seemed to be in a daze before he instructed Yang Jing to leave them. The Lily right now is someone who Zhuo Jingren had never seen before and he will do everything to get his Lily back.
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"AUTOSTAT OMNIBUS-2020". Winter Car tires: preferences of car owners (fourth wave)
Exit date 07.12.2020
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The fourth autumn wave of the project is aimed at identifying consumer preferences in the ...
07 december more info
Russian dealers of Ford began sales of updated Mondeo
Ford Mondeo sedan has received a technological upgrade aimed at the safety improving of the car and improving of the intelligent driver assistance systems. People can order updated Ford Mondeo at all official Ford dealers in Russia.
05 julymore info
29.04.19 Which brands have a higher share of car sales of Russian assembly?
Experts of the analytic agency "AUTOSTAT" found that the share of local assembly cars accounts for 85% of the total volume of the market of new passenger cars in Russia. Now we have decided to consider how this indicator may vary depending on a particular brand.
More than 450 thousand LADA Vesta cars have been sold for 5 years
On September 25th, LADA Vesta cars celebrated the 5 years of production at LADA Izhevsk enterprise. During this time, LADA Vesta has transformed into a whole family of cars: a cross-version has been added to the base sedan, as well as SW and SW Cross station wagons, dual-fuel Vesta CNG, "charged" LADA Vesta Sport, the press service of AVTOVVAZ reported. As noted, LADA Vesta entered the TOP-5 of the best-selling models in the Russian car market only six months after the start of production. At the same time, according to a survey of buyers, every third person switched to LADA Vesta from a car of another brand. At the end of 2018, Vesta became an absolute Russian bestseller, and today it confidently ranks the second in terms of sales after LADA Granta. To date, more than 450 thousand LADA Vesta cars of all modifications have been sold.
By the way, recently the experts of the analytical agency "AUTOSTAT" examined the structure of sales of cars of the LADA Vesta family in the Russian market and found out the preferences of buyers. So, between sedans and station wagons, there is a slight preponderance towards the latter: 51% of buyers chose LADA Vesta SW / SW Cross, respectively; sedans had 49% of sales. 85% of all sold "Vesta" were equipped with a 1.6-liter engine, and 15% of consumers preferred the 1.8-liter engine. The lion's share of those who buy LADA Vesta still choose versions with a manual gearbox (83%). But every sixth (17%) "tempted" to an automatic transmission. Let us remind you that the flagship Vesta became the first serial LADA car based on the X-style DNA. In addition, this model received a number of technical solutions that were then used on LADA cars for the first time, for example, stability control systems (ESC) and ERA-GLONASS already in the basic configuration. One of the most recent and significant innovations is a continuously variable automatic transmission of the Japanese company Jatco, which appeared on LADA Vesta cars in the previous year.
Tags: avtovaz, lada, sales, passenger cars, russia
28.09.20 AUTOSTAT
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Navy inducts indigenous transport ship
Indian Navy has inducted landing craft utility(LCU) L56.It is the sixth indigenously designed and built transport ship.The warship was built and designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE),Kolkata.
The ship can accommodate 216 personnel and is equipped with two indigenous Closed Range Naval(CRN) 91 guns.Further,the ship is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and advanced systems such as Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and Integrated Platform Management System.
The Landing Craft Utility ship can help in Amphibious operations capability including transport of troops and equipment will also be enhanced.The ship will be stationed at Andaman and Nicobar Islands,
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited(GRSE) has emerged the first Indian shipyard to make and deliver 100 warships to the Indian Navy,Indian Coast Guard and Mauritius Coast Guard.
TaggedGarden Reach shipbuildersLCU56 Source : TOI
Fast radio bursts detected in the Milky Way for the first time
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Explained: What is 16 Psyche, the asteroid believed to be worth $10,000 quadrillion?
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SPFBO Cover Contest & The Top Three (by Mihir Wanchoo)
Last year Mark Lawrence added an extra component to the SPFBO contest by also having the bloggers select the three best covers in each of their groups. The aim was to find the best covers according to the bloggers as well as the general public.
So with this edition, we are also having a similar run and the covers are even more gorgeous this time around. At Fantasy Book Critic, we decided to go with the top five covers in our lot and invited each of the authors to talk about the genesis of each of them. So here are our TOP 5 (in random order):
Where The Waters Turn Black by Benedict Patrick:
The short version of how the cover for Where The Waters Turn Black came about is that I found a kick-ass designer, and got the hell out of her way.
Here’s the slightly longer version:
There was never any doubt that Jenny from seedlingsdesign.com would be doing the cover for this book. Her cover for They Mostly Come Out At Night did wonders for my debut, and she has already created an iconic look for the Yarnsworld series. The trick with Waters, however, was linking it with the previous book, but somehow also suggesting that this was a very different story than Book One. Whereas TMCOAN is a dark fantasy set in a mysterious forest, WTWTB is a fantasy adventure on a remote ring of tropical islands. This was Jenny’s first suggestion:
The idea here was to have the line of the taniwha on the cover of WTWTB (that giant monster with the swirls all over its body) to replicate the s-like curve of the Magpie King on Book 1. Much like that book, the font for the title was also going to be the same, and the seaweed attached to the taniwha would interplay with the title, much like the feathers on Book One. However, the colours on the new cover are lighter, suggesting a more optimistic story, and the volcano in the background hints at the Pacific island theme. As you can see, aside from reducing how wolf-like the taniwha seems, the final cover did not veer too far away from the first concept. My favourite part? I love the gradual change in colour of the water, eventually turning… well, turning black.
Thanks again for putting the cover forward - Jenny and I are excited to see how it does!
*---------------*---------------*---------------*
The Heartstone Thief by Pippa Da Costa:
The Heartstone Thief cover, created by James at Bookfly, was designed with an overall grimdark feel in mind. While the novel is told from a single character’s point of view (the thief) we also have a very strong supporting character (the sorceress) who is integral to the plot. However, adding two characters to the cover of a fantasy novel could have proven tricky and muddied the message. James and I agreed we needed the cover to portray - at a glance - the genre and elements of action. With that in mind, the designer took the darker elements of the genre and used them to hint at these two strong individuals and ‘frame’ the main character of the thief. The movement of the running thief hints at the book’s roots in action and adventure, and of course, the sorceress' flaming hands add that much-needed magical flair. We kept the typography simple and again, on genre, so as not to detract from the design. The final cover does a fantastic job of representing the adventurous grimdark story inside its pages. I hope my readers agree.
Here's what James had to say about the creation of the cover:
"I wanted the sorceress to be dominant since she plays such a key role, plus the power balance between her and Curtis drives the story. Since she manipulates him into stealing the stone, I thought it would be appropriate for her to be in almost a puppeteer position over him, and the difference in scale between them hints that she may be more than she appears without spoiling anything."
Miss Landon And Aubranael by Charlotte E. English:
This cover was created by my favourite artist, Elsa Kroese, with whom I also co-write an online graphic novel. We’ve been working together for years, and she’s done many wonderful covers for me in that time, but Miss Landon And Aubranael is my very favourite of them all. It is not just the sheer beauty of the art which makes me love it so - though that is, of course, part of it. What sets Elsa apart as a cover artist is her diligence; she reads every word of the book before she begins work, and portrays the characters beautifully and dynamically.
We see Sophie Landon escaping from her trials into an adventure with Aubranael - who waits for her, though he hides his face from us all. And by her side is Thundigle, her staunch friend, dressed in the clothes Sophie herself has made for him. Elsa always seeks to produce art which reflects the atmosphere of the story, and her work for Miss Landon And Aubranael really does that. It’s a sunny, colourful, heart-warming tale, and just looking at that cover makes me feel better about my day.
Nefertiti's Heart by A. W. Exley:
Even though I'm a corset wearer, right from the beginning I knew I would go against the trend of steampunk books having a woman in a corset on the cover. I'm simply too aware of the difference between quality custom corsetry and costume corsetry to ever find a stock photo to satisfy me! Lol Since this book revolves around the search for an artifact, I had a very simple image in my head of what I wanted - a hand holding Nefertiti's Heart.
I sent digital artist Ricky Gunawan a very crude stick drawing of a hand and a cartoon heart and a one line description – a heart shaped diamond with strange mechanical workings that is activated by a droplet of blood at its centre. Then I bit my nails worrying about the idea being too simple or plain. I needn't have worried. Ricky took the brief and ran with it, producing an image that exceeded my expectations. For me, the mechanical heart has become far more than a book cover. Today it's an instantly recognizable author logo for readers and is also representative of the wider theme of my books – there's heart, but it has a twist.
Night Of The Chalk by Samuel Gately:
I really wanted the cover for Night Of The Chalk to be something special. I needed the readers to know at a glance they were stepping into a medieval swords and sorcery novel, but I wanted it to also nail the moods and flavors unique to the story. It had to convey a dark, complex, and claustrophobic city that is a character of its own. It needed to invite curiosity about the story’s protagonists. They are spies, and what they see, know, and what they do with the knowledge they gather is as interesting as the characters themselves. Finally, I needed a central scene which drew the reader in and stimulated their imagination. Night Of The Chalk draws on many elements of a cloak-and-dagger mystery and I wanted the reader to feel the tension of an unfolding drama seen through hidden eyes.
I solicited the artist Tomasz Chistowski for the original illustration. I was drawn to him by the wonderful cityscapes and vivid characters he’d done in the past. He exceeded my expectations, bringing a wealth of imagination to the project. We worked a couple of fun Easter eggs into the image as well. If you look closely at the watcher’s shoulder, you’ll see a white handprint. The titular enemy, the Chalk, have found their way closer to him than even he realizes. And in the distance, above the rooftops and the murders of crows, you’ll see a flight of four dragons patrolling the city.
The typography was done by James at Humble Nations, who did a great job invoking a crime noir slant without losing the swords and sorcery medieval vibe. I’ve found collaboration with visual artists to be one of the most fun and rewarding parts of writing and I lucked out with Tomasz and James. I’m hopeful that this cover invites you inside, to take a walk through the city of Delhonne, where the skies are no longer safe and the streets never were.
Both Cindy and me had a easy time selecting these five titles however selecting the top 3 among them was very, very hard. It took a lot of time and quite a few email exchanges debating the awesomeness of them all but we managed to narrow it down to three and so apologies to our two runner-ups.
The main factor though each of our finalists have is their eye-striking nature and kudos to all the designers & artists for their amazing efforts. So here are our top three who will be going forward and honestly there's very little to differentiate between them:
1) Nefertiti's Heart by A. W. Exley
2) Where The Waters Turn Black by Benedict Patrick
3) Night Of The Chalk by Samuel Gately
Thank you for showcasing The Heartstone Thief. You have an amazing collection of books to read in this years SPFBO!
Great covers and I love hearing about where the covers came from!- Marie Andreas
Anindita CSG said...
Stunning covers. All of them.
Cd said...
Thank you for showcasing illustrator Rosie Lauren Smith and the Charlotte English series. I read all the books and found them absolutely charming. I hope that this will draw other readers to the author's fine work as well as appreciating the beautiful and quirky illustrations.
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Home / News / FEA News / FEA files lawsuit to protect health and well-being of students, educators and communities
FEA News
FEA files lawsuit to protect health and well-being of students, educators and communities
Updated: August 28, 2020 (Stay reinstated on FEA's injunction)
Also on this page
Full video of the press conference announcing the lawsuit (July 20)
Frequently Asked Questions About FEA's lawsuit
Summary and text of FEA's lawsuit
Media coverage of FEA's lawsuit
FEA's letter to Florida's Surgeon General (July 16)
FEA's letter to Florida's Chief Financial Officer (July 21)
Additional School Reopening Resources
Oct. 9 update: A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal reversed the lower court’s order and vacated the temporary injunction against emergency order 2020-EO-06. The FEA will continue the fight for local control and safety in our public schools, and plans to file for a rehearing in the case.
Aug. 28 update: The 1st District Court of Appeal reinstated a stay on the temporary injunction FEA had won against Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s emergency order. The stay puts the commissioner’s emergency order back in effect. The case will now go before the 1st District Court of Appeal.
Aug. 27 update: Circuit Judge Charles Dodson lifted the automatic stay on his order granting a temporary injunction against Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s emergency order. School districts are free to make decisions as to whether to open or close schools based on safety considerations and without the threat of lost funding.
Aug. 24 update: Circuit Judge Charles Dodson grants temporary injunction against Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s emergency order concerning the reopening of schools
Along with educators and parents, the Florida Education Association (FEA) filed suit July 20, 2020, against Gov. Ron DeSantis, Commissioner Richard Corcoran, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida State Board of Education and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez to safeguard the health and welfare of public school students, educators and the community at large. The lawsuit intends to stop the reckless and unsafe reopening of public school campuses as coronavirus infections surge statewide.
“Gov. DeSantis needs a reality check, and we are attempting to provide one,” said FEA President Fedrick Ingram. “The governor needs to accept the reality of the situation here in Florida, where the virus is surging out of control. He needs to accept the evolving science. It now appears that kids 10 and older may pass along the coronavirus as easily as adults. Everyone wants schools to reopen, but we don’t want to begin in-person teaching, face an explosion of cases and sickness, then be forced to return to distance learning. Florida’s Constitution demands that public schools be safe. Teachers and parents want our schools to meet that basic standard.”
What is this lawsuit all about?
Who are the parties?
What is the remedy we are asking for?
What happens if my district already submitted a plan to reopen schools in August?
When will the case go to court?
If not in August, when will schools physically open?
How will I know if schools are opening in August?
Why would the FEA file a lawsuit that might keep educators out of work causing them to lose pay?
Frequently Asked Questions About FEA’s Lawsuit
1. What is this lawsuit all about?
FEA brought this lawsuit on behalf of 147,000 educators across the state to protect the health, safety, and lives of our students, teachers, education staff professionals, parents, and communities. Florida is tragically the new international epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit seeks to give local school districts the discretion to reopen physical school sites when it is safe to do so, and to ensure a safe reopening when the time is right. We cannot allow our students, educators, and their families to be put in harm’s way.
By requiring all brick and mortar schools to reopen in just a few weeks no matter the cost and level of preparedness, Governor DeSantis, Commissioner Corcoran, and the State Board of Education are threatening the health and safety of all Florida residents. The state’s directive does not allow for adequate planning and does nothing to ensure that the necessary safety protocols will be in place when schools open. Learning should continue through online instruction until it is safe to return to the classroom and elected officials must comply with appropriate public health official guidelines every step of the way.
2. Who are the parties?
FEA is joined by individual parents and educators as plaintiffs in this suit and in the fight to protect our students and employees in all Florida school districts. The defendants are Governor Ron DeSantis, Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran, the Florida Board of Education, the Florida Department of Education, and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
3. What is the remedy we are asking for?
We are seeking a declaration from the court that the governor, commissioner, and mayor’s actions violate the Florida Constitution, including its mandate to provide a safe, secure, and high-quality system of public education.
We are asking the court for the following injunctive relief:
An order directing the governor, commissioner, and mayor from unnecessarily and unconstitutionally forcing millions of public-school students and employees to report to unsafe brick and mortar schools that should remain physically closed during the resurgence of COVID-19 in Florida.
An order requiring that, before the physical reopening of brick and mortar schools, each school must have adequate personal protective equipment and other necessary supplies for all employees and students; reduce class sizes to comply with physical distancing requirements; install sufficient hand-sanitizing stations; add plexiglass shields where necessary; increase staffing; increase school clinic capabilities; and take all necessary measures to protect students and staff and minimize COVID-19 transmission.
An order requiring defendants to develop and implement an online instruction plan aimed at all children and to make internet connectivity and computer devices available to all students, as many districts have already done, so that they can meaningfully engage in virtual instruction until it is safe to reopen physical school sites.
4. What happens if my district already submitted a plan to reopen schools in August?
Without the successful resolution of this lawsuit, school districts may be forced to alter their reopening plans under the threat of funding loss.
5. When will it go to court?
This will depend on the judge and when the defendants file their responses. Our lawyers are exploring every option for quick and meaningful relief.
6. If not in August, when will schools physically open?
We had hoped school districts would be able to begin the school year on time through remote learning strategies, yet 90% of the districts have now delayed their school start date. The lawsuit demands that brick and mortar schools should only open when school districts determine, in accordance with CDC guidelines and local health authorities, that it is safe.
7. How will I know if schools are opening in August?
Stay in touch with your school district and ask for real-time information. You can also visit our website for the latest updates.
8. Why would the FEA file a lawsuit that might keep educators out of work causing them to lose pay?
Let’s be very clear, the lawsuit is not about keeping schools closed, in fact schools will remain open with distance learning. Instead, it is about ensuring that when they do physically reopen, they meet the constitutional mandate to be “safe” and “secure.” Even before we filed our lawsuit, school districts representing over 1,000,000 students statewide had pushed back their start date – it is Corcoran and DeSantis who are pushing back the start dates by insisting that when schools reopen it must be in brick and mortar campuses. FEA’s lawsuit simply asks for a return of local control to school boards and superintendents to allow them the freedom to decide how and when to open.
9. How can I help?
Let your local and state officials know where you stand. Continue to do your part to stay safe and minimize community spread, practice social distancing and good hygiene.
Download PDF of FEA's Lawsuit (504 K)
Summary of FEA’s lawsuit
The Florida Education Association (FEA), along with Broward teacher Stephanie Beth Miller; Ladara Royal, an educator in Orange County; and Mindy Festge, a teacher and parent in Miami-Dade County, brought suit against Governor DeSantis, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, the FDOE, and the Florida Board of Education to safeguard the health and welfare of public school students and educators and the community at large.
In the middle of the resurgence of COVID-19 in Florida, this case alleges:
COUNT I: Seeks a declaration from the court that the Governor, Commissioner, FLDOE, and Board of Education’s (the State Defendants) actions and inactions are unconstitutional. Article IX, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution requires the adequate provision for a safe and secure public-school system that allows students to obtain a high-quality education. The state’s emergency order requiring all brick and mortar schools to open at least five days a week starting in August is patently unsafe—it disregards the health and safety of millions of students and educators across the state and propagates the spread of the virus in our communities.
COUNT II: Seeks a declaration from the court that the State Defendants are putting arbitrary and capricious demands on public schools. The unfunded Emergency Order is unreasonable, confusing, and inconsistent. Although, pursuant to the order, the requirement to physically reopen all schools in the next weeks is subject to the advice of local health authorities, the state has been silencing local health departments that caution the public about reopening schools amid a resurgence of this deadly virus. Defendants are not basing their decisions on how and when to reopen schools on science and data.
COUNT III: Seeks and order from court enjoining the State Defendants (as well as Mayor of Miami-Dade County Carlos Gimenez) from forcing millions of students and educators to report to unsafe schools that should remain physically closed during the spike of the pandemic; ordering Defendants to implement a meaningful online instruction plan with accessible internet connectivity and computers; ordering that before schools reopen they must have adequate PPE and other supplies, reduced class sizes, social distancing, staffing, and school clinic capabilities in compliance with CDC guidelines and other health authorities.
Print coverage
Media coverage of FEA’s lawsuit
Coverage of the lawsuit has been extensive. Below are just some of the stories on FEA’s push to protect students, employees and communities.
Download PDF of FEA's Letter to Florida's Surgeon General (504 K)
FEA’s Letter to Florida’s Surgeon General
Scott A. Rivkees, M.D.
Florida Surgeon General
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Mail Bin A00
Dear Dr. Rivkees:
On behalf of the Florida Education Association, a union of teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, front office staff and more, we are writing to solicit your expert opinion and firm direction for local health officials and administrators across the state who are tasked with reopening Florida’s schools as set forth in the Florida Department of Education’s emergency order 2020-E0-06.
Teachers, staff and even students will be called on to potentially expose themselves to a life-threatening virus and there are still many questions left unanswered. School districts are being denied written guidance they solicit as directed by the executive order. Our members want to be back in their schools teaching and working with the students. However, they want to make sure that the reopening of schools protects their health and safety and the health and safety of the students.
Frankly, we are asking you to officially state your expert opinion as the state’s top health officer and to provide clear direction to the 67 county health departments under your supervision. This guidance is essential to the clarity needed for local public health officials and school decisionmakers to safely navigating reopening our schools.
At a minimum, these local officials need to know that they can follow your official directive and provide written guidance on questions like:
What specific recommendations and parameters should county health department officials use to determine the safest course of action for establishing how to re-open schools for in-person instruction?
What statewide minimum standards should be required of students, staff and building facilities for reopening schools? And, could those standards be dropped if they are too onerous to implement or if students or staff are unwilling to comply?
What actions should the school take to mitigate exposure and prevent further exposure to the community if a student or staff member is exhibiting symptoms?
What role does the local health department officer have in the determination that a classroom, building or campus be closed?
We are closely reading the order, the administrative directives and are familiarizing ourselves with the CDC guidelines. Our communities are counting on us to be there for them and your guidance would go a long way helping to achieve these expectations. We must ensure the health and safety of our students, their families and our public school employees.
Fedrick Ingram
FEA President
Download PDF of FEA's Letter to Florida's Chief Financial Officer (198 K)
FEA’s Letter to Florida’s Chief Financial Officer
Jimmy Patronis
Florida Department of Financial Services
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0301
Dear CFO Patronis,
On July 6th, Richard Corcoran, Commissioner of the Florida Department of Education (Department), issued an emergency order [see DOE ORDER NO. 2020-E0-06] requiring that all school boards and charter school governing boards must open brick and mortar schools at least five days per week for all students. We do not argue the soundness of that mandate here nor do we detail the dramatic surge of coronavirus cases in Florida that show no sign of slowing.
The purpose of our letter is to request that state workers’ compensation coverage be extended to all district school employees. The Commissioner’s emergency order clearly states that education is critical to the success of the State of Florida and to fulfill the requirement when schools open, frontline school employees will be required to have substantial contact with populations known or suspected of carrying COVID-19.
As you pointed out in your March directive 2020-05, the State Surgeon General and State Health Officer have declared a Public Health Emergency exists in the State of Florida as a result of COVID-19; and we are seeing dramatic numbers of positive cases. You have been afforded the authority to suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute of that agency, if strict compliance with that statute would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this emergency.
On behalf of the nearly 150,000 members of the Florida Education Association, and all school district employees, we are requesting, as you did for other frontline workers, that you direct the Division of Risk Management to process Workers’ Compensation claims, as the primary coverage before any district insurance, for any district employees who test positive for COVID-19, as compensable claims for occupational disease pursuant to Section 112.1815, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 440, Florida Statutes, unless the State of Florida can show, by preponderance of the evidence, that the district employee contracted COVID-19 outside his or her scope of employment.
We fully endorse the sentiment in your March order that these critical employees deserve to know we’ve got their backs if they get sick. Workers’ compensation insurance can cover a portion of lost wages and medical costs so that districts and employees don’t have to worry as much. As you have rightly said, “Providing this important coverage to our men and women on the front line is just the right thing to do.”
We look forward to your favorable and timely response to this request
Please check out FEA’s Florida Schools and the Coronavirus Outbreak page for more information and resources about school reopening.
FEA's Statewide Committee to Safely Reopen Pre K-12 Schools
FEA's Statewide Committee to Safely Reopen Higher Education
FLDOE July 6 Emergency Order on school reopening requirements
CDC's Guidance for School Reopening
American Academy of Pediatrics Guidance for School Reopening
AFT's Plan to Safely Reopen Schools
NEA's Guidance on Reopening Schools
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Decision No 565/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 introducing a simplified regime for the control of persons at the external borders based on the unilateral recognition by Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania of certain documents as equivalent to their national visas for transit through or intended stays on their territories not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period and repealing Decisions No 895/2006/EC and No 582/2008/EC
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OJ L 157, 27.5.2014, p. 23–30
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2nd Prize: Two Tickets for The Who on 16th March at Manchester Arena
Following their stunning return to Wembley Stadium in July, The Who are coming to Manchester Arena for 2020, along with a brand new studio album entitled ‘WHO’ – their first in thirteen years!
Kindly provided by Manchester Arena
3rd Prize: Two Adult Weekend Tickets for Bluedot Festival 2020
Bluedot returns for another year to Jodrell Bank, the iconic observatory and heart of our quest for knowledge of the cosmos. Bluedot invites you to camp out under the stars and to explore a stellar programme of music, science, arts, technology, culture, food and film.
Kindly provided by Ground Control UK
4th Prize: Captain Manchester’s Mystery Prize
It’s a mystery!! Who knows what the Captain has in mind.
Here’s a reminder of what you have to do – and remember all proceeds go to Forever Manchester to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester.
How Can I Enter?
You must be over 18 to enterRead the Terms and ConditionsHave your card details ready (it is £5 to enter one ticket – but you can buy more than one to increase your chances!)Click the ‘Buy a ticket’ button and fill out the form. Wait patiently with everything crossed for the draw on Friday 7th February.
It’s the simple!
You will then receive a notification via email that your entry has been submitted. We will contact you to acknowledge receipt of your payment, and contact you again after the draw to let you know if you’ve been lucky or not.
SET UP A DIRECT DEBIT
If you wish to be automatically entered into future Tombola draws you can set up a monthly direct debit using the link below. You can choose to have up to six chances per month by selecting the relevant amount. For example, if you choose to have two chances per month, select “£10 (2 chances)” and each month we will enter two tickets into the draw for you.
When setting up the direct debit, you will be given a date of your first collection. If the date provided is after the next draw date, and you want to be entered into the next draw, you will have to buy a ‘one-off’ ticket for the next draw. For all future draws, you will be automatically entered into the draw.
If you wish to cancel your direct debit at any time, you can do so via your own bank, but please email us at accounts@forevermanchester.com to let us know.
