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David Cameron and 'Unparliamentary' Language
I can't think of a more accurate appellation for David Cameron than 'Dodgy Dave'.
While it is true that the antics and language used by MPs in the British Parliament may at times appear childish and comical, I don't think using the term 'dodgy' should be designated as 'unparliamentary' in nature if the speaker did not flag Cameron for referring to former shadow Chancellor Ed Balls a couple of years ago as a 'Turkey'.
If the argument is that 'dodgy' implies dishonesty then 'turkey' suggests stupidity.
The system in the United Kingdom is an adversarial one, and jibes have always been part and parcel of the give and take at Westminster. Presumably Dennis Skinner ought to have merely accused Mister 'Ca-Moron' of having been 'economical with the truth' of his tax affairs and off-shore dealings.
And given how the prime minister had famously called out celebrities for being 'immoral' by avoiding taxes through the use of off shore havens, perhaps the term used by Skinner - the 'Beast of Bolsover'- should have been 'hypocrite'.
Adeyinka Makinde is a writer based in London.
Hitler and Zionism: Antony Beevor and a Scrupulous...
Prince (1958-2016)
The Mystery of the Velodrome: Battling Siki Versus...
America - Beyond Election 2016
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Openbadges + Blockchains = BitofTrust ?
November 25th, 2015 | Serge Ravet
One aspect of the question regarding a possible relationship between blockchains and Open Badges is to wonder whether the blockchain should be treated as some kind of add-on to the existing Open Badge structure/standard, or should Open Badges be integrated within a blockchain?
A starting point for an informed answer to this question is to do a simple test: take an Open Badge generated by one issuing platform and try to import it into another issuing/hosting platform. I have done this experiment recently, taking only a very small sample, and the results were rather… (un)conclusive — BTW, one suggestion for the Standards Working group would be to run a real life interoperability test (not just through a formal proof) across all platforms and publish the results.
Interoperability is a classical problem to which the ePortfolio community was confronted some years ago and to which no convincing answer was ever provided — the IMS-Global ePortfolio and Leap2A specifications (2 specifications for interoperability is already one too many!!!) are only used by a handful of ePortfolio platforms — notwithstanding that there are many ePortfolios that do not use any ePortfolio platform at all! Moreover, when we organised plugfests during previous ePIC conferences, we had to admit that 3 platforms using the same technical specification (IMS ePortfolio at the time) had problems understanding each other: exporting one ePortfolio from one platform then importing it to another did not always work properly…
One could have imagined that with a structure much simpler than ePortfolios, the problem of interoperability would have disappeared. It has not. And now that we have allowed extensions to the specification, the order of magnitude for potential interoperability problems has increased geometrically, not just arithmetically. Yet, the possibility to extend the specification, even by one single issuing platform, willing to gain a competitive advantage, with a better or innovative service, should probably be allowed. We certainly do not want a “one-size-fits-all” issuing platform. Innovation must go on!
Are blockchains the solution to Open Badges interoperability?
While the current Open Badge architecture has already demonstrated its limit to interoperability, is there a way to ensure that every possible badge issued by one party will always be 100% compatible with the hosting service of the receiving party? Could the blockchain be the answer to that question?
A blockchain-based architecture guarantees that when someone writes on the public ledger, the writing is legitimate and legible. There might still be problems with the content of the writing if those writing on the ledger do not respect the expected structure for the content (therefore we will still need something like a data model for Open Badges) but, at least, sending and receiving badges will always work, the blockchain specification guarantees it. The decision to accept or refuse a badge belongs to the ledger, and as there is only one ledger, it will not be possible to have a situation where a badge accepted by one platform is rejected by another. The public ledger is a means to enforce interoperability in real time and not post facto.
So, if we decided to move Open Badge metadata from “pretty pictures” to blockchains we are sure that at least the infrastructure will be working properly — not withstanding the numerous advantages provided by blockchains themselves.
From Open Badges to BitofTrusts
The whole process of sending and receiving badges can be extremely unwieldy, starting with the obligation to create a “pretty picture” — and if one is not a graphic designer, use paint-by-numbers-canned-badges clip-art to generate “ugly pictures” — I made some time ago the suggestion of the “one pixel badge” and it was a total flop! There must be a better mechanism. It is what I would like to explore now.
Imagine that every individual and organisation joining the Badge Alliance (or some other overarching body) receives 1,000 BitofTrusts to be distributed to entities they trust (people, organisations, services and things (Internet of Objects). Let us say that the distribution of trust is treated as a deposit (unlike bitcoins) that can be withdrawn when you do not trust one entity anymore. Now imagine that trust deposits generate interests in favour of the holder of the trust (the host of the deposit) that can be used to further trust other entities. We would have the basic components for establishing the foundations of a trust economy — which is a somewhat redundant expression considering that there is no economy possible without anticipated trust. To complete the description of the infrastructure, one would assume that every entity has a place to store trust deposits. Let us call it a Passtrust (it would be a wallet in the Bitcoins world, theOpen Badge Passport or Badgr in the current Open Badge world and the Backpack in the old model).
To refine the model further, we could add algorithms mimicking the behaviour of local currencies such as the Chiemgauer in Bavaria, where the capital looses part of its value if not spent during the year after being acquired, the objective being to have a currency used to facilitate the circulation of goods and services within the community rather than a means to hoard.
At this stage, we have simply defined a general trust mechanism that is not that different from an idiosyncratic local currency. In order to align Bittrusts with Open Badges, we need to define a mechanism to represent values, affiliations, achievements or competencies. Instead of a pretty (or ugly) picture, we could simply use entries in a public ledger: When an entity gives a badge to another entity, this entity adds an entry in the ledger and deposits a Bittrust — it doesn’t have to be a complete Bittrust; 1/1,000th or less would do the trick for establishing a trust link between an issuer and a recipient. For endorsement, instead of creating a new entry, a fraction of a Bittrust would be added to an existing entry.
NB: one advantage of this mechanism over the current revocation of Open Badges is that the revocation information will remain within the ledger instead of being erased from the infrastructure. And knowing that a trust bond has been revoked could be a very useful piece of information — that should probably be erased after a few years to avoid lifetime stigmas…
Of course, I realise that what precedes is a rather crude description that needs to be refined further through thought experiments as well as mathematical and computational models — something we have not judged useful for the current Open Badge Infrastructure so far. The idea of giving everyone 1,000 BitofTrusts is just one option among many — it could be a certain amount each year, some entities might have the right to produce BitofTrusts and give them, not just as a deposit. I like the idea of having the trust others have in one entity generates interests in favour of this entity as it would be a tangible representation of the benefits of being trusted, but I am certain that there are other ways to achieving similar results.
All I wanted to achieve with this post is open a conversation, using blockchains as a “tool to think with,” opening new horizons for establishing a resilient, trustworthy, open and distributed Open Badge Infrastructure.
I am looking forward to your comments and criticisms.
NB: changed BitTrust to BitofTrust after publishing the next blogpost.
Originally published at www.learningfutures.eu on November 25, 2015.
Blockchains vs OpenBadges (“blocks without chains”)
Last Thursday, as I attended a meeting at the old Paris stock exchange (palais Brogniard) with people working on blockchains to discuss the Open Badge Passport, what did I discover? A number of the ideas we wanted to develop with the Open Badge Passport (as services exploiting the content of badges metadata) were already in full development using… blockchains, not Open Badges. That was some reality check! The following morning I read Certificates, Reputation, and the Blockchain (link) where Philipp Schmidt, from the MIT Media Lab, explains how they are moving from paper certificates to blockchains after a short encounter with digital badges…
Issuing a certificate is relatively simple: we create a digital file that contains some basic information such as the name of the recipient, the name of the issuer (MIT Media Lab), an issue date, etc. We then sign the contents of the certificate using a private key to which only the Media Lab has access, and append that signature to the certificate itself. Next we create a hash, which is a short string that can be used to verify that nobody has tampered with the content of the certificate. And finally we use our private key again to create a record on the Bitcoin blockchain that states we issued a certain certificate to a certain person on a certain date. Our system makes it possible to verify who a certificate was issued to, by whom, and validate the content of the certificate itself.
Suddenly Open Badges seemed to have regressed from a technology that could conquer the world to a parochial technology solely at the service of the great priests of education spraying badges like papal indulgences so their parishioners could join the heaven of employment… one day… if their prayed with enough fervour.
I will not go into details, but my observation over 30 years of a number of attempts at combining “education” and “technology” into one thing called “educational technology” resulted (most of the time) in impoverished education and impoverished technology — which is very different when education meets general purpose technology and add to each other. I would love to be proven wrong, but what is the technical innovation, born within the premises of education that has had any value outside? Apart from Facebook (and Open Badges, one day?) I cannot recall any.
Innovation (technical and social!) happens outside of the world of formal education. If innovators choose to use blockchains and not Open Badges to produce services based on trust relationship, then it is probably a sign that we should rethink the badge technology and its infrastructure altogether — or promote Open Badges as an alternative to blockchains!
A few months ago, Doug Belshaw wrote a post on Peering Deep into Future of Educational Credentialing (link) where he explored how Open Badges and blockchains could be connected.
While we wouldn’t want to entirely remove the “human” element around credentialing, a hybrid OBI and blockchain approach could add value to our current system. Machines and software are extremely good at fact-checking, whereas humans are good at meaning. We need both.
At the time, I asked Doug to explain the benefits of blockchains over signed badges (which is one way to make them verifiable). When I look at today’s explosion of innovations based on blockchains and compare it to innovations based on Open Badges, there is a clear advantage in favour of blockchains.
Some of the innovations based on blockchains:
D-CENT (Decentralized Citizens ENgagement Technologies) a Europe-wide project to create digital tools for direct democracy and economic empowerment (link)
BitBeat, a social network (like Instagram) (link)
La`Zooz synchronises empty seats with transportation needs in real-time, matching like-minded people to create a great ride-sharing experience for a “Fair fare” (link)
Storj (pronounced: storage) a cloud storage platform and suite of decentralized applications that allows users to store data in a secure and decentralized manner. It uses blockchain features like a transaction ledger, public/private key encryption (link) — much better than a backpack!
For a longer list of potential domains where blockchains could be used read the annex.
What I would like to elicit is, if we compare the breadth and number of innovations enabled by blockchains with the breadth and number of innovations enabled by Open Badges, we might just want to decide to reinvent Open Badges from the blockchain (some already do!).
As one of the winners of the DML Trust challenge, we planned to use Open Badges to create something truly innovative: a bottom-up trust architecture enabling a new generation of services exploiting badges metadata. We are now almost half way, the first version of the source code is in the process of being released, and I now wonder how should we go for the second half. Can we just go on ignoring the promise of blockchains of a fully symmetric trust infrastructure (something we have failed to achieve so far)?
What do Open Badges and blockchains have in common? Bottom-up Trust!
In a previous post I suggested the idea of “the one pixel badge.” Blockchains are the means to have “the zero pixel badge.” Using a picture to store metadata was a genius idea and we should be grateful to those who came up with it. The problem with this genius idea is that it took on an entirely different meaning in the heads of the not so genius. The picture, that was just a convenient vehicle for hosting a set of metadata, became the central element. Efforts were made to create badge editors (to create “pretty pictures”) but not a single development has been engaged in developing a proper criteria editor (using linked data / RDFa to create machine readable criteria). As long as the picture is pretty, if the content is dumb (i.e. with no semantic value) it should not be considered a problem…
The main problem with the “pretty picture” is that it hides to most the fact that a badge is a trust relationship between two parties, which is precisely what a blockchain is about! The major problem with the Open Badge Infrastructure (OBI) is that we have not been able yet to create chains of trust and networks of trust (although it is one of the goals of the Open Badge Passport).
Open Badges = blocks without chains
Therefore, when I look at Open Badges and compare them with blockchains, I am tempted to describe them as “blocks without chains.”
I must state that this description does not do justice to the great work done with “linked data” in the new Open Badges specification (1.1). Exploiting the power of JASON LD (linked data) the new specification provides “chains.” My question is: how much effort would be required to make Open Badges, or rather P2P credentials (with JASON LD, no need for a “pretty picture”) a viable general purpose technology that could compete with blockchains?
What was wrong in our initial attempt at connecting Open Badges with blockchains? Currency!
My understanding of the initial discussion on blockchains and Open Badges was veiled by discussions on Open Badges as “new currency” (how to “monetise” badges?) and Bitcoins being the “new currency.” I replied earlier that the “true currency” of Open Badges is “trust” and that it is probably the oldest currency ever. I did not see the need to use something like Bitcoins to represent this currency when Open Badges already had this trust relationship embedded. Why change a technology that works?
Moreover I thought that badges were probably “greener” as they do not require the huge computing power Bitcoins need for “mining” (i.e. enforcing contracts). And if the value of a Bitcoin is inherently wrapped up in its rarity, then it violates my principles and those of a knowledge economy where value is unlimited. My mistake was to restrict my understanding of blockchains to Bitcoins. They are so much more than that!
What is wrong with the Open Badge Infrastructure? The Backpack!
Mozilla recently decided to fund the improvement of the backpack (an idiosyncratic silo where Open Badges can be hosted with the hope that someone might be interested to see them, one day, after pushing them to LinkedIn and Facebook) when the only reasonable thing to do would have been to get rid of it altogether.
Open Badges and blockchains are both about trust. What makes blockchains powerful is the ability to create a fully trustworthy infrastructure without any super-authority or having one party more trustworthy than any others.
One of the arguments I heard for continuing the Mozilla Backpack was “Mozilla is an organisation that can be trusted.” As Kerri Lemoie noted aptly, Mozilla could not be trusted for a while, simply to maintain the service, a duty that includes correcting bugs. But there is a more fundamental reason why we do not need to have a backpack hosted by Mozilla: in a blockchain ecosystem, there is no need for a super-trusted entity like Mozilla to protect the interests of the badge owners.
The Badge Alliance and the Open Badge specification is what is needed to protect the interests of the community.
A bottom-up trust ecosystem can be built without the need of a surrogate parent! The Mozilla foundation has done great things and will continue to do so, but “improving” the backpack is probably the worst signal that could have been given to the community. It might please those who want to keep Open Badges within a disconnected silo — which it is — something “just for educators.” The Badge Alliance and the Open Badge specification is what is needed to protect the interests of the community.
“improving” the backpack won’t change this annoying fact an iota [asymmetry].
I keep repeating that the Open Badge Infrastructure is deeply asymmetric (blockchain architectures are symmetric!) and “improving” the backpack won’t change this annoying fact an iota. Migrating the OBI to a blockchain infrastructure might be a better investment if Mozilla really cares to deal with solving bugs. The most serious one in its architecture: asymmetry!
And now?
Considering that Open Badges are:
a trust relationship (contract) between two parties (individuals, organisations, services, etc.) — P2P credentials
verifiable — while preserving anonymity
revocable — according to contractual rules
actionable — to open a door, access content, etc.
My suggestion is to explore the feasibility and value of implementing a blockchain-based Open Badge Infrastructure by addressing (in parallel) the following questions:
What current issues could be solved with blockchains?
What current issues could not be solved with blockchains?
What new issues would emerge from a blockchain-based OBI?
What new opportunities would emerge from a blockchain-based OBI?
What are the pros and cons of a blockchain-based OBI vs. the current OBI?
Could a technology derived from Open Badges (or another technology) offer a viable alternative to blockchains in their current applications?
Your inputs are welcome!
Annex: The Mega-Master Blockchain List
I. Financial Instruments, Records and Models
Private equities
Public equities
Derivatives (futures, forwards, swaps, options and more complex variations)
Voting rights associated with any of the above
Spending records
Trading records
Mortgage / loan records
Servicing records
Micro-charity
II. Public Records
Vehicle registries
Business incorporation / dissolution records
Business ownership records
Regulatory records
Voter IDs
Health / Safety Inspections
Non-profit records
Government/non-profit accounting/transparency
III. Private Records
Escrows
GPS trails (personal)
IV. Other Semi-Public Records
HR records (salary, performance reviews, accomplishment)
Accounting records
Business transaction records
GPS trails (institutional)
Delivery records
V. Physical Asset Keys
Home / apartment keys
Vacation home / timeshare keys
Hotel room keys
Rental car keys
Leased cars keys
Safety deposit box keys
Package delivery (split key between delivery firm and receiver)
Betting records
Fantasy sports records
VI. Intangibles
Reservations (restaurants, hotels, queues, etc)
Videogame licenses
Music/movie/book licenses (DRM)
Online identities
Proof of authorship / Proof of prior art
VI. Other
Documentary records (photos, audio, video)
Data records (sports scores, temperature, etc)
GPS network identity
Gun unlock codes
Weapons unlock codes
Nuclear launch codes (!)
Spam control (micro-payments for posting)
Source: http://ledracapital.com/blog/2014/3/11/bitcoin-series-24-the-mega-master-blockchain-list
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Wire Stories > EnerQuality Corporation > Peterborough community is East... > You Are Here
Peterborough community is Eastern Ontario’s largest development of ENERGY STAR® qualified homes
Monday, October 20th 2008 8:34:37am
Attn: News, Home, Energy, and Lifestyle Reporters and Editors
Green community takes green building to a new level
(Peterborough, October 18, 2008) Today Mason Homes unveiled it’s latest eco-friendly community, providing homeowners in Peterborough with a new, environmentally conscious alternative to traditional city living.
