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Montgomery, MN Arrest Records
Montgomery, MN is among the safest cities in the USA with 0.69 per 1,000 residents crime rate compared to national 4.69 average. It is the 146th safest city in Minnesota among the 203 cities.
Montgomery, MN property crime has lower rate than the national average of 28.42, with 25.80 average property crimes recorded in 2016 of which 56 larceny theft related arrests that increased by 12.00% compared to 2015.
Montgomery Crime Rate
Total arrests in Montgomery 2016 increased by 4.05% compared to 2015 and has lower crime rate than national average of 33.12. Violent crimes decreased from 5 to 2 while non-violent crime increased by 8.7% from 69 to 75.
5 Crimes In Montgomery, MN in 2016 with the Most Arrests
Other Cities in Minnesota with the Most Arrests
Among the 203 cities in state the most dangerous is Minneapolis with 4,622 violent crimes that’s 39.8% of total of 11,614. Hilltop has the highest number of records per 1,000 people that is above the state average of 29 and higher than national average of 33.
Waite Park 88.33
Park Rapids 74.69
Bemidji 74.13
Virginia 65.51
Brainerd 56.05
Safest Cities in Minnesota
Are you planning a move to Minnesota? Here are the safest cities in Minnesota with the lowest arrest rates. Your chance of being a victim of a violent crime in Montgomery is 1 out of 323 up by 0.03% compared to previous year. The lowest rate of violent crime is in Orono and the safest city to encounter a property crime is in Wells.
Wells 0.90
Braham 1.13
Caledonia 1.80
Hawley 2.72
Sleepy Eye 2.93
Violent crime rate in Montgomery decreased by 60% from 2015. In 2016 violent crime rate in Montgomery was 85.34% lower than the national average. Your chances of being a victim of a violent crime is 0.069%.
Property crime rate in Montgomery increased by 8.7% from 2015. In 2016 property crime rate in Montgomery was 9.23% lower than the national rate. Your chances of being a victim of property crime is 2.58%.
How Montgomery stands up against other cities
Montgomery vs. Staples
You’ll be in more risk in Montgomery compared to Staples that had 3.87% lower crime rate compared to Montgomery according to the FBI.
Robbery rates of 0.0000 per 1,000 people is lower than national of 1.3602 per 1,000 people and the same as average 0.0000 in Staples city.
Arson rates of 0.0000 per 1,000 people is lower than national of 0.1465 per 1,000 people and the same as average 0.0000 in Staples.
Names with the most arrests in Montgomery
Charles Hager
Ricky Weldon
Nathan Schroeder
Zachariah Bolling
According to the matching records on PoliceArrests.com 47.92% are people aged between 21-30. Felonies are committed more by women. Misdemeanor records are popular among white population of the city.
The overall crime rate in Montgomery is 0.2% lower than the national average.
For every 1,000 residents, there are 7.26 daily crimes that occur in Montgomery.
In Montgomery you have a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of any crime.
Year over year crimes in Montgomery have increased by 4.05%.
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York, SC Arrest Records
York, SC is among the most violent cities in the USA with 10.18 per 1,000 residents crime rate compared to national 4.69 average. It is the 90th safest city in South Carolina among the 143 cities.
York, SC property crime has higher rate than the national average of 28.42, with 43.44 average property crimes recorded in 2016 of which 291 larceny theft related arrests that increased by 17.81% compared to 2015.
York Crime Rate
Total arrests in York 2016 increased by 16.76% compared to 2015 and has higher crime rate than national average of 33.12. Violent crimes increased from 73 to 82 while non-violent crime increased by 17.85% from 297 to 350.
5 Crimes In York, SC in 2016 with the Most Arrests
Larceny-theft 291
Aggravated assault 58
Robbery 14
Motor vehicle theft 11
Other Cities in South Carolina with the Most Arrests
Among the 143 cities in state the most dangerous is Columbia with 1,116 violent crimes that’s 11.78% of total of 9,473. Myrtle Beach has the highest number of records per 1,000 people that is above the state average of 49 and higher than national average of 33.
Myrtle Beach 154.81
Dillon 128.16
Hartsville 123.90
Santee 119.35
Nichols 101.12
Safest Cities in South Carolina
Are you planning a move to South Carolina? Here are the safest cities in South Carolina with the lowest arrest rates. Your chance of being a victim of a violent crime in York is 1 out of 162 up by 0.01% compared to previous year. The lowest rate of violent crime is in Whitmire and the safest city to encounter a property crime is in Ridge Spring.
Ridge Spring 8.02
Edgefield 9.45
Lane 10.62
Cowpens 13.55
Sullivans Island 15.46
Violent crime rate in York increased by 12.33% from 2015 and decreased by 17.17% during the last 5 years since 2011 from 99 to 82. In 2016 violent crime rate in York was 116.85% higher than the national average. Your chances of being a victim of a violent crime is 1.018%.
Property crime rate in York increased by 17.85% from 2015 and decreased by 18.22% in the last 5 years since 2011 from 428 to 350. In 2016 property crime rate in York was 52.81% higher than the national rate. Your chances of being a victim of property crime is 4.344%.
How York stands up against other cities
York vs. Union
You’ll be in more safety in York compared to Union that had 31.35% higher crime rate compared to York according to the FBI.
Rape rates of 0.0000 per 1,000 people is lower than national of 0.0199 per 1,000 people and the same as average 0.0000 in Union city.
Larceny rates of 36.1132 per 1,000 people is higher than national of 20.5437 per 1,000 people and lower than average 46.8613 in Union.
York vs. Hartsville
You’ll be in more safety in York compared to Hartsville that had 131.11% higher crime rate compared to York according to the FBI.
Robbery rates of 1.7374 per 1,000 people is higher than national of 1.3602 per 1,000 people and higher than average 1.6588 in Hartsville city.
Burglary rates of 5.9568 per 1,000 people is higher than national of 5.0167 per 1,000 people and lower than average 14.8016 in Hartsville.
Names with the most arrests in York
Demontra Hardy
Travis Ross
Keith Morton
Paul Poag
The overall crime rate in York is 0.62% higher than the national average.
For every 1,000 residents, there are 14.69 daily crimes that occur in York.
York is safer than Union.
In York you have a 1 in 19 chance of becoming a victim of any crime.
Year over year crimes in York have increased by 16.76%.
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Home / Sold items / 1998 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Coca-Cola Promotional NASCAR Motegi 500 suit
1998 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Coca-Cola Promotional NASCAR Motegi 500 suit
Simpson Racing Products suit produced for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to use at promotional and photoshoot events in the run-up to the 1998 NASCAR Thunder Special Motegi 500 in Japan. This race was an historic event in more ways than one. It would be the first-ever NASCAR race to be held in Japan as well as being the first time Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. raced with the same Richard Childress Racing Team.
The suit which came directly from the ‘Bill Simpson Collection’ is marked for promotional use only and is a non-fire retardant suit. It’s a great looking item in all black with white and red trim and the has the main team sponsor ‘Coca-Cola’ logo embroidered on the front of the suit and the ‘Coke Polar Bear’ image on the back. It also has many other team sponsors/suppliers’ logos embroidered onto the suit. We cannot guarantee this suit was ever worn as there were at least three produced.
You can see the story of this historic race here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=140&v=P98IyFYSd08
Please see our other listing for the race used Dale Earnhardt Jr. helmet that matches this suit.
The suit comes with a Certificate Of Authenticity.
Tags: Dale Earnhardt Jr, NASCAR Cup, Simpson suit
Original 1970-71 “Le Mans” Movie Document Collection
2008 Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports ‘Pepsi 500’ race worn suit, signed
1984 AJ Foyt, Gilmore Foyt Racing pit crew suit
1997 Richie Hearn, signed race worn suit
2017 James Hinchcliffe Race Used Dallara DW12 IndyCar Part
1999 Heinz-Harald Frentzen Race Used Jordan F1 Rear Wing
2001 Jimmie Johnson Herzog Race Worn Motorsports ‘Excedrin’ NASCAR Suit
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Rackspace Announces Fanatical Support® for Office 365™
Managed Cloud Leader to Offer Services for Microsoft Productivity Suite
SAN ANTONIO – May 5, 2015 - Rackspace® (NYSE: RAX), the #1 managed cloud company, today announced that it will offer Fanatical Support® and premium managed services for Microsoft Office 365, a leading cloud business productivity solution. With two new offerings, Fanatical Support for Office 365 and Rackspace Managed Services for Office 365, customers can purchase multiple Office 365 services from Rackspace including migration assistance and tier-one support, as well as premium managed services for Office 365 licenses not originally purchased from Rackspace.
Rackspace support for Office 365 is the newest addition to the Cloud Office at Rackspace portfolio, which offers customers the flexibility to choose from a broad set of fully-managed business productivity tools delivered on a variety of technology platforms to help meet customers’ communication and collaboration needs. Rackspace will resell and support six Office 365 plans with management services for SMB and mid-market customers including deployment and migration assistance, tier-one troubleshooting and prioritized Microsoft support escalations. Additionally, Rackspace will offer managed services for Office 365, including a dedicated support team, on Office 365 licenses purchased through Rackspace or directly from Microsoft for mid-market and enterprise customers.
Rackspace has supported Microsoft Exchange for more than eight years. This new announcement extends the relationship with Microsoft to support customers across the Office 365 suite who are looking for an increased level of support. According to Gartner, “as of 2Q14, only 10% of users (67 million) in the overall enterprise office market have moved to cloud office systems and most have focused on email, not the broad range of capabilities.” However, “after slow growth from 2007 to 2013, cloud office system adoption is accelerating. It will reach 25% of the market's total potential by the end of 2017, 50% by 2020 and 90% by the market's 20th birthday in 2027.”1
“As more businesses adopt cloud collaboration tools, they will need a trusted provider to help manage them, so they can focus on their core business,” said John Engates, chief technology officer at Rackspace. “The launch of Rackspace support for Office 365 furthers Rackspace’s commitment to deliver the workplace collaboration and productivity tools that customers need with the added value of Fanatical Support, so customers can avoid the pain of managing these tools themselves. As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and four-time Hosting Partner of the Year, Rackspace is thrilled to further expand our relationship with Microsoft and continue to support applications and technology outside our own datacenters.”
Rackspace support for Office 365 will include two solution offerings:
Fanatical Support® for Office 365™ – Rackspace will sell and offer tier-one support for six Office 365 business and enterprise plans including Office 365 Business Essentials, Business, Business Premium, ProPlus, Enterprise E1 and Enterprise E3. Customers will receive free Microsoft Exchange migrations and Fanatical Support from a team of Cloud Office specialists.
Rackspace® Managed Services for Office 365™ – Rackspace will offer a premium level of support and advisory services for mid-market and enterprise-level customers on top of Office 365 plans through either Rackspace or Microsoft. This level of managed support includes Exchange migrations, onboarding and deployment assistance and tier-one troubleshooting, plus Advisory Services from a dedicated account team to help configure Office 365 to best fit customers’ unique business IT needs.
“Microsoft Office 365 is one of the world’s most popular email and productivity solutions in the cloud, with a run rate of over $2.5 billion in 2014,” said Aziz Benmalek, vice president, Hosting Service Provider business at Microsoft. “As a leading managed cloud company, Rackspace is well positioned to offer premium support for Office 365 so customers have more variety when deciding on the support level that best suits their business needs. We are pleased to see Rackspace continue to expand our longstanding collaboration following them joining the Microsoft Cloud OS Network in November and now adopting Office 365 into their Cloud Office suite.”
Rackspace Office 365 offerings are currently in early access and available in the U.S. only. They will roll out internationally in the second half of 2015. This is the latest workplace collaboration tool in the Rackspace Cloud Office suite, which includes a variety of Rackspace, Microsoft and Google technologies like hosted Microsoft Exchange and Rackspace Email, Skype for Business and Microsoft SharePoint productivity tools, Office 365, and other workplace collaboration services, all backed by Fanatical Support. To learn more about Office 365 support at Rackspace, visit https://o365.rackspace.com.
1 Gartner, Hype Cycle for Content Management, 2014, 24 July 2014
Rackspace (NYSE: RAX) is the #1 managed cloud company. Its technical expertise and Fanatical Support® allow companies to tap the power of the cloud without the pain of hiring experts in dozens of complex technologies. Rackspace is also the leader in hybrid cloud, giving each customer the best fit for its unique needs — whether on single- or multi-tenant servers, or a combination of those platforms. Rackspace is the founder of OpenStack®, the open-source operating system for the cloud. Based in San Antonio, Rackspace serves more than 300,000 business customers from data centers on four continents. www.rackspace.com
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of Rackspace Hosting could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical facts are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any statements concerning expected development, performance or market acceptance associated with Fanatical Support and Rackspace Managed Services for Office 365 offering; anticipated operational and financial benefits from Fanatical Support and Rackspace Managed Services for Office 365 offering; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the possibility that expected benefits from Fanatical Support and Rackspace Managed Services for Office 365 may not materialize because this product and services are not generally accepted in the marketplace, which could occur due to certain factors including (i) a failure to market the product and services cost effectively, differentiate the product and services from competitive products or communicate differentiations effectively, (ii) the reliability, quality or compatibility associated with the product and services, (iii) changes in technology which adversely affect the product’s benefit, (iv) slowdowns in the general economy or technology industry that impact consumer spending habits, (v) internal strategy decisions that impact the product; and (vi) other risks that are described in Rackspace Hosting’s Form 10-K for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2015. Except as required by law, Rackspace Hosting assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
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Marine Hornet pilot killed in crash off Japan
SFC (Join to see)
Marine Capt. Jake Frederick was killed when the F/A-18C he was flying crashed Wednesday in the Pacific Ocean, about 120 miles southeast of Iwakuni, Japan, the Marine Corps confirmed on Thursday.
Stars and Stripes first reported on Thursday that Frederick’s family had been notified of his death. His mother, Donna Frederick, told the newspaper that he was “a beloved son.”
Frederick, 32, was assigned to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. He ejected from his Hornet around 6:40 p.m. local time on Dec. 7 while conducting regular training, according to III Marine Expeditionary Force public affairs.
The Japanese defense ministry told local media on Thursday that one of its ships had recovered Frederick’s body, III MEF announced in a news release.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the pilot,” Thursday’s news release says. “The cause of the crash is still unknown.”
There were no indications as to why the F/A-18 crashed, Marine Commandant Gen. Robert Neller told reporters after an event Wednesday morning at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
While the number of major mishaps is up over the last few years, it is not “completely statistically off the wall,” he said.
Marine pilots are also getting four more flight hours than they did last year, but the Corps' plan to increase flight hours and flyable aircraft is not going as quickly as the service would like, Neller added.
“We are in a pretty tough place and we had to develop a plan and our plan is happening, but it’s not happening fast enough,” he said. “The bottom line is we’ve got to recapitalize aviation. We need to replace our airplanes. We’ve got to get better parts support. We’ve got to get more hours so if there is a human factor involved in this, we make sure that the air crew have been flying so we drive that down.”
The U.S. military is currently operating on a temporary spending measure instead of a budget, so the Marine Corps does not yet have money to give pilots more flight hours in fiscal 2017. The continuing resolution funding the military lasts until March.
One problem with a continuing resolution is that if Congress ultimately passes a budget with more money than the temporary spending measure, the Marines will have less time to spend the money, Neller said.
“You can only fly so much and you can only let so many contracts,” he said. “I trust the Congress. I think the new administration clearly understands what the situation is. The good news is we got money and we’ll continue to operate and train. The forces that are forward deployed, they’re flying a lot of hours and so far they have been very effective and very safe.”
Wednesday's crash follows on the heels of several recent accidents involving the aircraft. In October, an F/A-18C crashed near the end of a training flight at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California – the pilot ejecting safely.
Just three months before, another F/A-18C warplane went down during a Twentynine Palms training mission, killing the pilot.
Two Marine F/A-18 Hornets collided during a daytime training mission near San Diego in November, with both pilots surviving.
A Blue Angels pilot was killed in a crash in June, shortly after takeoff in Smyrna, Tennessee. In May, two F/A-18F Super Hornets collided mid-air off the coast of North Carolina. Both of the planes’ pilots and flight officers ejected and were recovered.
Andrea Scott contributed to this story.
Posted from marinecorpstimes.com
Posted in these groups: Marines Japan Death
Posted 4 y ago
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Sort By Newest Oldest Votes
LTC (Join to see)
Too many crashes .Canada lost an F-18 pilot to a crash last week. I posted it on RP.
SSG (Join to see)
Sadly it was probably because of a malfunction because the Marine Corps has to keep canobolizing from other air platforms and the budget cuts doesn't help either.
Tyra Lynne Wahl - I know I did my research and saw an interview w a marine wing commander and he spoke of this.
Tyra Lynne Wahl
SSG (Join to see) - That wing commander you are talking about is my very good long time friend Lt. Col. Matt "Pablo" Brown. He really went out on a limb expressing his frustration about all the sick jets we have in our fleet. Believe it or not he was actually encouraged to do that piece by the MCAS MAG Commander. If the public doesn't know the struggles of finding parts and keeping jets up and healthy.... then they will continue voting for people who see no reason to halt sequestration.
As a matter of fact we saw a video yesterday of them pulling F-18's out of the mothball fleet at AMARC and sending them to NAS Jacksonville for "refreshing" so that there are more F-18's to meet qual hours. I watched it, looked at my husband who is now a retired Marine F-18 WSO and said "boy are they trying to put lipstick on a squealing pig". He just smiled and said "great way to put that babe".
Ok I'm glad you know what I was talking about and it's hard to that the politicians can still get richer but our military continue to major shortcomings and they are ok with it. I feel your pain.
Tyra Lynne Wahl - They spent a trillion on the F-35 junk strike fighter. They they go $165 billion over budget then they ask for another $500 million on top of that and half the planes are grounded half the time. In the next war, the F-35 will be show down in droves because they tried to make it an all-purpose fighter that can't dogfight or do CAS. Had we have even $500 miillion in spare parts, it could have saved lives!
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/f-35-60-minutes-david-martin/
Is the F-35 worth it?
David Martin gets an inside look at what makes the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter the most expensive weapons system in history
Capt Marty Hogan
Safety day coming. RIP and thoughts and prayers to the family.
Harriers in Japan stand down after crash | Marine Corps Times 19 Votes 4 Comments
Navy identifies aviators killed in Super Hornet crash 22 Votes 5 Comments
Two Marine Corps Pilots Killed in Arizona Helicopter Crash 14 Votes 5 Comments
VA Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry 41 Votes 6 Comments
Remains of Marine killed in Japan crash returned 9 Votes 1 Comments
Sailor, Marine killed in California crash 0 Votes 1 Comments
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realizzazione-siti-web-professionali » Electro » Mana - Energy Stone
Mana - Energy Stone album
Mana Harsh Noise Wall 2017
Performer: Mana
Title: Energy Stone
Style: Harsh Noise Wall
Increases the mana regeneration rate of the Hero by 25% when worn. Can be consumed for 300 mana. Mana Stone increases the mana regeneration by: (. 125 x Hero's Intelligence) mana points per second.
Интернет-магазин yoox. Более 1000 новых товаров каждый день!
Request an album send to friend. Sundersky - Stone Energy. Bitrate (quality): 192. mp3.
Stones is the ninth studio album by Canadian Christian rapper Manafest. It was independently released on July 21, 2017. The release was fan-funded through a Kickstarter campaign and is Manafest's second fully independent album since his departure from BEC Recordings. Regarding the album's name, Manafest stated, "I called this record Stones because I feel like people can relate to having stones, obstacles, or even false claims, thrown at them.
Stone Energy Corporation, an independent oil and natural gas company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation, development, and operation of oil and gas properties in the Gulf of Mexico and the Appalachia region.
Stone is the debut album from Finnish thrash metal band Stone. It was originally released in 1988, and remastered and re-issued in 2003. It was re-released again in 2009, bundled with No Anaesthesia! in a 2 CD set. Several singles were released from the album. On the 2003 re-release, "The Final Cuntdown" is re-titled "The Final Countdown" (the correct title of the song). It is a parody cover of the Europe song "The Final Countdown".
The ability to manipulate the energy that is used to form magic. Sub-power of Magical Energy Manipulation. Combination of Life-Force Manipulation and Magic. Ethernano Manipulation (Fairy Tail). Impersonal Energy Manipulation. Magical Life-Force Manipulation. Magoi Manipulation (Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic). Sympathetic Energy Manipulation.
Слушайте Energy Stone и скачивайте бесплатно в формате mp3 прямо сейчас, без кодов, смс и регистрации. Liquid Stone - Sound Energy. Don't Look Back - CJ Stone. Solid Stone - Sound Energy. Sheer Energy - Sly & The Family Stone. Energy World - Golden Stone Walls.
A mana stone is an artifact that produces mana. Mana stones are often employed at common to enhance mana quality or color fixing in limited and regularly come in cycles when producing colored mana, though often they produce colorless mana and have additional abilities. Mana Stones are popular in Commander as a means to speed up the game as mana stones are additional mana sources that continuously provide extra mana
In 2011, the Energy Stone spinner ring was created. In a world that is constantly bombarded by information and microwaves, we strive to maintain a balance between the world and our inner self. It is through a commitment to health and harmony with our environment that we gain intuition about life and form a union with the universe. The Energy Stone brand spinner rings are distributed solely by Energy Stone. We do not sell through other agents. While being copied is a sign of success, we are extremely angry with counterfeiters passing as us to sell poor quality products.
1 Energy Stone 52:00
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Home / World View / How Do You Look up a Serial Number on a Louis Vuitton Purse?
How Do You Look up a Serial Number on a Louis Vuitton Purse?
Louis Vuitton does not include serial numbers in its regular bags, but the company does include a date code on the interior tag or lining that is easy to identify once a customer knows how to interpret the code. There will be no date codes on bags manufactured before 1980.
The codes inside the bags indicate where the bag was made and during what week and month. Since 2007, Louis Vuitton has marked the date codes as two letters and four numbers. The letters indicate the country it was made, specifically the factory location, and the first and third numbers represent the week and the second and fourth numbers represent the year.
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CNG provider IGL and Tata Power team up for solar projects and EV charging
Tata Power will set up rooftop solar projects for Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) establishments. The two companies will also explore the feasibility of large-scale ‘group captive’ solar power projects for IGL’s own consumption, and commercial-scale charging and/or battery swapping stations for electric vehicles.
April 2, 2019 Uma Gupta
India’s power ministry had recently approved a plan for setting up of 131 public charging stations for electric vehicles in Delhi. These charging stations will mainly come up at CNG and petrol pumps, besides Metro stations.
Creative Commons via Pixabay
India’s largest CNG distributor Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has signed up a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with private-sector electricity generator Tata Power for setting up of commercial-scale electric vehicle (EV) charging/battery swapping stations and green energy solutions.
The MoU was signed between E.S. Ranganathan, managing director, IGL, and Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power, in the presence of B.C. Tripathi, chairman & managing director, state-owned natural gas provider GAIL.
Under the deal, IGL and Tata Power will explore possibilities of co-operation in setting up of CAPEX/RESCO mode rooftop solar projects, with customized structure, for IGL establishments. They will explore rooftop solar projects for residential, commercial and industrial establishments.
The duo will also jointly explore feasibility of setting up of large-scale ‘group captive’ solar power projects for IGL’s own consumption, besides setting up of commercial-scale EV charging and/or battery swapping stations for electric vehicles with the allied power management solutions.
Speaking at the ceremony, E.S. Ranganathan, IGL’s managing director, said, “This MoU with Tata Power shall open doors for IGL’s diversification into solar power.”
Significantly, India’s power ministry had recently approved a plan for setting up of 131 public charging stations for electric vehicles in Delhi. These charging stations will mainly come up at CNG and petrol pumps, besides Metro stations and other locations.
Tata Power, together with its subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities, has an installed capacity of 10,857 MW. In line with the company’s view on sustainable and clean energy development, Tata Power is steering the transformation of utilities to integrated solutions by looking at new business growth in EV charging and storage, distributed generation and rooftops, microgrids and home automation and smart meters.
Pingback: » Tata Power and natural gas supplier MGL partner on e-mobility – pv magazine IndiaSolar Equipment Installer
Pingback: » IGL floats solar PV system plus battery tender – pv magazine IndiaSolar Equipment Installer
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Microsoft could bring you back from the Dead… As a Chat Bot
1 week ago 1 week ago Barry Collins Contributor
This post was originally published by Barry Collins, Contributor at Forbes (Innovation)
Microsoft’s chat bots may imitate the dead
Microsoft has filed a patent which raises the intriguing possibility of digitally reincarnating people as a chat bot.
Instead of using the conventional method of training chat bots using conversations and material from a wide sample of users, Microsoft’s patent – as spotted by Ubergizmo – raises the possibility of creating a chat bot from the output of a specific person.
The system would use “social data” such as “images, voice data, social media posts, electronic messages [and] written letters” to build a profile of a person.
“The social data may be used to create or modify a special index in the theme of the specific person’s personality,” the patent states. “The special index may be used to train a chat bot to converse and interact in the personality of a specific person.”
The chat bot could even sound like the real person. “In some aspects, a voice font of the specific person may be generated using recordings and sound data related to the specific person,” the patent claims.
What’s more, “a 2D/3D model of the specific person may be generated using images, depth information, and/or video data associated with the specific person”.
Microsoft’s patent isn’t particularly fussy about who might be chosen to be the subject of one of its chat bots, stating that the subject could be dead or alive. “The specific person [who the chat bot represents] may correspond to a past or present entity (or a version thereof), such as a friend, a relative, an acquaintance, a celebrity, a fictional character, a historical figure, a random entity etc.”
“The specific person may also correspond to oneself (e.g., the user creating/training the chat bot,” the patent adds, raising the possibility of people training up a digital version of themselves before they die.
The patent emphasizes the degree to which this chat bot will be trained to the individual’s personal traits, in particular the “conversational attributes” of the person, “such as style, diction, tone, voice, intent, sentence/dialogue length and complexity, topic and consistency”.
If the chat bot doesn’t have enough data to provide an answer on a specific topic, crowd-sourced conversational data stores may be used to fill in the gaps, which is almost literally putting words in people’s mouths.
The patent also deals with the tricky issue of handling profiles of the dead, suggesting that the bot may even be conscious (for wont of a better word) that it’s imitating a dead person. For example, if the bot were asked a question about an event that took place after they died in real life, “such questions may indicate the specific person represented by the personalized personality index (e.g., the deceased relative) possesses a perceived awareness that he/she is, in fact, deceased”.
Right to opt out?
The idea of reincarnating people as chat bots obviously raises all manner of privacy implications that aren’t discussed in the patent, which is, by nature, concerned with the technical workings of the system.
For example, will people be given the right to opt out of such a system? Would the relatives of the dead be able to prevent others from turning their deceased loved ones into chat bots?
Such questions are, of course, moot until Microsoft (or someone else) delivers a working prototype. But it might not be the case for much longer that your personality dies with you.
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LETTERS: Support right now is more important than ever
Mates4Mates is urging us to make contact with veterans who may be feeling isolated this Christmas.
Simple act can make a real difference
I WRITE to encourage the community to put in a call over Christmas to a veteran who may be isolated.
At Mates4Mates, we have seen the impact that this year has had on the mental health of many Australians, including veterans, and isolation remains a very real concern.
We can all make a difference this Christmas by taking time out to call friends and family who may be feeling isolated or who are struggling with the spotlight that's currently on Defence.
Looking after the wellbeing of veterans and their families is our key priority - but we can't do it alone.
This week, please reach out to a mate, ask how they are, and let them know that help is available. This simple act can make a real difference to someone in need.
At Mates4Mates, we've seen an increase in veterans presenting with mental health challenges this year and expect this to continue rising. Support right now is more important than ever.
For more about Mates4Mates, visit mates4mates.org or for 24-hour support, phone Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or on 13 11 14.
Georgia Ash, national clinical manager, Mates4Mates.
Trump is running out of time
THE White "house of cards" is falling after the Texas Supreme Court dismissed Trump's "big one" case, finally ending the lawsuit pursuit over false claims of election fraud.
Trump won't accept defeat, but is running out of time.
Trump's dream of a political family dynasty continues in tweet-land to maintain momentum. His 36 year old son Eric tweeted: "Re-tweet if you love the president".
Most Americans see the forest for the trees and do not buy the fraud fantasy.
Some re-tweeted: "We love President Biden".
The house of cards, like Humpty Dumpty, had a great fall.
Trump's dream of a second term has been quashed by three Trump-appointed Supreme Court judges. That's justice.
"Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee."
Eloise Rowe, Tannum Sands
HARRY'S VIEW ON ROCKY ZOO'S BABY NEWS
Harry's view on Rocky Zoo's baby news.
A Melbourne school has apologised after a group of Year 7 girls were made to kneel to have their hemlines checked. The incident caused outrage among a group of parents, who took to social media to call the incident "patriarchal" and a "demeaning and archaic act of public shaming".
Alison Love: We did this; also nursing uniforms were checked for length. What's wrong with having standards & guidelines in today's world.... perhaps there'd be a bit more respect of self and others?
Leone Neilsen: Had to do this at high school. We would roll them over at the waist after parade. Our socks had to be anklets also.
Step Holden: Typical attitude from some people in this day and age, get with the program people, if there is a length requirement then stop whinging.
Una Slatter: So why is it demeaning, if a certain length is required then so be it. It didn't worry us in our days. Just typical teenagers wanting everything their own way.
GregRaelene Wynne: I did this in the 80's wouldn't hurt the children of today to dress to respect.
Leesa Tomlinson: Rules are rules. People forget these simple rules then complain.
Georgie Elizabeth: It's the school rules. If you don't like it send your kids out appropriately dressed.
Send in your letters to the editor and texts to be featured online.
Email: morningbulletin@capnews.com.au
SMS the editor on 0428 634 025 with the word ROCK and a space in front of your message.
harry's view
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Top quotes by Adam Savage
New York State is giant and has some of the most beautiful landscape on the Eastern seaboard. There is so much history in New York State, from the Erie Canal to the Catskills, the birth of American stand-up comedy. Votes: 32
Deadlines refine the mind. They remove variables like exotic materials and processes that take too long. The closer the deadline, the more likely you'll start thinking waaay outside the box. Votes: 24
That aesthetic of the Star Wars universe: the do-it-yourself, hotrod ethic that George Lucas exported from his childhood, is exactly the same kind of soul behind what we do and build for the show. It may not look pretty, but it gets the job done. Votes: 23
It's sort of a mental attitude about critical thinking and curiosity. It's about mindset of looking at the world in a playful and curious and creative way. Votes: 23
Whether it's the experiments on 'MythBusters' or my earlier work in special effects for movies, I've regularly had to do things that were never done before, from designing complex motion-control rigs to figuring out how to animate chocolate. Votes: 19
There's this group online that I frequent. It's a group of prop crazies just like me called the Replica Props Forum, and it's people who trade, make and travel in information about movie props. Votes: 18
I reject your reality and substitute my own. Votes: 17
In theory, cars are fairly simple. If they don't start, it's either the fuel system or the electrical system. Teach yourself about the path of each in your engine and tracing it is fairly straightforward. But at the beginning, mastering each new system seems like an unreachable shore. The car is effectively a black box. Votes: 16
Growing up in New York, I was sort of shocked when I realized that my children are Californians. They are 14 years old, and I explain to them frequently that they will never realize the glory of a snow day. You wake up and the world says, 'Oops, it's too much fun to go to school, you've got to stay home and deal with the snow!' Votes: 14
I'm a lifelong movie addict, and one of my favorite projects is making replica props and costumes. Nearly every one of these - from R2D2 to Hellboy's revolver - ends with the paint job. And it's not just cosmetic. The paint literally tells a story: what this thing is made of, where it's been, what it's been used for, and for how long. Votes: 13
I had saved a few hundred photos of dodo skeletons into my 'Creative Projects' folder - it's a repository for my brain, everything that I could possibly be interested in. Any time I have an Internet connection, there's a sluice of stuff moving into there, everything from beautiful rings to cockpit photos. Votes: 13
When I finally got up to Industrial Light And Magic to work on the 'Star Wars' movies as a model-maker, it felt like dying and going to heaven. Votes: 11
We're not leaving here without Buster, man. Leave no crash-test dummy behind! Votes: 11
I'm obsessed with the form of a toolbox. The idea of a portable kit that has everything you might need ignites something inside me. It's like Batman's utility belt. Votes: 11
The 'Mythbusters' crew, we monitor the Discovery boards, we look for the new ideas that are being forwarded on those boards, and we keep track of what's going on, we keep updated. Votes: 10
Audiences of critical thinkers are my favorite kinds of audiences. There are jokes I tell in the show that don't get laughs unless I am in front of an audience of critical thinkers. Put me in front of a crowd of science teachers or astronauts! The guileless aren't our audience - it's the critical thinkers we love. Votes: 9
I'm always going to be making costumes. It's one of the ways I relax my brain. In addition to the pleasure of having the piece, there is a deep and abiding pleasure for me assembling something in my head - learning to know something in its totality in my head, and then putting together all the constituent parts into a cohesive whole. Votes: 9
Let's get on our knees and pray. I don't know to whom. Is there a patron saint of ballistics gel? Votes: 9
Back when I was a professional model-maker at Industrial Light & Magic, my specialty was hard-edged construction - spaceships, miniature sets, and architectural stuff. These objects were sometimes just 12 inches across yet needed enough detail to fill a movie screen. Votes: 8
I like to work fast. I despise not having the right tool or, worse, knowing I have it but not being able to find it. It's a pointless delay that wrecks my pace - and mood. Votes: 8
The skeptical community is absolutely near and dear to the 'Mythbusters' heart and there's no small reason that they've embraced us. That's our people. That's the way we like to think. Votes: 8
I go home at the end of the day and I rarely talk about what I did that day. So my wife's experience is just like that of anybody else whose husband goes away to a blue collar job and comes home bruised and dirty and often proud of the work that they're doing. Votes: 7
The idea of an ordered and elegant universe is a lovely one. One worth clinging to. But you don't need religion to appreciate the ordered existence. It's not just an idea, it's reality. We're discovering the hidden orders of the universe every day. Votes: 7
I wouldn't say jamie is an evil genius. I'm not sure he's evil and I'm not sure he's a genius. Votes: 7
In the spirit of science, there really is no such thing as a 'failed experiment.' Any test that yields valid data is a valid test. Votes: 5
The only thing that differentiates you and me from a couple of fourteen year old pyromaniacs is balistic glass! Votes: 5
My dignity and good television - they'll never meet. Votes: 4
Prayer doesn't work because someone out there is listening, it works because someone in here is listening. I've paid attention. I've pictured what I want to happen in my life. I've meditated extensively on my family, my future, my past actions and what did and didn't work for me about them. Votes: 3
Again, like I said, my life has been about being fascinated by objects and the stories that they tell, and also making them for myself, obtaining them, appreciating them and diving into them. Votes: 2
I'm actually the fourth generation in my family to have no practical use for the church, or God, or religion. My children continue this trend. Votes: 2
Let's blow some stuff up. Votes: 0
The fact is that the British Museum had a complete specimen of a dodo in their collection up until the 18th century - it was actually mummified, skin and all - but in a fit of space-saving zeal, they actually cut off the head and they cut off the feet and they burned the rest in a bonfire. Votes: 0
I am now standing in a mixture of cooling fluid, gasoline, and cola. Votes: 0
I'm not a sculptor; I'm a hard-edged model maker. You give me a drawing, you give me a prop to replicate, you give me a crane, scaffolding, parts from 'Star Wars' - especially parts from 'Star Wars' - I can do this stuff all day long. It's exactly how I made my living for 15 years. Votes: 0
I think one of the defining moments of adulthood is the realization that nobody's going to take care of you. That you have to do the heavy lifting while you're here. And when you don't, well, you suffer the consequences. Votes: 0
Firemen have the coolest toys ever! Votes: 0
Stand back! I gotta get some rocket fuel out of the fridge! Votes: 0
I would have to say that looked like it hurt. Votes: 0
Being a geek is all about learning the inventories of things. Votes: 0
Jamie's gonna go take a break now, and i am going to continue the on-going process of making a fool of myself and go ahead and try it myself. Votes: 0
Mostly I make lists for projects. This can be daunting. Breaking something big into its constituent parts will help you organize your thoughts, but it can also force you to confront the depth of your ignorance and the hugeness of the task. That's OK. The project may be the lion, but the list is your whip. Votes: 0
Failure is always an option. Votes: 0
Am I missing an eyebrow? Votes: 0
I felt like I had kind of played it out, and I wanted to see what was next, and then came Mythbusters. You know, it's the best job I've ever had, on its worst day it's better than anything else, but it's a huge amount of responsibility, and there are days when just going into work and building something from someone else's drawing sounds like going back to heaven. Votes: 0
Technology is usually there to let some process go on hidden in the background. For us on 'MythBusters,' we're always trying to make the process apparent. So, we have learned to try and never rely on a technological solution when an analogue one is in front of us. Votes: 0
Am I about to feel really, really stupid? Votes: 0
My advice is keep your lips away from the spinning things. Votes: 0
The Internet is probably the most important technological advancement of my lifetime. Its strength lies in its open architecture and its ability to allow a framework where all voices can be heard. Votes: 0
These are people from everywhere, from Lawrence Livermore and JPL and Sandia National Labs, the FBI, all over the place, real scientists who see what we're doing, and they consistently thank us. "I agree your results aren't always right," they'll say, "but your methods are clearly showing that science is a re-creative process, and it's an interesting process because it's messy, and no other shows show that." Votes: 0
I learned at an early age that I could make the things that I wanted. That's a very powerful thing to realize as a kid. LEGOs were a key part of that. Votes: 0
We're allowed to explore the world at large on these things; the urban-legend aspect of it is just kind of an excuse. Votes: 0
The explosions, like the urban legends, are a great way of bringing people in to watch, because it's really fun, and you know we're always going to give you a satisfying ending. Votes: 0
Lists are how I parse and manage the world. Votes: 0
Of course, I love tools. I also love arranging them, to the point where I came up with a name for my organizing metric: first-order retrievability. Votes: 0
Remember kids, I have life insurance. Votes: 0
We didn't set out to be educators or even scientists, and we don't purport that what we do is real science but we're demonstrating a methodology by which one can engage and satisfy your curiosity. Votes: 0
The coolest toys don't have to be bought; they can be built. In fact, sometimes the only way they'll ever exist is if you make them yourself. Votes: 0
I've learned over decades of building that a deadline is a potent tool for problem-solving. Votes: 0
From earliest times, humans - explorers and thinkers - have wanted to figure out the shape of their world. Forever, the way we've done that is through storytelling. It is difficult to let the truth get in the way of a good story. Votes: 0
I have some ideas on how to fix that. They're not very good ideas, but at least they're ideas! Votes: 0
I just had one of those 'what the hell are we doing' moments. Votes: 0
The difference between screwing around and science is writing it down. Votes: 0
Don't work for fools. It's not worth it. Getting paid less to work for people you like and believe in is much better for you (and your career) in the long run. Votes: 0
I have concluded through careful empirical analysis and much thought that somebody is looking out for me, keeping track of what I think about things, forgiving me when I do less than I ought. Giving me strength to shoot for more than I think Iâm capable of. I believe they know everything that I do and think, and they still love me, and Iâve concluded, after careful consideration, that this person keeping score is me Votes: 0
Sometimes my brain writes a check that reality can't cash. Votes: 0
Bad spellers of the world untie! Votes: 0
If I had any dignity, that would have been humiliating. Votes: 0
Gravity. It's not just a good idea; it's the law! Votes: 0
That's our job - to strap rockets onto everything. Votes: 0
I believe that inside every tool is a hammer. Votes: 0
We don't necessarily stand by our faults every time, but we will always stand by our methodologies and ethos. Votes: 0
sticks and stones can only break bones; but words can shatter the soul Votes: 0
We are always works in progress. You will hurt people you love, and help people you detest. This is called being a human and it happens to everyone. Votes: 0
How hard can it be to blow up a room full of gasoline?! Votes: 0
It's a treat to see the sun rise over the desert. What am I saying? It's a treat to fire off a rocket car over the desert! Votes: 0
I find it's too much for me to read endless critiques, even if we're being well-defended, of exactly what we're doing. When someone tells us something we're doing wrong on the boards, we try to respond, we try to be responsive to the fan boards, but yeah, I can't read them. Votes: 0
There are women who are wishing that they were that piece of tape right now. Votes: 0
I am incrementally a pessimist, but I see the international debate that Edward Snowden has engendered, and I think this is exactly where the discussion should be. So, I would say I'm more optimistic than pessimistic. Votes: 0
After all those years of doing remote detonations, where we just push a button and something explodes, to actually see a nice big fat line of black smoke heading toward something that will blow up is very satisfying. Votes: 0
I'm not gonna shoot anyone with the pellet gun... Not unless I have to! Votes: 0
I think LEGOs are one of the best toys ever developed. Votes: 0
Bigger is always better. Votes: 0
This is the point in the show where we say, 'Oh, what else do we have in the van that's flammable?' Votes: 0
There is no dignity in television. Votes: 0
That was excellent! I mean, it didn't do anything, but it looked really cool! Votes: 0
Isn't television glamourous? Votes: 0
The best-case scenario is that the glass shatters in my face! How do you think that makes me feel? Votes: 0
Walking the floor at a con dressed as Chewbacca, you might as well be Bono. I mean it's ridiculous. People just walk up and grab you and hold you, because they love Chewbacca so much. Votes: 0
There's few things that get you over your own crap more than working hard. Votes: 0
Fractals, the theory of relativity, the genome: these are magnificently beautiful constructs. Votes: 0
I believe that rules do not make us moral; loving each other makes us moral. Votes: 0
If I haven't had any long term psychological side effects from all the things I've already done on this show, this isn't gonna hurt much more. Votes: 0
In the summer of 2002, we had spent six weeks shooting the three pilots of Mythbusters, and Jamie[Hyneman] called me up afterward - well, first he called me up to tell me to clear my crap back out of his shop - and he said, "Well, that was kind of fun, wasn't it? I mean, I don't see where this could go, because we pretty much did everything. But it was fun." Votes: 0
The main trend with the theme episodes is that anywhere there is a misconception about the way the physical world works, we're finding fertile material. Whether it's in a phrase like "going over like a lead balloon" or "a needle in a haystack," or tackling movie myths or even a genre, like MacGyver or James Bond, we're finding that all these things can lead to people believing the world works in a certain way. It might not be correct, but we can test out if it's true. Votes: 0
I think the whole thing that Jamie [Hyneman] and I have in working together is that we are constantly simplifying each other's designs, and we both appreciate that the quickest and the dirtiest solution is usually the most elegant, the least expensive, and the fastest. Votes: 0
We cleared all traces of our occupation out of M6 and moved to M7, and it's been quite smooth over there. We chose a place all the way at the end of an industrial park. Votes: 0
I think at this point, there's a certain bizarre chemistry between Jamie [Hyneman] and I that we can't ignore a lot of the mechanics of, that we're quite aware of. Half of it is absolutely genuine, and half of it is us playing around with that fact. Votes: 0
I find that your basic Internet chat board is way too vitriolic for my taste. Votes: 0
I've always thought something that makes you laugh, it makes you laugh because there's a little bit of truth to it. Votes: 0
Appreciating
Be Practical
Being Delayed
Bruised
Californians
Cohesive
Crazies
Going To Heaven
Going To Work
Going up to heaven
Magic In Movies
Mental Attitude
My Children
Obtaining life
Old Thing
Pointless fasting
Praying To Saints
Star Wars Movie
This Generation
Year-Old
American landscape
Appreciating every day
Appreciating god's blessings
Appreciating the day
Architecture and light
Beautiful america
Beautiful land
Beautiful photo
Beginning yourself
Being forward
Blue collar jobs
Brain and learning
Car engines
Childhood and war
Chocolate from movies
Church and family
Church and god
Church and religion
Critical and creative thinking
Curious savage
End of project
Family picture
Favorite teachers
Good television
Heart and reason
Hidden reality
Ignite me
Keep looking forward
Knowing it's right
Leaving no man behind
Magic of movies
No family
Old year
Praying on knees
Pretty soul
Proud husband
Proud wife
Religion and children
Religion and reality
Religion god
Science teachers
Special effects in movies
Spirit science
Test of a man
Thinking creatively
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Thinking process
War and childhood
Way of thinking
What childhood is
What prayer is
Work from movies
Your own reality
Your reality
quotemaster.org
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[New Age/Piano Solo] Mike Strickland - The Piano (1999) [FLAC]
Tags: Easy Listening , Instrumentals , Mike Strickland , New Age , Piano
Mike Strickland - The Piano (1999)
| FLAC (Tracks+Log) | 333MB | New Age/Piano | Groove Records | Covers |
Pianist and composer Mike Strickland has been influenced by many styles of music and has evolved into a one-of-a-kind piano artist. Born and raised in Jackson Mississippi, he grew up listening to the great composers of that time including Henry Mancini, Vince Guaraldi, the Beatles and Burt Bacharach. His performance career started at the age of 9 when his father would encourage him to entertain dinner guests (“Alley Cat” and “Baby Elephant Walk” were the big hits back then).
After turning eighteen, he began to frequent the clubs and listened to great local blues talents including native Mississippian, B.B. King. Formal music studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston and California State University at Northridge continued to expand his musical talents.
After that, Mike moved to Montana and honed his entertaining skills in ski resorts, where his varied and spirited sets included Beatles tunes, romantic film themes, and finger-busting boogie-woogie numbers.
Mike’s next home was Seattle for 26 years where he built a solid career as a performer, composer and recording artist. He started arranging popular music and creating CDs that were a mixture of well-known melodies and some original works. His own works were varied – some lush, orchestral and cinematic, some smooth jazz, some blues and boogie flavored and others almost new age. Sales of these CDs climbed to over 350,000 and are distributed throughout the nation and digitally throughout the world.
In the last 15 years, Mike has concertized as a solo piano artist, with The Mike Strickland Duo, and with The Mike Strickland Trio. He is known for his exceptional musicianship and arrangements, his virtuosic technique, and his unmatched ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. His music outreach, mentoring programs, and master-classes are always enjoyed by up and coming artists in the communities where he concertizes. Mike’s unique and colorful programming of his concerts is always a hit with audiences. Daughter Elizabeth, a fine classical pianist, often joins him as a special guest. He enjoys showcasing other young talent as often as he can.
As a composer, Mike has always been inspired and driven by melody. He also loves to experiment with motion and texture, using the piano as his own orchestra. He has worked hard at developing his own unique style of piano artistry and has racked up some impressive achievements. (Mikestrickland.com)
01. Walking In The Air [0:04:33.00]
02. The Heart Asks Pleasure First [0:04:37.57]
03. My Heart Will Go On [0:04:23.33]
04. Watching The World Go By [0:05:33.30]
05. The Prayer [0:04:10.25]
06. Canon In D [0:04:35.00]
07. Caruso [0:05:39.62]
08. Time To Say Goodbye [0:04:06.53]
09. Buon Giarno Principessa [0:03:30.07]
10. The Dream Waltz [0:04:13.25]
11. Think Of Me [0:04:45.40]
12. The French Cafe [0:02:59.65]
13. The Wedding Song [0:03:00.18]
14. Medley: Fur Elise-Windmills of Your Mind-Interlude from Floating
Buy The Original CD From Amazon
4S | SH | PC | BD | MG | Demo | Password: vnltue
Víctor Calderón Callao August 11, 2014 at 12:03 AM
Gracias por seguir compartiendo gran música. Les habia perdido el rastro, pero ya los volví encontrar. Un abrazo.
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Home-Corporate information-News-Renishaw undertakes strong UK recruitment drive
Renishaw undertakes strong UK recruitment drive
Renishaw is continuing to recover from the difficulties faced by the engineering sector in 2009, and is currently seeking some 110 new employees for its UK operations
22nd June 2010: Renishaw, the Gloucestershire-based engineering technologies company, is pleased to announce that it is continuing to recover from the difficulties faced by the engineering sector in 2009, and as a consequence is currently seeking some 110 new employees for its UK operations, the majority of whom are for its sites in Gloucestershire. The Company also has 80 vacancies within its overseas operations.
Speaking about this positive news, Sir David McMurtry, Renishaw’s Chairman and Chief Executive, says, “Despite the difficulties that we faced last year we have continued to invest strongly in research and development programmes in both our Metrology and Healthcare sectors. As an example, this has seen us commit to double the footprint at Renishaw Diagnostics Ltd’s facilities in Glasgow and to recruit staff for a world-class commercial organisation that will enable us to take to market our medical diagnostics products for the rapid detection of human infectious diseases.”
He continues, “This focus on new R&D programmes and continuing improvement in activity levels has therefore led to a strong recruitment drive to accelerate the market launch of some exciting new products, and to be able to meet our customers’ service expectations. We are therefore currently seeking to fill a wide range of positions, from CNC setters/operators and production engineers, to software engineers and MR physicists, and we fully expect to be adding further vacancies in the coming months.”
Renishaw has also revealed that since last September it has recruited some 220 people, but did note that around 120 of these employees are currently subject to fixed term contracts, reflecting its cautious approach to re-growing the company in light of continuing economic uncertainty. The total number of employees for the Renishaw Group now stands at 2,076, of whom 1,273 are based at its four sites within Gloucestershire.
On July 28th, the Company will report its preliminary results for its trading year ending June 30th. In its Interim Management Statement released on 14th May, Renishaw reported a continuing improvement in its order book, which at the end of April stood at £24.1 million, compared to just £9.7 million at the start of its financial year on July 1st 2009. Good growth had been experienced in the Far East, with an improving position in all other regions compared with the comparable period last year, and it was expecting revenues to be ahead of the previous year.
Further details can be found at www.renishaw.com/careers.
News release: Renishaw undertakes strong UK recruitment drive [135kB]
News release: Renishaw undertakes strong UK recruitment drive
[135kB]
Sir David McMurtry [150kB]
Sir David McMurtry
Sir David McMurtry, Renishaw's Chairman and Chief Executive
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Home UConn Men's Basketball Huskies have opening practice day unlike any other
Huskies have opening practice day unlike any other
BY ED DAIGNEAULT REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN
The first practice of the season was unlike any other practice opener for the UConn men in more ways than just what the pandemic has done to just about everything.
For starters, it’s year No. 3 under coach Dan Hurley. Wagner and Rhode Island, his two prior stops before arriving in Storrs, made big leaps in the third year of his tenures there. These Huskies are likely to do the same, whatever form the season takes, because of the momentum built from last season.
Secondly, the Huskies have a well regarded freshman class that adds depth to a team that lost only Christian Vital to graduation. Lastly, Hurley is approaching the nearly six weeks before the start of the season much differently than he has in the past.
“I feel like it’s very, very important for us to play as much five-on-five as we can,” Hurley said via Zoom call Friday afternoon. “We have to do as much live scrimmaging as we can. They haven’t really played five-on-five since March. We’ll do a lot more live-play scrimmaging than we’ve done before.”
When they get to that, they won’t do it as a full squad.
Akok Akok did some limited work coming off his Achilles injury, but that was expected. Hurley said the sophomore forward might be able to do some live work with his teammates in early December. URI transfer Tyrese Martin missed practice because of a quadriceps strain. He is expected back next week. Guard Brendan Adams is out with a foot issue and Jalen Gaffney just returned to the court after missing more than a week because of a muscle strain.
Despite that, the Huskies were simply happy to be doing something that approached normal.
“It felt as close to normal as we can get,” senior forward Isaiah Whaley said. “We were in the film room together for the first time in what feels like forever. It felt like a really normal thing. It was the most normal practice we done had so far.”
But it was far different than either of Hurley’s prior two opening practices with the Huskies. Hurley pointed to a changed culture for much of the reason for that.
The way they ended last year gave the Huskies a needed infusion of confidence and momentum. They closed out games, something that had eluded them in Hurley’s first year and for much of the second. They learned how to win, which had been a missing piece for longer than UConn had grown accustomed to.
There wasn’t too much teaching that had to take place Friday, aside from helping freshmen Andre Jackson, Javonte Brown and Adama Sanogo adjust. It was two hours of what Hurley wants to see consistently.
“We got after it today,” Hurley said. “Once everyone is back on the court, the competition for minutes is going to be a far cry from what it’s been. Competition raises everyone’s level. It allows you to create the type of environment in practice that’s going to have your team really dialed in on every rep of every drill, on every possession of practice.
“Guys are putting pressure on you to play the right way and show up the right way.”
That is Hurley’s desired normal, and he started to see it Friday.
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PARTICIPATING BREWERIES
FESTIVAL CHAMPIONS
The people have spoken! On March 7, 2020 the people of Alaska came together to celebrate our state’s craft and artisan industries. They were given the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and tell us who their favorite participants were. Their votes were counted, their voices were heard, and at 6:30pm the People’s Choice Awards were announced!
2020 People’s Choice for the Best Brewery
- Double Shovel Cider Co.
2020 People’s Choice for the Best Pour
Gold Medal – Pineapple IPC by Double Shovel Cider Co
Silver Medal - No Woman No Cryo by Girdwood Brewing
Bronze Medal - Rhu Fram Sour by Turnagain Brewing
Bronze Medal - Scree Fest Spruce Tip IPA by Onsite Brewing
Pretentious Judges' Award Winners - 2014 Russian Imperial Stout aged 5 years in Jim Beam Barrels by Glacier Brewhouse
Beer Czar's Choice - Barrel-aged Intrepid with Cocoa Nibs by 49th State Brewing
2020 People’s Choice for Best Pizza
Little Piggy with Hot Honey from Hearth Artisan Pizza
Connoisseur Session Best Pairing
El Green-Go's & Bleeding Heart Brewing
Smoked pork huevos rancheros tossed in a chocolate porter reduction, roasted poblanos brown rice and black beans, vegan nacho sauce pan fried quail egg, tomatillo sauce, roasted jalapeno creme fraiche, white corn fresca, and cotija, paired with Grounds For Divorce Coffee Porter
Tie for Bronze
The Brewer’s Belt – The award given to the best brewery in the state of Alaska deserves more than a trophy. It deserves more than a blue ribbon and a pat on the back. It deserves to be celebrated, displayed, and peacocked with “in your face” pride that taunts and invites challengers! It is a title, and like all titles, it must be defended! The winner of the Brewer’s Belt gets their name engraved on the belt and is allowed to take possession of the belt for display and public show. The title is chosen by the people, and each year, the reigning champion must return to defend their prestigious position as the greatest brewery in the state of Alaska!
The Gold Medal Tap Handle – Hand crafted by the Beer Czar himself, this award is given to the winner of the best beer at the festival and is meant to be an accolade for public display. The people decide who they believe had the highest quality drink at the festival, be it beer, cider, or wine.
The Gold Medal Pizza Peel – Another hand crafted award, this award is given to the restaurant who receives the most votes for the people’s favorite pizza at the beer festival. This is a celebration of Alaska’s artisan food, and what goes better with craft beer than artisan pizza?! The Gold Medal Pizza Peel, like every award we give out, is meant for public display, as a shining example of dedication to quality pie!
Please Contact Us By FIlling Out Form Below
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THE GARDENS AND ESTATES OF EAST COAST USA
6 – 23 MAY 2021
From George Washington’s private garden at Mt Vernon to the contemporary Oudolf designed masterpiece on New York’s High Line, we’ll visit majestic heritage homes, private sanctuaries and a trifecta of Pennsylvanian beauties: Longwood Gardens, Winterthur and charming Chanticleer. It’s an East Coast USA garden extravaganza of a lifetime travelling with Graham and Sandra Ross through Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Newport Rhode Island.
Thursday 6 May 2021
Sydney – Washington
Meet your Ross Tour Leaders Graham and Sandra Ross at Sydney International Airport. Late evening arrival into Washington. Check in to your luxurious hotel for the next four nights.
Accommodation: Omni Shoreham, Washington
Washington (B/D)
Orientation tour of Washington this morning. Afternoon fine public gardens – United States Botanic Garden and Arlington Cemetery to see the changing of the guard ritual at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Welcome dinner included tonight.
Saturday 8 May 2021
Mt Vernon (B/L)
Mt Vernon is your destination this morning, on the banks of the Potomac River; the home, garden and plantation of George Washington with upper and lower gardens, flower and kitchen gardens, Orangery, family burial vaults and slave graves. Visit the mansion, stroll through the gardens, then finally visit the museum. You will get a real sense of a pioneering, energetic, eighteenth century man and his gardens.
Lunch included today. Visit to River Farm on the Potomac River and once part of the of George Washington’s original five farms. River Farm has been the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society since 1973. There is an early 20th century Estate House and naturalistic and formal gardens. Blooming in May will be trillium, rhododendron, azalea, dogwoods, crab-apples, peonies, iris, lilac, roses, black locust, herbs, mountain laurel, dove tree, magnolia, fringe tree and tulip tree.
Return to your hotel with dinner included this evening and then a tour of the famous Washington Monuments all beautifully illuminated including US Capitol Building, World War 2 Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, White House and Martin Luther King Junior Memorial
Sunday 9 May 2021
Dumbarton Oaks (B)
Afternoon visit to Dumbarton Oaks, once the home of Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss who found their ideal country house and garden within Washington, DC in 1920. They purchased a fifty-three-acre property and hired landscape gardener Beatrix Farrand to design the gardens. Working in happy and close collaboration for almost thirty years, Mildred Bliss and Beatrix Farrand planned every garden detail, each terrace, bench, urn and border. The result is a triumph in garden design; terraces are sculpted with grass, brick, mosaic pebbles and planting. In 1941 Dumbarton Oaks was donated to Harvard University and is faithfully maintained.
Amish Country (B/D)
Gettysburg monuments and visitor centre in the morning to discover the Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point in the American Civil war. Afternoon scenic drive through Amish country where windmills and barns dot the verdant pasture landscape. The Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County are America’s oldest Amish settlement, where thousands still live a centuries-old “Plain” lifestyle. Arriving in Amish Country allows you to step back in time to enjoy a slower, more peaceful pace – one where the horse & buggy remains a primary form of transportation, and where windmills dot the landscape, providing power harnessed from nature. Check in to our elegant hotel in the heart of the city. Dinner included tonight.
Accommodation: Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown, Philadelphia
Longwood Gardens (B/L)
Travel into the nearby Brandywine Valley to Longwood Gardens, a horticultural tour-de-force, recalling the great pleasure gardens of Europe. Gardens here were created by Pierre du Pont who laid out the first flower garden at Longwood in 1907 and went on to create water gardens and fountain displays to rival anything he had seen in Europe; 434 ha of complex gardens, 20 indoor gardens in elegant glass conservatories and spectacular illuminated fountains. After a guided orientation tour of the gardens, there will be time for lunch and free time for you to explore. Fountains have been restored – so we won’t miss them.
Winterthur (B/L)
Back to Brandywine this morning and this time to visit Winterthur. This was the home and garden of Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969) who developed an appreciation of nature as a boy that served as the basis for his life’s work in this garden. He selected plants from around the world to enhance the natural setting. He created a flowering understory of rhododendrons and azaleas beneath a woodland canopy and was meticulous with colour planning. Close to the house is Sundial garden, Reflecting Pool and Peony Garden that serve to link the house with the wider landscape. Lunch included.
Philadelphia – New York (B/D)
Depart Philadelphia this morning bound for New York. First visit Chanticleer, now a “pleasure garden” designed to illustrate the beauty of the art of horticulture. It dates from the early 20th century, the summer home and country retreat of Adolph Rosengarten. The immense woodland garden is a joy at this time with countless rare epimediums and spring “ephemerals” such as the trilliums. The Ruin and adjacent Dry gardens are works of genius and the ‘Old Tennis Court’ garden is an exuberant thrill. Continue to New York with afternoon check-in to your hotel, for the next four nights, centrally located in the heart of the city a short walk from Central Park, Carnegie Hall, Broadway theatres and Fifth Avenue’s famous shops. Dinner is included this evening.
Accommodation: Marriott East Side, New York
The High Line (B)
Morning visit to the widely acclaimed ‘High Line’, a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It is owned by the City of New York and maintained and operated by Friends of the High Line. Founded in 1999 by community residents, Friends of the High Line fought for the High Line’s preservation and transformation at a time when the historic structure was under the threat of demolition. It is now the non-profit conservancy working with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to make sure the High Line is maintained as an extraordinary public space. The first section opened in 2009 and the second section, which runs between West 20th and West 30th Streets, opened in 2011. The horticulture is as sophisticated as it is unstinting. The design of every detail, from bench to water fountain to steps, is sleek and perfection. A leading figure in the New Perennial planting movement, garden designer Piet Oudolf designed all planting schemes, which emphasize plant structure as the most important aspect of a successful garden. Form and texture are valued as much as colour. Perennials, prized for their beauty throughout a natural life cycle, are used almost exclusively. Oudolf challenges conventional approaches to gardening that rely on short-lived bursts of colour and constant maintenance and shows the delights of working with versatile, expressive perennials to create lasting, ecologically sound panoramas that relate to the greater landscape and the shifting seasons. Free afternoon. Option to visit Chelsea Market Manhattan, a great place to eat as well as shop, a true New York experience
Central Park (B)
A guided tour this morning of Central Park designed by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, with attractions spread throughout its 843 acres of landscape. There are sprawling waters, green meadows, bridges, performance space, educational facilities, Central Park Zoo and Wildlife Centre, gardens and classical architecture. But above all else, this is a recreation space for the people of New York, one of the busiest cities in the world. The Conservatory Gardens are magical when the crab apples and the wisteria pergola are in bloom. There are three gardens, one on either side of the central wisteria-pergola garden. Bryant Park is delightful with sophisticated gardens flanking a large lawn and throngs of joyful New Yorkers on countless ‘French’ bistro chairs. Free afternoon.
The Cloisters Museum (B)
Morning visit to The Cloisters museum and gardens, the branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. The building and its cloistered gardens are located in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan. They are treasures in themselves, effectively part of the collection housed there. The Cloisters’ collection comprises approximately three thousand works of art from medieval Europe, dating from about the ninth to the sixteenth century. A guided tour of the gallery will give you an overview of The Cloisters Collection. Return to your hotel via Wave Hill, a public garden and cultural centre in the Bronx overlooking the Hudson River. Very dense and sophisticated theme gardens, compliment broad lawns with majestic trees. This is a fantastic site on high bluffs looking across the Hudson River to the palisades
New York to Boston (B/D)
Travel from New York to Boston with a stop at a charming private garden, said to be an American interpretation of Sissinghurst, Great Dixter and Hidcote in Connecticut. Soak up fantastic American hospitality! Dinner included tonight.
Accommodation: Boston Park Plaza, Boston
Boston (B)
A morning guided tour of Boston will show you the home of American democracy. Included is a visit to Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum where the art of landscape has always been a priority. Reflecting Isabella Stewart Gardner’s passion for horticulture and garden design, the museum’s interior courtyard is itself an astonishing work of art, combining plants, sculpture and architectural elements. Then to Harvard University’s Museum of natural History to see the Glass Flower collection. Guided walk of Boston’s Historic Emerald Necklace, a 1,100-acre chain of green space.
Newport (B/L)
Newport Rhode Island is your destination today, a marvellous mix of the colonial, the maritime and the aristocratic at what is termed ‘America’s First Resort’. But first, visit a landmark garden in Rhode Island, a labyrinth of garden spaces, each one exhibiting colour mixing, light, space with exquisite planting schemes. Continue to Newport with a sightseeing tour to show you these elegant properties. Lunch is included.
Afternoon visit to Cornelius Vanderbilt’s summer mansion, ‘The Breakers’, the grandest of Newport’s summer “cottages” and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial pre-eminence in turn of the century America. Today, the house is designated a National Historic Landmark.
Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill (B/D)
Morning visit to the private courtyards of members of the Beacon Hill Garden Club, a historic area of Boston. From its first garden tour since the club was founded in 1928, club members have opened their gardens every year on the third Thursday in May, even through the Depression and World War II. We hope you will enjoy the day visiting the nooks, crannies and charming spaces that make Beacon Hill special.
Afternoon free. Farewell dinner this evening.
Boston to Home (B)
Free morning. A flight this afternoon from Boston to Los Angeles then on to your home port
Arrive Home
To secure your booking and make your deposit, please complete our online booking form. You will be contacted by a Ross Tours Travel Manager to confirm your details and preferred method of payment.
GRAHAM & SANDRA ROSS
Deluxe accommodation for 15 nights with breakfast daily
Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Entrance fees to all gardens and sightseeing including United States Botanic Garden, Mount Vernon, River Farm, Dumbarton Oaks, Longwood Gardens, Winterthur, Chanticleer Gardens, Central Park, Wave Hill Park, Highline NYC, Hollister House, Emerald Necklace, Sakonnet Garden, Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill, Arlington National Cemetery, Washington Monuments, Georgetown, Gettysburg National Park, Amish Country, The Cloisters Museum, Harvard Museum of Natural History, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The Breakers Mansion.
Twin Share land only $14,495* per person
Twin Share including air $15,995* per person
Single Supplement $3,895*
*2020 Price. 2021 prices are yet to be confirmed.
All prices in Australian Dollars.
Prices based on minimum 15 passengers.
Price is based on departure Sydney.
Book and pay in full by 16/12/2019 to receive the Early Bird Discount of $300.00 per person off the final instalment.
Garden Clinic™ Member Discount $50.00
Discover Victoria’s finest country gardens at the peak of autumn magic. Meet the master gardeners behind garden gates. See old favourites and exciting new discoveries. Be guided around David Glenn’s Lambley, Paul Bangay’s Stonefields, Stuart Rattle’s Musk Farm and the Digger’s Garden of St Erth.
Follow the delicate cherry blossom trail as it blooms across Kyoto, Kanazawa, Nikko and Tokyo on a 14 day tour that takes you inside Japan’s great gardens. Experience a fascinating mix of ancient Zen serenity and modernity that makes Japan such an exciting cultural destination.
The Flinders Ranges is some of Australia’s most dramatic landscapes. Journey from Adelaide, through the Clare Valley for the SA Autumn Festival, and into the outback. See towering ancient cliffs, spectacular gorges, outback stations, Wilpena Pound and Lake Eyre.
Japan Spring Festivals
Japan celebrates Golden Week with festivals of azalea, peony, wisteria and the last of the cherry blossom. Our floral adventure begins in the deep mountains of Nikko, and then travels over four islands of the archipelago: Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and Naoshima. Highlight includes walking beneath Japan’s famous wisteria tunnels. See cities Tokyo, Matsue, Okayama and Takamatsu.
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LGBTQIA+ / Sex Work
Jolene: The First Ever Trans-Inclusive Strip Night In America
Jolene: A place for all womxnkind to dance freely
Lily Dicostanzo November 4, 2019 November 19, 2019 0
Interview answers by Fine China.
Photos by Alexandra Kacha.
Named after Dolly Parton’s hit song and in possession of all the glitter, hairspray, and glamour the beloved namesake could ever desire, Jolene is the country’s first-ever trans-inclusive strip night. It also happens to be the most buzzed-about event in Los Angeles right now.
Salty spoke to founder Fine China to get the inside scoop — and an insider’s view of what a night at Jolene looks like. Check it out.
I dance as Fine China — aka @ethicaldrvgs on Instagram — and I perform a lot in queer spaces. I’m a trans woman who started dancing because when I first stepped in my first strip club ever, the first year I started this process, I ended up at Jumbo’s and was simply in awe. I thought it was so transgressive that these dancers were owning their femininity onstage and I wanted to be able to do the same as a woman of trans experience.
Why Did you start Jolene?