Once you have set up your direct debit, you will receive a confirmation email for you to check and confirm your details. We will be automatically notified of your direct debit payment.
If you encounter any problems, or have any questions regarding the direct debit payment, please email us at tombola@forevermanchester.com.
HOLIDAY CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
Althams Travel will manage and plan the trip on behalf of Forever Manchester.
The prize includes return flights from Manchester to a destination of your choice, up to a value of £1,000.
The holiday is to be booked between the date of the draw and up to six months after the date of the draw. Both hotel and flights are subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
The prize does not include travel insurance, visas (if applicable), airport transfers, meals and refreshments, optional activities or spending money.
The winner must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid 10-year UK passport, with six months or more remaining after return to the UK.
The winner must be contactable from the hours of 09:00 to 19:00 by telephone or email for 14 working days from first being contacted by Althams Travel and in a position to agree travel dates within this time period.
Be the first to find out about funding news, fundraising activities and exclusive Forever Manchester news.
Tombola Ts & Cs
1. Captain Manchester's Magical Tombola is a charity fundraising initiative promoted and administered by Forever Manchester, a registered charity (Charity No. 1017504) and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales under 2785133.
2. The person responsible for Captain Manchester's Magical Tombola is Nick Massey, Forever Manchester, 2nd Floor, 8 Hewitt Street, Manchester M15 4GB.
3. Captain Manchester's Magical Tombola is a small society lottery and is registered with the licensing authority. It is run in compliance with the rules laid down by the Gambling Act 2005 (www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk) and is subject to the laws of England and Wales.
4. Captain Manchester's Magical Tombola is intended to be a fun way to support Forever Manchester. if you feel you may have a problem with gambling, support and advice can be obtained from Gamble Aware or by contacting their National Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
5. Every penny raised from Captain Manchester's Magical Tombola will go to Forever Manchester to help fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester.
6. All entrants must be aged 18 or over and must be residents of the United Kingdom. Forever Manchester reserves the right to request verification of age. Any person who has entered who is under 18 years old will automatically forfeit any prize.
7. Forever Manchester employees are excluded from entering Captain Manchester's Magical Tombola.
8. Forever Manchester may (without any reason or notice) decline to accept an application, terminate or suspend the scheme. Forever Manchester has the right to change or update the rules at their discretion. The decision shall be final and binding.
9. In the event that a third party can no longer provide a prize, Forever Manchester will provide an alternative prize. Forever Manchester accepts no liability on the third party’s failure to provide the original prize.
10. The cost of entry is £5 each, and gives the entrant one chance of winning a prize in the advertised monthly draw.
11. Entrants can purchase more than one ticket, up to a maximum of 5 entries (£25), to give them more chance of winning.
12. A draw will be made every month, but new tickets must be purchased for each draw.
13. Entrants who purchase a physical ticket, will retain part of the ticket for proof of purchase, and return the remaining ticket stub together with their entry fee. Entrants are required to enter their contact details and email address on the returning ticket stub. The Ticket stub will be entered into the draw.
14. Entrants who purchase a ticket online will not receive a physical ticket. Instead Forever Manchester will produce a ticket(s) on the entrant's behalf which will be entered into the draw. All online entrants will receive a confirmation email for proof of purchase.
15. Any entrants that wish to inform Forever Manchester of any change in their contact details, should email tombola@forevermanchester.com with immediate effect.
16. Forever Manchester will store and process applicant's data in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 and subject to Forever Manchester's Privacy Policy
17. Each monthly draw will be conducted by adding all the tickets into a tombola drum, with the winning tickets being drawn by an independent person.
18. The winners will be notified by email within 5 working days of the draw being made, via the contact details registered.
19. The winner will be sent their prize within 28 working days of the draw.
20. All winners must adhere to the terms and conditions of each prize.
21. Forever Manchester accepts no liability for loss, theft or delay due to post for any correspondence or other items.
22. Forever Manchester reserves the right to publish the names of the winners on the Forever Manchester website.
23. No substitute will be offered for any prize.
24. By entering Captain Manchester’s Magical Tombola prize draw you agree to receiving further communications from Forever Manchester.
OUR SOCIAL ACCOUNTS
Forever Manchester
2nd Floor, 8 Hewitt Street,
Manchester. M15 4GB
info@forevermanchester.com
Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England and Wales under 2785133. Registered Charity No. 1017504
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9 Electric / Gina & The Eastern Block
For Licensing: http://bit.ly/ZyShVz
165699040CL00095_9_Electric
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 01: Vocalist Ron Underwood of 9 Electric performs at The Roxy Theatre on April 1, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 01: Guitarist Mikey Lopez of 9 Electric performs at The Roxy Theatre on April 1, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 01: Bassist Joey Jane of Vattica performs at The Roxy Theatre on April 1, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 01: Bassist Joey Jane of Vattica (L) and vocalist Ron Underwood of 9 Electric perform at The Roxy Theatre on April 1, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 01: Drummer Micah Electric of 9 Electric performs at The Roxy Theatre on April 1, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 01: Bassist Casey DC of 9 Electric performs at The Roxy Theatre on April 1, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 01: Vocalist Heidi Shepherd of Butcher Babies (L) and vocalist Ron Underwood of 9 Electric perform at The Roxy Theatre on April 1, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 01: Vocalist Heidi Shepherd of Butcher Babies performs with 9 Electric at The Roxy Theatre on April 1, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)
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Brine, High Pressure, High Temps: Perfect
Oh, and some gas, too
November 2011 David Brown, Explorer Correspondent
High pressure. High temperature. Lots of brine.
Costly challenges in the eyes of oil and gas producers.
Music to the ears of Steve Munson.
Munson, an AAPG member, plans to start drilling wells along the Texas Gulf Coast next year, and he fully expects to produce gas.
As an afterthought.
The heat, pressure and brine are what he’s been looking for.
Munson’s company, GeoPower Texas Co. of Austin, wants to develop geothermal-driven electrical power plants using the energy from the hot-brine wells.
And the over-pressured Texas Gulf Coast geothermal area is just about perfect for that purpose, he said.
“Some people,” he noted, “have called Texas geopressure ‘geothermal on steroids.’”
Right now GeoPower Texas is eyeing two main operating locales, including a primary location in the Brazoria-Galveston counties area, according to Munson.
“We have a 60-square-mile lease there,” Munson said. “Down the coast, we have 90 square miles leased in the Matagorda area – we’ve leased them because they sit over the Frio formation’s proved, hot-brine reservoirs at depths of 10,000 to 11,000 feet down to the top of the formation.”
The project can be seen as part of a resurgence of interest in geothermal power in Texas.
In 1989, a project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy began successful operation of a geothermal energy demonstration power plant at Pleasant Bayou in Brazoria County. It used a high-pressure brine and methane flow from the Frio Formation, coming from a depth of about 14,700 feet.
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After the demonstration plant closed, interest in Texas geothermal waned. But it came back as interest in green power increased and more people became aware of the state’s geothermal resources, said Maria Richards, coordinator of the Southern Methodist University Geothermal Lab in Dallas.
“In a way, geothermal can be compared to the way wind energy developed. Geothermal can go into an existing field, where wells have been drilled, and go in with smaller units and a smaller footprint,” Richards said.
“The wind (power development) was hugely successful,” she noted. “I think people have seen that, and they’re entrepreneurs, and they see that the next big renewable resource will be geothermal.”
According to Richards, much of the shallow Texas co-produced fluids have a relatively small differential with the surface temperature. A difference of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit is needed as a minimum for geothermal power production.
“If you want to get started and be strong, you really need to have at least a 250-degree differential,” she said.
Because of the lower heat differential, Texas geothermal power typically involves a binary system using a heated working fluid to drive electrical-power turbines, instead of a direct-drive system.
The bigger the differential and the higher the pressure the better, and Munson projected that his wells will produce 300-350-degree brine at a wellhead pressure of 3,000 psi. He said the fluid also is likely to have entrained noncommercial gas.
“It can be burned and it raises the temperature of the working fluid, which makes the system more efficient,” he said.
Room to Grow
Geothermal power isn’t a new concept in Texas. Richards said the SMU Geothermal Lab has been in existence for more than 40 years, under the leadership of David Blackwell.
But the development of commercial-scale, geothermal-driven power in Texas is still in the early stages. GeoPower Texas hopes to be online with a commercial-scale power plant within 24 months, Munson said.
Another Texas geothermal company, GeoTek Energy LLC of Midland, recently received a DOE award to research and develop an innovative geothermal power technology.
Still unknown at this point is what amount of geothermal-driven power might be possible and might develop in Texas.
For a high-pressure and high-temperature well along the Texas Gulf Coast, Munson sees a 10-megawatt production facility as a real possibility.
“The average well output will likely range from five to 10 megawatts per production well, subject to final engineering results,” he said.
To put that number in perspective, one megawatt of power production is usually considered enough electricity for 1,000 homes.
Richards said the state’s geothermal resource allows Texas to have power projects scaled to many different usage levels, from a 50-kilowatt power production unit that might power an individual ranch or small neighborhood, up to 20-megawatt power plants.
“These geopressured areas are where you can get into the five megawatt to 20 megawatt plants,” she said.
GeoPower Texas wants to develop clusters of five-10 megawatt plants along the geopressured Gulf Coast province, Munson said.
“There’s a preliminary estimate that the Brazoria leases may produce 500 megawatts, subject to final drilling results,” he added.
As early as 1999, Texas required utilities to begin utilizing some renewable energy sources. The state now has a target of 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2025.
Munson doesn’t doubt demand will be high for geothermal-driven power production.
“Our estimate is that there is a tremendous market in Texas for green, renewable power that probably exceeds 4,500 megawatts,” he said. “There appears to be a 2,000 megawatt mandate for renewable power at just two municipal utilities.”
He referred to electricity produced from geothermal as “baseload renewable power.”
“We call it that because it’s very low emissions, low surface impact, reliable, 24-7 power.” Munson said “Geothermal power plants get 97 percent capacity, which is as good as a new gas plant, or better.”
A ‘Perfect Fit’
Texas has a couple of key advantages for geothermal-driven power. Richards noted the most promising geothermal resources are along the Gulf Coast and in east Texas, so many of the state’s largest cities and much of its population are near potential geothermal power development.
Also, the long history of oil and gas drilling in the state provides a wealth of information for the geothermal industry.
“We have massive amounts of well data and seismic data, and there’s a lot more seismic data available,” Munson said.
That information has helped GeoPower Texas find the best locations for leasing and drilling as it plans geothermal power operations, he observed.
“Along the Gulf Coast the sweet spots are the high-porosity, deltaic systems. You’re looking for the most continuous, stacked sandstone reservoirs,” he said.
In the United States, the leading developed geothermal resources are in the far west, mainly in California, Nevada and Oregon.
Munson thinks the geopressured, hot-brine Gulf Coast resource, with its abundance of existing well information, is a better bet.
“In our opinion, this is much lower risk drilling than the fracture systems in the Basin and Range province,” he said.
Ironically, Munson grew up in Oregon and Nevada, in the heart of the Western geothermal area. His home is still in Oregon.
“About 20 to 25 years ago I was interested in these alleged ‘renewable energy’ sources in California and I decided geothermal was most interesting,” he said.
Then, after becoming a self-described “geothermal pioneer” in Nevada, he began exploring opportunities in other parts of the country.
Munson said drilling for geothermal resources is similar to petroleum industry drilling, often using the same rigs and crews, something else that attracted him to the GeoPower Texas project.
“This is kind of a perfect fit with the oil and gas culture of the Texas Gulf Coast,” he said.
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Eyestrain Productions
An unhealthy and unwarranted look into the twisted life and dubious career of Shane Simmons – dark writer, morbid historian, obsessive collector and sick mind
The Awfuls
Frankenstein Reassembed: Monster
Longshot Comics
Minicomics
Back to Sherwood
Fries with That?
Kid vs. Kat
Mighty Mighty Monsters
Ricky Sprocket: Showbiz Boy
Sci-Squad
Turbo Dogs
The Very Good Adventures of Yam Roll in Happy Kingdom
Category Archives: Video Games and Computers
Shane Simmons
Books and Prose, Video Games and Computers
Hammerklavier
X-number of millions of words later, it was time to retire my old faithful Dell keyboard.
Ten years is the longest time I’ve gone between major computer upgrades. Back in 2010, my old computer was a revelation. It flew on Windows 7, and offered me more computing power than I ever could have imagined possible back when I got my first real (as in non-Commodore 64) computer. That original one was an IBM compatible 286, and it was magic, with an internal hard drive sporting a massive storage capacity of 40 megs. I could barely comprehend how powerful it was. Now it seems like an abacus, but I hope it’s doing well in whatever landfill it currently occupies.
My more recent computer remains next to my desk, and is likely to remain there for quite some time as I continue to refer back to it. It’s still a workhorse by modern standards, but computers get finicky and clunky in their old age, and ten years is a long time in computing.
So long, in fact, that the lone part I hadn’t planned on upgrading turned out to be pretty badly obsolete.
The relationship between a writer and his keyboard is intense. I’d actually carried my old Dell keyboard forward from two computers ago. I hadn’t liked the free-with-every-purchase keyboard that got tossed in with the previous rig, so I just kept using the earlier freebie. It was cheap, but I liked the feel of it. The keys didn’t click, but they weren’t soft either.
I wrote many books, short stories, screenplays, teleplays, and graphic novels on that thing. Many millions of words, probably billions of keystrokes.
But now, even with an adapter to plug it into a USB port, the brand-new computer would reject it after a few minutes of use. Before long, I’d be forced to resume typing on a wireless I picked up as a stopgap at Bureau en Gros. It was okay, but I wasn’t wild about it. Some of the key placements were odd, some extended characters were mislabelled, and it only revealed itself to be a French keyboard once it was out of the box.
It was finally time to shop for a real keyboard. Something higher end, more befitting of a career writer who’s been at it for over thirty years.
Enter the AZiO MK-Retro.
But I thought you don’t like clicky keyboards, you might be saying right about now.
The AZiO isn’t clicky. It’s clacky. And therein lies a world of difference.
I grew up hammering away on keyboards. It started with too many years of piano lessons I hated, and shifted to typewriters I liked much better. I learned to type and write on mechanical typewriters. Usually old Underwoods and Coronas fished out the trash in the 1970s, or bought for a few bucks at garage sales. I wish I still had them, because they’re expensive antiques now. At the time, though, they were considered disposable junk that could safely be tossed to a child to bang away on while he played a game of pretend-author.
Real effort had to be expended to make each keystroke successfully strike the page. And those dinosaurs clacked hard. They clacked with each letter, clunked with every platen advance, dinged near the end of the right-hand margin, and ka-chunked with the carriage returns that recoiled like an artillery gun lobbing an explosive shell a mile across the Western Front.
Eventually I moved on to electric typewriters, and finally computer keyboards, but I never lost my nostalgia for those little round keys that went CLACK CLACK CLACK.
The AZiO is one of several keyboards on the market that scratches that itch. It even clacks loud enough to be heard right through my noise-cancelling headphones. This, believe it or not, is a desirable feature.
So far I’ve written about 100K words on it. It seems to be a well-built piece of equipment. We’ll see if it’s durable enough to survive the same number of millions of words the old Dell disposable managed. Or if the constant friction will eventually cause it to burst into flames when I’m at my most inspired.
Criminology and Law, Video Games and Computers
You Never Call, You Never Write
Sometimes I wonder why I still own a phone. You know, one of those landlines that plugs into the wall and only ever rings for wrong numbers, telemarketers and old people. I’d chuck it, but it’s the only phone I own. I don’t have a cell or a smart phone or one of those 1967 Star Trek communicator thingies – whatever the state of the art is. Never had one, never wanted one. I have enough things in my life trying to give me a brain tumour.
Sometimes, every few weeks, I’m reminded why I let this thing take up a few inches of valuable real estate on my desk. I get a call. A special call. One of THOSE calls.
A long distance ring, an unfamiliar number on the call display.
I answer. Say nothing.
Caller: Hello?
Me: Yes?
Caller (reading from a script with a heavily accented, halting call-centre voice): Hello, my name is Melvin. I am calling because our records show that your computer is currently downloading an infection.
Me (instant full-volume screaming hysteria): OH MY GOD, AN INFECTION!!!!???!!!!
Pause. Silence on both ends. Momentarily shaken, “Melvin” returns to his script.
Caller: Yes, an infection. We wanted to let you know…
Me (instantly back to full-volume screaming hysteria): I’LL GET RIGHT ON IT!!!! THANKS MELVIN!!!!
I hang up.
My wife missed my performance because she was down the hall, behind a closed door, with the air conditioning and headphones on.
I’m afraid this moment was between you and me alone, Melvin. But it was good for me. Was it good for you?
These guys call at regular intervals. They’re not telemarketers, they’re criminals. Fishing for gullible tech-unsavvy rubes they can remotely manipulate into downloading a virus or malware under the guise of unsolicited technical assistance. What nefarious purpose lies in the code they so desperately want to get onto my computer, I don’t know. Maybe they’re after online banking information, identity-theft data. Or maybe they just want an algo running in the background that will get me to look at more ads for boner pills. I don’t know. I don’t want to find out.
They’re sitting in a call centre on the other side of the planet, safely out of any jurisdiction that might try to come after them, being paid a pittance for what amounts to cold-call sales of evil intent. I’d pity them if they weren’t trying to fuck up my life. But since they are trying to fuck up my life, I might as well milk them for some entertainment value.
Much as I enjoyed my interaction with “Melvin,” it was all over too quickly. I resolved to work on my stamina for the next time I got a call from one of his compatriots. The problem was, I never knew when they might come, when they might catch me. Would I be prepared, would I be on my game, would I be able to slip into character at an instant’s notice? Several weeks later, the phone rang again with another indecipherable number.
I had, I was told, downloaded a new virus that, fortunately, this anonymous stranger could attend to if only I followed his careful instructions.
Me: A virus?
Caller: Yes, I virus. You must take care of this or we will have to shut down your internet.
Me (giving a purposely stilted, absolutely flat line-reading): Please don’t shut down my internet! I sure wouldn’t want that!
Caller: I need you to press a key on your keyboard.
Me: Which key is that?
Caller: You see the key next to the control button on the left-hand side? What is it?
Me: “W.”
Caller: That’s the Windows key.
Me: No, it’s the “W” key. I have a custom keyboard.
I actually don’t, but this throws him.
Caller: Do you have Windows?
Me: I sure do! Box-frame, crank. You can see right through them.
This also throws him.
Caller: What do you see on your screen?
Me: Well, this is rather embarrassing, but it’s pornography.
Caller: What is it?
Me: Porn.
Caller: I am going to get my supervisor. Please hold.
Me: Okey-dokey!
Apparently pornography issues were reserved for a higher pay grade. The next voice that came on the line was a little more polished, a little less accented. By this time I had relocated to my wife’s office so she could listen in on my tech-support call. She’s a tech professional of the less-malignant type, so this shit amuses the hell out of her.
Unfortunately, having her listen to me do an improv workshop with an unsuspecting tele-scammer gave us both the giggles. Chortling into the ear of my long-distance confidence trickster might have spoiled the solemn mood of my serious computer problems and I nearly choked myself trying to supress a laugh. This led to a horrible coughing fit I was more content to direct into the phone’s mouthpiece.
Me (apologizing earnestly): I’m sorry, I have tuberculosis.
Despite upgrading to a “supervisor,” the quality of the crackling phone line remained poor.
Me: You know, for a telecommunications company, this is a terrible connection.
Supervisor: What?
Me (louder, so he can hear over the static): The connection is really bad!
Supervisor: We are having problems with our central communications hub.
Me: That must be very embarrassing.
Supervisor: I will call you back.
Me: Sure thing.
We were reconnected a minute later. The phone line was hardly improved.
Supervisor: Is that better?
Supervisor (undeterred): What do you see on your screen?
Me: As I mentioned earlier, it’s pornography.
Supervisor (unfazed – which is probably why he was the “supervisor”): Press the Windows and R key as in “Roger.”
Me (not doing it): Okay.
Supervisor: What do you see?
Me: I see…The Matrix.
Me: It’s all ones and zeroes and they’re floating up the screen.
Supervisor (baffled): What do you see?
Me: The Matrix. It’s green.
Supervisor: Green, sir?
Me: Yup.
Supervisor: You need to restart your computer.
Me: Oh yeah?
Supervisor: Restart your computer and let me know when it comes back on. I’ll hold.
Me: Okay.
When in doubt, reboot. He sure knew his stuff. I carried the phone extension into the next room.
Me: Are you still holding?
Supervisor: Yes, sir.
Me: Okay, hold the line and I’ll let you know as soon as it comes back on.
I set the phone down and returned to my office to continue work. I checked back twenty minutes later.
Me: Still there?
He wasn’t. So I hung up the phone.
They haven’t called back since, and I find myself missing these interactions terribly. It’s been four months since our last exchange, and so far, nothing. Did my sarcasm break through the language/culture barrier and land me on the “Do not call this asshole” list? The possibility has troubled me. I miss Melvin and the rest of the call-centre crew, I really do. Every time an unrecognized or blocked number appears on my call display, I snatch up the phone eagerly, hoping for a repeat performance from my favourite gang of international compu-criminals. But it’s never them. It’s just some routine telemarketer, a wrong number, a robocall. Or family.
How utterly disappointing.
Even as I was in the middle of writing this, the phone rang. It was a local number, but one I didn’t know. I picked up, hoping it was somebody trying to rob me or con me or waste my time.
It was my old university, trying to solicit a donation from me. So I guess it was a little of all of the above.
It’s something. I’ll take it.
Let’s Ruin Reading for Everyone!
Is there anything technology can’t fuck up? If there is, wait five minutes. Someone will come up with an app for that.
There have been a couple of articles about the lost art of reading that have recently come to my attention. The common thread was that they amounted to two different technological “solutions” for the slow, tedious process of looking at the written word and absorbing it.
The first is Hemingway, a piece of software designed to streamline your prose by pinpointing things like style, complexity and individuality and recommending you cut that shit out. Although it was named for Hemingway, the author of this NPR article quickly discovered the app’s disdain for Ernest when some of his writing was plugging in for a quickie-computer rewrite. The results, concluded the reporter, were an improvement on the work of one of the most celebrated scribes of the 20th century – presumably because it turned his prose into something closer to literary Pablum. It was easier to swallow, bland and tasteless, and required little effort to digest.
I’d like to think Hemingway would respond by getting liquored up and punching this NPR flunky in the face.
Okay, now that we’ve ironed out all the bumps and surgically extracted the heart and soul of a piece of writing, how can we cram it down our gullet even faster?
I’m so glad (and dismayed) that you asked.
The Spritz app is designed to force your brain to absorb text much faster than normal reading speed. It’s like speed reading, but with a knife to your throat and your eyes pried open Clockwork-Orange style. Individual words are flashed at you, each with a single letter highlighted in red (presumably to keep you focused) at adjustable speeds that range from painful to tortuous.
Looking at the fastest setting gave me an instant headache. You couldn’t have given me a headache any faster if you’d hit me in the head with a lead pipe. It lingered all day after only about ten seconds of exposure. But it certainly worked. I could read fast. Extremely fast. And it was a horrible, unpleasant experience.
But maybe that’s the point. Hemingway tells us that the written word must be uniform and streamlined, while Spritz shows us that reading is a painful experience best rushed through and ended quickly. These technological innovations expose reading as a burden that should be glossed over and dismissed. Words are not something to sit with, absorb and think about. Language and nuance are for pansies. Books must be downloaded into our brains as quickly and efficiently as possible. It’s all about speed. Comprehension is optional – undesirable even. In the time you waste thinking about one book, you could have flown through three more.
As for short stories, articles or, heaven forfend, blog posts, you better be able to swallow that disposable crap in the blink of an eye. You have places to be, important things to do, other apps to download and install to run and ruin your life.
In fact, why the hell are you still here reading this? Shouldn’t you be done already?
If you’re one of those philistines who still clings to reading fiction and wallowing in words, you might be interested in two more of my short stories slated to appear in upcoming anthologies.
“Young Turks and Old Wives” will be part of Locked and Loaded: Both Barrels Vol. 3 from One Eye Press. It’s out in November.
“Choke the Chicken” is to be featured in The Exile Book of New Canadian Noir. That will come out sometime in 2015.
More details will appear here once we’re closer to the release dates or, more importantly, I have sexy cover art to show off. Until then, you can check out this cool fantasy mock-up for Canadian Noir that one of the writers threw together on a lark.
If you’re sold on the idea that everything must be high tech, I’m sure both collections will be available as ebooks for various tablets and devices and electronic doodads. Or you can curl up with these books the old-fashioned physical way. Order a copy or buy one at a book store – provided you can still find one of those antiquated archaeological dig-sites on a map.
Those of you interested in reading character-based crime fiction but are unwilling to invest more than five seconds at a time may want to check out 140 Notorious Characters. The genre is Twitter Noir and the project has just passed the half-way point. All the tweets are ultimately collected here, but you can also enjoy the twice-daily updates as they spill out of my brain, fresh and offensive, by following me on Twitter.
Video Games and Computers
Simsenfreude
Much as I enjoy gaming, these days I’ve been spending far too many hours writing to get in any serious play time. Oh sure, I’ve nipped off for a heartbreaking permadeath or two in Don’t Starve. I even bought Prototype 2 for ten bucks in the latest Steam sale just for the cathartic pleasure of liquefying a few thousand innocent bystanders for no better reason than they were standing there, irritatingly minding their own business. But on the video-game front, I’ve largely been amusing myself by watching industry developments from the sidelines, reading articles, and trying to answer the most pressing question of the day: Is EA Games about to lay waste to another beloved and venerable franchise?