Representatives from Mason Homes hosted a hayride tour of this unique residential development, named Avonlea, which included a glimpse of a developing trail system, ponds and water features. Peterborough Mayor D. Paul Ayotte, and local MPP Jeff Leal were also on hand for the tour.
“I’m very proud of this project,” said Sean Mason, Vice-President of Sales for Mason Homes. “Our team has managed to create a thoroughly modern and energy-efficient community, here, using the most innovative green techniques and materials. Homeowners will conserve water and energy while reducing their carbon footprint. These homes are designed to be green for life.”
Avonlea is surrounded by green space but provides easy access to all the amenities of a city. Schools and shopping facilities are within walking distance, and the natural landscape is enhanced by Mason Homes’ ecologically sensitive urban planning.
Avonlea homes are ENERGY STAR qualified, and boast energy saving features such as top-quality insulation, high-performance windows and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. All this can reduce annual energy bills by up to 30%. The project incorporates the philosophy of ‘new urbanism’, which will ensure that it rapidly becomes a neighbourhood.
“We are thrilled to be here today,” said Michelle Cote, Director of Marketing and Client Relations with EnerQuality Corporation. “Mason Homes is to be commended for their commitment to green, sustainable building, and for turning that commitment into action. In the face of today’s rising energy costs, these houses will save homeowners money, provide a healthier indoor environment and help reduce their carbon footprint.”
The ENERGY STAR label is earned only by homes that have met strict requirements, allowing homebuyers to rely on the performance tested, third party verified, government backed ENERGY STAR label to know they are buying an energy efficient home.
Typical energy saving measures in an ENERGY STAR qualified home include higher levels of insulation in basements, walls and attics, ENERGY STAR qualified windows and doors, tighter building envelopes, programmable thermostats, sealed ducts, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and high-efficiency heating, hot water and air conditioning systems.
Michelle Cote, Director of Marketing and Client Relations, EnerQuality Corporation, 416-305-3671
Sean Mason, VP Sales, Mason Homes, 416-881-7949
Mason Homes is a third-generation homebuilder and family-run business that has built over 4000 quality homes in many communities across Ontario including Etobicoke, Toronto, Scarborough, Markham, Barrie, Schomberg, Uxbridge, Lindsay and Peterborough.
They strive to be a progressive company in design, architecture, new urbanism, community planning and energy efficiency. They are the first community to offer homes that are not only Energy Star qualified, but also help further reduce energy and water consumption while providing improved indoor air quality. Green for Life homes will provide a happier, healthier home and lessen your impact on the environment.
ENERGY STAR® for New Homes is a label given to homes that meet balanced, whole-house energy-efficiency standards, guaranteeing their owners significant energy savings. New homes that receive the ENERGY STAR® label are up to 30 percent more energy-efficient than those built to the minimum Ontario building code standards.
The ENERGY STAR mark is administered and promoted in Canada by Natural Resources Canada.
EnerQuality Corporation is committed to helping builders build more energy efficient and sustainable homes. Founded in 1998 and supported by their A-list of partners, EnerQuality is a licensed Service Organization delivering ENERGY STAR® for New Homes, R-2000, EnerGuide Rating Service, LEED for Homes and EnerQuality’s new GreenHouse™ Certified Construction initiative. EnerQuality’s initiatives are all voluntary and supported by extensive training and marketing that offer builders options to meet their individual needs.
More By EnerQuality Corporation
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Weather on This Date - April 20
A spring storm produced unusually heavy snow in northeast Ohio. Warren received 35.5 inches in thirty-six hours, and 28 inches fell at Green Hill. Akron OH established April records of 15.6 inches in 24 hours, and 26.6 inches for the month. Pittsburgh PA established April records of 12.7 inches in 24 hours, and 13.5 inches for the month. (David Ludlum) (The Weather Channel)
Tornadoes in Mississippi and Alabama killed 219 persons. (David Ludlum)
The tankers Esso Suez and Esso Greensboro crashed in a thick fog off the coast of Morgan City LA. Only five of the Greensboro's crew survived after the ship bursts into flame. (David Ludlum)
Fifty-two cities in the central and eastern U.S. reported new record high temperatures for the date. The high of 92 degrees at Memphis TN was a record for April, and the high of 94 at Little Rock AR equaled their April record. (The National Weather Summary)
A storm in the western U.S. brought heavy rain to parts of California. Mount Wilson was soaked with 4.15 inches of rain in 24 hours. The heavy rain caused some flooding and mudslides in the Los Angeles area, and a chain reaction collision of vehicles along the Pomona Freeway which resulted in 26 injuries. (Storm Data) (The National Weather Summary)
Hot weather spread from the southwestern U.S. into the Great Plains Region. Twenty-three cities reported new record high temperatures for the date. The afternoon high of 104 degrees at Tucson AZ was an April record, and highs of 87 at Provo UT, 90 at Pueblo CO, and 85 at Salt Lake City UT, equaled April records. (The National Weather Summary)
A fast moving Pacific storm produced heavy snow in the central mountains and the Upper Arkansas Valley of Colorado, with a foot of snow reported at Leadville. Thunderstorms in the south central U.S. produced wind gusts to 76 mph at Tulsa OK, and heavy rain which caused flooding of Cat Claw Creek in the Abilene TX area. Lightning struck the building housing a fish farm in Scott AR killing 10,000 pounds of fish. Many of the fish died from the heat of the fire. (The National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)
Columbus and Macon both observed a 3-day consecutive stretch of high temperatures around 90°F from the 18th to the 20th with highs of 91°F on all three days at Columbus and highs of 89°F, 91°F, and 91°F, respectively, at Macon. (NWS Atlanta)
Up to five feet of snow falls in the Dakotas. I-94 and other highways were closed, power was out for thousands and caused at least four deaths.
High Temps
Low Temps
High Temp Anomalies
Low Temp Anomalies
Max Wind Speed
Max Wind Gust
24 Hour Rainfall
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NACKT AUF MEINEN BOCK
Hugh Martin who wrote the song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” along with “The Boy Next Door” and “The Trolley Song” from the 1944 Judy Garland MGM film Meet Me In St. Louis died age 96. His lifepartner was Ralph Blane and they also wrote the songs in Best Foot Forward which was on Broadway in 1941 with an MGM film that was released in 1943 starring Lucille Ball, June Allyson, Gloria DeHaven,Artie Shaw, Tommy Dix, Gil Stratton and Nancy Walker. Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane had a hot buttery fourgy with Van Johnson and Tom Drake back in the 1940s when they were all under contract to Metro. I would have loved to have been a fly on that wall.
Forgot to post this little missive that came to me awhile back from the great Mark Simon in Los Angeles:
In 2008 Joan Fontaine put her copy of the Rebecca script up for auction. It was the presentation copy David O Selznick gave her when the film was completed. Bound in maroon calf skin and gold. Embossed on the cover O Selznick's inscription read:
"For Joan, This souvenir of a struggle and a dream. May neither be forgotten too soon. Your's with affection until the adventure's sequel, David.”
Miss Joan was asking 35-40 thousand as an opening bid............ No takers.....
And this from The Love Camel in London:
Oh Doll,
you should do some spring cleaning to your pussy by using the
fresh juices of all the boys in flip-flops that will start to appear
in the the streets of Berlin soon when the weather warms up. You just need to go around dressed as the core of a nuclear facility and tell young boys you fancy that you need their sperma to avoid a major nuclear meltdown with catastrophic consequences for the planet
Went to Arsenal to see the restored version of George Cukor’s A Star is Born starring Judy Garland, James Mason, a bloated Jack Carson and male fag hag Tommy Noonan. Was joined by film historian Marc Siegel and his intermedia actress/ girlfriend the divine Susanne Sachsse, who had never seen the famed film, and was not a big Garland fan. Now she has officially joined the Garland cult and sees why so many people adore La Judy.
The next day was an unofficial all-day testing of the waters for The Living Archive Project which culminated in a scrumpteous din din at WAU cafe. Perhaps when the event becomes more official some young artists in their twenties will be invited to participate just to give the proceedings some youthful energy, momentum and eye candy.
Later after supper was joined by Tim Blue, Susanne Sachsse and Marc Siegel at the Martin Groupius Bau for the opening of Margarita Broiche’s glam photo exhibition. A lot of the star’s she has photographed of the stage and screen were in attendance including her main man Martin Wuttke and his sexy young sons, Fassbinder legend Volker Spengler and Kate Winslet who co-starred with Margarita in The Reader. My photo that Frau Broich took after my performing at Rising Stars, Falling Stars last year dressed ala Dorothy Arzner looked fab all gigantic in the upstairs grand hall. Margarita certainly has a keen eye for capturing spirited moments and lovely details, and each pic is also somewhat meloncholic. Joining our group later was fagademic Sean and baby diaper Joel Gibb of the Hidden Cameras, looking freshly fucked with erect nipples and bubblebutt bouncing in fox trot. Was shocked to run into Paul Plamper who I met in 1999 in Los Angeles when he was Martin Wuttke’s assistant at the Berliner Ensemble. Paul is now in his late thirties but looks even better then when i first met him in his mid twenties. Of course I fell madly in love with Paul as dorky German boys with thick glasses is so my type. I can still remember him telling me not to fall for him as he was just “a boring heterosexual”. That didn’t stop me of course, and now seeing him looking so good has intensifying my feelings of love and lust for him. He is still a big dork, but is so boyishly charming that I can’t stop thinking about him and as long as i have a face, he will always have a place to sit. Back in Los Angeles he had a French girlfriend who had run over someone with her car killing them. Now Paul has become quite a successful radio play writer and director. In Germany radio plays are very much in vogue, and never went out of fashion with the advent of television.
Posted by Vaginal Davis at 5:28 AM
REISE DER VERLORENEN UNSCHULD
Just got word that my tranny gal pal Ms. Chloe Dzubilo died Feb 18th in New York City. She was disoriented by her medication and slipped onto the subway train tracks. What a horrible tragedy. Ms. Chloe came to LA in the mid 90s to visit me at my large Cheese Endique Trifecta studio in Koreatown. We had a girlhappy time.
Chloe was a downtown New York starina and part of the Black Lips Kollective out of the Pyramid Club. The song “Carolina Vagina” with her band Transistor was a crowd pleasing staple in my DJane sets. When Chloe came to visit me in LA she wowed the crowd at Club Sucker at the Garage, my Silverlake punk rock beer bust and English T-Dance.
As an activistite she worked tirelessly for the LGBT Community Center's groundbreaking Gender Identity Project, she served on its transgender HIV prevention team conducting prevention outreach in bars, nightclubs and on ho strolls. She spoke at national and international conferences, in video Public Service Announcements and training workshops for health care and mental health providers.
Chloe was involved with the political action group the Transsexual Menace and went on to direct one of the first federally funded HIV prevention programs for transgender sex workers in 1997.
In 2001, Chloe founded the Equi-Aid Project, a Manhattan-based riding program that specifically targets children who are infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS as well as other at-risk youth.
In September 2002, Chloe Dzubilo became the first transgendered person on the cover of POZ, a magazine for the HIV/AIDS community. She graced the magazine's cover two more times.
In 2003, Chloe was appointed to the HIV and Human Service Planning Council of New York, an advisory body composed of people living with HIV/AIDS, service providers, and government representatives, charged with ensuring that "people living with HIV have access to appropriate, quality services across the continuum of care, resulting in the best possible health and quality of life."
At the time of her death, she was working on a project with her spouse -- musician, visual artist and trans-man T De Long -- which will be shown in June by the arts and advocacy organization Visual AIDS.
To offer donations in support of her celebration and her favorite causes -- Visual AIDS and Return To Freedom -- go to:
http://www.indiegogo.com/Chloe-Dzubilo
In other New York news, two of my talented and lovesexy NYU students Jo-ey Tang and Carlos Reyes are having a thesis show at the end of the month.See the info below
and check out these hot young art shtars.
NYU Steinhardt MFA Thesis 2011 - Part I:
80WSE Gallery
80 Washington Square East, NY
Exhibition Dates: March 29 – April 9, 2011
Opening Reception: Tues, March 29, 2011 6:00-8:00pm
Gallery Hours: Tues-Sat, 10:30am-6:00pm
David J. Merritt
Carlos Reyes
Jo-ey Tang
http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/steinhardt/mfa2011/
Had a glorious breaky at Toughstein Cafe with Manuel Schubert of Filmhighlights Internet Radio Program MultiCult FM and he interviewed me at the Cheese Endique Trifecta about the next Rising Stars, Falling Stars presentation of Rasputin’s Love MisAdventure 1928 directed by Martin Berger. This German silent will be accompanied by the Blue Bros Tim &kJohnny and will be our first Rising Stars post Berlinale Film Festival that will also celebrate the coming of Spring and everyone getting freaky and frisky. So come to Rising Stars on March 27th and bring a 25 centimeters long shlong if you have one.
The other evening was invited to a gorgeous din din at the famed table of la Susanne Sachsse the star of Pierrot Lunaire. You haven’t lived or really eaten until you have tasted one of her scrumptdelish meals. It was an intimate dinner feast with her handsome film historian lover Marc Siegel and beautiful teenage twins Richard & Salome Gersh. Lots of laughs, vino and gossip exchanged until the wee hours of the night.
NACKT AUF MEINEN BOCK Hugh Martin who wrote the so...
REISE DER VERLORENEN UNSCHULD Just got word that m...
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This 25 minute, homemade, newsies horror-film spoof, was made in 1991 on the back lot of Universal Studios during the shooting of the movie “Newsies”.
The movie directed by Michael Goorjian, produced by Max Casella and Trey Parker and shot by Ivan Dudynsky. It stars Mark David doing an incredible impersonation of actor Don Knots (Barney Fife from The Andy Griffith Show.) Ivan, Trey, Max and Michael are also in the film along with cameos by Christian Bale, David Moscow, Bill Pullman, Kenny Ortega, Brett Dieball as well as many more.
THE STORY: Washed up actor Don Knots shows up on the back lot of Universal Studios in hopes of a role in the new movie, Newsies. Unfortunately director Kenny Ortega quickly dismisses Mr. Knots and has him thrown off the lot. Mr. Knots then decides to go on a killing spree. He knocks off one Newsie after the next, each in a different and unique way.
This is truly one of the funniest homemade movie ever. The video runs roughly 25 minute. It was shot on a 1/2 VHS camcorder with the music being provided by a tape deck, held up next to the camera. The most impressive aspect of this little gem is that it was shot entirely in order!
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My applause to Michael Goorjian for this masterpiece.
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"I just got my copy in today!
I adore this movie... film... thingy. Holy tap dancing Jesus it rocks. it's cheesy and campy and everything in-between.
I wish all movies could be so hilarious. Not to mention all of the guys look like absolute sex!
Thank You! I bow down to you for copying this thing and allowing Newsies Freaks, such as myself, to own it.
This film is pure genius. Mark David does an ass-kicking Don Knotts impersonation.
If anyone tells you differently, don't listen to them!"
This movie contains extreme language.
Although it is hilarious and was made for fun, it does contains some extreme language that some people, like your parents, might disapprove of.
If you are under 18, we ask you to consider this before buying the tape.
You can buy the DVD with Paypal using your credit card or your paypal account.
With Paypal, transactions are fast, easy and secure.
Once your order is completed, I'll email you a confirmation.
The movie will then be mailed to you the next business day via First Class mail.
If you have any question, please don't hesitate to contact me.
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Also if you decide to purchase this little jewel, we would love to hear your comment on the movie.
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Blood Drips on Newsies Square: The Movie!
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check out the LIVE JOURNAL created by Newsies Fans in honor of this video.
(If you were a part of this film, please drop us a line so I can send you a copy.)
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'Snake Salvation' Death Police Chief Won't Enforce Snake Law
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2/11/14 3:49pm Justin Bieber simply can’t seem to keep himself out of trouble. Police were dispatched this morning to respond to an altercation at a Starbucks in West Hollywood involving some familiar faces. A barista at the coffee house was apparently confronted by Bieber when he refused to serve the pop st...
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Posted February 11, 2014 in Famous Death/Passing
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Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Pianist Corner Chopin Nocturne Op.27 as it sounded to Chopin
50 members (Burkey, Carey, brdwyguy, aphexdisklavier, BachToTheFuture, 1957, B.Augmented, 8 invisible), 459 guests, and 467 robots.
Chopin Nocturne Op.27 as it sounded to Chopin
acortot OP
acortot
This is a recording, done with a small handheld Tascam digital recorder of an 1844 Pleyel I restored years ago, which belonged to me for a while.
The reason I am posting this is because of the sound, which most of you will think is quite odd, and not quite pianistic, but more like a Piano Shaped Object.
The sound is the way it is because the hammers are covered with the 1840's grey felt which was applied on the piano when it was new, and the felt wore out after a couple of years use, so it is extremely rare. I have plenty of documentation that proves that this veiled, dark sound is actually the sound that Chopin heard, so if anyone is interested, I can send you a PDF with all the information.
The tempo is 50 BPM for each dotted quarter note, which is the tempo indicated by Chopin. This makes it so that the left hand plays groups of 6 notes every BPM!
I am quite sure most of you out there would not like to play on this kind of piano, because of the muffled sound, but I have collected proof that this dark sound was what was in fashion from at least 1830 to 1850! Strange indeed!