I started this night because I wanted (and needed) a place to dance, and I was unhappy with the treatment of trans women at the only other place for me to perform. I’m really lucky and grateful that there were so many people, so many trans and cis women, who told me that if I’m not happy with what’s being served at the table then I can make my own.
I wanted to have a place that could cater to both types of hustles — stage sets and private dances — so dancers had the option to work on whichever hustle they prefer. I hope that this space exists as a safe place for people to see that it’s okay to be attracted to whoever you’re attracted to and realize that these harmful social stigmas are complete bullshit.
I hope that this space exists as a safe place for people to see that it’s okay to be attracted to whoever you’re attracted to and realize that these harmful social stigmas are complete bullshit.
I’m not doing anything new; trans women have been dancing stealth in strip clubs for a very long time. I am just celebrating trans women in spaces where so many have had to be secretive. Eventually, I want to expand into making more spaces for the broader queer community. But for right now, I want to uplift trans women of color, the most marginalized and silenced community. Once we accomplish that, we can push for more.
“I’m not doing anything new; trans women have been dancing stealth in strip clubs for a very long time.”
The next Jolene event is on November 27, 2019 at Madam Siam in Hollywood.
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Your Memories of Sam
25 April 2020 SLGTadmin
Hello. I’m Geraldine or Gerry, Sam’s mum. Sam left me so many wonderful memories, from the day he was born to the day he died, he lived life to the full – every day was an adventure. I’m digging out photos to put on this site, but I know there will be plenty of other memories out there which would be great to share together to help us celebrate this life well lived. Please add your stories in your reply to this post – Your Memories of Sam.
38 Responses to “Your Memories of Sam”
My memories of Sam are spilt between when we were quite young and then later after we’d all been to Uni/ away travelling and living in other places.
I remember him always giggling and playing tricks or whispering to someone about things he found funny.
We all played out on the green together, huge football games or rounders with sprawling age groups piling in together. Water fights up and down the back lane and swimming In the river (quite brave considering what went into it)! At one point we used the frame work of a den that some of the much older kids had started and then nicked off with several tree logs that had been felled and stacked by the path awaiting collection. We made an amazing log-cabin-type-den and had to slither on our bellies to get into it. We had a look-out hidden by the main path so that we wouldn’t give our den away to dog walkers. However, not everyone could whistle so those who couldn’t, disappointedly hit a tree with a stick.
That’s how I mostly remember Sam, as part of the group, the rabble of kids that we were. The Blackhall Millions.The Blacky Millers.
I remember camping in his back garden once with a tent of girls and a tent of boys. Eventually the boys were told to go and sleep inside the house by a disgruntled Gerry, because we were all talking and giggling way too loudly despite several shouts to ‘shut up!’ from the overlooking houses.
I remember him being cheeky and quite annoying! He was always enthusiastic, I rarely saw him grumpy or bored, if ever. Later on when I got to know him as an ‘adult’ but let’s face it- we were always and will still be ‘The Street- kids’. We talked about our travels, went clubbing in the toon, I was delighted to discover the gem that is Erraid, we went for an occasional walk and battled charades at Christmas!
I find it hard to imagine that he’s not about, somewhere. Perhaps because I only saw him in the summer and at Christmas for the past several years. Or perhaps because he is still so vivid in my mind as an energetic character who brought people together and created adventures. I sort of can’t miss him- because he’s still here in my head reminding me not to be beige and to go for it. But then, I do miss him, because he was such a big presence and there was always a funny story or some kind of intrigue around him. Thanks Sam, you left a mark with us all. Love you xxx
Tom Ling
Hi – I am proud to be Sam’s uncle -Thomas or Tom (like Geraldine or Gerry I seem to be called differently in different contexts but happily I like both labels). Rowena (my wife) and I have many and fond memories of Sam. From a young baby even then full of energy and an alarming knack of suddenly arching his back like a salmon, to an inquisitive child always curious, and then an orchestrating teenager managing pals’ events and most often his wider family. It was great seeing him grow and develop. Ideas and ideals matured and became deeper and richer. His famous curries arrived later and later. He had firm views but loved to expose them and talk and argue – and laugh. The glint in his eye was never far away.
Just earlier to today I was wearing one of his jumpers. I like to do that at least a couple of times every month and often more. It’s partly to feel him near but also because he had such damn good style. He didn’t dress flamboyantly but very thoughtfully and tastefully. Where did that gene come from?
On the subject of genes, he loved his mum and dad with a deep passion. His brother Joe was equally loved. And he was a great orchestrator of family events. He had a tenacity about making sure we all gathered together especially around christmas but, really, on any other occasion when he was back in the UK. I know he did the same for his friendship groups, organising events at Blackhall Mill or the island.
I remember Joe and Sam meeting me on bikes in Durham. I was cycling the length and breadth of the country for my 60th birthday. The brothers met me at Durham cathedral and became my outriders as I crossed the county line and up into Blackhall Mill. Non-stop chat and laughing all the way. As always, energy, humour, intelligence and compassion….
Love, pride and great memories
Corrie Ling
Sam – his early years
I was visiting Gateshead about 28 years ago, with my children, Neil and Jennie. Geraldine and Andy made us very welcome, and the cousins had fun together. Sam and Joe were into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and by the end of the holiday, I had agreed to make turtle suits for them. We bought material, stuffing and a pattern and we returned home on the train with the precious bundle. By Christmas, the outfits were given to Sam and Joe, who loved them to bits! Andy made them weapons, and their room was made into a turtle home. Very happy memories, and if anyone wants a turtle sewing pattern, I have it.
Sam had a great way with kids, and very much a family man, and one time, about four years ago, when he was home from Colombia for Christmas, we were struck by how much he loved it when we all got together. We were in a house in Largo, and while Jennie and Colin were working, they left their two-year old son, James with us. Sam was very committed to keeping fit, and had gone running along the beach.
James and I were having breakfast in the kitchen, when Sam rushed in, all smiles and cheery. James was eating toast, but wanted the crust cut off. (The best bits, I hear you say!). Sam let James feel his arm muscles, and said it was due to eating crusts! So James ate the crust straight away, and Sam went off for a shower smiling!
Liam McCracken
I’ve known Sam for most of my life and I was lucky enough to count him among my best friends.
He was always full of energy and enthusiasm and really threw himself into things that he was interested in; family / travel / music / cooking / uni / partying / work / girls / casa taller… and never seemed to waste too much time on things that he didn’t think were worthwhile! Not a bad philosophy to live by, and this ensured that his life, while tragically cut short, was lived to the full. I genuinely find comfort in this, even though losing someone you love and miss so much is impossible to comprehend.
So many great memories. Instead of writing a long piece, I’ll keep adding different memories here as the moment takes. Here’s one from the archives:
When we were really young, living in Blackhall Mill, our friendship group used to get up to all sorts of stuff; and you could always count on Sam to push the boundaries, much to our amusement!! I remember we used to play ‘Toboggan’ in Sam’s house as kids. This basically involved talking one of our group into sitting on top of a big cushion, while the rest of us pushed them down the flight of stairs, so that they would ‘toboggan’, and emerge (hopefully) in one piece in the living room at the foot of the stairs. After the initial few successful runs without significant injury, Sam led the group into thinking of new ways we could spice toboggan up a bit… So the next person to toboggan directly into the living room (while Sam’s dad Andy was watching the news) was sporting a new look plundered from his parent’s wardrobe; including a bra and a couple of ties!
Jack Kane
I am also fortunate enough to be a part of the Blacky mill massive and have known Sam and Joe (and Gerry and Andy) since they moved here all them years ago.
When we were growing up Sam always tried to maintain a split between the ‘little uns’ (or the runts as he christened us) and the ‘big uns’, which would mean that sometimes we weren’t allowed to make use of every kids dream of the free house if Gerry and Andy were away. I’m not going to lie this used to annoy me! But over the years we eventually managed to prove ourselves and the groups totally merged.
Sam always loved big gatherings and events – Christmas, new year, Erraid trips all spring to mind. One memory I have is a few years ago when about 30 of us hired a couple of big log cabins in Kielder for my birthday. It was January and turned out to be a really snowy weekend, so as I’m sure you can imagine Saturday afternoon turned into an epic snowball fight which lasted for hours. Sam was in his element and I can still picture the devious smirk on his face while planning attacks and launching snowballs at anyone and everyone – there was no teams so everyone was a target! He was also definitely an instigator of the next game which involved sitting on a sledge while holding onto the back of a moving car… We won’t talk about that one though!
It is hard to fully understand or accept that Sam isn’t here any more. I think similar to what Sarah said above, that may be because we only saw him twice a year on his returns from Colombia these days. He was definitely a fun-loving unforgettable character who is remembered by all he met. We all miss him and I think the number and range of people at his funeral show you the type of man he was and the impacts that he had.
I know there’s a lot more of these memories and thoughts to come, people are just trying to work out if their stories are acceptable for this forum!
Far too many memories to do Sam justice, I think his special power was creating memories, if nothing was happening then he would make something happen…
My earliest memory is of him crying on our first day at Chopwell Junior School, an innocent start to a raucous school career. Growing up together in Blackhall Mill was full of fun, what Sam lacked in footballing talent he made up for in amateur explosives expertise. Going through school we had so many laughs…I think relentless is the word for his wind ups and sense of humour. I remember we would miss the school bus in purpose so that Andy would give us a lift in.
A bit older and I remember cramming loads of us into his little old Renault to go clubbing in town, whoever drew the short straw to go in the boot would be treated to a whirlwind tour of all the local road bumps with music blaring at full blast…
I remember when Sam and Liam went off travelling, and then when he went to South America with Holly, they were the first people I knew who had done that and all of a sudden the world seemed within reach.
As we got older, it was still always an adventure with Sam, once I remember when he came to visit me in Colombia, we went on a night out and we ended up being the only two gringos in a nightclub full of gangsters and having to make a sharp get away…
Above all I always remember him smiling, that knowing look, that glint in his eye. His commitment to his mates, keeping in touch, getting people together, was a lesson to us all and is something I will never forget.
I also remember seeing his energy with the kids in Casa Taller in Colombia when they brought a big group of them on a visit to Cali, and remember thinking how much the kids loved and respected him, the mixture of authority and fun which Sam had with them.
Spending time with Sam was always a reminder that life is to be lived and enjoyed…like others, I still can’t quite accept that he isn’t here.
But I know he lives on in the hearts of all of us who had the privilege of knowing him…pushing us on, laughing with us (and at us!) and reminding us to make the most of every moment. Happy birthday mate x
Anna Ling
I’m Sam’s (younger) cousin Anna, so his huge presence has been in my life since the start. We would meet in Fife over Christmas and/or Easter in our Grans tardis-esk house, called Sandlea. The time together would be full of huge meals, walks and a sliding scale of appropriate games- the least appropriate usually coming from Sam (ever played ‘Cards Against Humanity’ with your mum?).
My sister’s number one toy for years was Baby Bob. It was as basic a doll gets, with a bald plastic face, arms and legs, and a soft torso, but she loved him as only a child could. Baby Bob suffered greatly at Sams engenius hands, somehow always just scraping disaster. One day, he was flying between Sam and Joe, and accidentally flew right out the first story window onto the main road below. My sister was distraught- and Sam instantly changed from playful tormentor, to hero as he ran full pelt down the stairs to save Baby Bob from near disaster.
He was always up for a laugh, in-fact, he was usually at the centre of the laugh, but he would also be the first to step in when someone actually needed help. Family gatherings won’t be the same, but Sam’s light will always be with us and we will raise many drinks in his name. Happy Birthday Sam, thank you so much for everything you brought into the world x
Katie Byrne
My earliest memory of Sam is in the playground at Chopwell Junior School. A group of us were playing a game on the steps near the garden and Sam, the new boy, came up and said “can I play Katie?” I thought about it then told him “no” and rather than accept it he challenged my answer with a friendly but searching “why?”, to which I realised I had absolutely no reason and had a quick change of heart.
There are lots of funny memories of growing up through school at Hookergate – BB guns, giggling about cleg, nanny dodging, the McGuiver tree, and egg & flour incidents, to name a few. I became pretty close with Sam during Sixth form through our shared love of music and partying and he became my partner in crime as we discovered the joys of dance music and clubbing; they were special times! I remember when he took ownership of his beloved Renault 5 and all the freedom and joy it brought to us – if ever a car represented a snapshot of a person! He also had an unhealthy obsession with Dr Evil (from Austin Powers). I can still clearly hear his rendition of ‘I like chicken, I like liver, Meow mix, meow mix, please deliver’ and see the excited twinkle in his eye and the grin on his face every time he sang it (and there were a lot of times).
There was a summer when my parents were away for about 6 weeks and Sam took it upon himself to arrange some sort of gathering at my place pretty much every night full of brilliant friends, music and banter – fond memories of good times. He also took on the job of mowing the lawn during this period, and i can still picture him grinning his way up and down the grass as if the lawnmower was some sort of sports car. The day my parents got back I had to work and I had tried to put the house back together as best I could, but had failed to replace a broken lamp shade. Sam, being the interior design ikea king he was at the time, told me not to worry, he would get the exact same one while I was out and before they returned. From memory I think I arrived back just before my parents, and was impressed to see Sam had stuck to his word, although the first thing my mam said was, ‘what happened to the lamp shade?’…turns out it wasn’t the exact same one but never mind!
I missed him when he went off travelling but I was chuffed when he, along with the best part of all the home crew, moved down to where I was in Leeds after his return. Cue more outrageous, wild and happy times! In more recent years, i regret to say I didn’t see Sam that often, given our respective migrations to opposite ends of the planet; but I was so in awe of everything he got up to and it always seemed like no time had past whenever I did see him.
Whenever I think of any of the time I spent with Sam I find myself fondly grinning. I feel so grateful to have grown up with him and to have been a victim of his infectious, joyful energy and spirit. Happy Birthday mate, love you! X X X
Jennie Forrest
I’m Jennie, one of Sam’s cousins on the Ling side. My childhood happy memories involving Sam are countless and always filled with laughter and joy. Many of these were at the home of my grandparents in Fife where we would meet several times each year. Laterally Sam would do the cooking with increasingly elaborate curries. He had an amazing ability to stay up until the wee small hours discussing one of his many passions and then manage to get up early and go for a run (I only once made the mistake of trying to run with super speedy Sam!).
20 odd years ago I met up with Sam in Australia when he was on a trip there with Liam and my brother, Neil was living there. We had a brilliant time but even 2 decades ago I couldn’t keep up with his energy and zest for life!
In 2009, when I had returned from living overseas, Sam was on Erraid where he was working as a fisherman. As was his endless generosity and ability to include everyone, he invited me and a couple of friends to stay with him on the island. Every day he would be up at the crack of dawn to where he needed to start I’m the fishing boat and in the evening he would return to make fabulous and inventive meals. One evening we spent with the community up in the village. Their love for him was obvious but particularly the children who followed him around and hung off every word.
Even though Sam was in Colombia for 10 years it always felt like we saw him regulary since on his twice yearly trips home he would always make a massive effort to make sure he spent time with his family as well as his friends.
Sam was a massive part of our family and I feel honoured to have known him. He is remembered in the happiest possible way for the remarkable man he was x
Neil Pritchard (Sam's cousin)
The Night of the Crazy Santas.
(Starring Sam, Liam Turnbull, with Neil as witness)
We had been out in Newcastle on a fairly typical Saturday night (it may have been a Friday, but that’s not important) and returned to Fife Terrace around 4am. I was feeling tired, so went for a wee lie down in the front room (my bedroom at the time). I feel asleep and was dreaming of crazy Santas chasing each other around, but then I woke up to realise that Sam and Liam had pulled the white stuffing from some soft toy and put it on their faces, creating makeshift beards. Liam was closing his eyes and putting his arms out like a zombie and chasing Sam all over the lounge / kitchen and Sam was screaming (Gerry must have been away that weekend, otherwise she would have woken up). It was hilarious, one of the funniest things I have ever seen, a shame it was only me that got to witness this chaos. It was like an alter ego for Liam which he seemed to revel in, and Sam was genuinely scared of him (but laughing at the same time), throwing chairs and stuff into his path to try to slow him down ! !
I brought this night up with Liam on Erraid at Hogmanay, but he claims to have no memory of it.
Liam Turnbull
Great to read all of these memories, some of which i was lucky enough to be part of, all of which are making me smile and remember such a good friend fondly. Sam was an absolutely unforgetteable character, with a relentless aptitude for fun, and he had a generous spirit, shown as Paddy said in the array and number of people who came to Blacky Mill to celebrate his life. What a cheeky smirk and titter! He always had time for friends. In retrospect I don’t think he enjoyed or partook in time alone, which is admirable.
I first met sam at the Hookergate open day and we bonded straight away over both having the same wicked trespass coat with loads of pockets, one of which was on the sleeve which later became a special reserve for both of us that we stashed an emergency quid in, which we could only use on Cornflake tart day!
We used to funfight at afterparties in Gerrys extension. Sometimes in proper states. It was basically last man standing. In trying to throw your opponent down you invariably ended up spinning around like two stag beetles in a tussle. And so the Waltz was born.I can still hear him grunting as he braced for impact like rugby players in a scrum. The game evolved naturally and before long there were special moves like the zombie, or ‘limpsies’ and shimmy. If you were knackered your only option was to catch your breath on the sofa while the reigning champ showboated and goaded you. Sam soon saw an end to that by introducing elements of another game called ‘Bobbys shop’, which basically involved him hitting you on the shins with a baseball bat while you tried to catch your breath. It was brutal. The only options were to Waltz or get your shins done in as he shouted ‘Get oot me shop’! There was definitely no poppers involved. I still have a proper gem of a video of me, him and Sammy Mac having a monumental three way waltz one night that I taped on the sly. Absolute treasure of a memory and video! Has all the special moves. At one point he throws me down and gets on top of me on the sofa, and farts on me and wafts it over. You can see his trademark cheeky gaze as he watches me waiting for me to realise.
Sam had an insatiable desire to have fun and enjoy himself, which i’m sure we all admire and treasure, and will continue to do so. He had zero tolerance for boredom which means that almost every memory of time with him is a story. I’m sure like you all i can’t imagine him without hearing him tittering or seeing his cheeky look. I feel lucky to have spent so much time with him, and to have called him my friend, even ef we did wind each other up at times (once working at Andy’s place he went too far and put fibre glass in my bottle of water the little shit). He is and will continue to be missed. Big up big man x x x
Reading all of these stories and thinking of memories of Sam makes me feel both nostalgia and a desire to go back and go through school again!
Andy Charlton
Sam and myself moved to Blackhall Mill around the same time and I remember even at that early age for Sam to be welcoming, inclusive and making people feel part of a group. He would get me involved in the weekly Sunday eve game of football on the village green which looking back on it would at time resemble more of a WWF Royal Rumble than a game of football at times.
We also bonded over our love of computer games and would spend many nights at our respective houses shouting over each other’s shoulders as the other furiously clicked a mouse button! I remember one particularly hot summer where Sam and myself spent far too much time indoors in Sam’s Grandpa’s study playing on what I’m sure was his Grandpa’s work P.C and Gerry trying to coax us away with promises of trips away or sugary based foods!
Like so many people on here, I have so many find memories of Sam: our time in Blackhall Mill; summers spent at Rowlands Gill park, times away at Erraid; summer festivals at Leeds and constant nights out. Thinking back on all of the things that I’ve done with Sam over the years makes me realise what a massive influence he was and still will be on my life and all the people that he’s known over the years.
Sam was always keen on helping people; getting himself out of his comfort zone; travelling to new places and making countless new friends along the way. I feel that I learnt so much from him and directly or indirectly he influenced my life so much.
Even during the last few years when we lived on opposite sides of the world when we’d see each other, it was like it always was. When I think back of Sam now, yes, I’m sad but also happy that I had the chance to know him and be part of his life. We all miss you mate!
Andy and Gerry were our friends before children and four were born between us with only months difference in the ages of Sam and Jennie and then Beth and Joe. My memories are many but everyone of them makes me smile . Sam and Joe were lively to say the least but I remember them coming to our house and played for ages with an old dolls house. Sam had his mischievous smile from when he was a baby and he used it well . To make friends, to fix arguments, to make people smile back and to make you wonder just what was going on in his head. Sam’s sense of humour was always present however many people were around . When outnumbered on Erraid by oldies drinking and being loud he still managed to use his humour to mock us all and make us laugh. Also on Erraid with young Ben ,who Sam and Joe took under their wing while climbing, building things, playing football , going out in the boat and building fires. Using their memories of time on Erraid to make memories for the next generation. Such generosity of spirit from Sam , Joe and their cousins was very special. After Andy died Sam came to Scotswood to see people he knew and made a link with one of the youth groups there. He brought his bike one time and when the bell rang and no one was anywhere near it he was happy to accept it was his dad telling him he was still around. More recently Sams Christmas holiday from work always coincided with our family Christmas party . He would arrive with Gerry straight from the airport and then insist at the end of the evening that he was not drunk but jet lagged. We loved him coming he lit up the room and talked and laughed freely . Upset children or uncomfortable children were never ignored he was always there before anyone else to make them feel happier . Lastly Sam was our friend , he and Kevin could talk about past days and events forever. Sam and Joe always liked to hear stories abouttheir dad from Kevin and Kevin loved telling them. Too many times and too many words need to be spoken and remembered. So no more words just love for Sam and his best life lived.
Far far far too many hilarious memories to try and just pick one, especially when some have already been told, but something I will always remember, was at one of the Christmas parties in Blackhall Mill in recent years, an unnamed guest was failing hard at charades, and me and Sam were just in total hysterics as they mumbled and screeched their way to a humiliating attempt that resulted in a loss for our team… it still gets brought up to this day at Xmas haha so simple but I’ll always think of that moment and laugh in the years to come, and be reminded of the reliably childish humour that we all shared with Sam! No matter where he’d been or what he’d seen, when we saw him after so long, he just wanted to be silly and laugh like we did as kids, with his family and friends.
His energy will be missed so much x
Rowena Whitehead
I’m Rowena, and first met Sam when he was a toddler and I walked into the front room rammed full of Lings on my first visit to Sam’s grandparents with Tom. .
Sam, we pretty well always met at large family gatherings at Christmasses and Easters and I remember your boisterous energy, your laugh, your laughter and that cheeky glint in your eye. Your love for Gerry, Andy and Joe shone through and you carried the torch for the wider family getting together whenever you returned to the UK, absolutely determined that it should happen…. and you made it clear to us how important it was for you. James and Max loved you to bits as you connected with them in your uniquely magical way, always playful and generous. Fabulous cook, dedicated and committed activist and world changer , you made the room light up wherever you were and your meticulously planned and created curries were the best I have ever eaten ….. I remember huge bags and yet more bags of ingredients being carted to the houses we would rent for family gatherings.
I remember family outings rolling eggs downhill every Easter for years in Letham Glen, and a lot of dubious tactics used by S Ling Gibson in his determination to win. I have played more games of Trivial Pursuits with you than with pretty well anyone else ever (you will always hold that record), and you made even that fun…..and thank for introducing me to Cards Against Humanity.
We’re still reeling from the loss of you and you’ve left a huge hole in the extended family group and obviously in every group that you were part of . It’s been wonderful to meet up with your friends as we have been celebrating you – you were obviously loved by so many people.
We will share Sam stories and drink a toast to you whenever we get together.
https://www.facebook.com/sammymaracas/videos/10150171984955657/
Katherine Zeserson
Hi I”m Katherine, Geraldine’s friend, colleague and neighbour.
I first met Sam when he was six months old and I starting working with Geraldine at Them Wifies. We’d drive around Gateshead in a beat up old Bedford van with Sam in a carry cot in the back…when he objected (which was fairly frequent) I’d take him into the front with me and sing loudly, directly in his face – the wilder and closer the more he liked it. His favourite ‘soothing’ song was a raucously improvised 12 bar blues. As Sam got older, and was joined by my son Josh and then Sam’s brother Joe, we moved up in the van world to a Marina van, carpeted in the back in which the three toddlers would just kind of rattle around and play. Eventually they became founder members of the amazing creche that Nora Donovan ran to support the women’s drama and music activities that Geraldine and I facilitated, and I think maybe Sam’s passionate political views were kindled or at least stoked by the experience of riding along in the creche minibus in the centenary Gateshead/Newcastle May Day march, complete with women’s symbols on nappy banners flapping out the windows…
Sam and Joe and Geraldine came to Ireland with Josh and me when they were in the upper primary school years, and I can vividly remember Sam’s insatiable curiosity and enthusiasm about everything …and his delighting in telling my mum rather rude jokes….particularly one that Josh recalled the other day about …dogshit…
Many years later I had the deepest privilege of spending a few days in Bogota with the man that Sam became. He whisked me around the city from dinner at the vegetarian cafe run by ex-combatants to lunch with Paula and Matty in his plant-filled apartment to beer and snacks in a really very dodgy bar, and then via the most terrifying, vertiginous bus ride of my life up the hills to Casa Taller, where we spent a joyous day in the garden and singing with the children. I can still see him grinning and encouraging the children and dancing about, and then the deep seriousness of his voice as he walked me around the community and helped me to contextualise my experience.
The cheeky, quirky child became a beautifully loving, passionate man, so driven by justice and hope. So sad to lose you, and so grateful for your life. X
So Gerry asked me if I might tell this story, I have other memories of Sam, of great and passionate discussions on varied topics, of good cooking and eating, of big greeting-hugs, but this is one that does stick in the mind a little vividly.
Yesterday I wore a pair of blue trousers – unremarkable you might think – but actually remarkable on two accounts, one that they were blue again, and two that they bring back memories of an adventure I would not have tackled if it had not been for Sam.
I was in Colombia for a conference. It was shortly after the ‘peace’ process was finally ratified and the conference was shaped round participatory research and knowledge democracy. Sam had hoped to attend. I hoped he would too, but in the end there were weddings back in the UK where he needed to be and so he was not around. It was the casual understatement of his suggestion of how I might spend some of my days off in Colombia that left me unprepared for what was to come.
His suggestion was that given I had a week I had time to take a trip to Santa Marta and from there a walk through the jungle to the Lost City of Teyuna. I researched it, saw how far I would need to walk each day (perfectly manageable it seemed) and although the accommodation was described as basic (is that an under or an over-statement?) I thought I was used to that and didn’t really mind it. It was indeed basic even for me. As basic as it could be and still be called accommodation – no walls, no doors, no beds but very used mattresses lined up together on shelves (bed bugs included) no facilities that many would recognise as such (although toilets were available in outbuildings), lots of frogs, toads and chickens, often under the ‘bed’ – leechy things (always check your shoes before you put them on) but also humming birds and fire-flies all around with perfect views of fabulous sunsets given there were no walls – so yes it was basic but with consolations. Consolations were actually many. The jungle flowers, the views, the birds, the wildlife, learning about the culture of the region and finally the Lost City itself. We arrived there at 7 am one morning after a two-hour trek that took us through a raging river with water up to my armpits (was a scared – yes) and 1200 slippey stone steps to the entrance. But I loved it. Doing the trek with indigenous people (I went with the Wiwa tribes people) meant I was really prepared for the special atmosphere of the city, had been inculcated into their beliefs and ceremonies, and was fascinated by the peace, history and spirituality of Teyuna.
What did I not love. The red mud – and the mud – and the wet and the mud. The whole trek took place in red slippery oosey mud, often on steep paths perched on the edge of steep drops (one of our food carrying mules slipped off one day – it survived but we only had a cookey for our lunch that day) the heat and humidity (we were wet all the time, and I mean all the time) and the mosquitos. And…I was also at least 30 years older than most people on the trek. There was one other man my age, an American teacher – we teamed up for camaraderie – and because we were the slowest. One day he said, ‘Tina, we are in the top 99th centile for age here, in fact we are respectively number 99 and number 100’. But we made it. The coca tea helped. Many younger folk did not make it – perhaps they did not try the tea – my boots did not make it either, rotting away and disintegrating on the last day they had to be carefully disposed of. What an adventure. I did love it really. Thank you Sam.
When safely returned I asked Sam why he thought I would be OK – he said he thought I was a tough old bird. I suppose that was a complement from Sam. I remember him with huge affection – his zest for life and for social justice – his compulsion to give of your best – his quest to overcome and achieve and to include – and maybe his slightly skewed understanding of risk? Inspirational. Tx
I have so many memories of Sam throughout his amazing life. I remember spending a long weekend at Gerry and Andy’s (my brother) house in Gateshead . They had just bought the house and were slowly getting it into shape. I was rewiring it for them over a frantic and hectic weekend. Sam was only a few years old and I remember one afternoon looking across at the bench along the wall in the kitchen area and seeing him laid fast asleep on it, a blanket rolled up alongside him to stop him falling on to the floor, sleeping soundly and completely oblivious to the drilling, hammering and general chaos that was going on all around him. A useful skill I think he learnt young and stayed with him throughout his life.
He just loved to debate issues. We would argue, discuss, disagree, agree, laugh, change our views, re-argue endlessly. It could be about food, his strong beliefs of being vegan, politics (UK), geo-politics, world issues and anything in between. He had an opinion on everything and anything. What I came to experience was that he frequently had extensive knowledge of his subjects he would discuss and argue about, a real depth. He wasn’t just saying something without really knowing, he had read about it, spoken to people about it and could in a humorous way get his point across with passion and enthusiasm. He used to win the arguments by also adding that glint in his eye and the wide smile, a slum dunk finish.
Anything was possible with Sam, he didn’t believe in limits. He made things happen, he got people involved and carried them with him. An inspiration to all.
Jack Ruane
I’m Jack and I was lucky enough to work with Sam and become good friends while living in Bogota together. I met Sam through the wider expat community in Bogota and got on well immediately. As luck would have it, Sam, a few other friends and I all got jobs together at the Universidad EAN, who were essentially launching a modern languages department and needed native Teachers. This meant a lot of the syllabuses, assessment, course materials etc had to be created by us, so we were granted quite a lot of autonomy. Incredulous that we had all landed such a sweet deal of a job together, Sam naturally took a lead role in enthusiastically planning course content and organising who would plan what.
One memory that will always make me smile is Sam pulling me to one side, struggling to contain his giggles, and told me that he had stitched up another teacher. Sam was suspicious this teacher was not planning and just showing powerpoints Sam had made blindly. So, Sam had taken the time to amend the powerpoint so that instead of getting the next point on the slide every time you click, the next word came out. It must have taken him AGES, and the teacher must have been at the board clicking away red-faced for a full 2 hour lesson.
For me this story reminds me of Sam because while he had a mischievous sense of humour, he also made everyone else around him better at their job by leading by example, setting the bar high and having infectious enthusiasm. To this day, when I prepare or teach a lesson I ask myself if I have done it with the same energy, care and love for my students as he used to.
Dawn Redhead
Sam was a lifelong supporter of The Lawnmowers Theatre Company, which supports people with learning disabilities in the north east of England to work towards justice and a better future. He was more than that to us though. He was a member of our extended family. No matter where he was in the world or how massive the scale of his work, he never forgot us and we always knew we were part of his thinking, plans, considerations and family. Personally, I am grateful to have watched him grow into a tireless and fearless campaigner for justice and a better life for people. He went in where angels feared to tread and his kind and happy manner coupled with his determination, huge intelligence and can-do attitude was a rare thing to witness. We’ll always be very broken hearted that he is not still with us but he’ll always be an inspiration to us all at Lawnmowers and we are privileged to have had those blessings.
Harry (Bogotá)
When I reflect on the past decade of my life, whether it be professional milestones, exciting trips away, memorable nights out, or simply a moment when I laughed a lot, Sam was never far away, and more often than not he was the protagonist. My earliest memory of Sam was at about 1am on a weekday night and scolding him for making too much noise in an early Bogotá apartment. At that point I had no idea who he was, all a saw was a giggling mischievous mono, who did not see why I was so serious about my impending visa run to Venezuela. That mischievous trait laced with what seemed like infinite waves of energy was integral to what I grew to love and respect about Sam, and all the good he did whether it was teaching, cooking or socialising, it was always tackled with same enthusiasm.
Once, with a group of friends we travelled to San Jose del Guaviare, for a bank holiday weekend. On the final day despite having already packed plenty into the trip, we rather naively attempted a six hour round trip to see the rock paintings of Cerro Azul. This would require the navigation of muddy unstable dirt tracks, while riding rickety motorbikes. The day was close to being a disaster, almost everybody had come off their bikes at least once (besides Sam), although he has been partially responsible for my own fall, after an attempt to spray me with mud backfired… hilariously (for the rest of the group). Fortunately, due to Sam’s exuberant perseverance and ingenuity we would make it back to the bus terminal and our scheduled bus to Bogotá on time. We were able to mitigate and adapt to the various obstacles we faced that day, whether it was picking up those who fell; striking up friendships with initially hesitant locals; using our own limited mechanical knowledge; or Sam volunteering to ride a motorcycle without a gear shift in first gear for 3 hours as time was running out and as darkness fell. Indebted to his selflessness and encouragement. we were able to make it back, albeit exhausted and slightly bruised. The following day, while I was waiting for the work day to hurry along, so I could rest, all I could hear from the adjacent classroom was the same dynamism and energy that Sam brought to any situation regardless of his weekend activities.
Jonathan Bean
When I think of Sam, whom I knew all his life, I inevitably recollect a tiny incident. We were working together to construct a timber building in his garden in Blackhall Mill. He’d taken the wheelbarrow down the rear pathway to get more materials from the street at the bottom, 100 yards away. I waited – on the roof. Time stretched. No Sam. No materials.
At last, after perhaps ten minutes, I clambered laboriously down from my perch and went in search. He was engaged in deep conversation with an ancient man leaning on a stick, regaling his young listener with stories of Blackhall Mill in his own youth.
The reason I keep that memory? Because it shows the compassion and curiosity – in my opinion the two most important attributes in life – that Sam possessed. Not many young people would have had the patience and interest to listen, or Sam’s respect for others.
I raise a malt to Sam’s memory. Here’s ‘cheers’ to a good man!
Holly Schofield
Like many others, I have so many happy memories of Sam that it is difficult of me to choose one. Some of the happiest ones actually just relate to the ordinary, everyday things we did when he was around – a chat here or there, a walk, a drink, a dance, a playfight that I never won, a cheeky firework. It was just a feeling of being around him that made me happy. His warmth and kindness, genuine interest in others, humour, playfulness, attention span and inability to sit still are things that continue to make me smile every day.
With today being his birthday, I’ve been thinking about past celebrations a lot. Among my favourites are his 21st and my 20th which we celebrated in South America. We were in Peru for his 21st and we chartered a small plane to fly over the Nazca Lines, which was unforgettable. The pilot was called Willy which made us giggle more than it should have as adults. He was no older than Sam, and no more responsible either because he caved in to Sam’s relentless pleading and let him take control of the plane mid-flight, which was truly terrifying. Being in a car with Sam driving it was bad, but a plane was something else.
For my birthday, Sam surprised me with a trip to see humpback whales off the coast of Ecuador which was amazing, and I will be grateful to him for that day for the rest of my life. On my actual birthday we were in Bogota, Colombia and in the morning, he got up early and went all over the city to find some baked beans to be able to wake me up with a UK style (ish) cooked breakfast. He bought me a bracelet that he’d had made in Ecuador, a bottle of alcohol that was so strong that it smelled like paint stripper and a Colombian football team t-shirt that he’d had ‘personalised’ for me by having something inappropriate printed in Spanish on the back where your surname should go.
Typically Sam, endless kindness always served with a healthy dose of mischief.
Happy birthday brother.
Sabrina Repa
I was Sam’s girlfriend at university and for a while afterwards. We stayed good friends over the years that followed, meeting up whenever possible and having annual catch ups by phone if we couldn’t – especially around birthdays and Christmas. Some of my favourite memories and things about Sam are:
Travelling together over the years in Spain, Poland, Rome, Kosovo, Albania, Crete, Macedonia, Croatia and of course numerous trips to Erraid.
In Spain we did the Caminito del Rey walk without any protective gear/ropes (stupidly!). We’d camped out the night before but our tent didn’t have poles so we made some out of sticks which worked for about 5 minutes.
In Poland we booked and stayed in a sanatorium by accident for a few days. Sam swam in the Baltic for the first time which he loved.
In Rome Sam took so many incredible photos in the city – especially at night time. You can see these on his Facebook page. He made biscotti very well!
In Kosovo we drank homemade rakiya with a Serb man who was living on his own in his bombed out home from years before which he had refused to leave. We were shown so much kindness by everyone we met and ended up teaching an impromptu English class in a small village, after having met a family on our walk the day before and having tea with them in their home. This trip took place shortly after Kosovo gained its independence.
In Albania, we had a very scenic train ride along the coast in a dilapidated train – it had huge gaping holes in the ground which added to the excitement!
We took a boat from Albania to Crete – we spent the whole ride sat close to the water and had the most delicious Greek food as soon as we got there.
In Macedonia we rented a motorbike and rode around – Lake Ohrid was a highlight. We went swimming and Sam chased me with a dead water snake on stick.
In Croatia, Sam ditched me in a national park because I was walking too slowly! His long strides and crazy endurance vs. my 5’2 person’s legs meant he powered on ahead and we were apart for a good hours – I was so annoyed but couldn’t stay mad at him for long, as was usually the case with that charming man!
In Erraid, we ran out in low tide to pick mussels from the rocks for a meal and Sam made the most gorgeous Thai curry. Another time we got caught out when the tide came. We took off our trousers for better movement in the water, and waded through in the dark and then ran into the croft with Andy waiting for us with the door open, us giggling, scraped and trouserless.
At university, I lived with Sam and a bunch of others in a huge student house. Sam got up to so much mischief, especially with Ben. I remember the house shaking as they were firing fireworks at each other in the basement, hiding behind random bits like an old broken bath tub. Sam would hide in my room and jump out and scare me more times than I could count. There were also the BB gun fights where even yelling “ceasefire, civilian approaching” when trying to get to the toilet couldn’t stop you from getting shot at. (And yes, Sam excelled in Peace Studies!) In class, we were in the front row and Sam had drawn faces on his toes in his flip flops and got caught wiggling them at me by the lecturer. Sam would often work through the night on an assignment – I think it was because he was a night owl but also because he had fewer distractions then. And lord would Sam get distracted! Random.
I miss Sam’s crazy infectious laugh, his pranks, his book-giving and creative gifts, his huge smile, his sense of duty, his energy, his wild animal noises, his compassion, his inclusiveness, his politics and his beliefs, his free spirit, his kindness, his intense play fighting, his creativity and artistic ability, his amazing taste in music, his directness, his humour and his wonderful heart. Sam (aka Precious), I hope you are having the biggest baddest heavenly fiesta today and every day – we love and miss you.
Becca Ling
Growing up with Sam as a big cousin involved lots of mischief (of course, mostly on his part), endless fun and so much energy. My earliest memories of Sam relate to ‘Baby Bob’, a ratty plastic doll who I cherished. My aim was always to keep baby Bob away from Sam but despite this he was often strung up, catapulted or ‘missing’ when we were together. Play fighting was also a losing battle which often led to being squashed with cushions and sat on while Sam would sing “farted on your face”. For a short time I could get my own back and would wake Sam and Joe up earlier than they would like but unfortunately for me this didn’t last long with Sam becoming an early riser… who in more recent years would often be back from a run and ready for the new day before the rest of us were up, no matter how late the night before.
While staying with Sam in Bogota I really got a glimpse of his full and vibrant life in Colombia; I spent a day at Casa Taller, joined in one of his lessons at the University – his energy and passion were clearly infectious with the students, we had meals with friends, games of tejo, enjoyed drinks on his neighbours roof, cycling on a Sunday. It would have been easy to think that Sam was trying to show me the best of Bogota but in fact I was just joining him for one of his usual weeks, one that was often filled with good company and connections, purpose, new experiences and laughter, lots of laughter!
Our family gatherings have always been such an important time for all of us, Sam especially would always be arranging a get-together whenever he was back in the UK. Sam’s energy, conversation, playfulness and thoughtfulness will truly be missed during our family gatherings and through life. I’m raising a mug of green tea and holding Sam close as I read the memories and stories shared by others. Such a full and colourful life. Happy birthday.
Jean and Col
We knew Sam all his life but weren’t in everyday contact as he was growing up, would only see him on special occasions and at parties. But in 2009 we had a memorable trip to Erraid – Sam was there, with a girlfriend, and I think he had been there most of the summer. He had a few hens and was working with some local fishermen from Mull. Sam was totally and completely enthusiastic about the fishing and we remember particularly his excitement leading up to a planned adventure to catch salmon which involved late night net laying and the men all staying overnight on Erraid. Result of all their work? One undersized flat fish.
He was great company. His enthusiasm was infectious and we had such a lovely time – with Andy too.
Sam’s personality was magnetic. His joy endures in our hearts.
Katy Wakenshaw Brown
One of the nicest, kindest, most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing ?. x
Me gusta leer todo lo que han escrito acerca de nuestro querido Sam
No sabría decir algún recuerdo en específico, solo se que el siempre buscaba la manera de hacernos reír y recuerdo mucho verlo jugar con los niños y el se volvía en uno también y se ponía un poco fastidioso, también era muy trabajador y se le media a cualquier cosa me siento muy agradecida por haber conocido a Sam el fue y seguirá siendo un gran ejemplo de vida y siempre estarás presente en nuestra casa
Laura Jayne Burlison
I first met Sam on my 18th birthday – End of May 2007, on a night out in Newcastle at Digital (2 Many DJs!) after being friends with his brother Joe for a while. For years after this, he was a huge part of our friendship group and we all enjoyed so many good times – 190, nights out, parties, trips away, it’s hard to pick just one memory! I do always remember his love of taking photos, sometimes when we were in the worst of states, and I would argue with him not to take the photo, but he did anyway!
Although I didn’t see as much of Sam in recent years, Gerry and Joe always updated me as to what he was up to and I felt a huge sense of loss when we all heard of Sam’s passing. Sam was and will remain a huge part of so many people’s lives, in many different ways. The Sam Ling Gibson Trust is testament to that.
Sam always wore a huge smile, he was fun, energetic and a pleasure to be around. He will be remembered, and missed, by everyone who knew him, and through his trust, Gerry, Joe and everyone who knew Sam can not only cherish the memories they shared with him, but use the work he was so passionate about at Casa Taller to inspire future generations to continue that good work. You have left a legacy Sam. Happy Birthday, so sorry to loose you so soon but so privileged to have known you, lots of love, Laura x
Iain Conlon
Sam was one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met. He just had so much energy. Some of us in Bogotá used to wonder how he managed to find the time for it all.
When I was working with him at the university, he would make all he his own (vegan) food, go boxing, work at casa taller, cycle everywhere, play football, read, party harder than anyone else and his lessons were still by far the best. I’m not ashamed to say that I was in awe of him.
I’m struggling to write much more, as there is too much to write in this blog but I’m just gonna list a few stories/events that I think sum up my memory of him quite well
– I first met him at Lincoln outside my classroom and immediately it was like I’d met up with a mate of 20 years. Just so warm. I’m pretty sure we were having beers that Friday.
– Beers on a Friday after class at Lincoln
– I’d worked at Lincoln for maybe 4 or 5 months before he came, but he knew everyone there way better than I did by the end of his first month.
– So, so many nights out in Bogotá going all over the place to random clubs that were definitely nothing like the fancy zona rosa clubs (he’d never go there)
– after parties at Calle 44 when I lived with Jack and Harry. He was always still going till late with the best of them.
– One time, I hadn’t even gone out with Sam, but with some other friends. We were always hungover as hell for our obligatory Saturday morning class, but this time I was really rough. I think i’d slept like an hour. I rang Sam, as I was gonna be late ‘Sam, cover for me, man. I’m still pissed’
His reply ‘Aye, me too! I’ve just woken up and I’m running in’
God knows how we didn’t get sacked.
– Sam laughing his head off watching me teach (half drunk) on a different Saturday morning as my students teach me (incorrectly) the use of present perfect in English.
– Playing football only in straight lines forward and very, very direct (he had no other setting but MAX)
– Me and Harry entering his (quite poor) kite into a pro tournament in Villa de Leyva.
– Lots of guaro
– cook ups at his place with wine that essentially became massive parties.
– Getting to finally visit him at the croft. Such a great group of guys (I wouldnt expect anything less of Sam)
– Him giving me tips on vegetarianism/veganism. He was probably the biggest influence on me becoming vegan.
– lots of really interesting chats about politics/peace in Colombia/UK. Always a pleasure.
– We’d often sneak off to make a cup of tea before heading for a night out, no matter how drunk we were. ‘Can’t beat a cup of tea before a night out’
– Amazing lesson sharing with him while at EAN. All of us getting our lefty agenda in there!
– Going up to Casa Taller and making something random like a fence. Just so far away from what I was used to and he would just dive straight in.
– He would always say that playing with the kids was as important as doing the work. He was right of course.
That’s all I can think of for now.
I feel honoured to have called him my friend. I miss him so much.
Thanks for the memories, mate. We’ll keep up the good fight for you.
Chris Allan
When I think of Sam I think of energy and passion. Whenever I saw his face in a room it became my immediate priority to be in his space and know how he was doing. You don’t meet many people like that in life, people whose presence change the environment around them and make it more joyful. Reflecting back on times shared with Sam, I see now that I wanted to learn from him too , and that really I admired him. That, and we always had a bloody good time.
A small fond memory my mam and I have of Sam. Wednesday evening pub quiz, The Fox and Hounds, Coalburns. No prizes for winning. Only Kudos.
We win this almost impossible quiz, I was elated, it was probably my first and only time winning. Sam on the other hand was dissapointed, he felt short changed, aggrieved that there was no prizes to be had.
He made his dissapointment known to the other teams, the quizzmaster, and bar owners. Sam then proceeded as my mam described “to work the room” He was sweet talking everyone in the bar, chatting laughing and having fun. Sam is, and probably will be the only peson ever to get a wee dram for winning the quiz. He got his prize.
Sam could have done this anywhere in the world
I miss sam dearly, I feel privelaged for the time i spent with him.
Bethany J Peacock
I met Sam over a Sage Gateshead lunch break in early 2009 where we discovered we were both headed for West Coast Scotland. Sam was off to work as a fisherman in Erraid and I to a pub in Ardfern, Argyll. We didn’t meet up in Scotland but incidentally both landed back in Newcastle at roughly the same time. My friendship network had dwindled since uni but Sam changed all that, he would blast around the Sage halls chatting, making friends and arranging parties (and after parties). Within months I had a great circle of friends, friends that formed the foundations of my friendship circle today. On the Sage’s fifth birthday celebrations I danced in a show on the concourse and Sam took some fantastic snaps including a fav one of me in a swan outfit. By January 2010 Sam had embarked on his English teaching course in preparation for Columbia later that year. He talked to me about his travels in South America which in turn prompted me to think, for the first time, about travelling somewhere similar myself. I called my twin sister who’d been working for sometime in Mexico and asked if I could come and live with her for six months. Within weeks I’d booked a flight and my sister had found us an apartment of our own. On the morning of my departure, standing outside the National Express, with just minutes to go ,Sam unexpectedly came whizzing towards me on a bike, hopped off, gave me a massive snog and wished me good luck. While in Mexico I read the book he’d given me, ‘Mountains beyond Mountains’ by Paul Farmer – which became my all time favourite. Over the years Sam and I kept in touch, meeting up and going to parties and festivals during times he spent in the North East. Sam altered the direction of my life for the better and I am so grateful for the time we spent together. Sam’s infectious enthusiasm, the warm and engaging way he drew people in and his non confrontational way of debating was so refreshing to watch. Often, I found myself wondering how one goes about acquiring all these well honed social skills. Having come from a very reserved, closed family, it blew my mind and had a lasting impact on my outlook of people and ways to engage with them. I think about him frequently and miss him dearly
Happy belated Birthday Bro
Overestimating my ability to write and underestimating how difficult this would be I have chosen the easy option of writing about a single moment with my brother. I have more to say which I will do soon but it keeps getting too personal and self-indulgent to post and encapsulating Sam in words would take several volumes. So for now I will just write about one of the many occasions we made each other laugh. It was in a moment we would never expect to laugh, but a time we needed it the most.
Like we did for some of Sam’s ashes we scattered our dads (Andy) ashes from a hill at the observatory on the Isle of Erraid on what would be considered a calm day for the Erraid (but would be a gale anywhere else). People were taking handfuls of ashes, having a moment and releasing them into the wind. As me and Sam released the first handful of ashes into the wind, we were locked in contemplation and mourning, this was only to be broken by a little cough and a splutter from Kevin (a close friend of Andy and us), the ashes me and Sam had just released were being blown straight into his face! Immediately me and Sam looked at each other with a smile and with no hesitation went in for a big handful of Andy’s ashes, releasing them straight into Kevin’s face. Kevin quickly noticed we were doing this intentionally and also cracked up saying something like ‘you little shits’ as a smile stretched across his face. To this day I still don’t know if anyone else noticed us giggling while scattering our dad’s ashes or if they noticed us throwing ashes into Kevin’s face.
Unknown to me and Sam at the time, I recently found out that Andy had laughed with many people about his ashes blowing back in their faces after being scattered from that spot.
Nothing was off the table when it came to making each other laugh and we would be there for each other for that or anything.
Lenin Valencia
To me Sam was always a legend and remains that way in life and spirit.
I met Sam back in 2012 when I started working at EAN University as an English teacher; he didn’t look like your average teacher. He was more of a hands on kind of person which I would find out through his many passions. We bonded out of our love for art, boxing, climbing, politics and of course women.
At times Sam and the other lads (Harry and Jack) would all spar and get a few rounds in. He cracked me with some good shots at one of our sparing sessions but it was nothing like his epic battles with Jack – they’ll go all in and you’d see Sam finding his way out of danger by fighting his own fight.
There’s no doubt that the lad moved to his own beat. He was passionate about teaching, learning and casa taller – don’t remember him ever missing a Saturday up there.
He meant what he said and did what he meant. Which was a virtue that I admire in any person but would see first hand in all his endeavours. There are many memories that I share with Sam and as we get close to his anniversary the become even more vivid.
Thanks for everything brother, I can while heartedly say you are a true legend!
Thanks for everything brother, I can whole heartedly say you are a true legend!
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Home General News Kakamega School location and contacts and form one selection
Kakamega School location and contacts and form one selection
This is a national boys boarding secondary school located in Kakamega, Kenya. The school was formerly known as Government African School, Kakamega and Kakamega High School. It was established in the year 1932 by North Kavirondo District Council which was the local native council at that time, founded by Harold Arthur Waterloo Chapman. The school has since grown to be an admirable as well as sports hub. The current principal is Gerald Arina.
Notable alumni from the school include Kenneth Marende, who is the former speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya, Bonny Khalwale, who is the Member of Parliament of the Ikolomani constituency, Najib Balala, who is the Minister of tourism, Dennis Oliech, who is an international footballer, Noah Wekesa, who was the Minister for Wildlife and Forestry and Yusuf Chanzu who was th MP for Vihiga constituency.
School motto; In unity is strength.
School mission; To develop and nurture intellectual, moral and practical skills in learners for a dynamic world.
School vision; To be a centre of academic excellence.
Kakamega School location;
Kakamega school is located in Shirere sub location, Bukhungu location, Municipality division in Lurambi constituency, Kakamega county. The school sits on a 95 acre piece of land. Schools that neighbour it include Albertos Divine Providence Primary school,Bukhulunya Primary School, Bukhulunya Special School, King David Academy and St. Joseph Academy secondary school.
Kakamega School KCSE performance;
It is one of the academic giants in the region. In 2018’s KCSE, the school produced the second best student in the region, that is Oduor Fredrick Omondi who had 82 poits and happened to be position 48 nationally.
Kakamega School Form one selection;
The school admits approximately 300 students each year based on academic merit and quota as per the Kenyan standard education policy.There is bias to students from public schools as required by the current education policy. The students are also admitted on a need- blind basis.
Kakamega School Contacts;
School’s KNEC code; 37600001
School’s postal address; P.O. Box 90-50100, Kakamega.
Telephone/ mobile number; 0704143990
Email; kakschool@yahoo.com
Website; www.kakamegaschool.org/
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SAS Insights
Make a Difference with Data
5 ways to measure beehive health with hive-streaming data
We’re buzzing over this analytical approach to understanding hive health
By: Sarah Myers, AgTech Marketing Manager, SAS
Imagine walking through the produce section of your local food market and seeing empty shelves that once were filled with colorful fruits and vegetables. Imagine no longer having almond milk to pour into your morning coffee. Or imagine that hamburger you ate for lunch yesterday was unavailable due to a shortage of beef.
This would be the reality of a world without honeybees. Around the world, honeybees pollinate 80% of food crops, affecting one out of every four bites of food we eat.
Creating an IoT beehive
In a partnership with Bee Downtown, SAS welcomed its first honeybee hives to our Cary, NC, campus about three years ago. At the time, SAS Sustainability Program Manager Jerry Williams said, “As a corporate sustainability leader, SAS’ latest environmental investment is helping save honeybee populations, especially in urban areas. Beehives are a great fit for our established environmental program, as well as our culture.”
Of course, we didn’t stop there. When we learned that 30% of beehives around the world are lost each winter, and honeybees undergo many stressors – including parasites, diseases, environmental risks and poor nutrition – we wondered how analytics could help.
That’s when SAS’ passion for innovation and sustainability took over, leading us to find technology applications to better understand the health of the beehives at SAS. As an avid beekeeper, I’m excited to be involved in this project with a team of data scientists and developers at SAS.
Using advanced analytics and event stream processing, we turned the SAS beehives into an IoT innovation project. After connecting sensors to the hive, we started streaming data from the hive to the cloud so we can continuously measure:
The weight of the hive.
The temperature inside and outside the hive.
Humidity inside the hive.
Acoustics or “buzzing” inside the hive.
Flight activity in and around the hive.
Electronic beehive monitoring systems aren’t new, but the way we’re analyzing hive data at the point of creation differs from the typical method of collecting data, storing it and then analyzing it.
Turn data into good, together with SAS
How can data make a difference in our world? Find out in the GatherIQ app. From improving life on land to reducing poverty and building sustainable cities, GatherIQ shows how you can make a difference with data.
Get involved with GatherIQ
Measuring hive weight and climate
When the team began defining data sources for this project, we started with hive weight. Beekeepers use hive scales to track weight gain or loss in their hives. Think of this as your typical bathroom scale but for honeybee hives.
For our project, we connected our hive scale to the internet and began streaming measurements from the scale every minute.
Weight as a basic measurement helps bee keepers understand honey production. During the spring, when the flowers are blooming and the hives are making golden honey, they can experience rapid weight gain. Some hives gain up to 20 pounds in one week!
On the flip side, if a hive is losing weight rapidly and the hive next to it is gaining weight at almost the same interval, it’s evident in the data that the stronger hive is robbing honey from the weaker one. We saw this in the data with two of our SAS hives and were able to make corrections to fix it.
Capturing weight data every minute from a beehive creates a data set that is unwieldy for a typical user. With SAS® Event Stream Processing, however, we can stream data from the edge (the hive, in this case) and analyze the data in motion.
Using anomaly detection, we analyze the data points in real time as they’re streaming from the hive. The technology recognizes what normal weight is and can detect abnormal weights immediately. The beekeeper is notified as soon as the issue occurs and can take action quickly.
We also installed internal sensors in the beehives to collect temperature and humidity data along with the weight data. Honeybees regulate hive temperatures and moisture with muscle activity, wing flapping and clustering. The hive needs an ideal climate to produce new bees and keep the queen warm enough to survive the winter. A system that notices fluctuations in these measurements can give beekeepers an early indicator of problems within the hive.
The hive needs an ideal climate to produce new bees and keep the queen warm enough to survive the winter. A system that notices fluctuations in these measurements can give beekeepers an early indicator of problems within the hive.
Analyzing the sounds of bees
Next, we moved on to audio data. The buzzing of honeybees can indicate many things, including health, stress levels, swarming activities and the status of the queen bee.
Just like the weight data, our IoT hive streams audio data continuously, and in-stream machine learning models “listen” for anomalies.
Microphones in the hive pick up all kinds of noise, including nearby planes, trains, sirens and birds. We use robust principal component analysis (RPCA), a machine learning technique, to separate these extraneous or irrelevant noises from the hum of the hive. RPCA ensures we are analyzing only the hum of the hive to understand whether the bees are happy and healthy.
Listen to the bees
This is the sound of a healthy hive of 40,000-60,000 bees humming a happy tune. They are active, busy and working together for the good of the hive.
Now compare the first sound to this one. Can you hear the difference? This is a piping sound from a new virgin queen inside a hive. It means the hive is replacing its queen bee with a new queen.
When a queen shows signs of aging, disease or a decrease in eggs, the worker bees will replace her. First, the worker bees select a few freshly laid eggs from the former queen and begin feeding them a high protein substance called royal jelly. In about 14 days, baby queens emerge as adults and begin making the piping sounds to let rival queens know they’re there and ready to fight. In this sense, becoming a queen isn’t a birthright – it’s a fight to the death.
With audio sensors in the beehives collecting this data, beekeepers now know when a new queen is about to emerge – something they wouldn’t ordinarily be able to detect.
Computer vision measures honeybee flight data
The innovation didn’t stop with sounds, weights and temperatures. We also wanted to monitor honeybee flight activity as a measure of the health and strength of the colony. Monitoring bees in flight was a bit of a challenge because bees are tiny. They fly fast. And they don’t exactly smile for the camera.
We found a solution, though, by using computer vision and RPCA to get an accurate count of our bees and their activity. In this case, RPCA removes irrelevant background images from the data, including animals, people, trees and other objects.
The amount of flight activity from the hive can tell us about foraging activity since bees that exit and return to the hive are typically foraging for nectar, pollen, resin and water. A lot of flight activity implies the hive is healthy.
By monitoring bees in flight, we’re also able to notice swarms when they occur. Swarms are an important bee health indicator because the hive sometimes absconds when bees are sick.
Beehive data inspires action
I’m excited to continue discussing these projects in more detail, along with my colleagues Anya McGuirk, Brad Klenz, Zohreh Asgharzadeh, Yuwei Liao and others. You can read the paper, "Noninvasive Beehive Monitoring through Acoustic Data" now to learn more about the acoustics project, and other papers are forthcoming.
We’re also connecting with beekeepers globally to share what we’ve learned. We realize not every beehive in the world could or should be hooked up to the internet. But the results we’ve seen have been truly inspiring. And we hope that what we’ve learned can be a model for measuring hive health when and where it’s needed most.
Data art sculpture reflects beehive data
Senior Data Artist Jessica Peter was also inspired by the SAS beehive data. She used streaming data from the beehive for a recent data art project. Peter led a team that designed a 10-foot art sculpture that resembles a field of wildflowers. Using real-time data from the beehives, the flowers in the sculpture light up to depict the weight changes from the hive data. Future plans for the sculpture involve incorporating audio data into the art piece as well.
Sarah Myers leads marketing for the AgTech team at SAS. She is also a beekeeper and is passionate about using data to drive better management decisions of honeybees. Follow Sarah on LinkedIn.
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Clark Rundell
You are here | Home | Study Here | Meet our Staff | Clark Rundell
Professor of Conducting
BMusEd (Northwestern Chicago), FRNCM
Email: clark.rundell@rncm.ac.uk
Renowned for his command of the most intricate and demanding of works, Clark Rundell has established himself as a highly sought-after guest conductor. His repertoire ranges from music of the 18th Century to the current day, encompassing many genres from large scale works for choir and orchestra to the small ensemble.
He recently made his debuts with the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra, Klangforum Wien, and the SWR-Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden, all of whom immediately re-invited him to conduct over the next few seasons.He works regularly with orchestras and ensembles including all of the BBC orchestras, Britten Sinfonia, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Ensemble 10/10 and Asko Schoenberg.
His conducting in the opera house has included premiere performances of James MacMillan’s opera Clemencyat the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and Orlando Gough’s Voices & Votes at the Bergen International Festival. Other operas he has conducted include Albert Herring, The Turn of the Screw, Carmen, Kat’a Kabanova, Street Scene, L’Heure Espagnole, The Cunning Little Vixen and L’Enfant et les sortilèges.
Deeply committed to the performance of new music, Clark Rundell has given world premières of works by composers such as Louis Andriessen, Steve Reich, Mark-Anthony Turnage, James MacMillan, Django Bates, Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, Gary Carpenter, Tim Garland, Adam Gorb, David Horne, Steve Mackey, Steve Martland, Martijn Padding, Gwilym Simcock and Joey Roukens.
As an arranger, he has collaborated with Louis Andriessen on a suite from Andriessen’s opera Rosa, entitled Rosa’s Horses, which was premiered by Clark Rundell and the Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic, at Het Concertgebouw, Amsterdam. The pair also collaborated on Vermeer Pictures, a suite from Andriessen’s opera Writing to Vermeer, which was also performed at Het Concertgebouw to great critical acclaim. Clark Rundell is working on further suites of Louis Andriessen’s more recent operas.
A specialist in cross-genre collaboration, he has conducted extensive orchestral projects with artists such as Elvis Costello, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Esperanza Spalding, Toumani Diabate, Brad Mehldau, Tim Garland and Gwilym Simcock. A highly versatile musician, Rundell has also performed with artists such as John Dankworth, Bob Brookmeyer, Victor Mendoza, Guy Barker, Julian Argüelles, Ed Thigpen, Cleo Laine, Andy Sheppard, Lew Tabakin and Michael Gibbs.
He is passionate about working with young people and is Professor of Conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and has a close relationship with the Netherlands Orchestral Academy.
Clark Rundell spent much of his childhood in Bloomington, Minnesota. He studied conducting at the Northwestern University, Chicago with John Paynter and trombone with Frank Crisafulli, and was subsequently awarded a Junior Fellowship to study conducting with Timothy Reynish at the Royal Northern College of Music. He now lives just outside Manchester with his wife and two children.
Current and Future Research
Rosa’s Horses, (Suite from the Opera Rosa). A collaborative project with the composer Louis Andriessen, published Boosey and Hawkes
Netherlands Radio broadcast of Rosa’s Horses
Numerous world premieres, broadcasts and recordings
Postgraduate Teaching
Head of Conducting course, teaching Postgraduates and Junior Fellows
See http://www.hazardchase.co.uk/artists/clark-rundell/
Conducting Tutors
Conducting Staff
Browse All Staff
124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD.
E: info@rncm.ac.uk
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COVID-19 Update: In order to provide the best possible student experience over the coming months and to ensure maximum access for staff and students while social distancing is in place, the RNCM will remain closed to the public until Monday 22 March. More information...
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Introducing Fridtjof Nansen - Hurtigruten’s second hybrid ship
Kathryn Liston
Website: https://kathrynliston.com
Date published: 20 May 20
63 people found this feature helpful
T he timing could not have been worse. Just as Hurtigruten’s second hybrid expedition ship, Fridtjof Nansen, completed its first ‘showcase’ sailing around the British Isles, the coronavirus pandemic put a global stop to all cruising.
However, I was fortunate to be on board that sailing - and what a stylish ship she turned out to be.
On boarding in Tilbury, the ship’s classy Scandinavian design was immediately evident - it’s definitely a class above Hurtigruten’s older-style vessels.
Light woods, Norwegian granite, oak and birch merged seamlessly with swish lamps and elegant design. Artworks handpicked by Her Royal Highness Queen Sonja of Norway and her art foundation adorned the walls, a glowing ornamental fire was a magnificent centrepiece in the Observatory lounge and retro Nordic skis in fine-dining restaurant Lindstrom paid homage to Norwegian heritage.
A huge seven-storey TV screen showing beautiful Nordic landscapes and wildlife in the central foyer set the tone for ship’s outdoorsy expedition vibe - and was also wonderful viewing from glass-walled lifts as we ascended to our cabin. Guests will definitely feel more at home in gilet and walking shoes on this ship than evening dress and stilettos.
Cabins, which are all outside, are compact but well-designed and the modern spacious bathroom has controllable underfloor heating. Fifty-percent of cabins have balconies.
Attention to detail with today’s cruiser in mind has been paid throughout. Aune, the main dining room, has lots of tables for two and long high benches for singles or others who want to mingle. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a light, airy feel. Platters of langoustine, oysters, king prawns and salmon were the stars of the lunch and dinner buffets which offered plenty of choice. Dinner was waiter-service on occasion.
At cafe-style Fredheim, steam buns and delicious crab rolls and burgers were served alongside thick milk shakes and sizzling waffles with cloud berries - yum. Gourmet restaurant Lindstrom, which I found offered a limited menu, is free for suite guests, €25 supplement otherwise.
However, it’s the hybrid ship’s eco-credentials that are making industry heads turn. A battery-powered propulsion system, which combines battery and diesel power, uses 20-30 percent less fuel and reduces CO2 emissions significantly. Excess electricity generated can be stored in batteries, where there’s space to increase capacity six-fold in the future.
Just as much effort has gone into ‘above stairs’ too. I particularly liked the recycling bins in cabins, though they took up quite a lot of space, reusable water bottles and hydration stations on each floor. Some crew uniforms are made from recycled plastic and hairdryer bags from recycled linen.
A ‘we go green’ sign on the door indicated when guests didn’t want their cabin cleaned. For every guest who does that, Hurtigruten will donate half a euro to an environmental fund. It’s a great idea but I wonder how many guests will forgo their daily clean on a premium product?
The eco-vibe extends to excursions, too, in the shape of beach clean-ups and conservation projects. Armed with litter-picker and sack, we set about cleaning up RSPB Radipole Lake in Weymouth while our colleagues tackled Chesil Beach. It was a rewarding and bonding experience.
A state-of-the-art science centre also sets this ship apart. Expect to see members of the 22-strong expedition team pouring over industrial-sized microscopes studying such things as sharks eggs. We were invited to join Jenna from the Orca Foundation one morning to collect data on porpoises and dolphins after departing from Portsmouth harbour. There’s also books on birds, wildlife and glass cabinets displaying bird skulls and walrus tusks. A Blueye underwater drone will relay pictures from beneath the ice in polar regions.
I never made it to the early morning wildlife watching but those who did were rewarded with great photographs of dolphins.
Wildlife and cultural lectures held during the day and evenings were streamed to cabins so you could watch them while relaxing in your pyjamas. Our evening storytelling session on polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen, after whom the ship is named, was fascinating.
I found plenty to keep me fit including a well-equipped gym, heated pool and 150-metre running track. Relaxation opportunities included a spa (treatments from 65 euros), hot tub, sauna with a huge panoramic window and comfy day beds in the Observatory which were ideal for an afternoon snooze.
Ironically, it wasn’t the coronavirus pandemic that played havoc with our itinerary in the end. Storms and rough seas put paid to our calls at the Isles of Scilly and Isle of Man. On the plus side, we had an extra day in Liverpool where we enjoyed an entertaining Liverpool City Sights’ Beatles bus tour and sang along to the band’s hits as we toured the homes and haunts of the Fab Four. A fitting fabulous finale to an utterly fab ship.
Due to Covid-19 Hurtigruten has suspended its Norwegian coastal voyages and expedition sailings. Please visit Hurtigruten website for the latest information.
Fridtjof Nansen was scheduled to depart on a 15-day Iceland expedition cruise on 24 June and operate 16-day Diso Bay - Heart of Greenland itineraries from Reykjavik in July and August. From January 2021, it is due to sail 12-day cruises in Antarctica from Buenos Aires.
Silver Travel Advisor recommends Hurtigruten.