Since being voted the worst company in America multiple years in a row by an online poll, disappointing everyone with the universally loathed ending of the Mass Effect trilogy, and laying waste to a mighty gaming dynasty with the catastrophuck that was Simcity 2013, EA can do no right. Now, with a September 2nd release date written in stone, casual and obsessive gamers alike are waiting to find out if they’re about to destroy The Sims once and for all.
After nickel and diming fans with The Sims 3 microtransactions for the last five years, it was time to con devoted fans into buying all the same shit all over again for The Sims 4. EA bean counters are rubbing their greedy fingers together in anticipation of all the greenbacks they’ll see from pre-orders, deluxe pre-orders, online store items, and future installments that will roll off the assembly line multiple times per year for the next five years, give or take.
There’s just one tiny problem. The development and promotion of this new installment has, thus far, been an unmitigated disaster. And as a result, I’m getting far more entertainment value for free from watching this slow-motion train wreck than I could ever get for a seventy-dollar sticker price in September. To varying degrees, I’ve played all the past incarnations of The Sims. I don’t know if I’ll ever touch The Sims 4, but basking in the associated nerd rage amuses the shit out of me.
When I say I play The Sims, that’s not entirely accurate. I fart around with The Sims. I while away the hours overdesigning creepy freaks and outlandish buildings and sinister lairs. I micromanage every shade of colour, every texture, every prop’s position, until I’ve created exactly the mood I want. Then I proceed to never actually play the game itself because who really wants to spend all their gaming time reminding virtual people that it’s time to go to work, go to bed, eat something, clean something, or poop?
Well, apparently lots of people want to do that, and have done so for years, through three (going on four) incarnations of the game and more expansion packs, stuff packs and DLC than anyone has ever tried to count (FUN FACT: they once set Deep Blue to the task but technicians had to pull the plug after sixteen hours when it started smoking and stinking of sulfur and burnt rubber).
The big selling point of The Sims 4 is that your virtual people-puppets now come with emotions, emotions, EMOTIONS! Did we mention they have emotions now?
Okay, if you say so. Although I always thought the Sims looked pretty darn embarrassed every time they pissed themselves ten feet away from a perfectly functional toilet because they were too engaged in a rollicking game of chess.
When it comes to the new emotions system in the game, there’s only one emotion that comes to mind: Schadenfreude. From the moment EA minions announced that Into the Future would be the last expansion pack for The Sims 3, they’ve busied themselves laying waste to that future. The franchise now hangs on the success or failure of a sequel that has looked half-baked from day one.
Originally designed to be a multiplayer online experience like its Simcity cousin, the aforementioned catastrophuck necessitated a quick reversal on that front for fear of replicating one of the biggest disasters in video gaming history. Unfortunately, the infrastructure was already there, the engine was already built, and it was too late in the schedule to create the new game from the ground up. So now we have a single-player experience grafted onto a multiplayer design. The results are a massive leap backwards for the series, removing the open world of The Sims 3 in favour of lots and lots and lots of loading screens.
Ah, if only that were the sole setback this game had to deal with. Let us not forget the layoffs when EA cut its Maxis staff to the bone earlier this year. All sorts of beloved “SimGurus” featured in promotional play videos, product announcements, and tweets with the fans were given the unceremonious axe, leaving only two janitors and one accountant on staff to finish coding The Sims 4. As a direct result, the game isn’t ready. It isn’t even close to being ready. If it had another year of development time at its disposal, it might be able to get in the same ballpark as ready. Right now, it’s not even on the same planet as ready. But it’s getting a worldwide release in a little over a month because fuck it! EA gotta eat.
Nearly every single day for weeks there’s been a new announcement about what’s not in the game. EA is doling out the bad news incrementally to avoid a fan-base shock that would see all their preorders cancelled. It’s not really working. Preorders continue to be sluggish, and a lot of the ones they already had dating all the way back to 2013 have been cancelled. No Create-a-Style, no toddlers, no swimming pools, no basements. The hits keep on coming. Stuff that was promised to be in-game last year has since evaporated. Everyone is waiting on the inevitable announcement that cars and other vehicles will not be interactive in the base game. The silence on the topic has been deafening. Which means cars are out.
But did we mention your Sims will now have emotions? Yes, I think you did. Did I mention Sim fans have emotions too? They do. Rage, ire, disdain, hatred and malice. Read the forums sometime. The vitriol is poisonous.
Complicating the matter is EA’s typical tone-deaf approach to dealing with its customers. Videos, convention appearances and promotion for the new Sims title have been a joke. A badly told knock-knock joke with poor delivery, ill timing and no punchline. EA seized upon the opportunity of the E3 conference to provide no new information about the game whatsoever. After fans demanded to see actual in-game footage – any in-game footage featuring genuine game play and a user interface – EA responded with a contrived and woefully incomplete walkthrough identical to what they offered select members of the press back at E3 a month earlier.
SimGuru Graham, owner of one of the necks that avoided this year’s layoff chopping block, has been dispatched to calm fears and break bad news as sweetly as possible via Twitter and endless rounds of nearly identical convention interviews. The new Sim emotions may be garishly overacted and cartoony, but I think I can read some of the more subtle emotions going on just under the surface of those pandering interviews that hit all the talking points and never broach the subject of what’s gone so horribly wrong the game.
I’ve done those interviews myself, I’m been in those meetings. I’m sure many of you have as well. You know, the ones where you’re required to fake enthusiasm for a product you know is a steaming pile of dog shit? You pull your lips back, bare your teeth, and hope it resembles a genuine smile. You raise your voice to an artificially high pitch and volume and pray it sounds like excitement. But the eyes, ah yes, the eyes. Those haunted, soul-compromised eyes can’t hide the fact that you’re dying inside a little every time you present a false positive or nod in agreement with an idea you know is not just bad, it’s stupefying horrible.
Putting on a brave face, dying a little on the inside.
More transparent is SimGuru Ryan, who continues to be tapped for interviews, announcements and gameplay videos. He’s been a constant frontman for the franchise for years, apparently thanks to his position as lead producer in charge of artificially positive spin. He comes across as so insincere, I worry the poor man fakes his orgasms when masturbating. Every time he opens his mouth in one of these clips, I feel like I’m being hard sold a lemon by a used car salesman. Except, of course, The Sims 4 won’t actually have real cars. That piece of bad news publically admitted to in three…two…one…
Of course there are fans who remain steadfastly committed to the title. Although the ongoing derailment of a fourteen-year-old billion-dollar video gaming cornerstone has sharply divided the community into bickering factions, that’s part of the appeal of watching everyone lose their shit and turn into a talkback troll. Stubborn supporters are very much needed to turn a critical panning into a lively boxing match. Without them it would be like having no delusional die-hards who stood up to defend the Star Wars prequels. Where’s the fun if everyone acknowledges the product on offer is junk and agrees to keep their money in their wallet?
You can read all the negative comments about The Sims 4 right now. The game itself, ready or not, comes out on September 2, 2014. Better-informed negative reviews commence on September 3rd.
Sex and Perversion, Video Games and Computers
The Worm in the Apple
I don’t like Apple.
It’s not just their slave-labour policies that drive factories full of Chinese workers to suicide, their ongoing efforts to get every man, woman and child on the planet to carry their own personal snoopable tracking device, or their general dickishness about how hip and cool and plug-and-playable their products are. I am, for the record, a long-time PC guy. I hate Microsoft and its indentured servant, the humble PC, as well. But at least we’ve never developed the smugness of Apple users. We don’t expect plug-and-play. We expect broken and irritating. It’s made us strong, and it’s taught us much about computers – namely how to take them apart, put them back together again, and reprogram the motherfuckers so that they actually work. Ask an Apple user to do anything other than hook it up and they’ll weep onto their touch screens and pray to their Jobs-Messiah for guidance and blessings.
Yes. there are plenty of reasons to hate Apple as a corporate entity. But my top reason is the cult-like love affair that goes on between client and product. It gets a little sickening after a while – like watching some fashionista fawn over the accessory rat-dog that lives in her handbag. Sure, lady, it’s great that you’re an animal lover and all, but you two should get a room. Stop Frenching in front of everyone at the supermarket because you’re making us all sick and my eyes are starting to burn.
“Fuck Apple,” may be one of my popular refrains, but I never meant it literally.
And yet technology is always willing to fulfill needs few, if any of us, ever knew existed. There’s a new product from the fine folks at Fleshlight, ever the vanguard of artificial-vagina technology (at least until the Japanese perfect their semen-powered mecha-cyborg vagina-kaiju and it breaks out of the lab disguised as a tentacled schoolgirl in order the milk the entire male population of Earth and reach critical mass – and my inside sources tell me they’re working on EXACTLY THAT). It’s the lastest and greatest in sex-toy strap-on technology. Now, you too, can have sex with your iPad. At last, Apple fans can pursue the twisted fantasy they never dared consciously acknowledge.
They call it LaunchPAD and, ever the savvy marketers, Fleshlight has even prepared a YouTube-safe commercial which speaks for itself.
Good luck getting tech support if it breaks. Better call a Biohazard team.
Despite my distaste and distrust for Apple, I have been known to borrow my wife’s iPad on occasion (as in every few hours) to play mobile games. And I have to say, despite the iProducts’ legendary intuitive interface, I could never, for the life of me, figure out where to insert my penis. At least this conundrum has been resolved in the most unambiguous way possible. Thanks, Fleshlight!
Bear in mind, this isn’t just for porn. Thanks to such cutting-edge technology, anything on your tablet screen is a viable target for your next erection. Now strange men can stick their dick in your Twitter feed, your Facebook friends list and, obviously, stuffonmycat.com. There’s a whole world wide web guys can stick their dicks in, and it doesn’t end there. I, for one, have longed for the day when I could stick my dick in Fruit Ninja. I just hope I don’t get any bombs. Unless, of course, it works like a forced-feedback joystick.
Nobody in their right mind asked for this, but now that it’s here, please enjoy your newfound ability to have sexual relations with your tablet to its fullest. Just wear a condom. We don’t need a world full of your iBastards.
This ain’t your daddy’s USB port.
Health and Medicine, Video Games and Computers
A Pot to Piss in
I had a test tube of urine sitting on my desk all weekend.
No, I haven’t taken to drinking my own piss as a means of self-cleansing. I drink so much coffee, it would probably just taste like Columbian beans anyway, so why not just stick with coffee? As things-on-my-desk go, a test tube brimming with pee isn’t particularly out of place. Other things current sitting on my desk include a denarius of Clodius Albinus (from the brief period he stood as a usurper Augustus operating out of Lugdunum), a McDonald’s apple pie now in its 26th year of existence, a Lego minifigure of Christopher Lee, an alien-queen paperweight made entirely out of welded together hardware-store junk and bicycle chains, a 250 million year old trilobite fossil, a le Roy mechanical pocket watch from the 1950s and, inevitably, a cup of black coffee.
I wasn’t expecting to add urine to the collection, and I was eager to get rid of it. I found myself unexpectedly saddled with the burden last Friday when I went for a blood and urine test at the brand-spanking-new CLSC (centre local de services communautaires for the acronym-impaired (community service centre for the French-impaired)) around the corner. Purely a formality of my annual check-up, I popped over in the morning after the requisite 14-hour fast to get jabbed and bled.
The new facility had all the bells and whistles socialized medicine has to offer, including a touch-screen numbered-ticket dispenser, an elderly security guard to explain how touch screens work to the elderly patrons, a display monitor that goes “ping” when it’s your turn to check in at the counter, and bloated bureaucratic oafs to make sure it all runs as inefficiently as possible in the face of technological advancements in efficiency.
The bleeding part went smoothly. The urine part, not so much.
I’ll admit, my urine sample’s failure to launch was entirely my fault. The blood-test unit is only open in the morning, and closed by 9:00 am. That meant setting an alarm and getting up early. Mornings aren’t my thing, so I typically rely on autopilot to see me through my washing and dressing and eating a bowl of Shreddies (when I’m not fasting for a blood test). Purely on autopilot, I also indulged in my morning piss that day. Which meant I had nothing to offer by the time I was supposed to produce for my urinalysis.
I wish I could say this was the first time I’d done this to myself.
After the blood test, I sat in the waiting room, a bar-coded personalized specimen receptacle in my pocket, waiting for the magic to happen. In a concerted effort to force the aforementioned magic to happen, I made frequent trips to the water fountain to stockpile ammunition. A series of trips to a bathroom stall amounted to nothing but performance anxiety. I had a gallon of water sloshing around inside me, but my kidneys insisted on operating on their own schedule, in their own due time. Not unlike government-payroll bureaucrats, but I digress.
After nearly an hour of languishing in the waiting room, listening to a pair of grandmotherly junkie-rehab patients talk about the social dynamics of their halfway house, I was finally ready to perform. After squeezing out the first few drops through willpower alone, the floodgates opened and I was able to summon enough urine for a sample. More than enough. Much more than enough.
“Where were you?” I yelled at my copious stream of piss.
It offered no excuses.
Eagerly, I sealed the tube, returned it to its designated plastic bag, and rushed it to the clinic down the hall – which was locked tight for the day. It was past 9:00. Bugger.
I asked around and determined that, although no one would accept my sample because the daily shipment of bodily fluids had already departed for a lab across town, I could drop it off on Monday morning.
And so the piss sat, waiting patiently on my desk. Only last night did I empty the tube, rinsing it out and preparing it for a fresh morning sample. I left the empty tube in plain sight on the toilet tank where even my autopilot couldn’t fail to spot it.
This morning I embarked to drop off my new and improved sample like a good little patient. Returning to the CLSC, I avoided eye contact with any security guard eager to redundantly school me on how to use a touch-screen, and got my ticket number for a “sample delivery” with a single painfully obvious poke at a digital button.
It wasn’t long before I was called to the desk. I presented the plastic bag with a clear tube full of golden goodness.
“Where’s your requisition form?” demanded the all-too typical overpaid, over-unionized, under-motivated government stooge. Although there was no attempt to communicate what this requisition form entailed, the tone of her voice communicated so much more. Boredom and distaste mostly.
“I was told to drop this off here Monday morning.”
“You can’t do that without a requisition form.”
“That’s not what I was told.”
“We can’t accept it. This could be from anywhere.”
“My dick hole. That’s where it’s from,” I said with my sarcastic inside voice.
“It has a name and a bar code on it,” I said with my sarcastic outside voice.
I dropped the name of “Louise,” one of her co-workers who I’d discussed this with on Friday. The personal touch seemed to provoke some movement from the sloth-like government lummox. They don’t like it when you know their names. It gives you power. It arms you with a finger to point at somebody specific if you go over their heads to complain. She grunted and rose to her feet, lumbering off with my bag-o-piss.
“Louise, Louise, Louise…” she repeated, an annoyed mantra that suggested there would be hell to pay. Grunting, irritable, whining hell.
Realizing she’d made the terrible mistake of leaving the area with my sample in hand and not a single word of “excuse me” or “wait here, please,” I seized the opportunity and stealthily left the building like a ninja Keyser Soze. Poof, I was gone.
I expect one day, after the collapse of western civilization (which, I’m reliable informed, may happen as soon as next Tuesday morning around 10:30), my urine will be discovered by future archaeologists, still in its bar-coded test tube, safely ensconced in a ziplock biohazard baggie, forgotten at the bottom of a filing cabinet drawer. Or maybe the government worker bee just threw it away. I don’t know. She could have drank it for all I care. I don’t expect the lab technicians are likely to discover the secrets of the universe when they read the tea leaves (and coffee beans) that comprise the discharged contents of my bladder.
Perhaps the archaeologists will have more luck when it’s their turn to analyse my piss sometime in the post-apocalypse.
For those simulated-city-building nerds who expressed interest in my plug for Luke Hodorowicz’s incredible solo project, Banished, here’s a reminder that the game debuts tomorrow, February 18. It will be available through Steam (and elsewhere) for twenty bucks. Money well-spent if the hours of gameplay videos I’ve watched are any indication. I’ve been following the devlog for this project for over a year now, and it’s great to see it finally made available to all the eager fans who have been dying to play, myself very much included. Congratulations, Luke.
Comics and Graphic Novels, Video Games and Computers
Arkham Addendum
Still feeling a touch snotty and feverish from a recent head cold, I decided to stay in and finish off my game of Batman: Arkham Origins – a title, already mentioned here, suffering from a bad case of villainitis. It would be easier to make a checklist of the Batman villains who DON’T show up for this particular Christmas-Eve storyline than to mention the dozens who do. Suffice to say, the rogue’s gallery is overly represented, with prominent figures from Batman eras past and present shotgunned at us en masse.
What makes the classic Batman villains the best in the comic-book biz is that they’re all defined by their psychosis rather than some silly super power. Each of them is a dark mirror of The Bat, with every individual representing one fractured part of our protagonist’s own tortured pathology. It’s what made these characters timeless and so open to interesting interpretations and reimaginings over the years.
What defines the modern Batman villains is that they’re all good at martial arts. So they can…I dunno…kick ass and fight and stuff. Not quite the operatic duel of wits that would require the Dark Knight Detective to do much detecting. It’s really all about the punching which, I suppose, is what people look for in this sort of video game.
Now, I did enjoy it. It was one of the rare adventure storyline games I got all the way through, because I actually wanted to see how it ended. Personally, I would have preferred an epilogue with Alfred and Bruce microwaving turkey leftovers after a very long Christmas Eve of fighting crime and not stopping for food or a bathroom break. But it does end well enough.
I won’t pretend to be a game critic here. I’m no Yahtzee Croshaw – I would need to drink far more coffee to hit that manic a pace. But I will say this latest Batman outing has a virulent strain of the You’re-shitting-me-I-have-to-fight-Bane-AGAIN!?! syndrome. Look, I know he was the main baddie from the last movie, but he’s not all that interesting. He’s certainly not (spoiler alert) three boss-fights interesting. Sure, he’s one of the few semi-classic villains who can give Bats a fair fight, but couldn’t we have at least one boss fight that involves knocking a few teeth out of the Riddler’s arrogant head after all those irritating puzzles? Sure it would be one-sided, but it’s not like the game isn’t already feeding the computer nerds this year’s dose of bully-fantasy-fulfilment. Really, I started to feel bad for all those Blackgate escapees I “interrogated” (read “tortured by standing on their heads”) and then pounded into unconsciousness after gleaning some petty nugget of information. They probably had shitty childhoods, a difficult family life and hard economic times to contend with. They just wanted to get home for the holidays and somebody at the prison left the door open. Can you blame them for seizing the opportunity and simply walking out? I can’t. But the Bat can. What a fascist asshole!
After winning my three hundredth ten-on-one street brawl in a row, I found myself longing for my preferred type of video game – the strategic empire-building genre. Is it wrong to daydream about playing another video game while you’re in the middle of one of the biggest releases of the year? It feels like cheating. But if it’s wrong, then I don’t want to be right. Because the game mechanics that were going through my head, even as I pounded faces into blood pudding on the streets of Gotham, were those of the upcoming Banished.
The end credits of most video games today roll for twenty to thirty minutes on average because there are so many people involved. They make movie end credits (which hardly anyone watches either) seem fleeting. When the credits for Banished roll, there’s only going to be one name, and one name only. Because Banished is a solo effort. One guy, doing everything. And the game looks fantastic. It’s a city builder, and although I haven’t played one second of it, I can already tell it’s better than the uber high-profile franchise remake (and legendary disaster) Simcity 2013.
Apparently you need an army of people to design, write, code and release a game as fucked up as the new Simcity. But it looks like one guy can nail it acting alone. I don’t even know the name of this one industry insider who threw up his hands, said “Aw, screw it” and skipped all the bullshit in favour of making precisely the game he wanted to make, but he’s my hero. Banished looks like exactly the sort of game I love to play, designed by someone with an equal taste for the genre. The game is due out any moment between now and the end of the year, and it’s certainly premature for me to endorse something I haven’t had the chance to try. But I’ve been following the devlog for a long time now, and I’m more hyped for this than any of the giant releases due in the next year.
If you’re interested in this type of game at all, I at least hope I’ve made you aware that this exists. Check of the Shining Rock Software website and its various social media links for all the details. This is the one that deserves your day-of-release dollar, not the latest crapfest from EA (the most-hated corporation in America two-years running – congratulations guys, well earned – if it can’t be Monsanto, I’m glad it’s you). Even though the wait through this final play-testing bug-squashing time is excruciating, at least Banished is being properly beta tested, unlike Simcity, which basically charged everybody a fortune for a pre-order of what turned out to be an alpha-test of a game with catastrophic design flaws that could only be fixed with a square-one rethink and a time machine. May Batman stand on all your heads, you bastards.
Not that I’m bitter.
News Media and Reporting, Video Games and Computers
Holy Giant Props, Batman!
Just when you thought the mainstream news media couldn’t get any more lame, Fox News ups the ante with something that might even trump CNN’s abortive use of hologram reporting. Seriously, hologram reporting. They did that shit once. They beamed the image of their reporters into the studio so it looked like they were actually standing there, next to other reporters who were just standing there for real. This technological leap forward accomplished what journalists scarcely dared dream of for decades – filing a remote report in front of a hologram camera instead of a video camera. Pure genius. Sadly, the experiment failed when every hologram-projection filed proved to be a plea to somebody named Obi-Wan, who was, the reporters assured us, their only hope.
Not to be outdone, Fox News has now given us a studio full of prop-people diligently slaving away at prop-touchscreens. But they aren’t just any touchscreen tablets. No, they’re GIGANTIC touchscreen tablets. Looking akin to King Kong’s iPhone, they fill the set with superfluous techno-bling by the dozen. And the sight is indeed impressive – impressively stupid, instantly dated, and dumb in ways I can’t explain. So I won’t. I’ll let Fox News stooge Shepard Smith explain it himself.
Shepard – Shep to his friends, but he has no friends, so everyone calls him Shemp behind his back – makes a valiant effort to justify the unjustifiable. Apparently Fox hasn’t realized that making their reporting bigger doesn’t make their bullshit any more true than when they tried making it louder.
But what really grabs me about this new set is how much it looks like the modern equivalent of a set from the old Adam West Batman show. Giant props will do that. All they need to do now is shoot it at a slightly askew angle and Shep will instantly be promoted to the level of Batman villain, joining the ranks of The Joker, The Riddler and The Penguin. We just need to give him a better villain name. How about The Stupifier? His nefarious plan is to broadcast disinformation to the world at large, making anyone who watches dumber by the moment. Batman will obviously have to produce some sort of filtering lens from his utility belt in order to combat this devious plot or risk having his reading level lowered to that of a chimpanzee in the “special” third-grader class for slow learners. You know, like regular Fox News viewers.
And speaking of The Dark Knight of Gotham City…
There are no Adam West-era giant props in the new Batman video game, Arkham Origins, but there are villains galore. The premise of this free-range sandbox game is that it’s two years into the bat’s crusade against crime when suddenly, one Christmas Eve, a host of new villains start to come out of the woodwork to replace all those standard-issue mobsters he’s already thwarted.
According to the continuity of this prequel to the two previous Arkham games, we’re to believe that all in one night, Batman has his very first encounter with headliners like Killer Croc, The Penguin, The Riddler, The Mad Hatter, The Joker and at least a dozen other lesser, but still well-established members of his personal rogue’s gallery. Yeah yeah, it’s a video game, but c’mon…plausibility? Just a smidge? I’m sixteen hours into the game and I’m having a hard time suspending my disbelief that this is all supposed to be happening in one night. I know as a kid Christmas Eve seemed to go on forever and Christmas morning was painfully slow in coming, but even last-minute shoppers aren’t this rushed and busy on the 24th.
This game also marks the retirement of the definitive Joker. No, not Heath Ledger or Jack Nicholson or Cesar Romero. I’m talking Mark “Luke Skywalker” Hamill who has been voicing the character for various video game and animation projects for decades. Apparently he took the job to carry him through to his next Star Wars gig. Now that that’s finally in the offing, he’s stepped down as the Clown Prince of Crime and passed the job on to Troy Baker, who doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel. Following Hamill’s cue, he’s doing effectively the same voice rather than something entirely new – like Ledger’s weird gravelly Boston-tinged Joker. Given that Hamill so defined what the Joker is supposed to sound like over the past twenty-one years, it’s probably a good decision, if only for continuity purposes.
In other video game news, I’m compelled to mention my Halloween gift came early this year with the October 31 release of the “Blood & Gore” DLC for Total War: Rome II. Total War has long-since become my favourite video game franchise, and I’ve enjoyed every single incarnation of it since the release of Shogun in 2000. It was only with the arrival of Shogun 2 in 2011 that any attention was paid to depicting the bloody mess that was medieval and ancient warfare. Sure, modern warfare is also a bloody mess, but the Total War series has always spared us any forays into that boring mechanized button-pushing morass. Other game series have it well covered. Total War sticks to the swords and arrows and halberds, and long may it continue to do so.
Let us not pretend that getting a pilum in the face circa 100 BCE was a tidy affair.
Oddly, in a series so devoted to realistic ancient battle and tactics, it wasn’t until the Blood Pack DLC of Shogun 2 that they dared show us all the rolling heads and spurting arteries one might expect from hand-to-hand combat. Despite my notorious penchant for gory movies, I’m not as bloodthirsty as some might think. The pleasure I derive from seeing this much blood splashed across my monitor as virtual armies clash isn’t due to sadism, it comes from a desire for more realistic displays of violence in media. War isn’t a clean business. And perhaps if more people got a look at the blood and suffering it entails, particularly in our sanitized news media, there’d be a lot less of it.
Just don’t show it to us on those stupid giant tablets or I might get the giggles.
Video Games and Computers, Website Updates
It’s Alive!