The softer sound does have an effect on the overall interpretation, in my opinion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWKl6e5BU8s&list=RDWWKl6e5BU8s
Max di Mario
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Re: Chopin Nocturne Op.27 as it sounded to Chopin
acortot #2933154 01/13/20 03:56 AM
johnstaf
The sound has much more in common with a modern piano than pianos from a couple of decades before, which sound like a different instrument to me. I suppose the iron frame marked the biggest change in the sound of the piano.
Pianoman53
I studied in the Hague, which is really big on early music. I played on historical pianos several times, and even wrote a research that was partly about fortepianos. While I don't think one should base their modern instrument interpretation on how it sounded then - since that is unfair both to the modern and historical instrument - it is definitely worthwhile to play on them.
johnstaf #2933209 01/13/20 08:07 AM
Originally Posted by johnstaf
Yes, the addition of iron was a big change, necessary to support the increase in string tension, however, the steel frame, and the cast iron frame, had all been invented before, but nobody wanted to use them because of the metallic sound. In those days, the taste was to get a sweet and mellow, organic tone, and with the low tensions, there wasn't a great need to go fully cast iron yet. I imagine that low tension also sounds bad with a full metal frame.
I think that this piano does have a lot in common with modern pianos, although it tends to have a darker pp-mf. If anything, we should be able to have a dark pp-mf on modern pianos, with the option of getting a bright sound when playing into the f-fff range. Today's pianos seem to be bright at any volume, which makes playing Chopin less natural IMO
Last edited by acortot; 01/13/20 08:08 AM.
dogperson
Sigh ... this is exquisite😽 I do agree that the Pleyel changes the effect to be more suited to Chopin. How I wish I owned one!
Thanks so very much for posting this
"Music, rich, full of feeling, not soulless, is like a crystal on which the sun falls and brings forth from it a whole rainbow" - F. Chopin
"I never dreamt with my own two hands I could touch the sky" - Sappho
It's ok to be a Work In Progress
acortot #2933467 01/13/20 07:31 PM
pianoloverus
Yikes! 10000 Post Club Member
Most of the YT performances by great pianists that I checked are around 6:00, almost 50% longer. I thought it sounded pretty terrible at the faster speed so maybe Chopin erred with his tempo marking or maybe the editor made a mistake that Chopin didn't catch. It can't be some secret that Chopin marked it much faster, so the fact that the faster tempo seems to be almost universally ignored seems to say that no great pianist thinks it makes sense. There are other examples where I think pianists generally adopt a tempo much different from what Chopin indicated, one being Op.10 Nos. 6.
pianoloverus #2933506 01/13/20 09:41 PM
Tyrone Slothrop
Originally Posted by pianoloverus
I thought it sounded pretty terrible at the faster speed so maybe Chopin erred with his tempo marking or maybe the editor made a mistake that Chopin didn't catch. It can't be some secret that Chopin marked it much faster, so the fact that the faster tempo seems to be almost universally ignored seems to say that no great pianist thinks it makes sense. There are other examples where I think pianists generally adopt a tempo much different from what Chopin indicated, one being Op.10 Nos. 6.
In the late 80's, when the HIP movement was taking off, conductor Roger Norrington recorded a series of performances of Beethoven's symphonies using Beethoven's original tempo markings. None was more controversial than his performance of the 9th, which clocked in at 62 minutes, when the average performance is 69:30. Needless to say, I don't think many conductors pay much attention to Beethoven's tempo markings on symphonies. Other HIP performances of his symphonies have restored instruments, performance practices, temperaments, and everything except Beethoven's tempos, which generally have not been used as gospel.
EDIT: BTW, this is the entirety of Norrington's performance of Beethoven's 9th at Beethoven's own tempo markings. If you try it, put on your seatbelts first!
across the stone, deathless piano performances
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rach3master
An interesting and unique interpretation of this Nocturne, although not to my taste. What I find objectionable isn't so much the faster tempo, but rather the "drunken" effect where the hands are almost never played in sync. Although almost everyone does this to some degree for this kind of music, I rarely find it used in such a heavy fashion like this. It almost sounds like the melody is syncopated through the entire piece.
Last edited by rach3master; 01/13/20 10:11 PM.
Youtube piano recordings (classical music/video games/anime): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh9N3Xirs86USDQXE1WiwXg
Kawai Novus NV-10 / Yamaha Avantgrand N1 with Garritan CFX VST
rach3master #2933607 01/14/20 08:39 AM
Originally Posted by rach3master
I thought the pianist was trying to play in the LH before RH style popular in the 19th century because of the piano he was playing on. No serious plays that way any more, and I did find it annoying and ineffective.
Tyrone Slothrop #2933610 01/14/20 08:43 AM
Originally Posted by Tyrone Slothrop
In the late 80's, when the HIP movement was taking off, conductor Roger Norrington recorded a series of performances of Beethoven's symphonies using Beethoven's original tempo markings. None was more controversial than his performance of the 9th, which clocked in at 62 minutes, when the average performance is 69:30.
If he did it as comparatively fast vs. standard speed as the pianist in the video the Beethoven would be about 46 minutes.
pianoloverus #2933619 01/14/20 09:05 AM
Well, on the manuscript it's a dotted quarter for 50 BPM, so there is no mistake.
Chopin always placed phrase legatos on his manuscript, as to say that it was essential to the composition.
The left hand is organized in groups of six notes that should be played as a phrase. People who heard him play, say that he played in 'waves', so perhaps the left hand pulse of 50 BPM was represented by the entire 6 note arpeggio, as if it was one beat. If you treat the notes individually, and not as a whole, that's perhaps where the confusion sets in.
Old music was simply played in a fashion that most people today don't like so much, but don't forget we are talking about the most famous piano composer of all time, perhaps.
Chopin, it was written by an observer, 'could not' play in time, although Mikuli says he always kept a Metronome on his piano.
On Chopin's earliest works, he often wrote 'tempo rubato' on his manuscripts. He later stopped doing that because people did not understand what he meant.
In his teaching he said that the left hand was the conductor and the right hand should be free to wonder rhythmically 'as much as possible'
This is nothing new IF you listen to great singers. Most of the world famous singers (including more recent ones such as Sinatra or even George Michael) sing behind the beat (in pianistic terms, after the left hand) and occasionally in front of it.. this is the essence of Rubato: you steal time from some notes and give them to others.
Let's just say the old way of playing does not fit today's aesthetic, much like the pianos' sound of old is too soft and mellow.
Here is the manuscript.
http://www.chopinonline.ac.uk/ocve/browse/pageview/70279/
Very nice. I once owned a Chickering 8’3” grand with a straight string plate and action. It was from the early 1870’s and had a similar tone, more delicate than a modern piano. I think the advent of the overstrung plate and action, moving the bass and high treble strings more over the middle, more resonant part of the soundboard is a significant change that provides the depth and power of the sound of a modern grand. Once this was done, higher tension with thicker strings was a natural way to leverage that even more.
Not logging in very often, but I will receive PMs.
MikeN
I'll be the minority and say that I love the nocturne played this way. I prefer the faster tempo, and the disjuct of right and left hand is incredibly expressive to me.
Tim Adrianson
Hi, acortot! Count me in as another minority vote -- I wasn't taken so much by the "darkness" of sound as by the very light action of the piano and the quick decay of sound, relative to most modern grands. Those aspects allowed the pianist to provide convincing soundscapes at speeds that IMO would simply be unattainable on a modern grand. And I also agree that the slight disjunction between the hands is aesthetically appropriate here, because the character of this piece is that of a singer with piano accompaniment. Also, I loved the silvery quality of the right hand throughout, beautifully in tune and focused. IMO, a thorough success -- I think Chopin would have been most impressed.
Tim Adrianson #2936802 01/21/20 04:32 PM
David-G
Originally Posted by Tim Adrianson
I agree. I think it sounds exquisitely beautiful.
I have never heard any professional pianist play this piece nearly as fast as the video even though the Chopin tempo marking is cannot be a secret. IOW they apparently reject Chopin's tempo marking and play it much slower. Are there any YT recordings by any great pianist playing it as fast as this video? I also think the extreme use of asynchronization of the hands ruins the piece,
Last edited by pianoloverus; 01/21/20 06:02 PM.
BruceD
Those of use who have lived through the better (?) half of the last century may have difficulty with this tempo, having been brought up as we were with the more "traditional" tempo from the likes of ... well, just about every concert pianist I can mention.
So many significant details, harmonic and decorative, seem to be tossed off as inconsequential. I have difficulty appreciating this Nocturne at this tempo. I find the sound of the piano very interesting and even quite appealing, however.
Estonia 190
Tim Adrianson #2937026 01/22/20 09:30 AM
Hi, thanks!
Indeed it's close to impossible to play the pieces at the original tempo with modern pianos, especially the ones that are voiced brightly, because all you hear is the clashing of the different notes.
Perhaps one of the principal reasons why Chopin and a lot of other composers are played at a fraction of the speed that they were conceived at.
Moderated by Brendan, Kreisler
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USA Today Metro Atlanta Super 25 Football Poll
Submitted by Sam Crenshaw, 11Alive Sports Anchor
Wednesday, November 27th, 2013, 8:44pm
ATLANTA -- The Thanksgiving edition of the USA Today Metro Atlanta Super 25 Poll is ready for inspection. As the state playoffs head for the quarterfinal round the Wolves continue to be leaders of the pack.
Coming off a 40-7 victory over Woodward Academy, Buford will take a 12 and 0 record into this week's matchup with Carver, Columbus. The Wolves top the charts again with North Gwinnett , Collins Hill, Sandy Creek and Carrollton in the top 5 .
Norcross is 6 this week and Griffin jumps from 17 to 7 after a 42-7 win over Statesboro. This Friday night they will visit Sandy Creek. Gainesville, Lovett, and Hillgrove complete the top 10.
McEachern climbs from 20 to 13, Calhoun is up from 25 to 18.
Kell and Stockbridge return to the poll at 21 and 25.
Monroe Area and Stephenson fall out of the Super 25.
The Metro Atlanta Super 25 poll is computer generated and is produced by USA Today High School Sports exclusively for 11Alive.
ATLANTA -- The latest edition of the USA Today Metro Atlanta Super 25 High School Football is here, just in time for the playoffs. The Wolves are still leaders of the pack, as the first round of the postseason begins.
The Buford Wolves are still number one as they open the state playoffs at home against Sonoraville. Sandy Creek is next with Carrollton number 3 this week. North Gwinnett rises from 7 to 4, and Lovett completes the top 5.
Tucker finished the regular season unbeaten for the sixth time in the past nine seasons. The Tigers are number 6 this week and will open post season play against Heritage, Conyers at Adams Stadium. Gainesville, Collins Hill, Norcross, and Creekside round out the top 10.
Eagle's Landing Christian climbs from 14 to 11 this week, and Archers is up from 21 to 18.
McEachern slides from 9 to 17 after a loss to Hillgrove, and Alpharetta drops from 19 to 23.
Wednesday, November 6th, 2013, 5:46am
ATLANTA -- The USA Today Metro Atlanta Super 25 High School Football Poll is here. As we head for the final Friday night of the regular season, the team at the top is one that leaves its opponents green with envy.
Buford continues to hold down the number 1 spot this week. Sandy Creek jumps from 10 to 2 after last week's victory over Carrollton. The Trojans slip to 3, with Tucker and Gainesville making up the top 5.
Lovett is next, with North Gwinnett, Norcross, McEachern and Creekside completing the top 10.
Eagle's Landing Christian is on the move this week from 20 to 14, while Marist is up from 22 to 20.
Marietta returns to the Super 25 at 22, and Peachtree Ridge is back this week at 24.
Calhoun and Stephenson drop out of the Super 25.
The Metro Atlanta Super 25 is computer generated and produced buy USA Today High School Sports exclusively for 11Alive News and 11Alive.com
Wednesday, October 9th, 2013, 4:17am
ATLANTA -- The latest edition of the USA Today Metro Atlanta Super 25 High School Football Poll is here.
There are two new faces that join this week's list. Both teams are unbeaten, but there is still no change at the top.
The North Gwinnett Bulldogs still lead the way as they head for a region showdown with Mill Creek. Buford is next, with Carrollton, Lovejoy, and Eagle's Landing Christian making up the top 5.
Sandy Creek is 6 this week, with Norcross, McEachern, Lovett and Gainesville rounding out the top 10.
Collins Hill moves up from 20 to 14 after beating Peachtree Ridge. Stephenson rises from 22 to 15 and will face region rival Tucker this week. St. Pius climbs from 21 to 16.
Milton drops from 12 to 18 this week and North Cobb slides from 16 to 21.
New faces this week are Etowah at 17, Calhoun returning to the poll at 24 and Creekside appearing for the first time this season at 25.
Thursday, October 3rd, 2013, 7:36am
ATLANTA -- The latest edition of the USA Today Metro Atlanta Super 25 High School Football Poll is here for your inspection.
This week, a pride of Lions roars into the top 10. In fact, there are several new faces, but the crew from the North remains the top dogs.
North Gwinnett continues to lead the way, with Buford second. Carrollton jumps from 6 to 3 this week, with Norcross and McEachern making up the top 5
Sandy Creek is 6, followed by Eagle's Landing Christian and Lovejoy. Lovett soars from 15 to 9 this week, and Hillgrove completes the top 10.
New faces in the Super 25 include Griffin at 15, North Hall at 19 and Cartersville at 25.
Marietta, Grayson, and Kell fall out of the Super 25 this week.
The Metro Atlanta Super 25 Poll is computer generated and produced exclusively for 11Alive and 11Alive.com, by USA Today High School Sports
Tuesday, September 17th, 2013, 9:39am
ATLANTA -- The new USA Today Metro Atlanta Super 25 Football Poll is here. Last week's number one team hangs on to the top spot after a big win over the defending state champions.
North Gwinnett leads the way this week, with Buford, Norcross, Sandy Creek and Lovejoy in the top 5.
McEachern is 6 with Carrollton jumping from 13 to 7 this week. Eagle's Landing Christian, Grayson and Mill Creek round out the top 10.
Other movers this week include St. Pius going from 19 to 12, Tucker rising from 18 to 14 and Peachtree Ridge climbing from 21 to 15.
Marietta slides from 12 to 17, North Cobb tumbles from 8 to 18, Calhoun falls from 14 to 24, and Lassiter drops from 16 to 25.
This week's new faces are Kell at 20, Walton at 22 and Lovett at 23.
M.L. King, West Forsyth and Marist drop out of the Super 25.
Wednesday, September 4th, 2013, 12:13pm
After two weeks of play, the name that tops the chart remains the same.
North Gwinnett improved to 2-0 and stays No. 1 after its win at Grayson. Norcross is next with Lovejoy, Sandy Creek, and McEachern moving up from No. 8 to complete the top 5 this week.
Buford stays at 6, with North Cobb, Eagle's Landing Christian, Grayson, and Gainesville rounding out the top 10.
This week's movers are Marietta from 15 to 11, Carrollton from 19 to 12 and Calhoun from 24 to 14.
This week's new faces are Hillgrove at 16, Peachtree Ridge at 19 and Milton at 25.
West Forsyth, Parkview, and Alpharetta drop out of the Super 25.
The Metro Atlanta Super 25 Polls are computer generated and produced by USA Today High School Sports exclusively for 11Alive News and 11Alive.com
Atlanta Writer's Club
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Home > > Cruise lines spend big, get quirky to lure Chinese travellers
Cruise lines spend big, get quirky to lure Chinese travellers
06/27/2014| 3:51:17 PM| reuters.com
Carnival Corp and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd are trying to pique interest with China-centric attractions such as a menu inspired by an ex-president. They are also tapping a national penchant for education with classes ranging from foreign languages to silver service.
Looking to convince Chinese tourists that a ship can be a holiday destination and not just a way to get there, the world's leading cruise lines are spending billions of dollars on flashy new vessels and quirky on-board services.
Drawing cruise lines to China is the prospect of $11.5 billion in sales come 2018 compared with $6.8 billion last year, according to researcher Euromonitor. The market will soon be the second-biggest and could eventually surpass the United States, industry executives said.
"Competition is getting increasingly fierce," said Jiang Yushen, a deputy general manager at China's HNA Tourism Cruise Yacht Management Co, part of HNA Group Co Ltd. The challenge is Chinese consumers are still "fuzzy" about what cruising is all about, Jiang said.
Cruises in China tend to last around five days and include stops in neighbouring South Korea and Japan. Global cruise lines have upped investment in the market in the wake of a government initiative last year to develop ports and support local lines.
The year of "marine tourism" in 2013 ended with an almost 20 percent rise in Chinese passengers at 1.4 million - a figure likely to more than triple by 2020, according to data from the government and the China Cruise & Yacht Industry Association.
"The business shot up last year, but this year it is growing even faster," said Wang Yang, chief executive of Youlunhai.com. The travel agent sold around 5 percent of cruise tickets in China last year, Wang said.
Carnival brand Princess Cruises based a ship in the country for the first time in May. Next year, Royal Caribbean will move one of its new near-billion dollar Quantum class ships to China almost straight from the shipyard - unusual as most vessels Western lines base in the country have already been in service.
But as luxurious as the ships may be, cruise lines still have to convince people to get on board at the main ports of Tianjin, Shanghai and Xiamen.
"The biggest challenge is getting the message across to a wider consumer base," Dominic Paul, vice president international at Royal Caribbean, told Reuters.
The cruise line carried 300,000 Chinese passengers last year and targets an annual increase of 70 percent. It declined to provide investment or sales amounts.