We were on the next voyage, Liverpool to Portsmouth, at which point the schedule was then cancelled. The strong winds and uncertainty about our reception in Dublin meant that we sailed directly to Cardiff and then the West Country. Hygiene precautions onboard were strong, and increasingly tightened as more guidance emerged. The buffet food was no longer self service, but served to our plate or to the table. The pool and fitness centre were closed, and chairs were widely spaced in the lectures, but these were all streamed to our cabins if we preferred to watch them from there. I think Hurtigruten did all they could to keep us safe just as events were taking over.
I cannot agree that cabins were compact, we were impressed with how spacious they were. We saw many eco green signs outside cabins, as we have also seen on the Norwegian coastal voyages. Many people seemed to opt for one service every 2 or 3 days.
The expedition team were as good as we have come to expect from Hurtigruten, knowledgeable and enthusiastic at all times. Despite seeing us for only a few days we felt we were treated as friends.
Potential passengers should be aware that, although the word “cruise” does seem to be appearing, Hurtigruten more accurately describes their voyages as expeditions, the emphasis is on engaging with the environment, through outside activities, small boat exploration, lectures and the science centre. This is why we choose to travel with them. If you want glamour, shows, dancing etc, go elsewhere!
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All Penguin Books
Bi Monthly
Home / Book Authors / Michael Bond
Michael Bond
Michael Bond was born in Newbury, Berkshire, England on 13th January 1926. He was educated at Presentation College, Reading. During World War II Michael Bond served in both the Royal Air Force and the Middlesex Regiment of the British Army.
He began writing in 1945 and then sold his first short story to a magazine called London Opinion. This experience helped him decide that he wanted to be a writer.
It was while Michael Bond was working as a television cameraman for the BBC that he first came up with the idea for Paddington. He recalls in his own words how this came about:
“I bought a small toy bear on Christmas Eve 1956. I saw it left on a shelf in a London store and felt sorry for it. So, I took it home as a present for my wife Brenda and named it Paddington. As we were living near Paddington Station at the time. I wrote some stories about the bear. More for fun than with the idea of having them published. After ten days I found that I had a book on my hands. It wasn’t written specifically for children, but I think I put into it the kind things I liked reading about when I was young.”
A Bear Called Paddington – 1st – with signed letter
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This Crazy "Pretty Little Liars" Theory Will Convince You Spencer is Uber A
The evidence is too legit.
By Noelle Devoe
To be a Pretty Little Liars fan is to live in fear that any of the Liars you've come to love will turn out to be the latest incarnation of A. There have been tons of fan theories that implicate the show's stars, but after six seasons of close calls, you've become pretty sure that your five faves would never turn to the dark side.
But let go of everything you've come to trust, because a Tumblr user named The Outlast just shared an Uber A theory so convincing, you might actually believe that Spencer Hastings has been pulling strings in Rosewood all along.
The Outlast dissects clues that span all the way back to season three of PLL. The theory is so in-depth and intense that you should absolutely read Outlast's blog post to get every gritty detail, but here is the basic outline:
The theory stems from a reference Spencer made in episode 3x12 to a popular '90s movie called Basic Instinct. In the movie, a manipulative author manages to cover up numerous murders by writing books about the crimes. "Remember that movie, Basic Instinct?" Spencer said in the episode. "She wrote a murder mystery novel to cover up a crime that she was about to commit. It was actually kind of genius."
Well, five years later in season 6b, Charlotte has been murdered and Spencer revealed that it was done in a way similar to that of a murder she described in one of her college essays. That is a pretty sketch coincidence, right? (Also, who writes a college essay about murder?!)
The theory goes on to point out countless times Spencer was team sketch. Like how she was the only one that could have drugged Emily in episode 3x12. Or how she dressed up as Mary Queen of Scots — the woman who plotted to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I so she could take the throne. And the fact that all the other As have had a connection to Radley and Spencer is the only Liar who's spent time there.
Finally, the craziest theory of all: Outlast thinks Spencer was adopted from Radley. It's revealed Spencer was born through a surrogate in the Pretty Little Liars book series (Outlast mistakenly says she was adopted). This could definitely be a twist on that storyline on the show. It would explain why she felt a connection with "Charles" in the vault room and also why she remembered playing Hide & Seek with Melissa growing up when Melissa didn't. It's because she was playing with a child at Radley.
I know, your brain is being twisted into knots right now and you're still not totally convinced. Well, this isn't even the half of it! Read The Outlast's entire theory below and you probably won't be able to get the idea that Spencer is Uber A out of your head until the bitter end of season 7.
UPDATE: Facebook user Hannah pointed out that this theory mistakingly says Spencer was adopted in the books when she was, in fact, born through artificial insemination. The post has been updated to reflect this.
You Won't Believe Which Pretty Little Liar Was Originally Supposed To Be "A"!
This is The Ultimate "Pretty Little Liars" Quiz
Lucy Hale Reveals The 1 Mistake You Never Noticed In The Original "Pretty Little Liars" Intro
Noelle Devoe Entertainment Editor When I'm not holed up in my room going on a completely unproductive Netflix binge or Tumblr stalking Timothée Chalomet, I'm searching for awesome celeb news stories that Seventeen readers will love!
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About Unregistered
Unregistered is not registered in the UK
Health & Safety & Football.
Stadium Safety Inspector & Football Pundit.
Sheffield Wednesday V Birmingham City. Tues 21/8/12.
Unregistered posted a topic in Sheffield Football
Mighty Sheffield Wednesday V Birmingham City 21/8/12. 1945 hours, Tuesday evening. The Mighty Wednesday start the Championi season at Hillsborough with an evening kick-off against Birmingham City. Both teams come off the back of draws, Brum drew 1-1 against Charlton and the Mighty Heroes of Hillsborough fought back in the second half to secure a well deserved 2-2 point at Derby. (Such a gallant & glorious fight back). So we now have the makings of a very interesting, very difficult, evenly matched, mid-table clash between Mighty Wednesday in 11th place and Brum in 12th. (Many Mighty Wednesday fans would be happy with their current league position come May 2013 - well away from any kind of relegation dogfight.) Birmingham City last visited Hillsborough in January 2009. It ended in a 1-1 draw after Brum equalised in the 90th minute. On previous visits, Brum won 3-0 in 2006 and 1-0 in 2001. No matches are easy when you are part of the Championi-ship. (The only Championi side in the whole of Sheffield) It will be a fantastic night if Mighty Wednesday can add 3 Mighty Points to their 50 Mighty Points Crusade. Sheffield Wednesday - A Mighty Team with Mighty Fans. . . .
Oldham V The Owls
Unregistered replied to Unregistered's topic in Sheffield Football
I know what you mean Longy . . . . . .
20 years ago today.
Unregistered replied to hair-rig's topic in Sheffield Football
I'm a big fan of the Wilson / McCabe dynamic duo. . . .
Condolences. You lucky person. . . .
Who do owls want in cup draw
Unregistered replied to lettie01's topic in Sheffield Football
The Mighty Wednesday should get out of all cup competitions as soon as possible and concentrate on the league. They've drawn Fulham dammit . . . The last time that The Mighty Wednesday played Fulham in the League Cup (or Milk Cup) was at Hillsborough in 1984. The Heroes of Hillsborough won 3-2. Damn . . .
Derby County V The Owls 18/8/12
I fully understand. On reflection, that's probably a wise Owl decision . . . . . . most former unitedites do find it difficult to handle such a large amount of excitement (rather than excrement) in one 90 minute session. . . .
I love it when closet Mighty Wednesdayites decide to come out . . . . . . See you both at Hillsborough next Tuesday night . . .
Don't tell anyone... but I was very concerned during the 1st half. I did want Mighty Wednesday to loose and concentrate on the league but I didn't want the humiliation that I enjoyed at Bramall Lane. So... You've heard about Alex the hairdryer - well at half time there was a dressing room performance by Dave Jones the erupting volcano. Dammit The Mighty won . . .
Ask your Doctor for Mighty Wednesday . . . . . . That's the best medicine for most fans. . . .
All dreams are possible - miracles at Bramall Lane just take longer. . . .
Think of me as an angel. When people are sick, I like to comfort them. They wanted me as Admin. "Geoff" I said, "You're offering me a quarter of what I get paid in America." . . .
You will always get friendly sniping in any football loving City. It should be welcomed with open arms - particularly whenever one side is playing with a lot of Mightyness and the other side is looking like a pub team in the Sunday League. . . .
You're Welcome. . . .
You could be correct - I hope so . . .
Sorry that I did not answer you... Yes - I was at Boundary Park. Yes - I was at Bramall Lane - as an Albion supporter. Yes - All Sheffielders should watch Mighty Wednesday because the football at Hillsborough is more exciting than Bramall Lane. . . .
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Sheppard Mullin is a trusted advisor to the transportation industry, leveraging its multi-disciplinary team of attorneys to seamlessly counsel transportation clients on their vital business and legal issues. From handling automobile finance, connected vehicle technology, and leasing transactions to advising trucking companies on nationwide class actions and sensitive labor and employment issues, our transportation attorneys have extensive experience across the entire transportation field. Moreover, we have a world-renowned practice in negotiating standard essential patent (SEP) licenses and litigating breach of contract claims against SEP owners who refuse to license 3G, 4G, and 5G patent portfolios on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms.
Our team also includes members who have served in executive-level roles with transportation businesses, as well as in the government, including Special Deputy General Counsel at Amtrak and Deputy General Counsel of the Department of Homeland Security, overseeing all attorneys at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Such broad experience further informs the depth of advice our team is able to provide to its transportation clients.
As the transportation industry continues to evolve rapidly, our team keeps clients ahead of the curve by providing counsel efficiently and responsively — with the emphasis on getting results.
The following are some of the areas in which we assist industry clients:
Corporate Development Transactions – Mergers, Acquisitions, LBOs, and Joint Ventures
Connected Vehicle Technology and Telematics Transactions
Other Commercial Contracts, Supplier Agreements, Distribution, and Agency Relationships
Patent Preparation and Prosecution
Inter Partes Patent Review and other Post Grant Reviews
Negotiating standard essential patent (SEP) licenses on FRAND terms and conditions
Autonomous Driving Regulations
Licensing and Distribution Agreements
Product Liability and Unfair Business Practices/Diminution in Value Claims
Real Estate Development and Leasing of Facilities
Environmental Permitting and Remediation
Employment Advice and Counseling and Single Plaintiff Cases
Labor Union Management Relations and Union Avoidance
Class Actions, including Employment
DOT Expertise, including Buy American regulatory requirements
Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation
Trade Secret Defense and Prosecution
Litigation – Commercial Disputes and Dispute Resolution
Automobile Finance Litigation and Counseling
Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights
Import, Export, and Custom Matters
Tax, Employee Benefits, and Executive Compensation
In addition to the array of services we provide above, the following are particular sets of expertise that differentiate our Transportation team from the competition:
Leader in class action defense of employment cases for auto manufacturing and trucking companies
Leader in defense of auto finance class actions
Leading transactional practice in the connected vehicle technology and telematics industry, including experience with forming standard-setting automotive technology organizations and advising on connected vehicle technology terms and future trends
World-renowned practice negotiating SEP licenses to obtain FRAND terms and conditions and/or litigating related breach of contract claims for failure to license SEPs on FRAND terms and conditions – have litigated milestone cases for several companies on this issue
Negotiation of 3G, 4G,and 5G licenses on behalf of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their various suppliers – represent premier automotive OEMs and component suppliers
Advisor for top auto manufacturers regarding Buy American requirements for public transit projects (e.g., rail, air, automotive) when using funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation and related agencies
Assisting clients in public-private partnerships with state and local governments to understand their contractual and regulatory obligations
Experts in assisting automotive manufacturers in navigating and complying with constantly shifting customs and trade laws
Leader in defending union-backed corporate organizing campaigns for auto manufacturing, trucking, and transit companies
Sheppard Mullin represents some of the most active and recognizable participants in the transportation industry, including:
Airbus Helicopters SAS
Continental Automotive Systems
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (including Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, Abarth, SRT, Mopar, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat brands)
Fiat S.p.A.
Jaguar Land Rover North America
Hyundai Motor America
Ontario International Airport Authority
Toyota Motor Credit Corporation
Toyota Motor North America
Toyota Motor Sales
Represented Keyes Motors, Inc., a leader in the automotive industry and one of the most successful dealer groups in Los Angeles, in the sale of nine of their dealerships to Lithia Motors, Inc., one of the largest automotive group retailers in the United States and among the fastest growing companies in the Fortune 500 with 211 stores in 18 states.
Represented Lakin Tire West and Lakin Tire East in the sale of its equity to Liberty Tire, an affiliate of the Carlyle Group. Lakin Tire is a U.S.-based company that engages in the business of collecting, processing, and reselling tires and selling end products derived therefrom.
Represented global automotive manufacturer in negotiation of approximately $150 million in technology service agreements for the provision of telematics and connected vehicle technologies. Some of the companies we have negotiated with include AAA, Accuweather, Sirius XM, and Verizon.
Represented Koenigsegg Automotive AB, a Swedish manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, in obtaining an order to dismiss an investor complaint seeking to establish a 17% share ownership interest in the growing car maker.
Representation of Lyft in the strategic development of its patent portfolio relating to autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle technology and related artificial intelligence technologies.
Represented MHT Luxury Wheels, a cutting-edge manufacturer of branded automotive aftermarket wheels and accessories, in its combination with private equity firm Clearlake Capital’s Wheel Pros.
Represented Diamond Electric in international price-fixing investigation in the automotive sector.
Obtained summary judgment in favor of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in a trademark infringement action filed by an automotive aftermarket performance parts manufacturer who complained that the Dodge line of iconic muscle cars marketed under the "Scat Pack" trademark in 1968-71 and relaunched in 2013 for the Dodge Challenger and Charger models allegedly infringed the manufacturer’s "Scat" trademark used for crankshafts, connecting rods, and rotating assemblies.
Obtained summary judgment in favor of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in a false advertising case involving a promotional contest for a Fiat vehicle that took place in Washington, D.C.
Represented Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in hundreds of matters involving dispute resolution, advertising clearance, trademark, copyright, music and entertainment content licensing, co-promotions, contests, and branding initiatives for its Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, Abarth, SRT, Mopar, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and other brands.
Successfully defended Fiat S.p.A against right of publicity claims from Audrey Hepburn’s estate over the use of licensed clips from the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s in a Lancia automobile commercial.
Prepared comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce on behalf of a Fortune 500 automotive company on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to add export control on emerging technologies that could impair the company’s strategic cross-border R&D activities in automated driving.
Assisted a Fortune 500 automotive company in navigating the implications of the Trump Administration’s large scale revisions to NAFTA.
Assisted a Fortune 500 automotive company in navigating a sensitive inquiry from a Customs agent that arose from the reorganization of the company’s North American operations.
Provided essential advice to a Fortune 500 automotive company concerning import valuation for a new automobile program which affected the company’s decision on how to declare import values for the vehicles.
On behalf of a Fortune 500 automotive company, identified a number of areas in the company’s Foreign Trade Zone operations requiring correction in order to comply with U.S. law and worked with the company to implement the new policies.
Represented a Fortune 500 automotive company in understanding the regulatory and “Buy American” requirements associated with public transit partnerships, including rideshare and vanpool projects.
Represented a Fortune 500 automotive company in labor trial and class action matters, as well as broad advice and counsel.
Obtained a complete defense verdict for Hyundai Information Services North America in a jury trial, defeating plaintiff's claims for overtime, meal periods, rest periods, and attorney's fees.
Obtained a complete defense verdict for Hyundai Motor America in a jury trial, defeating two plaintiffs' claims for sexual harassment, gender discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and more.
Represented Jaguar Land Rover and its mobility services business, InMotion Ventures, in its $25 million investment in Lyft, Inc.
Represented Jaguar Land Rover and its mobility services business, InMotion Ventures, in its seed investment in SPLT.
Represented Toyota Motor Sales in connection with various IP licensing agreements.
Represented Wheel Group Holdings, LLC in its sale of Preferred Units to SEP V TWG Holdings.
Represented the City of Ontario in its successful effort to regain local control of the Ontario International Airport. The airport had been operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) starting in 1967. The City of Ontario decided to seek a change of control to a local Joint Powers Authority, the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), and retained Sheppard Mullin to pursue litigation to achieve that objective. A lawsuit was filed against LAWA in 2013 and the matter was successfully resolved in 2015. The OIAA has been operating the airport since 2016. Sheppard Mullin attorneys successfully litigated the dispute with LAWA, and assisted the City of Ontario and the OIAA concerning the transition back to local control.
Provided EU aviation regulatory advice to Atlas Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulfstream, Korean Air, Sabena, and United Airlines.
Provided EU Member States law advice to Korean Air, Sabena, and United Airlines.
Provided EU State aid advice to Airbus (R&D aid for new helicopter), Brussels Airlines (airport), Cyprus Airways (rescue and restructuring aid), and Olympic Airways (rescue and restructuring; privatization measures).
Successfully defended of Korean Air in EU air cargo cartel investigation.
Represented Sikorsky as FCC and government contracts counsel on numerous FCC and spectrum related issues.
Represented SkyTeam and Star Alliance in EU investigations into worldwide alliances.
Represent PepsiCo, including Frito-Lay, Inc., Bottling Group, LLC, and related companies, with regard to their wage and hour claims for long-distance and route drivers, including an expertise in the state and federal Motor Carrier Exemption, piece rate rules, and other issues specific to transportation employees.
Represent DHL Express in connection with its leasing, development, and financing of various on-airport distribution facilities across the U.S. including those located at: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Chicago O’Hare International Airport, March Air Reserve Base (Riverside, CA), San Francisco International Airport, and more than thirty other on-airport locations.
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Crawford and Medomsly Lines House Flags
averheijden
L.S,
I am looking after the house flags of 2 British Shipping Companies namely
* Crawford Shipping Cie, London England.
* Medomsly Steam Shipping Cie, London, England
Note: Both Companies were related to the Dutch Cie "Van Ommeren" at Rotterdam.
K urgess
I moved your post to its own thread, Alfons.
It may help give a better response.
If it is any help the funnel markings of the Medomsley Shipping company were a red band on a black funnel. on this red band was a six pointed white star surrounded by a white circle.
Source; Travels of the Tramps, volume 111 by N L Middlemiss, cover illustration.
I agree with Mac about Medomsley funnels but can't find the house flag.
The only Crawford I can find is in Talbot-Booth's Merchant Ships of 1942.
The Crawford listed is a Glasgow company.
The house flag is a large blue "C" in the middle of a white ground and the funnel is black with two narrow blue bands.
Dave Edge
Alfons,
It appears both companies used the Van Ommeren houseflag of the VO symbol on a white diamond over two horizontal white bands on a green ground.
Bit of research with the help of Stan Mayes.
There are two house flags attached.
Ships called "Langlee" belonged to Medomsley managed by F. Carrick according to Talbot Booth.
This is old data and I have no idea what happened after 1945.
Stan Funnels 1320A.jpg
Stan Funnels 1320B.jpg
Quite by chance while looking up something else I came across an item by my old friend Louis Loughran, the guru of flags and funnels, describing the flag and funnel that Kris has posted - the right hand one. Medomsley was managed by Carrick and Company and used the colours at right. A. Crawford, whose colours are at left, was a Glasgow tramp ship company, also known as Vale Steam Ship Company, and had nothing to do with Medomsley as far as I know.
Louis mentions in his article - Marine News, August 1970 - that 'the company has had a varied catalogue of houseflags and funnel marks through the years' so I suspect we may only be scratching the surface with this company so far.
Sorry, Dave, a few crossed wires.
The Crawford houseflag was to show the first company Alfons asked about and I'm sorry if it looked as if I thought the two were related.
The Carrick houseflag was the only one I could find for Medomsley.
As you say two unconnected companies but neither of them from London as suggested by Alfons.
It does sound as if they changed owners/managers a few times.
Crawford and Medomsley houseflags
The following might be of interest.
MEDOMSLEY STEAMSHIP CO LTD (formed 1906)
Managed until 1942 by F Carrick & Co Ltd, Newcastle
Carrick was voluntarily liquidated and re-constituted in 1942.
CRAWFORD SHIPPING CO LTD (formed 1927)
Managed and beneficially owned until 1942 by Andrew Crawford & Co Ltd, Glasgow
Andrew Crawford & Co Ltd was temporarily out of shipowning/management after losing its then last remaining vessel in 1941, but it returned to shipowning in 1945-46. It was not involved with Crawford Shipping Co Ltd after 1942.
The common link with these two companies came about in 1942 when management was taken over by HG Mann, who was the boss of Buries Markes Ltd, both with offices at 2-3 Crosby Square, Bishopsgate, London EC3.
In 1945, Crawford Shipping Co Ltd bought the steamer EMPIRE FLAME, which was renamed DUNKERY BEACON, and in 1946 Medomsley Steamship Co Ltd bought EMPIRE GALE, renamed LANGLEEGALE. The latter carried on the Medomsley naming style of Langlee----. The two 1929-built Medomsley steamers LANGLEECRAG and LANGLEETARN were taken over with the company for management by Mann in 1942.
Things get a bit complicated after the war, but it is reasonable to assume that Crawford Shipping and Medomsley were under the wing of Buries Markes, and if not subsidiaries, almost certainly “associated companies”. These all had the same address and telephone number. HG Mann and AF Blair were directors of all three companies, and those two gentlemen together with FA Bell, were directors of Crawford and Medomsley. That was how things stood in 1946. In 1947 they were joined by Mr Phs van Ommeren, a managing director of Van Ommeren Shipping NV, Rotterdam, and also a director of Phs Van Ommeren (London) Ltd, who became a director of both Crawford and Medomsley, but not of Buries Markes.
In autumn 1947, Crawford and Medomsley were bought by Van Ommeren (London) Ltd, and several new directors appeared on the scene. Blair and Bell, mentioned above, disappeared off the listings. HG Mann remained, however, as a Buries Markes director and joined the Van Ommeren London board. He retired in the earlier 1950s.
The funnel and flag colours as shown in the posting above are correct as of 1939 and might well have been revived in 1945, but I can find no evidence of this. Van Ommeren livery was on all of the vessels by 1948 (the new LANGLEESCOT of 1947 entered service with Van Ommeren livery) …. Funnel: “black with white V inside white ring”; houseflag: “horizontal bands of green, white, green, white, green, with black V inside black ring on white diamond superimposed over the bands”.
I have compiled the above thanks to Lloyd’s Register, the Directory of Shipowners, Shipbuilders and Marine Engineers, Talbot-Booth various issues, and Lloyd’s Confidential Index.
Great stuff, Roger. (Thumb)
Thanks for an excellent update on the history of these two companies.
Bruce Carson
I'm not sure if the following adds anything to the discussion.
"Flags, Funnels & Hull Colours" by Colin Stewart, revised by John S. Styring (April 1963-Revised and Enlarged) show both companies, Crawford and Medomsley, using the colours of van Ommeren.
Many thanks for clarifying the situation - and we think shipowning/managing/operating is convoluted today!
Discussion Starter • #13 • May 20, 2008 (Edited)
Roger Jordan said:
It looks that this is the correct explanation.
A "van Ommeren" Captain explained to me that after both companies were taken over by "van Ommeren, London" the house flag was as follows:
As described above by Roger Jordan, the time before "van Ommeren" it was very complicated.
I thank everyone who did his utmost to clear my question
LadyDonaldson
My late Father Laurie M. Smith, sailed aboard the Langleegale from November 1950 to December 1952. I have just received his Merchant Marine Records, so it is nice to see information and pictures of this ship.
howard james
averheijden said:
Hi can anybody help i am looking for a photo or anyway i could the ship is the medomsley line Chelwood Beacon witch was on charter from the Van Ommeren Line i sailed in this vessel in Aug 1962 till Jan 1963 its the only photo missing in my album to complete all the ships i sailed on i would be grateful for any information
Mike Featherstone
howard james said:
Hi. Your name does not ring a bell, I was on board the same time as you as 4th/3rd mate. I can help as I have 2 photos of the said Chelwood Beacon. One taken passing under Sydney Harbour Bridge and the other passing through Port Said before entering the Suez Canal ( Both attached ) hope they are of use to you.
Rgds Mike Featherstone
Chelwood Beacon 1.jpg
Chelwood Beacon.jpg
Mike Featherstone 4 d ago
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The latest news on Sound Symposium XIX, happening July 5-15, 2018
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Donkey Demerits
Nicky Smith
“Civility” is a cloak for centrists who believe in nothing and fundamentally do not understand how power works.
This will be published on Monday morning, so I’ll avoid any predictions on the Iowa caucuses. I’m optimistic and superstitious, but more importantly, anything I say will be rendered irrelevant before the night’s over. A last minute shake-up, like Rashida Tlaib encouraging an audience of Bernie Sanders supporters to continue booing Hillary Clinton on Friday night, feels like it would hold up even less.
But I’m not fixated on the predictably sanctimonious and hypocritical reaction of Clintonites and Bernie Bashers—this was the only slice of red meat they got all year. The DNC waited way too late to stop what has become a social movement. Those that condemn Tlaib—from celebrities like Michael McKean to writers like Amber Tamblyn—surely celebrated her victory in the midterms only 15 months ago. She is, after all, the first person of Palestinian descent elected to Congress—that’s incredible. (Or, as Glenn Greenwald put it, “I do genuinely think it’s an under-discussed story—one that’s quite beautiful—that the only two US Muslim Congresswomen are both vocal and enthusiastic supporters of the candidate who would make history by becoming the first Jewish President in US history.”)
Tamblyn, who called Tlaib’s booing “Trumpian” two days ago, congratulated her along with all the other “Women. In. Power.” in November 2018. Really, this tweet is so thick with the liberal sickness that it should be studied along with recent reactions to understand what’s so demented and infuriating about their thought process: “Last night’s defeats are nothing compared to what we have just won. Black women in power, Muslim women in power, Puerto Rican Women in power, Native American women in power, queer women in power—Women. In. Power. Keep fighting. There’s so much more good to come. #WomenWave.”
David Cross had a better response to the same video: “The replies to this are secure in their vacuum. It's BOOING ffs. Go to any sports event/comedy show/British pub. Also HRC has continually shit on Sanders in a way that one might consider, say, divisive? Good lord these people have the fortitude of damp cotton candy.” He’s right: booing can be a powerful communal experience, whether at a sold-out baseball game or at someone as uncivil as Hillary Clinton, but remember why they’re booing.
By any metric, Hillary Clinton deserves to be booed: for smearing Sanders, for losing to Donald Trump, for authorizing drone strikes that killed innocent people, for smearing her husband’s alleged rape victims, for being the first major politician to weaponize Barack Obama’s race against him, for starting birtherism with this photo in January 2008, even for calling all Trump voters “a basket of deplorables.” One would have to have the patience of a saint to listen to and attempt to understand the most vile caricature of a Trump voter (bigotry on its own is rather boring), and I take it for granted that racism, sexism, xenophobia, chauvinism, and proud ignorance—everything Trump ran on—are deplorable. But Clinton’s arrogant reduction and dismissal of a much broader class division in 2016 America contributed to her loss just a couple of months later.
Hillary Clinton doesn’t deserve “civility,” and I can’t trust anyone that prizes “civility” over substance. Formalities, ceremony, and the performance of politics are all that the Democratic Party has left, because they’ve made it abundantly clear that they stand for nothing. In endorsing two female candidates who have almost nothing in common policy-wise, The New York Times somehow made the most sexist “endorsement” possible. These two people share one thing: a vagina, and may the best one win! Fuck you. Just say you hate Sanders, and that you’d like to see HRC back in the mix, and that you’d rather see Trump reelected than have Sanders win. Say what you want, it’s not hard.
Democrats who speak exclusively in platitudes and defer to power at every turn don’t really want anything to change. There isn’t a meaningful difference between the damage done by Bill Clinton’s crime bill and Trump’s concentration camps. Elizabeth Warren stood and applauded Trump at his first State of the Union, merely out of politeness and routine, something that most people find insane and contemptible. She also voted for his military budget, but remember, she’s only going to hire people approved by a transgendered representative. Once again, fuck you. No one needs a wreath in 2020. People want health insurance, people want meaningful labor, and people want social services.
Tlaib being pressured to apologize by HRC is so despicable, as if she owes Clinton anything. Politicians deserve nothing but our contempt and suspicion, and our automatic response to all of them should be booing and hissing. They’re self-selecting narcissists and egomaniacs, and they’re trained liars. We must always hold them accountable and recognize that the people that seek out these positions are necessarily not like you and me. Who wants to work in the government, much less run for president? I don’t trust any of them, and the only reason I support Sanders is that he’s never had to lie, flip flop, or pretend to be anything that he isn’t. Everyone else at his level has.
—Follow Nicky Smith on Twitter: @nickyotissmith
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rgmaier
commented Feb 03, 2020, 03:14PM
Well, I first voted in 1968, for ultra-Liberal Eugene McCarthy. Us millions of progressive baby boomers thought we would get rid of the conservatives who murdered Kennedys, King, and Malcomb X, supported racial discrimination, forced religion, and sent sent tens of thousands of our generation to die in VietNam or come home with terrible disabilities. I was in riots protesting racism and war in Washington DC. Friends were jailed for being queer, having a lid of grass in their pocket, or long hair and a beard. It was a rough time. Republicans then were mostly the same people as today... maybe worse.Thinking of Strom Thurmond, Jesse Helms, Lester Maddox, George Wallace, J. Edgar Hoover. Compared to them, Hillary Clinton seems pretty benign. I'd rather see outrage directed to Trump's cult, instead of Democrats who don't follow the "perfect" visions of today's on-line activists who really don't seem to sacrifice much more than tweets. Dividing Democrats will ensure Trump's nazi takeover of America. I feel sorry for all the millenials who will be caught in that swamp. If their perfect visions can't be fulfilled, better have a plan B,like a bank account in Canada. I did, when things got really dicey under Nixon.
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Todd Seavey
Bullies of all hues.
The left is growing fonder of the argumentative bait-and-switch in which if you disagree with some small part of what they’ve said, they accuse you of wanting the nightmarish opposite of everything they believe. If you think, say, some protest went too far by engaging in vandalism, you’ll be accused not merely of being uptight about property rights but of hating black people and promoting rape to boot.
The thing is, more people are coming to the conclusion that even the left doesn’t believe these sweeping negative assertions about the motives of the left’s critics. On the contrary, it is vital, always, to consider the possibility that vocal leftist activists may just be jerks. They can start out with some legitimate grievance and still become drunk with political power, after all—and it’s condescending to pretend that can’t be the case simply because they’re, for example, black or female.
In classic passive-aggressive fashion, the activists have gotten a lot mileage out of pretending only sadists and fascists would disagree with them.
But even as the activists grow more hair-trigger angry, the ranks of people who aren’t falling for the activists’ nonsense keep growing. For decades, the activists could count on their listeners’ feelings of guilt about all the horrors of history to vault the activists to positions of easy moral and political authority (and sometimes tenure without even publishing anything). It took a callous brute to tell them “no.”
But it’s not just callous brutes telling them “no” anymore. I think most Americans have had enough of their crap. That doesn’t mean I endorse every manifestation of resistance to the activists, either (see: Trump as an example of someone both un-PC and frequently wrong). But it does mean we’re finally allowed to tell even the most ardent of the protestors: perhaps the problem is you.
Interestingly, the kinds of people who congratulate themselves for talking about racism are now, in the latest twist of their faddish thinking, beginning to insist whites shouldn’t talk about racism because it's for people of color to say what matters in this area. Are we slowly but surely circling back around, then, in typical left-wing-uroboros fashion, to the idea that most Americans should just shut up about racism? I’d certainly be okay with that. And I mean that in a compassionate, Daniel Patrick Moynihan “benign neglect” way, you understand, not a truly callous way.
An online video shows an Asian immigrant female student at a Claremont McKenna College rally against racism being silenced by the crowd when she tries to explain how she learned the hard way that black people can be racist, too. That crowd’s not fostering dialogue. It’s increasingly obvious they want to foster monologue. Maybe it’s time to let them know we’d like to just opt for silence instead. They can continue talking to themselves all they like.
—Todd Seavey can be found on Twitter, Blogger, and Facebook, daily on Splice Today, and soon on bookshelves with the volume Libertarianism for Beginners.
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As NBA Fines Irving, the Long…
Steve Cohen Workplace Complaint Places MLB in Thorny Situation
By Michael McCann
Legal Analyst and Senior Sports Legal Reporter
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January 8, 2021 10:18am
Steve Cohen has brought new life to the Mets, but a workplace accusation now clouds his tenure. Ap/John Minchillo
Steve Cohen’s imprint on the New York Mets has already been felt. On Thursday, the team Cohen purchased for $2.42 billion last fall acquired all-star shortstop Francisco Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland Indians. Mets fans, who have seen their storied franchise underachieve in recent seasons, have reason for optimism.
But clouding Cohen’s reshaping of the club is a recent New York Times report on workplace allegations brought against the 64-year-old billionaire. The allegations concern Cohen’s role as chairman and CEO of hedge fund Point72 Asset Management in Stamford, Conn., in 2019.
Last summer, former Point72 head of global macro Sara Vavra filed a discrimination complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, a state agency charged with eliminating discrimination through enforcement of civil rights laws. Vavra alleged discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender.
As reported by the Times, the complaint asserts that Cohen behaved in sexist ways and promoted a hostile work environment. He is accused of uttering both expletives and “a derogatory word for a woman’s genitals.” Cohen is also alleged to have repeatedly disparaged Vavra, vulgarly dismissing her as “so stupid” and “an idiot” and crudely saying her work product “sucked.” Cohen is portrayed as belittling other women who worked for the company as well.
Point72 fired Vavra in October 2019 and categorically disputes her allegations. The company insists she has made “numerous misrepresentations” about her employment and it refuses to pay what it terms “exorbitant settlement demands”. Attorneys for Point72 in a response dated July 10, 2020 claimed that Vavra “failed in managing” her division and “was an unreliable partner and poor leader.” She is further depicted as regularly missing meetings and derelict in core work functions, such as “frequently mixing up basic terminology, including ‘net’ and ‘gross’ balance sheet.”
A complaint, it should be stressed, is a series of allegations made by an accuser. It is not a finding of fault by a neutral party. Such a finding would only occur after a review of shared emails, subpoenaed documents and other available evidence as well as an assessment of witness recollections.
There is no known record of the commission reaching a favorable or unfavorable conclusion on Vavra’s complaint. The matter before the commission is also effectively closed. In December, Vavra requested that the agency relinquish its jurisdiction. By doing so, she gained the right to sue Point72 and Cohen. Instead of litigation, the dispute is now in arbitration. This is a private dispute resolution process that is sealed from public view and obligates the parties to uphold strict confidentiality.
The role of arbitration and workplace allegations is not unique to MLB owners. The NFL recently persuaded a federal judge in Maryland to relinquish review of a contract dispute involving owners of the Washington Football Team. That dispute, which is now before an NFL arbitrator, led to media reporting of claims that majority owner Daniel Snyder sexually harassed a female employee in 2009. Snyder denies the accusation and insists it is part of an extortion plot. The case had sparked sensational headlines in national publications but has gone quiet in arbitration.
MLB has declined to publicly address Vavra’s allegations. Whether the league investigates them remains to be seen.
Media reported on Vavra’s complaint in July, about four months before MLB approved Cohen as majority owner of the Mets in a sale from the Katz and Wilpon families. While MLB may not have known of the complaint’s details, which had been sealed until recent days, the league was surely aware of the complaint’s existence. It nonetheless approved Cohen. He also received the approval of 26 of the 30 MLB ownership groups.
A logical inference is that league officials and other teams’ owners deemed the matter insufficient to warrant Cohen’s rejection. Like other leagues, MLB performs extensive due diligence and background checks on prospective owners. Those measures are intended to ensure that a would-be buyer possesses sufficient financial resources to capably operate a franchise and meet payroll obligations. Background checks also assess whether the would-be buyer has a history of personal or legal controversies that might tarnish the league’s image.
MLB officials and attorneys might have asked Cohen about the Vavra controversy, and other workplace controversies, and simply found his explanation believable. Cohen’s record was not without blemish. In 2016, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission negotiated an agreement with Cohen that resolved an SEC administrative matter regarding his supervision over employees.
Although Cohen’s conduct before becoming an owner of an MLB franchise would not be grounds for MLB punishment, he was an MLB owner at the time of the alleged misconduct. He purchased an 8% stake of the Mets in 2012 and was approved by MLB as a minority owner.
Article II of MLB’s constitution contains explicit language authorizing the commissioner to take “punitive action” against an owner for an act deemed “not to be in the best interests of Baseball.” This sweeping language extends to personal conduct. Penalties range from a reprimand or exclusion from league meetings to a fine or suspension. The language of the rule does not distinguish an owner with a minority interest from one with a majority interest. MLB would thus have jurisdiction to investigate Cohen and, if warranted, punish him. If the league finds important discrepancies between Cohen’s depiction of the Vavra matter before he was approved in October and what is now known, it would be more inclined to take action.
Yet MLB’s ability to investigate is hampered by the ongoing legal process. Under normal rules of arbitration, both Vavra and Cohen would be barred from discussing the matter. This is true not only while the arbitration plays out but possibly afterwards: Arbitration matters often result in awards (rulings) that incorporate separate non-disclosure agreements. While awards can be challenged in court, judges are substantially bound by laws that limit their purview—and that limitation, in turn, typically deters parties from bothering to pursue court remedies. In other words, details of any Vavra-Cohen ruling might never be known by people beyond those who were directly involved.
The Times story comes at a time of advancement for women in baseball. The Boston Red Sox recently hired Bianca Smith, a graduate of Dartmouth College and Case Western Reserve University School of Law, as a minor league coach. She is the first black woman to serve as a coach for an MLB franchise. Last fall, the Miami Marlins hired Kim Ng as general manager. The former New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox assistant GM became the first woman to serve as GM of an MLB franchise.
(This story has been updated with details of Vavra’s basis of complaint in the third paragraph and Point72’s reasons for dispute and termination in the fifth paragraph.)
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India’s predicted squad for the ODI series against the Windies
The cricketing saga for Team India will continue with a trip to the North American continent later this month. The tour will commence with a couple of T20Is in the USA and then the teams will travel to the island nation, West Indies for the remainder of the matches. The ODI leg of the tour will kickstart at Guyana in the second week of August followed by a couple of ties at Trinidad and Tobago.
It will be the first 50 overs assignment for the Indian team after their loss to New Zealand in the semi-finals of 2019 World Cup. With the selectors keeping an eye on the workload of regular superstars some of the youngsters are going get their due for consistent performances. Again in this 3-match series, the team will be on the lookout for a solid middle-order batsman.
Here is the predicted ODI squad for India
Rohit Sharma will lead the team if Virat Kohli is rested. But it seems that the 30-year-old is set to play according to the reports. KL Rahul will continue to open the innings as Shikhar Dhawan is undergoing rehabilitation at NCA. Rishabh Pant is probably going to continue as the new No.4 of the team. He will also keep the wickets with uncertainty looming over MS Dhoni’s future.
The middle-order will receive the services of Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill who are in good form playing for India A. Ravindra Jadeja will retain his place after the game-changing performance in World Cup semi-final and Krunal Pandya might sneak in due to his recent 5-wicket haul against Windies A. Both will complete the all-rounders’ list and Hanuma Vihari and Ishan Kishan will be the batting reserves.
The spin department will be led by Kuldeep Yadav in the absence of Yuzvendra Chahal and the youngster Rahul Chahar might also find a place. The pace battery will be charged with the presence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed and Navdeep Saini as Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah deserve a layoff.
Deepak Chahar can be a good option for the team if Hardik Pandya is rested. All in all the team will be lacking experience but they have proved their mettle in the domestic circuit.
India’s predicted 15-member ODI squad:
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (c), KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Chahar, Rahul Chahar.
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Home / NBA / NBA News / NBA Playoffs, 9/2/20 Thunder vs. Rockets Game 7 Predictions & Odds
NBA Playoffs, 9/2/20 Thunder vs. Rockets Game 7 Predictions & Odds
Thunder vs. Rockets Game 7 Prediction
The Thunder and Rockets have pushed their first-round series to a seventh game, which will be played tonight in Orlando at 9:00 p.m. ET. How will it all go down and who is the play tonight for bettors?
Game Snap Shot
Who: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets
Odds: Rockets -5.5, O/U 218
Public Betting: Find out which side public bettors are on at our NBA Public Betting Page
Oklahoma City Thunder DFS Spin
Danilo Gallinari scored 12 points in the third quarter but didn’t do anything in the fourth quarter until he hit two clutch free throws with 3.8 seconds left on the clock to secure a 104-100 win over the Rockets on Monday to force a Game 7 on Wednesday night. Gallinari finished with 25 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals and four 3-pointers on 9-of-17 shooting in the win. Gallo was special in the third quarter and played well for the first three stanzas, then came through when it mattered near the final buzzer. This was a game of runs and the Thunder went on a 15-5 run in the third quarter and then Lu Dort hit a couple 3-pointers and helped spark an 8-0 run to give OKC a 77-75 lead at the end of the third. Houston then want on a 14-1 run for a 98-95 lead in the fourth quarter, but Russell Westbrook made too many mistakes for Houston to hold on. This was Gallo’s best game since his Game 1, 29-point peformance and he had scored a total of 10 points in Games 4 & 5. He’ll likely need to keep it going on Wednesday in Game 7 if the Thunder are going to pull off the miraculous upset.
Houston Rockets DFS Spin
James Harden hit 11-of-22 shots, 3-of-11 3-pointers and 7-of-8 free throws for 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in 39 minutes of Monday’s 104-100 Game 6 loss to the Thunder. Game 7 is Wednesday night. Harden hit some big step-back 3-pointers but also struggled from beyond the arc on the night and surprisingly didn’t have the ball in his hands nearly enough in the final minutes of the game. The Rockets still had a chance, down two with 13.1 seconds left, but Russell Westbrook threw the ball away and Danilo Gallinari sealed the win with a pair of free throws with 3.8 seconds left on the clock. Look for Harden to come out with a vengeance on Wednesday for Game 7 as the Rockets will try to escape a pesky OKC team to advance to Round 2.
NBA Playoffs Thunder vs. Rockets Game 7 Betting Prediction
I expect the Rockets do to a better job tonight of protecting the ball, specifically Russell Westbrook. He hasn’t quite looked himself so far in this series but the Rockets averaged just 11 turnovers per game before turning the rock over 22 times in Game 6 on Monday. Westbrook spent a little over two weeks on the sidelines and is still trying to find his rhythm, but I’m banking on a strong performance out of him tonight.
Meanwhile, Harden will need to have a better performance from behind the arc, but I’m banking on him to have one of those performances where he shoots the lights out and the Rockets advance. The Thunder have done a great job of mucking it up and forcing the Rockets into mistakes, but I see a cleaner game for Houston and perhaps even a runaway tonight in Orlando.
The Thunder are just 1-5 against the spread in their last six games following a win and are 1-5 against the number when they covered the spread in their previous game.
2020 NBA PLAYOFFS GAME 7 PREDICTION: HOUSTON ROCKETS -5.5
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Cablegate: Thailand Readies Post-Election Thaksin-Like Spending Binge
Friday, 21 December 2007, 10:22 am
Ref: 07BANGKOK6241
PP RUEHCHI RUEHCN RUEHDT RUEHHM
DE RUEHBK #6241/01 3551022
FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
INFO RUEHCHI/AMCONSUL CHIANG MAI PRIORITY 4590
RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BANGKOK 006241
STATE FOR EAP/MLS AND EB
TREASURY FOR OASIA
COMMERCE FOR EAP/MAC/OKSA
STATE PASS TO USTR
TAGS: EFIN EINV ETRD PGOV TH
SUBJECT: THAILAND READIES POST-ELECTION THAKSIN-LIKE SPENDING BINGE
TO BOOST GROWTH
REF: a) Bangkok 5584 b) Chiang Mai 187
BANGKOK 00006241 001.2 OF 003
1. (SBU) Summary: Thailand's major political parties have all made
campaign promises of large spending increases both on traditional
programs for infrastructure development and on "populist" programs.
Economic advisers in all parties believe that a substantial fiscal
boost is necessary for economic growth. Government economists and
private sector analysts agree that there is sufficient "fiscal
space" to embark on such an expansion, which could raise the
government budget deficit from its current 1.8 percent of GDP to 3
percent by 2009. Deposed Prime Minister Thaksin's populist policies
generated broad support for him and his party, and many officials
admit that these popular programs have generally been effective and
have not bankrupted the country. While various factors will
influence the way people vote, the common voter's perception that
Thaksin "gave back" to the people some of the spoils of power has
had a substantial impact on all parties' economic and social
platforms. End Summary.
POLITICAL PARTIES PLAN SPENDING INCREASES
2. (U) With the approach of the December 23 elections, both
government and private sector economists expect public spending to
increase no matter who forms the next government, as all major
parties have pledged to increase spending both on major
infrastructure projects and continue populist programs. The World
Bank estimates that public investment spending for FY2008, already
set under the current government's budget, will rise 11 percent from
FY2007. However, FY2009 is expected to see an even more significant
fiscal boost if the ruling political parties enact the spending
programs they have promised in their campaigns this year.
3. (SBU) The Democrat Party, thought by many to be the most likely
to form the core of a new coalition government, has outlined
spending plans to include USD 2.9 billion in agricultural irrigation
projects, USD 7.4 billion in subway and skytrain infrastructure
projects, and a USD 5.9 billion extension and renovation of
Thailand's railway system. Democrat proposals include a "populist"
Village Sufficiency Fund, similar to Thaksin's Million Baht Village
Fund.
4. (U) The rival People Power's Party (PPP) has not hidden its roots
in Thaksin's former Thai Rak Thai party and has resolved to continue
the same policies pursued under his leadership because "they worked
before, and will do so again," in the words of Secretary General
Surapong Suebwonglee. Former Bank of Thailand Governor Vijit
Supinit, now an adviser to the smaller Puea Pandin party, says that
the next government should expand spending markedly if it wants to
see GDP growth in excess of 5 percent, which he said would still be
too slow for an economy of Thailand's size. "The government should
not fear implementing populism - in fact, it is necessary and
effective to spread wealth to the grass roots level," he says.
Vijit believes the budget deficit could increase from 1.8 percent to
3 percent of GDP without adverse consequences.
5. (SBU) Former Finance Minister and current advisor to the Chart
Thai party Pridiyathorn Devakula similarly predicted to Econoffs
that the post-election government would focus on fiscal expansion,
no matter which party led the ruling coalition. "Investment
projects were held up after the coup," he said, "due to indecision,
political uncertainty, and a range of regulatory obstacles on
environmental and land use issues." Pridiyathorn said the existence
of a new elected government, even if it only survives 12-18 months
as some observers predict, would clear the air and allow bureaucrats
to push through much-needed infrastructure projects at the behest of
the Cabinet.
6. (SBU) Pridiyathorn added that he believes there is room in the
government budget to expand spending, largely due to the past year's
efforts to clean up the off-budget obligations incurred from the
programs of Prime Minister Thaksin. Pridiyathorn, who was installed
as Finance Minister shortly after the 2006 coup and resigned in
February 2007 due to policy differences with the CNS and Prime
Minister Surayud, said a focus on fiscal expansion is needed to
offset a predicted slowdown in exports caused by the sub-prime
mortgage crisis in the United States.
"FISCAL SPACE" FOR AN EXPANSION
7. (SBU) In a meeting with Econoff at the Ministry of Finance's
Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), government economists agreed that the
new government would have significant "fiscal space" to embark on a
spending expansion, thanks to the current government's "cleaning up"
of most fiscal obligations incurred during the Thaksin era. The
FPO's calculations showed that the current public debt-to-GDP ratio
stood at 37.7 percent at the end of FY2007, down from a peak of 58
percent in 2000. (Public debt is comprised of three components:
government debt, non-financial public enterprise debt, and debt
incurred by the Financial Institutions Development Fund - FIDF -
which was set up to recapitalize failed banks in the wake of the
1997 financial crisis.) Debt service as a percentage of the
government budget was down to 11.3 percent in 2007 compared to 13.2
percent in 2003.
8. (SBU) The FPO economists said that the government ran a
"balanced" budget in 2005 and 2006 due to increased revenues and the
fact that many of Thaksin's "populist" programs were operated
outside the regular budget. The post-coup government has run
deficits in the FY2007 budget (of USD 4.2 billion) and FY2008 budget
(of USD 4.8 billion) partly due to reduced government revenues that
accompanied an economic slowdown, but also because Thaksin's
populist program obligations were brought back on the government's
open books.
POPULIST PROGRAMS CHANGE THE FACE OF THAI POLITICS
9. (SBU) Much of the staying power of Thaksin's popularity comes
from the populist programs he expanded and implemented. In the view
of many villagers we have talked to in Central and Northeast
Thailand over the past two months, Thaksin was the first Bangkok
politician willing go "give back" to the common people some of the
spoils that come from holding political power. While academics and
Bangkok elites are often disparaging of populism as encouraging
inefficiency and undermining public morals, the programs, while
imperfect, have proven affordable. The programs remain very popular
at the grassroots level and all the parties are clamoring they will
continue them. The key programs are as follows:
(1) Commodity Price Subsidies - Price supports for agricultural
commodities were greatly expanded by Thaksin as a means to stimulate
domestic demand. Last year, the price floor set by the government
(before the coup) was so far above world rice prices that nearly all
domestic production was sold to the government, which accumulated
some 5 million tons in warehouses. The FPO calculated that USD 500
million was needed to pay back the Bank for Agriculture and
Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) for the rice price support alone.
Over USD 200 million was also used to cover a similar program for
rubber. This year, the market price for long-grain fragrant rice
has risen dramatically (spurred by poor weather in other producing
countries). Virtually no Thai farmer is selling rice to the
government, and the government has been able to sell off some three
million tons from stockpiles. Farmers, unsurprisingly, like the
high price supports, and believe they are necessary to compensate
for the rising costs of inputs, such as fertilizer. The willingness
to continue to maintain high commodity price supports will be the
key test of the commitment of the next government to populism.
(2) The Million Baht Village Fund - Thaksin allocated every Thai
village or urban community a million baht (approximately 30,000 USD
at current exchange rates) to begin a rotating fund for villagers to
administer among themselves for local investment projects. In some
villages, a committee scrutinizes loan proposals and tries to
allocate funds where they will do the most good, usually to begin
animal husbandry side businesses or help underwrite crop
expenditures. In other villages, the politics of giving money to
some families and not others has proven too difficult so the fund is
allocated equally among all village households. All loans from the
fund are to be repaid within a year, so money is available for the
next round of loans. Some villages report that funds are largely
repaid on time. Others admit that loans are sometimes "squandered"
on consumer goods and have to be repaid with higher-interest loans
from local moneymen, increasing rural household debt. In
particularly successful villages, the local branch of the BAAC has
added another million to the pot, so two million baht is loaned out
each year. The FPO told us that the government's initial USD 2
billion expenditure has now been cleared from the books.
(3) Universal 30-Baht Health Care Coverage - Thaksin dismantled the
national public health budget which had been organized by functional
need and divided it up on a per capita basis, so that local
hospitals were given an allocation based solely on the number of
residents in their districts. Patients were required to pay a flat
fee of 30 baht (under 1 USD) per visit (which was reduced to zero by
the interim government). We visited local hospitals across six
provinces and found that they had largely recovered from the
budgetary chaos of the transition and now are generally able to
maintain operations adequately. Some hospital directors say that
service has deteriorated and bemoan the stress that free care has
brought - average patient visits per year, at least in one province,
have doubled to 2.5 - but others believe the increased exposure to
medical professionals provides opportunity for more preventative
care education and is a net plus for public health. The
government's per capita allocation has been increased significantly
in the last three years, rescuing many hospitals from debt, and
generating some sense of optimism among hospital administrators.
All hospital directors, however, agreed that there is little money
for capital improvements or new equipment purchases, which if not
rectified will degrade services as the years go by. Some directors
have begun serious fund-raising efforts and/or side businesses, such
as spas, to supplement hospital income. Villagers complained about
the longer waits they now must endure to see a doctor, but the
guarantee against financially-crippling medical expenses that
previously came with serious illness or accident is greatly
(4) Teacher Salary Subsidies - Thailand's policy elites have long
been concerned about the paucity of resources going into education
and the resulting poor quality of many of the nation's schools.
Thus, Thaksin's championing of more money for education was
initially widely supported. The mechanism by which he sought to
implement that initiative, raising teacher salaries, however, has
been seen by some as a cynical effort to buy teachers' votes. While
the program was supposed to provide financial incentives for
improved teaching in the classroom, our visits to provincial teacher
credit cooperatives revealed that, in practice, the cynicism may be
justified. We did find one province which requires additional
training courses and teachers now have to submit a research paper to
demonstrate their credentials which, perversely, often proves a
distraction from classroom teaching. In practice, however, the
supplements are generally allocated on the basis of years in
service, and allocated to all school administrators and teachers
with the necessary time-in-grade. From the teachers' perspective,
the salary supplements are long overdue. A beginning teacher with a
college degree earns only about USD 200 per month. The supplements
cost the government nearly USD 300 million per year, and are now
part of the budget for the Ministry of Education.
10. (SBU) Comment: The interim government has been given little
credit for the fiscal responsibility it has demonstrated by getting
Thaksin's off-the-book populism programs back in the budget where
they can be properly accounted for and seem to be affordable, at
least for now. But there is no doubt that Thaksin's introduction of
nationwide popular policies, as opposed to narrow pork-barrel
payoffs to win personal loyalty, as a means of winning votes has
created a sea change in Thai politics. The election on December 23
will in part be a measure of the extent that common voters believe
that anyone but those who carry Thaksin's legacy can be trusted to
"give back" to the people as he is perceived to have done through
his populist policies.
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SCHEDULE 13D/A
(Rule 13d-101)
INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT
TO § 240.13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO
§ 240.13d-1(a)
(Amendment No. 14)*
CLEARWIRE CORPORATION
(Name of Issuer)
Class A Common Stock
(Title of Class of Securities)
18538Q 105
(CUSIP Number)
Michael J. Egan
King & Spalding LLP
1180 Peachtree Street, N.E.
(Name, address and telephone number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)
Gary D. Friedman
Friedman Kaplan Seiler & Adelman LLP
7 Times Square, 28th Floor
(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement)
If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§ 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box: ¨
NOTE: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See § 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.
* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.
The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).
(Continued on following pages)
CUSIP No. 18538Q 105 13D Page 1 of 8
Name of reporting person:
Sprint Nextel Corporation
Check the appropriate box if a member of a group
(a) ¨ (b) x
SEC use only
Source of funds:
Check box if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e) ¨
Citizenship or place of organization:
beneficially
Sole Voting Power:
Shared Voting Power:
705,359,348*
Sole dispositive power:
Shared dispositive power:
Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person:
Check box if the aggregate amount in Row (11) excludes certain shares x**
Percent of class represented by amount in Row (11):
50.8%*
Type of reporting person:
* See discussion in Items 4 through 6 of the Statement on Schedule 13D filed on December 5, 2008, as amended (the “Schedule 13D”). As more fully described in the responses to Items 4 through 6 of the Schedule 13D, the Reporting Persons and certain other beneficial owners of Class A Common Stock named herein may be deemed to be members of a “group” under Section 13(d) of the Act by virtue of the Equityholders’ Agreement described in the Schedule 13D. Neither the filing of this Amendment No. 14 to Statement on Schedule 13D (this “Amendment”) nor any of its contents shall be deemed to constitute an admission by any Reporting Person that, except as expressly set forth herein, it has or shares beneficial ownership of any shares of Class A Common Stock held by any other person for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Act, or for any other purpose, and such beneficial ownership thereof is expressly disclaimed.
** See the footnotes to the table in Item 5(a)-(b) of this Amendment.
Sprint HoldCo, LLC
* See discussion in Items 4 through 6 of the Schedule 13D. As more fully described in the responses to Items 4 through 6 of the Schedule 13D, the Reporting Persons and certain other beneficial owners of Class A Common Stock named herein may be deemed to be members of a “group” under Section 13(d) of the Act by virtue of the Equityholders’ Agreement described in the Schedule 13D. Neither the filing of this Amendment nor any of its contents shall be deemed to constitute an admission by any Reporting Person that, except as expressly set forth herein, it has or shares beneficial ownership of any shares of Class A Common Stock held by any other person for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Act, or for any other purpose, and such beneficial ownership thereof is expressly disclaimed.
Eagle River Holdings, LLC
34,026,470*
5.0%*
Craig O. McCaw
This Amendment No. 14 (this “Amendment”) is being filed by the Sprint Entities and the ERH Entities (each, as defined below) and amends and supplements the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on December 5, 2008, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on February 27, 2009, as amended by Amendment No. 2 to the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on November 12, 2009, as amended by Amendment No. 3 to the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on December 22, 2009, as amended by Amendment No. 4 to the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on December 7, 2010, as amended by Amendment No. 5 to the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on December 14, 2010, as amended by Amendment No. 6 to the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on May 13, 2011, as amended by Amendment No. 7 to the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on June 8, 2011, as amended by Amendment No. 8 to the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on December 16, 2011, as amended by Amendment No. 9 to the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on February 24, 2012, as amended by Amendment No. 10 to the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on March 14, 2012, as amended by Amendment No. 11 to the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on June 15, 2012, as amended by Amendment No. 12 to the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on September 14, 2012 and as amended by Amendment No. 13 to the Statement on Schedule 13D which was jointly filed on October 3, 2012 (collectively, the “Schedule 13D”) on behalf of Sprint Nextel Corporation, a Kansas corporation (“Sprint”), Sprint HoldCo, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sprint HoldCo” and together with Sprint, the “Sprint Entities”), Comcast Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (“Comcast”), Comcast Wireless Investment, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Comcast LLC” and, together with Comcast, the “Comcast Entities”), Bright House Networks, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“BHN”), BHN Spectrum Investments, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“BHN Spectrum”), Newhouse Broadcasting Corporation, a New York corporation (“NBCo”, and collectively with BHN and BHN Spectrum, the “BHN Entities”), Eagle River Holdings, LLC, a Washington limited liability company (“ERH”) and Craig O. McCaw, an individual (“Mr. McCaw” and, together with ERH, the “ERH Entities”), with respect to the Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), of Clearwire Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Clearwire” or the “Issuer”). We refer to the Sprint Entities and the ERH Entities collectively herein as the “Reporting Persons” and to each as a “Reporting Person”. All capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Schedule 13D.
Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration
Item 3 of the Schedule 13D is amended and supplemented by adding the following information under a new heading “ERH ROFO Notice”:
If Sprint HoldCo is the only Equityholder that exercises its rights under the ERH ROFO Notice (as defined below), the purchase price that would be paid at closing by Sprint HoldCo for 100% of the Interests (as defined below) is $100,000,063.55 (subject to adjustment for any Make Whole Payments, as discussed below), and the source of such funds would be from Sprint’s working capital.
Item 4. Purpose of Transaction.
On October 17, 2012, ERH delivered an interest notice to the other Equityholders pursuant to Section 3.3 of the Equityholders’ Agreement (the “ERH ROFO Notice”). The ERH ROFO Notice provides notice to the Equityholders of ERH’s intent to transfer (i) 30,922,958 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Class A Shares”) and (ii) 2,728,512 shares of Class B Common Stock and a corresponding number of Clearwire Communications Class B Common Interests (the “Class B Interests” and, together with the Class A Shares, the “Interests”) on the following material terms:
ERH will only sell to each Equityholder an equal percentage of its ownership of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Interests, rounded in each case to the nearest whole share;
a cash sales price for the bundle of each whole share of Class A Common Stock and the related fractional Class B Interest of $2.97164 (consisting of an assigned value, only for the purposes of the ERH ROFO Notice, of $2.00 per Class A Share and $13.9835 per Class B Interest); and
the payment of a Make Whole Payment (as defined in the ERH ROFO Notice) by any Equityholder that delivers a response notice pursuant to the ERH ROFO Notice (the “Exercising Non-Selling Equityholder”) and acquires Interests if, at any time following October 17, 2012 but before October 17, 2015, the Exercising Non-Selling Equityholder or an Affiliate (as defined in the Equityholders’ Agreement) thereof acquires or disposes of, directly or indirectly, any Interests at a price higher than an Average Weighted Per Share Acquisition Price (as defined in the ERH ROFO Notice) of $2.97164 or such higher amount established by
the most recent Qualifying Subsequent Transaction (as defined in the ERH ROFO Notice), if any, calculated by multiplying the aggregate number of Interests acquired by the Exercising Non-Selling Equityholder or its Affiliate by the excess of such higher price over (i) 2.97164 or (ii) such higher amount established by the most recent Qualifying Subsequent Transaction.
Pursuant to Section 3.3(b) of the Equityholders’ Agreement, each Equityholder shall have thirty (30) days from receipt of the ERH ROFO Notice to notify ERH of its election to purchase all or any portion of the Interests in accordance with the terms and conditions of the ERH ROFO Notice and the Equityholders’ Agreement.
On October 17, 2012, Sprint HoldCo delivered a response letter (“Sprint Response Letter”) to the ERH ROFO Notice notifying ERH that Sprint HoldCo elects to purchase 100% of the Interests at the purchase price set forth in the ERH ROFO Notice (or, in the event that one or more of the other Equityholders elects to purchase the Interests pursuant to a timely response notice, the maximum number of Interests that Sprint HoldCo is entitled to purchase pursuant to Section 3.3(b) of the Equityholders’ Agreement).
ERH had previously delivered an interest notice on October 13, 2012, to the other Equityholders pursuant to Section 3.3 of the Equityholders’ Agreement to which Sprint HoldCo had on that same date provided a Response Notice (as defined in the Equityholders’ Agreement) (together, the “Prior Notices”), which also covered the Interests reflected in the ERH ROFO Notice and certain additional shares owned by related parties and permitted an exercising Equityholder, under certain circumstances, to acquire the membership interests of ERH in lieu of acquiring the Interests directly. The Comcast Entities, the Intel Entities and the BHN Entities objected to certain contents of the Prior Notices and alleged that the Prior Notices were invalid. Although the Reporting Persons disagree with the merits of the objection and allegation, in the interest of avoiding a dispute over the Prior Notices, ERH and Sprint HoldCo agreed to revoke the Prior Notices, as a result of which neither has any obligations to the other thereunder, and ERH issued the ERH ROFO Notice to replace the Prior Notices (to which Sprint HoldCo responded with the Sprint Response Letter).
The foregoing summary of the ERH ROFO Notice and Sprint Response Letter is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such documents, which are filed as Exhibits 99.29 and 99.30 hereto, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer.
Item 5(a), (b) and (c) of the Schedule 13D are hereby replaced in their entirety with the following:
(a)-(b) As of October 17, 2012, each Reporting Person may be deemed to have beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Act) and shared power to vote or direct the vote of up to the amounts listed in the table below and may be deemed to constitute a “group” under Section 13(d) of the Act.
Reporting Person (1)
Stock % of
Class A (2) Class B
Class B (2) % Voting
Sprint Entities (3)
705,359,348 50.8 % 705,359,348 90.2 % 48.1 %
ERH (4)
34,026,470 5.0 % 2,728,512 * 2.3 %
Craig O. McCaw (5)
* Less than 1%
(1) By virtue of the Equityholders’ Agreement, each of the Reporting Persons, together with the Intel Entities, Intel Capital, Intel Cayman, Middlefield, the Comcast Entities and the BHN Entities, may be deemed to be a member of a “group” under Section 13(d) of the Act, which may be deemed to beneficially own, have shared power to vote or direct the vote over and have shared dispositive power over 705,359,348 shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by the Sprint Entities, 94,076,878 shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by Intel (which includes 25,098,733 shares of Class A Common Stock held by Intel Capital, 3,333,333 shares of Class A Common Stock held by Intel Cayman, and 65,644,812 shares of Class B Common Stock held by the Intel Entities), 88,504,132 shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by the Comcast Entities, 34,026,470 shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by ERH and 8,474,440 shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by the BHN Entities. As described in Item 6 of the Schedule 13D, the Equityholders’ Agreement includes a voting agreement under which such Equityholders and their respective affiliates share the ability to elect a majority of the Issuer’s directors. The persons listed in the table disclaim beneficial ownership of the shares of capital stock beneficially owned by such other Equityholders (other than the shares of capital stock beneficially owned by their affiliates).
(2) Shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned and the respective percentages of beneficial ownership of Class A Common Stock assumes the conversion of all shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by such person or entity into Class A Common Stock, and the exercise of all options, warrants and other securities convertible into common stock beneficially owned by such person or entity currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of October 17, 2012. Shares issuable pursuant to the conversion of Class B Common Stock or the exercise of stock options and warrants exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding and held by the holder of such shares of Class B Common Stock, options or warrants for computing the percentage of outstanding common stock beneficially owned by such person, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of outstanding common stock beneficially owned by any other person. The respective percentages of beneficial ownership of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are based on 682,759,360 shares of Class A Common Stock and 782,207,112 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding as of October 2, 2012.
(3) Consists of 705,359,348 shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by Sprint HoldCo.
(4) Consists of 30,922,958 shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by ERH, 375,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable on exercise of warrants held by ERH and 2,728,512 shares of Class B Common beneficially owned by ERH. ERH is controlled by Mr. McCaw. The manager of ERH is Eagle River Inc., an entity controlled by and wholly-owned by Mr. McCaw.
(5) Consists of 16,500 shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. McCaw, 30,922,958 shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by ERH, 375,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable on exercise of warrants held by ERH and 2,728,512 shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by ERH.
Except as set forth or incorporated herein or in the Appendices to the Schedule 13D, none of (i) the Reporting Persons and (ii) to the Sprint Entities’ knowledge, the persons set forth on Appendix A-1 and A-2 of the Schedule 13D, beneficially owns any shares of Class A Common Stock as of October 17, 2012.
In addition to the beneficial ownership of the Reporting Persons described herein, the Intel Entities, Intel Capital, Intel Cayman, Middlefield, the Comcast Entities and the BHN Entities may be deemed to be members of a “group” under Section 13(d) of the Act with the Reporting Persons by virtue of the Equityholders’ Agreement and have reported their beneficial ownership of securities of the Issuer separately, including the disclosure contained in Amendment No. 15 to Statement on Schedule 13D filed on October 5, 2012 filed by the Intel Entities, Intel Capital, Intel Cayman and Middlefield (the “Intel 13D/A”) and the disclosure contained in Amendment No. 13 to Statement on Schedule 13D filed on October 3, 2012 filed by the Comcast Entities, the BHN Entities, the Sprint Entities, the ERH Entities and the TWC Entities (as such term is defined in such Amendment) (the “Prior Joint 13D/A”). The Intel 13D/A and Prior 13D/A report beneficial ownership of 191,055,450 shares of Class A Common Stock (which consists of 88,504,132 shares of Class A Common Stock held by the Comcast Entities, 8,474,440 shares of Class B Common Stock held by the BHN Entities, 25,098,733 shares of Class A Common Stock held by Intel Capital, 3,333,333 shares of Class A Common Stock held by Intel Cayman and 65,644,812 shares of Class B Common Stock held by the Intel Entities). This beneficial ownership represents 13.0% of the Class A Common Stock held by the Comcast Entities, 1.2% of the Class A Common Stock held by the BHN Entities and 12.6% of the Class A Common Stock held by Intel Capital, Intel Cayman and the Intel Entities.