Welcome to the new, and hopefully improved, eyestrainproductions.com – now powered by WordPress, which I understand is an improvement over what I had before because it’s software that’s still supported and not hopelessly outdated. The problem with the old web site was that it was state-of-the-art ten years ago which, in computer terms, is like saying you’re tearing up the highway with your state-of-the-art ox cart.
Although my homepage has probably lost some of its quaintness, its charm, its low-rez, inadvertently retro hipster irony, I now have a lot more toys to play with, and can offer up all sorts of new types of content without having to go beg a web designer to do free programming for me.
Some of the old content is MIA for the time being, but will make its return soon enough. In the meantime, there’s new content I dreamed of adding to the site long before it became practical to do so. Go explore. You’ll no doubt find new insight into some of my obsessions.
Buying things should be much easier now, with multiple opportunities to add stuff to your cart as you read about some of the old comic work I still have copies of. Or you can go directly to the actual store on the top menu, which is currently sparse in design but straightforward.
The blog now has categories and a search field, making it easier to find topics you enjoy and skip all my other inane babblings. For good measure, I reread all my old postings and corrected some embarrassing typos that I was only able to spot with the distance of time. There are, of course, many many links that have died out or changed in the last decade. I didn’t bother to strip out all those urls that withered away over the years. Just keep in mind, if you’re reading the earlier days of the blog, that once upon a time those links used to send you somewhere cool or relevant.
And speaking of links, I’ve completely changed the old link page. To my horror, I realized the nature of one or two of those sites had switched from something I endorsed, to something I held in contempt – namely, crappy sleazy porn. If I’m going to recommend a link to you, the least I can do is point you at some quality porn.
Bits and pieces of the website remain a work in progress, but nothing is going to lead you to one of those annoying UNDER CONSTRUCTION pages. It’s all there, ready to be added to as time marches on. The remake is officially complete, the heavy lifting is done, and hopefully I won’t have to go through this again for another ten years.
Comics and Graphic Novels, Video Games and Computers, Website Updates
The stagnation of this blog and website has been the source of no small amount of irritation on the part of friends and fans, and a heaping dose of embarrassment on my end. My previously mentioned inertia is only part of the story. The rest of the story is composed of words like “apathy,” “disdain,” “procrastination,” “ineptitude,” “boredom,” and “spelunking.” Most of those words are self-explanatory. As for “spelunking,” I haven’t actually taken up cave-climbing as a sport, hobby or pastime. I’m just really fond of that word. Spelunking. I like the sound of it. It’s soothing. It’s probably my favourite word in the English language, followed closely by “troglodyte.” I think if I ever actually encountered a troglodyte while I was spelunking, I’d drop dead of a joygasm.
The real story of what’s going on behind the scenes is that I’ve become aware of several key anniversaries that have altered my behaviour. First, it’s been ten years since the original launch of eyestrainproductions.com-slash-shanesimmons.com. After making a valiant effort to write something new at least once a month, I’ve fallen hopelessly behind, and habits are easy to forget about once you break out of the cycle. Especially good habits. Bad habits, not so much.
The website has also been looking a tad shabby, out-of-date, long-in-the-tooth. It is, after all, a 2003 design. There’s also been a fair amount of neglect that’s entirely my fault — links that became broken years ago that have never been changed or fixed, credits that haven’t been updated, news that hasn’t been announced, bugs that haven’t been squashed. On the plus side for the people who have been ordering my comics, you’re getting a good deal on the postage since I haven’t updated the rates to reflect the inflation that’s happened down at Canada Post in the last decade. I make a mental note to do something about that every time I eat it on another package headed anywhere out of the country (which is pretty much all of them because only eight people live in Canada, six of them already have copies of my work, and the last two don’t read comics because that crap’s for children).
“Re-do website” has been on the project list for a long time now. Lately, I’ve been doing something about it. Finally. Mostly because the software infrastructure of the site got chucked onto the virtual-technology trash heap right next to Windows 8 and the original code for Pong. It was upgrade and transfer files now, or lose it all in translation later.
I’ve decided to abandon the forgotten and unsupported Pivot and switch to the trendy and rather more functional WordPress. WordPress, I’m told, offers all sorts of shiny new bells and whistles and functionality, while helping my homepage look more professional, corporate and soulless.
So be assured, the next time I write a blog post the whole web site will look completely new and different. And you’ll hate it. Because change is bad and websites should never ever change no matter how shitty and out-of-date they get. Ask Harry Knowles.
The second major anniversary is that of Longshot Comics. The original minicomic edition came out an incredible make-me-feel-old twenty years ago. Availability of the comic has been helped along by various reprints in various languages, but someone needs to get all the material back into easily obtainable print. And maybe even offer some fresh pages. That task, if seems, falls to me. Which is a lot of work and entirely unfair, even if I am the sole writer, artist and printing press of the whole endeavor. What did I do to deserve this curse, other than creating it in the first place? Fuck you, karma.
There is a third key anniversary this year. Twenty-five years, the silver jubilee if you will, of something both grand and horrifying. Close associates will know what I’m talking about. The rest of the world will find out soon enough. I’m saving this one for the post-relaunch period, though I will have to discuss it at length before 2013 is up. It’s simply far too important to let slide.
Beware.
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Max Verstappen@Max33Verstappen·
Just hanging around 💪 #KeepPushing
Ferrucci apologises as Haas reviews links with F2 driver
Andrew Lewin 10/07/2018 at 12:37 10/07/2018 at 11:21
The Haas F1 Team has confirmed that it is reviewing its links with Formula 2 driver Santino Ferrucci.
The American driver has been handed a 60,000 euro fine and a four-race ban for his behaviour in the support series sprint race at Silverstone on Sunday. It means he will miss the German and Hungarian rounds.
"I’ve seen the incident once on the TV when they showed the race," Haas boss Guenther Steiner said when asked about the actions of the team's development driver who has been involved in in-season testing with Haas in 2016 and 2017.
"I was made aware that there is some problems," he continued. "I’m going to deal with that one during the week when I’ve got more information.
"I’ve seen it, I’m aware of it, but at the moment I don’t have enough information – or informed – to make a decision."
Ferrucci made contact with his Trident team-mate - and fellow Haas development driver - Arjun Maini during the race. He then hit him again on the cooldown lap after the chequered flag. The team told race stewards that it had been a deliberate act on the driver's part.
Ferrucci was also fined for using a mobile phone in the car while driving to the paddock wearing just one race glove. He left the circuit without discussing any of the serious infringements with the stewards.
Reckless Haas junior gets four-race ban for hitting teammate!
On Monday, he issued an apology on social media together with an explanation for his actions.
"I want to send my sincerest apologies for my actions on Sunday at the FIA F2 race at Silverstone Circuit," he said.
"I used extremely poor judgement at the conclusion of the race getting far too close to my team mate Arjun and swerved away only to graze his tyre, very fortunately causing no damage or issue to his car.
"There was no intent, premeditation or any type of retaliation by my actions, only anger and frustration as this has been a horrific year.
I have no excuse other than the fact that I am a twenty year old Italian American with a deep passion for motorsport, which is a very emotional sport.
"While there has been much provocation leading to my mental lapse, it is still not an excuse and I will make sure that this does not happen again.
"I realize I have embarrassed many people and I apologize to my Sponsors, Trident, my fellow drivers, Haas F1, FIA, FIA F2, my fans, friends and family.
"I also want to apologise to the FIA Stewards for not being able to attend the hearing.
"I was randomly selected for a drug test, as were others, and this delayed my return to the paddock by over an hour. At that point I very quickly packed and had to leave for the airport to catch an early afternoon flight back to the US to attend to an extremely urgent time sensitive family medical issue.
"I was notified of the Stewards meeting as I was leaving and did send an email to my team manager to forward to the Stewards explaining that I had no options but to leave."
Trident has already released an extraordinary statement of their own, fully backing Maini and his family over the incident. The team slammed Ferrucci and his father for their “unsportsmanlike and uncivilised” behaviour.
Trident added that its lawyers are looking at the implications for Ferrucci’s contract with the team. beyond the current four-race ban.
Formula 2 Guenther Steiner Haas F1 Team Santino Ferrucci
Rosberg talks up Ferrari, takes a dig at Hamilton
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Call +353 64 6676100
Tax Planning and Preparation
UK fiscal watchdog warns of impact of no-deal Brexit
Britain’s independent fiscal watchdog, the Office of Budget Responsibility, has said a no-deal Brexit at the end of this year will cut economic growth and increase unemployment.
In addition to economic damage caused by Covid-19, which has already caused the biggest fall in UK economic output since 1709, it said a no-deal Brexit will also push up the cost of living for consumers/
In an economic assessment used as the basis for government spending plans announced by UK chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, the OBR said the UK economy will shrink by 19% this year due to the impact of the pandemic.
The OBR assumes the UK economy will grow at a slower pace from next year as a result of leaving the EU in any case, but said failure to agree a Free Trade deal with the EU in the coming weeks will worsen that negative effect.
It said a no-deal Brexit would delay the point at which the UK’s
economic output returns to pre-Covid level by almost a whole year,
to the third quarter of 2023.
The OBR said Border disruptions would cut output by 0.75% of GDP – approximately £15bn – in the first quarter of next year, but would disappear by the end of the year as businesses and government adjust to the new trading arrangements.
However, longer-term effects from decreased productivity and capital decreases deepening due to lower investment and higher structural unemployment would continue to add to economic underperformance.
It said consumer prices would be 1.5% higher than their central forecast without a deal with the EU, with 1% of that rise coming from tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade, and 0.5% coming from a 5% fall in the value of sterling, making imports more expensive.
It said customs duties imposed by the UK under a WTO trade arrangement with the EU would bring in an extra £6bn in custom revenue.
However, this would be more than offset by a £14bn reduction in all other revenues caused by having a smaller economy, leaving tax receipts £6bn worse off than if Britain does a deal with the EU.
It also assumes that this worse economic situation would result in an extra £4bn in defaults on government-guaranteed loan schemes for businesses as part of its Covid-19 response.
Earlier, Chancellor Sunak announced a new £4bn “levelling up” fund for investment.
The OBR also expects a rise in non-compliance with VAT and customs and excise payments over the next two years, due to a lack of readiness of the UK border system and the lack of familiarity and preparedness among businesses.
Overall the OBR said not doing a deal with the EU will force the British government to borrow an extra £10bn per year from next year on, driving the debt:GDP ratio higher by almost 3% by 2025/26.
All of this would be in addition to the impact of Covid-19, which has delivered the largest peacetime shock to the global economy on record.
The UK economy has been hit relatively hard by the virus and by the public health restrictions required to control it.
During the first wave of infections, the UK locked down later and for longer than some of its European neighbours and experienced a deeper fall and slower recovery in economic activity.
The second wave of infections is “taking the wind out of an already flagging recovery”, according to the OBR.
That includes the UK, where GDP is set to fall by 11% this year the largest drop in annual output since the Great Frost of 1709 – a period of exceptionally cold weather in Europe that caused crop failures and widespread famine.
This year the pandemic has hit the UK public finances, with tax receipts forecast to be £57bn lower and spending £281bn higher than last year.
The total cost of government spending to deal with the pandemic including the direct payments to support workers’ income – has risen from £181bn at the time of the Summer Economic Update, to £218bn at the time of the Winter Economy Plan, to £280bn in this forecast.
All of this has pushed the UK budget deficit this year to an estimated £394bn (19% of GDP), its highest level since 1944-45.
Such borrowing would take the debt: GDP ratio to 105% of GDP, which would be the highest level since 1959-60, although the exceptionally low interest rate environment makes that easier to bear.
British government borrowing is forecast to fall back to around £102bn (3.9% of GDP) by 2025-26, but “even on the loosest conventional definition of balancing the books, a fiscal adjustment of £27bn (1% of GDP) would be required to match day-to-day spending to receipts by the end of the five-year forecast period”, according to the OBR.
This implies a tough set of budget choices in the coming years, including tax rises and spending cuts.
The OBR added: “In our central forecast and downside scenario, tax rises or spending cuts of between £21bn and £46bn (between 0.8% and 1.8% of GDP) would be required merely to stop debt rising relative to GDP”.
It said as support schemes for workers are withdrawn next spring, the UK unemployment rate will rise from 3.9% forecast last March to 7.5% next year.
However, it said if the UK leaves the EU transition period without a deal, unemployment will be 8.3%.
In a worst case scenario, in which vaccines are unsuccesful and the virus is not contained, the OBR said unemployment could rise to 12%.
The OBR said the economic impact of a no-deal Brexit would be different and in addition to that of Covid-19.
It said the virus has mainly impacted non-traded face-to-face services such as hospitality, transport and entertainment.
But failure to strike a trade deal with the EU would mean a hit to the trade-intensive sectors of manufacturing, financial services, and mining and quarrying – the sectors that have been least impacted by Covid-19.
Article Source: US fiscal watchdog warns of impact of no-deal Brexit – RTE – Sean Whelan
Employees to be given right to request remote working under Govt plan
420,000 workers to receive tax bills for Covid payments
Changes to corporate tax rules will reduce revenue by up to €2bn
Are NI supermarket issues really just Brexit ‘teething troubles’?
Industrial & logistics sector sees spike in demand – Savills
Irish mortgage interest rates joint highest in euro zone
76% of imports into Dublin Port clearing without delays
Ireland to receive €1bn from EU’s post-Brexit fund
Some food and drink exports hit hard by Covid-19 pandemic
Record €1.2 billion spent on groceries in December – Kantar
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The Return of Wallpaper
Did you ever think wallpaper would be in style again? Believe it. Embrace it.
Story by Meredith Coopman
Believe it or not, wallpaper’s bad rap is over. Modern technology has done wonders for its reputation. Installing and removing wallpaper used to be a notorious headache (think scraping and steaming). Thankfully there are new adhesive formulas and stick-and-peel fabrics that strip off walls easily without leaving residue. Not to mention, wall covering has never been more affordable or more convenient.
I’ll say it again, because it’s a little hard to believe: Wallpaper is definitely making a comeback. It has resurfaced (pun intended) over the last decade, with a distinctively modern twist. Innovative patterns, designs and custom vinyls and papers can add wonderful texture and make any space pop. Contemporary wallpaper is quirky, colorful and chock-full of amazing designs.
This renewed interest is a complete 180 from the wallpaper we grew up with — the kind that we swore we’d never put in our homes. People are more willing to show their personalities than ever before, and wallpaper is easier to install (and uninstall) than it ever has been. Pinterest, Google and other online resources are also responsible for this shift. Knowing what’s out there, seeing it in real life and knowing other people have tried it makes it far easier to decorate today than ever before.
Wallpaper is like contemporary art for the mass market. It’s kind of a risk, but it sure can pay off. People understandably want their homes to feel special and unique, and wallpaper does just that by offering a personal touch. And the good news is that there is something for everyone. However, the truth is, wallpaper can make or break a room, rendering it eternally chic or forever tragic.
Bold wallpaper is a 2019 home décor trend. If that’s not your thing, the classics are still out there. Wallpaper is available in diverse supply and design with countless palettes, textures and prints available. Of course, there are your iconic motifs (abstract and literal), including botanicals, florals, geometrics and animal prints, as well as your timeless classics, such as plaids, stripes, faux marbles, linens, solids and many more.
Even though there are countless options for patterns and colors, choosing is easier than you think. You need to take the following questions into consideration: What speaks to you? What is the room used for? What is the scale of the space? How bright is the room? What is the overall look you want to achieve? How many square feet are you planning to cover? How big of a statement do you want to make? The same design rules that apply everywhere else apply here. Trust your instincts.
Today’s consumer is smarter and busier than the last time wallpaper was popular decades ago. Low maintenance and price point are crucial factors. Designed for maximum durability, today’s vinyl varieties look as good as the real thing for a lot less money. They are great for both high-traffic and high-moisture areas, like muggy bathrooms, kitchens and hallways, in part because they’re easy to clean. In most cases, you just wipe and go. Wallpapers are surprisingly durable, and these days, maintaining them is easy.
Can you do it yourself? The removable kind is extremely easy to apply. Typically, you don’t need to put down glue — just peel and stick. But for anything else, you will not regret calling a professional. Working with traditional wallpaper can be a nightmare for a novice, and once something goes wrong, it’s hard to get the project on track without starting over.
Did you ever think wallpaper would be in style again? Well, it certainly is. Believe it. Embrace it. It has come a long way over the years. And as society grows tired of regular old paint, wall covering is quickly gaining acceptance. Wallpaper is a dramatic way to express yourself. It can easily set a scene and transform a space. It’s similar to adding an accent piece like a patterned rug or pillow, just a little more permanent.
Meredith Coopman has over 20 years of experience in architecture and interior design. She is currently the Design Director at InnSpace in Kalispell. You can reach her at meredith.coopman@inn-space.com.
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Trending in the Kitchen
Trust in Walking
Lofty Ambitions Rooted in the Earth
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VIRUS TODAY: General apologizes; AP finds states spend $7B
FILE – In this March 28, 2020, file photo, Spc. Audrey Hilmer, right, of Waterloo and Army National Guard Pvt. Taylor Barkema of Gardner of the 1133rd Transportation Company of the Iowa National Guard deliver medical supplies to the Johnson County Emergency SEATS facility in Iowa City. An Associated Press analysis shows states spent more than $7 billion this spring buying personal protective equipment like masks, gloves and gowns as well as vital medical devices like ventilators. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette via AP, File)
Here’s what’s happening Saturday with the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S.:
THREE THINGS TO KNOW TODAY
— The Army general in charge of getting COVID-19 vaccines distributed across the United States apologized after many governors said they had been shorted on anticipated shipments. Gen. Gustave Perna said he made mistakes by citing numbers of doses that he believed would be ready for delivery. Perna said the government now is on track to get approximately 20 million doses to states by the first week of January.
— The Associated Press tallied more than $7 billion in purchases by states in the spring for personal protective equipment and high-demand medical devices such as ventilators and infrared thermometers. It’s the most comprehensive accounting to date of how much states were buying, what they were spending and whom they were paying during a chaotic time when inadequate national stockpiles left them scrambling.
— The pandemic might be helping a little-known corner of the seafood market: seaweed. Atlantic Sea Farms in Maine says it nearly doubled its harvest this year to 450,000 pounds (204 kilograms). The seaweed is processed into products such as seaweed sauerkraut and frozen kelp cubes for smoothies.
THE NUMBERS: The seven-day rolling average for daily new deaths in the U.S. rose over the past two weeks from 2,001 on Dec. 4 to 2,576 on Friday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
DEATH TOLL: The U.S. death toll stands at more than 315,000 people, up from about 300,000 when the week began.
QUOTABLE: “I want to take personal responsibility for the miscommunication. I know that’s not done much these days. But I am responsible. … This is a Herculean effort and we are not perfect.” — Gen. Gustave Perna, in charge of distributing coronavirus vaccines, in response to criticism about smaller allocations so far to states.
ICYMI: A publisher’s arresthas led to changes in access to courts in a North Carolina county. Reporters must seek permission, but up to five will be allowed to watch proceedings in Alamance County. Court staff had cited the virus for keeping journalists out. Tom Boney Jr. of The Alamance News was handcuffed when he objected on Dec. 8.
ON THE HORIZON: Negotiators in Congress appear close to nailing down an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 relief package. House members stood by for a vote that will come no earlier than Sunday. The proposed package includes $600 payments to individuals.
Find AP’s full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
More AP US News Stories
EKU offering COVID-19 testing for students, staff
Fayette interim superintendent hopes to return students to classrooms soon
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Encounters Happenstance Observation rag-pickings
erasure / profile
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contemplation on the absence of an egg
Now playing: Sarah Davachi – ‘At Hand’ from Let Night Come On Bells End The Day.
Tags Edinburgh, Fife Psychogeographical Collective, Fife Psychogeography, gravestone, gull, Murdo Eason, St Cuthbert's Edinburgh
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Two Hours in the Lang Toun
21 Comments on Two Hours in the Lang Toun
Two hours.
I have just dropped off a bunch of excited teenagers at Kirkcaldy Ice Rink (now rebadged as Fife Ice Arena) for the afternoon skating session. With too little time to return home and do anything meaningful, it seems like a good opportunity to start walking into the locality and see what draws the attention. I increasingly find that often the most interesting walks develop out of the imposed time constraints of everyday life. Start from where you are and see where it leads.
But first, I’m standing in front of an ice palace from the late Art Deco era. Designed by Williamson and Hubbard in 1937, the softened edges, horizontal lines, ribbon windows and vertical, coloured detailing conjure up a period in time when form was equally important as function. Apparently, the original restaurant featured Parker-Knoll chairs, monogrammed cutlery and curtains designed by Dame Laura Knight. This afternoon, under a high sun, the contrast of vibrant colours and ice cream white offers an elegant counterpoint to what would no doubt be constructed today as a functional leisure shed.
I’m in Gallatown at the North end of the ‘Lang Toun’ of Kirkcaldy. Initially, thinking the name may have been derived from some form of recurring gala festivities, I subsequently find out that it is a derivation of Gallows Town. Apparently, due to it being the site of numerous public executions in medieval times.
Gallow
Originally a small village in its own right, Gallatown, along with its near neighbours Sinclairtown and Pathhead, were parts of Dysart before becoming annexed as part of Kirkcaldy in 1876.
Walking down the main, arterial road into Kirkcaldy, Rosslyn Street merges into St Clair street. A clue to the history of this area in the street names. A reminder of how all land is property and often concentrated in the hands of a few. Sinclairtown developed from the 1750s on the estate of the Earls of Rosslyn and derives from their family name St Clair. (Also owners of Rosslyn Chapel).
This whole area developed as the industrial end of Kirkcaldy. A place of nail manufacture in the seventeenth century and site of the ‘pin factory’ studied by Adam Smith in The Wealth of Nations. Coal mining and power-loom weaving emerged in the mid eighteenth century and pottery manufacture in the early 1800s.
I walk past the entrance to Pottery Street but after a short walk down into what is now light industrial and residential buildings there appears to be little evidence of what once existed here. It is only on returning and approaching Rosslyn Street again that I notice a plinth in the grounds of a vet’s surgery.
The original site of the world famous Wemyss Ware pottery of Robert Heron and Son. The Chief Designer of the pottery was Karel Nekola from Bohemia, recruited by Robert Heron in 1882. A skilled, imaginative artist, he continued to work until his death in 1915. His sons Joseph and Carl also worked in the pottery. The original pottery closed during the Great Depression in 1930 and the rights to Wemyss Ware passed through several hands until Griselda Hill acquired and revived the name in the 1990s.
It is perhaps heartening to know that the spirit of the original pottery and the curious Wemyss cats continue to be tended by a veterinary practice.
Wemyss Ware cats. Public Domain image.
Walking further down the road above what is now the Happy Days Chinese Restaurant is a magnificent example of a Co-op bee skep. Presumably a former Co-operative Society building. Not quite as impressive as the magnificent trio in Leven but a fine reminder of the co-operative ideals of those Rochdale Pioneers.
On the other side of the road, a narrow path into a residential area.
Sun drawn cubist angles.
“Stewart Lod”.
I’m not sure where the boundary lines of Gallatown, Sinclairtown and Pathhead merge, but for these purposes it is a delight to encounter the colourful Puffins of Pathhead.
Behind is a Ladbrokes shop. A window of lurid coloured interpellation: Grab a Grand!; Win Free Machine Play Cash Boost; Goal! Price Boost; Best Odds Guaranteed; £30 Free Bets on Your Mobile; Sunday, Now Open Longer.
Lad Broke
Never a more aptly named chain designed to part people from their money. I don’t remember that many pearls of wisdom from my dad but one that sticks is that: “you never meet a poor bookie”.
On another wall close to the puffins, a golden eagle takes flight ready to pounce on a small mouse. The disorienting sun perhaps allowing the mouse a respite today. Off it floats on the back of a golden orb.
You cannot walk down St Clair Street without noticing Rejects. A gargantuan store by any standards and a family owned Fife institution selling everything for the home in twelve departments. There is also something delightfully perverse about deciding to name your retail emporium Rejects. I’m not sure what the received wisdom on retail marketing is, but I suspect this breaks most of it. Rejects also houses a very fine cafe but with the clock ticking, I have to pass on that today.
This is the weekend before ‘The Beast from the East’ arrived in Scotland and I’m starting to feel the cold around my ears. However, the sun is strong, bright and warming as I take a moment to watch the swaying, skeletal trees. How they shift slightly out of phase with the moving shadow forest projected on the wall of the car park. A Steve Reich piece playing out in visual form.
On the corner of Commercial Street sits a curio from the days of the Kirkcaldy tram network. A Bundy Clock was used to monitor tram services to ensure that they ran on time and according to timetable. When the tram driver reached the designated terminus, they would insert a unique key into ‘the Bundy’ and the time would be recorded. The Bundy clock was patented in 1890 by Willard Le Grand Bundy and mass production of employee monitoring systems began. A practice that has had workers clocking in and out under surveillance ever since. Of course, technology advances and Bundy Time Systems still appear to be around. Their wares now include ‘Fingertec Biometric Packages’, ‘Face ID’ and ‘Easy Clocking Time and Attendance Systems’.
Walking along Commercial Street reveals a mix of some very old buildings. largely, in various states of disrepair. However, the Spiritualist Church is looking bright and sprightly. Thursday Healing. All Welcome.
At the end of the road, The ‘A Listed’ Feuars Arms proclaims its Victorian lineage back to 1859. Impressive stained glass windows reflect a more modernist addition to the landscape in the fifteen story Ravens Craig flats built in 1964-65.
Sparkling in the sun like pink sponge fingers with frosted, glazed balconies. The image provides a jarring contrast to imagining why Flesh Wynd may have gotten its name.