Carnival also declined to specify investment or sales, but said it aimed to increase passenger capacity in the Chinese market by 140 percent from 2013 to 2015.
To lure tourists to the sea - and beat back lower-priced local competition - global lines are working to cater to Chinese tastes, especially when it comes to food.
"Most of our customers start with the same question: What about the food?" said Youlunhai.com's Wang.
Princess Cruises said it offers the only 24-hour buffet in the Chinese market, as well a menu similar to that enjoyed by former President Hu Jintao during a meeting at the White House. The cruise line also has extra "educational components" with classes in silver service and how to host Western guests.
"Our research found that there was an even greater appetite among Chinese guests to learn," Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz told Reuters.
Youlunhai.com and rival travel agents are also playing their part in growing the market. Ctrip.Com International Ltd , which said it sells around 10 percent of all cruise tickets, offers discounts through social media platforms and collaborates with dating websites.
Swartz said Princess Cruises had made joint investments in marketing with local travel agents, and gave them discounts for the line's first cruises from its China base.
But there is some way to go to win over tourists like 41-year-old Wu Haifang, who said she was embarking on a cruise simply to get to another country for local food and shopping.
"I just want to go to South Korea and try their pickles, watch Korean TV and buy an electric rice cooker," said Wu, as she waited to board at Shanghai's Wusongkou terminal.
"My husband's company organised a cruise tour for its employees. I got a free ticket just by chance," she said.
TAGS: cruise | Princess Cruises
Dream Cruises targets pilot China program from Sanya
Asian cruises resume, in China's Taiwan and Yangtze River
Cruises to South China Sea become first to resume amid pandemic
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Title: Who Spoke Next
Author: Follen, Eliza Lee Cabot, 1787-1860
*** Start of this Doctrine Publishing Corporation Digital Book "Who Spoke Next" ***
WHO SPOKE NEXT
MRS. FOLLEN
With Illustrations by Billings and others
THE OLD GARRET
Boys are not apt to forget a promise of a story. Frank and Harry did
not fail to call upon their mother for the history of the old musket.
"It appeared to me," said the mother, "that the old musket was not very
willing to tell his story. He had a sort of old republican pride, and
felt himself superior to the rest of the company in character and
importance. When he had made himself heard in the world hitherto, it
had always been by one short, but very decided and emphatic word; he
despised any thing like a palaver; so he began very abruptly, and as if
he had half a mind not to speak at all, because he could not speak in
his own way.
"None but fools," said he, "have much to say about themselves--'Deeds,
not words,' is a good motto for all. But as I would not be churlish,
and as I have agreed, as well as the rest of my companions, to tell my
story, I will mention what few things worth relating I can recollect.
I have no distinct consciousness, as my friend the pitcher or the
curling tongs has, of what I was before the ingenuity of man brought me
into my present form. I would only mention that all the different
materials of which I was formed must have been perfect of their kind,
or I could never have performed the duties required of me.
My first very distinct recollection is of being stood up in the way I
am standing now, with a long row of my brethren, of the same shape and
character as myself, as I supposed. This was in a large building
somewhere in England. I, like the curling tongs, was at last packed up
in a box, and brought to America, but it took a rather larger box to
take me and my friends, than it took to pack up him and his friends,
with all their thin straddle legs."
Creak went the curling tongs at this personal attack.
"We were brought to this country," continued the old musket, "by an
Englishman. Little did he think how soon we should take part against
our Fatherland, or he would have kept us at home.
One day, the elder brother of the gentleman who owned our little friend
curling tongs came into the shop where I then was, and, after looking
at all the muskets, selected me as one that he might trust. As he paid
for me, he said to the man, "This is an argument which we shall soon
have to use in defence of our liberties."
"I fear we shall," said the shopman, "and if many men are of your mind,
I hope, sir, you will recommend my shop to them. I shall be happy to
supply all true patriots with the very best English muskets."
My new master smiled, and took me home to his house in the country.
The family consisted of himself, his wife, and three children--two sons
and a daughter. The eldest son was eighteen, the second sixteen, and
the daughter fourteen. The mistress of the house turned pale when she
saw my master bring me in and quietly set me down in a corner of the
room behind the old clock.
Presently the two young men entered. The younger shuddered a little
when he saw me, but the elder clapped his hands and exclaimed, "That's
good! We have got a musket now, and the English will find out that we
know how to use it!"
"Pray to God, my son," said his mother, "that we may never have to use
The boy did not give much heed to what his mother said, but took me up,
examined me all over, and, after snapping my trigger two or three
times, pronounced me to be a real good musket, and placed me again in
the corner where his father had put me at first.
The next day, my master took me out to try me. I confess I was not
pleased at the first charge with which I was loaded. When I felt the
powder, ball, wadding and all, rammed down so hard, it was as
disagreeable to me as a boy's first hard lesson in grammar is to him,
and seemed to me as useless, for I did not then know what I was made
for, nor of what use all this stuffing could be. But when my master
pulled the trigger, and I heard the neighboring hills echo and reecho
with the sound, I began to feel that I was made for something, and grew
a little vain at the thought of the noise I should make in the world.
I did not then know all I was created for; it seemed to me that it was
only to make a great noise. I soon learned better, and understood the
purpose of my being more perfectly.
A few days after this, the family was all astir some time before
sunrise. There was a solemn earnestness in their faces, even in the
youngest of them, that was very impressive.
At last, my master took me up, put me in complete order, loaded me and
set me down in the same place, saying as he did so, "Now all is ready."
His wife sighed heavily. He looked at her and said, "My dear, would you
not have us defend our children and firesides against the oppressors?"
"Yes," she said, "go, but my heart must ache at the thought of what may
happen. If I could only go with you!"
They sat silent for a long time, holding each other's hands, and
looking at their children, till, just at sunrise, his brother John,
that sleeping child's grandfather, rushed into the house, crying, "They
are in sight from the hill. Come, Tom, quickly, come to the church." My
master seized me in a moment, kissed his wife and children, and without
speaking hastened to the place where the few men of the then very small
town were assembled to resist the invaders.
Presently about eight hundred men, all armed with muskets as good as I
was, and of the same fashion, were seen. These men had two cannon with
them which made a fearful show to the poor colonists, as the Americans
were then called.
Our men were about one hundred in number. The lordly English marched up
within a few rods of us, and one called out, "Disperse, you rebels. Lay
down your arms, and disperse."
Our men did not however lay down their arms. My master grasped me
tighter than before. We did not stir an inch. Immediately the British
officers fired their pistols, then a few of their men fired their
muskets, and, at last, the whole party fired upon our little band as we
were retreating. They killed eight men, and then went on to Concord, to
do more mischief there.
I felt a heavy weight fall upon me; it was my master's dead body; and
so I learned what muskets were made for. His fingers were on the
trigger; as he fell, he pulled it, and in that sound his spirit seemed
to depart.
The British marched on to Concord, and the poor brave people of
Lexington, who had so gallantly made the first resistance, were left to
mourn over dead companions and friends.
Soon the eldest son of my master discovered his father among the slain.
The poor fellow! I never shall forget his sorrow. He groaned as if his
heart would break, and then he laid himself down on the ground by the
side of his father's body, and wept bitterly.
One must be made of harder stuff than I am, to forget such a thing as
this. I do not ever like to speak of it, or of the painful scene that
followed. The poor widow and her fatherless children! It seemed a
dreadful work that I and such as I were made to perform.
But there were other things to be thought of then. The British soon
returned from Concord, where they had destroyed some barrels of flour
and killed two or three men.
In the mean time, the men from all the neighboring towns collected
together, armed with all the muskets they could find, and annoyed them
severely on their return by firing on them from behind stone walls.
My master's brother took me from the corner where I had been again
placed, and joined the party. He placed himself behind a fence by which
they must pass, and took such good aim with me that down fell a man
every time I spoke.
Other muskets performed the same work. What they did you may judge of,
when I tell you that, while two hundred and seventy-three Englishmen
fell that day, only eighty-eight Americans were killed. I will not talk
of what I myself performed, for I despise a boaster, but I did my share
of duty, I believe.
About two months after this, uncle John, as the children called him,
came again to borrow me. He was going to join the few brave men who
opposed the British force at Bunker or Breed's Hill.
"Sister," he said, "you will lend me the musket, will you not? I cannot
afford to buy one, and we must teach these English what stuff we are
made of."
"Let me go, Mother," said the eldest boy. "I am old enough now; I am
almost nineteen; let me go."
His mother said nothing; she looked at the vacant chair which was
called his father's; she considered a while, and then took me and put
me into her son's hands.
"God bless you, William," she said, "and bring you back safe to us; but
do your duty and fear nothing."
She kissed him, and he left her. I felt William's heart beat bravely as
he shouldered me. He was a fine fellow. We were as one. I was proud of
him, and he of me. No man and musket did better than William and I, on
that never-to-be-forgotten day; but, in the midst of the battle, a shot
wounded William's right arm, and he let me fall.
His uncle led him off the field and sent him home to his mother. A
countryman, who had nothing but an oak stick to fight with, seized me
as I lay on the ground, and here I met with the first mortification of
my life--he actually used me to dig with. This was a contemptible
feeling in me, and I have since learned to be ashamed of it, and to
know that all labor is equally honorable, if it is for a good end. They
had not tools enough for making entrenchments, and they actually used
the bayonet, of which I had been proud, for this purpose. In the
confusion after the battle, I was forgotten. I was left at the bottom
of the works in the mud.
It was a hard thing for me to be parted from William, and to feel that
I should never be restored to my corner in his mother's room behind the
old clock; but I had a conviction that I had taken part in a great
work, and I enjoyed our triumphs greatly.
This, you will think, no doubt, was glory enough for one musket; but a
greater still was in reserve for me. It is with muskets as with men,
one opportunity improved opens the way for another, and every chance
missed is a loss past calculation; for every gain that might have grown
out of that chance is lost too.
Every one should remember that, as he fights his way through the battle
of life; and, when tempted to slacken his fire, think of what the old
revolutionary spirit, speaking through my muzzle, taught on that
day,--'hold on, and hold fast, and hold out. Never stop, stay, or
delay, but make ready!--present!--fire!--and, again and again, make
ready!--present!--fire!--till every round of ammunition is gone.'"
Here the dry, rusty, unmodulated tone, in which the old king's arm had,
up to this time, spoken, suddenly changed; and it seemed as if a
succession of shots had been let off. Then, bringing himself down to
the floor with a DUNT off of the little tea chest full of old shoes, on
which he had stood leaning against the brick chimney, exactly as he
used to do grounding arms seventy years ago, he quietly dropped back
into the drowsy tone of narrative, and proceeded:--
"Yes--never flag nor hang back. The greater the danger, the more do you
press up to the mark. So we did at Trenton in the Jerseys, on that most
glorious day of my life of which I am now about to tell you.
I must tell you that I had the honor of fighting under General
Washington; for I had been marched down to Trenton with a stout-hearted
teamster, named Judah Loring, from Braintree, Massachusetts, who, after
our battle at Bunker Hill, in that State, picked me up from the bottom
of the works, where, for want of pickaxes, I had been, as I told you,
serving as a trenching, tool, and made himself my better-half and
commander-in-chief. Excuse a stately phrase; but, after the battle of
Bunker Hill, I never could screw up my muzzle to call any man master or
owner again.
We found only a few thousand men and muskets there, principally from
Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the Jerseys, with a few companies of New
Englanders; and a steadier, sturdier set of men than these last never
breathed. They had enlisted for six months only, and their time was
out; but they never spoke of quitting the field.
It was now December, in the midst of snow and ice; and not a foot among
them that did not come bleeding to the frozen path it trod. But, night
after night, the men relieved each other to mount guard, though the
provision chest was well nigh empty; and, day after day, they scoured
the country for the chance of supplies, appearing to the enemy on half
a dozen points in the course of the day; making him think the
provincials, as we were scornfully called, ten times as numerous as we
really were. But alas, I am old, I find, and lose the thread of my
story. It was of Washington I meant to speak.
Nobody could know General Washington that had not seen him as we did,
at that dark hour of the struggle. It seemed as if that man never
slept. All day he was planning, directing, contriving; and all night
long he would write--write--write; letters to Congress, begging them to
give him full powers, and all would go well, for he did not want power
for himself, but only power to serve them; letters to the generals in
the north, warning, comforting, and advising them; letters to his
family and friends, bidding them look at him and do as he did; letters
to influential men every where, entreating them to enlist men and money
for the holy cause.
He never rested; and, with the cold gray dawning, would order out his
horse and ride through and around the miserable tents, and where we
often slept under the bare heavens, and every heart was of bolder and
better cheer as he passed.
His look never changed. It was just the same steady face, whatever went
on before it; whether he saw us provincials beaten back, or watched a
thousand British regulars pile their arms after the victory at Trenton.
He looked as he does in the great picture in Faneuil Hall, on the
right, as you stand before the rostrum. He stands there, by his horse,
just as I saw him before the passage of the Delaware, with the steady,
serious, immovable look that puts difficulties out of countenance. It
is the look of a man of sense and judgment, who has come to the
determination to save the country, and means to transact that piece of
business without fail.
I never saw that quiet, iron look change but once. I will tell you
about it. It was one of those days after the battle of Trenton, when he
tried to concentrate the troops that he had scattered over the country,
to bring them to bear upon the British. His object was to show the
enemy that they could not keep their foothold.
Between Trenton and Princeton he ordered the assault. The Virginians
were broken at the enemy's first charge, and could not be rallied a
second time against the British bayonets. General Washington commanded
and threatened and entreated in vain.
We of New England saw the crisis, marched rapidly up, and poured in our
fire at the exact moment, Judah Loring and I in the very front.
The British could not stand the fire. We gave it to them plenty, I tell
you. Judah Loring loaded, and I fired over and over and over again,
till it seemed as if he and I were one creature.
A musket, I should explain to you, feels nothing of itself, but only
receives a double share of the nature of the man who carries it.
I felt ALIVE that day. Judah was hot, but I was hotter; and, before the
cartridge box was empty, he pulled down his homespun blue and white
frock sleeve over his wrist, and rested me upon it when he took aim. He
was a gentle-hearted fellow, though as brave as his musket.
"She's so hot," says he, doubling his sleeve into his palm, "that I
can't hold her; but I can't stop firing NOW!"
I met his wishes exactly, I knew by that word; for he always called
every thing he liked, SHE. The sun was SHE; so was his father's old
London-made watch; so was the Continental Congress.
General Washington saw the whole;--the enemy, driven back before our
fire, could never be brought to look us in the face again. We held the
ground;--the Virginia troops rallied;--General Washington took off his
cocked hat, and lifted it high, like a finished gentleman, as he was.
"Hurrah!" he shouted, "God bless the New England troops! God bless the
Massachusetts line!" [Footnote: This was all fact, related by one who
was present.] And his steady face flamed and gave way like melting
metal.
Ah, what a set of men were those! I felt the firm trip-hammer of all
their pulses beat through the whole fight, for we stood in platoon,
shoulder to shoulder. I felt my kindred with every one of them. They
had more steel in their nerves and more iron in their blood than other
men. Not a man cared a straw for his life, so he saved from wrong and
bondage the lives of them that should come after him.
That day's work raised hope in every man's heart through the land. Said
I not well that it was the most glorious of my life?
I have but little more to say. I have said more than I meant to, more
perhaps than was wise to say of my own glory. But the thought of those
brave days of old makes one too talkative.
I must tell you, however, how I at last came here. Judah Loring brought
me home safe; he was a very honest fellow, and seeing the initials
scratched on my butt-end, and 'Lexington' underneath, he went there on
purpose to find to whom I belonged.
My friend William claimed me, and I was again placed behind the old
clock in the little parlor. His mother looked very calm, and almost
happy, but not as she once did; she sighed heavily when William brought
me home. William's wound in his arm healed after a while, but his arm
was disabled. By great self-denial and exertion, his mother had got him
into college, and he was to be a schoolmaster.
The sight of me was painful to this good woman, and she gave me to
uncle John who kept me safely and, on the whole, honorably till his son
placed me here.
There is one disgrace I have met with which, in good faith, however
unwillingly, I ought to mention. Uncle John used me to kill skunks
occasionally. This there was no great harm in doing, only he should not
have talked about it. I disliked, it, however, exceedingly.
Once, I am told, when he was in the South, some southern gentleman, for
some trifling offense, challenged him.
Uncle John was told that he, as the party challenged, might choose his
"Well," he said to his enemy, "if you will wait till I can send for my
skunk gun, I am ready for you."
I have since, I do hate to say it, been called the skunk gun
repeatedly. To be sure, no one that has any reverence in his nature
speaks of me in this way. Uncle John had not much, but his son, the
father of that little girl, treats me with due respect, and forbids
them to call me the skunk gun.
I was once the defender of liberty, and am ready to be so again. I was
not made to kill skunks, those disgusting little animals. I hate to
think of them.
Pardon me for keeping you listening to me so long; I have done. I wish
to hear now what that respectable-looking broadsword has to say. We two
ought to be friends."
"I was born a gentleman," said the broadsword. "I was always considered
the sign, the symbol of one. Not many years since, a sword was so
essential to the character of a gentleman that a man without one by his
side, was, in fact, not considered a gentleman.