(c) Except as set forth or incorporated herein or in the Appendices to the Schedule 13D, none of (i) the Reporting Persons and (ii) to the Sprint Entities’ knowledge, the persons set forth on Appendices A-1 and A-2 of the Schedule 13D, has effected any transaction in Class A Common Stock during the 60 days prior to October 17, 2012.
Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer.
The information under the subheading “ERH ROFO Notice” in Item 4 of this Schedule 13D is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits.
Item 7 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented by adding the following at the end thereof:
99.29 Interest Notice pursuant to Section 3.3 of the Equityholders’ Agreement from Eagle River Holdings, LLC dated October 17, 2012
99.30 Response Letter pursuant to Section 3.3 of the Equityholders’ Agreement from Sprint HoldCo, LLC to Eagle River Holdings, LLC dated October 17, 2012
99.31 Joint Filing Agreement, dated as of October 17, 2012, by and among Eagle River Holdings, LLC, Craig O. McCaw, Sprint HoldCo, LLC and Sprint Nextel Corporation
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of our knowledge and belief, the undersigned certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
/s/ Charles R. Wunsch
Name: Charles R. Wunsch
General Counsel and
/s/ Amit Mehta
Name: Amit Mehta
Title: VP
/s/ Craig O. McCaw
Name: Craig O. McCaw
99.1 Transaction Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 7, 2008, by and among Sprint Nextel Corporation, Clearwire Corporation, Comcast Corporation, Time Warner Cable Inc., Bright House Networks, LLC, Google Inc., and Intel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Clearwire Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 7, 2008)
99.2 Amendment No. 1 to the Transaction Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 21, 2008, by and among Sprint Nextel Corporation, Clearwire Corporation, Comcast Corporation, Time Warner Cable Inc., Bright House Networks, LLC, Google Inc., and Intel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Clearwire Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 1, 2008)
99.3 Equityholders’ Agreement, dated as of November 28, 2008, by and among Clearwire Corporation, Sprint HoldCo, LLC, Eagle River Holdings, LLC, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008A, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008B, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008C, Intel Capital Corporation, Intel Capital (Cayman) Corporation, Middlefield Ventures, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment I, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment II, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment III, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment IV, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment V, Inc., Google Inc., TWC Wireless Holdings I LLC, TWC Wireless Holdings II LLC, TWC Wireless Holdings III LLC, BHN Spectrum Investments, LLC and, for the limited purpose of Sections 2.13, 2.14, 2.15 and Article 4, Sprint Nextel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Clearwire Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 1, 2008)
99.4 Strategic Investor Agreement, dated as of November 28, 2008, by and among Comcast Wireless Investment I, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment II, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment III, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment IV, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment V, Inc., TWC Wireless Holdings I LLC, TWC Wireless Holdings II LLC, TWC Wireless Holdings III LLC, BHN Spectrum Investments, LLC, Google Inc., Comcast Corporation, Time Warner Cable Inc. and Bright House Networks, LLC*
99.5 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 28, 2008, among Clearwire Corporation, Sprint Nextel Corporation, Eagle River Holdings, LLC, Intel Corporation, Comcast Corporation, Google Inc., Time Warner Cable Inc. and BHN Spectrum Investments LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Clearwire Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 1, 2008)
99.6 Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Clearwire Communications LLC, dated as of November 28, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Clearwire Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 1, 2008)
99.7 Joint Filing Agreement, dated as of November 28, 2008, among the Reporting Persons and, solely for purposes of Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10, the Intel Entities, Intel Capital, Intel Cayman and Middlefield*
99.8 Investment Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2009, by and among Sprint Nextel Corporation, Clearwire Corporation, Clearwire Communications LLC, Comcast Corporation, Time Warner Cable Inc., Bright House Networks, LLC, Eagle River Holdings, LLC and Intel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Sprint Nextel Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 10, 2009)
99.9 Non-Unanimous Written Consent to Action in Lieu of Special Meeting of the Stockholders of Clearwire Communication, dated as of November 9, 2009, executed by Sprint HoldCo, LLC, Eagle River Holdings, LLC, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008A, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008B, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008C, Intel Capital Corporation, Intel Capital (Cayman) Corporation, Middlefield Ventures, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment I, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment II, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment III, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment IV, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment V, Inc., Google Inc., TWC Wireless Holdings I LLC, TWC Wireless Holdings II LLC, TWC Wireless Holdings III LLC and BHN Spectrum Investments, LLC*
99.10 Unanimous Consent and Waiver, dated as of November 9, 2009, by and among Clearwire Corporation, Sprint HoldCo, LLC, Eagle River Holdings, LLC, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008A, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008B, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008C, Intel Capital Corporation,
Intel Capital (Cayman) Corporation, Middlefield Ventures, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment I, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment II, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment III, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment IV, Inc., Comcast Wireless Investment V, Inc., Google Inc., TWC Wireless Holdings I LLC, TWC Wireless Holdings II LLC, TWC Wireless Holdings III LLC, BHN Spectrum Investments, LLC and, for the limited purpose of Sections 2.13, 2.14, 2.15 and Article 4, Sprint Nextel Corporation*
99.11 Form of Lock-up Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2010*
99.12 Form of Preemptive Rights Waiver, dated as of December 1, 2010*
99.13 Amendment to Equityholders’ Agreement, dated as of December 8, 2010, by and among Clearwire Corporation, Sprint HoldCo, LLC, Eagle River Holdings, LLC, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008A, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008B, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008C, Intel Capital Corporation, Intel Capital (Cayman) Corporation, Middlefield Ventures, Inc. and Comcast Corporation, as Strategic Investor Representative (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of Clearwire Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 13, 2010)
99.14 Letter to Clearwire Corporation from Sprint Nextel Corporation, dated June 1, 2011, pursuant to Section 2.13(j) of the Equityholders’ Agreement*
99.15 Commitment Agreement, dated November 30, 2011, by and among Clearwire Corporation, Clearwire Communications LLC, Sprint HoldCo, LLC and Sprint Nextel Corporation (including the Note attached as Exhibit B) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Clearwire Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 5, 2011)
99.16 Letter Agreement, dated November 30, 2011, by and among Clearwire Corporation, Clearwire Communications, LLC, Sprint HoldCo, LLC and Sprint Nextel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Clearwire Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 5, 2011)
99.17 Letter to Clearwire Corporation from Sprint Nextel Corporation, dated December 12, 2011, regarding Notice of Exercise of Preemptive Rights*
99.18 Investment Agreement, dated December 13, 2011, by and among Clearwire Corporation, Clearwire Communications LLC and Sprint HoldCo, LLC*
99.19 Form of 2011 Lock-Up Agreement*
99.20 Non-Unanimous Written Consent to Action in Lieu of Special Meeting of the Stockholders of Clearwire Corporation, dated December 7, 2011, executed by Sprint HoldCo, LLC, Comcast Corporation, as Strategic Investor Representative, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008A, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008B, Intel Capital Wireless Investment Corporation 2008C, Intel Capital Corporation, Intel Capital (Cayman) Corporation and Middlefield Ventures, Inc.*
99.21 Letter to the Comcast Corporation, Time Warner Cable Inc., Bright House Networks, LLC, Advance/Newhouse Partnership and Intel Corporation from Google Inc., dated February 7, 2012, pursuant to Section 5(a) of the Strategic Investor Agreement*
99.22 Letter to Sprint Nextel Corporation, Eagle River Holdings, LLC, Comcast Corporation, Time Warner Cable Inc., Bright House Networks, LLC, Advance/Newhouse Partnership and Intel Corporation from Google Inc., dated February 16, 2012, pursuant to Section 3.3 of the Equityholders’ Agreement*
99.24 Letter to Comcast Corporation and Bright House Networks, LLC from TWC I, TWC II and TWC III dated August 29 , 2012, pursuant to Section 5(a) of the Strategic Investor Agreement*
99.25 Request Notice to Clearwire from TWC I, TWC II and TWC III dated August 29 , 2012, pursuant to Section 3(c)(ii) and (d) of the Registration Rights Agreement*
99.26 Exchange Notice to Clearwire Communications LLC and Clearwire dated September 4, 2012, pursuant to Section 7.9(c) of the Operating Agreement*
99.27 Letter to Sprint Nextel Corporation, Eagle River Holdings, LLC, Comcast Corporation, Bright House Networks, LLC and Intel Corporation from TWC I, TWC II and TWC III dated September 7, 2012, pursuant to Section 3.3 of the Equityholders’ Agreement*
99.28 Exchange Notice to Clearwire Communications LLC and Clearwire Corporation from Comcast Wireless Investment, LLC dated September 18, 2012, pursuant to Section 7.9(c) of the Operating Agreement*
* Previously filed.
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| 0.606787
| 0.393213
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for the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2017
for the transition period from to .
TriCo Bancshares
CALIFORNIA 94-2792841
Incorporation or Organization)
63 Constitution Drive
Chico, California 95973
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding for each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date:
Common stock, no par value: 22,873,305 shares outstanding as of May 3, 2017
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 – Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 4 – Controls and Procedures
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1 – Legal Proceedings
Item 1A – Risk Factors
Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 6 – Exhibits
This report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements about TriCo Bancshares (the “Company”) that are subject to the protection of the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on the current knowledge and belief of the Company’s management (“Management”) and include information concerning the Company’s possible or assumed future financial condition and results of operations. When you see any of the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, or similar expressions, it may mean the Company is making forward-looking statements. A number of factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s ability to predict or control, could cause future results to differ materially from those contemplated. The reader is directed to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and Part II, Item 1A of this report for further discussion of factors which could affect the Company’s business and cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by any forward-looking statement made in this report. Such Form 10-K and this report should be read in their entirety to put any forward-looking statements in context and to gain a more complete understanding of the risks and uncertainties involved in the Company’s business. Any forward-looking statement may turn out to be wrong and cannot be guaranteed. The Company does not intend to update any forward-looking statement after the date of this report.
(In thousands, except share data; unaudited)
At March 31,
2017 At December 31,
Cash and due from banks
$ 113,569 $ 92,197
Cash at Federal Reserve and other banks
Investment securities:
Held to maturity
Restricted equity securities
Loans held for sale
Allowance for loan losses
(31,017 ) (32,503 )
Total loans, net
Foreclosed assets, net
Premises and equipment, net
Cash value of life insurance
Accrued interest receivable
Other intangible assets, net
Mortgage servicing rights
$ 4,527,954 $ 4,517,968
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
Noninterest-bearing demand
Interest-bearing
Accrued interest payable
Reserve for unfunded commitments
Other borrowings
Junior subordinated debt
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value: 50,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:
22,873,305 at March 31, 2017
22,867,802 at December 31, 2016
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(7,402 ) (7,913 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data; unaudited)
Interest and dividend income:
Loans, including fees
$ 34,914 $ 34,738
Debt securities:
Taxable
Interest bearing cash at
Federal Reserve and other banks
Total interest and dividend income
Interest expense:
Total interest expense
(Benefit from reversal of) provision for loan losses
(1,557 ) 209
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
Noninterest income:
Service charges and fees
Gain on sale of loans
Commissions on sale of non-deposit investment products
Increase in cash value of life insurance
Total noninterest income
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and related benefits
Income before income taxes
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
(In thousands; unaudited)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities arising during the period
Change in minimum pension liability
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except share and per share data; unaudited)
Stock Common
Stock Retained
Earnings Accumulated
Income (loss) Total
Balance at December 31, 2015
22,775,173 $ 247,587 $ 206,307 $ (1,778 ) $ 452,116
Other comprehensive income
Stock option vesting
RSU vesting
PSU vesting
Stock options exercised
Tax benefit of stock options exercised
Dividends paid ($ 0.15 per share)
Balance at March 31, 2016
22,785,173 $ 248,101 $ 213,563 $ 1,772 $ 463,436
RSUs released
Repurchase of common stock
(16,251 ) (180 ) (424 ) (604 )
For the three months ended March 31,
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of premises and equipment, and amortization
(Reversal of) provision for loan losses
Amortization of investment securities premium, net
Originations of loans for resale
Proceeds from sale of loans originated for resale
(910 ) (803 )
Change in market value of mortgage servicing rights
Reversal of losses on foreclosed assets
(66 ) (11 )
Gain on sale of foreclosed assets
(118 ) (92 )
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Gain on sale of premises held for sale
(3 ) —
Gain on life insurance death benefit
(107 ) —
Equity compensation vesting expense
Stock option excess tax benefits
— (10 )
Interest receivable
791 (289 )
Interest payable
Other assets and liabilities, net
4,444 (8,988 )
Net cash from operating activities
Investing activities:
Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale
Proceeds from maturities of securities held to maturity
Purchases of securities available for sale
Loan origination and principal collections, net
(1,613 ) (45,515 )
Proceeds from sale of loans other than loans originated for sale
— 27,049
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of premises held for sale
3,338 —
Purchases of premises and equipment
Life insurance proceeds
Cash received from acquisition, net
— 156,316
Financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
Net change in other borrowings
(2,296 ) 6,343
Exercise of stock options
Net cash used by financing activities
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents and beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale
$ 787 $ 6,125
Loans transferred to foreclosed assets
Deferred gain on sale of premises held for sale
$ 438 —
Market value of shares tendered in-lieu of cash to pay for exercise of options and/or related taxes
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow activity:
Cash paid for interest expense
Cash paid for income taxes
Assets acquired in acquisition
— $ 161,231
Liabilities assumed in acquisition
Note 1 –Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
TriCo Bancshares (the “Company” or “we”) is a California corporation organized to act as a bank holding company for Tri Counties Bank (the “Bank”). The Company and the Bank are headquartered in Chico, California. The Bank is a California-chartered bank that is engaged in the general commercial banking business in 26 California counties. The Bank operates from 58 traditional branches and 10 in-store branches. The Company has five capital subsidiary business trusts (collectively, the “Capital Trusts”) that issued trust preferred securities, including two organized by TriCo and three acquired with the acquisition of North Valley Bancorp. See Note 17 – Junior Subordinated Debt.
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States of America and general practices in the banking industry. The financial statements include the accounts of the Company. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For financial reporting purposes, the Company’s investments in the Capital Trusts of $1,703,000 are accounted for under the equity method and, accordingly, are not consolidated and are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The subordinated debentures issued and guaranteed by the Company and held by the Capital Trusts are reflected as debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Significant Group Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company grants agribusiness, commercial, consumer, and residential loans to customers located throughout the northern San Joaquin Valley, the Sacramento Valley and northern mountain regions of California. The Company has a diversified loan portfolio within the business segments located in this geographical area. The Company currently classifies all its operation into one business segment that it denotes as community banking.
For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, and federal funds sold. Net cash flows are reported for loan and deposit transactions and other borrowings.
The Company classifies its debt and marketable equity securities into one of three categories: trading, available for sale or held to maturity. Trading securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling in the near term. Held to maturity securities are those securities which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. These securities are carried at cost adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, computed by the effective interest method over their contractual lives. All other securities not included in trading or held to maturity are classified as available for sale. Available for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available for sale securities are reported as a separate component of other accumulated comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity until realized. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related investment security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are derived from the amortized cost of the security sold. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and throughout 2016, the Company did not have any securities classified as trading.
The Company assesses other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) based on whether it intends to sell a security or if it is likely that the Company would be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis of the investment, which may be maturity. For debt securities, if we intend to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovering its cost basis, the entire impairment loss would be recognized in earnings as an OTTI. If we do not intend to sell the security and it is not likely that we will be required to sell the security but we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, only the portion of the impairment loss representing credit losses would be recognized in earnings. The credit loss on a security is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected. Projected cash flows are discounted by the original or current effective interest rate depending on the nature of the security being measured for potential OTTI. The remaining impairment related to all other factors, the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and fair value, is recognized as a charge to other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Impairment losses related to all other factors are presented as separate categories within OCI. The accretion of the amount recorded in OCI increases the carrying value of the investment and does not affect earnings. If there is an indication of additional credit losses the security is re-evaluated according to the procedures described above. No OTTI losses were recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2017 or the year ended December 31, 2016.
Restricted equity securities represent the Company’s investment in the stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (“FHLB”) and are carried at par value, which reasonably approximates its fair value. While technically these are considered equity securities, there is no market for the FHLB stock. Therefore, the shares are considered as restricted investment securities. Management periodically evaluates FHLB stock for other-than-temporary impairment. Management’s determination of whether these investments are impaired is based on its
assessment of the ultimate recoverability of cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of any decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, the customer base of the FHLB, and (4) the liquidity position of the FHLB.
As a member of the FHLB system, the Bank is required to maintain a minimum level of investment in FHLB stock based on specific percentages of its outstanding mortgages, total assets, or FHLB advances. The Bank may request redemption at par value of any stock in excess of the minimum required investment. Stock redemptions are at the discretion of the FHLB.
Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value, as determined by aggregate outstanding commitments from investors of current investor yield requirements. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to noninterest income.
Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with the mortgage servicing rights retained by the Company. Gains or losses on the sale of loans that are held for sale are recognized at the time of the sale and determined by the difference between net sale proceeds and the net book value of the loans less the estimated fair value of any retained mortgage servicing rights.
Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans originated by the Company, i.e., not purchased or acquired in a business combination, are referred to as originated loans. Originated loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs. Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is amortized as an adjustment of the related loan’s yield over the actual life of the loan. Originated loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans.
Originated loans are placed in nonaccrual status when reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal, or a loan becomes contractually past due by 90 days or more with respect to interest or principal and is not well secured and in the process of collection. When an originated loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed. Income on such loans is then recognized only to the extent that cash is received and where the future collection of principal is probable. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought fully current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of Management, the loan is estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest.
An allowance for loan losses for originated loans is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. The allowance is maintained at a level which, in Management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb probable incurred credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Originated loans and deposit related overdrafts are charged against the allowance for loan losses when Management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely or, with respect to consumer installment loans, according to an established delinquency schedule. The allowance is an amount that Management believes will be adequate to absorb probable incurred losses inherent in existing loans, based on evaluations of the collectability, impairment and prior loss experience of loans. The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and size of the portfolio, overall portfolio quality, loan concentrations, specific problem loans, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s ability to pay. The Company defines an originated loan as impaired when it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired originated loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate. As a practical expedient, impairment may be measured based on the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. When the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the impairment is recorded through a specific reserve allocation within the allowance for loan losses.
In situations related to originated loans where, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, the Company grants a concession for other than an insignificant period of time to the borrower that the Company would not otherwise consider, the related loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring (TDR). The Company strives to identify borrowers in financial difficulty early and work with them to modify to more affordable terms before their loan reaches nonaccrual status. These modified terms may include rate reductions, principal forgiveness, payment forbearance and other actions intended to minimize the economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of the collateral. In cases where the Company grants the borrower new terms that result in the loan being classified as a TDR, the Company measures any impairment on the restructuring as noted above for impaired loans. TDR loans are classified as impaired until they are fully paid off or charged off. Loans that are in nonaccrual status at the time they become TDR loans, remain in nonaccrual status until the borrower demonstrates a sustained period of performance which the Company generally believes to be six consecutive months of payments, or equivalent. Otherwise, TDR loans are subject to the same nonaccrual and charge-off policies as noted above with respect to their restructured principal balance.
Credit risk is inherent in the business of lending. As a result, the Company maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable incurred losses inherent in the Company’s originated loan portfolio. This is maintained through periodic charges to earnings. These charges are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income as provision for loan losses. All specifically identifiable and quantifiable losses are immediately charged off against the allowance. However, for a variety of reasons, not all losses are immediately known to the Company and, of those that are known, the full extent of the loss may not be quantifiable at that point in time. The balance of the Company’s allowance for originated loan losses is meant to be an estimate of these probable incurred losses inherent in the portfolio.
The Company formally assesses the adequacy of the allowance for originated loan losses on a quarterly basis. Determination of the adequacy is based on ongoing assessments of the probable risk in the outstanding originated loan portfolio, and to a lesser extent the Company’s originated loan commitments. These assessments include the periodic re-grading of credits based on changes in their individual credit characteristics including delinquency, seasoning, recent financial performance of the borrower, economic factors, changes in the interest rate environment, growth of the portfolio as a whole or by segment, and other factors as warranted. Loans are initially graded when originated. They are re-graded as they are renewed, when there is a new loan to the same borrower, when identified facts demonstrate heightened risk of nonpayment, or if they become delinquent. Re-grading of larger problem loans occurs at least quarterly. Confirmation of the quality of the grading process is obtained by independent credit reviews conducted by consultants specifically hired for this purpose and by various bank regulatory agencies.
The Company’s method for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for originated loan losses includes specific allowances for impaired originated loans, formula allowance factors for pools of credits, and allowances for changing environmental factors (e.g., interest rates, growth, economic conditions, etc.). Allowance factors for loan pools were based on historical loss experience by product type and prior risk rating.
Loans purchased or acquired in a business combination are referred to as acquired loans. Acquired loans are valued as of the acquisition date in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations. Loans acquired with evidence of credit deterioration since origination for which it is probable that all contractually required payments will not be collected are referred to as purchased credit impaired (PCI) loans. PCI loans are accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. Under FASB ASC Topic 805 and FASB ASC Topic 310-30, PCI loans are recorded at fair value at acquisition date, factoring in credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan. Accordingly, an allowance for loan losses is not carried over or recorded as of the acquisition date. Fair value is defined as the present value of the future estimated principal and interest payments of the loan, with the discount rate used in the present value calculation representing the estimated effective yield of the loan. Default rates, loss severity, and prepayment speed assumptions are periodically reassessed and our estimate of future payments is adjusted accordingly. The difference between contractual future payments and estimated future payments is referred to as the nonaccretable difference. The difference between estimated future payments and the present value of the estimated future payments is referred to as the accretable yield. The accretable yield represents the amount that is expected to be recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan. If after acquisition, the Company determines that the estimated future cash flows of a PCI loan are expected to be more than originally estimated, an increase in the discount rate (effective yield) would be made such that the newly increased accretable yield would be recognized, on a level yield basis, over the remaining estimated life of the loan. If, thereafter, the Company determines that the estimated future cash flows of a PCI loan are expected to be less than previously estimated, an allowance for loan loss would be established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense to decrease the present value to the required level. If the estimated cash flows improve after an allowance has been established for a loan, the allowance may be partially or fully reversed depending on the improvement in the estimated cash flows. Only after the allowance has been fully reversed may the discount rate be increased. PCI loans are put on nonaccrual status when cash flows cannot be reasonably estimated. PCI loans on nonaccrual status are accounted for using the cost recovery method or cash basis method of income recognition. The Company refers to PCI loans on nonaccrual status that are accounted for using the cash basis method of income recognition as “PCI – cash basis” loans; and the Company refers to all other PCI loans as “PCI – other” loans PCI loans are charged off when evidence suggests cash flows are not recoverable. Foreclosed assets from PCI loans are recorded in foreclosed assets at fair value with the fair value at time of foreclosure representing cash flow from the loan. ASC 310-30 allows PCI loans with similar risk characteristics and acquisition time frame to be “pooled” and have their cash flows aggregated as if they were one loan. The Company elected to use the “pooled” method of ASC 310-30 for PCI – other loans in the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of Granite Community Bank, N.A. (“Granite”) during 2010 and Citizens Bank of Northern California (“Citizens”) during 2011.
Acquired loans that are not PCI loans are referred to as purchased not credit impaired (PNCI) loans. PNCI loans are accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-20, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs, in which interest income is accrued on a level-yield basis for performing loans. For income recognition purposes, this method assumes that all contractual cash flows will be collected, and no allowance for loan losses is established at the time of acquisition. Post-acquisition date, an allowance for loan losses may need to be established for acquired loans through a provision charged to earnings for credit losses incurred subsequent to acquisition. Under ASC 310-20, the loss would be measured based on the probable shortfall in relation to the contractual note requirements, consistent with our allowance for loan loss policy for similar loans.
Throughout these financial statements, and in particular in Note 4 and Note 5, when we refer to “Loans” or “Allowance for loan losses” we mean all categories of loans, including Originated, PNCI, PCI – cash basis, and PCI - other. When we are not referring to all categories of loans, we will indicate which we are referring to – Originated, PNCI, PCI – cash basis, or PCI - other.
When referring to PNCI and PCI loans we use the terms “nonaccretable difference”, “accretable yield”, or “purchase discount”. Nonaccretable difference is the difference between undiscounted contractual cash flows due and undiscounted cash flows we expect to collect, or put another way, it is the undiscounted contractual cash flows we do not expect to collect. Accretable yield is the difference between undiscounted cash flows we expect to collect and the value at which we have recorded the loan on our financial statements. On the date of acquisition, all purchased loans are recorded on our consolidated financial statements at estimated fair value. Purchase discount is the difference between the estimated fair value of loans on the date of acquisition and the principal amount owed by the borrower, net of charge offs, on the date of acquisition. We may also refer to “discounts to principal balance of loans owed, net of charge-offs”. Discounts to principal balance of loans owed, net of charge-offs is the difference between principal balance of loans owed, net of charge-offs, and loans as recorded on our financial statements. Discounts to principal balance of loans owed, net of charge-offs arise from purchase discounts, and equal the purchase discount on the acquisition date.
Loans are also categorized as “covered” or “noncovered”. Covered loans refer to loans covered by a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) loss sharing agreement. Noncovered loans refer to loans not covered by a FDIC loss sharing agreement.
Foreclosed Assets
Foreclosed assets include assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure. Foreclosed assets are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan occurs when legal title is obtained upon completion of foreclosure or when the borrower conveys all interest in the property to satisfy the loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value less costs to sell at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses. Any recoveries based on the asset’s fair value less estimated costs to sell in excess of the recorded value of the loan at the date of acquisition are recorded to the allowance for loan and lease losses. These assets are subsequently accounted for at lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed. Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in other noninterest expense. Gain or loss on sale of foreclosed assets is included in noninterest income. Foreclosed assets that are not subject to a FDIC loss-share agreement are referred to as noncovered foreclosed assets.
Foreclosed assets acquired through FDIC-assisted acquisitions that are subject to a FDIC loss-share agreement, and all assets acquired via foreclosure of covered loans are referred to as covered foreclosed assets. Covered foreclosed assets are reported exclusive of expected reimbursement cash flows from the FDIC. Foreclosed covered loan collateral is transferred into covered foreclosed assets at the loan’s carrying value, inclusive of the acquisition date fair value discount.
Covered foreclosed assets are initially recorded at estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell on the acquisition date based on similar market comparable valuations less estimated selling costs. Any subsequent valuation adjustments due to declines in fair value will be charged to noninterest expense, and will be mostly offset by noninterest income representing the corresponding increase to the FDIC indemnification asset for the offsetting loss reimbursement amount. Any recoveries of previous valuation adjustments will be credited to noninterest expense with a corresponding charge to noninterest income for the portion of the recovery that is due to the FDIC.
Premises and Equipment
Land is carried at cost. Land improvements, buildings and equipment, including those acquired under capital lease, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses are computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the related assets or lease terms. Asset lives range from 3-10 years for furniture and equipment and 15-40 years for land improvements and buildings.
Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment.
The Company has an identifiable intangible asset consisting of core deposit intangibles (CDI). CDI are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives, and reviewed for impairment.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill
Long-lived assets, such as premises and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the consolidated balance sheet.
As of December 31 of each year, goodwill is tested for impairment, and is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. This determination is made at the reporting unit level. The Company may choose to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then goodwill is deemed not to be impaired. However, if the Company concludes otherwise, or if the Company elected not to first assess qualitative factors, then the Company performs the first step of a two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. Second, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Currently, and historically, the Company is comprised of only one reporting unit that operates within the business segment it has identified as “community banking”. Goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2016 because the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value.
Mortgage servicing rights (MSR) represent the Company’s right to a future stream of cash flows based upon the contractual servicing fee associated with servicing mortgage loans. Our MSR arise from residential and commercial mortgage loans that we originate and sell, but
retain the right to service the loans. The net gain from the retention of the servicing right is included in gain on sale of loans in noninterest income when the loan is sold. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. Servicing fees are recorded in noninterest income when earned.
The Company accounts for MSR at fair value. The determination of fair value of our MSR requires management judgment because they are not actively traded. The determination of fair value for MSR requires valuation processes which combine the use of discounted cash flow models and extensive analysis of current market data to arrive at an estimate of fair value. The cash flow and prepayment assumptions used in our discounted cash flow model are based on empirical data drawn from the historical performance of our MSR, which we believe are consistent with assumptions used by market participants valuing similar MSR, and from data obtained on the performance of similar MSR. The key assumptions used in the valuation of MSR include mortgage prepayment speeds and the discount rate. These variables can, and generally will, change from quarter to quarter as market conditions and projected interest rates change. The key risks inherent with MSR are prepayment speed and changes in interest rates. The Company uses an independent third party to determine fair value of MSR.
Indemnification Asset/Liability
The Company accounts for amounts receivable or payable under its loss-share agreements entered into with the FDIC in connection with its purchase and assumption of certain assets and liabilities of Granite as indemnification assets in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. FDIC indemnification assets are initially recorded at fair value, based on the discounted value of expected future cash flows under the loss-share agreements. The difference between the fair value and the undiscounted cash flows the Company expects to collect from or pay to the FDIC will be accreted into noninterest income over the life of the FDIC indemnification asset. FDIC indemnification assets are reviewed quarterly and adjusted for any changes in expected cash flows based on recent performance and expectations for future performance of the covered portfolios. These adjustments are measured on the same basis as the related covered loans and covered other real estate owned. Any increases in cash flow of the covered assets over those expected will reduce the FDIC indemnification asset and any decreases in cash flow of the covered assets under those expected will increase the FDIC indemnification asset. Increases and decreases to the FDIC indemnification asset are recorded as adjustments to noninterest income.
The reserve for unfunded commitments is established through a provision for losses – unfunded commitments charged to noninterest expense. The reserve for unfunded commitments is an amount that Management believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in existing commitments, including unused portions of revolving lines of credits and other loans, standby letters of credits, and unused deposit account overdraft privilege. The reserve for unfunded commitments is based on evaluations of the collectability, and prior loss experience of unfunded commitments. The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and size of the loan portfolio, overall loan portfolio quality, loan concentrations, specific problem loans and related unfunded commitments, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s or depositor’s ability to pay.
Low Income Housing Tax Credits
The Company accounts for low income housing tax credits and the related qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the Company amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). Upon entering into a qualified affordable housing project, the Company records, in other liabilities, the entire amount that it has agreed to invest in the project, and an equal amount, in other assets, representing its investment in the project. As the Company disburses cash to satisfy its investment obligation, other liabilities are reduced. Over time, as the tax credits and other tax benefits of the project are realized by the Company, the investment recorded in other assets is reduced using the proportional amortization method.
The Company’s accounting for income taxes is based on an asset and liability approach. The Company recognizes the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year, and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences that have been recognized in its financial statements or tax returns. The measurement of tax assets and liabilities is based on the provisions of enacted tax laws. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the expected amount most likely to be realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of a sufficient level of future taxable income and recoverable taxes paid in prior years. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Interest and/or penalties related to income taxes are reported as a component of noninterest income.
Off-Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under credit card arrangements, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
Geographical Descriptions
For the purpose of describing the geographical location of the Company’s loans, the Company has defined northern California as that area of California north of, and including, Stockton; central California as that area of the state south of Stockton, to and including, Bakersfield; and southern California as that area of the state south of Bakersfield.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-2, among other things, requires lessees to recognize most leases on-balance sheet, increasing reported assets and liabilities. Lessor accounting remains substantially similar to current U.S. GAAP. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, utilizing the modified retrospective transition approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU 2016-09, among other things, requires: (i) that all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies (including tax benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards) should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement, (ii) the tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur, (iii) an entity also should recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period, (iv) excess tax benefits should be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity, (v) an entity can make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest (current GAAP) or account for forfeitures when they occur, (vi) the threshold to qualify for equity classification permits withholding up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the applicable jurisdictions, and (vii) cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity. ASU 2016-09 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2017 and due to the options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2017, resulted in the recognition of $90,000 in excess tax benefits.
FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 is the final guidance on the new current expected credit loss (‘‘CECL’’) model. ASU 2016-13, among other things, requires the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP be replaced with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to estimate future credit loss estimates. As CECL encompasses all financial assets carried at amortized cost, the requirement that reserves be established based on an organization’s reasonable and supportable estimate of expected credit losses extends to held to maturity (‘‘HTM’’) debt securities. ASU 2016-13 amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale securities (‘‘AFS’’), whereby credit losses will be presented as an allowance as opposed to a write-down. In addition, CECL will modify the accounting for purchased loans with credit deterioration since origination, so that reserves are established at the date of acquisition for purchased loans. Lastly, ASU 2016-13 requires enhanced disclosures on the significant estimates and judgments used to estimate credit losses, as well as on the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. These disclosures require organizations to present the currently required credit quality disclosures disaggregated by the year of origination or vintage. ASU 2016-13 allows for a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative effect adjustment to the balance sheet upon adoption (charge to retained earnings instead of the income statement). ASU 2016-13 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020, and early adoption is permitted. While the Company is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2016-13 to determine the potential impact the new standard will have on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, it has taken steps to prepare for the implementation when it becomes effective, such as forming an internal task force, gathering pertinent data, consulting with outside professionals, and evaluating its current IT systems. Management expects to recognize a one-time cumulative effect adjustment to the allowance for loan losses as of the first reporting period in which the new standard is effective, but cannot yet estimate the magnitude of the one-time adjustment or the overall impact of the new guidance on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash (Topic 230). ASU 2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations - Clarifying the Definition of a Business (Topic 805). ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition and provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities constitutes a business. ASU 2017-01 is intended to provide guidance when evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-01 will be effective for us on January 1, 2018 and is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.
FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350): ASU 2017-04 eliminates step two of the goodwill impairment test (the hypothetical purchase price allocation used to determine the implied fair value of goodwill) when step one (determining if the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value) is failed. Instead, entities simply will compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount and record goodwill impairment for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. ASU 2017-04 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Note 2 - Business Combinations
On March 18, 2016, the Bank completed its acquisition of three branch banking offices from Bank of America originally announced October 28, 2015. The acquired branches are located in Arcata, Eureka and Fortuna in Humboldt County on the North Coast of California, and have significant overlap compared to the Company’s then-existing Northern California customer base and branch locations. Beginning March 18, 2016, the revenue and expenses from the operations of the acquired branches are included in the results of the Company. The Bank paid a premium of $3,204,000 for deposit relationships with balances of $161,231,000 and loans with balances of $289,000.
The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of these branches were accounted for in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations,” using the acquisition method of accounting and were recorded at their estimated fair values on the March 18, 2016 acquisition date, and the results of operations of the acquired branches are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income since that date. The excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over total identifiable net assets was recorded as goodwill. The goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of the synergies and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of the Company and the acquired branches. $849,000 of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes because the acquisition was accounted for as a purchase of assets and assumption of liabilities for tax purposes.
The following table discloses the calculation of the fair value of consideration transferred, the total identifiable net assets acquired and the resulting goodwill relating to the acquisition of three branch banking offices and certain deposits from Bank of America on March 18, 2016:
(in thousands) March 18, 2016
Fair value of consideration transferred:
Cash consideration
Total fair value of consideration transferred
Asset acquired:
Core deposit intangible
Total assets acquired
Liabilities assumed:
Total liabilities assumed
Total net assets acquired
Goodwill recognized
A summary of the cash paid and estimated fair value adjustments resulting in the goodwill recorded in the acquisition of three branch banking offices and certain deposits from Bank of America on March 18, 2016 are presented below:
Cash paid
Cost basis net assets acquired
Fair value adjustments:
(2,046 )
As part of the acquisition of three branch banking offices from Bank of America, the Company performed a valuation of premises and equipment acquired. This valuation resulted in a $309,000 increase in the net book value of the land and buildings acquired, and was based on current appraisals of such land and buildings.
The Company recognized a core deposit intangible of $2,046,000 related to the acquisition of the core deposits. The recorded core deposit intangibles represented approximately 1.50% of the core deposits acquired and will be amortized over their estimated useful lives of 7 years.
A valuation of the time deposits acquired was also performed as of the acquisition date. Time deposits were split into similar pools based on size, type of time deposits, and maturity. A discounted cash flow analysis was performed on the pools based on current market rates currently paid on similar time deposits. The valuation resulted in no material fair value discount or premium, and none was recorded.
Note 3 - Investment Securities
The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investments in debt and equity securities are summarized in the following tables:
Amortized
Cost Gross
Unrealized
Gains Gross
Losses Estimated
Securities Available for Sale
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
$ 455,093 $ 1,846 $ (6,323 ) $ 450,616
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
121,709 321 (3,865 ) 118,165
Marketable equity securities
3,000 — (62 ) 2,938
Total securities available for sale
$ 579,802 $ 2,167 $ (10,250 ) $ 571,719
Securities Held to Maturity
14,559 101 (168 ) 14,492
Total securities held to maturity
14,554 56 (191 ) 14,419
No investment securities were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2017 or the three months ended March 31, 2016. Investment securities with an aggregate carrying value of $280,534,000 and $292,737,000 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, were pledged as collateral for specific borrowings, lines of credit and local agency deposits.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at March 31, 2017 by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. At March 31, 2017, obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies with a cost basis totaling $1,020,671,000 consist almost entirely of residential real estate mortgage-backed securities whose contractual maturity, or principal repayment, will follow the repayment of the underlying mortgages. For purposes of the following table, the entire outstanding balance of these mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government corporations and agencies is categorized based on final maturity date. At March 31, 2017, the Company estimates the average remaining life of these mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government corporations and agencies to be approximately 6.0 years. Average remaining life is defined as the time span after which the principal balance has been reduced by half.
Available for Sale Held to Maturity
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost Estimated
Fair Value Amortized
Due in one year
$ 5 $ 5 — —
Due after one year through five years
8,290 8,519 $ 1,184 $ 1,213
Due after five years through ten years
13,806 14,344 4,539 4,574
Due after ten years
557,701 548,851 574,414 576,029
$ 579,802 $ 571,719 $ 580,137 $ 581,816
Gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, were as follows:
Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total
Value Unrealized
Loss Fair
Securities Available for Sale:
$ 359,657 $ (6,323 ) — — $ 359,657 $ (6,323 )
83,818 (3,865 ) — — 83,818 (3,865 )
2,938 (62 ) — — 2,938 (62 )
Total securities available-for-sale
$ 446,413 $ (10,250 ) — — $ 446,413 $ (10,250 )
Securities Held to Maturity:
7,867 (168 ) — — 7,867 (168 )
Total securities held-to-maturity
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies: Unrealized losses on investments in obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies are caused by interest rate increases. The contractual cash flows of these securities are guaranteed by U.S. Government Sponsored Entities (principally Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Company does not intend to sell and more likely than not will not be required to sell, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired. At March 31, 2017, 58 debt securities representing obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies had unrealized losses with aggregate depreciation of (1.72%) from the Company’s amortized cost basis.
Obligations of states and political subdivisions: The unrealized losses on investments in obligations of states and political subdivisions were caused by increases in required yields by investors in these types of securities. It is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment. Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Company does not intend to sell and more likely than not will not be required to sell, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired. At March 31, 2017, 100 debt securities representing obligations of states and political subdivisions had unrealized losses with aggregate depreciation of (4.21%) from the Company’s amortized cost basis.
Marketable equity securities: At March 31, 2017, 2 marketable equity securities had unrealized losses with aggregate depreciation of (2.07%) from the Company’s amortized cost basis. The Company has the intent and ability to hold these securities for the foreseeable future and no credit quality deterioration associated with these securities has been identified, therefore, management does not believe that they are other than temporarily impaired.
Note 4 – Loans
A summary of loan balances follows (in thousands):
Originated PNCI PCI -
Cash basis PCI -
Other Total
Mortgage loans on real estate:
Residential 1-4 family
$ 237,336 $ 71,006 — $ 1,359 $ 309,701
1,509,374 239,390 — 12,350 1,761,114
Total mortgage loan on real estate
Consumer:
259,969 19,622 $ 2,753 1,252 283,596
35,725 3,383 — 1,133 40,241
26,777 2,470 — 66 29,313
Total consumer loans
322,471 25,475 2,753 2,451 353,150
198,554 10,350 — 3,781 212,685
58,718 137 — 844 59,699
55,872 8,971 — — 64,843
114,590 9,108 — 844 124,542
Total loans, net of deferred loan fees and discounts
$ 2,382,325 $ 355,329 $ 2,753 $ 20,785 $ 2,761,192
Total principal balance of loans owed, net of charge-offs
Unamortized net deferred loan fees
(6,713 ) — — — (6,713 )
Discounts to principal balance of loans owed, net of charge-offs
— (9,122 ) (5,095 ) (3,196 ) (17,413 )
Total loans, net of unamortized deferred loan fees and discounts
Noncovered loans
Covered loans
— — — 2,981 2,981
$ (27,180 ) $ (1,406 ) $ (8 ) $ (2,423 ) $ (31,017 )
Note 4 – Loans (continued)
$ (28,141 ) $ (1,665 ) $ (17 ) $ (2,680 ) $ (32,503 )
The following is a summary of the change in accretable yield for PCI – other loans during the periods indicated (in thousands):
Three months ended March 31,
Change in accretable yield:
Balance at beginning of period
Accretion to interest income
(902 ) (1,091 )
Reclassification from (to) nonaccretable difference
Balance at end of period
$ 9,560 $ 11,980
Note 5 – Allowance for Loan Losses
The following tables summarize the activity in the allowance for loan losses, and ending balance of loans, net of unearned fees for the periods indicated.
Allowance for Loan Losses – Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
RE Mortgage Home Equity Auto Other Construction
(in thousands) Resid. Comm. Lines Loans Indirect Consum. C&I Resid. Comm. Total
Beginning balance
$ 2,387 $ 11,905 $ 7,044 $ 2,617 — $ 622 $ 5,831 $ 1,417 $ 680 $ 32,503
— — (71 ) (31 ) — (174 ) (133 ) — — (409 )
— 110 46 12 — 141 170 — 1 480
(Benefit) provision
(105 ) (62 ) (489 ) (178 ) — 6 (542 ) (78 ) (109 ) (1,557 )
Ending balance
Ending balance:
Individ. evaluated for impairment
$ 249 $ 124 $ 400 $ 57 — $ 31 $ 811 $ 14 — $ 1,686
Loans pooled for evaluation
Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
$ 225 $ 1,447 $ 8 $ 66 — — $ 642 $ 43 — $ 2,431
Loans, net of unearned fees – As of March 31, 2017
$ 309,701 $ 1,761,114 $ 283,596 $ 40,241 — $ 29,313 $ 212,685 $ 59,699 $ 64,843 $ 2,761,192
$ 3,849 $ 16,979 $ 2,204 $ 1,241 — $ 280 $ 3,072 $ 25 — $ 27,650
$ 1,359 $ 12,350 $ 4,004 $ 1,133 — $ 66 $ 3,781 $ 844 — $ 23,537
Allowance for Loan Losses - Year Ended December 31, 2016
$ 2,507 $ 11,443 $ 11,253 $ 3,138 — $ 688 $ 5,271 $ 899 $ 812 $ 36,011
(321 ) (827 ) (585 ) (219 ) — (823 ) (455 ) — — (3,230 )
880 920 2,317 590 — 449 404 54 78 5,692
(679 ) 369 (5,941 ) (892 ) — 308 611 464 (210 ) (5,970 )
$ 249 $ 127 $ 410 $ 102 — $ 28 $ 1,130 — — $ 2,046
$ 186 $ 1,449 $ 17 $ 64 — — $ 936 $ 45 — $ 2,697
Loans, net of unearned fees – As of December 31, 2016
Note 5 – Allowance for Loan Losses (continued)
(37 ) (793 ) (214 ) — — (207 ) (38 ) — — (1,289 )
2 817 281 49 — 130 177 — 1 1,457
293 428 (1,413 ) (76 ) — 76 729 167 5 209
$ 217 $ 1,459 $ 117 — — — $ 1,153 $ 52 — $ 2,998
$ 7,015 $ 12,230 $ 5,994 $ 1,928 — $ 300 $ 3,871 — — $ 31,338
As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, management tracks certain credit quality indicators including, but not limited to, trends relating to (i) the level of criticized and classified loans, (ii) net charge-offs, (iii) non-performing loans, and (iv) delinquency within the portfolio.
The Company utilizes a risk grading system to assign a risk grade to each of its loans. Loans are graded on a scale ranging from Pass to Loss. A description of the general characteristics of the risk grades is as follows:
• Pass – This grade represents loans ranging from acceptable to very little or no credit risk. These loans typically meet most if not all policy standards in regard to: loan amount as a percentage of collateral value, debt service coverage, profitability, leverage, and working capital.
• Special Mention – This grade represents “Other Assets Especially Mentioned” in accordance with regulatory guidelines and includes loans that display some potential weaknesses which, if left unaddressed, may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or may inadequately protect the Company’s position in the future. These loans warrant more than normal supervision and attention.
• Substandard – This grade represents “Substandard” loans in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Loans within this rating typically exhibit weaknesses that are well defined to the point that repayment is jeopardized. Loss potential is, however, not necessarily evident. The underlying collateral supporting the credit appears to have sufficient value to protect the Company from loss of principal and accrued interest, or the loan has been written down to the point where this is true. There is a definite need for a well defined workout/rehabilitation program.
• Doubtful – This grade represents “Doubtful” loans in accordance with regulatory guidelines. An asset classified as Doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in a loan classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Pending factors include proposed merger, acquisition, or liquidation procedures, capital injection, perfecting liens on additional collateral, and financing plans.
• Loss – This grade represents “Loss” loans in accordance with regulatory guidelines. A loan classified as Loss is considered uncollectible and of such little value that its continuance as a bankable asset is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the loan has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off the loan, even though some recovery may be affected in the future. The portion of the loan that is graded loss should be charged off no later than the end of the quarter in which the loss is identified.
The following tables present ending loan balances by loan category and risk grade for the periods indicated:
Credit Quality Indicators – As of March 31, 2017
RE Mortgage Home Equity Auto
Indirect Other
Consum. C&I Construction Total
(in thousands) Resid. Comm. Lines Loans Resid. Comm.
Originated loans:
2,031 21,022 2,401 1,352 — 389 5,222 — 7,236 39,653
2,116 12,226 2,242 1,893 — 207 5,999 11 — 24,694
Total originated
PNCI loans:
$ 68,062 $ 227,038 $ 18,231 $ 3,180 — $ 2,409 $ 10,349 $ 137 $ 8,971 $ 338,377
1,723 5,973 688 90 — 58 1 — — 8,533
1,221 6,379 703 113 — 3 — — — 8,419
Total PNCI
PCI loans
Credit Quality Indicators – As of December 31, 2016
2,225 15,108 2,518 891 — 385 6,133 — 311 27,571
1,486 7,240 814 85 — 5 — — — 9,630
Consumer loans, whether unsecured or secured by real estate, automobiles, or other personal property, are susceptible to three primary risks; non-payment due to income loss, over-extension of credit and, when the borrower is unable to pay, shortfall in collateral value. Typically non-payment is due to loss of job and will follow general economic trends in the marketplace driven primarily by rises in the unemployment rate. Loss of collateral value can be due to market demand shifts, damage to collateral itself or a combination of the two.
Problem consumer loans are generally identified by payment history of the borrower (delinquency). The Bank manages its consumer loan portfolios by monitoring delinquency and contacting borrowers to encourage repayment, suggest modifications if appropriate, and, when continued scheduled payments become unrealistic, initiate repossession or foreclosure through appropriate channels. Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, public value information (blue book values for autos), sales invoices, or other appropriate means. Appropriate valuations are obtained at initiation of the credit and periodically (every 3-12 months depending on collateral type) once repayment is questionable and the loan has been classified.
Commercial real estate loans generally fall into two categories, owner-occupied and non-owner occupied. Loans secured by owner occupied real estate are primarily susceptible to changes in the business conditions of the related business. This may be driven by, among other things, industry changes, geographic business changes, changes in the individual fortunes of the business owner, and general economic conditions and changes in business cycles. These same risks apply to commercial loans whether secured by equipment or other personal property or unsecured. Losses on loans secured by owner occupied real estate, equipment, or other personal property generally are dictated by the value of underlying collateral at the time of default and liquidation of the collateral. When default is driven by issues related specifically to the business owner, collateral values tend to provide better repayment support and may result in little or no loss. Alternatively, when default is driven by more general economic conditions, underlying collateral generally has devalued more and results in larger losses due to default. Loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate are primarily susceptible to risks associated with swings in occupancy or vacancy and related shifts in lease rates, rental rates or room rates. Most often these shifts are a result of changes in general economic or market conditions or overbuilding and resultant over-supply. Losses are dependent on value of underlying collateral at the time of default. Values are generally driven by these same factors and influenced by interest rates and required rates of return as well as changes in occupancy costs.
Construction loans, whether owner occupied or non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans or residential development loans, are not only susceptible to the related risks described above but the added risks of construction itself including cost over-runs, mismanagement of the project, or lack of demand or market changes experienced at time of completion. Again, losses are primarily related to underlying collateral value and changes therein as described above.
Problem C&I loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information which may include financial statements, tax returns, rent rolls and payment history of the borrower (delinquency). Based on this information the Bank may decide to take any of several courses of action including demand for repayment, additional collateral or guarantors, and, when repayment becomes unlikely through borrower’s income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral.
Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, public value information (blue book values for autos), sales invoices, or other appropriate means. Appropriate valuations are obtained at initiation of the credit and periodically (every 3-12 months depending on collateral type) once repayment is questionable and the loan has been classified.
Once a loan becomes delinquent and repayment becomes questionable, a Bank collection officer will address collateral shortfalls with the borrower and attempt to obtain additional collateral. If this is not forthcoming and payment in full is unlikely, the Bank will estimate its probable loss, using a recent valuation as appropriate to the underlying collateral less estimated costs of sale, and charge the loan down to the estimated net realizable amount. Depending on the length of time until ultimate collection, the Bank may revalue the underlying collateral and take additional charge-offs as warranted. Revaluations may occur as often as every 3-12 months depending on the underlying collateral and volatility of values. Final charge-offs or recoveries are taken when collateral is liquidated and actual loss is known. Unpaid balances on loans after or during collection and liquidation may also be pursued through lawsuit and attachment of wages or judgment liens on borrower’s other assets.
The following table shows the ending balance of current, past due, and nonaccrual originated loans by loan category as of the date indicated:
Analysis of Past Due and Nonaccrual Originated Loans – As of March 31, 2017
Originated loan balance:
Past due:
$ 845 $ 1,855 $ 424 $ 640 — $ 119 $ 1,727 — $ 421 $ 6,031
— 74 461 176 — 9 1,527 — — 2,247
> 90 Days
— 1,835 104 319 — 5 570 $ 11 — 2,844
Total past due
845 3,764 989 1,135 — 133 3,824 11 421 11,122
236,491 1,505,610 258,981 34,590 — 26,644 194,730 58,707 55,451 2,371,204
Total orig. loans
> 90 Days and still accruing
— $ 1,712 — — — — $ 125 — — $ 1,837
Nonaccrual loans
$ 473 $ 7,485 $ 798 $ 822 — $ 12 $ 1,769 $ 25 — $ 11,384
The following table shows the ending balance of current, past due, and nonaccrual PNCI loans by loan category as of the date indicated:
Analysis of Past Due and Nonaccrual PNCI Loans – As of March 31, 2017
PNCI loan balance:
$ 367 $ 669 $ 270 — — $ 3 — — — $ 1,309
63 81 — — — — — — — 144
430 750 270 — — 3 — — — 1,453
70,576 238,640 19,352 $ 3,383 — 2,467 $ 10,350 $ 137 $ 8,971 353,876
Total PNCI loans
$ 164 $ 1,760 $ 151 $ 58 — $ 2 — — — $ 2,135
Analysis of Past Due and Nonaccrual Originated Loans – As of December 31, 2016
$ 552 $ 317 $ 754 $ 646 — $ 16 $ 1,148 $ 921 — $ 4,354
139 1,517 — 395 — 30 84 — $ 421 2,586
— 216 687 184 — 15 634 11 — 1,747
$ 691 $ 2,050 $ 1,441 $ 1,225 — $ 61 $ 1,866 $ 932 $ 421 $ 8,687
$ 255 $ 7,736 $ 1,211 $ 718 — $ 33 $ 2,930 $ 11 — $ 12,894
Analysis of Past Due and Nonaccrual PNCI Loans – As of December 31, 2016
$ 1,510 $ 73 $ 274 $ 39 — — — — — $ 1,896
21 81 589 13 — — — — — 704
$ 1,531 $ 154 $ 863 $ 52 — — — — — $ 2,600
77,404 249,883 20,902 3,566 — $ 2,534 $ 12,321 $ 141 $ 8,871 375,622
Impaired originated loans are those where management has concluded that it is probable that the borrower will be unable to pay all amounts due under the original contractual terms. The following tables show the recorded investment (financial statement balance), unpaid principal balance, average recorded investment, and interest income recognized for impaired Originated and PNCI loans, segregated by those with no related allowance recorded and those with an allowance recorded for the periods indicated.
Impaired Originated Loans – As of, or for the Three Months Ended, March 31, 2017
With no related allowance recorded:
Recorded investment
$ 1,782 $ 14,431 $ 1,064 $ 743 — $ 5 $ 1,289 $ 11 — $ 19,325
Unpaid principal
$ 1,793 $ 14,881 $ 1,144 $ 1,085 — $ 6 $ 1,312 $ 16 — $ 20,237
Average recorded Investment
$ 2,834 $ 20,770 $ 2,013 $ 845 $ 1 $ 11 $ 932 $ 7 — $ 27,413
Interest income Recognized
$ 20 $ 98 $ 6 $ 1 — — $ 7 — — $ 132
With an allowance recorded:
$ 1,378 $ 640 $ 427 $ 440 — $ 21 $ 1,783 $ 14 — $ 4,703
Related allowance
$ 172 $ 18 $ 106 $ 57 — $ 14 $ 811 $ 14 — $ 1,192
$ 1,692 $ 1,029 $ 1,076 $ 557 — $ 11 $ 1,938 $ 7 — $ 6,310
$ 11 $ 9 $ 1 $ 5 — — $ 14 — — $ 40
Impaired PNCI Loans – As of, or for the Three Months Ended, March 31, 2017
$ 433 $ 1,777 $ 220 $ 58 — $ 138 — — — $ 2,626
$ 654 $ 1,455 $ 337 $ 64 — $ 86 $ 1 — $ 245 $ 2,842
$ 2 — $ 1 — — $ 2 — — — $ 5
$ 256 $ 131 $ 493 — — $ 116 — — — $ 996
$ 77 $ 106 $ 295 — — $ 16 — — — $ 494
$ 2 $ 2 $ 5 — — $ 1 — — — $ 10
Impaired Originated Loans – As of December 31, 2016
$ 1,691 $ 13,144 $ 1,480 $ 598 — $ 15 $ 762 $ 11 — $ 17,701
$ 83 $ 581 $ 40 $ 4 — $ 1 $ 48 — — $ 757
$ 1,372 $ 646 $ 430 $ 485 — $ 18 $ 3,334 — — $ 6,285
$ 170 $ 19 $ 110 $ 102 — $ 13 $ 1,130 — — $ 1,544
$ 1,689 $ 1,032 $ 1,077 $ 579 — $ 9 $ 2,714 — — $ 7,100
$ 56 $ 37 $ 9 $ 25 — $ 2 $ 77 — — $ 206
Impaired PNCI Loans – As of December 31, 2016
$ 7 — $ 9 $ 1 — — — — — $ 17
$ 259 $ 132 $ 551 — — $ 118 — — — $ 1,060
$ 10 $ 7 $ 27 — — $ 5 — — — $ 49
$ 3,806 $ 7,917 $ 3,457 $ 1,154 $ 1 $ 10 $ 520 — — $ 16,865
$ 5,963 $ 8,393 $ 6,325 $ 1,598 $ 10 $ 14 $ 635 $ 63 — $ 23,001
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Town and Community
Nuisance and Neighbour Disputes
We will take action against behaviour, comments or physical contact that makes a person feel threatened.
Reporting nuisance neighbours
If you have a complaint to make about the behaviour of a neighbour or anti-social behaviour in your area, you should start by raising the complaint with the person involved. Once the neighbour is aware, they will usually take action to avoid the problem continuing. An agreement reached directly between everyone involved always produces the best solution.
As well as online reporting, you can contact us by telephone or visit the Customer Service Centre where you will be put in contact with your Tenancy Advisor.
We will accept reports made by other people on your behalf.
Before reporting, it will help if you can provide as many relevant facts as possible, including dates, times and the location of any relevant incidents. You should give details of any action that you have taken to try and sort the problem out.
Report anti-social behaviour online - opens new window
The Tenancy Advisor will investigate each complaint made. In order to get a clear understanding of the situation, they will interview all those involved.
Incident log
In certain cases you may be required to fill in an Incident Log to record an accurate record of events.
Incident guidance notes and log sheet - pdf (17.9 KB) - opens document in new window
We will try to deal with neighbour disputes by discussion with the people involved. This may require more than one visit over a period of time. We hope that most disputes can be settled by agreement between the people involved on the action to be taken. Alternatively, an independent mediator service may be used.
If a dispute cannot be settled by mutual agreement, we will consider other ways of resolving it. These may involve warning letters, legal action and possession proceedings.
We will notify anybody who has made a complaint against a neighbour of the action that we intend to take, or have taken. In some situations, no action will be taken by us. Interviews will be completed and action plans will be agreed with the complainant and with the alleged offender.
We categorise anti-social behaviour in three levels with different timescales to respond.
Categories and response times
Category A - High level ASB (for example, assault or harassment)
Visit / interview 1 working day Action plan within a further 3 working days
Category B - Medium level ASB (for example, vandalism or persistent nuisance)
Visit / interview 3 working days Action plan within a further 5 days of visit / interview
Category C - Low level ASB (for example, noise disturbance)
Visit / interview 5 working days Action plan within a further 10 days
You can also seek the help of a solicitor who may suggest that you take the person causing the nuisance to court independently. Your solicitor will help you prepare a case.
All options will be discussed with you and no action will be taken without your permission.
offer to visit you at your home, in a location where you feel safe, or offer you an appointment at our offices, to discuss the issue.
categorise anti-social behaviour as low, medium or high dependent on the type of incident and visit you within the timescales already detailed.
work with other agencies to resolve anti-social behaviour and, If you allow us, will pass on your details to them.
keep in regular contact with you, at least monthly, until the issues are resolved or the case is closed.
offer the person making the complaint and witnesses advice and support such as completing any paperwork and contacting other agencies.
complete urgent repairs where these will help in resolving the issue and where any damage has been reported to the police.
tackle anti-social behaviour using a range of appropriate methods including mediation and legal action and explain all the options to you.
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UK: quarterly export value of non-cast steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles 2018
Published by Statista Research Department, Feb 21, 2020
This statistic illustrates the quarterly export value of non-cast steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles from the United Kingdom (UK) from the first quarter of 2015 to the second quarter of 2018, in million British pounds. The value of exports gradually declined during the first three quarters in 2015 from approximately 304 million British pound in the first quarter of 2015 to under 260 million British pound in the third quarter of 2015.
Value of quarterly exports of non-cast steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles from the United Kingdom (UK) from Q1 2015 to Q2 2018 (in million GBP)
in million GBP
Q1 2015 to Q2 2018
Balance of payments (BoP), seasonally adjusted
Basic metals industry local enterprise units in the UK in 2020, by employment size
Basic metals manufacturing enterprises in the UK in 2020, by turnover
Revenue of the leading industrial metals companies in Europe 2019
Net income of the leading industrial metals companies in Europe 2019
Statistics on "Steel and metal export trading in the United Kingdom (UK)"
Crude steel production volume in the United Kingdom (UK) 2009-2018
UK: crude steel production by method 2009-2018
Steel ingots production volume in the United Kingdom (UK) 2009-2018
Share of crude steel used for ingots in the United Kingdom (UK) 2009-2018
Continuously-cast steel production volume in the United Kingdom (UK) 2009-2018
Export value of ferrous waste and scrap from the United Kingdom (UK) 2010-2019
Export value of aluminum waste and scrap from the United Kingdom 2010-2019
Export value of manganese and articles thereof from the United Kingdom 2011-2019
Export value of tantalum and articles thereof from the United Kingdom 2011-2019
Export value of molybdenum and articles thereof from the United Kingdom 2011-2019
Export volume of ferrous waste and scrap from the United Kingdom 2010-2019
Export volume of aluminum waste and scrap from the United Kingdom 2010-2019
Export volume of lead waste and scrap from the United Kingdom 2011-2018
Export volume of titanium and articles thereof from the United Kingdom 2011-2018
Export volume of manganese and articles thereof from the United Kingdom 2011-2018
Export volume of nickel ore and concentrate from the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2019
Export volume of iron ore and concentrate from the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2019
Export volume of zinc ore and concentrate from the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2019
Export volume of lead ore and concentrate from the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2019
Export volume of aluminum ore and concentrate from the United Kingdom 2011-2019
Export volume of niobium and vanadium ore and concentrate from the UK 2011-2019
Export volume of manganese ore and concentrate from the United Kingdom 2011-2019
Export volume of copper ore and concentrate from the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2019
Total export value of iron and steel from the United Kingdom (UK) 2012-2019
Value of exports of iron and steel to the EU27 from the UK 2012-2018
Value of exports of iron and steel to OECD countries from the United Kingdom 2018
Export value of iron and steel granules or powders from the United Kingdom 2010-2018
Export value of iron and non-alloy steel ingots from the United Kingdom 2010-2018
Export value of iron and non-alloy steel angles, shapes, sections in the UK 2010-2018
Export value of iron and non-alloy steel bars and rods from the UK 2010-2018
Export value of forged iron and non-alloy steel bars and rods from the UK 2010-2018
Export value of basic iron, steel and ferro-alloys from the UK from 2015-2018
UK: quarterly export value of cast iron and steel tubes and pipes from 2015-2018
Export value of non-cast steel, pipes and hollow profiles from the UK from 2015-2018
Export value of cast iron and steel tubes and pipes from the UK from 2015-2018
Export value of tanks, reservoirs, containers of metal from the UK 2015-2018
Export value of structural metal products from the United Kingdom from 2015-2018
Export value of steam generators and nuclear reactors from the United Kingdom in 2018
Import value of other fabricated metals into the United Kingdom 2015-2018
Export value of other fabricated metals from the United Kingdom from 2015-2018
Export value of cutlery, tools and general hardware from the UK from 2015-2018
Export value of weapons and ammunition from the United Kingdom 2015-2020
Stainless steel drill pipes export value from the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011-2017
Export value of the leading food products from Sweden to EU countries 2019
Value of stainless steel casings and tubing exported by the UK 2011-2017
Volume of tomato exports in Spain 2018, by EU country
United Kingdom (UK): linseed exports to EU countries 2015/16-2019/20
Cold reduced tubes, pipes and hollow profiles export value from the UK from 2011-2017
Volume of garlic exports in Spain 2018, by EU country
Steel and metal import trading in the UK Steel industry worldwide Base Metals Steel production in the UK Steel industry in China
Office for National Statistics (UK). (September 14, 2018). Value of quarterly exports of non-cast steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles from the United Kingdom (UK) from Q1 2015 to Q2 2018 (in million GBP) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved January 16, 2021, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/560893/non-cast-steel-tubes-pipes-hollow-profiles-export-uk/
Office for National Statistics (UK). "Value of quarterly exports of non-cast steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles from the United Kingdom (UK) from Q1 2015 to Q2 2018 (in million GBP)." Chart. September 14, 2018. Statista. Accessed January 16, 2021. https://www.statista.com/statistics/560893/non-cast-steel-tubes-pipes-hollow-profiles-export-uk/
Office for National Statistics (UK). (2018). Value of quarterly exports of non-cast steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles from the United Kingdom (UK) from Q1 2015 to Q2 2018 (in million GBP). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: January 16, 2021. https://www.statista.com/statistics/560893/non-cast-steel-tubes-pipes-hollow-profiles-export-uk/
Office for National Statistics (UK). "Value of Quarterly Exports of Non-cast Steel Tubes, Pipes and Hollow Profiles from The United Kingdom (Uk) from Q1 2015 to Q2 2018 (in Million Gbp)." Statista, Statista Inc., 14 Sep 2018, https://www.statista.com/statistics/560893/non-cast-steel-tubes-pipes-hollow-profiles-export-uk/
Office for National Statistics (UK), Value of quarterly exports of non-cast steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles from the United Kingdom (UK) from Q1 2015 to Q2 2018 (in million GBP) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/560893/non-cast-steel-tubes-pipes-hollow-profiles-export-uk/ (last visited January 16, 2021)
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PUBLISHED: 16:37 19 January 2010 | UPDATED: 16:34 20 February 2013
The Freelander
The Freelander2 is the fourth and some might say the most important of all the new Land Rovers to be launched in as many years. Will it succeed, ask Danny Cobbs and our panel of testers...
Karyn Kelly from Haywards Heath
Sussex Life
WHERE its siblings - the Range Rover and RR Sport - have a very niche and defined market, the Freelander has always been built and designed for the masses.
Much is expected of this latest addition to Land Rover's stable. For all its faults - and there were many - the previous model did sell more than 453,000 cars in its nine-year life cycle but that's still a hard act to follow, by any standards. There is one other important factor which needs to be taken into account when talking about Land Rover's latest product:
When the original Freelander was launched nearly a decade ago it was the very first car of its type. Unlike the Toyota RAV4, the other 'compact' making a name for itself at the time, the Freelander created a new genre by offering a true 4x4 capability in a car not much bigger than a family hatchback. This opened up a completely new market segment and set a benchmark for other manufacturers to follow.
The Americans dubbed it a sports utility vehicle and consequently the term SUV was born. This time around, things are different. Before, it didn't have to worry about the competition because there simply wasn't any. Now, the competition is breathing down its neck.
To out-perform the new crop of pretenders such as the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota's RAV4 and Honda's much acclaimed latest version of the CR-V, the Freelander2 will near enough have to redefine the market it once created. And it does. Despite being a completely new vehicle it still retains certain definable characteristics from the previous model. These should make it instantly recognisable as a Freelander, but there's more than a touch of iconic modern-day Range Rover styling about this one.
There's an air of coolness and sophistication about it, but not in a way that would alienate the Freelander's previously loyal customers. A stepped roofline borrowed from the Discovery and the classic Land Rover clamshell bonnet all add to its evolution. It's grown in every aspect: There's a 109mm increase in width and the roof has been raised by 32mm. Land Rover also added an extra 50mm to its length and pushed all the wheels further towards each corner.
This makes passenger space - especially in the rear - much better. Scratch away its swollen surface and the Freelander2 offers everything its bigger brothers can. It's been fitted with a modified version of Land Rover's much-acclaimed All Terrain Response System which, at the turn of a dial, figures out the best gearing for given surface conditions.
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Inside, the difference between old and new is as staggering. Fundamentally, Land Rover has managed to capture the desirability and premium feel found in the Range Rover and RR Sport. They've taken the tired, old Freelander and breathed new life into it. It does cost more; the entry level price has jumped from 16,000 to around 21,000. However, given the parallel improvements in safety, refinement and quality this is a premium most customers will be willing to pay.