Not too far away from the Ravens Craig complex is Ravenscraig Castle. Local folklore claims that John Buchan named his novel The Thirty-Nine Steps after the path that leads down by the side of the castle to Pathhead Sands. A similar claim relates to a set of steps in Broadstairs, where the final scenes of the novel take place. Both sets of stairs have more than thirty nine. However, Buchan’s father was a Free Church of Scotland minister and Buchan spent most of his formative years in Kirkcaldy. His novel Prester John opens with a scene on Pathhead Sands, with Kirkcaldy thinly disguised as Kirkcaple.
I’m becoming conscious of the time and need to start heading back towards the ice rink. I loop around and through what would once have been a colossal industrial area, dominated by the Nairn linoleum factory complex. Michael Nairn was initially involved in the weaving of ship’s sails but later entered into floor coverings. The original factory built at Pathhead, in 1847, was initially ridiculed and known locally as Nairn’s Folly. However, the venture proved a great success and by 1876, linoleum production had become a global industry centred on Kirkcaldy. The use of linseed oil in the production process was what gave the distinctive ‘queer-like smell’ highlighted in the poem The Boy in the Train written by Mary Campbell Smith in 1913:
I’ll sune be ringin ma Gran’ ma’s bell,
She’ll cry, “Come ben my laddie”
For I ken mysel’ by that queer-like smell
That the next stop’s Kirkcaddy!’
Most of the industrial complex has now gone but one operational factory unit remains, sitting in the vast empty space like some remnant from an imagined post-Packard Detroit. The factory is clearly still productive as the distinctive, and not unpleasant, sweet smell is clearly discernible in the air. Perhaps a bit more localised these days rather than enveloping the entire town.
I meander through some of the side streets back towards the ice rink and whilst many buildings are in disarray, the sun is bringing out the best in them. An old industrial fence morphs into beautiful, striped, colour field, minimalism.
A ‘found’ Gerhard Richter decays on an old wooden board.
An abstract landscape, framed in brick under a painted sky, sits in the alcove of a boarded up window. (Perhaps a found Howard Hodgkin, thanks to Hamer the Framer, added 07.04.2018):
Whilst a short history of building is revealed in an industrial assemblage of brick, stone, concrete and metal:
In dappled sunlight, a typographical erratic.
I am indebted to fellow travellers Laurence Mitchell and Alan Nance for the idea of the cultural erratic. This originally arose from a comment by Alan regarding Laurence’s piece on re-purposed Kyrgyzstan railway wagons. Alan’s comment is worth noting in full:
To use a landscape-related term, it strikes me that these wagons are like cultural (as opposed to glacial) erratics, whose presence, through interpretation, can tell us something about the forces and processes that shaped the place in which they are located).
It’s a great expression and in this particular instance, I like how EAST FIFE has somehow survived the weathering process, much like a glacial erratic left behind.
Another abandoned looking building draws the eye, due to the panel above the door:
Langtoun Aquarists Pondkeepers Group. Another cultural erratic? Is that a fish on the door blowing a bubble?
Sadly, I can’t spend any more time pottering around and hoof it back quickly to the ice rink. So quick that I’ve a few more minutes to spare before the skating finishes. I walk round by a mysterious, mausoleum looking structure. Some form of sub station? Or perhaps a sealed vault storing all the forgotten sounds, smells and memories of Gallows Town?
Behind the vault are some of what feel like the oldest buildings I’ve seen today. The narrow passage of School Lane. Just enough Sunlight leaking down the walls to outline a set of strange material interventions close to the ground. Portals of exit or entry?
And back to the car park just in time to catch the ice rink crowd spilling out into the sunshine. The tired teenage skaters, pile into the car and I listen to their stories of careering around the chilled interior of the ice palace.
Oh and almost forgot. Wasn’t particularly looking for it, but it’s always good to find it …
This walk took place on Saturday 24th February, 2018.
Now playing: Steve Reich – Violin Phase
Tags abstract landscape, Alan Nance, Art Deco, Bundy Clock, Co-operative, colour field, Commercial Street, cultural erratic, Dame Laura Knight, decaying buildings, Dysart, Earls of Rosslyn, East Fife, Feuars Arms, Fife, Fife Ice Arena, Fife Psychogeographical Collective, Fife Psychogeography, Flesh Wynd, Gallatown, Gerhard Richter, Golden Eagles, Griselda Hill, Hamer the Framer, Howard Hodgkin, industrial assemblage, John Buchan, Karel Nekola, Kirkcaldy, Kirkcaldy Ice Rink, Kirkcaple, Ladbrokes, Langtoun Aquarists Pondkeepers Group, Laurence Mitchell, Leven, linoleum, Mary Campbell Smith, mausoleum, Michael Nairn, minimalism, Murdo Eason, Nairn's Folly, Parker-Knoll, Pathead, Pathead Sands, Pottery Street, Prester John, psychogeography, Puffins, Ravens Craig flats, Ravenscraig Castle, Rejects, Robert Heron and Son, Rochdale Pioneers, Rosslyn Chapel, Rosslyn Street, School Lane, Sinclairtown, skep, Spiritualist Church, St Clair Street, Steve Reich, The Beast From the East, The Boy in the Train, The Wealth of Nations, trams, typographical erratic, Wemyss Pottery, Wemyss Ware, Williamson and Hubbard
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C-band nears $70B, rockets above prior US spectrum auctions
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Expectations were already high going into the FCC’s auction for C-band spectrum, and bidding reached new levels this week, generating nearly $70 billion in gross proceeds as of Wednesday before heading into a holiday break.
For comparison, the highest grossing spectrum auction in the U.S. (before Auction 107) was the AWS-3 auction in 2015. It set a record, closing at $44.899 billion in provisional bids after 341 rounds.
The C-band action offering 280-megahertz started on December 8, and at three weeks in, it’s taken a strong position as the biggest U.S. spectrum auction ever. Two rounds were completed Wednesday, 45 in total, with gross proceeds of $69.83 billion. Some higher-end estimates for the auction had ranged from $35.2 to $51 billion.
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Impact of 5G on 4G services for operators and NEMs
Although 5G will bring many benefits, it also adds complexity and risk to 4/4.5G users which must be mitigated well in advance. With adequate interoperability testing you can achieve peak performance and network optimization.
Bidding is set to resume January 4 after taking a break for the holidays.
At the close of Tuesday’s rounds Roger Entner, principal and founder of Recon Analytics, noted that action was still going strong.
“It’s pretty remarkable,” Entner told FierceWireless.
RELATED: Analysts beef up C-band auction forecast to $26B – $35.2B range
After 45 rounds, the average nationwide price per MHz PoP price for licenses was of $0.81. That rises to $0.96 across categories when factoring in accelerated clearing payments and relocation costs to move satellite operators out of the band band, estimated at $9.7 billion and $3.3 billion respectively.
Analysts had estimated C-band licenses would be between $0.20-$0.50 per MHz PoP.
The nationwide price for A block licenses per MHz Pop was $1.21 as of Wednesday, while BC prices were $1.11 per MHz PoP according to tracking by BitPath COO Sasha Javid.
Demand for most of the category A blocks (which includes the first 100-megahertz tranche of spectrum in 46 of the top 50 markets that has a clearing schedule of December 2021) has evened out, but Entner said activity in markets other than the top 50 PEAs picked up a lot earlier than it normally does, helping drive Auction 107.
In the top 20 PEAs at the end of round 43 there were still 12 markets that had competition, mostly for BC blocks, but also a few category A, including PEAs of Miami, Phoenix, and Minneapolis-St.Paul.
“Gross proceeds have been driven by surprisingly robust and persistent demand,” wrote Javid in an analysis Tuesday morning. “In Round 36, I suspect that a large bidder pulled back significantly in the largest markets given that all the top 10 markets experienced a drop in demand.”
RELATED: C-band 5G auction nears $5B after a dozen rounds
New York, perhaps unsurprisingly, has commanded the highest total price, standing at around $515 million for category A and BC. But Entner recalled auctions where New York accounted for 50% of proceeds, and it’s making up a much smaller slice in C-band – signaling just how broad the interest is.
That interest can partly be attributed to the fact that spectrum is a scarce resource, and this is the main opportunity for exclusive mid-band licenses for 5G on a nationwide basis.
“[C-band] is the only spectrum that’s around in the mid-band,” Entner said. “So people take what they can get.”
He believes a lot of the motivation is that contiguous blocks are available in the 3.7 GHz band, so carriers can make larger channels that make a big difference in 5G.
Ability to pay and catching up with T-Mobile
There are 57 participants in the clock phase, though winners won’t be disclosed until the auction ends.
T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon are all among registered bidders, as is Dish Network.
Verizon in particular is lacking unused mid-band resources for 5G, unlike competitor T-Mobile who has a trove of 2.5 GHz from Sprint that it already has a head start deploying.
Verizon raised $12.5 billion in debt ahead of the C-band auction and Wells Fargo, like other firms, anticipated Verizon will spend the most, previously estimating around $22 billion in gross proceeds to get its hands on 120 MHz of mid-band.
RELATED: Verizon to go big in C-band auction: analysts
AT&T also needs the spectrum to compete in 5G, but there were questions about just how much the carrier will be able to pony up for C-band because of debt and cost-cutting initiatives. Wall Street analyst firms estimated AT&T could spend anywhere from $4.3 billion to $20 billion for C-band.
But as proceeds climb higher, it appears the criticalness of mid-band spectrum is far from lost on bidders.
‘It is higher than what I expected, simply on the ability to pay side,” Entner said of the proceeds, noting it will likely delay Verizon’s debt-to-equity ratio goals and increase AT&T’s debt. However, he thinks the carriers realize they need to catch up with T-Mobile.
“You have a really hard value proposition if you’re charging premium prices for a budget experience,” he said, and to avoid that AT&T and Verizon need spectrum. “This will help close the gap with T-Mobile. Very expensive, but that’s what it takes.”
RELATED: AT&T’s debt hampers its C-band aspirations
All three major carriers have rolled out nationwide 5G either using low-band spectrum or dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) technology, but performance hasn’t proved better than 4G LTE. Verizon has deployed 5G with high-band millimeter wave in parts of 60 cities, and AT&T has a few mmWave markets, but mid-band is seen as the sweet spot in delivering both capacity and coverage.
T-Mobile says its 2.5 GHz can deliver 300 Mbps and peak speeds up to 1 Gbps.
High prices won’t slow down 5G deployments
Proceeds so far show that bidders will spend heavily for coveted C-band spectrum, but Entner doesn’t think the spending will end up hurting or delaying 5G rollouts.
“We have a healthy industry here,” he said, noting that operators have never paid less for their debt than today thanks to refinancing at low single-digit rates. Because of that, they’ve “all cleared several hundred million dollars wroth” of interest they previously would have paid.
RELATED: T-Mobile CEO on C-band: We’re interested, but ‘disciplined’
So while they may be taking on more debt, Entner stressed that it’s more affordable than ever.
“Now is the best possible time to go into debt for the right reasons, and buying spectrum is the right reason,” Entner said.
Still, he acknowledged there’s not much of a choice if AT&T and Verizon want to remain competitive against T-Mobile. C-band is expected to be a key for 5G in the U.S. and the next opportunity for mid-band isn’t set in stone.
The FCC intends to hold an auction for 100-megahertz between 3.45-3.55, currently used by federal operations, but details still need to be worked out and it may not be a clear channel like what’s currently being offered in Auction 107.
midband spectrum
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The best classic and old school Prehistoric games
Prehistorik 2
Prehistorik 2 is the sequel to the platform game Prehistorik and was developed and published by Titus Interactive; it was released for DOS and Amstrad CPC in 1993. In this humor...
Year: 1993 Genre: Platformer Updated: 2020-12-02Tags: caveman platform prehistoric
Prehistorik
Prehistorik is a side-scrolling platformer developed by Titus Interactive and released in 1991 for the Amiga, Atari ST, Amstrad CPC and DOS. The main character is a neanderthal who...
Year: 1991 Genre: Platformer Updated: 2020-12-02Tags: basher history platform prehistoric
Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja
Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja ("ikusae genshizin" in the original title) is an arcade created by Data East and released initially in 1991, then ported to several home platforms includin...
Year: 1992 Genre: Platformer Updated: 2020-12-06Tags: 2 players caveman coin-up conversion dinosaurs prehistoric side-scrolling
Jurassic Park is the video game adaptation of the Steven Spielberg film, developed and published by Ocean Software and released in 1993 for the Amiga and DOS. The game and the film were released the same year.
Year: 1993 Genre: Action Updated: 2020-12-02Tags: aga arcade history movies multi-type prehistoric shoot em up
Ugh! is an arcade flight game that is developed by Egosoft in 1992 originally for the Amiga. The game was published by Play Byte and it was released also on MS-DOS and Commodore 64.
Year: 1992 Genre: Arcade Updated: 2020-12-02Tags: 2 players amiga original game arcade aviation co-op flight history platform prehistoric
Chuck Rock is a prehistoric platformer created by Core Design for the Amiga and released in 1991. The same year it was released for the Atari ST. The game is in no way meant to be...
Year: 1991 Genre: Platformer Updated: 2019-07-17Tags: amiga original game basher caveman dinosaurs history platform prehistoric
Where Time Stood Still
This Amiga release is really unique. Where Time Stood Still is an isometric arcade adventure game developed by Denton Designs and published by Ocean Software in 1987 *exclusively* for ZX Spectrum 128K, Atari ST and MS-DOS.
Year: 1987 Genre: Action Updated: 2019-07-17Tags: action-adventure arcade fantasy history isometric prehistoric puzzle-solving
Chuck Rock II: Son of Chuck
Chuck Rock II: Son of Chuck is the sequel to the cartoony side-scrolling platformer developed and published by Core Design originally for Atari ST and Amiga. Chuck Rock 2 was rele...
Year: 1993 Genre: Platformer Updated: 2020-07-31Tags: amiga cd32 arcade basher dinosaurs history platform prehistoric
B.C. Kid
Bonk's Adventure (B.C. Kid in Europe) is a 2D platformer developed by Red Company and Atlus that was released initially in 1990 for the TurboGrafx-16. The Amiga version, released i...
Year: 1992 Genre: Platformer Updated: 2020-07-31Tags: arcade caveman history jumper platform prehistoric
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Spook 86 Gives Us the Real Deal
Posted on July 23, 2007 by Baron Bodissey
As an antidote to The New Republic fairy tale we posted the other day, there’s an enthralling story, told in the cadences of military-ese, at the blog, In From the Cold. It recounts the outstanding success of the first Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron’s recent operation to secure an area north of Baqubah that was held by the ISI – Islamic State of Iraq.
Here’s a snip of the operational summary that Spook 86 posted:
On 11 July 2007 Bravo (Strike Force 300) 5-73 CAV moved to the FOB Warhorse Helicopter landing zone during hours of limited visibility to stage on Black Hawk (UH-60) and Chinook (CH-47) helicopters for the Air Assault Raid on Objectives Red, White, and Blue.
The target was an Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQIZ) safe haven north of Baqubah, and east of Khalis, Iraq. Intelligence was developed primarily through local Iraq civilians. Shias and Sunnis directed us to this area, which was once a peaceful tribal farm land, but now overrun by Wahabbi extremists under the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI).
Having given the target, the summary goes on to explain the mission, purpose, and concept of the operation…again, in perfect military-ese. Too bad the editors at TNR didn’t immerse themselves in some after-action reports or operation summaries before deciding to run with the stories from “Scott Thomas.” Background reading in an unfamiliar field is a good way to discern the credibility of your author.
Again, from the summary:
We cleared from house to house, chicken coops, canals, and palm groves rooting out the enemy and forcing them into our planned kill zone. Along the way we discovered three large caches of RPGs, Heavy Machine Guns, AK-47’s, AQIZ propaganda, Iraqi Army/ police radios, military uniforms and over 17 IEDs. The significance of the IED cache is that they are unable to put them on the street, which equals saving coalition and Iraqi lives.
Through the night into the early morning we fought the enemy, dominating them with impunity…
The end result was we killed 29 AQIZ fighters, captured 23, and most importantly saved eight severely tortured civilians being held captive. The hostages told us that they had been sentenced by the Islamic State of Iraq to be executed later that day, and we saved them from certain death. All eight hostages who were from all over Iraq are now safely at home with their loved ones.
The pride and sense of accomplishment shines through, doesn’t it? Go to Spook’s post and read about Bravo Troop 5-73 CAV, 82nd ABN DIV’s part in Operation Ithaca.
The beginning section, which covers how this cadre was formed, is interesting for the description of the leeway officers were given to choose personnel and have them train together extensively. One of the lessons learned from Vietnam was that soldiers are not mere ciphers, to be inserted and removed without affecting the whole group. You can’t move them in and out of the field of battle willy-nilly with no regard for the integrity and morale of the men involved. That was a hard-won lesson, a lesson many individual soldiers in Vietnam paid for dearly. It is encouraging to see that experience being drawn upon today.
Thanks to Spook for the story, which was given to family members of the troops and thus made its way to him.
As I said in the beginning, this is the antidote to TNR. You won’t read it in Time or WaPo, will you?
6 thoughts on “Spook 86 Gives Us the Real Deal”
falcon_01 on July 24, 2007 at 7:27 am said:
Ha, you call this news? Today the Washington Post tells me to believe that Islam is peaceful and that the “The idea of unrepentant, religious violence being synonymous with Islam is a myth created by the West almost from the beginning of Islam itself”
“Public Voice Adds Edge to Democrat’s Debate.” I am sheep, hear me baaah! LOL 😉
Seriously, the stuff in WaPo is SCARY. People actually read it and believe it! They sway the opinions and mislead countless Americans into staunchly opposing the only courses of action that will keep this nation free.
Heaven forbid they actually post anything in bold that conveys success. If you scroll down a little bit you will see that a top Talliban Commander Dies in Raid, but every other piece of news is spun so negatively as to disparage the reader.
That we are even talking with Iran, a major source of our problems, shows we’ve lost our marbles.
Dymphna on July 24, 2007 at 8:06 am said:
That ROP business in the WaPo is part of a major assault on our inteligence that started on Sunday in the Outlook section. It’s being coordinated by WaPo, Newsweek, Georgetown and the usual Muslim organizations.
This is all a softening up for the big demo in Sept when Petraeus is due to give his report. There will be demonstrations and lots of distraction from the fact that we’re getting somewhere in Iraq.
Gringo_Malo on July 24, 2007 at 11:05 am said:
I seem to recall reading similar reports during the Vietnam war. They had no effect on the final outcome. Of course, things could be different this time.
During the Vietnam war, America was still the world’s largest manufacturer, largest exporter, and largest creditor. We could afford to spend several million dollars (when our gold-backed dollar bought a T-bone steak or more than three gallons of gas) to put fifty-odd enemy fighters out of action.
Nowadays, America imports most of its manufactured goods and and most of its petroleum, and has become the world’s largest debtor. Our money is fiat money, or Monopoly money, as I like to call it. If we print several trillion dollars more of it to finance the altruistic Iraq war, there’s a danger that our foreign suppliers will stop taking it, or will force a sharp devaluation of it. I certainly hope that our troops are home before that happens.
Of course, if we could adopt a non-altruistic, self-interested, economic war aim and simply conquer Iraq and the Arabian peninsula, then the war might begin to make sense.
Dymphna on July 24, 2007 at 11:33 am said:
gringo_malo-
I just figured out who you really are: you’re the reincarnation of Teddy Roosevelt and you want us to use a big stick to subdue the natives.
You’re almost a century too late, Mr. R. Wouldn’t work. You seem to think our invasion of Iraq was not out of self-interest. I disagree. The fact that it was handled badly — in my estimate, deliberately fouled by State Department flunkies in 2003 — does not change our self-interest in keeping the fighting over there.
Your “solution” would give the major ME actors the perfect cover for going nuclear on a “rogue” state: us.
Gringo_Malo on July 24, 2007 at 2:19 pm said:
You really puzzled me. Please explain how fighting in Iraq prevents any of the millions of Muslims who run loose in America from attacking us here. I admit that we haven’t had any major attacks since 9/11/01, but I can’t credit the Iraq war or anybody in the federal government for that. The most effective way to prevent domestic terrorist attacks would be to expel all of the Muslims in the country. Yeah, I know it’s unconstitutional, but so is most everything else that the government does.
It’s ridiculous to believe that Muslims need an excuse to use nuclear weapons against us. I expect that only their fear of massive American nuclear retaliation has prevented them from doing so. We still have many more nuclear weapons mounted on effective delivery systems than they have.
Anyway, what’s wrong with using a big stick to subdue the uncivilized while we still can? That’s pretty much what the Bush administration is doing, isn’t it? My complaints concern the administration’s foolish strategy and tactics. I hate to see American blood and treasure squandered to no good purpose.
whiskey_199 on July 24, 2007 at 4:42 pm said:
I’ll explain it to you Gringo —
Osama, Qutb, Khomeni, Khameni, Ahmadinejad, Nasrullah, Zawahari, and more have claimed: American can and will be conquered if we just kill enough Americans.
Being defeated in Iraq by AQ and Iran gives them the green light to nuke us, with impunity, through deniable cut-outs. Heck AQ is not even a state. Though they may control Pakistan soon as Musaharraf topples in slow-mo.
It’s as simple as that. Failing to do SOMETHING to deter attacks gets us nuked. Lil Kim will sell to anyone, Pakistan is almost in AQ’s grasp, and Iran is racing towards nukes.
Caveat: We could withdraw from Iraq without a nuke-me sign on our cities if we did something frightful on our way out. Say destroying Pakistan’s nukes and Iran’s nuke infrastructure, regardless of casualties. However the political will to do this ZERO.
As the run-up to WWII proved, Western nations are inherently pacifistic, appeasement driven, and dominated by a feminine response to obvious threats: appeasement and pretending the issue doesn’t exist. Failing to deter aggressive regimes has a proven cost. Even more costly since we are talking about not regimes per-se but the PEOPLE.
Given that we are engaged in a war against Muslims and Islam it seems to me to be worth the 1% of GDP we spend on Iraq to gain allies, critical intelligence, exposure to the enemy (so we can learn, faster, than they can) and the crucible for new technologies.
Bottom line: we have dangerous enemies. Being weak gets us beaten, as Putin said after Beslan. You’ll note HE had no more problems after he used Chechen proxies to simply level Grozny and massive reprisals.
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The Kinetic Effects of Prayer in Islam
One of our readers, an anthropologist of sorts, sent in this After Action Report on the experiential effects of his participation in the Friday prayers at a mosque in his city on the West Coast.
Some background on the writer of this essay: he’s Portuguese but now an American citizen. Like his patron, São João De Deus, he sees his mission as one of healing: João’s ‘patient’ is our ailing Western culture.
Like the rest of us, João is alarmed by Islam’s knee-jerk hostility toward anything beyond its own ideological boundaries. However, he has proactively lit a candle and followed his concern right into the heart of the oncoming darkness. [You’re a braver man than I am, Gunga João].
Islam is nothing if not militant. Thus João follows Colonel Boyd’s strategies as outlined in the OODA loop’s recurring cycles. João has been systematically thorough in his use of Boyd’s cycles. Would that our military leaders were half as curious and determined as João has been to comprehend what we really face.
First, he learned Arabic. This served two purposes: to begin with, it allowed him access into public conversations in those pockets of cultural enrichment in his city. Since his visage (and his gender) would permit him to “pass” unnoticed, he eavesdropped quite openly. The public hatred he heard for non-Muslims made him determined to learn more.
Second, knowing the language allowed him to see the original Koran and hadith, and to contemplate the inescapable understanding that Islam’s “reformation” must remain a myth. It is simply Western-centric thinking to believe in the possible transformaton of a Middle Eastern tribal mindset.
Both experiences left him deeply appalled and concerned for his country and for the West itself.
His next step was to attend Friday prayers in one of the mosques in his city, simply to experience the Friday prayers for himself. As you will see, he came away with an experiential comprehension of Islam’s “hold” on its followers. As he said in his email:
Part of how we can break the grip of the Islamic cult is to experience and to analyze how these rituals shape Muslim minds. It is only then that we can hope to deconstruct and demolish this cult.
What follows here is but one experience from his many years of immersion.
As you know, I have long been studying Arabic. Now, moving on to Koranic recitation, I can explain the strong narcotic effect of Islamic prayer. Within the experience, I can see how the chanting is akin to Rap tempos and rhythms. Recently I did the whole Muslim prayer sequence. It was difficult but the process brought much insight I couldn’t have gained any other way.
It is quite different from Christian prayer. The latter has a more inner, spiritual nature and allows space for the individual, even within community-based rituals. The emphasis in Christian prayer is relationship with God and with one’s neighbors.
In mosque ritual the kinetic aspects of bowing and praying in tandem with others have distinctive effects on brain and mood. I experienced these results myself, without having internalized the belief system. In Islam, it’s about behavior shaping belief.
Bowing and touching your head to the ground repeatedly instills a sense of capitulation and surrender of the will. As a student of yoga I compare it to the Downward Facing Dog position. However, in Islamic ritual, this movement is accompanied by chanting Arabic of Koranic scripture, followed by a “religious rap” of one’s head on the ground.
[Dymphna asks: Don’t you wonder whether the resulting forehead bruise (known as a zebiba), repeated exactly on the section of the cranium protecting the frontal lobes — that part of our brain concerned with higher thought and discernment — takes its toll eventually? No doubt it’s a sign of Islamic holiness.]
The repeated rhythmic lowering of head to ground has different results from other religions’ prayer forms. I have experienced the kinetic affect of Christian prayer, Muslim prayer and Yoga; each one seems to have its own affect on the brain.