My master, who was also yours, Mr. Curlingtongs, was one the officers
in the company of Cadets at its first formation. He had the honorable
title of Major, and all his best friends called him Major. Little did I
think once that I should be condemned to the disgrace of spending my
old age in a garret with crooked curling tongs, broken pitchers, old
baize gowns, noseless tea-kettles, old crutches, a foot stove, and,
worse than all, a spinning wheel.
My only peers here are the venerable musket and the respectable wig.
Even they have seen too much hard service to be able fully to
appreciate the feelings of a gentleman who has been brought up as I
have. The degradation the musket especially endured, in being used as a
spade by such a very common sort of person as Judah Loring--a
degradation of which, far from being ashamed, he seems actually proud;
all this, I say, my friends, makes a wide separation between us never
to be forgotten or got over."
"I'm agreed, the further off the better," growled the musket. The old
wig also gave a sort of contemptuous hitch, that seemed to say, he
agreed with the musket.
"I consider myself," resumed the broad-sword, "to be a perfect
gentleman. I have never denied myself by any sort of labor. I have been
considered something to show, something to be used only as a terror to
evil doers.
It strikes me that I really made the Major; he never could appear in
his company or perform his duties without me; his queue was not more
essential. He was not a Major without me. Every one feared me when they
saw my shining blade out of its scabbard, and it was really amusing
occasionally to see the effect I produced. There have been swords that
have done bloody work, but I have never been so defiled.
The Boston Cadets, you know, are the Governor's body guard, and such is
the anxiety of people sometimes to see a real live governor when he has
on his governor's dress and character, that the women and children
crowd around him so that he can hardly find room to move and breathe.
At one of these times of great pressure, my master took me out and
flourished me round bravely. O, how they all scampered! just like a
flock of frightened geese, merely at the sight of me. Such is the
effect of my mere appearance. To be sure, the Major laughed whenever he
told this story. I know not why, for it is perfectly true.
Once, when all the men in the family were gone away,--it was since we
have lived in the country,--the children were in the upper chamber, and
the doors were open below, and they saw a frightful-looking beggar
coming up the avenue; he was lame and had a patch over his eye. He
looked terrible; but one of the girls ran for me, and took me out of
the scabbard, and shook me at him out of the window, and screamed out
to him to go off; whereupon he turned about and hobbled off as fast as
he could.
One of the little girls said she did not believe there was any harm in
the poor beggar, and that she would go down and let him in, and give
him something to eat, but the biggest boy shook me at her for only
saying so, so as to dazzle her eyes and frighten her, and she became
silent and remained where she was.
Many such feats I have performed, too many to relate. Children, to be
sure, especially big blustering rude boys, have occasionally played
tricks with me. When they play Bombastes Furioso they come for me."
"All right," said the musket.
"These little rogues have gapped my fine edge, and one good-for-nothing
scamp used me to cut down cabbages, but, as he came very near cutting
down his younger brother at the same time, he was sent to bed
supperless by his father. I have really never performed any drudgery.
Like Caesar, 'I came, I saw, I conquered.'"
At these words, there was a sort of scornful laugh from every venerable
person in the garret. Even the old baize gown shook with merriment;
this vexed the sword so completely that he stopped speaking; and,
notwithstanding their entreaties, would not resume the story or speak
another word.
There was a deep silence, for a few moments, which was broken, at last,
by the old wig, who called upon the warming pan to tell her story; the
warming pan obeyed, and spoke as follows:--
"I pass over my early life. Time was when I was thought much of in this
family. Early in the autumn, I was rubbed and polished till you could
see your face in me.
On the first cold night, some nice walnut wood embers were carefully
put into me; I had the pleasure and honor of being passed up and down
my mistress's bed till it was well warmed, and this service I performed
for her constantly till the warm weather returned.
When any one in the family was ill, I was employed on the same service
for him or her; or when guests came to pass the night, I performed this
office for them, and this was all apparently which my existence was
for. A very monotonous life I led, to be sure, but I am of a quiet
nature and care not for much variety.
I remember only one or two things which occurred beyond this dull
routine; these I will relate and then give place to some more
interesting speaker.
One day, I was suddenly seized upon by one of the maids, and carried
out into the orchard, when she began beating me with an iron spoon, and
making as much noise as she possibly could; presently others of the
family joined with tin pans and kettles, and such a babel of sound you
never heard; this, I found afterwards, was to stupefy a swarm of bees
and make them alight which, at last, they did. Then one of the men with
a handkerchief over his face, and with gloves on, swept the bees into a
new hive, and put it by the side of the old ones.
After this bruising, I was hung up upon my accustomed peg, but my
brazen face still shows the marks which Dolly's iron spoon left on me
that morning.
One feat, however, I performed, which I should think might put our
friend the sword to the blush. I did do something in defence of our
native land in the hour of her danger; he it seems did nothing in his
whole life but play gentleman.
Our cook Dolly was a brave woman, and, during the Revolution, once or
twice she was left quite alone in the house, and every thing was put
under her care.
Upon one of these occasions, she was up stairs, and thought she heard
some one in the house; she came down very softly, and saw a man in the
pantry helping himself to the silver; he was so much occupied, and she
moved so softly, that he did not see or hear her. I was hanging in the
entry close by where she passed; she took me down very softly, came up
behind the soldier,--for such he was,--and gave him a good box on the
ear with me, instead of her hand. This scared him so effectually that
he threw down the silver, and scampered off after his companions who
were in the stable looking for horses which they meant to take for
themselves. Dolly, in the mean time, caught up the silver, ran out of
another door into a wood near the house, where she hid herself and the
silver till the enemy were gone.
These are all the events of my life that I remember. After my master's
and mistress's death, I was sent up garret to be put among the useless
old things, such as gentlemen's broadswords, broken pitchers, noseless
tea-kettles, &c. The reason for this is not that I am worn out, but
because the age is so much wiser that they have come to the conclusion
that cold beds are more healthy than warm ones; so here I am left to
rust out with the rest of my fellow-sufferers. Perhaps my cousin foot
stove may have something more interesting to relate. I have done."
The foot stove seemed half inclined not to speak; but, after a little
urging, she said, in a whining tone,
"Every one knows that I was made to be trodden under foot and to be
abused. There was, to be sure, a period of my life somewhat more
Many years ago, I was regularly, during the cold weather, brightened up
and put in nice order every Saturday, and on Sunday taken to church;
for then the churches were cold, and, without me well filled with
blazing coals, my mistress could not have borne to listen for more than
an hour to the good minister's sermon.
Sermons at that time were sermons indeed; and the people got their
money's worth of preaching.
I was indeed, at that time, a great favorite in the house. All the old
people cared for me especially, and I was kept often in the parlor,
and, when I was cold, the children were allowed to sit upon me, but
never to abuse me. But this is a capricious, changing, cheating, vain
world, and foot stoves are not thought much of nowadays. The churches
are warmed all over, so that foot stoves are not needed, and so I never
go to church; indeed, in my broken-down state of health, it would
hardly be safe for me to do so. I am not even used at home, if it is
possible to do without me: and then, if I ever am brought down stairs,
a long apology is made for my looks.
The truth is, my life has not been a happy or desirable one. I have had
much to suffer. One happy moment I had. The dear lady to whom I first
belonged had long wished to have a stove, but was prevented from buying
one because she would not spend money on herself for any thing if she
could possibly do without. Her husband, who was the owner of the
curling tongs, when he knew this, determined to get her a stove; and,
on the very day when she burned his hair in her efforts to learn to
dress it as well as the hair dresser, he purchased me for her.
I was the very best stove in the shop; and, when he presented me to
her, he said, "Now, my dear, in revenge for your burning my head, I
will heap coals of fire not on your head, but under your feet,
especially when you go to church; so beware lest I burn your feet as
you did my head."
This pretty attention of her husband's pleased her so much that she
kept me in sight for many days. When shall I forget how soft and light
her pretty, neatly dressed feet felt, the first time she used me?
For a long while I was her stove alone; but after a time, all sorts of
feet were put upon me, and life grew common and tiresome.
After my mistress's death, I was much neglected, for wise folks said
foot stoves should not be used. At last, the cook, who was no invalid,
and did not care for doctors, took me up, and soon began to consider me
as her property, and kept me in the kitchen.
One day, however, the farmer's boy brought in some heavy logs of wood,
and threw them down carelessly. One fell upon me, and smashed me up,
leaving me as you now see me. Here I remain shattered and
forsaken--nothing but an old broken foot stove that nobody cares for.
I hope that those stout, good-looking and-irons will now tell their
story. They look to me just as upright and stiff and strong as when I
first saw them in our dear master's chimney corner. To be sure, they
are not so bright and shining as they were then, but they look, in all
other respects, just as they did then, and life has fallen lighter on
them than on your poor humble servant, the foot stove."
The andirons were now called upon to entertain the company. "We have
always had the comfort and blessing of living together," said one of
them. Indeed we should not be good for any thing apart. A pair of
andirons belong together as much as the two parts of a pair of
scissors. So we have never been lonely. We have had much to be thankful
for. We are, to be sure, called 'the old dogs.' The name sounds
disagreeable, and is hard to bear; but we are made of good Russia iron,
and can endure a good deal.
Time was when the old dogs were essential to the warmth and comfort of
the family, but they went out of fashion. Modern improvements, as they
are called, sent us away from the cheerful domestic hearth to this old
dusty garret, and spiders weave their webs over our very faces; but,
like other DOGS, we had our day.
What article of furniture in the old-fashioned snug parlor was so
essential as we? How could the fragrant hickory and birch sticks have
sent their cheering light and warmth over the faces of the happy family
circles without our support?
The tea-kettle, genial and comely as it always was while it had a nose,
was still but an occasional visitor. We were always there. We listened
to the early morning prayer which the good man offered, on every new
day, to the Giver of all good. We were present when he lifted his
earnest voice of grateful joy, for the blessings of loving friends and
healthy children, who made their quiet life an Eden of peace and
goodness.
We were present too when sorrow came, softened by religious faith--by
trust in a loving Father.
We heard when, again and again, the news that another child was born
was sounded through the house with a sweetly solemn joy, like the voice
of an angel proclaiming anew peace on earth and good will to men.
How many secrets we have listened to! How many love scenes we have
witnessed! How many ringing shouts of laughter have we heard! How many
unbidden tears have we seen flow! What stories we might tell! But it
would not be right for us to tell all we know. I suppose the good old
couple, as they sat of winter evenings over the embers, when the
children were gone to bed, never thought of our telling what we heard.
One trick that the boys planned in our hearing, and the punishment they
got for their roguery, I will tell you about, if you are not tired of
our story."
"Go ahead," shouted the musket, with a bounce.
"There were five boys in the family. One of them, a little fellow of
ten years of age, was foolish enough to be afraid of the dark. His
brothers resolved to cure him, and took the worst way possible, which
was, to give him something to be frightened at.
On the upper shelf of a closet in the room in which they slept was a
very large bundle. They determined to tie a string to the bundle, and,
before George went up to bed, to tie the other end of the string to the
latch of the door, so that, when he opened it, this bundle would come
thundering down, and, as they said, give him something to be scared at.
The man servant heard of the plan as he was lighting the lamps while
the boys were talking it over. He had a particular fancy for George and
told him.
George said nothing, but, just before the time when he thought Tom
would go up to the bedroom to set the trap, went up himself, tied the
string to the latch of the door, having previously put a tin pan and
wash basin on the top of the bundle, then put the old cat in the
closet, and came down stairs.
"When do you go to bed, George?" said Tom.
"At the usual time," said George, quietly. Up ran Tom to prepare the
entertainment for his brother, and opened the door fearing
nothing--bang slam came great bundle, tin kettle and wash basin, and
out jumped the great black cat, howling and spitting at the racket.
Tom forgot he was the big brave boy, and scampering, like lightning,
down stairs, he slipped, fell, and was brought in faint from fright,
and with a bleeding nose.
His father inquired what had frightened him so. George told what he had
His father blamed him severely.
"Blame us, father," said the other boys.
"It is only the biter bitten," said Tom. "I am justly punished. I was
the oldest, and I only am really to blame. It is all right that I
suffered instead of poor George."
Then their father gathered them around him, and told them stories of
the evil consequences he had known follow from being severely
frightened.
The children all promised him never to commit such a fault again; and I
believe they kept their word.
"But I am too long, and am growing prosy."
"So you are," bounced the musket.
"An ugly, impertinent contrivance, called a grate, was introduced in
lieu of us--black, dirty coal was burned instead of beautiful oak and
walnut, to warm the dear family. We were no longer of any use. Poetry
went away with the andirons, sentiment and refinement are obsolete, and
here we stand, the head and foot-stones, as it seems to me, at the
grave of the dear old-fashioned buried past.
"I have done. Please, friend tea-kettle, favor us with your
experiences."
"My story has nothing extraordinary in it," said the tea-kettle. "Like
most of my friends, I have had my ups and downs in the world.
I had the honor of being made in the mother country. I am of the very
best of tin; what there is left of me is still pretty good. When that
little girl's parents were married, I first took my place in the
family, and contributed my part to the adornment of the kitchen closet.
I was kept as bright as silver, and was carried, twice a day, into the
parlor, and set upon some red-hot coals, where I used to sing my
morning and evening song to the happy family I served.
Erelong, an ugly upstart of a grate took the place, as you know, of the
dear old andirons, and I was banished with them from my happy place.
After this, I was rarely used. When any one was ill, and hot water was
wanted to be kept upstairs, I was called for. My nature is a kindly
one, so I sang away just as merrily as if I had not been somewhat
neglected.
For this sweetness of temper I had my reward; for once my kind mistress
took me up, and said as she looked at me, "I do love this tea-kettle.
It discourses to me eloquent music. It tells the story of the early
days of my happy married life. It reminds me of the precious hours we
passed talking over so many pleasant things that we enjoyed, or that we
hoped for, while there it sat on the coals singing away a sort of sweet
cheerful accompaniment to our talk, as if it understood all we said. We
understand each other, you dear old thing."
In my visits up stairs, I often heard amusing stories told by the nurse
to the poor invalid of whom she had the charge, when he was getting
better, and such an indulgence as to hear stories was allowed him.
Once, when one of the boys--it was little Jonathan--was recovering from
an attack of scarlatina, and was very fidgety and uncomfortable,
nothing but some kind of story would keep him quiet in his bed.
It so happened that the good nurse was a sort of family friend, and had
been a great deal in the house of Jonathan's cousin, a very roguish boy
who was always getting into some kind of scrape.
Jonathan was never satisfied with hearing of Ned's frolics. One I will
relate. "At one time," said the nurse, "his father had been ill for
some days, and the order of the house was to be very quiet, as sleep
was essential to the recovery of the invalid. Now poor Ned was rather
in the habit of making a good deal of noise everywhere, but he loved
his father, and was very anxious not to disturb him. In the house, he
could not avoid making some little noise; so he passed much of his time
out of doors, wandering about alone when he could find no playfellow.
At last, Ned remembered that he had some money left of his last
allowance for pocket money. This was a rare thing; usually Ned's money
burned in his pocket so that there was no comfort for him till it was
spent for something or other. Often--it must be told in Ned's
favor--his pocket money was given to some poor little boy or girl whom
he saw in the street, or who might happen to come to his father's house
to ask charity. Ned's father, though not rich, gave him pocket money,
that Ned might be able to give for himself if he had the inclination so
to do. Well, it so happened that neither charity, nor sugar-plums, nor
any other sweet thing had taken off Ned's money; he had as much as
seventy-five cents in his pocket, and, for the want of something better
to do, he went into a shop, called, in the country town in which they
lived, a 'Variety Shop.'
'Variety Shop' was a just and proper name for such an assemblage of
every thing ever devised for the convenience and inconvenience of human
beings. There were caps after Parisian fashions for ladies, and there,
not far off, were horse nets and blankets. There were collars after the
newest patterns for gentlemen, and yokes for oxen. There were corsets
and Noah's arks, salt fish and sugar almonds, Chinese Joshes and Little
Samuels, accordeons and fish horns, almanacs, Joe Millers, and Bibles,
toothpicks and churns, silver thimbles and wash tubs, penknives,
tweezers and pickaxes, Adams and Eves in sugar, and Napoleons in brass.
In short, what was there not in that shop?
Ned entered, and his eyes were dazzled with the show and the variety.
He had some money in his pocket, and spend it now he began to think he
must; the fire burned very hot in that little pocket of his, it must be
put out. Somewhere or other it must go, that troublesome seventy-five
cents.
Now what did Ned want of toothpicks, or churns, or horse blankets, or
collars, or caps, or yokes, or thimbles, or tubs? A little Samuel his
aunt had given him. A Chinese Josh had a charm for him. He would look
at it.
The shopman, who had once been a pedler, saw the state of things with
Ned, and resolved to relieve him of that burning trouble in his pocket,
if possible. The man was an honest fellow, and meant to give Ned his
money's worth. But an exchange was no robbery, and he was convinced
that it would be better for both sides if something in his Variety Shop
should go to Ned, and Ned's money should go into the money drawer.
After Ned had looked some time at the Josh, and had half made up his
mind to take it, and had motioned away all the sugar monsters and
Noah's arks and bronze Napoleons and even the penknives, the shopman
said, "You have not looked at my fancy fowls, young gentleman; I should
like you would see them before you decide what you will have of my
variety this morning. That is quite a new article which I have just
received."