Land Rover Freelander2 TD4
Engine Size: 2179cc 4-cylinder, 16 valves
Power: 160 PS @ 4,000 rpm
Torque: 295 lbs/ft @ 2,000 rpm
Fuel Consumption: 37.7 mpg
0 - 60: 10.9 seconds
Price From: 23,935
Drives: Lexus RX300
My first impressions were how ruggedly handsome this car looked - but more your fit sportsman type than a macho muscle man! Although spacious inside, with a boot built for shopping, the Freelander doesn't feel cumbersome to drive or park. Well groomed, with luxurious leather upholstery, well equipped with safety features and gadgets, and well mannered, with an easy gearbox and smooth, quiet ride, this car is good enough to take home to mother!
Emma Myers from Cuckfield
Drives: Seat Leon
I had my reservations about driving such a big car, yet the reality was it really wasn't that big. Sitting behind the steering wheel I could see for what seemed like miles and miles ahead but when it came to parking, it felt not much bigger than my Seat. I loved the leather interior and it had loads of cubby holes for my kids to put their toys in. The boot area is, as expected, huge and with all the seats down it had as much space as a small van.
Tamara Fulton from Brighton
Drives: Toyota MR2
I would really like to write about the engine and how well it handled, but not knowing too much on this particular subject I'm going to stick to the girlie stuff. I was greeted by a cabin full of sumptuous leather, always a good sign. And there was bags of room. The front seats could move electrically in every way and the rear ones seemed to have been designed for the largest of adults. The real test came when I took it shopping and driving it through Brighton Lanes it wiggled its way around and felt very much at home. I liked the Freelander and was only sorry to give it back.
Would you like to be one of our testers?
(Please be aware, there is a queue!)
Contact us via email: motoring@sussexlife.co.uk or write to us at: 28 Teville Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1UG or tel: 01903 703730
Please supply a copy of your full driving licence. Participants must be 25 or over
Click here to read this article in our Digital Editions
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StudyStay
Rose of York English Language School London
About Rose of York English Language School London
Studying English at Rose of York English Language School London provides you with a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience English culture, explore London and its surrounds, make new friends and have an amazing time!
At Rose of York, Communication is Learning with an emphasis on maximising student communication in a fun and friendly environment. As all the staff are trained to make your stay comfortable you'll find the atmosphere here really warm. Your teachers will be qualified, highly motivated and experienced professionals and you'll have not one but two teachers per class! You will study with, on average, 10 to 12 other fun and lively students from around the world.
Rose of York English Language School London (established in 1989) offers an extensive range of courses including full time General English at all levels, Business English, a 2 year Academic Business English course, examination preparation classes for Cambridge and IELTS, Cambridge Business English exam courses, a unique professional Internship Scheme and one to one private tuition tailored to your needs. This school also offers part time or intensive courses.
There is also a lively social programme. All social events and trips, such as picnics in Regents Park, guided tours of galleries and museums, visits to historical cities and, regular parties and pub nights are accompanied by teachers so you can practise your English, learn about British culture and have fun!
Facilities at Rose of York English Language School London
Rose of York English Language School London provides well equipped and comfortable classrooms with free internet access and study facilities. There are an extensive range of language materials at the nearby Marylebone library. The multilingual tem at this language school all your questions about student visas, bank accounts, accommodation, health care and a 30% discount for London Transport. You'll find them very helpful!
Where is Rose of York English Language School London located?
Rose of York English Language School London can be found on Baker Street (the home of fictional super detective Sherlock Holmes) in the hub of the West End, minutes away from the bustling shops of Oxford Street, lush Regents Park, London Zoo and Madame Tussauds.
To see the rest of Central London and beyond you can hop on a tube at Baker Street Tube Station, only 2 minutes away from the school on foot. Tubes that run on the Bakerloo, Metropolitan, Jubilee, Circle and Hammersmith and City lines stop here.
What accreditations does Rose of York English Language School London hold?
Rose of York English Language School London is inspected and accredited by the British Council.
124 Baker Street
London W1U 6TY England
Web: http://www.roseofyork.co.uk
London Accommodation Offers
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20+
11 Burford Road,
London, E15 2ST.
Bookings International
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January 01, 1980 News & Features » Miscellany
Let it Lay
Rosie Right
A reader, Micki Warren, has asked Rosie to discuss the misuse of the words lie, lay and laid. This column has bemoaned the prevalent ignorance about the "proper" usage not once but at least twice through the years. It is one of the battles that Rosie deeply regrets, but she is admitting defeat. Even people Rosie had previously considered educated seem oblivious to the difference between the forms of the word lie.
The reader who called no doubt was schooled by writing teachers such as the famous William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. These two succinct and graceful writers told us in their "Elements of Style":
"Except in slang ('let it lay'), do not misuse [lay] for lie. The hen, or the play, lays an egg; the llama lies down. The playwright went home and lay down. … [L]ie; lay; lain [how long since you have heard this word?]; lying; lay; laid; laid; laying."
Strangely enough, the trouble with the usage of this verb has been with us for a long time. H. L. Mencken in The American Language Supplement One quotes John Witherspoon, "a Briton living in America" who was president of Princeton, a member of the Continental Congress, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Witherspoon listed a number of "American vulgarisms" that included "lay for lie."
There are times when it seems impossible to stop the sloppy changes we deplore. This seems to be one of them.
When is a prune a plum?
According to the April-May 2001 issue of the newsletter Copy Editor, the change Rosie reported a while ago is progressing very well: Prunes are now being marketed as "dried plums."
Copy Editor tells us: "According to a February article by Philip Brasher for The Associated Press, 'industry research shows that women between the ages of 35 to 50 overwhelmingly preferred the term 'dried plum.' (In that sentence 'to' should be 'and.') Brasher quotes Richard Peterson, executive director of the California Dried Plum Board, once the California Prune Board: 'The stereotype among the women that we're targeting is of a medicinal food for their parents. …That's what we're trying to get around.' "
But the Food and Drug Administration has decreed that prune juice will remain just that. Dried plum juice is a contradiction in terms.
Let Rosie hear from you by telephone (358-0825), letter (1707 Summit Ave, Suite 201, Richmond Va. 23230), fax (355-9089) or e-mail repps@styleweekly.com
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Former Richmonder Ann Savoy publishes her second major work about Cajun, Creole and zydeco music.
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From Stage to Screen
Cadence Theatre Company’s Sitelines BLM Project commissions film scripts from five local minority voices.
By Claire Boswell
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sun-connect
Solar Energy for Rural Development
Off-Grid Living
Dr Jo-Anne Geere
11.12.2020. , Dr Jo-Anne Geere
Safe drinking water should mean safe collection too: how to reduce the risks
Globally, millions of people don’t have access to water in their home. They collect water from shared water supply points or surface water sources and physically carry water containers back home for household use.
The importance of accessing water that’s safe to drink and enough water for washing, cleaning and cooking is clear. But little attention has been given to the safety of water collection away from home, or to the health and safety of the people who typically do this work. It’s most often women and girls from low income households who must queue for, collect and carry water home.
Three key pieces of research that we’ve done recently highlight the dangers of collecting water. The studies include many African countries and each report cites specific country level data.
The research included a systematic review of published studies, analysis of data from surveys in 41 countries and a survey of 6,291 people across 24 sites in 21 low and middle income countries. These respondents were asked whether they had ever been injured while collecting water.
First we looked for evidence that carrying water is associated with health problems. The literature review found evidence that water carriage is associated with pain, fatigue, problems accessing perinatal health care and violence against vulnerable people. We found strong evidence that water carriage is associated with stress.
Another analysis focused on the link with maternal and child health. An analysis of surveys found that compared to households with water access on premises, fetching water is associated with poorer maternal and child health outcomes. Water access on premises is associated with improvements to maternal and child health.
We also did a survey to find out who was getting injured while fetching water. The mean age of those surveyed was 37 years. Just over 72% were female and 43% lived in rural settings. Of our respondents, 845 (13%) reported one or more water-fetching injuries (879 injuries).
In estimating the global burden of disease from lack of access to safe drinking water, injuries from collecting water are often ignored. This means that problems associated with a lack of safely managed drinking water are likely to be underestimated.
Understanding why and how injuries occur can motivate action to provide water access on premises for more people. Where water collection away from home must continue, understanding how injuries occur can help find ways to make water collection safer.
Who’s getting injured and how
We found that the odds of injury were 50% greater for women compared to men, nearly five times higher for rural dwellers and 2.75 times higher for peri-urban dwellers compared to urban dwellers. Greater household water insecurity increased the likelihood of a water-fetching injury.
Each additional hour spent collecting water per week was associated with a 2% increase in the odds of injury. Off-premise water sources requiring queuing and surface waters almost doubled the odds of injury compared to on-premise sources.
In our survey, 554 people who talked about how their injury occurred revealed some of the dangers of water collection. Falls were most common (76.4%); people described slipping or falling while queuing or carrying water. Women were nearly twice as likely to fall as men (61.4% vs 33.7%). Nearly all “traffic accidents” – motorised vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents or while riding an animal during water fetching – occurred in Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya. These were more likely to be reported by men.
Injuries which occurred directly from carrying water containers or collecting water from wells accounted for 6.5% of injury mechanisms.
Physical confrontation (6.9%) also caused injury, and men were more likely than women to report this (10.7% vs 3.5%). There were intimations of sexual assault, for example a woman from Kampala said:
The caretaker of the pre-paid meter wanted to fall in love with me, but I told him that I am married and have children which led him to hate me, and he has hit me before.
Other researchers have reported that gender based violence occurs when people access water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. We expect that interpersonal violence was under reported in our study. Respondents may not discuss it because of feelings of distress or shame, fear of punishment from attackers or family members, or the absence of support for victims.
Changes needed
There’s a clear need for water supply systems that prioritise personal safety alongside the traditional goals of improving water quality and quantity.
Our findings suggest several ways to manage and reduce the risk of water-fetching injuries through existing programmes. These include:
Collecting additional data on physical safety and accessibility.
Supplying water on premises, which can include schools and work places.
Maintaining numerous shared water points and supporting affordable delivery systems to reduce trip distance and time spent in queues.
Providing equipment such as wheelbarrows, to reduce pain and fatigue from carrying water containers.
Maintaining clear pathways along water collection routes. This would reduce the risk of injury due to slips, falls and traffic hazards.
Encouraging men to help with water carriage through public health campaigns, to reduce women’s injury risk and other adverse maternal and child health outcomes associated with water fetching.
Locating water points in visible, open, public places alongside campaigns to reduce gender-based violence and abuse.
Dr Jo-Anne Geere, Lecturer, School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia
Contact ▪ About ▪ Newsletter ▪ Imprint ▪ Privacy Policy© 2021 Sun-Connect-News
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Army Debunks Reports 17 Soldiers Killed By Boko Haram In Bama, Warns Against. “Yellow Journalism”
by TalkAdmin
*says gallant troops have successfully reduced them to mere common criminals
The Nigerian Army has debunked and described as malicious reports published on some media that 17 of its soldiers were killed and some abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in Bama, Borno State, warning the media against engaging in “Yellow Journalism” which is undermining the fight against insurgency.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, made available on January 2i, 2020.
“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a fictitious news report credited to Thisday and Punch newspapers, as well as some online news media, including allAfrica.com, scannews.com, publicnewsupdate.com, newswirengr.com, thedefensepost.com and guardian.ng, amongst others, published or posted online on 19 January 2020.
“The malicious reports claimed that “not less than 17 soldiers were killed in confrontations between the military and Boko Haram insurgents along Bama – Gwoza road weekend.” The report further claimed that “many soldiers were also said to have been abducted by the insurgents during the confrontations even as the number of casualties, though also large from the Boko Haram side, could not be ascertained.” It is pertinent to categorically state that the said news reports are not true but are simply the figments of the imaginations of their authors,” it stated.
In the statement titled, “RE: SEVENTEEN SOLDIERS KILLED SEVERAL ABDUCTED IN BATTLE WITH BOKO HARAM” the Army said that it is equally pertinent to stress the fact that, while the Nigerian Army recognizes the role of the media in nation building and indeed considers them as partners in progress, she however frowns at some of the unprofessional conducts and activities of a few enemies of our great nation who, by their false, speculative and sensational reportage, continue to undermine national security either wittingly or unwittingly, and in so doing, adding that they are not only soiling the good reputation of some media professionals, but are indeed undermining the sacrificial efforts of the troops fighting the insurgents.
“This is clearly demonstrated in the fabricated or unsubstantiated reports under reference.
“The false reports, which could best be described as Yellow Journalism, have exposed the ignorance and the desperation of its authors and their unscrupulous but failed attempt at creating unnecessary security concerns where there is none.
” It is indeed unfortunate that, while Nigerian Army troops have been doing their best to ensure that there is a safe and secure environment for our people, there are a few people within the media world who, perhaps for pecuniary reasons, are determined to thwart such sacrificial efforts of the troops through such mischievous and completely false publications,” it added.
The Nigerian Army wondered who were the alleged 17 casualties and would indeed be glad if those behind the Thisday, Punch, and some social media publications could tell their audience precisely where the said casualties are and where such imaginary fight actually took place.
“It is a well known fact that sensational headlines and reports attract bumper sells. However, it should be noted particularly by the observed unpatriotic reporters that, such bumper sells should not be at the expense of the their reputation and the precious lives of our gallant troops.
” It is quite disappointing to also observe that, some international organizations have equally fallen prey to the Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province propaganda antics.
“It is pertinent to add that the Army Headquarters has keenly observed that fake news, particularly on security-related issues have become rampant from the inception of the New Year, 2020. It is therefore necessary to warn the perpetrators to desist from unnecessarily peddling false reports that are capable of undermining the counter terrorism and counter insurgency efforts in the North East,” it stressed.
The statement said that contrary to some false insinuations making the rounds, the Maiduguri- Damaturu road as well as Bama-Gwoza road are some of the safest commuter roads with over 5,000 vehicles plying them daily.
To this end, the Nigerian Army stated unequivocally that the claims contained in the disjointed reports under reference and indeed any recent claims of heavy casualties on Nigerian Army troops are nothing but fake, malicious and frivolous news reports.
“We therefore request the general public to disregard them in their entirety.
“The Nigerian Army also wishes to call on the good people of the entire North East to go about their legitimate businesses without any fear.
We wish to state unequivocally that the worst days of Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West Africa Province are completely over.
“Our gallant troops have successfully reduced them to mere common criminals who are now fighting themselves for a hiding space as our troops continue to step up their onslaught against remnants of the criminal insurgent groups.
“Our troops’ efforts will not be deterred by sponsored false reports and insurgents’ propaganda being spread ostensibly by some unpatriotic elements through fabricated media publications,” it concluded.
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2023: ABG Appointed To Reposition Kaduna PDP, Vows To Unseat APC From Government House
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2020 (3) TMI 1261 - KARNATAKA HIGH COURT
Levy of Entry Tax - dredgers - ocean going vessels/ships - Machinery or not - Karnataka Tax on Entry of Goods Act, 1979 - Whether the dredger would partake the character or definition of a machinery as defined under Entry 52 of 1st Schedule of the ‘KTEG Act’ or otherwise? HELD THAT:- Under the Central Excise Act similar issue came up for consideration before the Appellate Tribunal in the matter of Collector of Customs, Bombay v. Dredging Corporation of India Ltd.[1986 (9) TMI 333 - CEGAT, NEW DELHI], whereunder the Tribunal had held that “dredgers” are to be considered as “ocean going vessels” against which order a Civil Appeal No. 5/87 [1991 (55) E.L.T. A33 (S.C.)] had been filed by the Collector of Customs, Bombay and the said appeal came to be withdrawn by order dated 7-5-1991. The statutory authorit....... + More
2020 (3) TMI 1256 - KERALA HIGH COURT
Best Judgement Assessment - KVAT Act - reason for completing the assessment on best of judgment basis is that the petitioner had failed to produce the audited statement along with the returns - HELD THAT:- In view of the limited relief sought and in the light of Exhibit P2- Division Bench judgment of this Court, the writ petition is disposed of directing the first respondent to consider Exhibit P4-rectification application and to pass a reasoned order thereon - In the meanwhile, recovery proceedings pursuant to Exhibit P1-order shall be kept in abeyance. Petition disposed off.
2020 (3) TMI 1154 - MADRAS HIGH COURT
Permission for withdrawal of petition - Input tax credit - time limitation - validity of the prescription of entitlement of credit of input tax being limited within a time prescription as contained in Rule 117 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017 - HELD THAT:- The petition is dismissed as withdrawn.
2020 (3) TMI 1151 - JHARKHAND HIGH COURT
Imposition of penalties u/s 10-A of the CST Act - purchase of High Speed Diesel - allegation that High Speed Diesel purchased by the petitioners for manufacturing process, were not being used fully in the manufacturing process, rather they were being used for other purposes also - offence under section 10(d) of the Central Sales Tax Act - HELD THAT:- The impugned orders passed by the Appellate Authority cannot be sustained in the eyes of law, as the matter of deletion of High Speed Diesel from the CST registration of the petitioners was not sub-judice before the Appellate Authority. The only matter that was sub-judice before the Appellate Authority was the imposition of penalty upon the petitioners under Section 10-A of the CST Act. Both these issues are separate issues, and it cannot be said that the decision in the appeals filed by the ....... + More
2020 (3) TMI 1126 - TRIPURA HIGH COURT
Levy of penalty - storage of goods even in an undisclosed unregistered godown - Section 66 of the Tripura Value Added Tax Act, 2004 - petitioner opted for Compounding of Offences - HELD THAT:- In the present case, it was not merely a case of the goods being found at an unregistered godown, as can be seen from the detention order the allegations also were that on the date of the raid the petitioner failed to produce relevant documents regarding compliance of the provisions of the VAT Act in respect of transport of taxable goods. Section 75 of the VAT Act makes several acts and omissions by a dealer punishable. Had the petitioner contested the notice on merits and opposed the proposal for imposing penalty or handing down punishment, all aspects could have been gone into. The petitioner instead opted for compounding of offence. Thereupon the Superintendent of Taxes passed the composition order. Petitioner now cannot challenge it on merits. Petition dismissed.
Filing of the appeals before statutory authorities and recovery of dues under various laws in the situation of outburst of Corona Virus pandemic - HELD THAT:- This present scenario of outburst of deadly corona virus is very precarious and sensitive, as the lawyers and the staff rendering assistance to this Court and the Judges are vulnerable, thus in order to prevent such rampant of spread by taking preventive measures, I deem it appropriate to issue general directions to the departments concerned like the banks, financial institutions, Income tax authorities, authorities dealing with the erstwhile KVAT, GST, recovery of tax on motor vehicles and building tax to defer the recovery proceedings or coercive measures till 06.04.2020. In order to overcome the apprehension that this general order may cause impediment or hindrance to persons who....... + More
Principles of natural justice - opportunity to cross-examine denied - difference on account of certain inter-state transaction reflected in the return as well as the details available from the check post - presumption of certain facts - Section 114(g) of the Indian Evidence Act - HELD THAT:- Pith and substance of the facts revealed, which are not being mentioned again in order to avoid repetition would reveal that the petitioner had been afforded an opportunity to crossexamine the witnesses. In case the other evidence which has been sought are not produced, the petitioner can always derive the benefits of provisions of Section 114(g) of the Indian Evidence Act. Provisions of Section 114(g) of the Indian Evidence Act enables the authority or the court to presume existence of certain facts. The petitioner can always take the benefit of such....... + More
Maintainability of petition - non-compliance with the condition of pre-deposit - non-application of mind - HELD THAT:- The Tribunal, after considering the records relating to assessment, passed Ext.P2 order dated 29.03.2010, wherein the Tribunal found that both, the contentions raised by the assessee and the arguments put forth by the Revenue, have not been considered by the authorities below - The Tribunal therefore remanded the matter solely for the purpose of giving the assessee and the Revenue an opportunity to reiterate their contentions with supporting evidences and to enable the assessing authority to pass a speaking order considering all the aspects. A reading of Ext.P9 would show that the Fast Track Assessment Team, after narrating the factual sequences, only recorded the contentions of the assessee - The manner in which the Fast....... + More
Levy of Interest u/s 24 (3) of TNVAT Act - incorrect availment of deferral for the assessment years 2001-02 and 2002-03 - adequate reasons for levy of interest given or not - HELD THAT:- This Court, in order to give an opportunity, by treating the impugned orders as show cause notices, directs the petitioner to submit the required documents to correlate the production figure before the authority / respondent, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order - The respondent shall consider the same and pass appropriate orders afresh. Petition disposed off.
Principles of Natural Justice - Validity of assessment order - main ground of attack by the petitioner is that no opportunity was granted to the petitioner for production of documentary evidence before the authority for passing appropriate orders - HELD THAT:- Admittedly, the cause of action for issuing the pre-revision notices was on the basis of the proposal submitted by the Enforcement Wing Officials, pursuant to an inspection conducted in the place of business of the petitioner. When the petitioner submitted their objections to the pre-revision notices, the Assessing Officer has to independently adjudicate the matter and he shall not be influenced by the directions issued by the Enforcement Wing Officials. But he has not done so in this case. Further, no reasonable opportunity was provided to the petitioner for production of necessary....... + More
Audit of the business operations of the petitioner - Section 64 (4) of the TNVAT Act - Whether the inspection done by the second respondent, who is below the rank of Commissioner is against the provisions of law? - HELD THAT:- Section 64 (4) of the Act empowers the Commissioner to order for audit of any registered dealers and such audit is required to be done by an Officer not below the rank of Deputy Commercial Tax Officer and such responsibility cannot be delegated to others or usurped by others - In the case on hand, the Joint Commissioner (CT) Enforcement I, who is subordinate to the Commissioner, has ordered for audit, which is against the provisions of the Act. Based on the same, the first respondent has passed the impugned assessment orders, which are as rightly contended by the learned counsel for the petitioner, liable to be set-....... + More
Re-assessment of the proceedings u/s 17D of the Kerala General Sales Tax Act, 1963 - escaped turnover - method of fast track completion of assessment - time limitation - case of Revenue is that once Section 17(D) of the Act, 1963 do not envisage any period of limitation, the argument that the applicability of Section 19 of the Act, 1963 would not apply and impugned order noticing the escaped turn over cannot be said to be erroneous or barred by law of limitation - HELD THAT:- On perusal of the aforementioned provisions, particularly Section 19 of the Act, 1963 empowers the assessing authority may, at any time within five years from the expiry of the year to which the tax relates, proceed to determine the best of its judgement in respect of the turn over alleged to have escaped assessment to tax - There was an amendment in Section 17 where....... + More
2020 (3) TMI 1050 - PUNJAB & HARYANA HIGH COURT
Classification of goods - Mango Drink under the brand name “Slice” - whether fall under Entry 100D of Schedule-C of the HVAT Act or not? - taxable @ 12.5% or 5%? - HELD THAT:- An Entry similar to Entry 100-D came up for consideration before the Gauhati High Court in Pepsico India Holding Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Assam [2009 (4) TMI 853 - GAUHATI HIGH COURT]. This was in the context of classifying 'Potato Chips' sold under the brand name 'Lays' and 'Uncle Chips' under the Entry 80 Part A of the Second Schedule to the Assam Value Added Tax Act, 2003 (Assam VAT Act) - It was held that potato chips” manufactured and sold by the petitioner-company under the brand name “Lays” and “Uncle Chips” would be covered by entry 80 of Part A of the Second Schedule to the Assam Value Added Tax....... + More
2020 (3) TMI 1045 - GUJARAT HIGH COURT
Attachment of property - CIRP proceedings - first charge over all the properties and assets in view of Section 48 of the Gujarat VAT Act, 2003 - lifting of attachment sought so that they can be put to sale by the liquidator and thereupon the sale proceedings be distributed under Section 53 of the I&B Code in order of priority prescribed - Section 48 of the Gujarat Value Added Tax Act, 2003 - HELD THAT:- Issue Notice to the respondents returnable on 16.01.2020. In the meantime, pending the hearing and final disposal of the petition, the operation, implementation and execution of the impugned order dated 18.11.2019 passed in Misc. Application No. 2357 of 2019 in Company Petition (IB) No. 1514 (MB)/2017 is stayed.
2020 (3) TMI 997 - GAUHATI HIGH COURT
Levy of Luxury Tax - concealment of sales - suo-moto power of revision - Sections 36 (1) of the AGST Act and 82 (1) of the AVAT Act - HELD THAT:- Considering the view taken by the appellate authority as regards the acceptance of the seized documents for the purpose of the assessments made and the view taken by the revisional authority and the learned Assam Board of Revenue that the petitioner assessee failed to provide the required evidence to arrive at a conclusion that the information contained in the seized documents were related to some other hotel and were procured for the purpose of making a sale projection, we are required to examine whether the view taken by the appellate authority in the order dated 29.01.2015 can be termed to be ‘erroneous order’ and ‘prejudicial to the interests of the revenue’. From the....... + More
2020 (3) TMI 996 - GUJARAT HIGH COURT
Refund of differential tax - Input tax credit - rate of tax on LNG - situation post GST regime - It is the case of the petitioners that prior to coming into force of Goods and Service Tax regime in India, LNG was taxable under the Act 2003 at the rate of 15%, the IOCL-respondent No.3 charged tax at the rate of 15% on sales of LNG to the petitioners. The petitioners under the VAT Act were entitled to claim input tax credit of the tax so charged by the IOCL after reduction at the rate of 4% under Section 11(3) (b)(iii) of the Act 2003. HELD THAT:- The petitioners are entitled to get refund of amount of tax paid by it at the rate of 9% when the respondent No.3 has collected the tax at the rate of 15% instead of 6% as per remission order dated 05.09.2017 from the respondent-State. The petitions succeeds and are accordingly allowed - the respo....... + More
2020 (3) TMI 995 - JHARKHAND HIGH COURT
Requirement of extra amount of Central Sales Tax - non-issuance of C-Form - Form-C was not issued by the HEC Ltd., to the petitioner Company, for the reason that the same was not supplied to HEC Ltd., by the State Government - HELD THAT:- Since the amount of ₹ 30,00,000/-(thirty lacs) has already been deposited, which is kept in the custody of this Court, we direct the Registrar General of this Court to make the payment of ₹ 28,61,893/- in favour of the petitioner Company, who in turn, shall deposit the said amount being the assessed differential amount of CST in the Government Treasury, within the period of ten days after receiving the cheque / draft. The remaining amount shall be refunded back by the Registrar General of this Court to the respondent HEC Ltd. Further it is made clear that since the petitioner Company is not a....... + More
2020 (3) TMI 994 - PUNJAB & HARYANA HIGH COURT
Rejection C-Form - sale and purchase of building material i.e. Rori, Bajri, Sand etc. - C-Form rejected on the ground that single form was submitted for transaction of whole year 2008-09 - HELD THAT:- The Tribunal has correctly interpreted scheme of the Act and denied benefit of single C Form for the entire year. Tribunal has considered judgment of Calcutta High Court in the case of Cipla Ltd. [2013 (1) TMI 702 - CALCUTTA HIGH COURT] which is basis of present appeal - Calcutta High Court has dealt with question of form 'F' whereas present matter relates to form 'C' and provisions relating to both forms are not identical. Appeal dismissed.
Valuation - disallowance of deduction of target based discount - Vires of Section 9 (5) of the Jharkhand Value Added Tax Act, 2005 - amendment made in the year 2011 in the section - validity of retrospective effect given to this provision with effect from 1.4.2010 - Jharkhand VAT Act - HELD THAT:- The submission of learned counsel for the State that in the matters of economic concerns, the Court should not generally interfere, as the laws relating to economic activities should be viewed with greater latitude than laws touching civil rights, and the State must be left with wide latitude in devising ways and means of fiscal or regulatory measures, does not apply in the present case, as in this case, the constitutionality of Section 9(5) of the JVAT Act and the legislative competence of State Legislature in bringing sub-Section (5) in Sectio....... + More
2020 (3) TMI 827 - CALCUTTA HIGH COURT
Question arisen for consideration is whether the meaning can be expanded to include manufacture of otherwise goods for purposes of petitioner obtaining ‘From C’ on concessional purchase of HSD? By consent list on 26th March, 2020 under same heading.
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Sara Marino
Treasure Coast Newspapers
MARTIN COUNTY — A veteran Martin County Sheriff's Office captain found to have a history of inappropriate behavior towards a female co-worker, including calling her a "prostitute," was suspended for five days without pay.
Capt. Brian Bergen, who has been with the agency for almost 25 years, was found to have willfully violated official procedures, the code of ethics for public officers and employees, and the courtesy and respect of other members.
He plans to retire with benefits in March 2019, which will be his 25th year with the agency, Martin County Sheriff William Snyder said Friday.
Along with the five-day suspension, Bergen also will have to attend workplace sensitivity training.
More:Grand jury does not indict deputy involved in fatal Indiantown shooting in October
Along with calling the woman a "prostitute," Bergen also commented on the woman's appearance, threw candy wrappers on her office floor and called her "street walker," among other names, records show.
The woman said Bergen began his inappropriate behavior before Snyder took office. After Snyder won the election in 2012, Bergen "continued to make (her) feel unpleasant and he created hostile situations."
One example cited was when the employee told Bergen and another person about a video she received on her personal Facebook profile from a person who was inappropriately touching himself.
The incident occurred while the three were in a car after Hurricane Irma.
More:Man suspected of domestic violence killed in officer-involved shooting in Okeechobee
When the woman showed Bergen, the woman told investigators Bergen said "that's what you expect from receiving the video, you dress like a whore."
When questioned by internal investigators April 24 about the incident, Bergen said he was “a hundred and something hours into a hurricane week,” and there was “plenty of bantering back and forth.”
He said he would never have called her a “whore.”
More:Indian River County deputy fired after domestic violence internal investigation
Bergen said he didn’t apologize for the incident in the car, saying he didn’t think he had offended her. He said the woman who made the complaint “is more like one of the guys.”
In the interview, Bergen seemed taken aback by the allegations. He said he’s known the woman for years.
“I was crushed to think that something that I had said or may have said could have hurt (her),” Bergen is quoted as saying.
More:St. Lucie County deputy who fatally shot Gregory Hill Jr. found not liable in federal trial
He said he wanted to apologize for anything that could have hurt her feelings.
The woman said during an interview with investigators about the incident that "I was so mad that I could feel my heartbeat underneath my eyes."
According to the internal investigation, Bergen does not have any discipline in his file.
The woman also said she felt humiliated and she thought Bergen was "going to hurt me, or he's going to go after my husband."
TCPalm reporter Will Greenlee contributed to this story.
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Flipkart's HR head moves to advisory role
Disha Sharma 8 Sep, 2015
Mekin Maheshwari, Flipkart's chief people officer and part of its original team, has stepped down from his full time role to take up advisory responsibility at the country's largest e-tailer.
"After spending six years at Flipkart, Mekin will be moving into an advisory role, to be able to follow his passion of working in the social sector. Mekin will continue in his role as the chief people officer till we find his successor. Mekin has deeply contributed to the overall leadership, strategy and execution at Flipkart and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours," a Flipkart spokesperson said.
Maheshwari was one of Flipkart's earliest employees, having joined the company in 2009. Prior to Flipkart, he worked with Yahoo and uGenie. He was the last member of Flipkart's original team.
Other old timers such as Ravi Vora (former marketing head who was serving as chief executive officer of Flipkart's Strategic Brands Group) and Sujeet Kumar (who led WS Retail Pvt. Ltd, a key seller on Flipkart's online marketplace) had already quit Flipkart.
Maheshwari joined Flipkart as head of engineering. In 2012, he became head of PayZippy and Flipkart's ebooks practise. Since 2013, Maheshwari was the company's HR chief.
Flipkart has seen few senior level exits in the recent past while it continues to hunt for seasoned professionals for top positions. In August, it was reported that the CEOs of Appiterate and AdIQuity, startups that were acquired by Flipkart earlier this year, have moved on from the company.
Prior to that, Amod Malviya, chief technology officer of Flipkart, quit his full-time position to be a part of the company's newly created advisory board. Sameer Nigam, who headed engineering, also resigned from the Bangalore-based Flipkart.
Meanwhile, Flipkart hired two Silicon Valley expatriates, namely Eric Lange (former vice president of Yahoo's analytics wing) and Dan Rawson (ex- general manager at Amazon's fulfilment business). In March, Google's former product management executive Punit Soni joined Flipkart as chief product officer.
Flipkart-owned lifestyle e-commerce venture Myntra Designs Pvt Ltd, a company co-founded by Mukesh Bansal, appointed former Google executive Ambarish Kenghe as its senior vice president and product head.
Flipkart also appointed IT industry veteran Ravi Garikipati in a newly created position – entrepreneur in residence. In April, it roped in Hari Vasudev (Yahoo), Anand KV (Hathway) and Manish Maheshwari (txtWeb), to spearhead supply chain, customer experience and seller ecosystem verticals, respectively. Earlier, the firm had named Saikiran Krishnamurthy from McKinsey as the chief operating officer (COO) of its commerce division.
The organisation also re-jigged its top team with Sachin Bansal now looking after new initiatives and strategy. Binny Bansal is heading supply chain and logistics while Mukesh Bansal has been heading the day-to-day operations.
Flipkart Pvt Ltd Flipkart.com Mekin Maheshwari
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Home / Colors Tv / Jannat Zubair Rahmani / News / Star Plus / tellypedia.com / Tellywood / Tu Aashiqui / EXCLUSIVE : I am a little sad that we couldn’t have a proper song launch for Hey Girl due to Covid-19 – Jannat Zubair Rahmani
EXCLUSIVE : I am a little sad that we couldn’t have a proper song launch for Hey Girl due to Covid-19 – Jannat Zubair Rahmani
22:27 Colors Tv, Jannat Zubair Rahmani, News, Star Plus, tellypedia.com, Tellywood, Tu Aashiqui
I am a little sad that we couldn’t have a proper song launch for Hey Girl due to Covid-19 – Jannat Zubair Rahmani
Check out our exclusive conversation with Jannat Zubair Rahmani
Jannat Zubair is one of the youngest and the prettiest social media influencers of the country at the moment. She has certainly taken the world of social media by storm and has a legion of fans who love her for everything and anything that she does.
Be it her fun and hilarious videos or her jaw-dropping photos, she slays in all. Her latest music video Hey Girl released a few days back and it is setting the internet on fire at the moment. The song has been directed by Dinesh Soi. Everything is positive and hunky-dory about the song and the song has already received a lot of love. But there’s something that’s making Jannat Zubair a little sad and it is nothing else but Covid-19. When we asked her about the same, she said,
“I am happy about the song but I am also a little sad because the song is coming around the time of Covid-19. I used to love those grand launches where we would all have everyone together to celebrate the work. I am missing that and I don’t know till when it is going to be like this. At least till the end of this year certainly I believe. That’s the only thing that’s making me a little sad.”
For more updates, stay tuned to tellypedia.com
EXCLUSIVE : I am a little sad that we couldn’t have a proper song launch for Hey Girl due to Covid-19 – Jannat Zubair Rahmani Reviewed by Telly News on 22:27 Rating: 5
Tu Aashiqui
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Judge Refuses to Halt Mass Ride and Forbids Police to Seize Bicycles
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D07E7DC133DF93AA15753C1A9629C8B63&scp=1&sq=Judge%20refuses%20to%20halt%20mass%20ride%20and%20forbids%20police%20to%20seize%20bicycles&st=cse
By COLIN MOYNIHAN
A federal judge in Manhattan denied a request yesterday by the City of New York to block a mass bicycle ride scheduled for tonight without a permit.
The judge also granted a request by bicyclists to prohibit the police from seizing bicycles as long as the owners have not been charged with anything and unattended bikes do not block vehicles or pedestrians.
The bicyclists had filed suit in response to events the night of Sept. 24, when the previous monthly ride, known as Critical Mass, was held. That night, the police cut the locks of 30 to 40 bicycles secured to lampposts and parking meters at West 36th Street near Fifth Avenue and confiscated them. The bikes had been locked there by some ride participants who dispersed on foot when the police began making arrests.
Last week, two lawyers, Norman Siegel and Steven J. Hyman, filed a complaint in Federal District Court on behalf of five cyclists contending that their constitutional rights and rights to due process were violated when their bicycles were seized.
On Monday the city responded by asking the judge, William H. Pauley III, to enjoin cyclists from participating in a group procession without a permit.
In partly ruling for the cyclists, Judge Pauley wrote: ''A preliminary injunction is warranted to prevent a reoccurrence of bicycle seizures as they occurred on Sept. 24.''
He wrote that the police had violated due process by seizing the bicycles without notice. The judge ordered the police not to seize bicycles without issuing charges or providing notice, but added that his order would not bar the police from seizing unattended bicycles that block vehicles or pedestrians.
Judge Pauley acknowledged that recent rides had been turbulent, but he also noted that the mass rides were nothing new.
''With only two days to respond to the city's application, the plainpngs are prejudiced and the court is short-changed,'' he wrote, adding that ''the city's delay is one of the equities that argues strongly against granting its application.''
The Critical Mass rides, which promote nonpolluting transportation, are held on the last Friday of every month. Participants say that the rides have no planned routes and that they have no formal organization or leaders.
The rides have taken place in New York City for about 10 years but have grown in size recently and commonly include a thousand riders or more. At times the police have arrested riders for blocking traffic or disobeying signals. At other times, though, officers have escorted the ride through red lights and halted traffic to allow the procession to pass.
The ride received widespread attention shortly before the Republican National Convention, when thousands of cyclists turned out for the Aug. 27 ride, in what was said to be a demonstration against the convention. More than 250 riders were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct.
City lawyers said in their papers that on some rides, bicyclists had engaged in dangerous activity; for example, bicyclists at a July ride were said to have swarmed onto Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive.
In his conclusion, Judge Pauley urged the bicyclists and the police to agree on routes during future rides. ''Critical Mass appears to be a surging phenomenon in New York,'' he wrote. ''However, the event's success is spawning potential dangers.''
Yesterday afternoon, Mr. Siegel, Mr. Hyman and three bicyclists left the federal courthouse at 500 Pearl Street, where they said they had spent two hours talking with Judge Pauley and with city officials.
''We are pleased with the judge's decision,'' Mr. Siegel said. ''We were very concerned with the city's extraordinary request for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Critical Mass ride.''
Sheryl Neufeld, a lawyer for the city, said in a statement: ''We are disappointed by the ruling.'' The statement added: ''The city is considering all its legal options, including if appeal is warranted.''
After the ruling, the police issued a statement emphasizing that the injunction from Judge Pauley did not restrain officers from enforcing the law or seizing unattended bicycles that obstruct people or vehicles.
‹ 2004-10-30 33 Arrested - 1010 WINS up 2004-10-28 Ruling Due to City Restricting Mass Bike Rides - NY Times ›
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The Rapidian
Place Matters
Worsening hunger challenges Feeding America West Michigan's capacity
Feeding America West Michigan
metro Nonprofit Dispatches
This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.
Food Bank launches $1.33 million campaign to increase capacity for food distribution.
Volunteers unload food at a distribution at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church last week. /Feeding America West Michigan
Underwriting support from:
Vehicle Replacement Contributors
Anonymous, Grand Rapids — $6,000
Anonymous, West Olive — $10,000
Bank of America — $20,000
Cadillac Area Community Foundation, Cornerstone Fund — $2,000
Community Foundation for Mason County — $4,000
Community Foundation for Oceana County, Bessie E. and Ethan Allen Gray Health Fund — $2,389
Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area — $13,000
Foster Family Foundation, Manistee — $2,000
Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, Greatest Needs Fund, Marion A. and Ruth K. Sherwood Fund — $17,750
Greenville Area Community Foundation, Ash Community Improvement Fund — $15,000
Robert P. and Ella B. Hudson Foundation, Sault Sainte Marie — $5,000
JSJ Foundation — $2,500
Korff Foundation — $5,000
Loutit Foundation — $5,000
Meijer, Inc., Grand Rapids — $90,000 (in-kind, 3 tractors)
Sparta Community Foundation — $3,000
Walmart State Giving Program — $100,000
Feeding America West Michigan CEO Ken Estelle poses with Doug Meijer, whose company donated three trucks. /Feeding America West Michigan
In 2013, Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank was forced to retire four trucks from its 22-vehicle fleet. In a year that has seen its food distribution spike by 10 percent, that lack of transportation is limiting the organization’s ability to continue meeting the need.
To change that, Feeding America West Michigan announced a three-year, $1.33 million vehicle replacement strategy. With the official start date of the campaign still a few weeks away, the organization has already received three Volvo tractors and more than $212,000 in cash commitments.
“We are very pleased with the quick response of these donors,” said CEO Ken Estelle. “They listened to our needs and gave generously.”
Despite the constraints imposed by a lack of vehicles, Feeding America West Michigan is on track to distribute more than 25 million pounds of food in 2013, breaking its all-time record for most food distributed in a single year.
A combination of Michigan's persistently high unemployment rate, the prevalence of part-time jobs and reductions in federal food assistance all contribute to food insecurity in West Michigan. Though official data on hunger has yet to be released for 2013, the organization has seen a marked increase in demand from the previous year.
Last Monday, more than 120 families lined up at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids to receive food from one of Feeding America West Michigan’s Mobile Food Pantries. Often described as a “farmers’ market on wheels,” each Mobile Pantry brings fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods and dairy products to high-need communities.
Some Pilgrim Rest clients waited more than two hours to receive food.
“Nobody in their right mind is going to stand out in that blizzard that we had on Monday if they didn’t [have a] need,” said Beverly Guy, a volunteer who coordinates Pilgrim Rest’s hunger relief efforts. “There was no money [being given away] or anything. It was potatoes and vegetables.”
Guy was particularly struck by one girl who arrived by bus, school books in hand. “I could look at her and tell … she didn’t want to be there, but she knew she had a need,” Guy said.
“I just went up and hugged her and said, ‘Everything’s going to be all right.’”
At a Dec. 14 Mobile Pantry in Cedarville, a village on the coast of Lake Huron in the Upper Peninsula, one client wondered out loud how she was going to prepare some packaged food she received. When Don Swick, a Food Bank staff member, explained that a microwave was all she needed, she said, “Oh, honey, I don’t even have a light bulb.”
Swick said he met a number of clients that day who were living “off the grid,” impoverished and cut off from almost all resources. For them, the Mobile Pantry represented one of their few chances to get fresh produce — rarely stocked at the convenience stores where many shop out of necessity.
Whether in metro Grand Rapids or in the Upper Peninsula, the need for food is growing. With an encouraging response this early in the campaign, Food Bank staff members are hopeful that the local business and foundation community will see it through to the end.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.
Guiding Light Welcomes Kyle Hinton to Board of Directors
Nonprofit Dispatches
Tom Finds Hope at Guiding Light
Community school coordinators ensure Wyoming families have the food they need
Guiding Light Receives $25,000 Donation from TCF
Comments, like all content, are held to The Rapidian standards of civility and open identity as outlined in our Terms of Use and Values Statement. We reserve the right to remove any content that does not hold to these standards.
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Paganini, Marcelo – 2012 Space Traffic Jam
Produced by: Marcelo Paganini
Label: Independent release
1. Sphinxes of Babel
2. Crying With a Smile
3. Actor
4. Somewhere Somehow
5. Lost Secrets
6. Last BART to San Bruno
7. B4ever Now
8. For Real
9. Can't Autograph Your Mp3
10. 2012 Space Traffic Jam
Marcelo Paganini: Guitar, Keys and Vocals
Gary Husband: Drums
Marc Madore: Bass
Guest musicians:
Eumir Deodato: Keys on tracks 6/7/8
Tony Kaye:Hammond on 4
Billy Sherwood: Bass on 4
With the same last name as Italian composer, violinist and guitarist Niccolo Paganini, expectations would naturally be high for this album by French-Brazilian multi-talent Marcelo Paganini. Dreamed up in 1979, 2012 Space Traffic was almost 35 years in the making, going from a song and idea to a full-fledged album.
The album starts with strange chanting, which set the singing standard for the album, which is sub-standard (the singing). The vocals are not only poorly executed, the vocal melodies also leave a lot to be desired. Sometimes the instrumental sections lead us on a nice progressive, jazz, rock or even slightly classical journey, however the vocal parts ruin the occasionally very strong impression left by the instrumental passages.
Not to be overly negative, I will again mention that some instrumental parts show Paganini as a very talented man, presenting some solid ideas with occasional strong development and flow. Sometimes the playing is a bit over the top and rather defeats the purpose of the strong mood developed earlier, however we can say that of many artists.
With the intermittent strong passages, it saddens me to say that they really aren’t the norm, as Paganini can’t appear to string good segments together, but instead it mostly sounds rather disjointed and very hurried. It’s a helter-skelter ride with a few good ideas that don’t get the proper treatment.
To sum up, I think Paganini should have waited a few more years to release this album and hone his compositions, which are sometimes erratic and hectic, with the production being quite poor as well. It is obvious that Paganini is a very talented man and that talent shines not only through the playing but also through certain sections, however some more thought and effort should have gone into fine-tuning and perfecting these diamonds in the rough.
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News Sports Mesquite Cedar City Life Opinion Obituaries E-Edition Legals
Payzant tops leaderboard, Pine View wins team tourney
Justin Giles
jgiles@thespectrum.com
Heading into Thursday's Region 9 tournament at SunRiver Golf Club, Snow Canyon's Brodey Payzant made sure there wasn't going to be a tie atop the leaderboard.
Although he started out slow, Payzant quickly picked things up to finish at 2-under par — the only player to finish under par on the day.
"I started out slow on the back nine and was sitting at 2-over for a majority of the time," Payzant said. "I got a nice birdie at the end and that really helped carry over to the front nine."
His goal was to get back to even, which he did on the second hole with a birdie putt.
"Seeing the ball go in really got me rolling," Payzant said. "I didn't make any mistakes today and I'm really pleased with my performance today."
For the day, Payzant made five birdies, but even more impressive than that, was his 50-foot putt on the fourth hole.
"Making that was a game changer. It was really more luck than skill," Payzant said.
Although the Warriors finished tied for fourth with Hurricane, the Warriors occupied the top two spots on the leaderboard thanks to Triston Gardner's even-par (71) performance.
After chipping out of the sand trap on the seventh hole, Gardner was faced with a tough 25-foot putt. After taking a deep breathe, Gardner made it look easy as he calmly sank the putt to save par.
The Pine View Panthers had a strong showing and made the biggest jump of the week after finishing fourth at Sunbrook last Thursday.
"Getting a guy like Noah (Schone) back will do that," Pine View golf coach Darrell Larsen said. "He's terrific and we know he's going to do great things every time he steps out onto the course."
Schone, who recently returned from a trip to Alaska, was excited to get back on the course after being away for a while.
"I love playing at SunRiver," he said. "It's one of my favorite courses. I didn't play as well as I would have liked, but it was nice to be able to get the team victory."
Schone shot 1-over par (72) and led the Panthers to a 1-shot victory over Desert Hills.
"I was a little worried about how I would play, but I did well in qualifying and played well today," he said. "I practice a lot SunRiver and that really helped me out today."
It wasn't all Schone, as the Panthers got great performances from Dakota Millard (76), Jaden Milne (77) and Trajen Kidd (77) for the 1-shot victory.
"Everyone played great and it was really fun to watch," Larsen said. "Dakota bounced back and played phenomenal and Jaden and Trajen always play great."
Every team outside of Snow Canyon improved over the past week, but the Hurricane Tigers and Cedar Redmen made the biggest jumps. The Redmen dropped their score from 423 to 363, and Hurricane fired a 311 after last weeks' 347.
"I was really happy about our performance today," Hurricane coach Mark Christensen said. "We know where we sit in region and need to get past Dixie for that fourth and final spot. We were paired up with them today, and I made sure to tell our guys that we needed to play up to their level and to stay with them, and we did that today."
Thomas Christiansen and Christian Morris each fired a 77 and Jack Stevenson and Landon Barker shot 78 and 79 for the Tigers for their best score of the season.
"Last week, Landon Barker didn't even qualify and today, he shot a 78," Christensen said. "To go from that, to shooting such a great score is really impressive. It was great seeing him out and having success."
Desert Hills finished in second place again behind the strong performances of Brad Wade (72), Kammeron Plant' (75) and Blake Amick (76).
Next week's tournament will take place at Green Springs on Tuesday, and will start at 1 p.m.
Follow Justin Giles on Twitter and on Facebook.
Top 10 Individual Scores
Brodey Payzant (Snow Canyon) 69, Triston Gardner (Snow Canyon) 71, Noah Schone (Pine View) 72, Brad Wade (Desert Hills) 72, Kosuke Aoki (Dixie) 73, Pierce Goodwin (Dixie) 73, Blake Amick (Desert Hills) 76, Dakota Millward (Pine View) 76, Jaden Milne (Pine View) 77, Trajen Kidd (Pine View) 77, Thomas Christiansen (Hurricane) 77, Christian Morris (Hurricane) 77.
Final Team Scores
Pine View 302, Desert Hills 303, Dixie 309, Snow Canyon 311, Hurricane 311, Cedar 363
© 2021 www.thespectrum.com. All rights reserved.
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Some of the best NBA Players- Season 2019/2020
The Best NBA Players for the 2019-20 Season
This year’s season, even though it had to undergo an indefinite pause due to the unexpected coronavirus pandemic, was a big season for the NBA, with numerous highly talented players playing for overall great teams, it was progressing to be a very interesting season, with big games and thrilling matchups, thanks to the talent of the following players and lots more. Thanks to a huge number of greatly talented players in all teams, the NBA became the perfect sport for betting, due to a high unpredictability to how games would end. This made betting on players and games in the sport much more thrilling and enjoyable. One can try out betting on the NBA at countless sources, like comeon for example.
Here are some of the best players of the most recent NBA season.
Damian Lillard plays for and leads the Portland Trail Blazers.He is considered a star player even though he always seems to be thought of as a second-tier player, which makes him one of the most underrated players on the list, even though he’s an all round great player.
Russell Westbrook, who plays for the Houston Rockets is definitely another incredible player to watch. Besides the propaganda on whether or not he is a good teammate and helpful to his team, he had made off the charts numbers. He is an overall agile and consistent player.
Paul George, formerly with Oklahoma City, now playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Last year he had finished third in a vote for the most valuable player (MVP). Even though this season wasn’t as special for him as the last one, he still kept his place in the top NBA players in the world.
Joel Embiid, who plays alongside the Philadelphia 76ers is undoubtedly one of if not the best center in the league. He was a candidate for MVP last season after leading the 76ers on an epic playoff run. Overall he is a dominant center on any side of the court and regardless of his health issues is still improving, which should be a scary thought for his opponents.
Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers’ center, holds the throne for the best center in the league. He is one of the league’s most dominant players in all aspects and has a massive drive for success.
Stephen Curry, striker for the golden state warriors, is one of the top scorers in the NBA and he’s a big part of the changing of the guard in the NBA in terms of offense. Curry is likely out for the rest of the season, so any hopes of him going on a crazy MVP run are now dashed.
James Harden, striker for the Houston Rockets, is one of the toughest players to defend against in the NBA. He’s one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA, and it doesn’t seem to matter who is in front of him, Harden can go to the array of tools he has in his repertoire to make life tough on any defender.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who plays along the Milwaukee Bucks, seems to be getting higher and higher on lists like these every single year. He is a special player for his size. He’s fast, athletic, and has the strength of a bull. The only thing he lacks is a solid mid-range shot.
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Clippers vs. Kings, 1/15/21 NBA Fantasy News & Betting Predictions
Clippers vs. Kings Prediction The Clippers opened as 7-point road favorites for Friday night’s matchup with the Sacramento Kings, but Los Angeles is only laying 6 points now at 10:00 p.m. ET. Will...
Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves, 1/15/21 NBA Fantasy News & Betting Predictions
Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves Prediction The Memphis Grizzlies will be in Minnesota on Friday night where they’ll take on the Timberwolves at 8:00 p.m. ET. With the Grizzlies moving from a 3-point...
Hawks vs. Jazz, 1/15/21 NBA Fantasy News & Betting Predictions
Hawks vs. Jazz Friday Prediction The 5-5 Atlanta Hawks visits the 7-4 Utah Jazz on Friday night at 9:00 p.m. ET and are catching six points as a road underdog. With the total also sitting at 224.5...
Warriors vs. Nuggets, 1/14/21 NBA Fantasy News & Betting Predictions
Warriors vs. Nuggets Prediction The Denver Nuggets are now a 5-point home favorite versus the Golden State Warriors, who opened as 5.5-point home dogs. The total, meanwhile, opened at 230.5 but has...
Hornets vs. Raptors, 1/14/21 NBA Fantasy News & Betting Predictions
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It's new repertoire that will attract 21st-century audiences to the concert hall, argues violinist Joel Smirnoff – and string players should be spearheading the revolution
Elliott Carter loved the sound of strings and contributed generously to our repertoire. His sad passing at the age of 104 should re-energise all of us with a devotion to finding the next great string music. The livelihoods of today’s classically trained string players will depend on new repertoire that can touch and reach the searching non-musical citizen of the 21st-century world.
When we speak of the new young audience that we all want, it’s all about the relevance of the work itself in a globalised world. Young people have perennially had original perceptions and we depend upon them for revolution, for innovation, for their propensity to reject, rebel and see things afresh. Perhaps the larger part of our jobs as string players will be finding the new great music that will hit home with the young.
In a media-saturated world, what is the new music that can make us stop and listen carefully, actively and silently to an undeniable message? The presence of Italian gesture in the music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven must have stopped their German-speaking patrons in their tracks, these masters reporting musically on their Italian travels. Nearly all great composers have followed suit, studying and using music from far-off cultures as their fabric.
Today’s string player, armed with instrument, computer and smartphone, is an armchair traveller, capable of exercising a musical wanderlust and curiosity, and potentially using international culture and thought as substance for new expression.
The sound of drawn strings has the ability to slide or glissando like the human voice and a timbre close to that of human speech. The mariachis of Mexico, the erhu playing of China, the violin’s use in classical Indian music and the sound of the Appalachian country fiddle all remind us of our humanity, no insignificant occurrence when cultures mysteriously overlap, sharing a common aural icon. These rivers of lyricism unite our world, linking the sound of the baby crying and the mother singing to the child, and today’s string player has the opportunity to know and utilise these myriad expressions artistically.
It is time for all of us to take responsibility for the repertoire of the 21st century. Historically, violinists such as Joseph Joachim, Samuel Dushkin, Zoltán Székely and Louis Krasner participated in the creation of masterpieces through their willingness to champion young composers. Within the Juilliard Quartet’s history, composers Robert Mann, Claus Adam and Samuel Rhodes informed the group of the composer’s viewpoint during their tenures. As culture is better understood and as barriers between nationality, class and race continue to disintegrate, the barrier between the music of past and present must also be broken. Similarly, today’s string players can participate in creating the new repertoire for this century, either by actively commissioning and performing the music of young composers of quality, or by developing themselves as composers and performing their own works in concert, as was the norm for so many centuries past.
Let us never underestimate the power of stringed instruments: they and their players have at times succeeded in lyrically protesting brutality. It is no coincidence that the 20th century’s greatest composers – Berg, Bartók, Hindemith, Prokofiev and Schoenberg – felt compelled to write violin concertos in the 1930s. These were a clear musical response to Hitler’s rise to power, as the composers tried to describe the alternative of a loving, anti-fascist hero. Stories of the survival of Jewish string players in the Nazi death camps, the wonderful cellist Anita Lasker-Wallfisch among them, continue to conjure a spell-like image. Through the refined, soft sounds of their instruments, they fiercely defended their own humanity and lives: their playing must have had an incredible hold over their captors and torturers.
More than any other instrumentalists, we string players are treasured the world over. We can put listeners in touch with their deepest feelings of humanity: we have a special ability to heal a hurting world and to melt violent hearts. This will be as true in our new emerging global repertoire as it always has been in the past. In a dangerously troubled world, this ability becomes even more relevant and its power more urgently felt.
Opinion: Defining relevance
Classical musicians can feel concerned about their lack of consequence in the ‘real’ world. But, as the pandemic has shown, the art form is needed now more than ever – and it’s up to performers to make the case, writes Andrew Mellor
Opinion: Being conscious
Developing musical potential requires a real sense of critical awareness as students grow, writes cellist Cecilia Radic
Should music tuition revolve around passing exams?
Toby Deller argues that young instrumental players should be inspired by fulfilling experiences
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Real Vocal String Quartet performs an arrangement of ‘Machine’ by Regina Spektor
The Real Vocal String Quartet are one of the featured ensembles in our article 'Gateway to Inspiration', about San Francisco's alternative chamber music scene in the November issue. Here they perform their arrangement of 'Machine' by Regina Spektor.
Read Gateway to Inspiration in The Strad, November 2013. Subscribe to The Strad or download our digital edition as part of a 30-day free trial.
Maxim Vengerov plays Ernst’s Variations on ‘The Last Rose of Summer’
In this video Maxim Vengerov plays Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst’s The Last Rose of Summer - Polyphonic Study no.6, written in 1864. Read: Maxim Vengerov launches new educational website
Video of Leopold Auer and Alexander Glazunov from 1912
This video footage, filmed in St Petersburg in 1912, shows the composer Alexander Glazunov and violinist Leopold Auer standing together. There is also an appearance from the Russian/Soviet pianist Leonid Nikolayev. Read: Leopold Auer profiled in the July 1907 issue of The Strad
Sophie Rosa on recording the world premiere of Montgeroult’s Violin Sonata in A minor Op.2
Violinist Sophie Rosa talks about her new recording, which features the Violin Sonata In A minor, Op.2 No.3 by Hélène de Montgeroult, a French composer who was working around the turn of the 19th century and was the first ever female professor to be appointed at the Paris Conservatoire. ...
Ivry Gitlis performs Berg’s Violin Concerto
Violinist Ivry Gitlis, who died on 24 December 2020 at the age of 98, performs Berg’s 1935 Violin Concerto ’To the Memory of an Angel’ with WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne conducted by Hans Vonk. Read: 8 opinions on performance and career by violinist Ivry Gitlis Read: Ivry ...
Carducci String Quartet plays a Shostakovich string quartet - with drums
The Carducci String Quartet (violinists Matthew Denton and Michelle Fleming, violist Eoin Schmidt-Martin and cellist Emma Denton) plays a new rendition of Shostakovich’s String Quartet No.7, featuring Cristián Tamblay on the drums. Watch: Working from home: Carducci Quartet perform Philip Glass’s String Quartet no.2 Watch: Carducci Quartet performs ...
Bach at the National Palace Museum, Taiwan: highlighting the treasures of 1742
In this video, violinist Paul Huang plays Bach at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Huang says, ‘This video highlights the dialogue between three important subjects: a 1742 Guarneri ’del Gesù’ violin on loan from the Stradivari Society, an extraordinary Vase Within Vase from the Chin Dynasty around 1742 ...
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Get seniors online
Best devices for seniors
Device setup guides
Apps and games for seniors
THE TECH HELPER
THE TECHHELPER
Home Get senior relatives online Best devices for seniors
Setting up an iPad for a senior
A few tweaks can make all the difference when setting up an iPad for a senior
Changing the text size, cleaning up the homescreen and setting up some contacts makes a huge difference
Be sure to also check out our guide to the best iPad accessories for seniors.
How to set up an iPad for a senior
Erase and update your device
Choose your apps
Set up contacts
Home Screen setup
Declutter the dock
The best accessories
Apple’s iPad is (if you can afford it) the best choice for keeping in touch with elderly and untechnical friends and relatives, and there are some simple tips and tricks to setting up an iPad for a senior to make it simple to use.
The iPad is easy to use, has a vast range of apps available and boasts great battery life – along with digital assistant capabilities through Apple’s Siri.
We think Apple’s new 10.2 inch iPad is the best for seniors – read more about why here.
This makes it the perfect device for seniors and anyone who struggles with technology (although there are cheaper alternatives – see here for other options).
If you can, set it it all up beforehand for the your user, even if that means getting it delivered to you, then sending it on once setup is complete.
We’ve also got a guide to setting up an iPhone for a senior, which may be a more affordable option (especially as you probably have older phones lying around). However, the bigger screen of an iPad is often worth paying the extra for.
If you are reusing an old device, there are some limitations – for instance, group FaceTime video is not supported in older devices including anything earlier than the iPhone 6s, iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad mini 4 or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, or iPod touch (7th generation). There’s more information on that here (and some earlier models can join group calls, but only using audio)
The instructions here all relate to the latest version of Apple’s iPad software, known as iPad OS 14so make sure you update the iPad to this. You’ll be getting all the latest security updates and enhancements as well.
Updating is simple, go to Settings > General, then tap software update, and download and install. If you need more help, Apple has an easy to understand guide.
If you’re still struggling, Wikihow has a good guide with easy to follow pictures here.
If you’re reusing an older iPad or iPhone, they also have a guide to wiping it clean of all your own data and settings so you can start with a fresh ‘out of the box’ iPad.
If you hit any problems, AppleInsider has a decent video tutorial explaining all this, and some of the pitfalls here.
It may also be worth disabling the passcode on the iPad, as this can add a layer of complexity for users – instructions for doing that are here.
Be really careful what you download – usually a game or two (Candy Crush or Words With Friends are both hugely popular), a banking app and a videoconferencing app (FaceTime is usually the best option as it’s so simple, and you don’t need to download anything else) and some entertainment apps for TV and films such as Netflix are a good start.
Video and music streaming apps are also a must – and it’s worth taking the time to to set them up with favourite stations, shows and movies.
Messaging is a tricky one, and really depends on the person. Even email can be a step too far for many people – perhaps suggest just using iMessage instead. That said, WhatsApp is very popular, and if you set up a family group, really simple to use.
It’s also worth investigating streaming fitness apps to keep people active. CNET has a good roundup of them here.
The NHS (Britain’s National Health Service) is a goldmine of information and even has its own virtual workouts here. It’s also got a good guide to fitness for seniors here. Healthline also has some senior workouts here.
The National Institutes of Aging in the US also has some great resources, including online workout videos, here.
Grocery shopping is another great use of a tablet at the moment, and you can download and set it up with favourite items already in the app.
Medical apps are also particularly useful, and in particular something like a medication reminder app. Healthline has a list of the best ones here.
If you’re in the UK, then Learn My Way has some great courses for staying healthy online.
Setting up a small number of contacts such as close family and friends is a good idea if you want to set up an iPad for seniors.
It’s also worth calling/messaging each of them, so that when the app is opened, there are messages ready and waiting to restart the conversation.
In iMessage, it’s also worth enabling the Show Contact Photos option so that everyone’s faces in Messages are shown.
USE THE ACCESSIBILITY SETTINGS
Apple has built a whole host of accessibility settings into the iPad, and you can tweak them depending on the needs of the user.
These range from everything from making the text size larger, to voice control.
You can invert colors, reduce white point, enable grayscale, or choose from a range of color filters to support different forms of color blindness or other vision challenges.
Apple has a great, easy to understand overview of all these features, and how to set them up.
To get to the settings, go into the Settings menu on the iPad, the Accessibility.
TWEAK THE TEXT SIZE
The one tweak you’ll almost certainly want to use to set up an iPad for seniors is Display and Text Size, which you can find in the accessibility menu.
There are several options here, from making all the text bold, to making text larger across the system. This is hugely useful, and it’s even worth (if possible) going throughb a few different sizes with your user to find the best one.
If reading the text is still a problem, there are a host of other features you can try, from the built in screen magnifier (Zoom in the accessibility menu) to Speak Screen, which you can use to read your email, iMessages, web pages, and books.
To use this, turn on Speak Screen and swipe down from the top of the screen with two fingers, or just tell Siri to Speak Screen and have all the content on the page read back to you.
If that’s not enough, VoiceOver is a gesture-based screen reader that Apple has developed to let people use an iPad if they can’t see the screen at all.
For more details, Apple has an easy to understand guide.
REARRANGE THE HOME SCREEN
Once you’ve set up the accessibility features and downloaded the apps you need, rearranging the apps on the home screen to keep them to a minimum is critical to set up an iPad for seniors- otherwise it can be too overwhelming to know what to press.
If you’re not sure how to move apps, Apple has a good guide here.
Move everything you don’t need into a folder and move it to the second screen of the homepage to hide it.
On the homescreen, rename the apps to make them simpler if you need to.
Also make sure the most used apps are in the dock so they’re easily accesible.
The dock at the bottom of the screen displays suggested and recent apps along with those that you put there yourself. To make life simpler when you set up an iPad for seniors, disabling the feature is a good idea. Here’s how:
Open the Settings
Tap Multitasking & Dock.
Turn off the toggle for Show Suggested and Recent Apps from green to white.
Apple’s Family Sharing can be a godsend, making it easy for up to six family members to share App Store purchases and Apple subscriptions, including an iCloud storage plan without having to share an Apple ID. You can also set up permissions remotely with Screen Time, and approve spending and downloads.
Apple’s own guide to using it is great, read it here – and predictably they’ve even made a video to explain it.
A stylus can often be a great add on for users who aren’t used to a touchscreen or struggle with one.
While the Apple Pencil is pretty pricey at $99 (and that’s the cheapest version), a lower cost alternative might be worth a look. The Logitech Crayon is a particularly good alternative – it’s a bit thicker and bulkier, making it easier to hold.
It may well also be worth investing in a case and a stand – while iPads are fairly sturdy, they probably will get dropped/knocked over a little.
Amazon has a decent stand that’s really cheap -you can grab one here.
Shop iPad cases with Free Shipping at OtterBox.com!
It’s worth setting up charging points, complete with long cables, not only next to the bed but next to a favourite chair.
The Tech Helper is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Shunning, sinners and excommunication in JW congregations
Downvote (0)
Gnosis Pithos
This appeared in my Youtube for some strange reason. Old news I know but makes a point about shunning.
Social or physical distance?
By Srecko Sostar
In the age of this Corona contagion, the term "social distance" emerged. In recommending how to protect their health against this virus, health care providers have introduced some measures regarding the behavior of people in their interactions with each other. One of them is famous "social distance".
What does it mean first of all to have "social distance" in this Corona context? This means that the physical distance between persons must not be less than 1 meter, or 2 meters or similar. This is actually about physical distance, not social distance. Because, no one forbade people to talk and exchange thoughts. By any means, directly or virtually, using technology.
From this we could conclude that the term/word and the means used to prevent infection is deficient in clarity, is wrong. Having a "social distance" would mean refraining from making intellectual and emotional contact with other people. It would mean that we do not want to talk to them, that we do not want to accept them as people belonging to a particular "social" group. It would mean that don't want to see them, literally and transmitted. Specifically, we see that these disease measures primarily seek to reduce physical contact between people. This is about "close physical contact". Anything less than 6 feet. :))
What is interesting about Corona measures? WTJWorg using both sort of measures to control "disease" inside Organization for very long time, and without possibility to "relax" this measures. With "shunning" policy JW's members using social and physical distance on people who are not JW members any more. That could mean how "Corona" existing constantly inside WTJWorg, long before Wuhan :)).
Should JW's punish, disfellowship, or shun members who disagree with certain teachings?
By Albert Michelson
What is the good news?
The Bible is clear that even if someone had been clearly selected by god if they deviate from the truth they are to be rejected.
Galatians 1:8-9 However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to YOU as good news something beyond what we declared to YOU as good news, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said above, I also now say again, Whoever it is that is declaring to YOU as good news something beyond what YOU accepted, let him be accursed.
This holds even more weight for ones like the GB who are not clearly selected and who's claim to authority rests solely on a demonstrably false interpretation of scripture.
The organization claims that the 1914 teaching is necessary for salvation and even goes as far as to claim that the 1914 teaching is the good news spoken of in the Bible.