Christian prayer directs the mind-body movement upwards, leading to an individual and uplifted energized experience. When Christians bow their heads it is voluntary — or as you put it so well, Dymphna, “obedience is not submission”. For Christians this sign can be directed out toward others, as a sign our mutual coexistence in community.
Muslim prayer primarily directs us downward. Think of bowing to the king in subservience — or, in this case, submission to Allah. Finishing the prayer cycle, I was standing level-headed, my energy redirected now to confront the non-believer. The once a week group prayer unifies this outward energy.
No wonder this form of prayer was a common activity before battle! It is not individual spiritual cleansing but group movement outward to conquer. This is why mass street prayer is occurring in Paris and other European cities. It is not just about the public message of dominance; more importantly it is what they’ve done and said to themselves. This is a preparation for the street battles to come.
Yoga, on the other hand, has an entirely different effect on the mind and body. The “effort without effort” brings you to a balance which results in a receptive, open state. Is this why we don’t see yogi suicide bombers? [Note: we do see self-immolators but it’s not the same as taking others with you — D]
[An Arabic phrase failed to come through our email here — D] “Wudhoo” or ritualistic cleaning before prayer includes saying “Oh Allah I seek protection in you from the male and female devil”; then you step with the left foot. After moving through the steps and considering their effects, I believe these ritual cleansing behaviors had a practical military outcome in better hygiene and less disease among the troops.
The major killer of soldiers in ancient times was not the battlefield but widespread dysentery. Having now done these ritual cleansings many times, I’m convinced they would have resulted in an increase in general hygiene. To wash five times a day your hands, feet, face, ears and mouth means you’re less likely to spread disease. When water is not available, hot sand is used instead — for hands and feet, anyway — as a sterilizer and abrasive for removing organic material which might be a source of pathogens.
So the overall effect of Muslim prayer is:
to destroy the free will of the individual through those daily rituals.
Friday group prayers to focus hostility toward non-believers.
The improvement of group hygiene through daily washing is an excellent way to stay united and prepared for war, or
to exclude the unclean while encouraging hostility toward outsiders.
No wonder Muslims have had hostile relations with host communities. Through long practice, their rituals and prayers program them to act this way.
To free them, then, we must discourage or prevent those aspects of their religion that keep their free will out of commission.
While I haven’t the discipline or opportunity to do what João is doing (or the gender — being male helps one pass less noticed), his experience is one I can share vicariously. Since he knows experientially the results of three different esoteric practices, he has changed his orientation towards Islam. Thus he can direct his future actions more deliberately than would have been the case before he took on his anthropological exploration.
John Boyd would have approved.
30 thoughts on “The Kinetic Effects of Prayer in Islam”
Blogger on June 27, 2011 at 8:05 pm said:
Thank you Joao; this is great. What you say reminds me a lot of a book I have Christianity and Islam by Rudolf Frieling (1977) , which is all about the mystical implications between Christianity and Islam, which you have discussed in your article.
Here is a quote about the differences in “relationship” between God and human:
“Muhammad always continued to combat the sin of ‘giving companions to God’. Christianity, however, took a step forward, not a step backward. God is revealed as Love, and because of this Love seeks to share his divivnity. This took place in eternity with the Son, but is to be continued with mankind. As a result of this loving desire to share, God seeks ‘companions’ and ‘associates’, and in 1Corinthians 3:9 there is an expression which in the koran would be utterly unthinkable: “For we are God’s fellow workers (Synergoi)”. When this summons to be a fellow worker dawns on man his worship develops a new dimension, a dimension that is lacking as long as worship is only prostrations before an overwhelming omnipotence.”
The word “synergoi” reminds me of the word “synergy”; a ‘synergistic relationship’ … versus a master-slave relationship.
Hesperado on June 27, 2011 at 8:46 pm said:
Christian prayer is quite diverse. Among the various Protestantisms, you may have communal prayer where people sit together in a church and a pastor leads the prayer while the congregation follows along silently (and among Protestants there will be lots of variation on how often they do this — whether every Sunday, or only occasionally a few times in a year).
Then, of course, there is the private prayer that can occur anywhere, typified by the prayer before bedtime, or at suppertime. This can be individual, or families may do it together.
Catholic prayer tends to be more ritualistic; which is not necessarily a bad thing. Plus, its content is full of love and light.
The Christian prayer that most approximates Islamic prayer is Orthodox, where the more devout (and certainly the monks among them) do frequently (usually at specific points in the prayer cycle) get down on the ground to touch their forehead to the ground, while most of the time remaining standing. (At one of the three Orthodox services I attended, only two congregants routinely got down on the floor to touch their foreheads: these were younger guys still trying to show how pious they were. The rest of the congregation simply remained standing (and a couple of people were sitting on folding chairs in the back). Above on a balcony was a choir, literally singing the prayers. (Unlike Protestants, Orthodox don’t just pray extemporaneously, or follow some minister’s ad-libbing about “God’s message”: they have specific (and very long) prayer scripts taken mostly from the Old and New Testaments.)
Not only physically does Orthodox prayer resemble Islamic prayer, but also among the more zealous (usually certain monks following St. Palamas) engage in a prayer of long repetitions of liturgy (literally readings) it can become and sound quite hypnotic (e.g., the hesychastic prayer). To my ear, Orthodox prayer sounds more musical and beautiful than Islamic prayer, which sounds hypnotic in the more sinister sense.
Of course, although Orthodox prayer can physically and hypnotically resemble Islamic prayer, the difference in content is stark: the latter reiterating submission to a War God and his calls for them to hate their Enemies; the former cultivating an amor Dei intending to lift the amor sui from its tendency toward dysfunctionally self-defeating frustration up into its natural fulfillment.
Egghead on June 27, 2011 at 10:02 pm said:
João, thank you for sharing your important insights with us.
On another note, I immediately thought of flagellation – as practiced by past and present Christians and Muslims.
Wikipedia: Flagellation
Zenster on June 27, 2011 at 10:18 pm said:
Dymphna: Don’t you wonder whether the resulting forehead bruise (known as a zebiba), repeated exactly on the section of the cranium protecting the frontal lobes — that part of our brain concerned with higher thought and discernment — takes its toll eventually? No doubt it’s a sign of Islamic holiness.
A “sign of Islamic holiness”? Yes.
A “bruise”? Absolutely not.
From: The Third Eye Of Islam
The doctor explained that praying and prostrating oneself towards Mecca five times a day (as stipulated in salat, the second pillar of Islam) means putting repeated pressure and friction on the forehead when it meets the carpet.
As the full weight of the body is placed entirely on the forehead during the 34 daily prostrations (part of the five daily prayer sessions) the mark naturally begins to appear over a period of years (with four years generally the minimum amount of time required).
Dermatologist Sameh Attia agreed with this summation of the situation: 5 doses a day of religious inculcation + years of Islamic prostration = epidermal accumulation. As a medical specialist, however, he preferred to call it by its clinical name, hyperkeratosis.
The process of hyperkeratosis or calvus (as it’s also known) is accelerated through the exposure to secondary fungal and bacterial infections found where calluses normally preside – on bare feet. [emphasis added]
So, it’s sort of like cranial athlete’s foot. No wonder Muslims are always itching to join Allah.
Hesperado on June 27, 2011 at 11:56 pm said:
Zenster,
If you think about it, it may be a more concrete connection than merely analogical: Muslims put their foreheads on ground or floor where the Muslim in front of him has his feet. Perhaps there is an actual transfer of foot bacteria to the foreheads behind one.
Another indication that it’s not a “bruise” is that obviously not all Muslims have them. A glaring example of this is comparing Osama with his #2, Zawahiri: the latter has a remarkably pronounced one; Osama didn’t seem to have one at all as far as I could tell.
Bobbo on June 28, 2011 at 2:15 am said:
Hesperado,
thanks for somewhat explaining the Orthodox prayer position known as “prostration”. In the Christian faith, it has been an excellent way for the prayee to find humility before God. The Old Testament speaks of it too. BTW, a very real Islamic Kinetic prayer style is shown by the Whirling Dervishes.
Hi Dymphna. It has been too long. My apologies to you and the Baron.
BTW, I am an Orthodox Christian…I forgot to put that tidbit in.
Zenster on June 28, 2011 at 2:45 am said:
Hesperado: Perhaps there is an actual transfer of foot bacteria to the foreheads behind one.
Thank you for that BGO (Blinding Glimpse of the Obvious). The linked article, in addition to the excerpt that I cited made this abundantly clear. It isn’t a matter of who kneels in front of whom. Merely treading barefoot upon the prayer room’s carpet laces it with the fungal matter needed to spawn hyperkeratosis.
Permit me to suggest that the Arabic word, “zabeeba” should translate into English as “aiming point”. “Bulls-eye” is an equally acceptable alternative.
Salome on June 28, 2011 at 2:55 am said:
As I understand it, the Muslim prayer postures were copied from the prayer postures of Christians among whom the early Muslims lived. That’s not to say they weren’t subsequently modified, or more tightly regimented.
cumpa_29 on June 28, 2011 at 2:56 am said:
VERY interesting insights.
This Joao guy seems a cool cat. An anthropologist for our times. Hesperado had some great comments as well.
In Hoc Signo Vinces† on June 28, 2011 at 4:08 am said:
islam – a brain damaged war machine.
Egghead on June 28, 2011 at 7:19 am said:
I read somewhere a couple of years ago:
If you see a lot of men with zabeebas gathering in a public place, you had better run for your life because they are devout and might presage a terror attack.
The late Iraqi President Saddam Hussein wrote a novel entitled Zabeeba and the King.
From 2002: Play based on novel by Saddam
“…the play depicts the theme of the ‘Iraqi confrontation with the West during the 90s.'”
Karl Anka on June 28, 2011 at 8:49 am said:
I’m convinced Allah produced these third eyes as good aiming points in the coming civil wars.
Hesperado on June 28, 2011 at 9:20 am said:
Bobbo,
I’ve also read that early Orthodox monks (and probably they continue the practice to this day) also tended to stand while praying with their arms extended out to either side. So even in Orthodoxy, we have considerable diversity; whereas in Islam, there is on this, as on many other matters where it counts, regimented (if not monolithic) uniformity.
One detail I don’t like about João’s account: his theory about Islamic hygiene being the cat’s pajamas. I think Islamic hygiene has far more to do with the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder of Mohammed’s psychopathy, than it does with rational ilitary considerations.
(make that “military”, of course)
I always thought it was related to the Arabic for “raisin” — zabib. To me, it looks like a large black raisin on the forehead.
zoloftea on June 28, 2011 at 11:01 am said:
I converted to Judaism 2 years ago from Roman Catholic. Jewish prayer postures are: sitting, standing, rising up on one’s toes when we say “Holy” – as a way to reach upwards to G-d, stepping backwards, forwards, symbolically into holy space where we come closer to G-d, and on the High Holy Days, we can choose to prostrate ourselves on the floor to acknowledge our sins and shortcomings. Prayers are of thanksgiving and for peace for the world and especially for the peace of Jerusalem.
Lawrence on June 28, 2011 at 11:26 am said:
… what have I been saying?
We have to snap out of our narrow Western Mind-set to have an chance at dealing with the real dangers if Islamist conquest.
Sagunto on June 28, 2011 at 12:08 pm said:
As far as the content of prayer is concerned, I think that Islam is unique in that its basic prayer testifies to a polemical preoccupation with other religions. At least the famous “credo” (in unum deum, patrem omnipotentem) is about Christianity itself, not about what others believe.
But the first part of Islam’s “credo”, the “ash-shahaada” – which is more of a legal statement of a “witness” before some sort of court – is unique in its brazen implicitness that all other religions are false.
Sag.
Babs on June 28, 2011 at 3:56 pm said:
Thanks for this fascinating insight, which confirms my belief that Islam is a cult, whose adherents are encouraged to use thought-blocking, self-hypnosis and suffer from phobias about other religions and leaving Islam. Steve Hassan’s excellent books about Cult Mind Control, although ostensibly based on his experiences with the Moonies, could easily be applied to Islam
1389 on June 28, 2011 at 10:23 pm said:
@Hesperado,
As an Orthodox Christian, we do sometimes do prostrations during prayer. This is generally during penitential prayer.
However, while Orthodox faithful, especially monastics, might touch their heads to the floor (though this is not required), we do NOT knock our heads against the floor. We never get a bruise, lump, or scrape mark on our foreheads from prayer.
Islam and Brain Damage
@Zenster,
That’s probably taqiyya. You have to apply your head to the floor pretty often AND pretty hard to get a mark.
Besides, if Muslims wash their feet and faces before prayer, that should discourage the spread of microbial infections.
As I said, Orthodox monastics, who frequently make prostrations during prayer, don’t get marks on their foreheads.
Hesperado: I think Islamic hygiene has far more to do with the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder of Mohammed’s psychopathy, than it does with rational ilitary considerations.
Again, a careful reading of “The Third Eye Of Islam” will show that barefoot, mosque-going Muslims are clearly tracking into those premises fungus and bacteria which have, obviously, not been adequately abated by the traditional foot-washing rituals. These ablutions and their lacking any actual involvement of (historically expensive) soap leads one to the readily apparent conclusion that, for Islam, “hygiene” is merely a form of greeting.
1389: Besides, if Muslims wash their feet and faces before prayer, that should discourage the spread of microbial infections.
Simple laving is not enough to obtain anti-microbal and anti-fungal prophylaxis. In fact, moist environments favor the incubation and vectoring of both life forms.
Please see my previous comment.
Being OCD about hygiene doesn’t necessarily mean you will be successfully actually clean as a result. For the compulsive, it’s all about the minutiae of the ritual, not about the common sense of really being hygienic.
The “knocking” of the forehead in Islamic prayer is probably a result of another factor not yet mentioned: the ritualistic rocking back and forth while they are on their hands and knees. I haven’t counted how many times they touch their heads to the floor, but it must number into the dozens if not a hundred — and this is 5 times a day.
Nevertheless, it’s obviously not uniform, or we’d see most Muslim men with that mark, which we don’t. The most likely explanation is the knocking + the bacteria — both of which (particularly the latter) admit of variation and degree, ranging from non-existent on one end, to marked (pun intended) on the other.
heroyalwhyness on June 30, 2011 at 10:43 am said:
An excellent post & commentary which will be referenced frequently. Thank you all.
The Old and new Testaments concern themselves with the love and teachings of God and Christ. The Qur’an instead expends considerable effort demonizing other religions and the people who practice them (see CSPI’s Statistical Islam).
Further, a pious Muslim who prays the five requisite daily prayers of Islam will recite the Fatiha seventeen times in the course of those prayers – EACH AND EVERY DAY.
As Wafa Sultan states in her book “A God Who Hates”: “This verse describes Christians as “those who have gone astray” and Jews as “those who have incurred Your wrath.” We see from this that Muslims execrate Christians and Jews a number of times in the course of a single prayer, which they repeat five times a day.”
execrate –verb
1. to detest utterly; abhor; abominate.
2. to curse; imprecate evil upon; damn; denounce
Spencer: Blogging the Qur’an: Sura 1, “The Opening”
Islamic prayer is indoctrination to hate, building the foundation of hate enabling the training for violence.
Why is this so difficult to comprehend? Islam is not about peace. Islam is about triumphalism and submission of all.
LAN ASTASLEM (Arabic: لن استسلم )
Know Islam = No Peace.
No Islam = Know Peace.
Columnist on June 22, 2012 at 11:54 am said:
Joao is a very brave man. I know others who did the same.
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The awesome boats thread
Thread starter Aston Martin
Sgt. Maj. Buzzkill
Kiel/Wherever, Germany
'19 BMW M240i
DanRoM said:
So this means the good names are all taken by now?
Mein Schiff 1 already exists, pretty much a clone. Actually, I approve of this naming scheme from an advertising point of view. Makes you think about it and maybe even remember it.
marcos_eirik
Mostly my feet, occasionally a Tesla
narf said:
Aren't those just old Celebrity Cruises ships refurbished for Tui Cruises...? I know the Mein Schiff, is simply the old Celebrity Galaxy, given a makeover. She was in Oslo last year, and is coming back this year.
Both Tui and Celebrity Cruises are owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line by the way...
A slightly more dignified ship spotted the other day; P&O's Oriana...
Yup, they're both Century Class ships... still look cool and modern in person.
Moths are pretty awesome.
Also pictured: U-Boot pressure chamber on the very left and the HDW shipyard to the right. Fun fact: They built the thread-starting A.
Sadly I failed to snap the Moth at full tilt, so here's some off the 'net:
Contains even more awesomeness with the Open70
DanRoM
Ruhr Area, Germany
MX-5 ND, Tracer 900 GT & two bikes
I assumed that, and that's no less ridiculous as a ship's name. Suddenly I have to think of the old "mein Haus, mein Auto, mein Boot" commercials...
...and in that instance their names have achieved their goal. You've thought about them longer than about any old name.
Today's crop of cruisers/etc...
^ Built by the same guys who built this Predator inspired by the thread-starting A:
Museum ships, for example the old SAR Hindenburg, not going up in flames any time soon...
Two of the 127 cruisers visiting this year:
Watching the flocks of cruise line tourists on their way to Copenhagen / Bergen wandering through the harbor is fun.
Reactions: Blackout89
An old marketing film promoting the SS United States, and her transatlantic crossings from New York to Le Havre...
[video=youtube;A2TII-nPRnA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2TII-nPRnA[/video]
I just can't put into words how much I'd like to go to America on her... It's a shame she will never sail again... Though it's some conciliation that you can cross the atlantic on the QM2 for a (reasonably) modest sum if you don't really need to have the most expensive epic luxury balcony suite...
Yes, as in the airport.
BBC News - 31 May 2011 Titanic launch 100th anniversary marked in Belfast
Meant to post this last week, the ship sank in April 1912, so 100th anniversary of that is next year.
The QE2 in heavy weather:
Going down...
... Going up...
Begs for a caption: Britain, Jolly good...
Might look bad, but then you have to remember that the QE2 was bilt for this kind of weather conditions, with her long bow, and deep draught protecting the bridge and the superstructure. The Queen Victoria on the other hand wasn't built for it:
Reactions: Viper007Bond
Strelok16
Northern Californialand
'69 Mustang project, '92 Buick Retiree-gal
A time when photographers were men and women loved them for it: according to Wikipedia, the boat that the cameraman was aboard while shooting this picture of the USS Connecticut (BB-8) during speed trials was swamped by the battleship's bow wave after the picture was taken.
Chicken Nugget Connoisseur
2008 Dodge Viper, 2006 MB CLS55 AMG
marcos_eirik said:
[awesome [pics]
[awesome pic]
Wow! :shock:
My Cars: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 convertible (summer weekend car), 2001 Ford Mustang GT coupe (winter car & grocery getter)
There is no replacement for displacement.
- Wolfgang Bernhard, then Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Group talking about the Dodge Viper SRT-10
... I ask Herb Helbig, vehicle synthesis manager for SRT and a member of the original Team Viper development group since day one, if they'd ever thought of adding traction control. "It comes with two," he says, pointing at my feet. "Learn to use them." Got it.
- Motor Trend on the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe, November 2005
Viper007Bond said:
Tharr be moar here... Just click on "2008 Tandem crossing". That was the RMS Queen Mary 2 and the RMS Queen Elisabeth 2 crossing the atlantic together in tandem...
Follow the link for the pics.
The ghost ships of Mothball Fleet: Incredible pictures of abandoned Navy war ships taken by crew of illegal squatters
They are the Navy ships that heroically fought in World War Two, now slowly rotting in a San Francisco bay.
And as they are being towed, one by one, for scrapping, in just a few years they will all be gone.
A group of illegal squatters gained unprecedented access to the vessels by rowing at night for two years past security and climbing onto the ships, sleeping secretly on board for days at a time.
And as these stunning images show, their efforts were certainly worth it.
The ships, which served the U.S. in four wars - World War Two, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and Desert Storm - are now stationed in Suisun Bay, 30 miles north east of San Francisco.
The mothballed ships, which once numbered close to 400, have been out of action for a decade. 15 of the ships have already been scrapped and the whole fleet is expected to have disappeared by 2017.
The squatting photographers, led by Scott Haefner, gained access to the ships over a two year period.
They took months to prepare their voyages - analysing tidal patterns and security rotas - but despite many close calls managed to spend many days at a time on board.
'As news began to mount that the ships would finally be towed out for scrapping, we knew we had to act fast if we wanted to explore and document them,' Haefner said.
'We had fantasised for years about getting aboard and had to overcome numerous obstacles just to get to the ships. To get across the channel, we acquired a small, inflatable raft that was just big enough for the three of us and our gear, along with a small motor powered by a car battery.'
The raft often had holes in and on one occasion they frantically had to keep pumping up the boat while still on water.
'On subsequent trips, we spent the entire weekend aboard the ships, each time on a different row. Because they are tethered closely together in rows, we had many ships to explore?enough to keep us occupied for a week or more if the excursions were not so draining and we did not have jobs pulling us back,' Haefner said.
'One of the first orders of business each trip was finding a place to sleep. The ships are often stinky from mould, mildew and decay, so a room with windows that opened was preferable.
'We typically slept in the captain?s room where we found comfy couches, convertible beds, lots of space, and plenty of light during the daytime.
'We slept during the day after shooting and exploring all night. Around noon, we would wake up and eat and explore the bowels of the ships.
'We had to be careful moving around on the decks during the day, but because the ships are so tall, it was still fairly low-key?at least during our initial trips.
'On later trips, we ran into crews working on the ships, even on weekends, due to increased clean up efforts. Luckily we always saw or heard them before they saw us!'
Labcoatguy
#Jaguar #XKR, #Saab #9-3, #Toyota #MR2 #Spyder
"Power corrupts. Lack of power corrupts absolutely."
-Redliner, ironically
Labcoatguy said:
[...]America, Fuck Yeah![...]
Since none others could be bothered...
Reactions: h-p
jasonof2000
Delmarva Peninsula
2013 Lincoln MKT, 2002 Miata SE, 2012 Honda NC700
My first destroyer in heavy weather...
"The beatings will continue until morale improves".
"Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge." -Isaac Asimov
'94 Acura Integra, '08 Infiniti G37 (Again)
This one makes me particularly sad... The Sea Shadow in this state.
"When once you have tasted flight,
you will forever walk the earth
with your eyes turned skyward.
For there you have been,
and there you long to return."
-Leonardo DaVinci-
It was up for sale at one point in time. Not sure if there were no takers, or the restrictions were to restrictive.
I'm pretty sure the Sea Shadow isn't up for scrapping. I know the Iowa definitely isn't, as well as a few other especially historical ships in that fleet, like the tugboat in there that was used to keep sinking ships from blocking channels and to tow them to shallow water during the attack on Pearl Harbor. I've been close to the mothball fleet a few different times, it is indeet quite depressing, especially since most of the ships in there are now up for scrapping soon. They're mostly cargo ships, but it's still always sad to see history disappearing.
The Navy Has a Top-Secret Vessel It Wants to Put on Display
Sea Shadow and Its Satellite-Proof Barge Need a Home; Plotting in Providence
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Anybody want some top-secret seagoing vessels? The Navy has a pair it doesn't need anymore. It has been trying to give them away since 2006, and they're headed for the scrap yard if somebody doesn't speak up soon.
One is called Sea Shadow. It's big, black and looks like a cross between a Stealth fighter and a Batmobile. It was made to escape detection on the open sea. The other is known as the Hughes (as in Howard Hughes) Mining Barge. It looks like a floating field house, with an arching roof and a door that is 76 feet wide and 72 feet high. Sea Shadow berths inside the barge, which keeps it safely hidden from spy satellites.
The barge, by the way, is the only fully submersible dry dock ever built, making it very handy -- as it was 35 years ago -- for trying to raise a sunken nuclear-armed Soviet submarine.
"I'm fascinated by the possibilities," Frank Lennon said one morning recently. Mr. Lennon runs -- or ran -- a maritime museum here in Providence. He was standing in a sleet storm on a wharf below a power plant, surveying the 297-foot muck-encrusted hulk of a Soviet submarine that he owns. His only exhibit, it was open to the public until April 2007, when a northeaster hit Providence and the sub sank.
Army and Navy divers refloated it this past summer with the aid of chains and air tanks. Mr. Lennon can't help but imagine how his sub might look alongside the two covert Cold War castoffs from the Navy. "They would be terrific for our exhibit," he said, watching the sleet come down.
But a gift ship from the Navy comes with lots of strings attached to the rigging. A naval museum, the Historic Naval Ships Association warns, is "a bloodthirsty, paperwork ridden, permit-infested, money-sucking hole..." Because the Navy won't pay for anything -- neither rust scraping nor curating -- to keep museums afloat, survival depends on big crowds. That's why many of the 48 ships it has given away over 60 years were vessels known for performing heroically in famous battles.
Museum entrepreneurs like Mr. Lennon who don't have much money can only fantasize about Sea Shadow and its barge. After all, a pair of mysterious vessels that performed their heroics out of the public eye can't have much claim to fame. Glen Clark, the Navy's civilian ship-disposal chief, has received just one serious call about the two vessels, and it didn't lead to a written application.
The Navy's insistence on donating Sea Shadow and the barge as a twofer may also explain the lack of interest. Here is the Navy's vision for a museum display as Mr. Clark describes it:
"When you're driving down the road, you can't see the Sea Shadow. You have to pay for your ticket to go on board the Hughes Mining Barge, and then you see the Sea Shadow. That has the capability of preserving the aura of secrecy of the program."
Possibly. It might also cause drivers to drive right by the hulking rust-bucket without devoting a thought to stopping.