Ned was not used to being called young gentleman. He was nothing but a
boy. Of course, he went to look at the new article, after this. Every
one but him and the shopman had left the shop. It was very quiet, and,
just as the shopman had finished speaking, a cock, who was in a crate
in the corner, set up the loudest crowing that Ned had ever heard, and
with a decidedly foreign tone.
In a moment, Ned made up his mind that cock he would have. His father
had given him leave to keep fowls, and he already had a cock and three
hens of a fine breed.
"What's the price of that fellow?" said he; "he's a real buster; he'll
wake us all up early enough in the morning."
"A dollar, and cheap enough, too," said the shopman; "but, as it's you,
and I know your family, you shall have it for that."
"I have only seventy-five cents," said Ned, "and shall have no more
till next week, when I have my allowance. If you will trust me, and are
willing to wait, I will take the rooster."
"Suppose the critter was to die afore then," said the shopman, "would
you pay all the same?"
"To be sure," said Ned; and the bargain was settled.
The shopman advised him not to take the cock away before dark. Ned
agreed to wait till then. Just before his bed time, he went for
Chanticleer, and brought him as quietly as possible to the house. He
was afraid to put the new master of the poultry yard on the roost with
the old cock, lest they should fight in the morning; so he carried his
treasure softly up to his own bedroom in which was a large closet where
he had prepared a temporary roost. The cock, who was very tame, as he
had been always a pet, made no fuss, but went to sleep on his new
roost. So did Ned in his comfortable bed.
Now it so happened that this large closet was between Ned's bedroom and
that of his father who, as we have before mentioned, had been seriously
ill, and who particularly demanded quiet. All the first part of the
night the sick man had been tossing all out, very uneasy, till about
three o'clock in the morning, when he fell into a sweet sleep. His
wife, weary with anxiety and watching, was trying to get a nap in the
easy chair, when, suddenly, close by them, as if in the very room, came
an indescribable screech, an unearthly, long, shrill cock-a-doodle-do
yell, such as only a fancy feathered biped can perform.
The poor invalid screamed with horror, and his wife would have screamed
too, had she not thought first of her dear patient.
In a moment, all the household had left their beds to learn the cause
of the horrid noise. Every one ran to the sick man's door, to listen if
it was from there that the frightful noise came. When the door was
opened, there stood all the terrified family, and, among the rest, poor
Ned with the culprit in his arms.
"It's only my new fancy rooster in my closet," said he; "I never
thought of his crowing. Poor father and mother, I am so sorry! O, dear!
dear! what shall I do? I'll carry him right down, this minute; and I
never, dear father, will do such a thing again. Who'd a' thought of his
crowing so early? and then he's such an awful buster when he crows. Do
look at him."
Ned's father was the best tempered man that ever lived, and he was
really getting well; so, after a minute or two, he burst into a fit of
laughter at the droll group assembled in his room, with poor Ned in the
midst of them in his night shirt. As soon as Ned heard his father
laugh, he scampered off on his bare feet, with his fancy rooster in his
arms, covering its head with his shirt to keep down the crowing. He
shut the creature up in the cellar, where it shouted and screeched till
morning."
Some of my most amusing recollections are of the queer scenes and
conversations at which I was present, when my kind mistress lent me to
a farmer's wife. This woman was in the habit of depending, as far as
possible, upon her neighbors for any little conveniences she fancied,
and did not like to pay the cost of. Usually she managed to do without
such a nice tea-kettle as I really was; but, when she had company, she
regularly came in for me. This was her usual way of asking for me,
after saying good morning: "All your folks pretty well?"
"Yes, we are all very well," was the answer usually.
"Well, then, I spose you've nothin' agin my havin' your kittle this
arternoon. I expect Deacon Fish and his wife, and tew darters to an
arely tea; and I'm kind o' used to that ere kittle o' yourn, and can't
somehow git along without it; and I han't yet got none of my own, you
see."
She, of course, always had me to entertain her company; she knew she
should get me; and, as she went away, she always said something about
how pleasant and right it was to be neighborly.
After a few years, some one of her relations gave her a nice
tea-kettle. She brought it in to show to my mistress. I was hissing
away at the time for breakfast, which was hardly over when she entered.
After she had shown her kettle to every one, and satisfied herself that
it would bear a comparison with me, she said,--
"Now, at last, I've got a kittle o' my own; and I'll never borry nor
lend agin as long as I live in this here vale o' tears."
Not long after this, a careless girl left my rival on the fire till the
bottom was burned through, and the kettle was ruined.
The next time the good woman came, her speech ran somewhat thus; "I
spose you was to meetin' last Sabbath."
"Well, if you was, I guess you heerd how the minister told us to be
good to one another--to be neighborly, and help folks along. Now I
guess as how I told you once that I shouldn't neither borry nor lend.
Now I ain't tew old to larn and mend my ways, and I mean to deu as the
parson says, and lend and borry all the days of my life; so maybe
you'll lend me that ere kittle."
But I must tell you about one of these visits I made to this peculiar
neighbor. When she came in for me that day, she looked full of business
and earnestness, and, before she was fairly seated, she began to tell
her errand.
"I have come," she said, "to invite you all to a rag bee, every one on
ye--men folks and all, because they can cut and wind and be agreeable,
and hand round cups and sarcers and things to eat, if they can't deu
nothin' else; so now you must all come and bring your thimbles and
scissors and big needles, and, ef you've no objections, I'll jest take
the tea-kittle now, as I'm goin' straight home."
My mistress, who was the kindest person that ever lived, promised to go
to the rag party. She wished to please and aid this selfish woman, for
she was her nearest neighbor."
"Pray, dear mother, tell us what a rag bee is," said Harry.
"At the time when our tea-kettle was in its prime, we had no woollen or
cotton factories in this country. Our carpets all came from Europe,
from England most of them, and poor people could not afford to buy
them. Families were in the habit of carefully saving all their woollen
pieces, all their old woollen clothes; not a scrap was lost.
When a large quantity of these old woollen pieces was collected, it was
a custom in the country to invite all the neighbors to come in, and aid
the family in cutting these fragments up into narrow strips, about an
eighth of an inch wide, and then sewing the strips together, and
winding them up into large balls. This was used for what the weavers
call the warp or the filling of the carpet. The woof was made of yarn,
spun usually in the house from wool taken from the backs of their own
sheep, and colored with a dye made from the roots of the barberry
bushes, or the poke weed, with the aid of a little foreign indigo, or
perhaps logwood. A sufficient variety of colors could be manufactured
to produce a very decent-looking carpet.
The weaving of this homemade carpet was done also in the neighborhood.
There were always looms enough to weave, for a moderate price, all the
carpets required in the place. At that time, there was usually a carpet
only in what was called the sitting room, or, as the country people
called it, "the settin room." The rest of the house had bare floors;
perhaps, in the houses of the richest of the country people, a bit of
carpet by the bed side.
But I must tell you what else the tea-kettle said. "I went, or rather
was carried," said she, "to the rag party. The good lady who borrowed
me, I must say for her, did brighten me up famously. "There," said she,
as she gave me the last touch with her rubbing cloth, "ef it ain't as
bright as our Lijah's cheeks a Sabberday mornins!"
The country hour for dining was twelve o'clock, and the rag party was
invited to come at two. Accordingly, all the women of the place with
whom Mrs. Nutter had any acquaintance that did or did not authorize an
invitation, were assembled in her best parlor, to take part in the rag
bee.
A nice-looking, sensible set of folks they were, and, if I could
remember all they said, I am sure you would think it very amusing. One
of the subjects that I now think of was introduced by a pair of very
old breeches.
"Where," said Mrs. White, "did you get such a pair of horrid, old,
scrimpy, frightful things as them? Why, the knees are patched with
blue, and the seats with red, and they are so very small, and yet so
long--who did they belong to?"
Mrs. Nutter hesitated for a moment; at last, she seemed to muster
courage, and to be determined to speak the whole truth.
"Well," said she, "ef I must tell the treuth, them are breeches come
off of a scarecrow. It stands to reason that none of us could ever have
worn 'em. This here's the way I got 'em. My husband bought Mr. Crane's
piece that jined on to ourn, and I made him throw in the scarecrow,
cause I meant to have a rag party; and I reckon that you'll get a good
many strips out on 'em, though they be so patched like."
"I wonder," said one of the party, a fine, rosy, jolly-looking girl, "I
wonder if these are not the ones which they say old Scrimp the miser
changed with a scarecrow; and, after the exchange, old Scrimp looked so
smart that people thought he was going to be married."
"Did you ever see any one so lean favored as he is?" asked one of the
company. "Folks say he's so thin that he turns in his hat, but that ere
don't seem likely."
Another of the company now looked up from her work, showing, at the
same time, the nice strips she had been cutting. "I can't believe,"
said she, "all the stories they tell of old Scrimp's miserly ways. They
say that he almost lives upon samples."
"Lives upon samples? What does that mean? I never heard of such a
thing. What kind of victuals is samples?"
"Why, Lois Ward, don't you know what a sample is? Why, he goes to a
shop, and he asks for samples of all the different kinds of sugar, and
so of tea and coffee, and he makes these last a great while, and then
he goes to another, and does the same thing; and, when he thinks they
know his tricks, he walks clear over to another town after samples; and
so he lives upon almost nothing. They say that he keeps all his money
in an old boot hanging up in his cellar, because he thinks no robber
would think to look in an old boot after money."
"They tell me," said another, "that he kills cats for their skins, and
that he goes out o' nights with a long pole to kill skunks, and roasts
them to get their grease, because skunk's grease is mighty powerful for
men and beasts sometimes, and sells for a good deal, 'cause there ain't
many folks willing to undertake the nasty varmints."
"Do you know what Beckey Cross said about him? She said that he was
nothing but skin and grief, and that he never made any shadow. But poor
Scrimp, though he is such a miser, has a heart, and can do a very kind
"How did you find out that, Miss Dolly?" said the rosy-cheeked girl.
"Did he ever ask you to take care of his heart? if such a thing could
be found. Perhaps it is your fault that poor Scrimp is nothing but skin
and grief."
Miss Dolly drew herself up, and looked in a very dignified manner at
the young village belle. "I never kept company with Mr. Scrimp, and
never should wish to with such a thread paper of a man as him; but I
stick to it, he has a heart, and I'll tell you how I diskivered it. You
know poor Mrs. Fowler, whose house is just out of the town, near two
miles from old Scrimp's. I was there to see the poor woman the other
day. You know her husband was killed last winter by the falling of a
tree before the woodcutters thought it was ready to fall. You know she
has one little boy, who she sets every thing by, and they are pretty
poor, though the parish does help them.
I sat with her some time, and heard all her troubles and misfortings.
At last, she spoke of all the kind things she'd had done for her by
different people; among others, she told me of a kind act of old
Scrimp's.
"One day," says she, "my little boy, only four years old, did not, as
usual, come in at supper time. I went out to look for him in the wood
where he goes to play; but he was not there. Night came on, and no
Willie. I was half crazy with fear. I was at my wits' ends. I had
forbidden him to go to the village, but I concluded he had disobeyed
me; and so, at last, I sot out in that direction, though I'm so lame I
can't walk fast.
Well, she said she hadn't gone far before she met Mr. Scrimp leading
her little boy home. He had found the child, after dark, crying in the
street. He knew who was his mother, and where she lived, and he took
hold of the little fellow's hand, carried him to the bakers, bought him
a roll for supper, and was leading him home to his mother. He insisted
upon the poor widow's taking his arm, and he went back with her to her
cottage, and left a quarter of a dollar on her table when he went away."
"Now," said Miss Dolly, as she finished, "hain't Mr. Scrimp got a
heart? and, as for his living on samples, I don't believe a word of
such a ridiculous story. You see he's got a kind of habit o' saving,
and he's so thin he don't want much, and he's nobody to spend for; but
I tell you he has got a heart, and a good one, when you come at it."
This was a specimen of the conversations at the rag parties. At five
o'clock in the afternoon, the tea table was spread, and such loads of
bread and butter, cake, cheese, and what they called sweet sarse and
apple trade you never saw. The farmers and their sons, as many as could
be spared from work, put on their best coats, and helped hand about the
tea and good things. At nine exactly, they all went home, leaving many
large balls, nicely sewed, of filling for the intended new carpet.
Early in the morning of the next day, I was brightened up again, and
sent home, when my dear mistress saw me put up on a high shelf among
valuable things not often used, but always well cared for. As I said
before, she seemed really to love me, and often said, as she looked at
me, "I hope no harm will come to, my precious old tea-kettle."
Now I come to the painful part of my story, of which, even now, I hate
to think. With all this love and consideration for me, my mistress made
one fatal mistake. She allowed those same boys, who used the curling
tongs to get a bone out of the pig's throat, to take me with them when
they went into the woods to pass a day and night, and have a frolic, as
they called it.
The boys made a huge fire, and put me on it, and I boiled some water
for them, and did my duty well. But, after they had satisfied their
thirst with the good tea I had enabled them to make, they forgot your
humble servant, and left me on the coals.
The water all evaporated, and I was left to the fury of the fire; my
pleasant song turned into a groan, a scream, in fact; my nose could not
stand the fire; it dropped into the ashes; and here I am, the wreck of
what I was, with this ghastly hole in me which you see.
To be sure, the boys were sorry enough for their carelessness; but that
did not mend my nose. I am kept here by my mistress for the same reason
that she keeps the old pitcher and other useless things, as memorials
of happy days past and gone."
The tea-kettle was silent. Without any preface, the spinning wheel
began to whirl and whiz, and whiz and whirl, and grumble and rumble,
and buzz and buzz, and made altogether such a sleepy sound, as she told
her story, which was, I guess, what the sailors call a long yarn, that
she put me into such a sound sleep, that I could no longer hear any
thing distinctly, and lost her story altogether."
"But, dear mother," said Frank, "I hope you woke up so as to hear the
history of the old cloak, and the comical coat, and the wig."
"I will see," she answered, "what more I can remember of those dreamy
times which I passed in my dear mother's attic, the palace of my early
days."
One very rainy Sunday, the noise of the children was too much for the
older and graver part of the family, who wished to read and be quiet;
and my mother advised me to take my book, and go up to my parlor.
I always liked to be there, and to be by myself, with only the society
of my friend the cat who was perfectly docile and obedient to me. I
took Pilgrim's Progress, my favorite book, and was soon very
comfortably seated in my great old-fashioned arm chair. Puss was by my
side in the chair, for there was plenty of room for us both.
O, that Puss, a famous cat she was. She was of a beautiful Maltese
blue, with a very nice white handkerchief on her breast, a white ring
for a necklace, and four white feet. She once met with an adventure
worth relating.
A young harum scarum Italian was a friend of my mother's, and was often
at our house. A young lady, to whom he was much devoted, had a fancy
for cats. He resolved, at the Christmas season, to gratify this taste
of hers, as well as his own love of all sorts of vagaries.
Christmas fell on Monday. On that morning, the young lady received an
elegant package which contained, wrapped up in seven papers, carefully
sealed, a picture of a great black cat, with fiery eyes, long whiskers,
and a flaming red tongue, The young lady was a good deal astonished,
you may believe.
The next morning, she found in her breakfast cup the prettiest little
sugar cat you can imagine. She asked all the family who had played her
the trick, but no one knew.
On Wednesday morning, when the house-maid opened the window to sweep
the drawing room, as she always did at seven o'clock, a small, soft
bundle came flying in at the window, and fell in the middle of the
floor. The bundle was directed to Miss Mary, and contained a large rag
cat, with a painted face, and with little bunches gathered up for nose
and ears.
Inquiries were in vain. No one had seen the daring hand that tossed the
rag pussy into the window. The lady's suspicions did not fall upon the
Italian, because he had made her think that he was out of town.
Early on Thursday morning, came a great double knock and ring at the
house door. So loud and long was the noise that the servant, a little,
scary old man, thought the house was coming down. With trembling hand,
he opened the door, when a black man, six feet high, delivered a huge
box. The two men together had to take it in, it was so clumsy, though
the weight was not much. In answer to the old man's inquiries as to who
sent it, &c., the black only pointed to his mouth and ears,
significantly, to intimate that he was deaf and dumb. On the top of the
box was marked in red chalk "Miss Mary--."
As soon as she came down, she was led to the box. It was opened with
some difficulty. Inside was a quantity of cotton wool, and scattered
about in the wool were little packages of soft paper, and inside of
each was a little china cat. When all were taken out, the young lady
found herself the possessor of a white china cat with gold ears and
gold collar, and five little china kittens of various colors.
It did no good asking questions, and the poor young lady resigned
herself to her fate.
The part of the house in which Miss Mary slept was a sort of wing. The
only room there with a chimney was hers. The roof communicated with a
shed, so that it was not difficult for a good climber to get at the
chimney.
On Friday morning, Miss Mary was awakened by a rattling in the chimney
corner where, to her amazement, was a "Noah's ark" dangling by a
string. She took hold of it, and drew it out of the chimney.
"This must be meant for one of the little children," thought she. But
no; the ark bore her name. On opening it, she discovered that it was a
collection made from many arks, a cat having been culled from each. So
there were cats of many sizes, and all painted as red as they could be.
They made a long procession of red cats.