*** w67 12/15 pp. 753-754 pars. 3-4 What Now Distinguishes the Good News to Be Preached ***
"What a joy-inspiring addition or enlargement to the good news now to be preached! Now has come the victorious kingdom of our God together with the authority of his Christ, his Messiah! As for Satan the Devil and his demons, they have only a short period of time until they are bound and imprisoned in the abyss after the “war of the great day of God the Almighty” at Armageddon. All this additional wonderful information has been true since the end of the “appointed times of the nations” in 1914, and particularly since World War I closed in the year 1918. Not before the “appointed times of the nations” ended in the fall of 1914 could the good news be preached of the newborn, established heavenly kingdom of God and of his Messiah. This, then, must be the good news that Jesus Christ in his prophecy said had to be preached first in all the nations. (Mark 13:10) This generation of human society that has seen and experienced the world events since the Gentile Times closed in 1914—this is the “generation” that will not pass away until all the things foretold have happened, including the preaching of the good news first in all nations.
4 Jesus’ prophecy in Mark 13:10, “Also, in all the nations the good news has to be preached first,” has not been undergoing fulfillment during the past nineteen centuries. It is only since the second decade of our twentieth century that this prophecy has been undergoing fulfillment. This began to be realized by the International Bible Students Association and the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society since the end of the second decade of our century. In the magazine issue of July 1, 1920, of The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence the article was published entitled “Gospel of the Kingdom” and based on the theme text, “‘And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’—Matthew 24:14.”
It is for this reason that the organization is chained to the 1914 teaching. As the scripture I quoted above demonstrates the Bible says that one who teaches a good news that is false is cursed. If the organization admits that the 1914 and 1919 teachings are false they will have to admit that not only were they not selected as gods channel but that they have been teaching a false good news for the majority of their existence. It is for that reason that they disfellowship and shun people who cannot conscientiously remain in the faith. It's easier to just eliminate the opposition then to actually address the real issues with your theology.
*** w86 4/1 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers ***
Why have Jehovah’s Witnesses disfellowshipped (excommunicated) for apostasy some who still profess belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ?
"Approved association with Jehovah’s Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses. What do such beliefs include?
That the great issue before humankind is the rightfulness of Jehovah’s sovereignty, which is why he has allowed wickedness so long. (Ezekiel 25:17) That Jesus Christ had a prehuman existence and is subordinate to his heavenly Father. (John 14:28) That there is a “faithful and discreet slave” upon earth today ‘entrusted with all of Jesus’ earthly interests,’ which slave is associated with the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Matthew 24:45-47) That 1914 marked the end of the Gentile Times and the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the heavens, as well as the time for Christ’s foretold presence. (Luke 21:7-24; Revelation 11:15–12:10) That only 144,000 Christians will receive the heavenly reward. (Revelation 14:1, 3) That Armageddon, referring to the battle of the great day of God the Almighty, is near. (Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:11-21) That it will be followed by Christ’s Millennial Reign, which will restore an earth-wide paradise. That the first to enjoy it will be the present “great crowd” of Jesus’ “other sheep.”—John 10:16; Revelation 7:9-17; 21:3, 4."
This is supposedly a list of the fundamental doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses that all are required to believe. You will in most cases be disfellowshiped for not believing in one or more of them. Unfortunately the truth is most of them are false.
To all JW Parents: Take Heed.
By Jack Ryan
If the love you have for your children is predicated on their beliefs, you don't love your children you love YOUR beliefs
JW Lawyer on Disfellowshipping and Shunning
Jehovah's Witness Organization Redefines Shunning to Falsely.mp4
Every JW visiting this page should MORALLY comment below and publicly state that this JW Lawyer is LYING through his teeth to the Canadian Supreme Court.
If you don't, YOU participate in this gross sin. Because you ALL KNOW this is a false statement.
Remember as well that this JW Lawyer is also an Officer of the Court.
What the courts do not know is that JW's consider outright lying in court a part of "theocratic warfare" just like Muslims do. So it is a virtue to them.
Hello guest! Please register or sign in (it's free) to view the hidden content. SMH.
Can you spell P-E-R-J-U-R-Y?
Today's 'examining the scriptures daily' : "what if someone close to you has to be disfellowshipped? Would you take decisive action by ceasing to associate with that person?"
"Sunday, December 30
Asa’s heart was complete with Jehovah all his life.—1 Ki. 15:14.
Each of us can examine his heart to see if it is fully devoted to God. Ask yourself, ‘Am I determined to please Jehovah, to defend true worship, and to protect his people from any corrupting influence?’ For example, what if someone close to you has to be disfellowshipped? Would you take decisive action by ceasing to associate with that person? What would your heart move you to do? Like Asa, you can show that you have a complete heart by fully relying on God when you are faced with opposition, even some that may seem insurmountable. You may be teased or ridiculed at school for taking a stand as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Or colleagues at work may taunt you for taking days off for spiritual activities or for not often working overtime. In such situations, pray to God, just as Asa did. (2 Chron. 14:11) Remain firm for what you know is right and wise. Remember that God strengthened and helped Asa, and He will strengthen you.
w17.03 3:6-8 "
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1987 Disfellowshipping Case - Paul v. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York Inc
This was a case where in June 1987, the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld the Witnesses' right to shun those who fail to live by the group's standards and doctrines, upholding the ruling of a lower court.
Hello guest! Please register or sign in (it's free) to view the hidden content. Has there been any cases after this, where DF cases went to court? Have there been cases in other countries were DF decisions were challenged and reversed?
DID ANYONE SEE THE A&E SPECIAL "AFTERMATH: JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES" ON CABLE TV ?
By James Thomas Rook Jr.
Here in the United States we have Cable TV with such things as "History Channel", "Discovery Channel", "Scifi Channel", and "A&E" the "Arts and Entertainment Channel". Apparently around November 13 of this year they had a famous (?) TV star, Leah Remini, who had been a Scientologist since she was eight years old turn Apostate, and she has done at least two TV seasons exposing the ills of the Church of Scientology", do an Expose' of Jehovah's Witnesses.
I do not watch TV as a rule, and missed it, and I spent a few days looking for it and trying to download a copy. It was not on YouTube, but I did find it under "Aftermath Jehovah's Witnesses" on the Russian equivalent of YouTube, "Rutube.ru". It would not download with my usual download software, so I had to find a free screen capture software, which took about four hours to get the settings just right, and I was able to download the two hour program from my monitor, as it was playing.
Therefore, I watched the TV program three times, as I experimented with the settings to get a good screen copy to my hard drive..
I could see both sides of the program viewpoints presented, and did not find us to be misrepresented in any way whatsoever ... but if there was EVER a clear example of the Law of Unintended Consequences, the horror the Governing Body has caused in disfellowshipping the way that it is currently done ... by ripping families apart, and creating irreparable damage that can never be corrected with reinstatement, was chilling, and puts us in the same class as Scientologists ... which completely disregarding the horror and hardsip, and cruelty without any mercy whatsoever it creates locally, shames Jehovah's Name and Reputation over the whole planet.
I don't believe there is anything a local Jehovah's Witness could do ... rob a bank ... have a harem ... have sex with horses ... etc., ad nauseum ... that would besmirch Jehovah's name and reputation globally as much as our current blatantly cruel public policies of destroying whole families for the sins of one person.
I am very glad to have the education I have to know that the TRUTH is still the truth .... even though the 85% drivel has rotted and fermented into rotten sewage.
Most JWs do NOT have this educational advantage ... so their lives are permanently destroyed.
I don't expect much from people, and almost NOTHING from groups of people .... so for me, like getting one of those great salads at the Olive Garden Restaurant, and finding a big chunk of solid sewage in it ... I hold my nose, and eat around it.
This TV Special is global news .... what could I possibly say to the average person that would clear the Name of God, that the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, NOT THE TELEVISION PROGRAM, has corrupted by its Pharisaic policies that have real world consequences?
The exact same thing happened in ancient Israel, and a system that God blessed and supported for a thousand years and more was abandoned by God.
The exact same thing.
My mom asked to see my kids, says she misses them very much. I asked if she was still shunning me...
via cpjay
Loyally Uphold Jehovah’s Judgments
from 2016 the year that they started the return to Jehovah brochure.
Jehovah’s Witnesses applaud 10 year old girl for shunning her sister
a heartbreaking video has emerged online showing how far reaching and deeply ingrained this shunning policy is; a video showing JehovahÂ’s Witnesses clapping in applause as a little girl announces she is shunning her own sister.
Little Melody, and the sister she doesnÂ’t have.
The incident appears to take place at one of this years Watchtower conventions. The video was posted on youtube by the girls parents, apprently eager to share with the world how they had trained one of their children to pretend her sister didnÂ’t exist purely on the basis of religious dogma.
The video was comment-protected once viewers began expressing concern and displeasure at what they saw, but at the time of writing the video itself is still live and can be viewed below on the family’s youtube page. (EDIT 11/09/2017 – The video has been removed, but we have linked to an alternate site which has a copy)
t shows a little girl called Melody. She is ten years old, and was apparently baptised when she was 9. This means that Melody is now committed to the religion for life, and will be shunned if she ever leaves, or “unrepentantly” breaks any of its vast array of detailed rules.
During the interview, Melody explains that she has a sister who was “disfellowshipped,” which is the Witness term for one who is excommunicated; someone who was thrown out of the faith rather than leaving of their own accord. We are not told the reason for the disfellowshipping, but one can be subjected to it for a wide range of reasons such as pre-marital sex, celebrating Christmas or birthdays, voting, taking a blood transfusion, joining the military, or simply questioning any of the doctrines of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Melody states that her sister was trying to contact her, and asking her to stay in contact despite Watchtower decreeing that she be shunned. Remember, MelodyÂ’s sister has probably lost all her family and friends at this point; everyone she ever knew and loved.
Melody admits that she misses and loves her sister, but states that she was afraid that if she didnÂ’t cut her sister off completely, she might be tempted to keep some form of relationship going. Thus, she has decided to shun her completely, as Watchtower demands. She claims that this was to protect her relationship with Jehovah.
The audience of JehovahÂ’s Witnesses watching this announcement applaud.
Sam Herd Compares Shunning your own Children to Casting out Demons.
This comes from the final talk at the Birmingham, AL Convention. Herd talks kind of low and there is some background noise, so here is a transcript starting at about 1:25.
I thought this was interesting because it doesn't appear to be in the talk outline. Admittedly, I just skimmed through the outline quickly, so it might be in there. Either way, there is something twisted about comparing the shunning of children to casting out demons from heaven.
Edit: For those wondering, this talk is from August 5. The part before when the transcript starts is Herd talking about King Asa removing his grandmother from her position.
JW.org Shun Glasses - Don't Leave Home Without Them!
What being shunned as a JW feels like
Dr. Phil on Jehovah's Witnesses
JW Triple murder-suicide shatters quiet of Keego Harbor
Hello guest! Please register or sign in (it's free) to view the hidden content. Updated 6:11 p.m. ET Feb. 16, 2018 Keego Harbor — A quiet residential street became a horrific crime scene Friday with news that four people — a couple and their adult children — died in what police are describing as a triple murder-suicide.
By late afternoon, some yellow police crime scene tape remained around the two-story wood frame bungalow in the 2300 block of Cass Lake Road where police were sent about 8:10 a.m. on a welfare check after a relative became worried about the family, Keego Harbor Police Chief John Fitzgerald said.
One of four bodies is removed from the home of the 2300 block of Cass Lake Road. (Photo: Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News)
“A relative had concerns and asked us to look into it,” said Fitzgerald. “It’s tragic and our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”
Inside the house officers found four bodies who neighbors identified as Daniel Stuart, 47, his wife, Lauren, 45, and their children, Bethany, 24, and Steven, 27.
Fitzgerald said the “perpetrator” was among the dead but would not provide details other than to stress “we think we know what happened here and there is no danger to neighbors.”
Fitzgerald said police have recovered what is believed to be the murder weapon but would not elaborate. He said all the deaths remain under investigation.
Keego Harbor Police Chief John Fitzgerald briefs the media on the murder-suicide. (Photo: Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News)
Neighbors John and Jackie Tristani said they awoke Friday to learn police were outside the victimsÂ’ home.
“My son said police were repeatedly calling out ‘Lauren, come outside,’ " said John Tristani. “When she didn’t respond they (police) went inside. A few minutes later, they came back outside, shaking their heads.”
Tristani said he had been watching television late Thursday night and never heard anything from the Stuarts' home.
Sources close to the investigation said the family pet, a dog, was also slain by the killer. Investigators also found a note which may help explain what led up to the deaths. They would not discuss its contents.
The deaths puzzle the Tristanis, who knew Lauren Stuart as a “hard-working” neighbor who could often be seen working in her yard and remodeled the house largely on her own.
“She would often come over and borrow tools – a saw, a pickaxe – whatever,” said Tristani. “She was always doing something.”
The Tristanis said in one of their first meetings with Lauren Stuart a few years ago she attempted to “recruit” them into the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
“I said we were Catholics and weren’t interested,” he said. “She accepted the answer and it was the end of that.”
Lauren Stuart worked at an area gym, he said, and her husband was involved in some form of medical business in the Ann Arbor area.
Darlene and Dennis Buck, who live a block away on Cass Lake Road, said they were enroute home from a trip to northern Michigan when they learned of the murder-suicide.
“We have lived here since ’74 and nothing like this has ever happened in our neighborhood — not even close,” said Darlene Buck.
Jackie Tristani said she found it all “scary” – not just the deaths but that something might have been going on in a neighbor’s home without her knowledge. She had tried to get Bethany a job at her workplace and her son knew both Bethany and Steven. There was never any mention or indication of trouble inside the home, she said.
“I would hope that if there was a problem inside there someone would have reached out, we would have tried to help,” she said, her voice quaking. “Maybe we could have done something.
“But you never really know everything there is about your neighbors, do you?”
Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses break silence on shunning: 'My mother treats me like I'm dead'
By Witness
“JehovahÂ’s Witness kids grow up knowing that if they ever mess up, their parents will leave them — and thatÂ’s scary,” Sawyer, now 38, said in a recent interview from her home in Pascagoula, Miss. “The shunning is supposed to make us miss them so much that weÂ’ll come back. Â… It didnÂ’t work.”
Sawyer and many others like her are now denouncing the church's shunning practices in the wake of a recent murder-suicide in Keego Harbor that killed a family of four ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses who were ostracized after leaving the faith. The deaths sparked outrage among scores of ex-JWs nationwide who took to Facebook, online forums, blogs and YouTube, arguing the tragedy highlights a pervasive yet rarely-publicized problem within the church: Shunning is pushing the most vulnerable people over the edge, they say, and tearing families apart.
In the Michigan case, a distraught mother shot and killed her husband, her two grown children and herself in their Keego Harbor home, shocking the small and quiet Oakland County community.
The shooter was Lauren Stuart, a part-time model and personal trainer who struggled with depression and spent much of her time working on her house, her friends say. She and her husband, Daniel Stuart, 47, left the JW faith more than a decade ago over doctrinal and social issues. Among them was their desire to send their kids to college, which many ex-JWs say is frowned upon by the church and viewed as spiritually dangerous.
“University and college campuses are notorious for bad behavior — drug and alcohol abuse, immorality, cheating, hazing, and the list goes on,” a 2005 article in the Watchtower, the church's official publication, stated.
But the Stuarts sent both their kids to college: Steven, 27, excelled in computers, just like his father, who was a data solutions architect for the University of Michigan Medical School. Bethany, 24, thrived in art and graphic design.  After the parents left the faith, the Stuarts were ostracized by the Kingdom Hall — the churches where Jehovah's Witnesses worship — community in Union Lake and their families, friends said.
Lauren Stuart, whose mother died of cancer when she was 12, struggled with mental illness that went untreated; isolation and fears that the end was near, said friends and officials familiar with the case. One friend who requested anonymity said she believes the killing was the result of depression, not religion.
"This is a tragedy that has to do with a disease. Depression is so prevalent, and when it goes untreated this is what happens," the friend said. "She needed medical help."
Longtime family friend Joyce Taylor believes depression, shunning and religion-based doomsday fears all played a role. She said that about six weeks before the killings, Lauren started getting religiously preoccupied and telling her "'It's the end times, I know it is.'"
Weeks later, Taylor saw her friend again. Lauren had a vacant look in her eyes. She was emotionally distressed.
A week later, with her home decorated for Valentine's Day, Lauren Stuart killed her family. She left behind a suicide note.
"She said in the suicide note that she felt that by killing them it was the only way to save them," recalled Taylor, who said police let her read the letter. "She said she's sorry that she has to do this, but it was the only way to save them all."Â
Taylor, a former Jehovah's Witness herself who left the faith in 1986, explained: "Jehovah's Witnesses believe that if you die on this side of Armageddon, you'll be resurrected in paradise."
In Lauren Stuart's case, Taylor believes her friend never deprogrammed after leaving the church — a state she describes as  "physically out, but mentally in." She believes that Lauren's indoctrinated doomsday fears never left her, and that the shunning helped push her over the edge.
Had she not been excommunicated by her tight-knit community that was once her entire support system — left with no one to share her fears with — Lauren Stuart may not have done what she did, Taylor believes.
"People do things when they are desperate," Taylor said. "And that was an extreme, desperate act."
Shunning "can lead to great trauma among people because the Jehovah's Witnesses are a very tight-knit community," said Mathew Schmalz, a religious studies associate professor at the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.
"If you're separated out, you're really left to your own devices in ways that are very challenging and very painful," Schmalz said. "Once you leave a group that's been your whole life — letting that go is a kind of death."
Police have not yet disclosed details about the death of the Stuart family besides calling it a murder-suicide.
The tragedy has emboldened many once-quiet ex-JWs to speak up. Many say they suffered quietly on their own for years until they discovered an online community full of isolated, ostracized people like themselves — people who had lost someone to suicide or attempted suicide themselves because their families, friends and church community had written them off for making mistakes, for being human.Â
The church calls it being "disfellowshipped." Members can return if they repent, change the behavior and prove themselves worthy of being reinstated. But unless or until that happens, members are encouraged to avoid the sinners, especially those who leave the faith.
Mothers go years, even decades, without talking to their children. Siblings write off siblings. Friends shun friends.
An estimated 70,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses are disfellowshipped every year — roughly 1% of the church’s total population, according to data published by the Watchtower. Their names are published at local Kingdom Halls. Of those, two-thirds never return.
Within a faith representing 8.4 million people worldwide, however, many members believe the religion is pure, good and loving. Those who are speaking against it, current members argue, are disgruntled and angry people who have an ax to grind because they were disfellowshipped. Or, they are lost souls who have misinterpreted the meaning and love behind the faith. Members say they believe the shunning accusations are exaggerated and that the suicides are often more about mental illness than ostracism.
The departed disagree. Â
In the world of ex-JehovahÂ’s Witnesses, they maintain, the shunned are considered dead to their families, just like the suicide victims.Â
These are their stories:
‘A dangerous cult’
It was a difficult conversation to wrap her 8-year-old brain around.
“‘You know your sister was being bad, right?’“ Sawyer recalled her mother telling her after her sister's suicide.
“ ‘And what she did was stupid, right?’ … To take your own life is very wrong,' " the mother continued.
“I didn’t understand what was going on … and I said, ‘Oh. OK,,’ “ recalled Sawyer. “In my 8-year-old brain I was thinking, ‘When I mess up, my mom’s going to hate me.’ "
And so began her painful journey with the JehovahÂ’s Witness faith, the religion she was born into and grew up in in Pascagoula, Miss., where her fears of abandonment took hold at the age of 8.Â
Sawyer believes the shunning drove her sister to suicide. After the church disfellowshipped her for getting engaged to a non-JW, the fiancé left her sister, who was thrown into depression. Her sister tried turning to her mother for consolation, but her mom would read scripture and tell her, "until you start acting right, you’re going to have these bad things happen to you.“
Bad things happened to Sawyer, too. At 30, she sought a divorce from her husband because he was abusive and cheating on her, she said. But the church elders and family pressured her to save her marriage.
“I showed them the holes in my walls,” Sawyer said, referring to the damage her ex-husband did to the home during fights. “They told me to pray more … and sent me back home to him.”
Sawyer took up smoking to handle the stress, which got her disfellowshipped because smoking is not allowed. She also went through with the divorce. She ended up losing her home to foreclosure and turned to her mother for help as she had two children to raise.
 Her mother took her in temporarily, but when the church elders found out, they threatened to disfellowship SawyerÂ’s mother — who let the grandkids stay, but not the daughter.Â
Sawyer ended up homeless for six months, living out of her car in a community college parking lot. She landed on her feet with the help of a student loan. She got an apartment, a job as a hospice nurse and her children — now 10 and 18 — back. She found herself, but lost her family along the way.
Her mother doesnÂ’t speak to her; she said she canÂ’t recall the last time they spoke.
Her sister in Alabama hasnÂ’t spoken to her since Sawyer got divorced in 2010.
“She was on my porch, with my parents … My sister looked at me and said, ‘You’re abandoning me just like Donna did’ And left. And that's the last thing she ever said to me."
Sawyer has kept silent about her pain for decades.
“This is a dangerous cult,” she said of her former religion. “ItÂ’s important for people to realize —  this is serious.”Â
Read the rest of the story here:
How Common is Shunning?
By Guest Kurt
Is Shunning a Violation of Human Rights?
There is a quote routinely parroted by apostates accusing our organization of "violating" human rights when former members are shunned. Here is the quote they use from Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance." - Emphasis Ours.
Basically, they claim that somehow shunning violates their freedom of conscience, thought, and religion. Let us briefly examine why shunning in the way Jehovah's Witnesses practice it does not violate human rights, or Article 18.
Understanding Article 18
To understand if shunning is a violation of Article 18, ask yourself these questions if your association with Jehovah's Witnesses has ended:
"How is shunning preventing me from exercising my freedom of thought and conscience?"
"How is shunning preventing me from joining another religion?"
"How is shunning preventing me from expressing or manifesting my beliefs, religious or otherwise, in public or in private"?
Answering these questions honestly should lead you to the proper conclusion.
Diversionary Propaganda
The only time shunning runs afoul of human rights is when a group uses it to have an effect outside of its own membership. For example, if a group uses it to inflict financial harm or harassment through isolation, calling their employer, blacklisting them with businesses, spreading false rumors, threatening lawsuits or calling the police on them with anonymous phone calls, then it can conflict with human rights. However, former Witnesses have the same freedoms and powers as non-members of civil society. They can join another religion, freely express their opposing views with the public at large, and retain or acquire employment. In fact, once they leave, we have no interest in or concern with them whatsoever. (Heb 6:4-6)
Another factor to consider is that if a person makes it officially known verbally or in writing that he or she no longer wants to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses, they are shunning us, rather than us shunning them. We are obligated to honor this official declaration. Since we did not initiate such action, we cannot be accused of violating their human rights.
But opposers never present that side. Instead, they focus on the possible effects of shunning in an attempt to distract you from the facts and manipulate how others perceive us. They use emotive, non-neutral language such as: "it breaks up families", "separates children from parents", and "causes emotional torture". While that may happen on the rare, extreme end, those are unintended consequences. How does shunning one member break up an entire family? It does not unless that member is permitted to poison other members against each other.
Thus if they stick to shunning, it actually prevents family break-ups, as only an apostate's divisiveness and disregard of the shunning arrangement can cause friction in a family. How does it separate children from parents? Former members try to make it look like we kick under-aged children out of our homes, but that is a lie. Since the 1950's, we have made it clear that parents must take care of their children until they are adults by the law of the land, regardless of shunning. (De 6:6, 7; Pr 19:18; 22:6 ;Eph 6:4) Thus only adults are shunned by their parents. Inversely, children of disfellowshipped parents are expected to remain in subjection to their parents until they come of legal age to leave, so long as they are not asked to violate God's word or endanger their lives or their salvation. (Acts 5;29; Col 3:20)
How does it cause emotional torture? It does not. "Torture" implies intent. The only intent to torture emotionally is by the shunned individual when they keep trying to contact their families, knowing the pain they are causing, not only to their families. but to themselves. If they left their families alone, there would be no torture.
Our beliefs and practices Hello guest! Please register or sign in (it's free) to view the hidden content. before they join. And just because one finds an experience traumatic, that is not necessarily a violation of human rights. For example, to some people, being kicked off a sports team is traumatic, but that does not mean their human rights have been violated. The team's coach has a right to choose who gets to be part of the team.
If you breach company policy and are fired from your job as a result, and you are no longer allowed onto the property, is that a violation of your human rights? Are you somehow being tortured? Just because it is painful does not make it torture.
A person can file a restraining order against a family member, does that mean the person is torturing the family member? Of course not. Just think about why the person needed to file the restraining order in the first place. It is because the family member was either physically dangerous or was harrassing them. We shun in order to keep ones from posing a spiritual danger and because those who leave often try to harass those who stay. It takes only a single internet search to verify this in the thousands of pages posted by our apostates.
The Courts Have Spoken
Though there is no clear violation of human rights, this did not stop Janice Paul from trying to sue us in the United States over the issue of shunning. In 1987, the US Court of Appeals for the 9th District upheld the Witnesses right to shun those who fail to live by the organization's standards and doctrines, upholding the ruling of the lower court. Hello guest! Please register or sign in (it's free) to view the hidden content.
"Shunning is a practice engaged in by Jehovah's Witnesses pursuant to their interpretation of canonical text, and we are not free to reinterpret that text. . . . We find the practice of shunning not to constitute a sufficient threat to the peace, safety, or morality of the community as to warrant state intervention. . . . the defendants are entitled to the free exercise of their religious beliefs. . . Although we recognize that the harms suffered by Janice Paul are real and not insubstantial, permitting her to recover for intangible or emotional injuries would unconstitutionally restrict the Jehovah's Witnesses free exercise of religion" - Emphasis Ours.
We do not take the difficulties related to shunning lightly, and that is why we offer Witnesses who may be thinking of leaving, or those who break Bible principles, every opportunity to remain in the fold and offer them assistance in dealing with whatever issue they have. But at the end of the day, it is up to them to accept it.
As to the general accusation that Witnesses "break up families", the ECHR (European Court of Human Rights) Hello guest! Please register or sign in (it's free) to view the hidden content. :
. . . that non-Witness family members often cause conflict by refusing “to accept and to respect their religious relative’s freedom to manifest and practise his or her religion.” - Emphasis ours.
Shunning is a free practice of our religious beliefs as well. As the ECHR stated, it is not so much about the belief itself, its more about respecting our rights to practice them, whether you agree with them or not.
Accept the Consequences
What this really amounts to is the disfellowshipped person's refusal to accept the consequences of their actions. Since they cannot openly dissent against the leadership and live their lives apart from Bible principles while maintaining active membership, they claim that removing them to protect the congregation from their influence is violating their conscience and freedom. However, before becoming a Witness, they agreed to live by the tenets of our beliefs and they agreed to accept the consequences of not doing so. We have the right to decide who can or cannot remain members. Neither the public at large nor former members have the right to tell us who can be members or whether we must communicate with them. That is our choice, not theirs.
Melody's Interview at 2017 "Don't Give Up" Regional Convention".
Last year my wife and I attended an Assembly in Orangeburg, SC, where a brother in an interview on stage was proud that he had not said a single word to his disfellowshipped father in over 20 years. We were sitting up close and could see his face in person, and on the large monitors. His declaration of cruelty was followed by intense applause from the audience.
We were stunned and horrified.
This video was originally posted on YOUTUBE by the mother of Melody, at a Regional 2017 Convention where she is proud of having shunned her sister, who is disfellowshipped, but many adverse comments on YOUTUBE made her ashamed ..... and she took the posting down.
I got this video copy from the Russian equivalent of YOUTUBE web site, RUTUBE.COM.
After she details her cruelty to her sister, the audience reaction is vigorous applause.
THIS IS WHY the Russian government and most of the people HATE Jehovah's Witnesses.
Oblivious, clueless, extreme cruelty, in the name of righteousness.
Melody's interview @ the Regional Convention 2017 _Don't Give Up_.mp4
The ex-Jehovah's Witnesses shunned by their families (BBC report)
By Outta Here
Hello guest! Please register or sign in (it's free) to view the hidden content. Even the highly regarded BBC cannot resist the temptation to indulge in gutter-press standard reporting when it comes to Jehovah's Witnesses.
This report on the Jehovah's Witnesses disfellowshipping process is rather misleading. It associates the disfellowshipping action with totally unrelated experiences and leaves the impression that this action is taken:
1. when a person leaves an abusive relationship
2: when a person does not attend the annual memorial celebration of Christ's death.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Even the most inexperienced researcher could easily find out the circumstances leading to this serious and scriptural measure by looking at
It is unlikely that the interviewees would reveal the real reason for their disfellowshipping which would probably cause personal embarrassment, and there is no way that the official organisation would comment or reveal the details of an individual case.
Did Christians in the 1st century disfellowship / shun wrongdoers?
By Guest Nicole
What were Jesus’ instructions regarding shunning wrongdoers (disfellowshipping)?
Shunning the Disassociated
"Why is it necessary, when someone feels that they can no longer abide the organisation and has to disassociate - why is it necessary to shun them? Why can't they keep having social contact
with those people who happen to remain in the organisation?"
- Australian Royal Commission to Jehovah's Witnesses
Do Jehovahs Witnesses shun Child Victims of Sexual Abuse
By INTREPID TRAVELLER
On the 10th of this month, the Australia Royal Commission held Case 54 which was a review of the responses of Jehovah’s Witnesses to the Commission’s findings. The representatives from the Australia branch swore on the Bible “to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth”. Did they comply with this solemn oath before God? You be the judge after watching this video:
Sometimes Your Best Option is to Hit the Reset Button
By TrueTomHarley
There are quite a few of them out there – some shunned, some not. Some go online. They’re not necessarily wrong as they relate their experiences and viewpoints. Some have had run-ins with Tom Pearlsnswine, who never met a fly he didn’t counsel. Some caught the consumer mentality of religion and could “no more imagine a church disciplining them than they could a store that sells goods disciplining them. It is not the place of the seller to discipline the consumer.” Others lost their balance as standards of child-rearing veered more sharply than ever before. ‘If you kids don’t stop crying, I’ll give you something to cry about!’ my non-Witness Dad would holler, a phrase that was no idle threat – every child knew that phrase, as they did “I’ll kill you for that!” It was a commonplace ‘threat’ bestowed almost lovingly on a mischievous child – I can’t tell you how many times my mother said it to me - but the deed itself was rare. Today the deed is commonplace but you’ll have to explain your words before the judge. Lightning-like shifts in morals and mores caught youngsters and parents alike flatfooted. Besides – let’s face it – a lot of Jehovah’s Witnesses are nuts. Probably in no greater proportion than the world in general and certainly without the baggage of violence that can so easily attach itself to non-Witness nuts, but that doesn’t mean they’re not nuts. Sometimes your best option is to hit the reset button.
From:Hello guest! Please register or sign in (it's free) to view the hidden content.
Shun your inactive family members and report them if you suspect they are sinning
Why such blatant hypocrisy?
I was reading this week's study article on remaining loyal to Jah. Found an interesting contradiction on shunning. They cite two experiences. In one a JW shuns her mom and her example is posted as a positive one of someone doing the right thing. The second example however of a JW being shunned by his non-JW family is labeled as an injustice. Here's first one:
So, the example above demonstrates the supposed loyal faith of a daughter that refused to talk to the woman that gave birth to her, raised her and surely sacrificed so much for her. This, the Watchtower claims, is an example of love and loyalty. Now let's see the second example cited in the same article in a latter paragraph:
In this example, the non-JW family members were cruel, because they "opposed his association" and "forbid him to visit them for years". Yet, isn't this exactly what the JW daughter from the first experience was doing to her mother? only in reverse?
- Sanchy
Disfellowshipping (Shunning) - Soon to be discontinued?
Hello guest! Please register or sign in (it's free) to view the hidden content. When I compare that official quote with the following official headline:
http://www.jw-archive.org/post/117601618528/disfellowshipping-arrangement-has-changed
I get the idea that JW.org will soon stop the practice of shunning former believers into compliance.
How much time until this new light comes out..... I'm not sure.
Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don't: Religious Shunning and the free exercise clause
The following link is to a PDF file found on the Penn Law Legal Scholarship Repository website.
" The Penn Law Legal Scholarship Repository is the institutional repository of the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Its purpose is to collect and preserve the scholarly output of Penn Law. "
Hello guest! Please register or sign in (it's free) to view the hidden content. Please share any thoughts you have on the reasoning used in this document.
If you don't trust my link, which would be fair enough, simply Google the following search term as I write it:
'religious shunning tax exempt'
It should be the very first page that comes up.
REINSTATEMENT No3
By Γιαννης Διαμαντιδης
Because my question became argument for out of topic subjects I would like to refine this question: why someone who disfellowshipped for a reason that no longer exist must come back to the congregation ask for forgiveness and wait some time to be reinstated? I will give you the reason of the offense, because I am sure you will not understand me otherwise. There is this brother called Kotsos a Greek brother (and later immigrant in Germany because he lost his job here) who needed kidney transplant around 1975 and in 1978 had been disfellowshiped for making the kidney transplant. Around 1985 he came back to the congregation and the elders did not accept him without some kind of punishment ( by punishment I mean to come for some time in the congregation nobody to talk to him so he will show remorse for his action). There are also other examples too. In the Greek Watchtower of 1970 page 766 we read about a homosexual brother who disfellowshipped for 3 years in advance. So in that 3 years he had no right to repent !!!
Micael Frost 6
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Joined: July 11, 2019
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Joined: September 22, 2020
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MARKET REPORT: Covid-hit events organiser Hyve Group is buzzing again as it says things can only get better in 2021
By Francesca Washtell For The Daily Mail
Conferences and big international trade shows seem like a strange concept in the Covid era.
Travel restrictions and rules on the number of people who can meet indoors, even when not in full-blown lockdown, have blighted events organisers this year.
They have been some of the worst-hit companies on the stock market - and the outlook still doesn’t look promising.
No show: Travel restrictions and rules on the number of people who can meet indoors, even when not in full-blown lockdown, have blighted events organisers this year
But Hyve Group was the highest riser across the FTSE All-Share index yesterday, despite admitting that 2021 could still be tough.
Hyve runs some of the biggest business events in the world including one of the mining industry’s key meet-ups, called Indaba, in Cape Town.
Topps Tiles slips to a loss due to forced shop closures but... Rivals circle ruins of Arcadia after collapse as... Landlords set to challenge Caffe Nero rescue deal in court... UK hit harder by Covid than any other developed economy...
And it shelled out £110million a year ago to buy Shoptalk and Groceryshop, two glitzy retail expos held in Las Vegas.
But the pandemic ultimately sent it spiralling to a £313million loss in the year to September after revenues more than halved to £105million.
Stock Watch - Metal Tiger
Mining investment group Metal Tiger shot higher after a company they have a stake in decided to spend £194million to pursue a new project in Botswana.
Sandfire Resources will develop an area, that studies show holds promising amounts of copper and silver, on a copper belt that runs through the Kalahari Desert.
Sandfire reckons it could generate an extra £1.8billion in revenue over the mine’s lifespan. Shares jumped 8.1 per cent, or 2.05p, to 27.3p.
<!- - ad: https://mads.dailymail.co.uk/v6/us/money/moneymarkets/article/other/mpu_factbox.html - ->
Hyve is working on the assumption that events in China, Russia, Ukraine and Turkey will be able to go ahead in 2021 - albeit smaller and with fewer international travellers - and to slowly restart in the West as vaccinations are rolled out.
For this, it’s taken a £263million writedown - but there is also the chance that its worst-case scenario where no events restart in Europe and the US could still play out.
Either way, Hyve reckons the only way is up from here and investors piled in following the results announcement, with shares surging 18 per cent, or 15p, to 98p.
The wider market also kicked off December with a bang - which investors will be hoping was the start of a so-called ‘Santa rally’ in the run-up to Christmas.
The FTSE 100 rose 1.9 per cent, or 118.54 points, to 6384.73, after clocking up its best month in 31 years in November, while the FTSE 250 rose 2.6 per cent, or 508.49 points, to 19844.81.
Housebuilders were among the top risers after a Nationwide survey reported house price growth rocket by 6.5 per cent in November compared with 2019.
Taylor Wimpey rose 7.9 per cent, or 12.1p, to 166.1p, Persimmon by 6.9 per cent, or 183p, to 2839p, and Barratt Developments closed 5.8 per cent higher, up 35.8p, to 655.8p.
Royal Dutch Shell (up 2.8 per cent, or 34.2p, to 1268.4p) made gains, brushing off environmental activists taking the oil major to court in Netherlands to demand it drastically reduce its oil and gas production to help stop climate change.
Gold miners also supported the two major indexes after prices of the yellow metal rebounded from some of the sharpest drops in years.
Spot gold - the price you would pay for an ounce upfront - was up 2 per cent at $1,810 per ounce last night, putting a fire under shares in Fresnillo (up 5.9 per cent, or 62.5p, to 1115p), Hochschild Mining (up 8.1 per cent, or 17.2p, to 229.8p) and Petropavlovsk (up 7.1 per cent, or 2p, to 29.4p).
As well as being buoyed by prices, Russian gold miner Polymetal rose 4.7 per cent, or 73.5p, to 1635.5p, after it put £375,000 into a joint venture that will explore for copper and gold in the upper reaches of Siberia.
Closer to home, AIM-listed gold explorer Scotgold celebrated pouring its first commercially produced gold on Monday, which was St Andrew’s Day.
AIM-listed Scotgold has started the country’s first gold mine, Cononish, in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
But shares dropped 3 per cent, or 3.5p, to 115p.
Elsewhere, the market saw more dealmaking, which has picked up in recent months.
Mid-cap Grafton Group was a hit with shareholders after it snapped up a bespoke wooden staircase maker, Stairbox, for £44million.
This will help it capitalise even more in the house renovation boom that started during the first lockdown.
Shares in the building materials supplier and DIY retailer rose 5.6 per cent, or 48p, to 899.5p.
And sweetener-maker Tate & Lyle bought stevia group Sweet Green Fields for an undisclosed amount, sending its shares 2.5 per cent higher, up 16p, to 653.8p.
MARKET REPORT: Hyve Group buzzing as it says 2021 can only be better
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Grandview Heights Roundup: Day propels boys soccer team to state semifinal
SCOTT HENNEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM @ThisWeekHennen
Nov 5, 2018 at 2:35 PM Nov 5, 2018 at 4:27 PM
Manny Day almost single-handedly carried the Grandview Heights High School boys soccer team to its second consecutive Division III regional championship.
The senior forward totaled nine goals in two regional contests, leading the fifth-ranked Bobcats into a state semifinal against third-ranked Miamisburg Dayton Christian on Nov. 7 at London.
Day entered the state semifinal with 48 goals on the season.
"I am locked in right now," he said. "At the beginning of the season I felt like this, but then in the middle, I was kind of out of rhythm. I have been pretty mentally focused over the past few weeks."
The semifinal winner plays eighth-ranked Archbold or Kirtland in the state final Saturday, Nov. 10, at Mapfre Stadium. Archbold was 20-1 entering its state semifinal, and the Blue Streaks defeated top-ranked Toledo Ottawa Hills 2-1 in a district final. Kirtland was 17-1-3.
The Bobcats also reached a state semifinal last season, losing to eventual state champion Cincinnati Summit Country Day 3-1. The Silver Knights moved up to Division II this fall.
"We played there last year so we know that the stakes are higher," defender Sam Freeman said. "We know the pressure and the intensity. We know that everything goes up a level and our whole team will need to bring it up even more."
Day scored all three goals in a 3-0 victory over Berlin Hiland in a regional final Nov. 3 at Sparta Highland. Goalkeeper Lance Trares had 11 saves.
The first goal for Day came with 9 minutes, 3 seconds left in the first half. He also scored with 33:50 left and with 16:33 to play.
"That first goal meant so much because when they played their last game (a 1-0 regional semifinal win over South Webster) they put all of their defenders back," Day said. "We thought that if they had scored then that would happen and we wouldn't have that many chances. That (goal) opened it all up for us."
With the game scoreless with 24:40 remaining in the first half, Trares came out for a save, only to slip to the ground. A Hiland player then kicked the ball past Trares for what appeared to be a sure goal, but Freeman came in from the left and deflected the ball away.
"Defensively, we have been working all season on that type of situation," coach James Gerdes said. "We play a formation that sometimes gives up that type of chance. We play a fairly high defensive line and every now and then someone will get in behind. It's one of those things we do every day in practice is clear (scoring) opportunities like that."
In a regional semifinal, Day scored six times in a 7-2 rout of 10th-ranked Wellington on Oct. 31 at Gahanna. Freshman Jack Mollette scored off an assist from Day to account for the other goal, and Trares had four saves.
"Last year our team was packed with seniors and our expectations might have been a little lower at the start of this season," Freeman said. "We just really stepped things up, and it feels great to be able to make it back to the (state tournament)."
Girls soccer team falls in regional semi
The girls soccer team's postseason run ended Oct. 30 when it lost to eighth-ranked Zanesville Rosecrans 2-1 in a shootout in a Division III regional semifinal at Lakewood.
The 10th-ranked Bobcats were outscored 3-1 in the shootout and finished to 15-3-2 overall.
Rosecrans went on to beat Albany Alexander 1-0 in two overtimes Nov. 3 in the regional final.
The semifinal was tied at 1 after regulation and two 15-minute overtime periods. Senior defender Adelle Bechtel scored for Grandview in the best-of-five shootout.
Claire Creeks scored for the Bishops with 10:18 left in the second half, but sophomore defender Carlie Orr tied the game for the Bobcats with 17 seconds left in regulation.
Senior goalie Ruby Gentile had five saves.
"We played well against Columbus Academy (in a 1-0 shootout win in a district semifinal Oct. 24) and Worthington Christian (in a 2-0 win in a district final Oct. 27), but we didn't play as well (against Rosecrans)," said coach Mike Merna, who completed his 15th season. "We were second to balls all night and we were a little bit flat."
The Bobcats had a standout season, winning their second consecutive district championship and tying Worthington Christian for the MSL-Ohio Division championship at 4-0-2.
Grandview also played Worthington Christian to a scoreless tie Aug. 29. The Bobcats were seeded second for the district tournament while the Warriors were the top seed and the fourth-ranked team in the state.
Sophomore forward Tayler Pierce (first-team all-league) led the Bobcats in scoring with 19 goals and five assists, followed by senior midfielder Olivia Girardi (7 goals, 3 assists), freshman forward Zoey Miller (honorable mention all-league; 6 goals, 3 assists) and senior midfielder Whitney Schaefer (second-team all-league; 4 goals, 5 assists).
Midfielder Maddie Arndt (3 goals, 1 assist), Bechtel, Gentile (first-team all-league; 85 saves, 15 goals allowed in 20 games), Girardi and Schaefer comprised the five-player senior class.
"Our seniors did an awfully good job for us this year," Merna said. "They did so much for us. One of them, Maddie Arndt, didn't play (against Rosecrans) because of a (leg) injury. She's an energy player and we really needed that in this game."
Junior defender Hallie Georskey (second-team all-league), Orr (honorable mention all-league) and sophomore midfielder Tia Thomas (first-team all-league; 3 goals, 1 assist) lead the expected returnees. Other starters expected back are sophomore midfielder Lindsey Bertani and freshman defender Abbie Baxter.
"Every year there are challenges replacing seniors and next year will be no different," Merna said. "We will have a lot of holes to fill, especially replacing Ruby in goal."
State cross country moved back one week
Junior Chris Miller and sophomore Derek Amicon will compete for the boys cross country team in the Division III state meet Saturday, Nov. 10, at National Trail Raceway, and senior Nina Amicon will represent the girls team.
The meet was postponed Nov. 3 because of poor course conditions caused by rain.
shennen@thisweeknews.com
@ThisWeekHennen
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Review: Frida Kahlo: Viva La Vida at the Old 505
By Sasha Meaney
What an immense task it is to take on Frida Kahlo. The surrounding mythology builds her to the heights of a modern tragic hero – seemingly untouchable but very human. It’s rich fodder for Humberto Robles’ script and a daunting task for a one woman play. Frida Kahlo: Viva la Vida focuses Kahlo’s entire life into a 55 minute play. She evokes, ridicules and lusts for the other characters, notably all men, showing the audience a larger context in which she situates herself in her identity and as an artist.
The script is devoted to the facts of Kahlo’s life. The iconography is clear throughout, and the history is pretty spot on which is exciting for a Kahlo fan, and a good introduction for a newbie. Many of her comments on the surrealists and her art comes straight out of her mouth and onto the stage. But it doesn’t go further to develop a character beyond this history. It feels alluded to in the metallic screeches and the way she talks to her ligaments, but the dramatic character is never fully realized so the audience is kept in the realm of the historical.
Kate Bookallil pulls the audience on board with Frida, figuratively and literally for a quick dance at one stage. She holds our gaze strongly throughout, talking very casually and often crudely in almost Aussiesms. It’s an unusual and accessible interpretation of Frida, that successfully takes her off the myth like pedestal the art world has placed her on.
But Frida’s own background and her radicalness felt somewhat sacrificed to the casualness. This sacrifice might have been worthwhile if the script gave her room to explore more deeply her honesty and vulnerabilities. We just begin to see it as Bookallil says “I am conscious”, revealing a need to feel consistently engaged with her inner truth, but then we move on back through a historical overview.
In her director’s notes, Anna Jahjah writes about her design for the show and wanting it to appear “as if Frida bathed in her art”. This is well achieved, and a highlight of the play. Coming in to the theatre, Frida is lying on her bed holding a mask to her face and a skeleton sits in a wheelchair placed to the side. Through the show Bookallil decorates the stage with paper chains, flowers, portraits and cheekily amuses herself by drawing on skulls. Frida’s sense of fun and theatricality translates well on the stage and the set. Her constant revising of her own body, in opposition to the untouched Diego is really satisfying and clever. It pulls out those character themes of the script that I yearned to see more of.
It is an interesting premise, and it’s a great introduction if an audience didn’t know Frida Kahlo. Bookalil’s performance as Frida and the colorful staging will interest the longtime fan. But for the show to be about such a larger than life character it lacked a deeper intimacy that you would expect from a one woman show.
Review: Sunshine Super Girl at Sydney Town Hall
Review: The [Uncertain] Four Seasons at The Headland at Barangaroo Reserve (on Gadigal Land)
Review: Magic Mike Live at The Arcadia, Entertainment Quarter
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Concert Reviews/ Music Gallery
Music Midtown Festival 2012 Day 2
Chris Maggart2012 Music Midtown Festival, Adam Ant, Adam Ant and the Good, Chris Maggart, Emily Kelsey, Florence + the Machine, Foo Fighters, Garbage, Girl Talk, LP, Ludacris, Neon Trees, Pearl Jam, the Mad and the Lovely Posse September 24, 2012
Walking out through the color shifting bubbles of the exit sign Friday night, I wondered how the acts of Day 2 could live up to performances of the night before. O’ Brother and Civil Twilight drew the thankless 1:00 and 1:30 slots and adequately served to knock the cobwebs loose and familiarize the crowd with their music.
New York born and LA based singer/songwriter LP proved to be the festival’s most pleasant surprise (for me anyway – her devoted fans knew what they were getting). The diminutive, ukulele playing powerhouse with towering black curls was the best singer in a lineup that featured force of nature Florence of Florence + the Machine. LP’s angelic, operatic and often goose bump inducing 8 octave vocal range was showcased with “Salvation” and Roy Orbison’s “It’s Over.” LP’s voice was so beautiful that she literally brought my girlfriend to tears.
Garbage played next, with Shirley Manson confidently owning the stage in her black bloomers, tights and cape and red hair, lips and glasses. Manson cut a dramatic figure with cape flowing in the fanned air and addressing the audience with her friendly Scottish brogue. Manson and Garbage pounded through their submission/domination/ devotion themed yet incredibly poppy hits and made it feel like we were partying like it was 1995. Joan Jett was right – it is hard to grow up.
Adam Ant and the Good, the Mad and the Lovely Posse followed in what seemingly was the only misplaced act at the festival. Taking the stage in a demented pirate costume, Ant looked like Johnny Depp and Cap’n Crunch had a baby. It’s not that he wasn’t good, and I suppose it was fun to hear “Goody Two Shoes,” but the set just seemed weird.
Both hometown acts were hip-hop heroes. Ludacris was next. Playing up the hometown angle, Luda tested the crowd to see if they were truly Ludacris fans. Getting the lyrical awareness he was looking for, Luda launched into his rapid fire and clever deep voiced signature style and got it going with hits “Act a Fool,” “Area Codes,” “What’s Your Fantasy” and “Move Bitch.” He announced proudly that he was part of a festival was sold out with 53,000 people, who all were jumping with the “Jump Around/Smells Like Teen Spirit” cover that could be felt in from Piedmont to College Park.
The upstart and ubiquitous Utah quartet Neon Trees intensely burst on stage led by eye and vein popping front man, Tyler Glenn, resplendent with silver hair and shiny pink combat boots. From Buick commercials to “America’s got Talent”, these rockin’ Mormons can be seen and heard everywhere. “Everybody Talks” and “Animal” are absolute smash hits and gave all the young fans what they came to hear.
Florence + the Machine are a musical tour de force. Florence Welsh was radiant – looking elegant in a red and black gown with flowing red hair. She and her band, back-up singers, and a harpist were set against a backdrop of art deco stained glass and mirror balls. Despite initial hiccups with the sound, the band got on track and brought their unique brand of indie pop to the festival. Pounding drums that echoed of Celtic battle hymns provided a haunting sonic foundation for Florence’s soaring vocals. Florence ecstatically ran through the center aisle of the crowd and at one point took a crown of flowers from a fan. Once adorned, Florence gave the appearance of ancient ethereal royalty. It seemed a perfect fit for a sound that is at once ultra modern and hints to the distant past.
Girl Talk was next and was quite simply BONKERS!! By the time GT took the stage the throng (those who weren’t staking out a spot for Pearl Jam) numbered some 30,000. Bringing 100 people on stage to dance alongside him, Girl Talk turned Piedmont Park into the world’s largest discotheque. With crew using blowers to shoot rolls of toilet paper over the fans, balloons being released in large sleeves for the crowd to tear open, exploding confetti canons and a pitch perfect video/light show, Girl Talk created the experience that Atlanta’s music fans were clamoring for. GT’s mash ups included nods to ATLiens Outkast, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Little Richard, Metallica and just about anyone else you can name. The aural and visual onslaught reached its climax with a spark shower that lasted minutes as GT beat the hell out of his magical musical laptop.
Pearl Jam started the moment Girl Talk finished, which created a frantic migration from one side of the meadow to the other. Though a cliché, it was absolutely true that Music Midtown had saved its’ best for last. Since 1991 Pearl Jam has established itself as America’s biggest band with records sales over 60 million units worldwide and a reputation for epic live shows. PJ has a recording history in Atlanta, as Eddie Vedder pointed out. He assured the crowd when he said they were thrilled to play Atlanta, in the perfect setting that the festival offered, was not a platitude.
This concert was truly special. It is difficult to express the enormity of emotion I felt experiencing these artists and this art in this city and at this festival. As a kid who remembers buying “Ten” as a sophomore in high school at Tower records by Lenox Mall (before grunge was called grunge) Pearl Jam has been a constant companion and a part of the soundtrack of my life. A man now, with kids of my own, it’s impossible to describe how powerful and thrilling it was to hear these men, as vibrant and more skilled than they’ve ever been, play their hearts out to 50,000 plus. Do this: don’t take my word for it. Go find this set list and find a way to pay for it. Listen to it and hear how amazing it was for yourself.
Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town
Got Some
Amongst The Waves
Do The Evolution
Nothingman
Crazy Mary
Given To Fly
Rearviewmirror
Encore 2:
Unthought Known
Rockin’ in the Free World
photos © 2012 Emily Kelsey
Concert Reviews /
Jonah Parzen-Johnson at Lilypad
Speedy Ortiz “riiiiise above and gliiiiiide away” at The Sinclair
‹ Cigars and Blues with Barry Richman› That Noble Fury at The Middle East
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Driving to Malaga
November 1, 2015 Essays, Issue 10, Issue 10 Essays
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By TODD HEARON
(And way up north they’re starting to recover
in Maine the undeniable remains
of a settlement you might be interested in seeing
you’re into that whole hushed-up-history thing….
—postcard from Tennessee
You’ll pull off the main road, Route 209, south of Phippsburg, where Google Maps tells you. It won’t be long until the pavement’s gone, dirt road bleeding off into thinner dirt road, the coastal woods around you more and more secluded, untouched, the stillness and silence cut only by the rattle-and-pop of your tires and undercarriage. Summer foison is in the woods and the thick roadside overgrowth oppressive. It leaps out urchin-fashion to snag your fenders and doors. Occasional capillaries, also dirt, appear from nowhere and feed into your passage; as you wind slowly deeper, you keep one eye to the rearview, making note which way you’ll steer to make it out. Time’s a lost thing, memory a maze. How long have you been puttering now? Trouble out here, nobody’s going to find you. Google Maps shows only a faint gray line extending vaguely westward through a cyberphoto block of green.
You come to a church, an unlikely clearing—first sign of human inhabitants in miles—and you’re reminded of similar-looking structures in the South: rag-tag roughshod cinder-block-and-corrugated-tin getups with the scraggly patch of sandburs and ailing grass out front. You’re surprised to find it Baptist (but then there are Maine Baptists), and with that overlay of memory you populate the scene: potbellied men in white shirtsleeves loading dishes at a potluck; peahennish wives, bouffants like cotton candy, furiously arranging plastic cups of tea. It’s 1973. It’s 1957. Pick a year, adjust the fashions. (1913: homburgs and houndstooth waistcoats; pinstriped blouses, boaters swathed with tulle. A century is elided in the seconds it has taken your car to come to a stop. And there they are.)
You won’t stop long. There’s something about this backwoods bottom, a clutch both moribund and vitally alive. There’s hardly a movement, not a sound, yet it feels to you the trees are hiding eyes. The two front windows of the church are dark, but not necessarily empty. That shot-up pickup abandoned around the side might be a ruse.
And besides, the church is at a fork where the dirt road joins a larger artery, paved. A glance at your cell phone says you must be close. You lift the brake and let the rental crawl along.
Blacks Landing. That’s the name of the road on your right where someone’s put up a white wooden sign with “MALAGA ISLAND →” painted shakily in black. Black’s Landing, you think. Who is Black? Or is it plural possessive, Blacks’? Or simply Blacks, no apostrophe, as in “Blacks landing. Watch out.” You consider the implication of each as you take a photo on your phone and swing the wheel hard right.
The road twists downhill towards the water, which you can’t yet see but now can smell, a muggy brininess in the pines. A few houses begin to appear, small, huddled close together, cluttered yards, boats propped on cinder blocks and tires. There are the expected stacks of lobster traps and festooned buoys, red and blue and white. A general sense of rundown anticlimax. And (again) the feeling of eyes as you turn down a road—really a lane—called Moses, come to the pebbly dead end, and park the car. There’s a restaurant—closed—called Anna’s, connecting to a barnlike structure with a boardwalk leading down to a dock on which sits, amid more clutter of traps, a hot-pink wooden chair. There’s a shabby one-room cabin to your right, for rent. The total absence of people, even animals, even gulls, feels strangely, if appropriately, purposeful.
But no, suddenly a loose, brindled hulk of a mongrel comes loping around the side of the restaurant, heading in your direction. You freeze—if he attacks, you’re done for—but he seems not to see you. He ambles past not two yards from where you’re standing, his big jowls slopping froth, the cataracts over his eyes like pewter coins, and disappears down shore.
And that’s the first you see of it. Malaga. So much closer, more immediate, and larger than you had imagined. Maybe a hundred yards offshore, a rise of pines, completely wooded but for a little bar of sand midlip where some lobsterman’s spare traps are piled. You make your way down to the rocks that jut like paws into the iron-gray bay, the water still, a mirror of the sky.
It’s the silence, the absences, you’ve come for—to pay tribute to?—yet now you’re here it’s the silence that unsettles. It was containable as a thought, as an expectation, but now it spills and overflows the mind, becoming something that you’re swimming in, sinking through, half-struggling up for air. You know the island’s story, much of it. You have the words you’ve read, your smattering of online sources. You’re no pro, no “investigative reporter.” You’ve no desire to knock on doors, interrogate the locals. You are here simply to bear witness, in the brief unmediated moment, to the vastness of what cannot be said—what has not been said, still, a century later. Those failings, those refusals are part of the silence you feel, looking out across the water.
And Malaga itself swims in it, a spruce-green lung that has for so long held its breath. It’s impossible not to try to see figures moving on the water’s other side. That little strip of sand, to see children climbing on the rocks, collecting shells and buttons, withdrawing back into the woods that swallow them. It’s the children that you’re looking for, strangely enough, not those ghostly others, fathers, mothers, absent now as maybe they were absent then in life, working the garden, plying the traps, mending nets, patching up a scow. It’s the children you see now, before the real glazes over and you don’t.
The children entertained the Governor with a hymn when he made his visit to the island in 1911. They’d been instructed by the missionaries recently arrived from the mainland, who brought them food, clothing, built the little school. Progressive, humanitarian, animated as much by the vogue for social reform as by a zeal to save lost souls. But the souls of the “shiftless race of half-breed blacks and whites” had already been forfeited by the State. The Governor seemed much impressed with the island children’s singing; later suggested burning down their shacks “with all of their filth.” *
To the south from where you sit, another island—Horse—fronts what still may be Sebasco Estates, a turn-of-the-century resort popular among Maine’s fashionable ladies. Horse Island’s what you’re straining now to see, obscured by the curvature of coast and fogs of time. 1794. A black man, a freed slave named Benjamin Darling, purchased the island for fifteen pounds and set up home. You consider the implications of this. Three granddaughters, it’s said, with the triadic ring of a folktale, sailed to nearby Malaga some years afterwards and settled. There, by 1880, according to your sources, a small community had cropped up, yes, blacks and whites—Irish, Scots, Portuguese—“half-breeds,” racially mixed. The islanders kept mostly to themselves or splintered off to find occasional employment on the mainland. Utopia? Hardly. Fisherfamilies, dooryard gardeners, a dry hardscrabble life. But, as the remaining photographs attest, a life.
The ladies of Sebasco Estates, on leisurely excursions around the bay, reportedly were scandalized as their boat rounded the island’s northern tip, spying the Malagaite washerwomen standing in the tide bare-kneed, long skirts and aprons hiked and tucked into their waists.
You’ll recall the sign as you crossed over the state border: WELCOME TO MAINE “VACATIONLAND.” This is when that started. The dwindling fishing industry, shipyards emptying out, the ailing little towns. Burgeoning real estate and big-boom tourism. Placards and brochures: “COME HOME TO MAINE.” Whole coastlines bought up. Waterfront resorts! Waterfront hotels!
“PICTURESQUE VIEWS. NICE PEOPLE.”
You remember the regional papers, an article in Harper’s from the time: “QUEER FOLK OF THE MAINE COAST.” “Trespasses upon consanguinity.” All the “lamentable effects.” The rumors. Living in caves. With concubines! Malaga had “a King.”
You recall the wildfire interest in eugenics. The gradations, intricate distinctions. “MORON” : “IDIOT” : “PERVERT.” The forced sterilizations. Amid the frenzy, eight islanders abducted (how many of them children?), institutionalized in the Maine School for the Feeble-Minded, where they lived out the rest of their lives. Those who remained made unwitting wards of the State.
When the official arrived for his annual inspection, the islanders, “like animals,” had hid.
(They were brought—the apprehended—into a vestibule, males culled to the left, females to the right, the single infant taken from his mother. Modern, gas-lighted corridors led toward the promise of clean sheets. Cold baths. Surgical surfaces. In their hair the lingering tincture of the sea. Shoes in the doorway in a tidy line. Clothes discarded in a pile, marked for burning.)
The eviction notice came next year. The State’s intention: a scouring by fire. But on that fateful morning, July 1, 1912, when the evacuation team touched ground, they found the island empty. The houses disassembled, carted off. No trace of a body to be seen. Only the missionaries’ school and a little plot of graves they ordered
dug up, the remains of seventeen corpses deposited in five State-issued coffins, shipped to the mainland, reinterred unnamed at the Maine School for the Feeble-Minded
A century’s ellipsis. And the island, uninhabited to this day. If the State’s intention was development, it never happened. The islanders and their descendants, now scattered throughout the mainland, for years refused to talk. Better without memory? “Malagaite” an insult. Those refusals also are part of the silence of this scene.
Recent excavations tell something of the story, in the tactile language of lost things. A rusted fishing hook. A chipped straight razor. Shard of a teacup. A bright blue bead.
A heart-shaped padlock, barnacle-encrusted.
Piles of buttons. A toothless key.
Malaga, it’s thought, like the other islands situated around the mouth of the New Meadows River and into eastern Casco Bay, was populated a thousand years ago by migrant fishing communities. Of them, as always, what is there to say? Today it’s owned by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust. You can land a small boat at the shell-littered northern tip and walk the one-mile scenic loop through the spruce and fir forests, around the small salt marsh and pond, the meadows overgrown with poison ivy. You can stand on that little strip of sand you’ve imagined and look back across the water, wondering about those shadowy others who looked back long ago. The mainland must have seemed a bulwark banked with promise and hostility, unthinkable passages, unimaginable permutations. The roads spidering into it must have seemed a matrix of infinite confusions to an island sensibility grounded in worn paths, familiar homely rhythms. And always the ringed lapping of the sea, like a necklace of white shells or bone. You can picture a figure sitting there across the water, where the boardwalk comes down, beside that smoldering smudge of pink. A tourist like you, earnest, curious, come to inspect the sordid storied scene. Give him time, eventually he’ll rise and drive away, his phone full of pictures, a digital record of his pilgrimage. Soon, as ever, the old solitude swims in, filling every fissure in the rocks, along the white strand peppered with broken pottery and buttons, like remains of a language you no longer need to use.
In September 2010, Maine’s Governor Baldacci visited Malaga (the first governor to do so since Governor Plaisted’s visit in 1911) to issue a formal apology to the descendants of Benjamin Darling and other evicted families. The process of reparation and acknowledgement went further in 2012 when, at the opening of the exhibit “Malaga Island: Fragmented Lives” at the Maine State Museum, Governor LePage said to those present: “To the descendants, I will tell you as a governor … we apologize for this hardship we have caused you. We did similar things to the Native Americans here. And, frankly, ten years after Malaga Island was destroyed, the largest Ku Klux Klan rally in the history of the United States was right here in Maine, against the French Catholics coming down here from Quebec. So, we understand. We have been part of it as well.” Malaga Island has since been named one of the Maine Freedom Trails’ significant places.
*Italicized passages represent the voice of journalistic commentary, composed of quotations and anecdotes remembered from the author’s research.
Todd Hearon is the author of two collections of poems, Strange Land and No Other Gods. He’s currently serving as Dartmouth’s poet-in-residence at The Frost Place in Franconia, New Hampshire.
[Purchase your copy of Issue 10 here.]
2015 Essay Issue 10 Malaga Todd Hearon
Driving to Malaga 11.01.2015
Taking the Waters
MARTHA COOLEY
Sulfur: odor of rotten eggs, matchhead, volcanoes, gunpowder, and Lucifer down there in Hell’s fire and brimstone. Also the smell that pervades thermal spas. Along with minerals such as sodium chloride, iodine, and calcium, sulfur is a key component of therapeutic waters.
The Value of an English Garden in Brooklyn
JULIA LICHTBLAU
When the pandemic hit last spring, I felt like Marie Antoinette playing shepherdess. There is no sacrifice or bravery in growing or writing about flowers. Now I think: So what? The garden needed us, and we needed it. We weed, plant, prune, mow, fertilize Fridays and Sunday.
As I Live and Breathe
ELIZA BREWER
It was mid August when my mom and I made the trek into South Central Houston to visit Sidney. We wound through the dense medical district towards the massive complex of 5 buildings making up MD Anderson Cancer Center where Sidney was being treated.
About The Common
A Modern Sense of Place: Stories, Poems, Essays & Images
Amherst, Mass. 01002
Amherst College Amherst College Press Amazon Literary Partnership Arts.gov Creative Commons © 2010 The Common. All Rights Reserved.
Stay in touch with The Common!
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Table Talk: Niall Keating
3rd December, 2020 by Lucy Shaw
Niall Keating is executive chef of Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds, where he gained a Michelin star in 2017, less than a year after arriving at the country house hotel. In 2018 he was named Michelin Young European Chef of the Year, and earlier this year he shot to fame after his squid ink tortellini won the fish course in the 2020 edition of the Great British Menu. Fusing classic French cooking techniques with Asian influences, prior to Whatley Manor Niall trained under the wing of Sat Bains.
Describe to me your earliest food memory….
My mum’s Sunday roasts, and banana sandwiches with salty butter and white bread – if you haven’t tried one, you don’t know what you’re missing!
Did you always dream of becoming a chef or did you fall into it?
I fell into it after working in a pub as a teenager. I probably would have pursued rugby if I hadn’t become a chef.
What is the dish that you have created that you’re most proud of and why?
The squid ink tortellini that we serve at the Dining Room at Whatley Manor. It’s original, but also a nod to all the places I’ve worked and travelled, so it’s quite special.
Niall is most proud of his squid ink tortellini
What is your ultimate food and wine match?
Sat Bains introduced me to an amazing Australian wine – Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay. It’s perfect with a simple piece of white fish poached in butter. I recently created a gin called Restless, with Salcombe Distillery, and that pairs perfectly with oysters.
What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in your life?
Without a doubt, it’s the dinner I had at Benu in San Francisco. I had paired drinks (a mix of wine, beer and saké) and I was dining by myself, because I like my own company. Benu made such an impression on me that six months later I moved to San Francisco to work there.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve eaten while on your travels?
I ate scorpion in Mexico. It tasted like dry dog food, but washing it down with Tequila definitely helped!
Who is your culinary hero and why?
It would be impossible to pick only one. Michael Caines gave me such a well-rounded foundation of cooking knowledge. Working with Sat Bains showed me a totally different way of looking at food. Sue William, the general manager at Whatley Manor, is my industry mum, and Sat’s my industry dad. And Corey Lee has always been such a support to me – I still speak to him regularly.
Scorpion tastes better with Tequila
What’s the biggest blunder you’ve made while on the job?
When I worked at Benu, Corey and the team went to cook at an event in Korea. We prepped the baby gem lettuce for one of the courses which was flown over on ice. I hadn’t checked them before we left and when we arrived Corey said the lettuces were far too small and couldn’t be used. I’d been in Korea for six hours and had to go out looking for more in the markets!
What is your favourite season for food?
Summer, when British produce is at its most fresh and abundant. We’re very lucky at Whatley to have greenhouses filled with our own ingredients.
What single ingredient do you rely on most in the kitchen?
It’s a tie between butter and soy sauce, which I use like salt as a seasoning.
What is the best bottle of wine you’ve ever drunk and why?
I know I’m repeating myself, but it’s the Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay. It’s just as much about the memories of drinking it as it is about the wine itself. I wouldn’t call myself a wine expert, but it just blew me away.
What is your guilty pleasure food and why?
Poppadums – I’ll order ten and devour them on the sofa. They’re addictive.
If you had to only eat one country’s cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I love Danish food – there’s something simple and earthy about it that reminds me of home, but it would have to be Japanese food. I couldn’t live without ramen or sushi.