The Hughes Mining Barge actually has nothing to do with mining or with the late, reclusive Mr. Hughes. He merely let the Central Intelligence Agency use his name in 1974 to cover up its mission to raise a Soviet submarine from the floor of the Pacific Ocean.
The adventure was publicized as the expedition of another new vessel, the Hughes Glomar Explorer, to mine for minerals on the seabed. To grab a sub, the ship needed a giant claw. But because it was big and unwieldy, the claw couldn't be installed in the ship at dockside. That's where the "mining" barge came in.
The claw was assembled inside it. According to Curtis Crooke, retired president of Global Marine Development Inc., the company that did the work, the barge with the claw inside was then towed off the California coast and submersed. The Glomar Explorer was positioned over it, and the claw hoisted into its belly.
Then the Explorer went sub hunting (exactly how much of the sub it retrieved, if anything, has never been declassified) and the barge went into mothballs.
"That's all it was used for," says Mr. Crooke, "to put the claw inside the Explorer." Would the barge work as a museum? "It's just a big old dumb barge," he says. "Now, the Sea Shadow, that's a way-out spacey kind of thing. You could tell a story about that."
The Glomar Explorer was refitted as a drill ship. The barge -- thanks to its satellite-proof roof -- got a second secret job for the Navy and its contractor, Lockheed Missiles & Space Co. In the early 1980s, Sea Shadow was assembled inside it. At a cost later put at $195 million, it aimed to attain the same invisibility at sea that it had in the federal budget.
Sea Shadow, 160 feet long and 70 feet wide, was the Navy's first experimental stealth ship. Its special coatings, sharp angles and other confidential doohickeys allowed it to baffle radar and sonar. Viewed bow-on, it looks like a squat letter "A" standing on two submerged pontoons for exceptional stability on rough seas.
From the start, Sea Shadow moved at night, towed from its California dock inside its barge and launched onto the open sea to sail on its own in darkness.
S.K. Gupta, now a vice president at Lockheed Martin Space Systems, was in the crew. He recalls watching a glass of Coke on the bridge barely ripple in 12-foot waves. In war games with the Navy off San Diego, he says, "We operated during the night with impunity. We could disappear and sneak up on whomever we wanted. Nobody thought we could do it. A ship is usually hard to hide."
The Navy brought Sea Shadow out of the shadows for daylight tests in 1993, setting off a flash of publicity. It hit the cover of Popular Mechanics. Revell made a plastic model. A mad media mogul used a Sea Shadow look-alike to foment war between Britain and China in a 1997 James Bond movie "Tomorrow Never Dies."
In 2006, its experimental life at an end, Sea Shadow and the barge it was boxed in were struck from the Navy's register and tied up in Suisun Bay, near San Francisco. The technologies it developed have sired a generation of land-attack destroyers and ocean-surveillance ships. "Sea Shadow is the mother of all stealth ships in the world," says Mr. Gupta. It ought to be displayed out in the open on dry land, he thinks, its invisibility visible to all.
The Navy's Mr. Clark says, "We're looking at that option." In December, Sea Shadow got a one-year reprieve from the junk yard. And in Providence, Mr. Lennon got one more year to dream.
Retreating from the sleet, he was in the Sealand Diner eating breakfast with Ed Sciaba. Mr. Lennon is 66 years old and an ex-Green Beret. Mr. Sciaba, 54, is a scrap dealer ready to tow Mr. Lennon's sunken Soviet sub to his yard.
Mr. Sciaba knew nothing of Sea Shadow or the CIA's sub-raising venture. As Mr. Lennon recounted the details, he got excited.
"Hell of an idea," he said. "That's a museum I'd go to."
"You could tell the story of the Cold War," said Mr. Lennon.
Mr. Sciaba banged his coffee mug on the table. "Let's go get 'em and tow 'em back here!" he said. Mr. Lennon turned his gaze to the storm outside, and Mr. Sciaba picked up the check.
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Home / Sectors / Public services
Trends: influencing behavior through functionality and design
Promising product features: innovative customization
Public service sector
Public spaces and services have a significant impact on everyone who lives, works, and moves within them. Our team knows from their own experience that every street, neighborhood, and community has its individual character allowing them to respond to the desire for a pleasant human experience with respect for the environment, from sustainable use of waste to better design of public spaces.
Public services showcase
Alfen was founded in 1937. Today, Alfen is an international organization that focuses on the development and delivery of innovative products and projects in the world of electric energy.
Alfen | Eve Single S- and Pro-line
Honorable recognition
Tulpi
Tulpi is an outdoor chair for public use that resembles the Dutch national flower: the tulip. The chair has started to lead its own successful life and the design has achieved the highest achievable honor. The royal house used the Tulpi as a national gift during a state visit. In the photo, the Tulpis are placed in the city park of Toronto, Canada.
Public services cases
Kroonring | Plastic waste collector
Gemeente Helmond | Red castles
Questions regarding this sector?
Dennis van den Beuken
Client director | NL
Hospital lobbies, the town square, railway tunnels, and festival sites, they all have one thing in common. They are all used by people in various degrees of intensity. And where people use space, there are also questions about how best to use that space. How do you make people feel safe, have a pleasant experience of that space, and that no undesirable situations arise? Dennis enjoys exchanging ideas about these issues and talking about how design plays a role in both thinkings and doing.
© 2020 GBO Innovation makers | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Statement | According to ISO13485
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Law · January, 2018
January 2006 1 post
Stories about Law from January, 2018
After Two Decades, Will Ghana Finally Pass a Right to Information Law?
Sub-Saharan Africa31 January 2018
"We the people...put our faith in the system expecting them to work efficiently, fairly and impartially. But that hasn’t been the case...we continue to find ourselves in the cesspool."
Since 2016, Myanmar Courts Have Convicted 100% of People Charged Under Telecom Law 66 (d)
East Asia29 January 2018
"Every court has given a prison sentence and none has given a fine."
Iran Suspends Thousands of Drug-Related Death Sentences After Years of Human Rights Advocacy
Middle East & North Africa25 January 2018
"Ninety percent of the prisoners on death row for drug crimes were just unfortunate mules carrying drugs to pay for their daughter’s dowry or an operation for their mother."
Netizen Report: Can Brazil’s Government Use Google to Manipulate Public Opinion?
Latin America25 January 2018
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Rejected by Australia and Condemned to Detention in Indonesia, Refugees Protest Life in Limbo
Afghanistan25 January 2018
"Australian NGOs have denounced this 'Indonesian Solution', arguing that their government is paying Jakarta “hundreds of millions of dollars to detain and warehouse asylum seekers."
#MeToo Has Hit China's Universities, Despite Efforts of Internet Censors
After months of censorship, a student's viral account of sexual misconduct by a renowned university professor has forced the discussion into the open.
Would Amnesty for Drug Kingpins Achieve Peace in Mexico? Depends Who You Ask
A presidential candidate proposes amnesty as a solution to Mexico's internal conflict. Such a proposition is not novel in the region -- nor is the controversy it sparks.
#JusticeForAsifa: A Young Girl's Murder Shocks Jammu And Kashmir Residents — But Not the National Media
South Asia24 January 2018
Nationally, reactions to the incident have been sporadic, with many Indians refraining from commenting or staging protests against the heinous crime.
Protests Underscore the Potential Power of Iran's Access to Information Law
This is an opportune time to fully enforce efforts towards transparency after Iran's December-January protests. The first step must be a full implementation of Iran’s Access to Information law.
Changing Trinidad & Tobago Carnival's Culture Starts With Consent
Caribbean22 January 2018
"Flirting is not a crime. Forcing your attention on someone is." Trinidad and Tobago Carnival may be experiencing "a progressive cultural shift”.
‘Crimes of Solidarity’ Once Again Lead to Outcry in France
Western Europe22 January 2018
While the controversial new bill on immigration is under review by the parliament, harassment of migrants and those who dare to help them is in full throttle in France.
State of Emergency Over Worsening Crime Has Some Jamaicans Relieved — But Is It an Effective Approach?
Is a state of emergency "making progress", or is it a shot in the dark as Jamaica grapples with addressing the social and economic inequity that fuels violent crime?
The First Mobile Phone Network for Indigenous Communities in Mexico Is Under Threat
"This is the only telecommunications service that these communities have, historically they have not been covered...we believe a clear exemption for this type of operator should be in the law."
Leaked Documents Show That Ethiopia’s Ruling Elites Are Hiring Social Media Trolls (And Watching Porn)
The leaks include a list of individuals who appear to have been paid to promote the ruling coalition on social media.
Reuters Journalists Covering Rohingya Conflict in Myanmar Detained for ‘Illegally Acquiring Information’
"If Myanmar is serious about democratic reforms, it must accept the right of journalists to work freely and report on topics that make those in power uncomfortable."
How Will Macau's New Cybersecurity Legislation Impact Freedom of Speech?
The Macau Civil Servants Association (MCSA) called the proposal to monitor online data through binary code “arbitrary, disproportionate and illegal."
Pakistanis Demand #JusticeForZainab, 7-Year-Old Raped and Murdered in Kasur
"12 young girls, have been raped and murdered in the last one year...Failure of Pakistan’s 'Criminal Justice System' lies at the root of this public anger."
Jailed Paraguayan Activists Call Themselves Political Prisoners but the Government Disagrees
"Liberty, for me, is that all men and women have the possibility of working and living with dignity..."
Netizen Report: Fearful of ‘Fake News’, Lawmakers in France and Brazil Want to Limit Free Speech Before Elections
India's Biometric ID System Is Leaking Personal Data — And State Agencies Won't Fix the Problem
Instead of improving the Aadhaar system, India's unique ID authority is going after journalists who write about its flaws.
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As we all welcomed the year 2020, little did we know that the moral fabric of our society would be upended, the limits of our healthcare system tested, the economy shut down, businesses would be required to shut their doors, and tens of millions of hard-working Americans would lose their livelihood in the blink of an eye. It is not lost on the GRACRE board that while we, and all our members, may feel limited in our ability to lend a helping hand to our communities, we do have a responsibility to play our small part in a broader recovery.
Below I have listed the board’s goals and values of GRACRE. We need your help in making progress, so please step up and volunteer where your talents and passion align with our needs.
Legislative Committee:
On a state and municipal level, there is pending legislation that will significantly impact rezoning, new development, affordable housing, environmental practices, infrastructure spending, and relief to small businesses. The health of our member companies’ employment and housing in our communities will be directly affected by legislation passed in 2021. please join Rob Benaicha (Legislative Committee Chair) and Bobby Proutt (GRACRE President 2022 and VACRE President 2021) in support of these topics.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Under the leadership of Kristie Inge, our Diversity & Inclusion Committee has been working on ways to foster a more inclusive environment at GRACRE. Our ability to effect change in the industry lobbying for legislative issues or community support of new development requires that we as an organization draw support and ideas from a diverse constituent base. We need your help to achieve this goal so please consider joining our Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Coupled with our Membership Committee, we aim to make every single member feel included and armed with the tools they need to succeed.
During COVID the board and programs committee has worked together to provide our membership with virtual content on a variety of issue this year. To support our region during the pandemic, proceeds from this year’s programs have been reinvested with select community partners that are able to directly impact those in need. We thank our sponsors who enable us to make this possible by continuing to support GRACRE.
As I believe all our members now know, our association manager, Diane Munn, is retiring at the end of this month. Diane has been a committed and loyal supporter of GRACRE helping us manage the organization these last 13 years. We will miss her presence at our meetings and her radiant smile; everyone knows that Diane keeps the organization firing on all cylinders and has supported our growth over the last ten years. Thank you, Diane!!!
As we move forward, we are thrilled to introduce you to our new association manager, Ashley Millen. Ashley has been working behind the scenes with Diane on the transition and is excited about collaborating with the board on advancing our goals and membership benefits moving forward. Welcome Ashley!!! At the bottom of this letter is her contact info.
As your president, my goal for 2021 is to push forward through the headwinds we face to provide quality content, legislative support for commercial and multifamily real estate, and inclusive programming while continuing to act as a careful steward of GRACRE’s financial resources.
I encourage each of you to reach out to a committee chair to discover what you may have to offer our group. If you are not already a member of this premier commercial real estate organization and would like more information, please peruse our website (www.Gracre.org) and contact us! I look forward to a fun 2020 and thank you in advance for your help and energy in making it a great year for all our members.
It is my honor and privilege to serve as President of GRACRE for 2021. Thanks to the hard work of our Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and our Members. My sincere thanks to Mercer Ferguson for his enthusiastic leadership and for setting GRACRE up for continued success in 2021.
Jason Guillot
2021 GRACRE President
Ashley Millen Contact Info:
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Trump orders US flags lowered to honor officers – Orange County Register
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump and impeachment (all times local):
President Donald Trump is ordering the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff as a sign of respect for two U.S. Capitol Police officers who have died since last Wednesday’s violent protests at the Capitol, as well as all members of law enforcement across the nation.
In a proclamation Sunday, Trump says the show of respect will take place at the White House and all federal buildings through sunset on Wednesday.
The proclamation makes no mention of the rioting at the Capitol.
Trump cites Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood.
Sicknick joined the U.S. Capitol Police in 2008, serving until his death Thursday after being attacked as rioters seething over Trump’s election loss stormed the Capitol, believing the president’s false claims of a rigged election.
Authorities announced the death of Liebengood on Sunday. It was not clear whether his death was connected to Wednesday’s events. Two people familiar with the matter said the officer’s death was an apparent suicide. They were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and requested anonymity.
There were increasing calls for Trump to order flags to be flown at half-staff on federal facilities after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered the same for the Capitol following Sicknick’s death.
Citigroup is pausing all federal political donations for the first three months of the year in light of Wednesday’s deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.
In a memo to employees Friday, Citi’s head of global government affairs Candi Wolff said, “We want you to be assured that we will not support candidates who do not respect the rule of law.”
“We support engaging with our political leaders even when we disagree, and our PAC is an important tool for that engagement,” Wolff wrote, adding that the company previously donated $1,000 to the campaign of Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri in 2019, who represents a state in which Citi has a lot of employees.
Unlike other companies which have announced pausing donations to the 147 Republicans who opposed certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s election, Citi says it is pausing all federal contributions.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE IMPEACHMENT PUSH IN CONGRESS:
Democrats in Congress are laying plans to impeach President Donald Trump and ensure that an “unhinged” commander in chief — in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s words — can do no further damage in his remaining days in office. They are trying to send a message to the nation, and the world, that mob violence at the Capitol this past week that was inspired by the White House will not stand.
— Squelched by Twitter, Trump seeks new online megaphone
— Pope prays for dead in Capitol rioting, appeals for calm
— In wake of Capitol riot, Americans struggle for answers
Read More: Trump orders US flags lowered to honor officers – Orange County Register
Exclusive Q&A with Moe Harkless, the NBA Ambassador for The Prisoner Wine Company
CountyflagshonorloweredOfficersorangeOrdersRegisterTrump
Schwarzenegger compares Capitol riot to rise of Nazi Germany
Expert shares tips to help your child struggling during lockdown
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Homepage > Business > Urban planning & Environment > Waste / Dangerous substances > Waste treatment facilities
Specific sector
The disposal of waste by incineration must be a last resort for waste that cannot be recovered. Insofar as possible, it must be combined with the thermal recovery of the heat generated during the combustion process.
The requirement for an operating permit for a waste incineration or co-incineration plant aims to prevent or reduce to a minimum the negative effects of incineration on humans and the environment.
The operating permit application with respect to a waste incineration or co-incineration plant is submitted at the same time as the classified establishment operating permit application but shall systematically be subject to a separate authorisation.
All waste incineration or co-incineration plants (such as cement works) require a permit, with the exception of plants incinerating only the following types of waste:
vegetable waste from agriculture and forestry;
vegetable waste from food processing, if the heat generated is recovered;
fibrous vegetable waste from virgin pulp or pulp paper production if it is co-incinerated at the place of production and the heat generated is recovered;
wood waste, with the exception of wood waste likely to contain halogenated organic compounds or heavy metals following treatment with wood preservatives or the application of a wood coating, including in particular this kind of wood waste coming from construction or demolition works;
cork waste;
radioactive waste;
animal carcasses coming under European Regulation 1774/2002;
waste resulting from off-shore oil and gas prospecting and exploitation and incinerated on these off-shore facilities.
Moreover, experimental research, development and testing facilities aiming to improve the incineration process are not concerned by this regulation, as long as the total quantity of waste incinerated annually does not exceed 50 tonnes.
Waste incineration or co-incineration plants are listed under class 1 of the nomenclature of classified establishments.
An application must be submitted in 2 cases:
a classified establishment permit application for the construction and/or operation of an incineration or co-incineration plant;
substantial modification of an existing plant by expanding from an incineration / co-incineration plant for non-hazardous waste to a plant for hazardous waste.
Preparing the dossier
As the operating permit application for a waste incineration / co-incineration plant is submitted at the same time as the classified establishment operating permit application, all the documents required for this dossier must be assembled.
Specifically with regard to a waste incineration or co-incineration plant, the following information must be gathered and checked:
precise description and origin of the waste to be accepted, stored and/or treated, with their European Waste Codes (EWC or CED2 in French);
detailed description of the procedures, machinery and/or equipment used to treat the waste;
plan of the site, including the place of storage of the waste in question;
contact details and permit numbers of the transportation / trading companies of the waste resulting from the treatment carried out;
presentation of the methods used to record data relating to the waste treated;
estimate of the cost of closing the site and, where applicable, of the management of the site following closure.
Where applicable, additional documents or information may be requested:
a risk study, which will be added to the classified establishment operating permit application;
an additional copy of the classified establishment operating permit application for the Environment Agency (Administration de l'environnement) with respect to the waste permit application;
an additional copy of the classified establishment operating permit application for the Water Management Authority with respect to the water permit application;
a separate dossier relating to the laws on the protection of nature and natural resources;
a dossier concerning the environmental impact assessment;
where applicable, the application may be subject to an analysis with respect to integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC directive); this does not, however, require any additional documents or information to be submitted.
Requesting or renewing a permit
For the permit application, information specific to operational aspects of the facility is included in the classified establishment operating permit application.
Conditions specific to operations, as well as the validity of the permit are specified on the operating permit.
The orders include the following:
a list of the fractions of waste admitted according to their European Waste Codes (EWC, or CED2 in French);
the technical and operating conditions of equipment (auxiliary burner(s), exhaust gas temperatures, duration for which exhaust gases stay in the firebox, etc.);
procedures for sampling and measuring air and water pollutants;
the limit values for emissions of each pollutant according to their reading frequency;
the requirements to be complied with in the event of abnormal functioning, etc.
Operating an incineration / co-incineration plant
The operators of approved waste incineration / co-incineration plants are obliged, inter alia, to:
entrust the management of the site to a technically-qualified natural person who will be in charge of the professional and technical training of staff;
designate a contact person and a replacement person in charge of environmental issues;
have diplomas and/or certificates providing proof of the practical experience of staff;
respect the waste acceptance procedures by checking the required documents, visually inspecting the waste and, where applicable, taking samples;
draw up acceptance criteria approved by an approved entity for the waste intended for acceptance;
conclude an acceptance agreement with the producer or holder of waste prior to acceptance thereof;
have control procedures for accepted waste approved by an approved entity;
prepare internal regulations and send said regulations to the competent supervisory authorities;
establish and keep a journal relating to the management of the site (type of waste, quantity, origin, delivery date, identity of the producer, etc.);
prepare a manual of all the different work procedures;
set up a financial guarantee or any equivalent means to cover the estimated cost of the closure of the site and its subsequent management;
take all the necessary precautions in order to avoid accidents linked to the operation of the site and minimise the consequences thereof;
have the site approved by an approved entity before it becomes operational;
have an approved entity carry out regular checks on pollutant release, meters, certain technical equipment, etc.;
provide the Environment Authority with annual reports indicating the types and quantities of waste disposed of and the result of the monitoring and supervision operations carried out on the waste and on the release of pollutants. This report may require additional information for plants with a capacity of 2 tonnes or more per hour, in which case it will be made available to the public;
notify the Environment Authority when ceasing the activities included in the order.
Rapport annuel – traitement / élimination / valorisation de déchets
1, avenue du Rock'n'Roll
L-4361 Esch-sur.Alzette
Phone : (+352) 40 56 56 1
Fax : (+352) 40 56 56 - 699
(+352) 40 56 56 1 Environment Agency Path to Environment Agency
Unit for Permits and Subsidies / Operating Permits Department
Phone : (+352) 40 56 56 - 1
(+352) 40 56 56 - 1 bruit@aev.etat.lu Path to Unit for Permits and Subsidies / Operating Permits Department More information on Unit for Permits and Subsidies / Operating Permits Department
Transport and Trade of Waste
Phone : (+352) 40 56 56 500
Fax : (+352) 49 62 56
(+352) 40 56 56 500 notification@aev.etat.lu Path to Transport and Trade of Waste More information on Transport and Trade of Waste
Authorisations and Environmental Management Department
L - 4361 Esch-sur.Alzette
Fax : (+352) 40 56 56 696
(+352) 40 56 56 600 commodo@aev.etat.lu Path to Authorisations and Environmental Management Department More information on Authorisations and Environmental Management Department
Licenses and Certifications Department
Phone : (+352) 40 56 56 - 519 / (+352) 40 56 56 - 618
(+352) 40 56 56 - 519 / (+352) 40 56 56 - 618 Path to Licenses and Certifications Department More information on Licenses and Certifications Department
Strategies and Concepts Unit
(+352) 40 56 56 1 emballages@aev.etat.lu Path to Strategies and Concepts Unit More information on Strategies and Concepts Unit
Environment Agency - Subsidies and Financial Aid
L - 4361 Esch-sur-Alzette
Phone : (+352) 40 56 56-444
(+352) 40 56 56-444 car-e@aev.etat.lu Path to Environment Agency - Subsidies and Financial Aid More information on Environment Agency - Subsidies and Financial Aid
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Unit
Phone : (+352) 40 56 56 - 200
(+352) 40 56 56 - 200 chauffage@aev.etat.lu Path to Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Unit More information on Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Unit
Directive 2000/76/CE du 4 décembre 2000 sur l’incinération des déchets
Règlement grand-ducal 7 avril 2006
modifiant l'annexe V du règlement grand-ducal modifié du 19 décembre 2002 concernant l'incinération des déchets
Texte coordonné de la loi modifiée du 21 juin 1976
Loi du 21 mars 2012
relative à la gestion des déchets
relative aux établissements classés
Règlement grand-ducal du 10 mai 2012
2012 portant nouvelles nomenclature et classification des établissements classés et modifiant
Loi du 9 mai 2014
a) relative aux émissions industrielles b) modifiant la loi modifiée du 10 juin 1999 relative aux établissements classés c) modifiant la loi modifiée du 20 avril 2009 relative à la responsabilité environnementale en ce qui concerne la prévention et la réparation des dommages environnementaux
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Haute Top 5: Best Restaurants With a View in San Francisco 2017
HAUTE 5, Haute Cuisine, News
by Katie Sweeney
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One of the greatest things about San Francisco are its views. The city is a series of hills, so a gorgeous vista of the Bay, Alcatraz, Ocean, or skyline is available from virtually any vantage point be it the corner of Fillmore and Pacific Streets or a crest in Billy Goat Park. When you need delicious eats and thirst-quenching drinks with your view, head to one of the following places.
1 Waterbar
Waterbar is a seafood restaurant institution on the Embarcadero. It has huge glass windows that look out on to the Bay and at night when the Bay Bridge is lit up with Leo Villarreal’s Bay Light installation, it’s incredibly romantic and beautiful. On a warm day, the back patio is almost always packed with stylish young people slurping oysters and sipping Riesling.
http://www.waterbarsf.com/
399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
2 Top of the Mark
The Top of the Mark has sensational 360° views of San Francisco and the Bay Area. It’s located on the 19th floor of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel on top of Russian Hill making it one of the highest places to enjoy a cocktail. The nightly menu consists of hearty small bites—cheese, caviar, bruschetta, flatbread, and our personal favorite: housemade thick-cut Yukon gold potato chips with buttermilk herb dip. The martinis are shaken to icy cold perfection. On Tuesday nights throughout April, it’s jazz appreciation month. Local singer Claridge and jazz pianist Ken French will perform nightly from 6 to 8 p.m.
http://www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com/top-of-the-mark.aspx
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, 999 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108
3 Beach Chalet
For a relaxing view of the endless stretch of Pacific Ocean, head to Beach Chalet. The eatery is at the edge of Golden Gate Park in a historic building that looks out on to Ocean Beach. The restaurant and brewery has been a dining destination for the past 20 years. It’s open all day, every day with breakfast served until 11 a.m., happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close weekdays, and nightly dinner special starting at 5 p.m. Order a classic bowl of cioppino or Pacific chowder, a sampler of ceviche, or lobster macaroni and cheese.
https://www.beachchalet.com
1000 Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94121
4 Cliff House
The Cliff House is near Beach Chalet, but perched on top of a cliff north of Ocean Beach. It’s one of the best places to watch the sunset in the city and it overlooks the historic Sutro Baths. The Cliff House has been around since 1858 when it was originally built as a private home. Today it’s a restaurant with excellent brunch, hearty appetizers, and SF favorites like Dungeness crab cakes, grilled pork chops, and linguini with shellfish.
http://www.cliffhouse.com/
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 1090 Point Lobos Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121
5 Greens
Greens, in Fort Mason Center, has panoramic views of the Bay with a prime vista of the famed Golden Gate Bridge. Greens is an iconic restaurant among locals known for being one of the first places to serve an all vegetarian menu. The dishes are seasonal and farm fresh. Think green curry with spring vegetables and coconut milk, wild mushroom shepherd’s pie with caramelized onions, and cauliflower quinoa griddle cakes with romesco.
http://greensrestaurant.com/
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Landmark Building A, Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94123
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MFA Design
The Lively Fashion Project
The Lively Fashion Project aimed to define sustainable fashion, propose a system in which sustainable fashion can thrive and craft a fashion collection appropriate in the proposed system. The project did this in order to translate the sustainable fashion discourse into readily understandable concepts available to consider and discuss. In so doing it articulated challenges and opportunities with the design, system, infrastructure, consumer behaviours, manufacture and implementation of sustainable fashion and proposed pathways to resolve these challenges. The project was guided by the book “Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys” by Kate Fletcher (2008), “Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things” by William McDonough and Michael Braungart (2002) and “Action required: ten global goals that will change fashion” from Fashion Revolution (2020), who together define methods of working with sustainability and fashion to change an industry causing harm to humans and nature. The project was performed through 8 investigations examining fashion as it is and what it could become, through articulating a Sustainable Fashion System Proposal, through crafting a Sustainable Fashion Collection accordingly and through personal reflections by the author. The project hoped to assert that sustainable fashion is possible and suggest routes towards achieving a sustainable fashion industry.