On Saturday morning, the young lady awoke very early, but found nothing
in her chimney corner. Although the weather was very cold, she went
out, as was her custom, to walk in the garden before breakfast. There
was a high wall on the side of the garden next the street. She walked
down by the side of this wall towards a little arbor at the bottom of
the garden. Just as she reached the arbor, she was startled by a squeak
from the top of the wall, and something fell just at her feet. Taking
the thing up, she perceived that it was a toy cat with a mewing
arrangement underneath. It had been carefully wrapped up, but the paper
was broken in the attempt to make it mew at the top of the wall. The
lady burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter; but, in answer to
her laugh, came a dismal mewing from the other side of the wall; and,
as she walked towards the house, at every few steps, a yowling toy cat
jumped over, and fell at her feet.
The next day was Sunday, and the lady said, "I shall be left in peace
to-day, I think all the different kinds of cats must be exhausted."
On going to her writing table, after breakfast, she found a little
package lying on some note paper. It was very heavy, and was directed
to her in a hand she did not recognize. It proved to be a most
beautiful Paris bronze cat paper weight. The cat had her paw on a bird,
and looked so life-like that it was almost painful to see her.
"I am now in a state," said Miss Mary, "to arrange a cat museum."
So she took all the cats, and placed them, in the order of their
appearance, in a recess on one side of the room. There were picture
cat, rag cat, China cats, ark cats, yowling cats, bronze cat.
The next morning was New Year's Day. The young lady passed it in quiet.
No cats invaded her repose. She began to think the eruption of cats was
beginning to subside. Vain hope! Her tormentor was busy enough.
On Sunday evening, he arrived at our house in the country. He came to
spend the night.
"My dear E.," said he to me, "you must lend me a cat. I have sent Miss
Mary--every kind of cat except a live one, and now I must send that
too. I am going to make you dress up your favorite blue kitten."
At first, I refused; but, on his promise that the kitten should be
treated with the greatest care and consideration, I agreed. I made her
a gown of yellow satin coming down over her legs. The tail went through
the gown and helped to keep it on. That tail was the gaudiest part of
all, being wound with gold lace, and bearing at the tip a gay,
flourishing bow. I made for pussy beautiful pettiloons of dark-red
glazed cambric, and shod her with black morocco boots. Her cap was made
of paste-board, tall and peaked, trimmed with gay ribbons, and
surmounted by a cock's feather. A coral necklace with a locket was put
about her neck; and then poor pussy was complete, and shone in her
whole brilliancy Her patience was a shining example. Not a mew nor a
growl at all the often-repeated fittings and tryings on. She purred
kindly all the time.
Her carriage was a bandbox, big enough to avoid crushing the cap and
tail, with a hole cut in the cover for ventilation; and Miss Pussy set
off for town.
"A whole day gone, and no cat!" exclaimed Miss Mary--, as the family
rose from tea. "The joke is over now, whatever it was."
No sooner were the words spoken than a rousing knock and ring startled
the silence, and a bandbox appeared covered with brilliant red letters
spelling, "This side up with care," and several other phrases with the
same meaning. "Open carefully" stood prominent among them. The
direction was, of course, to Miss Mary. With careful hand, she raised
the lid, when the cat, tired of long confinement, bewildered by the
sudden light, and scared by the roars of laughter that greeted her,
leapt from the box, and sped around the room like lightning. The dress
held on well, while she galloped about like a gayly caparisoned circus
pony. At last, she took a leap and fell into the midst of her
predecessors. Rag cats, China cats, Noah's cats, yowling cats were
upset and dashed to pieces.
At this moment, the author of all the nonsense poked his head into the
door. "My dear Miss Mary, I trust I have, at last, satisfied your taste
for cats. I hope you like your New Year's gifts."
*** End of this Doctrine Publishing Corporation Digital Book "Who Spoke Next" ***
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What is P.A.S.S.?
About Dr. Sussman
ADHD: What is it?
Adult A.D.D.
What Our Patients Say II
Interactive Metronome ®
IM® Videos
IM® in the News
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IM® Research
IM® Testimonials
Joel P. Sussman, M.D. FAAP
Clinical Director; Palmetto Associates for Scholastic Success (P.A.S.S.)
245 Business Park Boulevard Columbia, SC 29203 Phone: (803) 462-1234
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. FOR APPOINTMENTS, CALL 803-462-1234
Established in 1992 by Dr. Joel Sussman, Palmetto Associates for Scholastic Success is a multi-modal evaluation clinic for children and adults with Attention Deficit Disorders.
Our clinic is devoted to working with children, teens and adults.
Help For Children:
Children have their own unique set of problems. Our clinic evaluates and treats children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), specific learning disabilities, subtle seizure disorders, Tourette's Syndrome, Central Auditory Processing Deficiencies, High Functioning Autistic Spectrum including Asperger's Syndrome and behavioral problems.
Dr. Sussman conducts a comprehensive evaluation to help your child to achieve in all facets of his or her life. The in-depth evaluation includes developmental, medical, educational, psychological and family histories. Dr. Sussman refers to special educators, clinical psychologists, educational psychologists and hypnotherapists. Out of our office, referrals to language specialists, audiologists, and occupational therapists are used when necessary.
We recommend testing based on each child’s individual problems and needs. The evaluation includes a full neurological exam and computer testing to assist in the assessment.
The family is given a summation and a diagnosis, and a suggested therapeutic plan including recommendations to the parents, the school, and, most importantly, to the child. For families who desire additional assistance, we provide after-school tutorials with special educators and psychological therapy with a clinical psychologist.
Help For Adults:
Since the late 1980’s, researchers and doctors have understood that ADHD does not necessarily disappear at the onset of adulthood. Understanding the need to evaluate and treat adult ADHD and related disorders, Dr. Sussman has helped adults since the inception of his clinic.
Nearly half of our patients are adults coming to us from every corner of South Carolina and neighboring states. Men and women from all walks of life, college and graduate students, medical and law students, all have benefited from our evaluation and treatment programs.
Most recently, research and anecdotal evidence have shown that women have their own unique set of problems with previously undiagnosed ADHD. Managing their careers and their families puts significant stress on any woman. Trying to deal with multiple issues is especially stressful for women with ADHD. Dr Sussman has a particular interest in investigating and treating these problems.
Copyright . Dr Joel Sussman. All rights reserved.
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Home >> Updated News >> B4FA Releases Book on Future of Africa and Contribution of Biosciences
B4FA Releases Book on Future of Africa and Contribution of Biosciences
Monday, 2013/04/29 | 10:36:49
Biosciences for Farming in Africa (B4FA) published a book written by experts in Africa explaining the benefits of GM technology in improving agriculture in simple language. The book titled Insights: Africa's Future…Can Biosciences Contribute? contains 18 personal essays addressing the grand challenge for scientists and entrepreneurs: how to produce 70 percent more food sustainably, enough to feed the expected world population of 9 billion in 2050.
One of the essays was authored by Dr. Margaret Karembu, Director of ISAAA AfriCenter. She emphasized the importance of informing and engaging the youth in modern agriculture. "With better opportunities for access to technologies, entrepreneurial skills and social marketing, young people could funnel their youthful idealism, energy and determination into a positive force for change within the agricultural sector. This would ultimately result in sustainable production of the food required to support the growing population in Africa," she explains.
Download a copy of the book at http://www.b4fa.org/insights-biosciences-africa/.
Back Print View: 1029
Relative Expression of Xa7 Controls Bacterial Leaf Blight Resistance
Scientist Dwinita Wikan Utami from the Indonesian Center for Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Research and Development and colleagues conducted a study to validate the functionality of a bacterial leaf blight (BLB) resistance gene variant (Xa7) on different candidate rice germplasms. The research team used expression analysis through real time RT-PCR and field evaluation.
Stimulating Innovation in Plant Genetic Resources, Brussels, Belgium
The European Innovation Partnership (EIP) for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability is one of the main initiatives of the European Commission to support research and innovation in agriculture
International Team Sequences Genome of Sweet Orange
An international team of scientists from China and Singapore have sequenced the genome of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). Scientists from Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Genome Institute Singapore (GIS), and China's Huazhong Agricultural University and their colleagues compared the sweet orange's genome with pummelo (C. grandis) and mandarin (C. reticulata) using simple sequence repeat and single-nucleotide polymorphism markers.
Scientists Sequence Vietnamese Rice Genome
Scientists from the Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC), the John Innes Centre (JIC) in Norwich, United Kingdom, and the Institute of AgriculturalGgenetics (AGI) in Hanoi, Vietnam have fully sequenced the genome of 36 selected Vietnamese rice varieties.
New Promising Cowpea Varieties for Africa and Rest of the World
Texas A&M University and the Buffett Foundation worked on a research project to develop new cowpea varieties that would contribute to food production in tropical and subtropical countries of the world.
NACGRAB Director: GM Crops are Safe
Biotech crops are safe, said National Center for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) Director, Wasiu Odofin, during an interview. He explained that many countries have been using genetically modified food and feed and if these are not safe many would have died. GM food are now in all markets and we are all consuming them in various forms.
Tanzanian Stakeholders Call for Modern Cotton Production
Scientists in Tanzania want the strict Liabilities Act under the Environmental Management Act (2004) repealed to enable them to start research on how the country can start using genetically engineered crops.
3rd International Symposium on Genomics of Plant Genetic Resources
The 3rd International Symposium on Genomics of Plant Genetic Resources (GPGR 3) will be held on 16-19 April 2013 at the International Convention Center, Jeju, South Korea. The theme of GPGR3 is "a gateway to the new era of global food security". Participants will discuss various issues related to plant genetic resources, new sequencing technologies, conservation and crop productivity.
Scientists Say Without Adequate Funding, Deadly Wheat Disease Could Threaten World's Food Supply
A global team led by researchers from the University of Minnesota warns that decreasing financial support for research and new strains of deadly viruses could threaten the world's food supply, leaving millions without access to affordable food. This warning was included in a new paper from a study that examined how Ug99 could continue its movement across Africa, the Middle East, and Southwest Asia.
Researchers Find Details of Healthy Compounds in Colorful Whole Grain Rice
Scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and cooperators have provided details on the chemical composition and potential bioavailability of nutritious compounds in a representative group of five colorful rice varieties. The findings could help breeders select for these traits from among 18,000 rice samples, called accessions.
AUSVEG National Convention
The national convention of AUSVEG which is the national peak industry body representing Australia's 9,000 vegetable and potato growers will be held on 30 May to 1 June at Jupiters Gold Coast. Experts from all over the globe will be featured to provide participants with food production technologies for the future.
Global Economic Benefits of GM Crops Reach Almost $100 Billion
In a press release by PG Economics, biotech crops on its sixteenth year of commercialization has delivered an unparalleled level of farm income benefits to farmers and provided considerable environmental benefits to countries planting biotech crops.
Early Maturing Maize Lines Hold Drought Tolerance that could Save African Farmers
Researchers have identified maize parental lines and hybrids with high levels of drought tolerance among the early and the extra-early maturing maize genotypes developed and conserved in the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
South Dakota State University Developing Drought Tolerant Wheat
A team of scientists from South Dakota State University (SDSU) is developing drought and heat tolerant wheat varieties using germplasm from Alexandria University in Egypt. The team led by SDSU Assistant Professor Jai Rohila, seeks to discover the genes for drought and heat tolerance and use them to prepare South Dakota wheat for the dry and hot years.
UK Chief Scientist says GM Crops' Case Becoming Stronger
Sir Mark Walport, the newly appointed chief scientific adviser of the United Kingdom government claimed that the rise of genetically modified (GM) crops is 'inexorable' and more of these crops could be grown in Britain as the scientific case for their use becomes "stronger".
Global Value of Biotech Rice
Matty Demont from Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) and other rice researchers published a review on the global value of biotech rice discussing the expected agronomic and consumer benefits of the crop.
International Team Develops Physical Map of Wheat's Wild Ancestor
An international team led by Kansas Universit y Professor Bikram Gill have developed a physical map of wheat's wild ancestor Aegilops tauschii, more commonly known as goatgrass. The physical map is the team's first step towards sequencing the wheat genome.
Cassavabase, an open access database on Cassava Research
Six months after the launch of the $25.2M NEXTGEN Cassava project at Cornell University, scientists on the project have released Cassavabase, a database that promotes open access data sharing.
BTI scientist co-leads kiwifruit genome sequencing project
An international team, led by Dr. Zhangjun Fei at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Dr. Yongsheng Liu at Hefei University of Technology and Dr. Hongwen Huang at South China Botanical Garden, has sequenced and assembled a draft genome of kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis).
Open Debate on Biotech in Egypt
A workshop was organized by the Egypt Biotechnology Information Center (EBIC) entitled "Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops - Challenges and Opportunities" on March 24, 2013 at the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University. Eminent scientists from different Institutes, universities, media and policy makers from the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment attended the workshop.
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HomeFamily
AUN enthralls Johoreans at Japanese Music Fest 2016
By homefinder on December 31, 2016 Family Inspiration Leisure Living Location People Profiles Property
Sunway Iskandar and Daiwa House showcase Malaysia’s own Sakura Residence
Residents in Johor were treated to a unique Japanese Music Festival headlined by AUN, an internationally-acclaimed musical duo comprising twin brothers Ryohei Inoue and Kohei Inoue in an evening of music and culture. AUN’s twin brothers Ryohei Inoue and Kohei Inoue who are masters of shamisen, wadaiko and shinobue the founders of AUN performed in Johor for the very first time. Japanese Music Festival hosted a galore of activities ranging from musical performances, Japanese folk toy games, foods to exploration activities. The event was to celebrate the preview of the show unit of Sakura Residence, an inaugural project by Daiwa House in Malaysia in collaboration with Sunway Iskandar as co-developer.
The Japanese Music Festival was conceptualized by Daiwa House, a Fortune 500 Global company, as a platform to enhance cross-cultural understanding through a fun and entertaining event. With admission free for all, the evening featured various interesting activities including taiko (Japanese drums) performance by school students in Johor Bahru, mochi pounding and festive stalls which showcased Japanese culture. Smells of Japanese delicacies and favourites permeated the air throughout the evening, and many visitors were seen thronging the Japanese food stalls for a taste of authentic Japan. Lighted “sakura trees” and lanterns illuminated the balmy evening, adding to the Japanese ambience. The evening was also filled with a galore of activities ranging from cherry-blossom-like tecoma tree planting and Daruma Otoshi and Kendama, two classic Japanese folk toy games, to dressing up in yukatas. Visitors who participated in the activities had the opportunity to redeem novel Japanese gifts to bring home as a souvenir.
However, the highlight of the Daiwa House’s Japanese Music Festival definitely belonged to the performance by AUN, Japan’s Cultural Envoy in 2011. Born in Osaka, the Inoue brothers are renowned for their mastery of the shamisen (three-stringed Japanese lute), wadaiko (Japanese drum), and shinobue flute. In AUN’s honour roll call are some 1,300 performances in 40 countries including in many prestigious halls and World Heritage Sites such as Mont Saint-Michel in France, as well as performing in the “ONE ASIA” joint concert with musicians from other Asian countries including Malaysia since 2013. Visitors of the Japanese Music Festival were enthralled by their mesmerizing deftness on the shamisen and wadaiko to celebrate the preview of the show unit of Sakura Residence by Daiwa House.
Sakura Residence is a RM230 million GDV, inaugural project by Daiwa House in Malaysia that is being co-developed with Sunway Iskandar, who has found the Daiwa technology to be superb and able to meet the requirements of discerning property owners. Its resident-friendly design which emphasizes comfort and functionality is built upon Japanese technology that prioritizes optimization and quality control. In Japan and 14 other countries, every home built by Daiwa House is famed for giving homeowners a degree of confidence and future surety.
“Daiwa House believes in co-creating value for individuals, communities, and people’s lifestyles. Through the performance by AUN and presentation of Japanese Music Festival, we would like to offer Malaysians an event that they can enjoy and participate in, and in the process, enrich their experience. At the same time, we open the Sakura Residence show house for visitors to the Japanese Music Festival for them to explore and have a firsthand experience of a well-built, premium pre-fabricated home. We received overwhelming support by the locals even though this was our first event for Daiwa House and we hope to have more engaging activities in the future.” – Mr. Daisuke Usugi, Managing Director, Daiwa House Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
The Japanese Music Festival took place on 4 December 2016 at Sakura Residence Gallery in Sunway Iskandar and was attended by approximately 300 visitors who were seen enjoying the wholesome activities of the evening. For media enquiries, kindly contact:- Nur Suraya +6016 245 5982 suraya@jirehconsult.com / Debbie Koh +6012 206 1961 dkoh@jirehconsult.com For additional information on Sakura Residence, please logon to website at: www.sakuraresidence.com.my
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Michael Krause Software Development
Here are some selected projects that I have developed. Every one of them contains either a language, framework or subject matter that I am enthusiastic about.
TiltShift
This application simulates a tilt-shift lens that tricks the mind into viewing a photo as a miniature scene like a model railroad for example. The effect is achieved by blurring most of the scene and leaving a certain region focussed. TiltShift is available in the iPhone App Store.
This application was written in Objective-C/Cocoa. It runs on the iPhone and the iPod Touch.
RealArtist
Distorting photos has always been fun. The combination of built-in camera, touchscreen and the OpenGL API on the iPhone made it just impossible not to write this application. Photos can be loaded, distorted - like adding a smile - and saved. RealArtist is available in the iPhone App Store.
This application was written in Objective-C/Cocoa and uses OpenGL ES. It runs on the iPhone and the iPod Touch.
trom.fr
The Google Maps mashup trom.fr finds the fastest metro connections between two arbitrary locations in the region of Paris, France. By dragging and dropping the start and destination markers, the best routes are displayed within a fraction of a second.