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‘I had better run:' P.E.I. natives dodge avalanche at Lake Louise trail in Alberta
Dave Stewart ([email protected])
Published: Dec 12, 2019 at 7:25 p.m.
Updated: Dec 13, 2019 at 4:10 p.m.
P.E.I. natives Bryon Howard, right, his wife, Shirley Wright, and their 22-year-old son, Jacob, are pictured recently outside a Lake Louise ski resort in Alberta. Bryon and Shirley were on the Lake Louise trail last Friday when they were caught in an avalanche. - Contributed
Charlottetown native Bryon Howard and his wife, Shirley Wright, had just finished skiing at Lake Louise in Alberta last week when he heard a sound no skier wants to hear — the rumble of an avalanche.
“I was taking a nice video for my running group and all of a sudden ... crash,’’ Howard told The Guardian in a telephone interview.
“I look over to my left and the snow is barrelling down at me. I was thinking, OK, I had better run.’’
His experience has since gone viral on the internet, with Howard’s avalanche encounter featured on an MSN newsfeed on the USA Today website.
Howard grew up in Sherwood and Rustico on the Island. He and Shirley decided to move out west in 2003 where he currently sells real estate for Remax.
The couple was staying at a Lake Louise resort. Before checking in, they decided to go for a ski and a run because they’re both part of a Strides Run Streak which means they are committed to running one mile every day in December.
“I was taking a nice video for my running group and all of a sudden . . . crash. I look over to my left and the snow is barrelling down at me. I was thinking, OK, I had better run.’’
-Bryon Howard
They were on a walking/running trail when the avalanche happened. Just before Howard and Wright heard the rumble of the snow, they spotted a sign that read "Use avalanche gear beyond this point", almost a foreshadowing of what was about to happen.
The couple walked a bit further thinking there was no risk.
And then he saw it.
“I’m on the north side of the lake, and it’s obviously coming from the south side of the lake towards me. There’s 800 metres (of space across the lake), so I’m thinking there’s no way that it can come down the mountain and across the lane and engulf me. It was really moving quickly and I was thinking, ‘this is going to be a huge avalanche.’’
It’s at this point Howard decided to get his phone out and record the event. He said Shirley was a couple of hundred metres behind him at the time.
“That’s the cool part, getting the shot. What you see (on my video) is just a powder cloud, the front of the avalanche. It engulfed me and then it stopped and settled down and (things went) back to normal.’’
Other than the cloud of snow that surrounded him like a mist, all Howard had to show for it when it was all said and done was a trace of snow on his shoulders.
Howard said at no time did he ever think he and his wife were ever in danger.
“I really did not think I was dying right there,’’ he said matter-of-factly.
“I don’t think it ever occurred to me that my life was in danger ... I was never freaking out.’’
Twitter.com/DveStewart
Wind warning advisory issued for Confederation Bridge Jan. 16 overnight
Published 1 hour ago
No plans to re-open psychiatric clinic at Hillsborough Hospital
Published 17 hours ago
P.E.I. tenancy overhaul, proposed in response to housing crisis, not planned for winter sitting of the legislature
Charlottetown's free parking program in December still under evaluation
P.E.I. judge says there was 'miscarriage of justice' in robbery case appeal
Stratford seeking to extend into Bunbury district for its high school campus
P.E.I. reports $22 million surplus in audited accounts released Jan. 15
Judge gives 20-year-old P.E.I. woman chance to turn life around
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Steve Smith’s Run Out Is One of My Best: Ravindra Jadeja
India ended the day at 96/2 and still trail by 242 runs.
Updated: 08 Jan 2021, 7:02 PM IST
Despite returning with four wickets for 62, a haul that included the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne for 91, India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja termed the run out of Steve Smith his best performance in Australia's first innings of the ongoing third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Smith, who got his 27th Test century on Friday on return to form, was scoring quick runs with the last batsman Josh Hazlewood. The right-handed batsman clipped one to the square leg and tried to take a double.
But Jadeja swooped on the ball and hit the stumps straight from outside the 30-yard circle to catch the batsmen short on his second run as Australian innings came to an end at 338 in the post-lunch session on Day Two.
It’s Not Going to Be Just One Gender Playing Cricket: Anjum Chopra
Orgasmic stuff ð¥ #Jaddu pic.twitter.com/0AmtVw1OoZ
— â¨â¬ (@Kourageous__) January 8, 2021
"For me the run out is one that I can just rewind and play. It is one of my best. Getting a direct hit from outside the 30-yard circle -- I would call this my best, my favourite. As far as wickets are concerned, four or five wickets outside India are also very good but this moment stands out," said Jadeja while speaking to reporters in a virtual interaction at the end of the day's play.
Podcast: Shubman Gill Looking Like India’s Find Of The Series
Australia had ended Day One of the Test in a commanding position, having scored 166/2. The hosts began the second day in similar fashion with Smith and Labuschagne scoring runs at a healthy rate. However, they lost their last eight wickets for 122 runs with Jadeja picking four of those.
"We had talked about the need to be patient because the wicket is not the kind where you can go out and take a wicket or two straightaway. We decided we have to make them play dot balls...The plan was to not give them easy boundaries, so that we could create pressure and get wickets," Jadeja said.
Matthew Wade succumbed to pressure as he tried to hit Jadeja out but exposed Cameron Green and the tail to the new ball.
"The wicket was a bit slow and it was not easy to bowl on because there was not much turn in it. It was important to bowl at one spot," said the left-arm spinner who picked the wickets of Labuschagne, Wade, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon.
"My thinking was to not leak runs and try create pressure from one side as much I could. This wicket isn't such that you will get a chance in every over," he added.
The 32-year-old further revealed he varied his speed in order to be more effective.
"You couldn't bowl at one speed because on this wicket, which wasn't helping. So you had to mix it up -- slow with fast and also create angles," said Jadeja.
"My idea was to bowl into the stumps and try and not give him (Steve Smith) easy runs. All other fast bowlers were bowling in the right areas and putting pressure on the batsmen," he added.
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Inclusive Resources
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Tulsa Public Schools enrollment window for the 2021-2022 school year opens
TPS Press Release,
For a second year, Tulsa Public Schools will offer a unified enrollment system for all 77 of the district’s neighborhood schools, magnet schools, and district-authorized charter schools. The enrollment window for the 2021-2022 school year will open on Tuesday, Jan. 5 and run through Friday, Feb. 12. Enrollment is open for pre-kindergarten through 12th grades, and Tulsa children who will be four years old on or before Sept. 1 are eligible for the district’s free full-day pre-kindergarten programs.
“We are excited to launch our second year with this unified enrollment system,” said Superintendent Deborah A. Gist. “Our schools offer a range of learning experiences that meet the needs of every child, and the enrollment period is an opportunity for parents to explore the options available to them throughout our district.”
While the district will not offer in-person enrollment events this year, parents and families will be able to attend any of the virtual enrollment events that will take place throughout January and early February.
Gist said “While we would certainly prefer to have our families visit schools in person, our school teams have been working hard to prepare exciting virtual tours and open houses that will help families learn about what each school community can offer for their child.”
Beginning the week of Jan. 10, the district will begin sharing a weekly event calendar for enrollment that will include:
Parent information sessions on key topics including pre-kindergarten, dual language learning, college readiness, health and safety, and athletics programming;
Virtual tours and virtual open houses at district schools;
Opportunities to learn about schools through video, email, and websites; and
The district will hold a virtual Enrollment Expo where parents and students can learn and ask questions about school options in real-time. The virtual event for elementary schools will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 26, and the virtual event for middle, junior high, cland high schools will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 27.
Parents can find more information about the learning options available at Tulsa Public Schools, key dates for (virtual) parent information sessions, and a step-by-step guide to the enrollment process at www.tulsaschools.org/enroll.
MLK, Jr. Commemoration Society congratulates winners of student art, dance, essay and oratorical contests
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Vacaciones a Los Cabos. Día 2
Vacation time to Los Cabos, day 2
Are You Ever Too Old to Feel Orphaned When Your Last Parent Dies?
© 2021 TulsaKids Magazine.
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Axis Group Support the Institute of Customer Service's Respect Campaign
02 September 2020 | Updated 14 September 2020
Communal working space management is still a fresh priority in FM agendas across the world. Axis Group have become the latest to officially support the Back our Essential Workers: Service with Respect campaign.
“By supporting the Service with Respect campaign we will be combining the efforts of many other organisations and helping to raise awareness of the zero-tolerance approach to hostility and abuse directed towards customer service workers.”
–Jonathan Levine
CEO, Axis Group
The Service with Respect Campaign
Launched by the Institute of Customer Service to prevent essential customer service workers from being subjected to abuse, the campaign not only aims to raise awareness on the issues that key workers are currently facing, but also encourages organisations to take action. In their launch interview with BBC, CEO Jo Causon expressed the need to collaborate in safeguarding workers that have been taking extra responsibilities and risk in order to provide for us. She stated three core aims:
For a change in UK law, to legislate against those that choose to abuse the 80% of staff that are in customer related occupation
For company co-operation in training, tools, and security to deal with incidents
For customer/employee tolerance during frustrating circumstances
Research conducted by the Institute highlights that more than half of customer-facing staff have experienced abuse - verbal and physical - from customers since the start of the pandemic. Back in June, Vice President of IOSH Louise Hosking wrote for us about protective measures that can be implemented through substantial risk assessment, to support those undertaking these vital roles in our society. Although more personal and collective freedoms are being exercised as pandemic restrictions are relaxed, this makes way for more opportunities to vent frustration and react to regulation changes. It is therefore important to encourage mindfulness, not shooting the messenger. Enforcing the message itself may require strategy for de-escalating behaviour that does fall out of respectful boundaries, as we discussed in June.
Axis Group Worker Consideration
Axis Group are one of the UK’s fastest growing security, cleaning, front-of-house and support services organisations. Jonathan Levine, their CEO, says the health and wellbeing of Axis employees remains a top priority: “Workers fulfilling a customer service should always feel supported by their employer, and this becomes even more important during tough times,” he says.
“Throughout the pandemic our brilliant security officers and cleaning operatives - like all the essential workers - have done a spectacular job in keeping everyone safe and they will continue to do so. But their jobs can be challenging, especially now, as they are invariably the people responsible for actioning Government guidance around social distancing, for example, which requires them to ask customers to change their behaviour."
Axis Group will also continue to support front-line staff to ensure any incidents of hostility or abuse are reported. It is similarly investing in appropriate training to enable staff to deal with potential conflicts as they arise.
Picture: A customer service employee at a desk
Article written by Bailey Sparkes | Published 02 September 2020
Axis Wins £1.2m Security Contract with CEG
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All Round Security Announces New Director
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January 22 saw OCS announce that the company been selected by Newbury Racecourse to provide cleaning and 'customer services'. The contract will see...
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Pediatrics Email
UABMC Email
Children's of Alabama
Peds Admin Share Drive
Office of Faculty Development
Faculty Wellness
Academic General Pediatrics
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Clerkship Requirements & Expectations
Rotation Information
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Clerkship Requirements
Inpatient - At least two complete new patient H&Ps and Physical Assessments each week:
- 2 patients presenting with fever
- 2 patients presenting with respiratory complaints
- 2 patients presenting with GI complaint
- 2 other acute illness Include differential diagnoses and Medline search on evidence for management.
Include differential diagnoses and Medline search on evidence for management.
Outpatient - During Ambulatory week, complete at least two well-child visits.
Nursery Week - Complete at least five well-newborn evaluations.
Adolescent Week - Document at least three complete adolescent visits with sexual history and pubertal maturation.
Elective Week - Complete at least two workups or evaluations of patients with chronic illness or issues which can lead to chronic problems.
CLIPP Cases - You are required to complete the following 22 CLIPP Cases (see CLIPP cases in section 3 of orientation packet): Required #s 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 27, 28, 29, and 30.
Patient Log - Each student is required to keep track, using E*Value, of all patients and patient problems encountered on both outpatient and inpatient services. This must be submitted prior to taking the final exam.
Lectures - All students are required to attend the pediatric lecture series, except when assigned to an off-campus private practice or Tuscaloosa during ambulatory week.
Clerkship Expectations
The eight week clerkship in Pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is not expected to impart the knowledge necessary to bring a student to the level of the Pediatrician.
However, in the course of this rotation, the student will be expected to focus on several areas of information which will include: knowledge of normal growth and development, including physical growth, neurological development, alterations of behavior, and sexual maturation, and also the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life, developmental physiology for all organ systems, and the development of the host defense system. Knowledge of events that represent normal development at certain ages that are distinctly abnormal at other ages should also be emphasized.
The principals behind the schedule for childhood immunization is a hallmark of pediatric preventative medicine and should be emphasized by the student.
The student should learn the basic principals of clinical treatment of pediatric illnesses, including problems of nutrition, fluid and electrolyte balance, and antibiotic therapy of common pediatric infections.
In addition, recognition of common pediatric problems including the common congenital malformations will also be important to the student's success in pediatrics. During the pediatric rotation, the student is expected to become proficient at the performance of the pediatric history and physical examination, with special emphasis on the areas of growth and development, prenatal history, nutritional history, and the psychosocial development of each individual child.
The care of the child is a particular challenge when considering certain skills and techniques which are necessary for general pediatric care. The student is expected to familiarize him or herself with techniques for venipuncture, lumbar puncture, urine analysis, and gram stain of cerebrospinal and body fluids.
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Home / Pharmacology / 7-TM Receptors / Cannabinoid Receptors / Non-selective Cannabinoids / Non-selective Cannabinoid Antagonists / WIN 55,212-3 mesylate
WIN 55,212-3 mesylate
Cat. No. 2327 2 Citations Submit a Review Datasheet / COA / SDS
WIN 55,212-3 mesylate (Cat. No. 2327) has been withdrawn from sale for commercial reasons.
Description: CB2 antagonist/CB1 partial inverse agonist; enantiomer of WIN 55,212-2 (Cat. No. 1038)
Alternative Names: (S)-(-)-WIN 55,212
Chemical Name: [(3S)-2,3-Dihydro-5-methyl-3-(4-morpholinylmethyl)pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl]-1-naphthalenyl-methanone monomethanesulfonate
Purity: ≥98% (HPLC)
Novel, low potency CB2 receptor silent antagonist and CB1 receptor partial inverse agonist. Competitively antagonizes effects of CP 55,940 (pA2 = 6.1) and SR 144528 (pEC50 = 5.3) at CB2 receptors and acts as a partial inverse agonist at CB1 receptors (pIC50 = 5.5). Displays modest activity at human melatonin MT1 and muscarinic M4 receptors, but is selective over several other GPCRs.
R-enantiomer also available.
M. Wt 522.61
Formula C27H26N2O3.CH3SO3H
Storage Store at +4°C
Purity ≥98% (HPLC)
InChI Key FSGCSTPOPBJYSX-BDQAORGHSA-N
Smiles CS(O)(=O)=O.CC1=C(C(=O)C2=CC=CC3=C2C=CC=C3)C2=CC=CC3=C2N1[C@@H](CN1CCOCC1)CO3
Savinainen et al (2005) Identification of WIN55212-3 as a competitive neutral antagonist of the human cannabinoid CB2 receptor. Br.J.Pharmacol. 145 636 PMID: 15852035
View all Non-selective Cannabinoid Antagonists
Keywords: WIN 55,212-3 mesylate, WIN 55,212-3 mesylate supplier, CB2, antagonists, CB1, partial, inverse, agonists, cannabinoids, Non-Selective, Receptors, WIN552123, mesylate, (S)-(-)-WIN55212, cb2r, cb1r, (S)-(-)-WIN, 55,212, Non-selective, Cannabinoids, 2327, Tocris Bioscience
2 Citations for WIN 55,212-3 mesylate
Citations are publications that use Tocris products. Selected citations for WIN 55,212-3 mesylate include:
Mereu et al (2003) Prenatal exposure to a cannabinoid agonist produces memory deficits linked to dysfunction in hippocampal long-term potentiation and glutamate release. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 100 4915 PMID: 12679519
Sousa et al (2011) Regulation of hippocampal cannabinoid CB1 receptor actions by adenosine A1 receptors and chronic caffeine administration: implications for the effects of δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on spatial memory. Neuropsychopharmacology 36 472 PMID: 20927050
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Neurodegeneration Product Guide
A collection of over 275 products for neurodegeneration research, the guide includes research tools for the study of:
Pain Research Product Guide
A collection of over 280 products for pain research, the guide includes research tools for the study of:
G-Protein-Coupled Receptors
Intracellular Signaling
Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands Scientific Review
Written by Roger Pertwee, this review discusses compounds which affect the activity of the endocannabinoid system, focusing particularly on ligands that are most widely used as experimental tools and denotes compounds available from Tocris.
TM 38837
Highly potent CB1 inverse agonist; peripherally restricted
Neurodegeneration Research Product Guide
Our Neurodegeneration guide highlights over 275 products for neurodegeneration research.
Our Pain guide highlights over 280 products for Pain research.
Cannabinoid Scientific Review
Our Cannabinoid review gives an overview of the pharmacological ligands used to study the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors.
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The most anticipated phones of 2021: Galaxy S21, iPhone 13 and more
By Alan Martin 03 January 2021
From the Galaxy S21 and iPhone 13 to the LG rollable, these are the most anticipated phones of the year
(Image credit: WinFuture)
The most anticipated phones for 2021 should include more variety than we've ever seen before in terms of design. Not only do we expect handsets with front cameras that disappear underneath the display, we should see the first rollable phones and perhaps a truly portless iPhone.
In terms of big names, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and iPhone 13 should dominate the conversation this year. Samsung is up first with its lineup, which is rumored to debut January 14 with a trio of powerful handsets, including one that should sport dual telephoto lenses and S Pen support.
The best Android phones
Best camera phones
Later on in the year, we hope to see an iPhone SE 3 for value-focused shoppers and perhaps an ambitious LG Rollable. Here are the most anticipated phones of 2021.
(Image credit: Evan Blass (Modified))
The most anticipated Android phone of 2021 is happily also the one we should see first. Rather than the usual February/March unveiling, Samsung has decided to bring forward the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S21 family, and it’s due January 14.
As you’d expect from a Samsung flagship, the S21 family is set to contain top-notch specs, with the all-new Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100 outside of the US) powering things. But it’s the top-of-the-range S21 Ultra that should be really interesting: not only is it set to come with a 10x optical zoom, but it’s also due to support the S Pen, which was previously limited to the Galaxy Note series.
(Image credit: Ben Geskin)
If all goes according to plan, we’re expecting the iPhone 13 family to launch in September 2021. And Apple reportedly has several upgrades in mind for this year's lineup.
The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max should finally make the jump to a 120Hz display this year and it’s also claimed that at least one of the models will be portless, which will be a boon for manufacturers of wireless chargers.
Other iPhone 13 leaks point to a smaller notch, which would be a welcome change, more efficient 5G for saving on battery life, support for the new faster Wi-Fi 6E standard and the possible return of Touch ID.
(Image credit: LetsGoDigital)
It’s refreshing to include an LG handset in our list of anticipated phones. While the Korean company dominates our list of the best TVs, its phones have disappointingly become also-rans in recent years.
The LG Rollable may well end up being written up as a curiosity rather than one of the best smartphones, but it’s certainly something to look forward to. If the patents are as good as they sound, it’s a phone that will look like a normal handset at a glance, but with a screen that can be expanded by rolling out the sides, giving you a phone and small tablet in one. This could be revolutionary… or it could just be expensive and weird. Time will tell.
One bit of technology that once seemed like a bit of a gamble is the foldable phone, but with the Galaxy Z Fold 2, Samsung fixed all the quirks that made the troubled original Z Fold feel like a beta test.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 promises an even more polished product. Obviously the main selling point – that it folds out from a regular phone into a tablet – will remain, but we’ve heard that Samsung is planning other improvements, such as a clever combined camera setup, RGB light strip on the hinge and support for the S Pen.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
The Z Fold isn’t the only foldable Samsung offers, and for those that prefer a more compact experience, the Galaxy Z Flip phones have been a real triumph.
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is rumored to be coming next year — reportedly there will be no Z Flip 2, with Samsung seeking numerical parity with the Z Fold 3. And this time there’s rumored to be a Lite version for small budgets, too. We can also expect better cameras this time around along with a more powerful Snapdragon 888 processor.
(Image credit: Lets Go Digital/Concept Creator)
Due out in the spring, the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro are due to continue the company’s tradition of blending top-notch specs with affordable prices. The phone is definitely coming, with a prototype most recently leaked on eBay.
This year’s models are set to come with the brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and 120Hz screens for smooth visuals and the possibility of 120fps performance in compatible apps. OnePlus may also partner with Leica on a new breed of Ultrashot camera for the OnePlus 9 lineup.
This one is slightly more wishful thinking than the rest of the entrants on the list. Given the four-year gap between the original iPhone SE and last year’s follow up, there’s no guarantee we’ll be seeing a refreshed model in 2021.
All the same, it’s definitely something we want to see, given the incredible value that the iPhone SE offers. If one does arrive, we expect to see the Apple A14 chip of the iPhone 12 getting an outing in a handset with a more pocketable frame. If Apple can stay in the $399 ballpark of the previous model, it will certainly be on to a winner.
(Image credit: Amazon)
It seems that rumors of the Galaxy Note’s death were exaggerated. Samsung sources have apparently confirmed that a Galaxy Note 21 is on the way this year, even if it winds up being the last handset in the line.
As you might expect for a phone that was rumored not to exist until a few weeks ago, there’s precious little to say about it for now, but if past years are anything to go by, you can expect a slightly improved version of the Galaxy S21 with a Snapdragon 888 chip and a slot for the bundled S Pen.
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Tom’s Guide CES 2021 Awards: The best new products of the year
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The Day of the Massacre: Lovecraft Country, “Rewind 1921”
Sun Oct 11, 2020 10:01pm 7 Favorites [+]
Screenshot: HBO
The penultimate episode of Lovecraft Country calls on our heroes to face the horrors of white supremacy once more. This time there are no mutant shoggoths, just gleeful racist bloodthirst.
Dee is dying. Lancaster’s curse is slowly turning her into a pickaninny demon and the only thing left to leverage to get Christina to work some magic on Dee is Tic. Ruby summons her kinda-sorta-lover to the Freeman home, where she resets the spell. But she can’t remove it without Lancaster’s body—a body she later has access to and still chooses to do nothing helpful with. She takes pleasure in watching Lancaster die in agony, and Dee never even crosses her mind. As with Emmett Till, Christina’s “care” is all for show. Her interest only goes as far as getting her what she wants: Tic willingly going to Ardham for her autumnal equinox spell.
Montrose and Tic aren’t in a good place. The more the father tries to claw his way out of his pit of despair, the more dirt the son shovels in. As I’ve said before, Tic is a selfish man who positions himself in the center of everyone else’s tragedy, and so he reacts poorly to the news that he may actually be George’s son. For him, the complicated relationship and “unbreakable bond” between his elders is reframed as a personal attack against him. Frankly, I’m tired of his bullshit.
Hippolyta makes a surprise return from her own multiverse adventures. She is no longer the meek, put together matron but a disheveled, brilliant, and strong-willed woman. If anything, Leti has taken on the passive role. Gone is Leticia Fuckin’ Lewis. In her stead is a woman who trembles at her boyfriend’s rage. Ruby is right that Leti is doing what her mother did, chasing after an undeserving man at the cost of her own sense of self. But Ruby makes the wrong choice and leaves with Christina. I wish Ruby would do more than confront Christina. Christina is the snake in the Garden of Eden, offering Ruby her greatest desires with a sharp smile and a whole lotta lies.
Leti, Tic, Montrose, and Hippolyta pack up Dee in a desperate attempt to save her. At the observatory, Leti learns from Montrose that Tic already knows she’s pregnant and that he believes he’s going to die by Christina’s spell. Montrose also lets it slip that she’s having a boy. Hippolyta’s genius is unparalleled. She gets the broken portal working again and turns herself into a living motherboard to triangulate the door to Tulsa, 1921, the day of the massacre. The trio jump through into a hotel in the heart of Black Wall Street.
We have all those stories of time machines and people philosophizing about killing Hitler, but you know what? If I had a TARDIS, the first thing I’d do is go back and make sure the uprisings worked. I’d help John Brown, Denmark Vesey, Gabriel, Nat Turner, Jemmy, Charles Deslondes, and the countless others. I’d help the enslaved get to freedom and burn plantations to the ground. I’d destroy the Confederacy and save Emmett Till and my own ancestor who was lynched. Hell, I’d go back to the African kings and chiefs and try and cut off the slave trade before it even began. Fixing the terrors of the past for the chance to make a better future is worth the risk of me possibly ceasing to exist, paradox be damned.
If I were in Montrose’s shoes, I couldn’t treat time travel like adventure either. This is the night that broke him; he emerged from the wreckage an entirely different man. For Tic and Leti this is tourism, but Montrose is reliving the worst night of his life. When Montrose disappears, while watching his father Verton beat him for putting on George’s dress jacket and wearing a flower in his hair, Tic thinks he’s going to try and warn George. He and Leti split up, her heading to the Freeman house to locate the book and Tic to stop his father from changing the future. Once again, Leti finds herself running from white men in the dark, but this time she’s rescued by Verton. This also has the unintended side effect of being the spark that will eventually lead to the two houses being burned down.
At the park, Montrose and Tic watch young Montrose reject Thomas, the first boy he ever loved. Thomas is murdered by a white man and George and Dora are attacked when they try to rescue Montrose. It’s one more layer of guilt for Montrose. If he hadn’t run away to confront Thomas, maybe he might have been able to save his and Dora’s family. Let internalized homophobia and toxic masculinity push that one step further and we can see how Montrose might blame being gay for all of the terrible things that have happened to him.
As the fight gets worse, Tic realizes the children aren’t being saved by the mysterious stranger with the baseball bat. Until it becomes clear that it was Tic all along. Finally Tic can put his violence to good use. He did what Ji-ah and Leti have already done: take something bad and make something good out of it. Back at the house, Leti holds the hand of Tic’s great grandmother as the flames consume her. She is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. She is a phoenix rising from the ashes. She is cleansed by fire and emerges from it powerful and wrathful. Hippolyta’s trials gave her the determination to name herself; Leti’s gave her the strength to withstand. She literally becomes her ancestors’ wildest dream.
Tic jumps through the shuddering portal as Hippolyta struggles to keep it open. For a brief moment, Montrose finds himself trapped and alone as his hometown burns in front of him. He feels helpless as the violence spreads. And then he spots Leti, marching through the devastation, Book of Names clutched to her chest. Hippolyta channels her power and love into keeping the portal open just long enough for Montrose and Leti to jump through.
Lovecraft Country has done a good job of putting Montrose’s queerness into the larger social context. Explaining why he made certain parental and marital choices, the formative experiences of homophobia that shoved him so deep in the closet he couldn’t find his way back out for decades, the way toxic masculinity broke his self-esteem and self-confidence. But we also have to talk about generational trauma, particularly with regards to racism and white supremacy. The Freeman family had been free long before the Emancipation Proclamation, but that doesn’t mean they were exempt from racism and racist violence.
We don’t know much about the people who lived between Hannah and Verton, but the Freemans might have remained in Massachusetts—possibly settling in New Bedford, which had more than 1,000 Black residents in the mid 1800s, nearly half of whom were people who escaped slavery. The Freemans probably relocated to Tulsa along with hundreds of other African Americans during the land rush period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By 1921, the Black population of Greenwood was about 10,000. This wasn’t just a thriving community; Greenwood was more or less its own city within a city.
Greenwood, like many Black-founded towns in the West, was intentional, not accidental. Early Black landowners provided safe harbor for new arrivals and sold them land for businesses and homes. Which makes its destruction even more devastating. This wasn’t simply white violence. It was a reaction against Black success and independence. It’s not hard to draw a line connecting the Tulsa Massacre to the vitriol at African American children attending white schools to modern day conservatives who have built whole political platforms based solely on undoing the achievements of Black politicians.
The Freeman family, like every other African American family, has carried centuries of violence, torture, abuse, and exploitation on their backs. Some are able to set those weights down and move forward to create a better future. Others are not. Verton takes his rage and social impotence out on his children. He is a brutal man and a mean drunk. There is nothing excusable about his abuse, but it is understandable. Sure, he may just be an asshole, but we can’t ignore the external forces pressing down on him. He passed his own trauma onto his sons, setting Montrose onto a path where he behaves just like his father and George on one where he is too afraid to intervene.
The goal of both brothers is safety. George protects by caring for his brother after the violent outburst while Montrose protects by trying to make himself and his son tough enough to survive the violence. Neither realize the violence shouldn’t happen in the first place. But how could they when violence—from their father and from white Tulsans—had such an outsized impact on their lives? George was able to convince himself he shed his demons, but really he only put them in a box and ignored them. Montrose, carrying the dual burdens of keeping his identity a secret and being unable to process the years of abuse, could not. The weight was too great, and for most of his life it left him shattered and hollow. Hopefully now that he has confronted his past he can lay down that load and become the kind of man his son and grandson need him to be.
Cultural texts referenced
The Tulsa Star published a detailed article about the Williams Dreamland Theater earlier this year. The one thing I’d add is that the reason the Williamses and the other Black families couldn’t get the insurance to pay for their ruined properties was because Tulsa was recorded as a riot, and riot damage was not covered by insurance.
Sonia Sanchez’s poem “Catch the Fire.”
The people and places recalled by Montrose: Peg Leg Taylor and Standpipe Hill; H.L. Byars’ tailor shop was located at 105 N Greenwood; Dr. A. C. Jackson was a prominent, nationally renowned Black doctor who was shot to death; Merrill and Ruth Phelps; Commodore Knox died later in the hospital and is believed to be the last victim of the massacre. I couldn’t find anything on “Mrs. Rogers’ invalid daughter.”
“I was on Earth 504. And I was there the equivalent of two hundred years. On this earth, I could name myself anything. Infinite possibilities that came with infinite wisdom, and I’m gonna use all of it to save my daughter. Now get in the fucking car.” Yes ma’am!
The line about Ruby wanting to be a redhead is a reference to Matt Ruff’s book.
The mental gymnastics everyone is going through to not talk about Leti being pregnant is truly bizarre to watch. The only reason I can see for keeping the baby a secret is so we get the reveal at the end of this episode. A whole lotta work for very little reward.
Do Leti and Tic still not realize how much that birthmark looks like something from the language of Adam?
“…he will be my faith turned flesh.”
Ruby goes off with Christina despite knowing that she wouldn’t help Dee without a trade for Tic’s life. I don’t know if Ruby thinks she’s siding with the winning team or is gullible enough to trust Christina, but I’m not happy about her choice.
Alex Brown is a librarian by day, local historian by night, author and writer by passion, and an ace/aro Black woman all the time. Keep up with her on Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.
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Kevin Spacey Makes Offensive Decision to Come Out After Being Accused of Sexually Abusing a Teen
October 30, 2017 by Andy Towle Leave a Comment
Kevin Spacey responded to sexual abuse allegations from actor Anthony Rapp by making the bizarre and disappointing choice to use the accusations as a moment to come out of the closet, thus conflating being gay with sexual abuse and pedophilia.
Rapp made the allegations in an interview with Buzzfeed News. The incident happened at a party at Spacey’s house when Rapp was 14, Spacey was 26.
Buzzfeed News reports:
He went, gladly, and alone. Rapp said he honestly cannot recall what he told his mother — who died from cancer in 1997 — about the party, but he stressed that the idea of him attending a party held by an adult Broadway actor did not seem like a cause for concern. “I imagine that I might be opening my poor late mother up to some criticisms for how she parented, but, you know, it was a different era,” he said. “I went to work by myself. I would walk to the subway, and go to the theater by myself.”
When he arrived at Spacey’s apartment, Rapp quickly realized that he was the only nonadult there — which, again, did not worry him, since he so often had found himself in similar situations as a child actor. The bigger issue: “I didn’t know anyone,” he said. “And I was quickly kind of bored.”
Rapp said he ended up wandering into the bedroom, sitting on the edge of the bed, and watching TV well past midnight.
At some point, Rapp said he turned to see Spacey standing at the bedroom door. And that’s when he first realized that everyone else had left the party. They were alone.
“My memory was that I thought, Oh, everybody’s gone. Well, yeah, I should probably go home,” Rapp said. Spacey, he recalled, “sort of stood in the doorway, kind of swaying. My impression when he came in the room was that he was drunk.” Rapp doesn’t remember Spacey saying anything to him. Instead, Rapp said, “He picked me up like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold. But I don’t, like, squirm away initially, because I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’ And then he lays down on top of me.”
“He was trying to seduce me,” Rapp said. “I don’t know if I would have used that language. But I was aware that he was trying to get with me sexually.”
Rapp said Spacey laid on top of him on the bed “pressing” into him for a long time and Rapp was able to squirm out and escape amid Spacey’s protests.
More at Buzzfeed.
Space responded in a tweet in which he also came out as a gay man, saying “I choose now to live as a gay man.”
“I have a lot of respect and admiration for Anthony Rapp as an actor. I’m beyond horrified to hear his story. I honestly do not remember the encounter, it would have been over 30 years ago. But if I did behave as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior, and I am sorry for the feelings he describes having carried with him all these years.
“This story has encouraged me to address other things about my life. I know that there are stories out there about me and that some have been fuelled by the fact that I have been so protective of my privacy. As those closest to me know, in my life I have had relationships with both men and women. I have loved and had romantic encounters with men throughout my life, and I choose now to live as a gay man. I want to deal with this honestly and openly and that starts with examining my own behavior.
pic.twitter.com/X6ybi5atr5
— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) October 30, 2017
Spacey’s statement, which connects being gay to pedophilia and sexual assault, has prompted furious backlash.
pic.twitter.com/pg2PLnHpXt
— Zachary Quinto (@ZacharyQuinto) October 30, 2017
Nope to Kevin Spacey's statement. Nope. There's no amount of drunk or closeted that excuses or explains away assaulting a 14-year-old child.
— Dan Savage (@fakedansavage) October 30, 2017
"I'm sorry, Mr. Spacey, but your application to join the gay community at this time has been denied."
How dare you implicate us all in this
— Richard Lawson (@rilaws) October 30, 2017
It took 58 years for Kevin Spacey to cash in his gay out of jail free card.
— Michael Knowles (@michaeljknowles) October 30, 2017
So I guess Kevin Spacey will be on Ellen this week to talk about how hard it is to come out as gay.
— Joe Biggs (@Rambobiggs) October 30, 2017
Kevin Spacey has just invented something that has never existed before: a bad time to come out.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) October 30, 2017
No no no no no! You do not get to “choose” to hide under the rainbow! Kick rocks! https://t.co/xJDGAxDjxz
— Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes) October 30, 2017
part of the horror of spacey’s cynical ploy to use his coming out to deflect abuse allegations is how well it is working
— Julia Carrie Wong (@juliacarriew) October 30, 2017
Bye bye, Spacey goodbye, it’s your turn to cry, that’s why we’ve gotta say goodbye. #ROSEARMY
I couldn't give two stuffs that Kevin Spacey is gay. Allegations he sexually harassed a child is what we SHOULD be talking about.
— Sarah Harris 🌮 (@SarahHarris) October 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/kylenabecker/status/924871216007122949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hollywoodreporter.com%2Fnews%2Fkevin-spacey-provokes-furious-twitter-backlash-anthony-rapp-apology-gay-admission-1052847
Kevin Spacey: My sexuality is none of your biz.
Anthony Rapp: Kevin Spacey assaulted me when I was 14.
Kevin Spacey: I’m a proud gay man!
— Lara Marie Schoenhals (@LarzMarie) October 30, 2017
"Sure, I may have tried to rape a 14-year-old boy when I was 26, but I'm gay!" is a pretty horrible defense. #Spacey
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) October 30, 2017
In other news, Kevin Spacey didn't deny sexually assaulting Anthony Rapp when he was a 14-year-old boy. Also blamed drunkenness. Inexcusable
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) October 30, 2017
I keep rereading this statement and getting angrier. Coming out is a beautiful part of being gay. Attaching it to this vileness is so wrong.
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) October 30, 2017
This is not about you being gay, Mr Spacey, it's about you being an alleged paedophile. https://t.co/L92PwDsAB0
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 30, 2017
Kevin Spacey's comment was wrong on so many levels. https://t.co/5pFhiqMK5W
— Larry Wilmore (@larrywilmore) October 30, 2017
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Anthony Rapp, Entertainment, I'm Gay, movies, Paul Manafort, Sexual harassment
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QUEEN SUGAR Review: “Fruit of the Flower”
By Jennifer Ford on October 12, 2017 3 - TELEVISION NEWS, TV Reviews
I am such a relationship person. I am moving to New York soon, and thinking about all of the relationships I have built here, but am now leaving, is leaving me in a state of mourning at the moment. Meeting people and then fostering those relationships take time. And when you’re able to use time wisely with those you love, you make the most of life.
In “Queen Sugar,” the relationships among Ralph Angel and Remy; Ralph Angel and Darla; Nova and Vi; Lorna and Charley; and Lorna and Micah are all relationships worth fighting for. Each are their own. Each have their own stories, struggles and triumphs. And each, after time, go through another change, but they’re all in tact. And that’s what makes relationship-building worth it.
As soon as Lorna stepped on the scene, she was the black sheep. She was the White woman who came and stole a Black man from a Black woman. Well, that was my assumption, and that was Vi’s skewed truth.
For years, Vi held a grudge against Lorna, not for taking her brother away from the love of his life but because she had the audacity to do it while White. Nova discovers this and re-evaluates everything she thought she knew about herself. She, too, demonized Lorna not knowing that Lorna was well aware that her late ex-husband was in love with Nova’s mother. She bluntly states that he talked about this on their first date. And she remained with him. He even left her to be with Nova’s mother. But he returned because Nova’s mother said that she fell in love with someone who was hidden in him, but she didn’t want to hide in him. And yet, Lorna stayed with him.
Lorna was always there. She admits that she didn’t have the same courage as Nova’s mother to have allowed her man to go although she was pregnant with his child. She admits that she loved him and that she didn’t mean to hurt anyone. And it is this conversation between Nova and Lorna that made me misty-eyed because life could be so much more joyful if people were transparent. It took 40-something years for Lorna to get the opportunity to tell her side of the story, and 40-something years later, it hurts because for 40-something years, Nova hated her guts. And hearing Lorna’s story allowed her to release that energy that was perched on a ledge of her heart. And when it was released, she cried as all do when a necessary release occurs.
Because of Lorna, Nova is also able to release her fear of being hurt by another man. She surprises her bae at his place by waiting patiently on the couch for him when he arrives home. Earlier, she got cold feet in wanting to tell him what hotel she was staying in because her idea of relationships were warped. But now, she is letting it all hang out. She tells him, about 2 inches from his face, that she is ready to see where this thing goes. And that two people so perfectly imperfect together should never let their differences keep them apart. And here I go again getting misty-eyed.
When all we have is words, we need to say them to those we love. We need to be fearless because what is on the heart is the truth, and whether it’s received in the way that we want, it will be received in the way that it needs to be, especially when it’s being received by the one that’s meant for us. And for Nova, her bae listened intently and intentionally. They embrace. And there is no sex. Just no holds barred sexy intimacy. #AllTheFeels
Another misty-eyed moment came when Ralph Angel feels some kind of way about not knowing the “why” to a question in class. Remy is the professor of that class, and when he explains that knowing an answer isn’t good enough, that triggers childhood memories of teachers making him feel like crap. He feels stupid and embarrassed. Remy sees him at a restaurant with Darla, and he confronts him about it. Ralph Angel explains what happened to him as a kid, and in one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever seen, Remy apologizes and says that he loves him and is there to help. My. God. Again, words. Communication. And this conversation takes it one step further by showing that opening up will bring amazing blessings. So proud of Ralph Angel and so thankful that he has a mentor like Remy.
Last but not least, Lorna meets Micah’s girlfriend for the first time. When do we see grandparents meeting a grandson’s new girlfriend on TV? It happens all the time in real life, but man, this is so special to see on TV. Lorna engages his girlfriend in appropriate conversation. Laughs with her. Adores her. She is genuinely interested in knowing how likely these two are to take things to the next level. It is so nice to see a grandparent taking a teenage relationship seriously. Love comes in all ages. And no age of love is purer than another. Love is love.
Can you tell that I am a complete stan for this show now? God. Look at me. Until next week.
Season 2, Episode 11 (S02E11)
Queen Sugar airs Wednesdays at 10PM on OWN
Read all of our reviews of Queen Sugar here.
Read our reviews of more of your favorite shows here.
Jennifer spends her nights writing, her days securing insurance for TV shows, and her in-betweens blogging about the silliness and seriousness of life on her blog.
Follow Jennifer on Twitter: @reneseford
Keep up with all of Jennifer’s reviews here.
Jennifer Ford | Contributor
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Dealing with Memories
TRANSCEND MEMBERS, 11 Jan 2021
Dr. Ravi P. Bhatia – TRANSCEND Media Service
11 Jan 2021 – Memory roughly means the thoughts or events that we may remember. Some of these memories are pleasant — give pleasure; some of these are painful, unpleasant and result in pain or sadness or occasional suffering. The latter trait of suffering results both from physical or mental causes. In this essay I focus on memories of individuals both pleasant and painful.
An American scholar Michael Brenner has written on collective memories that not only affect an individual but a group of individuals — society, community or even a nation. Wars, large scale fires, partition of countries are some of the agents leading to collective memories usually painful and sordid.
Brenner wrote about collective memories in an essay earlier and reproduced it recently where he stresses — “our national persona is constructed around a superstructure of mythical images crucial to both our collective identity and individual self-esteem. We sublimate events that contradict them.”
He also refers to neo-nazi marches, fascism, xenophobia and racism as other symbols of painful events that are resurfacing in America. In Asia, there have been wars for and against certain religious peoples, on political ideologies and a form of social racism known as caste system in India which we treat some peoples as sub human and meant only for performing degrading duties. Many scholars and constitutional experts such as B R Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi extensively spoke and worked for social equality and justice.
I return to the theme of individual memories now.
One person who is believed to have had an excellent and extensive memory was Lord Vyas who is credited for compiling the Hindu epic Mahabharata originally in Sanskrit language. He would mentally compile various stanzas of the epic and then recite them to Lord Ganapati who would then write them down.
Individual memories can be pleasant or painful. In either case these usually are etched firmly in individuals’ minds. For example an academic prize a person may have won many years ago, gives pleasure and satisfaction at a later date also. In fact one may talk about this fond memory to friends or even one’s children to motivate them. A promotion in the job also is a source of pleasurable memory. Moving into a new house is a joyful occasion. Similarly buying a car for the first time, also provides happiness when one thinks about the event later.
There are several other events in one’s own life or that of one’s children or one’s close friends that produce happy memories. I fondly remember chance meetings with some people and becoming friends with them. This chance meeting with a French Professor helped me to converse with her in French and brush up my language which lay a little unused in my memory. Of course we develop friendships with students or people we work with or with neighbours and think about various happy occasions in their company.
I remember a very funny incident while travelling from Belgium to France in a train when I was a student. A European lady was sitting next to me. We did not have any conversation but when I took out a chocolate from my bag I thought of sharing it with her. I offered it to her hoping she would accept my offer. She did more than that — she accepted the entire chocolate and put it in her bag without even saying Merci
The event of marriage is an important milestone in one’s life, but its memory may not be joyful if one has had a tumultuous relationship with one’s partner. Marriage of one’s daughter is an important event that gives a person joy and satisfaction thinking and talking about it to one’s friends or the daughter herself later. However one does feel somewhat sad with the departure of the young woman who has been part of the family for twenty or more years.
Undoubtedly remembrance of happy events or of the company of people depends strongly upon the nature of the individual — happy people generally remain happy and sullen people can mar a joyful occasion to become morose. People who tend to see things positively will generally remain comfortable thinking about various events. They also have the ability to sublimate unhappy occasions from their memories and feel balanced and relaxed even under earlier dubious conditions.
In contrast, some people only feel sad or sullen under different types of happenings. Sometimes, such people have lost their nerve and committed even suicide if things go wrong. Many a time they would not have taken the extreme step if they had talked about it to their families or friends who may have counselled and comforted them.
However there are some events that are very tragic and painful and are difficult to erase from one’s memory. Holocaust produces some sad, sorrowful comments from its survivors even today. Similarly the tragic bifurcation of India in 1947 leads to manifestation of its traumatic experiences by its survivors. I was too young to understand the immensity of the tragedy when I was a young boy, but I cannot forget its unhappy consequences — moving from one place to another and often going hungry.
A positive result of this tragedy was that I could remain calm under various unhappy and disconcerting situations that are part of one’s life. Another feature is to respect poor people who work honestly under trying situations and to overlook the struggle and poverty written clearly on their faces. In fact one begins to admire their struggles.
A well known Guru has said, “Be grateful in life. Then you will stop grumbling and your sorrows will disappear from your life …”
In the famous Hindu epic Bhagavad gita, Lord Krishna says: “We are all children of God. Whatever happens in life happens for a good reason.”
So I tell myself: Do not grieve.
Dr Ravi P Bhatia is a member of the TRANSCEND Network for Peace Development Environment, an educationist, Gandhian scholar and peace researcher. Retired professor, Delhi University. His new book, A Garland of Ideas—Gandhian, Religious, Educational, Environmental was published recently in Delhi. ravipbhatia@gmail.com
Tags: Memory
This article originally appeared on Transcend Media Service (TMS) on 11 Jan 2021.
Anticopyright: Editorials and articles originated on TMS may be freely reprinted, disseminated, translated and used as background material, provided an acknowledgement and link to the source, TMS: Dealing with Memories, is included. Thank you.
One Response to “Dealing with Memories”
Robert Kowalczyk says:
Dear Ravi,
Thank you for the sincere and thoughtful reflections on “Dealing with Memories.”
It seems that humanity has been losing its ability to remember due to the enchantment of algorithms and the endless screens through which we currently view (neither seeing, nor feeling) the world. As Gary Corseri has expressed, “Now we dance to a minuet of screens.”
Our memory is essential, as it is a major component of our consciousness, which in turn consists of what I prefer to term our “human spirit.” Unfortunately, the vast majority of individuals take the word “spirit” as being attached to certain religious faiths or dogmas. This is one of the most profound misuses of language of our times. We all are mostly spirit, which is also referred to as “consciousness.” All else is skin, fluids and bones, or as Nikos Kazantzakis’s Zorba crudely called it, “Food for the worms.” Although true, perhaps a more gentle and positive Oriental version would be, “Ashes to fertilize the earth, so that other life forms may emerge and grow.”
As you’ve expressed, Ravi, memories are made complete through happiness, sadness, joy and pain. These emotions are what make humans particularly significant in the evolutionary process. Without these how would we be able to judge what to do, either in the next moment or at some future date? How would we be able to better understand death without having a full understanding of life?
The Tao itself is an expression of the Light and the Dark, as is one’s own life of birth, aging, sickness, and death. These are the cycles we all pass through in the process of understanding our lives and those we share with others. Other living entities, flowers, fish, fireflies and fauna, also feel certain emotions and sensations. However, these beings lack memory and therefore consciousness, and are thus pure and wondrous models of natural acceptance, without any doubts or questions whatsoever. However, they are not, have never been, nor ever will be, responsible for the care of our Earth.
Can we then say that we humans, with our ability to retain conscious memories of our own and of others, including the well recorded wisdom of the ancient to more recent past, are equally not responsible?
Ego-centric individuals, and there are now far too many of them, as this is what our global socio-economic systems have essentially taught and instilled, have no idea what “memories” such as those you’ve expressed mean. They have lived within their own world with few shared sincere memories and thus have lost any sense of empathy, seemingly forever. For empathy can only grow through experiences sincerely shared and then treasured by interacting with others, as I’m now sharing these thoughts with you.
Such egoistic individuals are some of the saddest examples of humanity, having been undernourished of influential contact with more complete humans, those who have retained an evolved and evolving consciousness, or human spirit. Interestingly, these yet evolving human spirits are often found in the most challenged countries where there is less affluence, comfort and waste. For them, everything is precious. Those who take running water and collected waste for granted, become a species that expects and wants even more.
As for algorithms, those now highly beneficent creations of our intelligence that have brought us to this day, they have no such consciousness-based memory, nor empathy, nor any understanding of death. They are merely 0’s and 1’s that are colder than the most distant of ancient stones. Those two simple numbers can never be turned into conscious emphatic spirit. They are meant for calculations. Their abilities will always be limited to self-driving automobiles, devices that can do humanity’s biddings, and having the means of controlling the minds, passions, and the destiny of humanity.
All one needs to consider is, “What’s wrong, Dave?” the voice of the computer HAL, from Stanley Kubrick’s movie, 2001, A Space Odyssey, released in 1968. It seems humanity no longer remembers its obvious warning. Either that, or we no longer feel HAL can be controlled, which would be a most serious irresponsibility the consequences of which one hesitates to imagine.
As this reply is written, one can see clear evidence of the increasing dependence on algorithms along the streets of Washington, D.C., where opposing views have generated a national crisis, created and further encouraged by the algorithms of attention and profit hungry mass media. A dire situation that only the memories of consciously refined human spirits may be able to control.
One trusts this is still possible.
Ravi, thank you for wisely advising a reconsideration of our memories, one of humanity’s most essential resources. May your reflections lead us to better share and employ three of the most natural values we human spirits have at hand, and in our hearts and minds: Understanding, Empathy and Appreciation.
With shared memories of Siem Reap, Kyoto, and New Delhi always in my pockets,
TRANSCEND MEMBERS:
Licensed to Live? Licensed to Lie? Unlicensed to Die?
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UFG Insurance announces 2020 Worth It scholarship winners
Released on: May 11, 2020, 10:00 AM
Insurance company awards $20,000 in scholarships as part of its distracted driving awareness program.
UFG Insurance is proud to announce the 10 students selected to receive a $2,000 scholarship as part of its 2020 Worth It distracted driving awareness program.
Selected based on short answers and an essay expressing why life is worth more than the danger of driving distracted, this year’s winners are:
Nick Banfield from Rochester, Minnesota
Lila Dere from Grand Junction, Colorado
Justin Hoffman from Waterloo, Iowa
Katherine Huey from Urbandale, Iowa
Isha Kalia from Marion, Iowa
Paityn Krout from Veedersburg, Indiana
Kayla McGee from Decatur, Georgia
Sophie Plass from Tulelake, California
Brennah Ricketts from Onslow, Iowa
Sydney Ward from Marion, Iowa
“We received more than 200 well-thought-out applications from across the country this year,” explains UFG’s Community Relations Coordinator Katie Jensen. “The winners displayed exceptional understanding of what’s at stake when people choose to drive distracted, and that’s a huge part of what the Worth It campaign is all about.”
Now in its third year, the Worth It scholarship was created for any high school senior who plans to enroll—or any current undergraduate student who is already enrolled—in full-time study at an accredited two- or four-year institution of higher learning. The scholarship window for the 2021-2022 academic year will open again in fall 2020.
“UFG is thrilled to support the academic endeavors of this year’s winners,” Jensen adds. “We hope they continue to advocate for focused driving along the way.”
For more information about the Worth It distracted driving awareness program sponsored by UFG Insurance, visit www.ufgworthit.com.
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NBDC 2016 Innovation Business of the Year: Goldfinch Solutions
Goldfinch Solutions, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty startup company, is pioneering multispectral imaging technology to identify tender beef at the packing stage of production. It has called upon the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) for assistance since its founding in 2008.
“When our company first formed, we wanted to apply for a SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research program) Phase I grant,” says company President Jeyam Subbiah, Ph.D. “We worked with NBDC early on to successfully obtain this funding.”
Subbiah says Marisol Rodriguez, who was NBDC’s technology commercialization specialist at that time, provided guidance in navigating the grant application process. “We were in panic mode at the time, trying to meet USDA deadlines,” Subbiah says. “She was very helpful, even working on the weekend.”
Senior Vice President Chris Calkins, Ph.D., agrees. “With NBDC’s help, we got where we needed to be a lot faster and with a lot less stress.”
Current director of NBDC’s technology commercialization program, Wei Jing, says that since 2008, Goldfinch Solutions has received a total of $850,000 in funding from two SBIR Phase I grants, one SBIR Phase IB grant, and one SBIR Phase II grant, in addition to support from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
Calkins says that during the Phase II application process, “Wei would have answers for us much faster that we could get ourselves. All we had to do was pick up the phone and she was there to help us plug the holes and fill in the gaps.”
Vice president for research and development, Konda Naganathan, says the multispectral imaging technology developed by Goldfinch Solutions is capable of predicting whether a piece of meat will be tender, intermediate or tough with very high accuracy. The hardware and software is not yet on the market.
The imaging system allows the user to certify the tenderness of a rib eye steak and apply that guarantee to similar cuts from same source. “That means the tenderloin, New York strip and flat iron from that same carcass would carry the same tender label,” Calkins says.
He says about 80 percent of all carcasses from fed cattle qualify for a USDA “Choice” or “Prime” rating. “With the current quality grades, it becomes an almost ‘all in one’ category,” he says. “There’s not enough distinction between the ratings.
“We feel cattle that rate ‘Choice’ also merit a tenderness guarantee. If we can screen those cattle and provide that guarantee, we believe consumers would pay a premium for that meat.”
He says that tenderness guarantee is what makes Goldfinch Solutions’ technology unique.
“For 100 years, meat scientists have been trying to figure out how to look at a cut of steak and tell if it is tender,” Calkins says, “but you can’t tell by what you see with the naked eye. With multispectral imaging, we can capture information about that steak that will identify the properties of the muscle and tell us if it is tender or not.”
Subbiah says the company continues to use NBDC as a resource.
“We have attended several NBDC programs, workshops and networking events,” he says. “Wei also invited Chris and I to speak to NBDC groups and meetings and share our SBIR experiences. It is a mutually beneficial relationship.”
Omaha NE 68182
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Preview: The Cause 1st Birthday
Rhemayo Brooks
In April 2018, as the discussion around the state of London’s nightlife became more heated, a new 400-capacity club opened in Tottenham hoping to fill the gap in London’s nightlife and promote community and mental-health charities. The Cause opened in a former car-mechanics depot with the aim not only to create a new multi-purpose venue, but to raise thousands of pounds for its charity partners, which include Mind In Haringey, C.A.L.M. and Help Musicians UK. As co-founder Stuart Glen put it, “The Cause is designed from the ground up to give back to people around us.”
A year on, The Cause has not only established itself as a premier nightspot, but also as a hub for the underground music community, hosting regular DJing workshops, championing local promoters as well as housing businesses such as Kristina Records. However, most impressive of all, is the £20,000 already raised for its various partner charities.
On Sunday they will be celebrating their 1 year anniversary with a mammoth party named ‘XXX’. It will take place across The Cause’s five areas, hosting an enviable line-up of DJs who have all been a part of the venue’s journey over the past twelve months. Whilst the Cause is due to close its doors in January, in a recent interview, Eugene Wild, another of the club’s co-founders, added that with this party “we hope this show will lay the foundations for the end of our first chapter”.
Dutch duo Spokenn, or Ferro & Reiss (who run Amsterdam’s notable VBX parties), are the only headliners who have been announced, though residents of the club’s main parties – Adonis, Tribes, Syzygy and The Model – will return. The remainder of the line-up will remain unannounced, but their roll of honour has enough names to get the imagination going and whet the appetite for what will certainly be a huge birthday celebration.
For more information and tickets, check out the official RA listing.
adonis cause ferro reiss spokenn syzygy the cause the model tottenham tribes
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Trump Administration to Freeze Immigrant Work Visas Through Remainder of 2020
Jul 5, 2020 | Immigration
Policy Summary
Earlier this week, the Trump Administration announced they would place a pause on Green Cards and most categories of work visas through the remainder of 2020. Through an Executive Order, President Trump will temporarily freeze H-1B visas – which includes several visas for non-immigrant workers in specialty occupations and their dependents – for highly skilled workers. Even foreign medical workers will not be granted a work visa unless they are specifically working on COVID-19 research and/or care. These restrictions would exempt food-service workers and immigrants already living and working in the US.
The Trump Administration boasts the action of this Executive Order would allow Americans to obtain the 525,000 jobs taken by foreign workers over the course of the year. They have argued this tactic is necessary, especially amidst a historic period of American unemployment as a result of COVID-19 lockdown. The technology, landscaping, and forestry sector will be particularly affected by this Executive Order.
The Trump Administration has not yet made any remarks about how asylum seekers will financially support themselves while awaiting a court decision. With the changes surrounding work visas, it is probable that migrants and asylum seekers would not necessarily be deterred but rather forced to make money illegally or to support themselves while awaiting a decision or provide “free” labor and receive a slighted compensation. Many Republicans have considered this a victory for the “immigration hawks” in the White House.
The H-1B visas have been an effective mechanism for supporting the US economy. Many brilliant scientists, technology specialists, medical researchers, and others come to the US on H-1B visas and contribute expertise in their field while working in the US. Though President The US economy is facing a severe recession and high unemployment rates. Drastically cutting the flow of immigrant expertise may not be the best answer to this crisis. Doing so operates on the assumption that all immigrants are taking “American jobs” rather than acknowledging the reality behind America’s historic economic success and the role immigrants and foreign workers play – whether it is in low-skilled or extremely specialized jobs. Such an Executive Order only furthers the xenophobic Trump agenda and hinders the socioeconomic and political contributions immigrants can and have made to the US.
Resistance Resources
The National Immigration Law Center: an organization that exclusively dedicates itself to defending and furthering the rights of low income immigrants and strives to educate decision makers on the impacts and effects of their policies on this overlooked part of the population.
Border Network for Human Rights: network to engage education, organization and participation of border communities to defend human rights and work towards a society where everyone is equal in rights and dignity.
World Health Organization: the WHO provides updated information surrounding COVID-19 and global responses
Center for Disease Control: the CDC provides updated information surrounding COVID-19 and the US responses
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No cancellation fees
BOOK NOW: for reservations confirmed after 10th January (not shifted from 2020 and no Voucher), no fee for a booking cancellation prior to March 1st 2021
Le Beringhe
Area: Colle di Val d'Elsa - Tuscany View Map
Typical stone-built farmhouse that has been completely renovated and is situated inside a large, active farm that is completely fenced-in and immersed in the gentle landscape of the Tuscan hills. Located in the heart of the Elsa Valley in a particularly strategic geographic position for visiting the[...]
Beringhe Piccola Corte
from 280,00 EUR/Week
Featured pool: Shared pool
Beringhe Limonaia
Beringhe Casa Varno
Beringhe Casa Tery
Casina di Teo
Area: Monteriggioni - Tuscany View Map
Property type: Independent house
La Casina di Teo is a small converted barn, 75 sq. m. and completely independent, holding up to 4 persons with a double bedroom, a double sofa bed and two bathrooms. The house has a large private garden, completely enclosed and furnished, with private swimming pool, barbecue and covered parking. Ideal[...]
Eremo nel Chianti
The charm of the ancient Eremo nel Chianti will capture your soul all the while you stay there and it will cling to your memories. In the heart of the Chianti, surrounded by woodlands and vineyards, this ancient construction has opened its doors to tourists who wish to have a rare and unique experience.[...]
Eremo Chiostro
Eremo Granaio
Tamerici
Area: San Miniato - Tuscany View Map
Country villa with outbuilding, 390 square meters, holding up to 9 people with 4 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a sofa bed. The house has a private pool which is fenced for children’s safety, a garden with a ping pong table and a furnished loggia for outdoor meals. You will also find Wi-Fi, satellite[...]
Corte Paradiso
Area: Monsummano Terme - Tuscany View Map
Corte Paradiso is a splendid colonial home for a total of 280 sq m holding up to 11 persons in 4 double bedrooms, a triple bedroom and 5 bathrooms. The property has a large garden with private, fenced swimming pool, an outdoor area for meals with a barbecue, WiFi, satellite TV, central heating and parking[...]
Corte Paradiso with 17 Sleeps
Villa il Pino
Area: Lari - Tuscany View Map
Sleeps: 6-12
Villa il Pino is a restructured colonial house, made up of three apartments for a total area of about 130 sq. m., holding up to 12 people with 3 double bedrooms, 3 double sofa beds and 3 bathrooms. Guests can use a large park, private swimming pool with spacious hydromassage tub, furnished pergola and[...]
Villa Serafina
Area: Pescia - Tuscany View Map
Featured pool: Swimming Pool
Villa Serafina is an independent house, for a total area of 250 sq. m., comfortably holding 14 persons with 4 double bedrooms, 2 triple bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The villa has a large garden, exclusive swimming pool, furnished terrace for outdoor lunches, Wi-Fi and satellite TV. It is perfect for groups[...]
Villa Montemaggiore
Area: Colli al Metauro - Marche View Map
Villa Montemaggiore is an ancient summer residence of the Archbishops of Urbino and dominates the “Metauro dalla Gola del Furlo” valley in Fano, an ancient Roman city on the Adriatic Sea. After long and careful restoration work, the villa, measuring 350 sq.m., and its park is a blend of refined architecture[...]
Casale il Gualdo
Area: Radda in Chianti - Tuscany View Map
Casale il Gualdo is an old stone house, completely independent, measuring 300 sq. m. and capable of holding up to 16 people with 8 double bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The farmhouse, with an exclusive pool with Infinity edge, Wi-Fi, satellite TV and air conditioning in the bedrooms, is perfect for groups[...]
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TCO Performance Center
Lunchbreak
Presser Points
News | Minnesota Vikings – vikings.com
Vikings Instagram Group Returns to Chicago
Vikings Instagram Group: Chicago Bears
The Vikings Instagram group took over Chicago to get set for the Vikings matchup for Sunday Night Football.
Stacy Schikman
It's Week 11 in the NFL, and the Vikings are heading to Chicago to face the Bears in an NFC North showdown. Vikings Instagram Group is back to share the beautiful sights that the Windy City has to offer.
Vikings Instagram Group is a collective of photos that shows the unique aspects of each city the team visits. In its third season, V.I.G. has a new collection of photographers who are excited to show off their cities. This year, we asked V.I.G. contributors to use two cleats in their shots, one for the Vikings and one for the respective opponent.
Just a short flight away from the Twin Cities, Chicago is often a popular destination for Vikings fans to visit each season. We caught up with Stacy Schikman, a Chicago-based photographer, who showcased her favorite parts of the city and shared her recommendations for fans passing through town.
What's your Instagram handle? Tell us about what you like to shoot.
I am@stacyjoanna and I love being able to capture scenes that catch my eye. These moments come at any time, and I've found that photography has been a way for me to make these moments last and to share with people near and far. I think it's amazing how we all walk around the same places and notice completely different things; my photos are simply a window into the way I see them. Thank you for appreciating them along with me!
In your own creative way, describe Chicago in 5 words or fewer.
Clean, Diverse, Modern, Classic, Friendly.
Give us an explanation of what/where you photographed and why.
I took the cleats around to many of the most interesting and classic places around the city that visitors could easily get to in a weekend trip that would emulate the beauty and aliveness of our city. All are easily accessible from Soldier Field and downtown hotels.
Cloudgate/The Bean: This is a must. There is such a magical feeling of diversity and unity here. There is something about it that makes everyone's eyes light up with wonder. Besides providing a mirror for all of the architectural views around it, the reflections of clouds and people are always beautiful both in real life and as a photo op.
Crown Fountain: This public art installation is jaw-dropping in its own right. The people featured are all real Chicagoans, with true evolving expressions depicted in LED lights. In the summertime, the mouths will periodically open and water squirts out of the mouths, which is always fun for kids to play in. One of my favorite things about it is seeing kids of all backgrounds playing together in it. Absolute joy, all together. The diversity reflected in the characters being featured is reflective of the melting pot of citizens and tourists of this city. A sight to see for sure!
Oak Street Beach: This is one of my favorite places to go in Chicago and reflects a true essence of what makes this city special. The Chicago lakefront bumps right up against downtown and is easily accessible to all. There are bike and walking paths spanning 18 miles from the north side to the south side, giving access to parks, museums, restaurants and shopping. I chose my favorite view, the puddle reflecting the Hancock and Gold Coast skyline from the beach. This beautiful detour is right off of Michigan Ave. and is a must see.
Michigan Ave. (North & South):Vikings fans visiting this weekend will be treated to the magic of Michigan Avenue tree lighting ceremony. This is something Chicagoans look forward to all year-round. This is a classic street and one of the most anticipated days of the year.
Chicago Riverwalk:If you brought warm clothes to bundle up in at the game, wear that same gear and take an architectural boat cruise to get the absolute best view of the Chicago River. There is amazing architecture all along the river, and this offers a great way to see it in a reasonable amount of time. If you don't want to do a boat tour, there is a beautiful Riverwalk which was just remodeled this past year. There is nothing quite like taking in the architectural views juxtaposed against the river water. There are many restaurants along it too, if you're looking for a cozy view from inside.
Theater District:Chicago is the Second City, as they say, and lots of actors cut their teeth here. The productions in our theater district are top-notch, and short of New York or London, Chicago has a lot of theater to offer during a quick visit. If you don't see a show, it's still a beautiful walk around Randolph and Dearborn just to see each of the marquees.
What's one place you would recommend going to while visiting Chicago?
Chicago's vibrant food scene is enriched by the deep cultural diversity, and nothing makes the experience more authentic than a meal in the neighborhoods themselves. Chinatown, Greek Town, Little Italy and more could be a 10-minute Uber ride away. This is something special about Chicago that I highly recommend.
What was your favorite part about contributing to the Vikings Instagram Group?
I loved walking around with both cleats and taking photos everywhere, talking with people as they saw me doing it. I actually loved the idea that I was welcoming another team in with our own, capturing the beauty of both together and welcoming all of the Vikings fans to Chicago. What a warmer welcome than seeing your own represented here. I can't wait for all of the Vikings fans to get here. I will smile every time I see the purple logo – it now holds a special place in my heart!
If you're a Vikings fan heading to Chicago this weekend, check out the Vikings Fleet Rally on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 2 – 4:30 p.m. at Redmond's Ale House. The Vikings will face the Bears on Sunday Night Football at 7:20 p.m. (CT).
For more Vikings Instagram Group updates throughout the season, follow @Vikings and #VikingsIG on Instagram.
Vikings 2021 Opponents Determined
Vikings Have 14th Overall Pick in 2021 NFL Draft
Lunchbreak: Cronin Believes Cousins was 'Best Version' at 2020's End
3 Vikings Assistants Tapped for Shrine Bowl Experience
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[sourceSecurity]Chung-Ang University announces UNIONCOMMUNITY UBio-X Pro2 trial for body temperature measurement and face recog
virditech
Chung-Ang University, one of the universities in Korea, announced that they would test-run the "untact face recognition device combined with body temperature detection system" at the test of the regular evaluation of TOPCIT (Test Of Practice in IT) on the 20th.
Trial at TOPCIT Test
TOPCIT is a test that evaluates actual competency required by software (SW) industrial sites and is being used in various ways, such as granting additional points when selecting human resources from public institutions, financial institutions, and large companies.
The Da Vinci SW Education Centre of Chung-Ang University plans to install the UBio-X Pro2, which measures body temperature, by recognising the faces of students entering and leaving the test site to prevent COVID-19 infection and safety of applicants. Candidates apply for non-face-to-face visits in advance and certify their entry on the same day.
Deep learning algorithms for large crowds
The face recognition system uses deep learning algorithms to authenticate a large number of people in a short time as it can be certified through various angles and up to 2 metres away.