The project responded in particular to the Sustainable Development Goals number 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, and 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, especially through the Sustainable Fashion System Proposal. The system proposal unusually adopts a utopian outlook to reinvent the fashion industry, rather than a practical one. It attempts to define a goal post to work backwards from in achieving, instead of proposing minute changes towards some sustainability undefined. In so doing, its unusual approach lets it holistically challenge unresolved issues and allows for multiple goal posts to be set up in between the current system and the utopian system. It is able to outline paths towards the unfeasible and stays with the trouble, rather than write off the unfeasible before attempting it. In this unusual approach the project is able to define what is commonly undefined and stand apart from the current sustainable fashion research.
Furthermore, the project adopts a design approach to fashion sustainability issues and concretely produces fashion that resolves at least some of these issues. It developed three outfits that are produced under fairtrade conditions and from organic sources that are made to last for an extremely extended time period and are made to be readily recycled through different design innovations. For example, some fashions do not employ zippers or buttons for closing to avoid the mixing of materials and thus are easy to deconstruct and reassemble into new fashions. Other fashions have stitched in pleats, readily able to be opened so that a body changing shape can continue to wear the same fashion without consuming any new materials.
The Lively Fashion Project unapologetically challenges unsustainable fashion systems to become sustainable through an unusual utopian outlook and by creating goal posts to achieve the seemingly unfeasible. It innovates and concretely creates as it theorises and asserts that sustainable fashion is possible. As such, it is an unassuming but radical thesis that explores unusually holistically and practically what sustainable fashion can be.
www.behance.net/bjorneriksson
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Home / Features / Maintaining indoor humidity levels key to fighting the virus
Maintaining indoor humidity levels key to fighting the virus
Feature: Infection Control
With much in the news covering the social impact of the coronavirus outbreak, Dr. Stephanie Taylor discusses the need to ensure public buildings, such as schools and hospitals, have a humidity level so that viruses cannot spread
To manage the spread of COVID-19, we are all working as a global collective to manage our behaviours responsibly, such as through meticulous attention to hand hygiene and social distancing. As individuals, these are undeniably key steps for us to protect ourselves and each other as we fight the current pandemic. However, individual behaviour is just one factor in our efforts to contain the virus and limit subsequent disease. The environment surrounding us plays a lesser-known, yet essential role in the degree of viral spread and in the severity of COVID-19 illness. Since we spend most of our lives in buildings – such as schools and workplaces and our homes – we could and should be doing more to ensure the conditions of these indoor environments are optimal for human health. The simple factor of maintaining healthy levels of indoor humidity is something that would benefit our health through reducing the burden of COVID-19 as well as other seasonal viral illnesses.
In my practice as a paediatric oncologist, I was alarmed by how many of my young patients came down with infections during their hospitalisation despite our best medical treatments. It was at this time that I became concerned that there might be another factor at play; the indoor climate and the hospital building itself. After years of work, including obtaining a master’s degree in architecture, reviewing numerous studies of patient infections and the built environment and undertaking my own research, my suspicion was confirmed. Among the indoor variables that increase the likelihood of infection, from hand hygiene to room cleaning, one astounding common factor stands out: dry indoor air.
An abundance of data from research in infection control, microbiology and building science show that maintaining indoor relative humidity between 40-60 per cent improves human health through several mechanisms. This relative humidity zone optimises the ability of our immune system to fight viral infections, decreases the bio-burden of infectious particles in our breathing zone (the air) and actually decreases the infectivity of many viruses and bacteria floating in the air and settled on surfaces. When this optimal range of relative humidity is not maintained, it becomes harder for our immune systems to defend against respiratory viral infections even if we maintain high personal hygiene standards. Public buildings like schools, workplaces and hospitals have undoubtedly been hotspots for the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, not just because of viral cross infection via physical contact, but in large part due to the airborne transmission of infectious droplets, aggravated by low indoor humidity levels.
Despite this, there are currently no regulations on minimum indoor humidity levels in the UK and many other countries. In fact, regulations focused on reducing energy consumptions in buildings have resulted in the lowering of permitted minimum indoor humidity levels, unfortunately at the expense of occupant health. A lack of humidity standards means that building occupants like the hospital workers who have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and patients with compromised immune systems have limited defence against further respiratory viral infection, despite hand washing and social distancing measures.
It is long-established knowledge that viruses can be spread through short distance droplet splashing. But the transmission pathway we must now take into serious consideration is distant spread of infectious aerosols travelling through the air. When droplets are released into the air by an infected person sneezing, coughing, or simply breathing, dry air causes these droplets to shrink and desiccate to reach a moisture equilibrium. We now know that viruses carried in those tiny desiccated particles can travel through the air into an HVAC system and re-infect people from a distance and despite having had no immediate contact.
This transmission route is one of the factors that makes this virus particularly alarming. The concept of airborne transmission is intimidating, but we can help control it by keeping the relative humidity in our breathing zone or in our buildings in the magic zone of 40-60 per cent. Existing regulations on indoor air quality should be updated to reflect the significant body of scientific evidence that 40-60 per centRH is the ideal indoor humidity for health.
These improved humidity standards would have numerous positive effects on human health and well-being. Not only would it reduce the burden on society of COVID-19 disease and other upcoming seasonal viral illnesses, but research shows that it would also reduce absenteeism and improve productivity in offices and schools. A recent study of a nursery school found that fewer children missed school when the classroom humidity was maintained above 40 per centRH. (Rieman J, ‘Humidity as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for influenza A’, 2018 ASHRAE abstract). Studies support projected reduction of absenteeism by at least 20 per cent by simply maintaining healthy humidity levels in buildings.
Governments set indoor air quality standards for temperature, fresh air introduction and pollutants. Setting a minimum indoor humidity level in public buildings is easily achievable, will result in net profit for society through increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs. Most importantly, it will save lives.
We must push for these standards to be set to protect ourselves, our children, the elderly, and the health care professionals who are on the frontline protecting us all in the face of the global pandemic.
Dr. Stephanie Taylor, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, is the CEO of Taylor Healthcare Commissioning Inc. After working as a physician for many decades, Dr. Taylor obtained a master’s in architecture as well as an infection control certification. Her lifelong commitment to patient care includes focusing on improving the health care physical environment and clinical work processes to help patients heal quickly and save hospitals valuable dollars.
www.taylorcx.com
£7.5 million will be invested to support digital shift scheduling across 38 NHS trusts, allowing staff to spend more time with patients.
NHS data shows that half a million more people sought help in England’s A&Es in December compared with the first peak of the pandemic in April.
EE is extending its offer of unlimited data for NHS workers until June 2021, as pressures increase in the third national lockdown.
A new blue-light partnership will see London's police officers driving ambulances to help boost the emergency response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Figures show that NHS Test and Trace identified almost 390,000 positive cases between 31 December and 6 January.
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- 06.06.17 12.03.19
A Cloud-Computing Recap of Mary Meeker’s Internet Trends 2017
by Srikar Kalvakolanu
Mary Meeker Presenting Internet Trends
Mary Meeker gave her Internet Trends 2017 talk last week, and as usual there was a ton of meaningful and valuable content in the 355 slides. She covered a ton of interesting industries such as gaming/e-sports (a personal favorite of mine), healthcare, and media.
Out of all of the big sections, however, I was most intrigued by the cloud computing section—naturally, since I work at a B2B SaaS venture studio. I wanted to take a few moments to highlight some of the big takeaways from this section of the report.
The Public Cloud (Slide 179–185)
Unsurprisingly, cloud solutions are becoming much more popular in infrastructure spend compared to traditional data centers. The ratio has gone from around 25% cloud to almost 40%. With this increase, the Public Cloud is a battleground for data center and cloud service providers. AWS dominates the space with Azure and Google Cloud (to a lesser degree) making up some ground in the past few years. This has the making for a duopoly going forward which has significant ramifications on the pricing and availability of services.
One of the most interesting data points in the public cloud section is the concerns of purchasers of cloud products. Data Security maintained it’s place as the biggest concern (although it has dropped significantly), but the significant drop-off in cost savings and control has paved the way for compliance/governance and lock-in to come in as big concerns. This demonstrates the shift in attitude toward cloud computing as a “new solution” to something that is much more highly regarded. The concern shift shows how the cloud has moved from an investment decision based on cost and security to more about implementation.
This has bode well for the new economy of companies that are attempting to create the modern version of solutions such as BI, transaction management, data infrastructure, and healthcare in the cloud.
Enterprise Software (Slides 186–188)
Over the past 15 years, the consumer expectation of business software has significantly changed. The bar for an MVP has gone up massively, and the expectation of customer service and performance has grown exponentially. We are now treating business software in the same way that we treat our own personal purchases. While our expectations of companies such as Amazon to provide free shipping, more content, and faster fulfillment increase, so do our expectations of cloud software. In the past 17 years, the mechanism of how we interact with software has changed; from the delivery (on-premise to cloud), pricing (perpetual license to subscription), UX (generic to personalized), intelligence (simple function to AI/ML), and so much more.
And with this, enterprise cloud has shifted to a customer focus, which puts an increasing onus on design and user interface. Thus, the ratio of designers to developers has massively increased in some of the most important cloud software giants out there.
Security (Slides 189–192)
Cloud applications are on the rise in the enterprise, however, most of the applications being adopted are not actually ready from a security standpoint to be used at the enterprise level.
At the same time, spam (with and without malicious attachments) has grown over 350% year over year which has directly correlated to a big rise in the amount of cyberthreats and security breaches. Bots again have started increase their share of the internet traffic, which is making the cloud an area where threats are increasing. This has major implications on how cybersecurity and data management works in the future. Investment is going up in these spaces and it is becoming an increasingly important sector in the cloud computing world.
I highly recommend checking out the rest of the deck below for other great content. All of the slides were taken from the KPCB deck, so thank you to KPCB for the data and resources.
https://medium.com/media/24a98b15e7a62651d9b2be9677e0d0f9/href
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Mary Grove
Managing Partner, Bread & Butter Ventures
Bonita C. Stewart & Jacqueline Adams
VP, Global Partnerships at Google; Founder, J Adams Strategic Communications
Brad Feld
Managing Partner, Foundry Group
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Kotkhai Rape and murder case solved: SIT arrests 6 accused within 55 hours
However, some journalists and majority of public expressed doubts over the investigation and raised several questions. People still sense a conspiracy to save real culprits, and are demanding inquiry from Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The police denied to comment on the photographs of some people allegedly shared on Chief Minister Virbhadra’s Official Facebook wall. People are asking why those people are not in the picture anymore.
Shimla: Eight days after the discovery of the naked dead body of a girl, who was raped and murdered in Halaila woods in Kotkhai, Shimla, State Police has finally made a breakthrough and arrested six people. The barbaric case had shook the entire hill state that was considered a peaceful and safer place for females.
It was a blind murder case that was solved within 55 hours of formation of Special Investigation Team (SIT), Director General of Police, HP, Somesh Goyal said in a press conference held at the State Police Headquarters, Shimla, today.
The accused were identified as Ashish Chauhan alias Ashu (29) of Mahasu (Shimla), Subash Singh Bisht (42)and Deepak aliasDepu (38) of Uttarakhand, Rajinder Singh alias Raju (32) of Halaila, Suraj Singh (29) and Lokjan alias Chotu (19) of Nepal, informed Zahur Zaidi, IG, Southern Range and head of the SIT.
All accused were arrested from Kotkhai, where they were currently settled.
In 55 hours, the SIT questioned 85 people and analysed 28 call details. The circumstances of the case were altogether different than the Nirbhaya case as there was no dying declaration of the victim, eyewitness or CCTV cameras. The police had to start from scratch due to lack of any initial lead. The evidences on ground were also washed away by rain, said the IG.
Police have clinching physical, technical, and forensic evidence to prove the crime of the arrested accused, claimed the IG.
Clearing ambiguity spread by media reports, Zahur Zaidi confirmed that the girl was sexually assaulted in the same woods, just 10 meters away from where her body was dumped. She was dragged to the thorny bushes and accused took turns to rape her.
Asphyxiation was cited as the cause of death as accused tried to suppress her screams by shutting her mouth. The body had scars and bite marks on several parts, he added.
Earlier today, police had arrested Ashish as the first accused, and by evening it claimed arrest of all six accused.
In the press conference, the DIG admitted it was a gruesome and barbaric act as revealed by the post-mortem of the body. Such an act of barbarity cannot be executed by a normal human being, and the arrested accused have presented a horrific scene here, he said.
Connecting most of the links, the DIG disclosed that one of the accused, Raju, was already familiar to the girl. Raju often offered a lift to the girl in his vehicle. The girl had twice accepted the offer of a lift. On July 4, Raju, who was driving with two others, saw the girl walking and offered her lift. The girl accepted the lift, he informed.
Allegedly, the two of them were under influence having consumed almost two bottles of liquor. The accused stopped the vehicle at an isolated spot in the woods and got out of the vehicle. They planned the crime on the spot and dragged the girl out of the vehicle.
However, involvement of other three accused were not described in the conference.
The girl was Class X student in the village school. She had gone missing on July 4, and her naked body was found on the morning of July 6. After post-mortem and forensic investigation, it was confirmed that the girl was first raped and then choked to death.
The pictures of her dead body went viral on social media and created distress among people who took to the street demanding the arrest of the culprits.
DIG Somesh Goyal congratulated the SIT for cracking the blind murder case within 55 hours. He said, it was perhaps the first-of-its-kind case in Dev Bhoomi Himachal, and that he is satisfied with the efforts of his men.
More details would be revealed in coming days, the investigation is still under process to dig out more facts.
The SIT, headed by Zahur Zaidi, IG, Southern Range, comprised of Bhajan Dev Negi, SSP, Shimla, DSP Manoj Joshi, Ratan Negi, Babu Ram,SHO, Dhalli Police Station, Dharm Singh, Rajender Singh, ASI Rajneesh, and some other officials.
Related Topics:Director General of PoliceHPIG Zahur ZaidiKotkhai Rape and Murder CaseShimla Schoolgirl murderSomesh Goyal
Kotkhai Rape-Murder Case: Violent protest erupts in Shimla as public senses conspiracy in SIT investigation, demand CBI inquiry
Barbaric Kotkhai Case: Police confirms first arrest, says all culprits will be behind bars soon
Kotkhai Case: Public fear tempering with evidences and manipulation of DNA reports ahead of CBI inquiry
Himachal restricts mobile use, block social media sites inside college campuses
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the implementation of three contentious farm laws passed by the Centre Government, which has led to huge protest from hundreds of farmer groups. The stay implies that the Centre Government can’t take any executive actions based on these laws till further order.
“The implementation of the three farm laws (1) Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; (2) Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020; and (3) Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, shall stand stayed until further orders,”
said the order passed by a panel headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad A Bobde on Tuesday.
Further, the MSP system would continue as it was before the enactment of the laws.
“As a consequence, the Minimum Support Price System in existence before the enactment of the Farm Laws shall be maintained until further orders. In addition, the farmers’ land holdings shall be protected, i.e., no farmer shall be dispossessed or deprived of his title as a result of any action taken under the Farm Laws,”
the order said.
With this order, the SC hoped to end the ongoing impasse over the contentious farm laws.
The farmers who have been protesting for over the last 45 days, welcomed the SC’s order.
However, at the same time, the Apex Court ordered the formation of a committee to listen to both sides and make recommendations to the court. The committee, which would comprise of Agriculture economist Ashok Gulati, Bhupinder Singh Mann, Dr Prmod Kumar Joshi, former director of National Academy of Agricultural Research Management), and Anil Ghanwat from Shetkari Sangathan, was asked to submit its report in the court within two months.
The CJI, in its order, speaking about the purpose of this “extraordinary” order, said,
“While we may not stifle a peaceful protest, we think that this extraordinary order of stay of implementation of the farm laws will be perceived as an achievement of the purpose of such protest at least for the present and will encourage the farmers’ bodies to convince their members to get back to their livelihood, both in order to protect their own lives and health and in order to protect the lives and properties of others.”
Though a stay on the implementation of laws was welcomed by protesting farmers, several unions said that they would not accept this committee and the protest will continue. They said the Government is trying to form this committee through the Supreme Court. This committee, they said, included persons who have already been justifying the farm laws. They said the purpose of this committee is nothing more than creating a diversion. The protest would be armed up and only a repeal of laws would be accepted, the unions said.
At the same time, the SC was undeterred with these statements and said there is nothing that can stop it from forming a committee. The SC asked the farmers to cooperate with the committee.
On the other hand, the Government was more concerned about that other political parties would think of the stay as a “political victory”.
Further, the Government has also expressed apprehension about security breach due to the tractor rally planned by protesting farmers on the Republic Day.
K.K. Venugopal, Attorney General, told the court that there are reports that the farmers’ bodies may take out a tractor rally on January 26, 2021, disrupting the Republic Day Parade and celebrations However, the same was stoutly denied by Dushyant Dave, learned senior counsel appearing for a few of the farmers’ bodies on the ground that at least one member of the family of each of the farmers from Punjab is in the Army and that they would not disrupt the Republic Day celebrations.
The Court, in its order, said that several rounds of talked between farmers and the Government have failed and there was no solution in sight.
“The situation on ground is: (i) that senior citizens, women and children are at site, exposing themselves to serious health hazards posed by cold and covid; (ii) that a few deaths have taken place, though not out of any violence, but either out of illness or by way of suicide,”
The court also lauded the farmers for carrying on the agitation peacefully without any unwanted incident.
Further, the Court orders also mentioned separate petitions filed by individuals/residents of the NCR complaining of blockade of roads/highways leading to Delhi and terming it an infringement of the fundamental rights of other citizens to move freely and to carry out trade and business.
Stay on 3 Farm Laws and Formation of Committee: Read Full Order of Supreme Court
Inflation, Increased Cost of Food Items, Ration, Crumbling Health Infrastructure, and 100 Gram Sugar: Govt’s Diwali Gift to People
Shimla-The Himachal Pradesh Government has collected over Rs. 86 crores in the name of the COVID-19 relief fund, but only Rs 25 crore was spent. It was stated by Sanjay Chauhan, former Mayor of Shimla and a senior CPI (M) leader. It’s a shocker considering negligible relief measures and the state of health infrastructure crumbling amid a pandemic. The unpreparedness of the state government to deal with community spread of coronavirus is coming to light as its COVID-19 hospitals have begun to run out of beds in isolation wards. Two major medical facilities -Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital and DDU Hospital in Shimla- are packed to their full capacity.
What’s not shocking is that Chief Minister did hail the Prime Minister, exactly as he was told, claiming that the nation is out of COVID-19 crisis. It suggests that the Chief Minister is little aware of the surge in cases and over 400 COVID-19 deaths, of which 93 were reported during the last 12 days of November month. Yesterday, the state has reported over 700 cases with six deaths, which is alarming.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi deserves all praise for his dynamic leadership as he is successfully steering the Country amid all troubles and difficulties. He has successfully brought the Nation out of Covid-19 crisis,”
said Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, while addressing a public meeting at Sihunta under Bhatiyat Assembly Constituency on Wednesday.
Talking about the real situation and relief measures, the state Government became a laughingstock and was being trolled on social media after it announced 100 gram sugar and 500-gram rice per person to all ration cardholders as a Diwali gift. If that was not enough, according to a media report, this quota has still not reached the depots. There is a possibility that it would reach the cardholders only after Diwali.
The reason behind this backlash is not only that 100-gram sugar is too trivial to be called a gift or relief, especially amid a pandemic when common people, especially those falling in middle and lower-income groups, are faced with unemployment and economic crisis.
While the people were hoping for relief from their elected government, inflation was on the rise. Currently, prices of food items including vegetables and other essential commodities have also witnessed a huge increase. Further, cut in subsidy on electricity, hike in bus fare, increase in property tax, rise in diesel and petrol prices etc. have put additional burden on the commoners.
Then there were other issues like relaxation in garbage collection fee for the period of lockdown. Sadly, the public did not get any relief even in garbage bills despite staging protests.
Meanwhile, Ministers made news for spending tax money on buying luxury vehicles and VIP numbers.
Oppositions, Congress and CPI (M) have also targeted the government over its failure to provide any considerable relief to the people when it’s most needed. As per oppositions, the current government has no control over the market or inflation.
Chauhan also raised the issue of thousands of vacant posts of doctors, para-medical staff, nurses etc. at medical facilities across the state. He said that of the total 1000 posts of lab technicians, 700 were still vacant. He said that the government did not prepare for a community spread despite having a time of eight months during the lockdowns. It was due to this lackadaisical attitude of the government that currently IGMC and DDU hospitals have run out of space in isolation wards, he said.
He also said that, in an all-party meeting convened on March 21, CPI(M) had given the government 12 recommendations to effectively deal with the situation. The party had suggested that thousands of vacant posts should be filled at the earliest, all government buildings construction of which were completed should be prepared to accommodate COVID-19 patients. Similarly, at least four blocks of the under-construction building of IGMC should also be equipped with facilities to accommodate patients, the party had suggested.
On November 8, 2020, the state unit of Mahila Congress staged a protest over a huge increase in prices of food items. They wore garlands of potatoes and onions and marched from the party headquarter to the Office of Deputy Commissioner, Shimla. Women alleged that the people have received no relief despite such a huge crisis. Instead, the current government is encouraging hoarding of essentials.
The opposition also said that the government has increased the rate of cereals provided through the public distribution system. This increase is Rs 5 for cereals and Rs. 9 for mustard oil. Vegetable prices have gone beyond Rs 50 during the festival season. It also said that the registration fees of vehicles have also been increased.
Sanjay Chauhan is of the view that to provide relief, the government should deposit at least Rs 7500 in the accounts of consumers and provide them with 10 kg ration per person for free.
He also said that recently the government has hiked the charges for electricity and installation of meters. The government has now withdrawn its notification restricting schools to charge only tuition fee and allowed them to charge full fees, including those pending for the period of lockdown, he said. This decision has come as a huge financial burden for parents and is causing mental harassment.
The policies of the current government are only benefiting corporates, while other sections like labourers/daily wagers, small scale industries and businesses, shopkeepers, farmers are faced with financial crisis and unemployment due to lockdowns imposed in view of corona pandemic, Chauhan said.
Exam Fees in Govt Schools Hiked Amid Pandemic, Private Schools Allowed to Charge Full Fees Relaxed During Lockdowns
Shimla-Amid the pandemic and economic slowdown, the public had hoped for relief from the government; unfortunately, they are only receiving more financial burdens in form of hikes in bus fares, cut in electricity subsidy etc. Now, the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) has decided to implement hike in examination fees on the students of government schools.
A student of class 10 will now pay Rs 600 as examination fee instead of the previous Rs 500. For the students of class 12, this fee has been hiked to Rs 850. Read complete notification below:
Another bad news for parents came after the government, citing orders of the State High Court, allowed private schools to charge all fees which were deferred during the lockdowns. Moreover, in its previous notification, the Directorate of Higher Education had only mentioned deferring the fee, and not waiving it of. This decision has led to distress among parents because pending fees of some of the schools would go in lakhs.
Also Read: Himachal: Private Schools Only Asked to Defer Fees During Lockdown, Not to Waive Off, Thanks to Helpless Edu Minister
Private schools are not funded by the government and they depend entirely on fees to meet their expenditures, the government said. The state government had directed the schools to not cut salaries of teachers or fire them during lockdowns. However, despite the pandemic, the state government did not consider compensating these institutes. Similarly, bus fares were also hiked instead of compensating transporters.
Earlier, the state government had yielded to the pressure from parents to relax all fees except tuition fees as the educational institutes were closed and no facilities were availed by the students.
Further, it’s pertinent to mention that the Ministers of the state government are making headlines for allegedly wasting money on buying luxuries with the public tax money. Recently, Education Minister Govind Singh Thakur remained in news for buying a luxury vehicle amid pandemic even though he already had a Fortuner. Prior to that, the IPH Department has been in news for buying not only an SUV for a XEN but also purchasing a VIP number for Rs. 1 lakh.
At the same time, huge wastage of money was seen during the commissioning of the Rohtang Tunnel on publicity to claim the credit. Large hoardings with the faces of CM Jairam Thakur and PM Narender Modi can still be seen throughout the state publicizing commissioning of the Tunnel. Money was spent on installing LEDs across the state to live telecast the event. There is distress among the people over the debate that, amid pandemic, this money could have been used to provide the public with some relief, but instead, the government seems to be insensitive enough to put personal interest first.
Earlier, the government had hiked vehicle registration fee and cut electricity subsidy to generate resources. The vehicle registration fee was increased to 7-10% of the existing 2.5-4% in June.
Feature Photo: [email protected]
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