Measuring body temperature is possible in conjunction with thermal imaging cameras and access can be restricted when abnormal body temperature is detected. "It is an opportunity to pre-emptively prepare for the post-corona era through the application of various untact systems," said Yoon Kyung-Hyun, director of the SW Educational department. "It is more meaningful since two students from the software department at Chung-Ang University are participating in the team in charge of the UNIONCOMMUNITY, which developed the face recognition system, through the industry-academic cooperation in the SW-centred university project."
source : sourceSecurity - Chung-Ang University announces UNIONCOMMUNITY UBio-X Pro2 trial for body temperature measurement and face recognition
[BIOMETRIC]Telpo and UnionCommunity launch contactless biometric temperature screening terminals as market heats up
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for State Representative
Meet Joshua
Email Josh
Joshua Hicks raises $17,594 over last filing period. $68,012 total raised.
Total Raised Increases to $68,012 with $49,523 Cash on Hand
JACKSONVILLE, FL – Joshua Hicks raised $17,594.47 from August 22 – September 4, continuing his competitive challenge to State Representative Cord Byrd. The Hicks campaign received 178 donations during this time.
To date, the campaign has raised $68,011.98 from 1,021 donations with $49,523.03 cash on hand. There is a stark contrast in fundraising sources. While Hicks has grassroots support and an average contribution of $61 prior to this reporting period, Byrd has an average contribution of $713 with funding from Florida’s largest corporate special interests.
Democratic candidate Joshua Hicks issued the following statement:
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the community support our campaign continues to receive. For far too long, our current representative has placed his political career, party, and powerful corporate interests in front of people. But our growing momentum and widespread support show that the First Coast community is ready for new leadership. This campaign is about placing people first, by focusing on the kitchen table issues impacting families across our community, and that’s exactly what I will do in Tallahassee.”
Honk for virtual school: Day of Action rally asks Duval County to revise back-to-school planhttps://www.votejoshuahicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2020-07-27_drivein-rally-935x565.jpg
Joshua Hicks narrows cash gap between Cord Byrd in HD 11 challenge
Paid for by Joshua Hicks, Democrat, for State Representative, District 11.
© 2020 Joshua Hicks for State Representative. All rights reserved
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Trendy trousseau
While most brides still prefer the traditional saree or costumes of their communities, there is a distinct trend towards creating designer ensemble for that exclusive look, says Vimla Patil
WITH the Atulya Mafatlal-Sheetal Bhagat wedding in Mumbai creating unprecedented media hype, Pallavi Jaikishen, who designed the bridal outfits — for both the bride and the groom — together with Versace, has been uppermost in the minds of fashion aficionados. Arguably, Pallavi is one of the three most sought after wedding ensemble designers of India and every year more than 50 top- notch Indian brides all over the world book her to create their bridal outift. The other two, according to high society barometers, are Abu Sandeep and Tarun Tahiliani.
"The trousseau business really changed in the nineties," says Pallavi, who takes brides only by appointment, "Not so long ago, Indian families worked around the ‘durzee concept.’ The family tailor would come to the wedding house, and brides — with friends or family — would discuss with him what she wanted to wear. Usually, the outfits in the trousseau were based on traditional cholis and sarees or ghagra cholis or salwar kameezes in red, maroon, pink or other bridal colours. The jewellery was also regional and fixed even in the number of items. Yes, there was a tendency to look at film actresses like Nargis, Waheeda Rehman or Sharmila Tagore and the bridal outfits they wore in their filmi weddings. But there was little chance to copy them accurately.
"In the mid-nineties, however, this laidback scenario began to change. Designers began to rise on the horizon of the fast-developing fashion industry and, in time, each made a name for himself or herself. The look, the colour and more emphatically the kind of embroidery began to be branded and was recognised as the work of a specific designer. Brides from well-to-do families began to patronise their designers. As younger heroines came into technically superb films, the wedding or party clothes worn by Madhuri Dixit, Kajol, Aishwarya Rai, Manisha Koirala, Karisma Kapoor and others became the rage of society weddings. Indeed, Madhuri’s purple outfit in Hum Apke Hain Kaun set a trend for purple that year. Aishwarya’s peach outfit in Aur Pyar Ho Gaya created an excitement among the brides of that year. Today’s films, which are called ‘wedding videos’ in humour, have many designers working for the heroines, and brides love to follow the trend set by stars."
However, Pallavi follows her own genius. Her embroidery tilts towards European work but the clothes are very Indian. "I don’t mess around with the basic bridal look. The flared ghagra and the fitting choli is the right outfit for a bride but variations in chunnis and cholis are possible. I decide the outfit, the fabric, the colour and the look depending upon the season, the venue, the bride’s personality and of course, her budget. Sometimes, I do the bridegroom’s or the entire bridal party’s clothes. I also advise on jewellery and accessories. It is difficult to record or photograph such exclusively created clothes because brides are very superstitious about the clothes and do not want models to wear them. The clothes are actually packed away from prying eyes and brought out just before the wedding."
Pallavi has a workshop where 150 karigars are employed the year round. More recently, she opened her boutique in central Mumbai to showcase her clothes in the affordable line. "My shop reflects my personality in the best way," she says.
Pallavi, Abu Sandeep and Tarun Tahiliani are holding up the wedding fashion industry on their able shoulders. Though other designers also do bridal outfits, they are recognised as the best. Now with the winter marriage season setting in, no doubt they will be kept busy! Down the social ladder, in the middle class, brides choose copies of designer clothes in high street stores or get them made by their family tailors, keeping in mind the trend shown by the designers.
Your invitation to the wedding ...
Beginning with a home-based small industry, Minal Desai has become a well-known wedding stationery designer. Here is a glimpse of the business route she took, and the success she enjoys today.
At the wedding of Rajat Barjatya, scion of the Hindi film industry’s premier family — the Barjatyas of Rajshri Productions — the decor and the stationery were two items which drew the attention of art cognoscenti. While the decor was designed by artist Aruna Purohit, the cards, bags, envelopes and letter designs were created by a modest woman who has built a burgeoning home industry as a designer of exclusive cards, bags, packaging and other auspicious paper items needed for a wedding.
Minal Desai, married for 19 years, had never thought that she would one day become designer to some of the most prestigious shops and families for their stationery and gift-wrapping. "My mother had this artistic gift of creating ethnic gift bags and cards and I must have learnt by watching her or I must have inherited her aptitude. I used to make cards or gift boxes for my friends till one day, a friend asked me to go commercial. I got my first order from the Catholic Gymkhana in Mumbai for mithai boxes. Word-of-mouth publicity gave me instant encouragement and I was on my way to becoming a well-established entrepreneur. I took a short course in craft from Nirmala Niketan in 1994 and the next year, started my business. I make cards, eco-friendly boxes and bags, stationery and gift-wrapping items.
"Today, in five years, my business has grown 500 times. I get cardboard, Ganesha and Lakshmi icons, jute fabric, acrylic, cotton and silk fabrics, basketry, paper, dry flowers, ribbons, beads, silver trinkets, stones, shells, chattai and readymade bows from all corners of India. I use these in designing boxes and bags. I have a catalogue of designs from where clients choose their style. I manage my production with a team of three live-in bais and seven karigars who come in each day. Large orders are executed in the family factory and delivery is taken by clients who pay on time. This way, I’m happy and my clients are satisfied. I have worked for Sindhi, Punjabi, Marwari clients and a number of corporates. For those who prefer western-style bags and gifts or cards, I create beautiful designs with flowers and bows. But my major business is in ethnic designs." Minal says, as she looks forward to expanding her company.
— VP
The pleasure of your company
Did you know that Rashtrapati Bhavan banquets given by the President of India to visiting world leaders or royalty are governed by three different coloured lights? Reportedly, they are blue, red and white and each goes on when a course is in progress, a course is over and a fresh course has to be served. This was so also at the recent banquet given by President Narayan to the visiting US President Bill Clinton and his family.
"The man with his finger on the switches watches the celebrity chief guests’ plates and whenever they put their forks and knives down, turns on the light for removal of plates," says Ranjana Salgaocar, author of The Pleasure of Your Company, one of India’s most successful books on etiquette and manners for all occasions, "If other guests have not kept pace with the honoured chief guests, it is too bad for them for they cannot continue to eat a course of food when the celebrities are twiddling their thumbs." The book also teaches personality enhancement through social graces and public relations through properly designed entertaining and hospitality, which are a modern gateway to global business.
Ranjana has written the book after personally experiencing the entertaining system in the Rashtrapati Bhavan and at the Prime Minister’s Hyderabad House parties because she comes from an eminent family and is married into the famous industrialist family — the Salgaocars of Goa. "My father was a commissioner of police. So we travelled a great deal on transfers and had a busy social life. Whenever I went to parties or formal occasions with my father, I would wait for him to deal with the situation at the dining table or at the party and then copy him. At home, I would make small notes on the rules and regulations of social life and the protocol observed on important occasions. These notes just kept piling up until four years ago, I thought: Why not put them together as a book! I began working towards this objective and in 1996, The Pleasure of Your Company was published by us and distributed by the IBD".
Ranjana’s very useful and timely book features table manners, weddings and theme parties for all occasions, proper use of expensive China, linen and cutlery. It offers a guide to wines, cheeses, liquors, liqueurs and food. It describes social graces, Indian and western hospitality traditions, and gives tips on acquiring a gracious social personality. The book is a veritable manual on behaviour in a world which is becoming smaller by the day.
As an offshoot of this book, Ranjana became involved in yet another interesting activity. "Many people asked me to do workshops for them. But I picked and chose those I wanted to do. In the past four years, I have conducted about 20 courses for corporate executives who have to do business abroad or entertain in the course of their business. A company is free to invite spouses to these sessions if they wish. But I don’t do courses specially for women separately. There are finishing schools for women to receive similar education. But for men who are upwardly mobile and have to travel for business, these workshops are extremely useful".
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A tough tread back to school
Updated : 6 months ago
Geetu Vaid
With schools being closed for over three months now, parents, students and teachers are all looking forward to things getting back to normal. But are our schools equipped to resume classes, what measures have been put in place, and most of all is it the right time to reopen or not — these are the key questions. As the debate over the reopening of schools rages, we ask Principals of schools from across the region about the “action plan” that they have prepared to ensure safety of children on returning to the classrooms. Here’s what they have to say:
Not until India is covid free
To be or not to be — these eternal words by Shakespeare, hold more importance today than ever before. To reopen or not, and when to reopen — that’s the question topmost on every parent, government official, school owner, teacher, transporter, as well as on every principal’ mind.
As the co-owner and principal I am constantly evaluating risks and doing risk management, including SWOT analysis, reviewing SOPs and keeping an eye on the experiences in other countries around the world where schools have been reopened only to be shut again after Covid positive cases being reported.
Manjeet Madra, Principal, The Elite American Corporate School, Patiala
Personally speaking, the result of all my risk assessment shows that while we may be able to address many risks using standard procedures like washing hands, use of sanitisers, not allowing sharing between children, avoiding functions and contact sports, ensuring social distancing among kids is going to be the biggest challenge. Asymptomatic transmission makes reopening all the more risky. Even though we have made preparations for scanning children before they board the buses, how can we be really sure unless Covid-19 tracing is mandatory for all parents and the data is made available to the school daily.
In the theory of risk management, there are two elements of risk Likelihood and Severity. If something is not going to cause severe damage but the likelihood of it happening is very high, then also it is considered high risk. On the other hand, if the severity of something is very high but the likelihood of it happening is very low, then also the risk is considered very high. In the case of the this pandemic, both, the likelihood and the severity are extremely high whilst the risk mitigating measures have some gaps that cannot be truly addressed.
So in hindsight, do I think that schools should be re-opened? Well, not until India is COVID19 free. And the parents, who have the biggest national resource, their children, also seem to think so. Survey after survey by various channels or agencies has shown that around 80 to 90% of them won't send their children even if the schools reopen before India is COVID19 free.
On the other hand, I understand that the schools employ millions and are a big part of restarting the economy. Therefore, as a school, we have already hired a second principal who will be full-time principal of Covid response management and implementation. We have already hired a second set of teachers for all subjects so that we can carry on classroom as well as online classes in tandem without burdening the teachers or degrading the quality of pedagogy.
Patience is the key
Every school is struggling and brainstorming about the best strategy to adopt when the schools reopen. Social and physical distancing is almost impossible amongst younger children and that will make it a difficult situation to handle.
Amita Dhaka, Principal, Delhi Public School, Ambala
In my opinion we all should have patience and should not be in a hurry to reopen schools. I feel in the current scenario we must abide strictly by the guidelines of the health department. Also in India we have different types of schools ranging from some elite schools with state-of-the-art facilities to others struggling even for basic amenities.
Maintaining high amount of hygiene as required to defeat corona virus is questionable? To be safe, and keep others safe is our utmost responsibility as an aware citizen of the world. Our mission at this moment should be, ' save life first'.
Measures in place for staggered reopening
We are not comfortable with the idea of opening the schools. Only once we have zero cases in the tricity over a ‘safe period’ and as per the directions given by the Administration and with the consent of the parents, should the schools be opened in a structured manner after putting all safety measures as per the guidelines provided by the appropriate authorities. Classes should first be resumed for students of Board classes.
Ritu Bali, Principal, AKSIPS-41 Smart School, Chandigarh
Suggestions for safety measures
School premises should be fumigated and sanitised everyday.
Proper medical staff and medical room with necessary medical provisions as per the directions of appropriate authorities should be maintained.
Children should be allowed to come only either with their parents or by school bus and follow the rules and regulations fixed by the administration regarding this.
Everyone should be checked for fever at the entry point and properly sanitised.
If anybody is found sick and unwell as per the prescribed standard guidelines ,he/she should be sent back and can rejoin only after providing the fitness certificate of the approved medical authority fixed for it by the administration.
Masks should be mandatory for all.
For observing social distancing of 2 metres, appropriate student - teacher ratio per classroom size-wise should be fixed.
Fixed seating arrangements should be followed in the classrooms.
Everyone should bring their personal soaps and sanitisers also.
No canteen facility.
Water-coolers and washrooms should be constantly sanitised.
No group activities and sports, only individual activities and sports.
Regular meditation, yoga and breathing exercises for 15 minutes.
All the guidelines should be put up in all the classes and important areas of the school. Daily safety instructions should be given over the microphone at the beginning of the school.
All should eat their food in the break period in their own class.
One period should be allowed for going out section-wise at different times. Suppose more than one section needs to go out then different areas should be allotted where all would observe social distancing and be under the supervision of the teacher.
After a safe interval once the above classes have settled and are running smoothly Classes XI and IX should be allowed. Junior classes can continue with online sessions and wait till the overall situation pertaining to the pandemic improves.
For incorporating all these measures administration should provide funds to the unaided schools.
Imbibe lessons from across the world
Reopening of schools has indeed become a tricky proposition these days in the wake of the daily spike in positive corona virus cases. According to many experts the situation might turn grim and peak in July-August. Schools across the nation have been closed since mid-March just before the Centre decided to impose the nationwide lockdown. In such a scenario sending children to schools would obviously evoke strong reactions all around. It is a fact that offices are functional; shops and malls are open, but sending the children to school is an entirely different matter.
Sr Tara BS, Principal, Infant Jesus Convent School, Mohali
As much of the world remains under some form of lockdown or the other, a few countries have taken the brave decision of reopening schools albeit with precautions. Countries like China and Denmark have encouraged measures such as staggered attendance, social distancing in classrooms and wearing protective visor caps or masks. Denmark has also experimented with the idea of outdoor classes. In Australia too, the schools have reopened with the practice of “one person-one day-a week and learning from home for the rest” criteria. In Taiwan social distancing measure are being enforced by schools through means like plastic partitions during lunch breaks. France has been observing individual chalk squares and smiley’s during play hours in pre-schools. But remember as much as one society is different from the other, circumstances from one part of the world varies from the other. Ours is a completely different society with a different lifestyle. The school administration would definitely take a leaf out of the book of these countries and would definitely ponder over the loss of a child’s crucial academic years and the uncertainty surrounding the future of education.
However, I feel that in these unprecedented times, instead of rushing to the decision of reopening, the administration would try to develop an entirely new perspective towards the approach to the teaching learning process.
Going by the current status of Covid-19, the physical environment doesn’t seem to be conducive and safe for the children especially the younger ones. So, it is imperative that schools would try to move on from an actual classroom set-up to a digital one that has a completely new outlook.
The school management will definitely gauge the situation and assess a whole lot of measures and guidelines such as policy reforms, financial options, safety protocols, monitoring health indicators and the focus on well-being and protection before arriving at any decision.
No compromise would be made in matters of staggered attendance, social distancing, hygiene and sanitation. No matter when the situations turn normal and schools reopen, the life after the pandemic would be no cake walk for any school administration.
Accept the new normal before resuming routine
"Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced." — John Keats
A few months back everything which is happening today seemed impossible and impractical. They say, change is the law of nature and I believe that nothing is more dynamic than human mind. We absorb the changes as quickly as a sponge does and we tend to make stronger and more powerful comebacks than ever.
Monica Sharma, Principal, PML SD Public School, Chandigarh
Meanwhile Covid-19 has made us all distressed and has affected the super energetic and restless group i.e. the teenagers the most. Schools have always been a blessing for the children literally and metaphorically. They are not just the institutions providing education but their holistic approach results in an overall personality building of an individual. Needless to say, all the educational institutions, altogether as well as independently have tried to leave no stone unturned in providing their services to the students. However the formal setup is being compromised. The laboratories, libraries, classrooms, playing courts and the essence of discipline cannot be covered online. Moreover, keeping in view, the lack of basic facilities needed for online learning, screams loud for the reopening of schools.
Multifarious steps can be taken by school managements and authorities for the reopening. Modifying the syllabus by waning off some topics, approaches like odd-even attendance of students, sanitising the school every day and encouraging online teaching- learning can be some of the new moves.
The sensitive situation from which we all are going through presently calls for very strong measures of safety and we cannot deny it.
Reopening of schools is a colossal challenge for the governments and not to mention the school authorities. Nevertheless it's an attainable and necessary design if all the precautions are followed at least for the secondary and senior secondary groups, in near future.
Also, considering the severity of the situation and the inability of the younger groups to understand and follow the set norms to safeguard their own selves, it will be difficult to resume offline classes for them. However as it is said, “Do not confine your children to your own learning, for they were born in another time” we can conveniently say that they’ll get accustomed to the new settings sooner or later.
50% for three days a week
In the current scenario, it is important to first apprise the students to follow the SOPs for their safety. The schools should open in a phased manner with senior classes first phase, middle classes second phase and primary classes in the last phase.
Amita Khorana, Principal, Shishu Niketan Sr. Sec. School, Sec 22, Chandigarh
The best option could be 50% students being called 3 days a week so that all students get time and continue the studies with reduced syllabus. The senior students from classes IX to XII can be called in the beginning to start attending school as they are mature to understand the precautions to be taken.
Starting of other classes can be decided based on the situation of COVID prevailing at that time. Teachers should be given a refresher course for disseminating SOPs before the opening of school which should further be passed on to the students in initial days to ensure compliance by them for their overall well being and safety. Sanitisation of classes, thermal checking, safe distancing with reduced teaching hours need to be considered for the opening of schools.
Following do’s and don’ts strictly
Reopening of schools is a big question for the country at present as education is one of the most important factors which can't be neglected. But now the question is: should it be continued by putting the health of children at risk?
Suman Lata, Principal, Vidya Valley School, New Sunny Enclave, Mohali
Our school will follow the following measures on reopening:
Sanitisation of the entire institution will be done on priority.
At entrance the temperature of each and every student, staff member and every visitor will be checked and noted down. In case temperature is not normal, that person will not be allowed to enter in the school.
Wearing mask will be mandatory. Actually masks will be a mandatory part of the school uniform.
Regular disinfection of the entire building will be the part of precautionary measures.
Health monitoring staff will monitor each student and staff during school hours and there will be the proper arrangement of transportation system to drop a sick person at his home/health centre.
Social distancing will be followed. We are planning for a staggered beginning and end of the school day so that different slots can be made so that school premises doesn’t have many students at same time.
Seating arrangements will create space for children's desks to be at least six feet apart.
Cancelling assemblies, sports games and other events that create crowded conditions.
New norms for school buses will be framed which will ensure the social distancing.
Do’s and don’ts will be framed for washrooms and corridors.
Our school has surplus infrastructure to follow social distancing practices properly.
Foolproof planning is the key
Whether to open schools at present pandemic crisis or not has become a debating point globally. But fact is everybody is looking for normalcy which could be seen only when children start going to school without the fear of Covid. In fact, there are different studies suggesting infection rates are similar in children to adult and there is danger in boosting transmission if a crowd of children gather at one place. As far as I know, lack of clarity in transmission of this virus produces uncertainty for planning to reopen schools.
Pritinder Kaur, Sri Guru Harkrishan Sr Sec Public School, Sec 40, Chandigarh
But a question rises here, how long we keep our children away from school environment?
To make school system functional, I suggest:
Practice enhancing preparedness like preventive actions.
Handling of illness and potential cases with the help of health departments.
Limiting physical contact by reducing social and extra curricular activities.
Adapting shift system of running school with limited classroom strength.
Using innovative methods of teaching through technology which can accessible to all sections of children.
Adjustments to the academic calendar, prioritizing students in grades preparing for high stake examinations and continuing with distance learning in parallel to schools.
Last but not least, schools should take up hygiene campaign as mandatory.
I strongly believe before going to open schools a perfect planning and preparedness are crucial.
President gives Rs 5L for Ram Temple
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Expanded PET Plastic Recycling Could Help Boost the Circular Economy
The use of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, has increased rapidly over the past two decades. Most customers are familiar with PET for its strength, making it a reliable material for beverage bottles, deli containers and tubs for salad greens. But in recent years it has also become a popular material for athletic apparel and upholstery.
According to the environmental NGO GreenBlue, the volume of PET manufactured worldwide for fibers and yarns used in textiles and upholstery is actually greater than what is used in containers. That's a huge missed opportunity, given that the textiles can actually have a second life.
The ever-mounting problem, says GreenBlue, is that far too many PET materials are ending up in landfills or incinerated at the end of their products’ usefulness. This trend is ongoing despite the fact that compared to other plastic resins on the market, PET is relatively easy to recycle, and there are countless opportunities for manufacturers to procure such materials.
Improvements in chemical recycling, moreover, could help increase waste diversion efforts across the plastics industry. Currently, most textile scraps end up being processed into low-value materials such as building insulation and carpet padding.
To that end, GreenBlue’s researchers recently explored how manufacturers could scale up an even more effective infrastructure for gathering and recycling PET textiles and upholstery. The NGO’s report analyzes the challenges and opportunities of recycling both pre- and post-consumer PET textiles so that they could be used more in four key industries: apparel, textiles, carpets and office furniture.
GreenBlue arrived at its conclusions by collecting data from manufacturers in gauging the potential for pre-consumer PET textile waste available for those four industries. The NGO’s researchers also gathered information about revenues that could be earned from selling textile waste to recyclers. Finally, GreenBlue discussed the benefits and constraints of open- and closed-loop systems, as well as the advantages chemical recycling could offer in developing a more efficient recycling system for processing all the various types of PET materials.
What is especially compelling about scaling up PET recycling is that GreenBlue views such systems similar to the watersheds found in ecosystems. In watersheds, water flows to a regional basin. In that vein, PET recycling markets have a similar structure, as recyclers can aggregate multiple streams of PET materials available within a given region.
Such a regionalized approach, argues GreenBlue, could actually boost the amount of PET materials available, decrease transportation costs and could improve the cost-effectiveness of recycling PET. GreenBlue also mapped locations of selected textile waste generators, such as residential textile mills, carpet mills and carpet recyclers along the eastern U.S. An interactive map GreenBlue posted allows the user to view potential sources of PET by industry sector and geographical location, in turn displaying the potential to collect PET materials sourced from various sectors across that region.
GreenBlue’s study did not estimate the potential PET textile feedstocks. But what the survey did find was that the companies they queried have been generating at least 20 million pounds of pre-consumer PET textile scrap generated a year – and in general, different types of feedstocks tend to be concentrated in specific geographic areas. The potential for a closed-loop textile economy is huge – if a more efficient recycling infrastructure can emerge.
Georgia, for example, is the epicenter of U.S. carpet manufacturing. If more companies in this sector could follow the lead of Atlanta-based Interface, the carpet square (and corporate sustainability) giant and like-minded companies in this supply chain, more of that otherwise discarded PET could be recycled and reused – and achieve what BlueGreen says should be the ultimate goal, high-value yarns and fibers that could be woven into textiles, eventually to be recycled again and again.
Image credit: Interface/Facebook
Leon Kaye
Leon Kaye has written for TriplePundit since 2010, and became its Executive Editor in 2018. He's based in Fresno, CA, from where he happily explores California’s stellar Central Coast and the national parks in the Sierra Nevadas. He's lived in South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay, and has traveled to over 70 countries. He's an alum of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the University of Southern California.
Read more stories by Leon Kaye
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GovernmentBusiness
Ryan Beene and Mark Chediak | Bloomberg News
February 5, 2020 11:15 AM, EST
CARB Chair Chides GM, Toyota for Backing Trump on Fuel Rates
Vehicles drive in traffic down a California freeway in September 2019. (Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg News)
California’s top environmental official criticized General Motors Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. for backing the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke the state’s authority to regulate auto emissions, saying she hoped car companies had learned by now to work with the powerful agency.
The tough rules California has implemented and enforced for years already have had an impact on automakers, Mary Nichols, the chairman of the state’s Air Resources Board, said Feb. 4 at the BNEF Summit in San Francisco. She believes the regulator deserves some credit for the industry’s plans to field more electric vehicles in the near future.
“We’ve had something to do with that here in California, and I’m pleased with that,” Nichols said. “In the case of General Motors and Toyota, just to name a couple of names, to have them not understand that California had actually helped them in all this in so many ways is disappointing.”
In part one of a two-part exploration of autonomous technology today, our latest RoadSigns podcast revisits conversations with CEOs Alex Rodrigues of Embark and Cetin Mericli of Locomation. Hear them explain what testing automated trucks and developing platooning technology has taught them about the road ahead — and get new perspective with host commentary. Listen to a snippet from Rodrigues above, and to hear the full episode, go to RoadSigns.TTNews.com.
GM, Toyota, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and several other carmakers filed legal motions last fall that sided with President Donald Trump’s administration in the court battle over its rule to strip California of the authority to set its own tailpipe-emissions standards. The skirmish is a key aspect of the White House’s move to dismantle tougher fuel economy rules set by the Obama administration.
The clash with California also has fractured the industry. On California’s side are four automakers, including Ford Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co., which last summer agreed to meet rules that would be a compromise between Obama’s standards and Trump’s plans.
In a statement, Toyota said it has consistently supported a single approach for fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards. “We do not believe that there should be different fuel economy standards in different states,” the company said.
GM said it will continue to develop electric vehicles, regardless of what the fuel efficiency standards dictate. “GM remains committed to feasible, year-over-year improvements in conventional fuel economy in addition to our leading investments in electrification,” the company said in a statement.
The dust-up led Nichols to skip her annual visit to the auto industry’s major vehicle show in Los Angeles last fall. She and other environmental officials usually tour the event and talk to executives about their latest technologies.
“I was feeling a little bit like I didn’t want to hang out and sort of have jolly conversations with the companies that were also suing us,” Nichols said.
GM, toyota
Steve Girsky Rises From Matchmaker to Chairman at Nikola
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GM to Rename Michigan Plant ‘Factory Zero’
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What To Make Of The Wild Chinese Stock Market Swing And Its Impact On The US
Despite a rising death toll and more than 20,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus infections in China, U.S. stocks came roaring back on Tuesday, seemingly shrugging off concerns that the virus could weigh on the Chinese economy and potentially negatively impact
Despite a rising death toll and more than 20,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus infections in China, U.S. stocks came roaring back on Tuesday, seemingly shrugging off concerns that the virus could weigh on the Chinese economy and potentially negatively impact the entire global financial system.
Chinese stocks rebounded from a sharp decline on Monday after Reuters reported that the Chinese central bank could cut interest rates and bank reserve ratios in addition to its aggressive liquidity injections announced earlier this week. The People’s Bank of China said it plans to inject $174 billion of liquidity into its financial markets.
Market experts have been comparing the Wuhan coronavirus to its predecessor SARS, which triggered a temporary market sell-off back in 2002 and 2003.
See Also: A History Of Coronavirus Outbreaks And The Stock Market
How To Play It
Wall Street analysts have estimated the virus will negatively impact China’s 2020 GDP growth by between 0.2% and 1.0% depending on the ultimate severity of the outbreak. On Monday, Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM US LLP, said those estimates appear to be optimistic at this point.
“What is certain is that the Chinese economy is going to grow at a pace far less than the official 6% target through the first 90 days of 2020. More difficult to ascertain is the regional economic impact and damage to a domestic system of finance already strained by escalating defaults and bankruptcies,” Brusuelas said.
UBS analyst David Lefkowitz said last week there are several ways for investors to approach the coronavirus volatility.
“Add defensive exposure in areas like quality and high dividend stocks. Investors can also use the dip to gain exposure to emerging market equities—which remains our most preferred regional equity market—or enter into long-term investments at a discount,” Lefkowitz said.
Aaron Boesky, CEO of Marco Polo Pure Asset Management, told Benzinga he and his China-focused fund are monitoring the situation closely, and the markets seem to be reflecting the swift and decisive measures undertaken by the Chinese government this week.
“The impact of the virus on the economy will likely be significant but limited to a single quarter. Expectations and models are already building in this impact. It’s a negative impact which is limited to a short timeframe and does not materially change the long-term outlook. This lends itself to markets which are willing to adjust expectations and move forward,” Boesky said.
The bullish trading action on Tuesday seems to echo Boesky’s take that the market is already beginning to look past the coronavirus outbreak. Over the past five trading sessions, both the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE: SPY) and the iShares FTSE/Xinhua China 25 Index (NYSE: FXI) are up about 1% overall.
Benzinga’s Take
During the peak of the SARS scare from December 2002 to April 2003, the S&P 500 dropped 8.3% and stocks related to discretionary spending and emerging markets (particularly China) underperformed. The good news is that over the next six months after the scare, the S&P 500 more than made up for its losses, gaining 18.6%.
Do you agree with this take? Email feedback@benzinga.com with your thoughts.
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College of Arts and Humanities
College of Science and Mathematics
Richards College of Business
Honors College and Trans-Disciplinary Program
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Around UWG
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Thriving Under 30: UWG Alumnus Sets Records in Government
by Emily Sprewell
Ethan Stiles knows the role that staying involved can have on your career success.
“I actually didn’t get involved at West Georgia until I was a junior in college,” said Stiles, a 2017 University of West Georgia alumnus and recent Thriving Under 30 recipient. “I was given a gamut of opportunities. I became involved with student government and the Blue Coats. Then university administration hired me to do external relations for the school. So as a student, I was still very much involved with government as a whole and the efforts of UWG.”
The UWG Alumni Association’s Thriving Under 30 program acknowledges alumni who are under the age of 30 and have made a significant impact in their chosen career fields. The program also recognizes the honorees for their dedication and representation of the university.
Stiles, a biology major from Bremen, has had a tremendous career in government. During his time at UWG, Stiles served as president for the Blue Coats and student government. The Blue Coats are a group of student representatives who work toward the advancement of UWG and its students. Stiles was also involved with the Governor’s Internship Program and the Senate Aide Program.
He explained that the Governor’s Internship program gave him the opportunity to develop relationships and expand his political experience.
“I developed a daily brief of everything that happened in the Senate chamber and I was assigned to go to certain committee meetings that related to policy that Governor Nathan Deal was trying to push,” Stiles explained. “It was a great experience, and I got to see how the initiatives of the governor's office were executed. I also developed fantastic relationships with a series of senators and house members.”
After graduating from UWG, Stiles began working for the Georgia General Assembly as a legislative staff member. After working for the Georgia General Assembly, Stiles made a career change to the University System of Georgia where he became the project manager and oversaw the implementation of the Comprehensive Administrative Review, a large project that focused on savings.
Stiles returned to the Georgia General Assembly once the Comprehensive Administrative Review project was complete. He then became the chief of staff to Georgia Senate Majority Leader and UWG alum Michael Dugan, who he continues to serve.
Stiles is the youngest chief of staff to a member of Senate leadership the state of Georgia has ever appointed.
Stiles touched on the challenges that he faces in his current role and how it inspires him to work hard.
“At the end of the day, we have a responsibility to 11 million people, and it’s daunting,” Stiles said. “Managing more than 70 people to work for the betterment of every Georgian is hard, but I love it.”
Stiles also expressed the honor he felt to share the title of Thriving Under 30 with other alumni.
“It was an absolute honor to be involved with them,” Stiles said. “I was deeply impressed with every single one of them – whether it was making a difference for K-12 students, being involved with huge gaming industries, or being on the forefront of breaking science.”
Stiles still dedicates his time to UWG and advocates for the university. He also dedicates his time to mentor students who are interested in his career field.
“The second I got involved at UWG, I began to love the institution,” Stiles explained. “ I loved what it represented. It was my fate that I ended up there. It ended up working out beautifully for me.”
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Alumna Named Georgia Superintendent of the Year, National Finalist
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History Repeating: Alumna, Medical Historian Chronicles Pandemics for CDC
Great Opera-tunities: Alumna Wins in Met Auditions
Don’t Sit on the Sidelines: Alum Reflects on His Career in Washington, D.C.
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Scout, Denver's New Resale Clothing Store, Disrupts Fast Fashion
Seven Things to Do for Free in Denver
This week in genre film: All About Evil, Wet Hot American Summer and more
Cory Casciato
Cory Casciato | August 20, 2010 | 9:00am
Denver's a great place for fans of the big five of genre film (that's sci-fi, fantasy, horror, exploitation and cult), as every week we get a generous helping of selections to choose from. As usual, we're rounding up your options for the weekend to come and the following week, and making a recommendation of one can't-miss film. This week, we've got a horror film about killing people to make horror films -- now that's what we call verisimilitude!
Pick of the Week: All About Evil Where: Esquire Theatre, 600 Downing Street When: Midnight Saturday, August 21 Why?: It's a love-letter to genre film and the theaters that feature it. It's the debut feature of cult-film impresario Peaches Christ (aka Joshua Grannell) and it stars cult legends Cassandra Peterson (better known as Elvira!) and Mink Stole. Basically, if you're the kind of person looking for the best in genre film on a weekly basis, this film was made for you. (You can read more about All About Evil in this week's Night & Day piece on the film.) Not sold yet? Check out the trailer, embedded below. More info/tickets: LandmarkTheatres.com
Also Showing
Wet Hot American Summer Where: Starz FilmCenter, Tivoli building on the Auraria Campus When: 10 p.m. Friday August 20 and Saturday August 21 Why?: It's only the greatest summer camp movie of all time. And it's from the guys behind the awesome cult comedy sketch show The State. Plus, there's a guy who humps a refrigerator in it. If somehow you still aren't sold, perhaps the shortest short-shorts contest that's happening before each show will convince you... More info/tickets: DenverFilm.org
2Everything 2Terrible 2: Tokyo Drift Where: Starz FilmCenter, Tivoli building on the Auraria Campus When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, August 21 Why?: It's a crazy cut-up masterpiece of discarded, god-awful VHS-era clips "poetically edited" into something wonderful, complete with a costumed, strobe-light and smoke machine pre-show extravaganza. (You can read more about 2Everything 2Terrible 2: Tokyo Drift in this week's Night & Day piece on the film/event.) More info/Tickets: DenverFilm.org
Spirited Away Where: Esquire Theatre, 600 Downing Street When: Midnight Friday, August 20 & Saturday, August 21 Why?: Yet another gem from anime master Hayao Miyazaki! The guy is not only a master, but a prolific master. In Spirited Away, a girl is transported to a shadow land full of strange spirits and beasts where she must protect her parents from the machinations of a sorceress in order to return home. More info/Tickets: LandmarkTheatres.com
Persepolis Where: Thin Man parking lot, 2015 East 17th Avenue When: Wednesday, August 25 at dusk (9 p.m. ish) Why?: An animated autobiographical tale of a young Iranian girl's coming of age against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution, based on the graphic novel of the same name. It won the Jury prize in Cannes in 2007 and it's a great animated film for people who aren't into the typical animated film. Plus, it's free! Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, though. More info/Tickets: ThinManTavern.com
Cory Casciato is a Denver-based writer with a passion for the geeky, from old science fiction movies to brand-new video games.
Facebook: Cory Casciato
Twitter: @casciato
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weekend box office Nov. 3, 2013
Ender’s Game Starts on Top
By Delia Paunescu
Photo: Richard Foreman/? 2012 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved.
The latest Jackass may have opened on top last week, but even a gross-out sight of Johnny Knoxville humping a vending machine is no match for the young adult craze sweeping bookstores and theaters alike. Ender’s Game, the chilly film adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s novel by the same name, began its likely success streak with a $28 million weekend haul at the top of this weekend’s box office. With $20.5 million, Bad Grandpa dropped to second place. Offering another take on geriatric antics, Last Vegas and its liver-spotted all-star cast finally came out (it seems like their ads have been out forever, right?) to make $16.5 million and take third place. Fellow newcomer Free Birds, another animated family favorite, opened fourth with $16.2 million. And Gravity is holding strong to its box office success — the Oscar darling entered a fifth week in theaters rounding out the top five with $13.1 million domestic. It has now made $219.2 million so far, so go ahead and jump on #Gravity2 soon.
Edelstein on Ender’s Game: A Chilly, Unromantic View of Space War
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New on Netflix: January 2021 Pieces of a Woman, A Monster Calls, Pretend It’s a City, and more.
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Warren Funeral Services of Baldwin
Send Flowers for Henry
Henry Gary Griffin
June 30, 1945 ~ June 13, 2019 (age 73)
Mr. Henry Gary Griffin, age 73 of Callahan, passed away Thursday, June 13, 2019. Mr. Griffin was born in Jacksonville to the late Henry F. and Marguerite G. Griffin. Upon graduating from Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville, he pursued and obtained his pharmacy degree at the University of Florida. Having a kind and caring heart, Mr. Griffin served the Callahan community as the owner and pharmacist of Osteen’s Pharmacy for many years. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and traveling to historical sites. Being a University of Florida graduate, Mr. Griffin was an avid fan and supporter of the Florida Gators. He was a devoted family man who will be remembered as a wonderful protector of and provider for his family and his community. He lived his life with intentional purpose; simply, with humility, and a sweet spirit. He is survived by his sons: Edward Scott Griffin of Las Vegas, NV and Kenneth Lee (Angel) Griffin of Jacksonville; grandchildren: Brandon Griffin, Hannah Leigh Griffin, and Chalker Aaron Griffin; and sister: Phyllis Griffin of Tampa. He was preceded in death by his wife of thirty eight years: Elizabeth Griffin. Funeral services will be held 10:00am, Saturday, June 15, 2019 in the chapel at Prestwood Funeral Home, Baldwin, Florida with Mr. Griffin’s son: Kenneth Griffin officiating. Burial will follow at Campground Cemetery in Morven, Georgia at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pathways2Life Prevention and Support Ministry, 4720 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Suite 201, Berkeley Lake, GA 30071 or online at www.Pathways2Life.org. Prestwood Funeral Home in Baldwin, Florida, has been entrusted with arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook at www.prestwoodfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Henry Gary Griffin, please visit our floral store.
Campground Cemetery
Campground Road
Morven, GA 31638
Prestwood Funeral Home
105 U.S Highway 90 West
Baldwin, FL 32234
© 2021 Warren Funeral Services of Baldwin. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
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House impeaches Trump for second time
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., walks to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office on Capital Hill, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, in Washington, as the House of Representatives is pursuing an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump for his role ... more >
By Stephen Dinan - The Washington Times - Wednesday, January 13, 2021
With last week’s attack on Congress ringing as a battle cry, the House voted Tuesday to impeach President Trump for the second time in his four-year tenure, accusing him of inciting an insurrection.
Ten Republicans joined all the chamber’s Democrats, a slight but significant show of bipartisanship that Democrats said signals Mr. Trump’s hold on American politics is slipping.
Only the fourth successful impeachment in history, it comes just a week before the president is slated to leave office anyway.
SEE ALSO: Impeachment trial won’t begin until after Trump leaves office
Republicans said that looming departure was reason to skip the spanking and let him slip into retirement. Democrats countered that Mr. Trump is capable of untold mayhem with seven more days in office.
“Every second this president remains in office is a danger to this country and the world,” said Rep. James McGovern, Massachusetts Democrat. “We have no idea what he is capable of doing — whether he will pardon these terrorists, whether he will go to war.”
The 232-197 vote marks the highest total ever for impeachment of a president, topping Mr. Trump’s 2019 votes and that of Presidents Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson. It was also the most bipartisan impeachment in history.
What happens next is unclear.
The Senate signaled it wouldn’t begin a trial until next week — just as President-elect Joseph R. Biden is being sworn in and Mr. Trump is being ushered out. There are legal questions as to whether a trial could even be held in such a case.
A trial would also last weeks, senators suggested, which would leave the Senate tied up just as it should be working to confirm Mr. Biden’s Cabinet and get a start on his agenda.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat, signed the impeachment resolution Wednesday evening but hadn’t said when she would transmit it to the Senate.
The single article of impeachment connected Mr. Trump’s two-month defiance of the election results and his words last week at a rally with supporters to the assault on the Capitol that came just an hour after his speech.
As Congress was counting Electoral College votes to confirm Mr. Biden’s victory, the mob pushed through barricades, smashed doors and windows to break into the building, took over the Senate chamber and forced an armed standoff at the doors of the House chamber. One rioter was fatally shot in the corridors outside the chamber, and a Capitol Police officer died after being attacked by the mob.
“They did not appear out of a vacuum. They were sent here, sent here by the president, with words such as a cry to ‘fight like hell,’” Mrs. Pelosi said.
The assault and threats of more violence around the inauguration have shaken Capitol Hill to the core. Mr. McGovern pointed out that Wednesday’s impeachment debate was taking place in “a crime scene.”
A sense of siege pervaded Wednesday’s proceedings, with a new 8-foot wall encircling the complex outside the Capitol. National Guard troops slumbered on the marble corridors inside, with rifles and riot shields at hand nearby.
Lawmakers, meanwhile, now must pass through metal detectors to conduct floor business.
Rep. Jason Crow, Colorado Democrat, said some Republican colleagues have told him they feared being killed if they voted for impeachment.
“My response was, you know not to be unsympathetic but ‘welcome to the club,’” he told MSNBC. “That’s leadership. Our country is in a very challenging time.”
Leading the pro-impeachment Republicans was Rep. Liz Cheney, the No. 3 Republican lawmaker in the House and daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney.
“There has never been a greater betrayal by a president of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution,” she said in a statement Tuesday announcing her decision.
Democrats seized on her words and repeated them on the House floor as a defense against Republican complaints about the speed of the effort.
“She knows of what she speaks,” said Rep. Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, the No. 2 Democrat.
But the vast majority of Republicans opposed impeachment, albeit with varying degrees of enthusiasm.
Some Republicans defended Mr. Trump on the floor by saying they could see no link between his speech last week and the assault on the Capitol.
Others accused Democrats of hypocrisy, saying they have been just as harsh in their rhetoric in recent years by urging confrontations with conservatives and the president’s top aides.
Rep. Jim Jordan, the Ohio Republican who led opposition Wednesday, said Democrats have been determined to impeach since the day Mr. Trump took office. To make another attempt with a week left in his tenure was telling, he said.
“It’s not just about impeachment anymore; it’s about canceling the president and anyone that disagrees with them,” he said.
Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, California Republican, said the president needed to shoulder some blame. He said he could have been part of an effort to censure Mr. Trump, had Democrats been willing to pursue that option.
“The president bears responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob rioters,” the chamber’s top Republican said.
While he voted against impeachment, he said Mr. Trump still has work to do to make amends, including shouldering some responsibility for the attack and moving to shut down the ongoing sense of unrest from his supporters.
Soon after Mr. McCarthy spoke, Mr. Trump issued a statement calling for calm.
“In light of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind. That is not what I stand for, and it is not what America stands for,” he said.
Later, he released a video chastising last week’s pro-Trump mob and repeating his call for an orderly transition.
“Like all of you, I was shocked and deeply saddened by the calamity at the Capitol last week. I want to be very clear. I unequivocally condemn the violence that we saw last week,” he said. “Making America Great Again has always been about defending the rule of law, supporting the men and women of law enforcement, and upholding our nation’s most sacred traditions and values.”
The president did not mention the impeachment vote in his video, though he reportedly did watch the proceedings from the Oval Office.
Democrats sped this impeachment through faster than any of the three other presidential proceedings. No hearings were held, and the language of the charge wasn’t revealed until Monday.
But the desire to impeach Mr. Trump dates back to his early days in office.
His previous impeachment came in late 2019 after a phone call where he appeared to pressure Ukraine’s president to investigate Mr. Biden. No Republicans voted for impeachment that time.
The Senate, after a relatively brief trial that did not involve hearing from any witnesses, voted to acquit Mr. Trump.
Mr. Trump joined Johnson and Mr. Clinton as the only presidents to be impeached. President Richard M. Nixon was on the verge of being impeached and almost certainly convicted, but he resigned to avoid that.
Several Democrats said the fact that they are back again with another impeachment is an “I told you so” moment for Republicans who protected the president the last time.
Impeachment, which is the formal bringing of charges, takes only a majority vote in the House.
Conviction in the Senate takes a two-thirds vote, though the legal questions about trying a president out of office still linger.
There is precedent, though, The Senate in the 1800s held a trial for a Cabinet official who had resigned.
One argument for holding a trial is that the Senate could also vote to bar him from future office as part of the punishment. That is attractive to some Republicans eager to prevent Mr. Trump from another attempt at the White House in 2024.
Democrats said the Senate could erase the legal questions about timing by bringing the Senate back immediately. Most senators are home this week.
But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, said any fair impeachment trial would take weeks anyway, so the starting point doesn’t matter.
“In light of this reality, I believe it will best serve our nation if Congress and the executive branch spend the next seven days completely focused on facilitating a safe inauguration and an orderly transfer of power to the incoming Biden administration,” Mr. McConnell said.
He also said he has not made up his mind about how he will vote.
House Democratic leaders could decide to delay sending the articles over for weeks, pushing a Senate trial off to give Mr. Biden a chance to get settled and begin working on his agenda before senators get bogged down in impeachment proceedings.
That strategy is also fraught with political peril, though, because it would leave Mr. Trump looming over Washington well after most lawmakers on Capitol Hill hoped he would be in their rearview mirror.
Decisions on timing now rest with Mrs. Pelosi.
She brushed aside questions about timing on Wednesday and focused instead on the moment at hand.
Borrowing from former President John F. Kennedy, she said Congress was acting as “the watchmen on the walls of world history” and only Mr. Trump’s ouster would suffice.
“We cannot escape history. Let us embrace our duty,” she said.
Copyright © 2021 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.
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Which nursing homes have COVID-19 deaths? Ohio Department of Health says it doesn't know
3,800 died of COVID-19 in long-term care in Ohio
More than 3,800 residents of long-term care facilities and nursing homes have died of COVID-19 so far this year in Ohio. That’s nearly 55 percent of the state’s total COVID-19 deaths.
By: Paula Christian
Posted at 10:12 AM, Dec 09, 2020
COLUMBUS, Ohio — More than 3,800 residents of long-term care facilities and nursing homes have died of COVID-19 so far this year in Ohio. That’s nearly 55 percent of the state’s total COVID-19 deaths.
But state officials continue to keep secret the names of the facilities tied to those deaths.
WCPO filed a complaint in the Ohio Court of Claims in August, seeking the release of that information. For months, the Ohio Department of Health had taken the position that releasing the names of nursing homes with COVID-19 deaths would violate state privacy laws.
But attorneys for the health department revealed for the first time in a court filing on Nov. 25 that the agency does not keep track of COVID-19 deaths at specific nursing homes.
“ODH does not maintain records by COVID-19 deaths from specific long-term care facilities, so the complaint should be dismissed. A public body does not have to create new records,” attorneys with Isaac, Wiles, Burkholder & Teetor wrote in a motion to dismiss WCPO’s complaint.
In a response, WCPO’s attorney Jack Greiner wrote in a court filing last week that “this suggests rank incompetence at the ODH.”
This is the latest twist in the legal fight by WCPO and The Enquirer, which also filed a complaint in the Court of Common Claims, to obtain information about COVID-19 deaths in long-term care facilities.
“As troubling as it is that the public doesn’t have that information, the idea that the Ohio Department of Health, if in fact they can’t generate that information for themselves, how are they making resource allocation decisions?” Greiner asked. “I just find that astounding.”
The Ohio Department of Health’s website shows only long-term care facilities, which includes nursing homes, with COVID-19 cases and how many cases each has.
It does not say how many residents have died there from COVID-19.
When WCPO asked in June for the number of deaths at long-term care facilities in Hamilton, Butler, Warren and Clermont counties, an ODH spokesperson declined to provide the data, citing privacy concerns.
“The Ohio Department of Health is not releasing deaths at long-term care facilities by facility for COVID-19 or any other cause of death. We are only reporting it at the county level. A person could be too identifiable and that information is ‘protected health information,’” ODH spokesperson Melanie Amato wrote in an email to WCPO.
While Ohio officials refuse to disclose the number of COVID-19 deaths linked to each long-term care facility, other states such as Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia and Michigan do report that data.
Over the past six months, WCPO has interviewed several families who have lost loved ones living in nursing homes to COVID-19 and want the health department to release more information about deaths publicly.
“Families can't go on that (ODH) site and see how many fatalities. How many people died while they were staying in a particular facility,” said Joy Gazaway, who lost her 60-year-old brother Donald Gazaway in April to COVID-19 while he was at a nursing home recovering from a stroke.
"This is the silent aspect of the pandemic," Gazaway said in a September interview. "These people are dying and nothing is said.”
Elaine Ryan, vice president for state advocacy at the AARP, urged Ohio officials in July to release daily totals of cases and deaths at each long-term care facility.
“We looked at Ohio’s law. They can release those (facility) names. There’s nothing in the law that precludes them from doing so,” Ryan said in a July interview. “We’re in a pandemic where information matters.”
Greiner agreed. “Death certificates are public records. And death certificates have the cause of death on them, so it’s not like we treat cause of death privately.”
Now attorneys for the health department say officials cannot search the Ohio Disease Reporting System, where COVID-19 cases are recorded, to find deaths by facility. That’s because the ODH does not collect information about COVID-19 deaths directly from long-term care facilities.
“To produce the requested information, I would need to make system changes and enhancements (i.e., reprogram ODRS). This change would have to be on a going-forward basis … Simply put, the requested information does not currently exist,” according to an affidavit from Kara Tarter, who oversees data collection and reporting at the state health department.
Greiner believes the health department can provide COVID-19 death information by facility, since it collects the names of those nursing homes in “free-form boxes” on forms submitted to the Ohio Disease Reporting System.
“The ODH contends that it cannot search for information in the free-form boxes. But that does not mean the record does not exist, nor does that relieve the ODH of its duties under the Public Records Act,” Greiner wrote in a court filing last week opposing ODH’s motion to dismiss WCPO’s complaint.
Greiner also has a personal interest in the case because his mother lived at a nursing home before she died several years ago. If she were still alive, Greiner said, he would want to know if there were COVID-19 deaths at her nursing home.
"I would like to know how that facility dealt with COVID,” Greiner said. “If there were a high number of deaths there, honestly I would have to give some serious thought to whether I would place my mom or another loved one there."
A special master in the Court of Common Claims may decide the case in the coming weeks. Then his recommendation goes to a judge for a final ruling.
Let the I-Team investigate
Send us your story tips today to iteam@wcpo.com
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spn Aircraft No. 3 Makes Debut Flight
Oct. 29, 2007 - The spn test aircraft No. 3 (D-CSPJ) successfully completed its first two flights on Oct. 29, 2007.
The aircraft took off at 9:28 am local time from the company’s airfield at Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, where it is being developed and built. The flight testing included basic systems checkouts, stability and control evaluation and a first landing at the Allgäu Airport in Memmingen as planned. The aircraft returned to the company’s airfield after the second flight. Total flying time was 1 hour and 26 minutes. At the controls were Chief Test Pilot Tore Reimers and Test Pilot Peter Weger. Test aircraft No. 3 is flying most of the systems that will be installed in the fully conforming series production aircraft.
First flight of test aircraft No. 3 was accomplished following an intensive period of comprehensive ground testing of systems such as fuel, engines, hydraulics, landing gear and avionics a well as taxiing tests. First taxiing trials were carried out in late September, just prior to the NBAA Show.
Aircraft No. 3 enters the flight test program alongside the first test aircraft D-CSPN. Niall Olver, Chief Executive of Grob Aerospace has confirmed the company’s commitment to add a further three aircraft to support the flight test program. Production of the fourth test aircraft is already well under way, scheduled to join the program in Q4 2007. In due course this will be followed by the first two series production aircraft, both of which will join the program for functional reliability testing, and featuring the full interior designed by Porsche Design Studio.
“We are delighted to have achieved this milestone in the program today with first flight of P3. We are confidently on the road to European and US certification” said Niall Olver.
With the airframe fatigue test in preparation a major milestone toward the certification process of the spn is imminent. Fatigue testing will be undertaken in-house, scheduled to start in Q4 2007. Testing will simulate 84,000 flight hours and 51,000 landings and pressurization cycles to a minimum of 28,000 hours’ and 17,000 landings.
It is already well understood in the market that ongoing maintenance of the spn is simplified owing to the aircraft’s fully carbon fiber construction, thereby virtually avoiding fatigue or corrosion problems that affect aircraft built of metal. However, with the goal of further simplifying maintainability, Grob Aerospace has relocated certain systems into the wing fairing, including the oxygen system, single point pressure fuelling and some electrical power distribution. This equipment will be easily accessible through large access panels; designs motivated by the positive reaction from future maintainers and operators to the large panels, which allow easy access to spn avionics and hydraulics systems in the forward nose compartment.
Production spec equipment installed for the first time on the third test aircraft is the landing gear, for which a series of drop tests to confirm strength and energy absorption is currently carried out. Developed by industry leader Liebherr Aerospace, the main trailing link landing gear as well as the nose landing gear, boasts a very robust design, allowing the spn to land on unprepared airfields. Sitting higher than most aircraft in this class, the extra clearance provided by the landing gear ensures the aircraft is less exposed to debris, stability enhanced by carbon brakes powered by a hydraulic braking system with anti-skid functionality.
The spn offers large speed-brakes and ground spoilers which, together with the large Fowler flaps, are designed to provide excellent landing characteristics, even on very short and/or unpaved runways traditionally reserved for turboprops.
About the spn
The spn holds six passengers and one pilot, the aircraft and can fly non-stop 1,800 nm (3,334 km / 2,071 mi). The aircraft features a total cabin volume of 405 cu.ft (11.5 m“). Requiring a balanced field length of just 3,000 ft (914 m) at maximum take off weight, it can operate out of fields traditionally the domain of a turboprop; even out of unimproved runways (gravel or grass).
The spn will also be certified for single pilot operation, and is equipped with Honeywell’s integrated all glass cockpit. Two rear-mounted FADEC controlled Williams FJ44-3A engines deliver 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) of thrust each.
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PHOTO: EDITOR’S PICK
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Lansing City Council Will Consider New Rules For Recreational Marijuana
By Abigail Censky • Sep 20, 2019
Lansing City Council will consider new rules to govern recreational marijuana in the city at a meeting next week.
illustration / WKAR-MSU
Listen to the conversation between Lansing State Journal reporter Sarah Lehr and WKAR's Abigail Censky on new recreational marijuana rules being considered by the Lansing city council.
The city of Lansing will be making the rules that govern recreational marijuana by modifying their rules on medical marijuana. Lansing State Journal reporter Sarah Lehr reports on city council and she joined WKAR’s Abigail Censky in the studio to discuss the potential changes. Below are highlights of their conversation.
Not Reinventing The Wheel
“There will still be regulations in place for medical marijuana businesses. Right now, the city would allow up to 25 medical marijuana dispensaries, which are the businesses that sell medical marijuana to patients. With these new rules, there would be up to 28 of the businesses that sell marijuana. A single business could be licensed to sell both for medical use and for recreational use.”
The proposed modifications would also cap the number of facilities able to grow marijuana at 55 growers. Of the 28 facilities that sell marijuana recreationally or medically, there will be several different business models including: micro businesses (akin to microbreweries), designated consumption centers and the usually provisioning centers or retailers.
Like A Microwbrewery, But For Pot
"There's something called a micro business, which sort of analogous to the concept of a microbrewery for beer. This is a small-scale business where they could grow up to 150 marijuana plants on site, they could process that product, and then they could sell it to customers right there. There's also something called a designated consumption establishment, which is a very buttoned up term for what I think of as sort of a pot social club. This is a place where if you're over 21, you could consume on site."
If that business has a separate license to be a retailer, they could actually sell to people there. So, it's more similar to a bar but for weed…it's basically bring your own pot, BYOP, and people over 21 bring their own product, and they just consume it on site.
Does Lansing Have A Cannabis Culture?
"Well, I will say when Lansing first opened up its licensing process for medical marijuana more than 80 business owners applied for that limited number of licenses. So, the demand from the business side was huge. The other thing I will say is that a lot of other communities in Mid-Michigan are either banning marijuana businesses or are much more restrictive. So, I think people are coming from outside Lansing to go to these places. So, I would say demand is pretty high. I mean, the question city council talks about wanting to provide access, while also not overwhelming other types of businesses while not having Lansing be known only for marijuana. So that's what they're trying to balance."
Goodbye To The Appeals Board
"Well, the licensing process in the city for medical marijuana has been really contentious and the city has been sued more than a dozen times by people who find the ordinance too restrictive or who have been denied a license Initially, the reason that city council members say that they are getting rid of the citizen appointed appeals board, which is that there's been complaints about how long it's taken for people to get medical marijuana business licenses. If someone is denied a license that will still be able to appeal to the city clerk. But that step after that before this, that meets in public and reviews, the applications would be eliminated."
City Council will meet to discuss these proposed changes at 5:30pm. Monday September 23rd at City Hall. There will be a public comment period at that meeting. And, the council will vote on the ordinance at a subsequent meeting September 30th.
You can find more of Sarah’s reporting on City Council, here.
Follow Sarah on Twitter: @SarahGLehr
Follow Abigail on Twitter: @AbigailCensky
recreational marijuana
Lansing State Journal
Sarah Lehr
Lansing City Council
Michigan Cuts Pot Fees In 19 Cities Impacted By Drug War
By Associated Press • Jul 19, 2019
Michigan regulators announced Thursday a cut in marijuana licensing fees for prospective business owners living in 19 cities whose residents were disproportionately impacted by the drug war.
Marijuana Products In Michigan May Carry Warning Labels
By Steve Carmody • Aug 27, 2019
Legislation approved by the state House Judiciary Committee this week would slap warning labels on marijuana products warning against use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Michigan Creates Rules For Testing Industrial Hemp
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The state of Michigan has created rules so there are testing standards for the first crop of industrial hemp.
Lansing City Council Primary Preview
By Abigail Censky • Aug 5, 2019
Tuesday is the primary election for the Lansing City Council. Eight challengers will face four incumbents for four seats. Lansing State Journal reporter Sarah Lehr covers the council and she joined WKAR’s politics reporter Abigail Censky to preview the election.
Listen to WKAR Politics Reporter Abigail Censky discuss Tuesday's city council primary with Lansing State Journal Reporter Sarah Lehr.
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Beit Midrash Series Parashat Hashavua
Can Charity and Firing Go Together?
Rabbi Yossef Carmel6 Adar 5770
Parashat HashavuaTerumah
This week we read about the call for the giving of a donation for the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), which we pray will be renewed (in the form of a Beit Hamikdash). While the prophets, Chagai and Zecharia, urged the people of their generation to build the Beit Hamikdash, they also said that people should be involved in truthfulness and mishpat shalom (justice based on peace) (Zecharia 8:16). This type of approach is related to the concern for individuals that is behind tzedaka, a term that goes along with mishpat.
At first glance, the worker/employer relationship is not one that is based on charity, as one earns his keep. However, the truth is that the two are quite related. The Rambam (Tzedaka 10:6) counts finding someone a job as the highest form of tzedaka because it makes it unnecessary for one to have to reach the position of accepting classical tzedaka. As people say, it is better to teach a person to fish than to give him a fish. We find an element of tzedaka in the workplace regarding the laws of ha’anaka, the parting present when one sets free his Jewish servant. The Sefer Hachinuch extends this concept to a worker who finishes his period of employment. If one should have concern for one’s former employee’s financial situation, all the more so is it correct to try to ensure that he is able to continue his employment as long as he likes and it is feasible.
When, during difficult financial times, one is forced to contemplate firing a worker, he should consider the following. Certainly a company’s CEO’s first commitment is to ensure the survival and thriving of the company. If refraining from firing will endanger these responsibilities in the foreseeable future, then mercy for one or more workers can endanger the livelihood of all of the workers. While hard times often mandate austerity plans, termination of a worker should be a last resort, after other possible steps. It is better, for example, to cut the salaries of workers than to fire some and turn them into needy people. One should also take into account the likelihood of the person who he is considering firing of finding other work (assuming he is still productive). Seniority is also a factor in determining whom to fire, due to the element of hakarat hatov (recognizing past favors received). Regarding tzedaka, one’s first responsibility is to relatives and so, in a privately owned firm, their employment should have precedence over others’.
During difficult financial times, everyone should look into his own moral shortcomings to see what part he had in society’s problems. Then he can and should turn to Hashem in prayer to improve matters. His sensitivity to others, though, is part of his moral obligation. (Many of these ideas are based on a responsum that will hopefully be published soon in our book, Bemareh Habazak, vol. VII.)
Rabbi Yossef Carmel
Head of "Eretz Hemda" Dayanut Kollel
Overlapping Prophecies of Yechezkel and Yirmiyahu Tevet 26 5781
Parashat HashavuaVa'era
One More Look at Timing in Tanach Tevet 21 5781
Parashat HashavuaGuidance on Studying Tanach
Chemdat Yamim
P'ninat Mishpat
More on the topic of Parashat Hashavua
On Clouds and Mist
Rabbi Yossef Carmel, Cheshvan 22 5781
A Deal for the Firstborn, a Restaurant Serving, or Holy Real Estate? – part I
A Deal for the Firstborn, a Restaurant Serving, or Holy Real Estate? – part II
Rabbi Yossef Carmel, Kislev 7 5781
Rabbi Yossef Carmel, Kislev 17 5781
The Power of the Ox
Rabbi Shaul Yisraeli zt"l, Kislev 21 5781
Two Years of Days and Miracles in Those Days
Rabbi Yossef Carmel, Tevet 2 5781
More on the Passage of Time
More about Starting Points of Time
Rabbi Yossef Carmel, Tevet 13 5781
One More Look at Timing in Tanach
Overlapping Prophecies of Yechezkel and Yirmiyahu
573 Additional lessons on this Topic Parashat Hashavua
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Beit Midrash Family and Society Current Events
Eras End
Rabbi Berel Wein5771
This Shabat the Jewish people complete the reading of the book of Bereshith. In rabbinic literature this book is known as the book of the Avot - the book of our forefathers and mothers, the founders of our people and our faith. It was an era of individual greatness, of lone people in a hostile world whose pursuit of truth and loyalty to their Creator influenced their world and all of humankind thereafter as well. The next era, which will also produce great individuals such as Moshe and Aharon, is nevertheless the era of nationhood, of the many and of forging a new society out of a disparate and large number of individuals. There is a certain exhilaration in being the lonely individual standing against the many on matters of faith and principle. It is deemed to be courageous and many times selfless. It entails the willingness to sacrifice and to endure indignities if not even worse consequences. Yet as difficult as it is for one to be such an individual, it is infinitely more difficult to successfully engage in the task of nation building or forming positive societies out of the many. An individual has a freedom of choice and need not worry about the others in his world. Not so one who is forced into forming societies and directing them once formed. The great era of the Avot - the founders and individuals ended - but the gargantuan task of building a people with a common sense of purpose and values demands a new era of greatness and leadership. And that is the message of the change in nuance and emphasis of the Torah from the book of Bereshith to the coming book of Shemot.
The long and painful era of Jewish exile was not so much a time of building societies in the Jewish world as it was simply a time of struggling survival. As such it required special mechanisms and social pressures to maintain a semblance of organized Jewish life. But to a great extent, especially here in Israel today but perhaps even in large areas of the current Jewish Diaspora as well, these mechanisms, tools, policies and outlooks are no longer really productive or relevant. The era of nation building cannot rely on bans, pronouncements and impractical policies that may have had validity in a different era but are no longer effective in another era. The Torah and its halachic standards do not change with the whims and current fashions of the time. But attitudes, goals, and policies to create a Torah nation and physical entity do change and change they must. People quote often personal opinions - not Halacha - of great leaders of the past on societal matters and attempt to make them the law today as well - to elevate them to the level of Halacha. My feeling always has been and is as follows: How do I know what these great people would have said had they lived toady under the circumstances of Jewish nationhood, after a Holocaust, and in the face of the modern interconnected world? Is it not slightly arrogant to think that a different era entirely would somehow not have brought different responses to social and national problems, none of which are covered in the field of Halacha itself?
It is hard to identify eras when one is currently involved in one. They are best seen in retrospect with the perfect hindsight of history and past experiences. It orders us to analyze and understand the tears - eras - of every generation separately. Yet the Torah also bids us to be aware of the fact that eras change and that time is not frozen. The tasks set before every generation may be the same in broad scope but certainly differ in nuance and detail. The task of building a Jewish society here in the Land of Israel is the same as it always has been but the circumstances of having to do so are not those of 1948 let alone of 1897. The adjustment to that reality has been a most difficult one for all sections of the Jewish people. We do not recognize clearly the demarcation line which separates one era from the next. But surely that line does exist and more importantly an attempt must be made to recognize it and deal with it. The secret of the Jewish world that has allowed it to survive has been its resilience and practicality combined with faith and tradition. We have navigated many eras of change successfully and basically we have remained the same and true to our original identity and purpose. I am certain that this will be the case regarding our current era as well.
Rabbi Berel Wein
The rabbi of the "HANASI" congregation in Yerushalim, head of the Destiny foundation, former head of the OU, Rosh Yeshiva of 'sharai Tora" and rabbi of the "Beit Tora" congregation, Monsey, New York.
Why So Many Plagues? Tevet 29 5781
My book library Tevet 28 5781
Torah StudyMiddot - Character Traits
Shemot Tevet 22 5781
Shmot
The Coronavirus Pandemic
Rabbi's answers
More on the topic of Current Events
FORTUNE AND EQUALITY
Rabbi Berel Wein, 5775
A Tree Grows In Jerusalem
Rabbi Stewart Weiss, 5775
How Now, Red Cow?
Ego & Elections
Corona-virus Takeaways – One Man’s Perspective
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff, Adar 23 5780
Rav Kook on Why Are There So Many Wars in the Process of Geula
Rabbi Ari Shvat, Nissan 29 5780
What Should We "Take Home" from the Corona Crisis?
Rabbi Ari Shvat, Iyar 16 5780
What is to become of our money?
Rabbi Haggai Lundin, Iyar 17 5780
Common Sence
Rabbi Berel Wein, Av 19 5780
Rabbi Ari Shvat, Tevet 29 5781
92 Additional lessons on this Topic Current Events
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