The site was created in Python/Django and is powered by Debian GNU/Linux, perlbal, lighttpd, memcached, SQLite.
Balloon Browser
The Balloon Browser is a kind of fat-client mashup that recognizes and highlights geo-coordinates in web pages. Hovering over a recognized location (like an address) instructs Google Earth to show a map of the corresponding area.
This application was written in Python. It uses Internet Explorer as embedded component with wxPython as GUI framework. The installable package was created with InnoSetup. It runs on Windows 2000/XP.
HClient 4
Application to calculate light transmission and similar values of sealed multiple glazing units. This was a custom development for a client.
This application was written in Python/wxPython.
JinSitu
Interactive introspection environment for Java and Jython. It allows you to sneak and peek and poke around in the object tree of a running application.
This application was written in Jython.
hotswap
Python/hotswap
This Python module allows the automatic replacement of imported Python modules. After editing the source code of a Python module and saving, the module is updated in the running Python application without a restart.
Copyright © 2017 Michael Krause
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Brylantomierz
The official baseball helmet face guard and glove
Among Topps other top hits in 2016 were alliances with and the launch of the WWE Slam digital app, which, according to Topps, will bring thousands of WWE https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086YGVWJ7 to life with exclusive digital cards that can be collected and traded with fans worldwide.
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Most Popular MLB Player Jerseys of 2020.
Rawlings is the official baseball, helmet, face guard and glove for MLB, the official baseball for MiLB and the official baseball and softball for the NCAA and the NAIA.
Neymar $95 million $79 million $25 million Soccer 5.
A flurry of activity on the stroke of half-time saw Mbappe fire a glorious chance straight at Neuer after Bayern played themselves into trouble at the back, before Bayern had strong appeals for a penalty turned down after Coman went to ground under Thilo Kehrer’s challenge.
Honestly, that has been very rewarding for my staff and me.
Hahn says in voiceover, On Super Bowl, for two-plus hours of must-see football and can’t-miss commercials, we do the unthinkable: We hold it.
Denver Broncos NFL $3B Source: Forbes Special to March 20: The NBA is strengthening ties with China and continuing to make inroads with fans and consumers, the latest move being the unveiling of two games to be played there next preseason as part of the league’s overall Global Games platform.
Los Angeles Dodgers MLB $3B 14.
18 Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers • Oct.
In the Eastern Conference, those are the top four.
Of course, you would rather have a very strong eight-man rotation than not have guys on whom you can depend and give quality playing time to.
We are fortunate that we can combine powerful sales with a game-changing athlete.
3rd Round- Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M: Finally, the Green Bay Packers used the draft instead of free agency to address tight end.
21 the latest effort in its season-long BIG campaign, a TV spot featuring five players who will be in action on Christmas Day: Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat ‚s Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086YM7DS9 Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets.
McCarthy emphasized that people would have to tune-in during the game to see how these custom football jerseys unrelated events form one cohesive story.
Precyzja
Magia kamieni
Pracownia Złotnicza Krzysztof Wójcik © Wszelkie Prawa Zastrzeżone
ul. Mickiewicza 105, 71-280 Szczecin | tel. +48 601 707 339 | info@kwojcik.com.pl
Website by Bunny United
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Joan Ellis Movie Reviews
"JOAN ELLIS: THE PAULINE KAEL OF THE INTERNET" —Newsweek
Joan Ellis Bio
Movie Review by Joan Ellis –
In the troubled world where we all live now, Wonder is a gift of two hours to think about basic human decency. If you are even for a moment tempted to label it as too sentimental, you would miss a grand two hours. Stephen Chbosky has written and directed a story that might have been just that in lesser hands, but the cast that delivers his story is so good that it becomes an invitation to sink in and appreciate the message.
Auggie (Jacob Tremblay) is a ten year old boy with facial scars that are the result of surgeries aimed at repairing birth defects. Against all odds, he is alive, well, and very smart, but he has been home schooled by his mother Isabel (Julia Roberts) who wanted to protect him from any possible ridicule. He hides his face full time in an astronaut suit with a helmet that hides his scars.
As the movie opens, Auggie is going to school for the first time. On that first day, he inevitably suffers the stares of his classmates. From that point forward, we get alternating glimpses of Auggie’s life at school and his life at home. We learn that his parents have built their lives around their love and support for him while ignoring the emotional needs of his lovely older sister Via. But when he sees the stares of his classmates, he crumbles.
Under the wise encouragement of school headmaster, Mr. Tushman (Mandy Patinkin), Auggie wends his way through rebuffs and hurt along with the beginnings of humor and acceptance. The politics of the sixth grade are sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious, and often hurtful. The whole is done so well that we find ourselves deep in the story wondering how we ourselves could have done it, how we could have taught an entire sixth grade to celebrate acceptance of this smart, funny classmate whose face is the initial announcement of who he is.
This movie that might have been mawkish becomes genuinely moving for one reason: the cast. Without even a hint of overacting, Julia Roberts creates a mother attuned to her son’s childhood needs and to the moment when he must step into the real world. Isabela Vidovic creates Auggie’s older sister who is loved but often ignored by her parents because she is both pretty and smart and will make it on her own. Vidovic’s performance in nuanced and beautiful, and she is matched perfectly by Nadji Jeter who becomes her boyfriend with great appeal of his own. Owen Wilson is okay as Dad, but seems an oddly alien presence in his own family.
Don’t waste a minute resenting the sentimentality. When a cast like this reminds us of the rewards of abandoning judgement, we realize how widely this is needed in so many areas of life today. Is it possible to bring open minds to issues instead of the partisan entrenchment we see in both the sixth grade and in our world? Hail, Auggie.
Film Critic : JOAN ELLIS
Film Title : WONDER
Word Count : 501
Running Time:1:53
Rating : PG
This entry was posted on December 9, 2017, in Drama, Family-Kids. Bookmark the permalink.
← Roman J. Israel, Esq.
Wonder Wheel →
Welcome to Movie Reviews by Joan Ellis
Search from a list of over 1000 reviews by title. Her opinions are yours to consider, yours to quote.
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Categories Select Category Action/Adventure Animated Biography Comedy Crime Documentary Drama Entertainment Family-Kids Fantasy History/Biography Horror Musical Mystery/Suspense Romance Sci-Fi/Fantasy Sport Thriller Uncategorized War Western
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Fight Like Hell for the Living: A Year of Struggle in UK Call Centres
After a year of disruption, reorganisation and loss in the UK’s call centres, this article surveys ongoing developments in call centre workers’ organising and considers the potential for long-term change. This article was first published by Notes from Below.
Letters - Black Flag #219
Letters from Black Flag #219. 2000. On J18 and Bob Black replies to the review of Anarchy After Leftism in a previous issue.
Obituary: Peter Miller 1943-1999
An obituary for anarchist Peter Miller by Phil Ruff, published in Black Flag #219, 2000.
Blood For Oil
Colombian military personnel have invaded the traditional homeland of the U'wa people to make way for the drilling plants of oil giant Occidental.
From Black Flag magazine #219, 2000.
Marxism and politics - Ralph Miliband
Ralph Miliband's out of print introduction to Marxism. “The best primer on Marxism and politics ever written and Miliband's best book.” —Leo Panitch, professor of politics, York University
Love & Rage Vol. 2 No. 3, March 1991
Vol 2, Issue 3 of Love & Rage, with letters, Bob McGlynn offering an anarchist critique of "anti-imperialism", an advert for an L&R organizing conference, a report on a black bloc at an anti-Gulf War march, resistance to any possible draft, an introduction to anarcha-feminism and a memorial for victims of the 1989 Montreal massacre, Christopher Day on anarchist organisation, the On Gogol Boulevard column interviewing a Hong Kong anarchist, the ABC column of prisoner news including a report from Leeds ABC and John Perotti launching a hunger strike, and the Notes of Revolt column with miscellaneous news including an invitation to a Class War conference.
Love & Rage Vol. 2 No. 2, February 1991
Volume 2, Issue 2 of Love and Rage, with articles on the Gulf War and resistance, letters, news about L&R's production and an L&R organizing conference in Minneapolis, Wayne Price on different factions in the anti-war movement, anarchist tactics at mass demonstrations, squat evictions in Vancouver, Christopher Day on anarchism and organisation, indigenous resistance to a hydro-power project in Quebec, the On Gogol Boulevard column with news from Hungary, Lithuania, and anti-war Afghanistan veterans in the USSR, prison news including conscientious objectors in Finland, and the Notes of Revolt column with actions across the US and beyond.
Self-Management Marxism and Revolutionary Experiences – Gabriel Teles
To Suffer Thy Comrades: How the revolution decimated its own — Robert Francis B. Garcia
“To Suffer Thy Comrades” is a brutally honest, meticulously researched, and brilliantly written account of one of the CPP-NPA internal anti-infiltration operations—the infamous Oplan Missing Link—written by a former cadre himself who, like his comrades and other purge victims and survivors, seeks healing and justice while striving to move on from the tragedy.
‘I Am An Anarchist’: Remembering Anarchist Prisoner Brian McCarvill, who Died of COVID-19 in Prison on his 68th Birthday
A biography and obituary of Brian McCarvill, an anarchist prisoner in Oregon who was killed by a Covid-19 outbreak. This story was first published by Perilous Chronicle.
libcom.org is a resource for all people who wish to fight to improve their lives, their communities and their working conditions.
Read more | Introductory guides
Loukanikos, the Greek anarchist dog, photo gallery
Photographs of Loukanikos, "sausage", the legendary stray "riot dog" who was present at nearly every outbreak of mass class struggle and social disorder in Athens up until...
libcom.org further reading guide
libcom.org's reading guides, organised by subject, including other media like film and photographs.
Destruction as a means of struggle - Anton Pannekoek
Prompted by the burning of the Reichstag in 1933 - by Marinus van der Lubbe, a council communist bricklayer and other possible accomplices - Pannekoek debates the value of destroying the products...
Class struggle and revolution from below; the flouting of law; the go-slow and challenging the work ethic; such tactics not only hindered the war effort, they also called into question the social relationships needed for capitalism and the state to function.
Fighting war
Justice For Oscar Grant: A Lost Opportunity?
Vote for change?
First strong points on the last revolts in Arab countries
NATO's secret armies - Daniele Ganser
The Maslakov mutiny and the Makhnovists on the Don, 1921
Thalmann, Clara, 1910-1987
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The Christmas Train: Spotlight and Giveaway!
Posted by Krystal Larson at 12:00 AM Tuesday, December 10, 2013
The Christmas Train In this children’s picture book, President Thomas S. Monson recounts a Christmas memory from his childhood. As a boy, he yearned for an electric train. To his delight, on Christmas morning he got exactly that a train that operated through the miracle of electricity. Then he noticed a second train that his mother had purchased for the boy down the street whose family was struggling. Although it was only a wind-up train, it had an beautiful oil tanker car, which little Tommy wanted for his own. Soon after, Tommy s mother invited him to accompany her to the neighbor s home to deliver the gift. Young Mark was thrilled with his new train and, of course, didn t notice the missing train car. However, a remorseful Tommy did. What happened next will bring the spirit of Christmas into every heart and home. Illustrated by renowned artist Dan Burr, The Christmas Train is sure to be a classic Christmas story and a beautiful addition to every Christmas library.
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book
Includes a QR code for a FREE download of President Monson's narration of the story! Winner of the 2012 Gold Medal Mom's Choice Award! Download the new interactive Christmas Train app for your iPad! The pages come alive with animations, sound effects, and narration by the author, Thomas S. Monson. Kids will love listening to a true Christmas story, read by a familiar voice, while navigating trains, turning Christmas lights on and off, and experiencing the importance of giving during the Christmas season.
Click Here to Learn More About the Author President Thomas S. Monson was set apart as the sixteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. He had previously served for twenty-two years in the First Presidency of the Church, after having been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since October1963. Five years after his call to the Twelve, he was given a special assignment for the work of the Church in Europe, requiring many visits with members behind the Iron Curtain. He was instrumental in the construction of the Freiberg Germany Temple and in advancing the Lord’s work in other eastern European countries that were part of the communist bloc. He also served as chairman of the Scriptures Publication Committee and supervised the process that resulted in the new editions of the scriptures. His ministry has been characterized by his compassion for the needs of individuals and his gift for one-on-one service. President Monson and his wife, Frances, are the parents of three children, grandparents of eight, and great-grandparents of eight. About the Illustrator Dan Burr earned his bachelor of fine arts degree from Utah State University and a master’s degree in illustration from Syracuse University. He and his wife, Patti, are raising their two children in the Teton Valley of southeast Idaho, a setting that provides great artistic inspiration and fantastic fly fishing. Dan is a well-known illustrator, having been in the business for many years, most recently working as a children’s picture book illustrator. A few of the books Dan has illustrated are The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes; God Bless Your Way; A Christmas Journey; and I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.
Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/31/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
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'Manchester' United – The Snub List Grows And Grows
Article by Real Mancs Are Blue
It wasn’t so long ago that Stretford was the place to be, players from clubs around the world would walk over broken glass to play in front of 80 odd thousand cockneys just outside Manchester. Oh how times have changed.
The latest player to realise the tide is changing is one Mario Balotelli who is reported to have turned down a higher wage at Stretford in order to join Manchester City and be reunited with old manage Roberto Mancini. The truth is the rot set in long before this.
Carlos Tevez famously turned his back on the green and yellow army to move to Manchester, a controversial move that in some ways started the ball rolling and made some players realise that perhaps Carling Cup victories were the best United players might be getting in the future, and that maybe other clubs had the financial clout and settled environment to challenge at the very top.
Other players have been tracked by United for some time and yet once again they failed to get their man. David Silva, one of footballs brightest prospects immediately springs to mind, as does Yaya Toure, a player who himself has clearly stated he turned his back on the rags. The fact the four mentioned above all decided to join Manchester instead must hurt, really hurt for the green and yellow army, ‘tick tock tick tock’ springs to mind.
Of course, the list goes on and seems to be growing with increasing speed with Benzema being the latest to say ‘thanks but no thanks’ to Stretford’s thousands. I for one take no pleasure in this state of affairs. Seeing the Glazers make purchases such as the incredible Chris Smalling and watching Slur Alex squirm on Sky Sports, telling the world ‘there’s no value in the market’ as he looks on at the forlorn figure of Ditimar Berbatov, it is in some ways sad to see how the mighty have fallen. A club which has been renown throughout football for buying its way to success with numerous record breaking transfers being forced to sell of their prized assets to furnish their debts and scrabble around at the bottom of the transfer barrel.
Who will be next to snubs the mighty Green and yellows? Discuss below.
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Join Us, I Have No Regrets
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Hey Kids, some cool websites just for YOU. We will continue to add new websites as we discover them. They will be a source of fun and learning and a safe place for you to visit!
*We like these sites. but we don’t maintain them. We are not responsible for their content.
www.americaslibrary.gov
Meet amazing Americans, explore the states and even pick a date (like your birthday) and jump back in time.
www.kidshealth.org/kid/
A healthsite aimed towards kids instead of parents. Great resource for science research.
www.pbskids.org
Official site for the cartoons and live action shows hosted by PBS. Features games, stories, coloring pages, music, and show information.
www.bookhive.org
Children’s book reviews categorized by genre and age level, with notes for parents.
www.seussville.com
Official site of Dr. Seuss, with info on creator Theodor Seuss Geisel, as well as games, Cat in the Hat chat, prizes, and a look at his list of books.
www.sesameworkshop.org
Activities and stories featuring your favorite Sesame Street Friends.
www.funology.com
Magic tricks and boredom busters are all part of the science of having fun.
www.extremekids.com
Kids links from education to games.
StoryPlace: The Children’s Digital Library
Explore pages full of stories and activities for children young & old.
http://www.storyplace.org/
Home to thousands of coloring pages, crafts, and lesson plans.
http://www.crayola.com/
Owned by Family Education Network, this site is full of fun things to do and learn- math, reading, arcades and games!
http://www.funbrain.com/
Puzzlemaker
Create and print customized word search, criss-cross, and math puzzles using your own word lists. How cool is that?
http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/
Kidsplanet
Learn all about wildlife with facts, games and pages to color. There is even a wildlife adoption center. We really loved the awesome sounds on this site!
http://www.kidsplanet.org/
Highlights for Kids
The magazine for kids that’s been around for more than 60 years now offers online ways to play, read and craft with your children. Matching games, art activities, animated stories and science experiments are just a few ways kids can learn while having fun on the Highlights for Kids website.
http://www.highlightskids.com/
When a mom mention she’s looking for some great educational websites for her kids, it’s not long before Starfall.com is mentioned. The site has been online since 2002 and works with your children through letter recognition all the way through to reading plays, nonfiction and comics.
http://www.starfall.com/
Fans of Mickey and friends will love visiting Disney Jr. Educational. Games, coloring pages and videos are a few of the highlights. The games focus on memory, hand-eye coordination, color matching and other important skills for developing minds.
http://disneyjunior.disney.com/
The Old Farmer’s Almanac For Kids
It’s learning with a twist. The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids features riddles, puzzles, a question of the day, a timeline of interesting history facts, sky events and weather conditions to track at home with your children.
http://www.almanac4kids.com/
Fun for girls! Play games, take quizzes, send e-cards, meet American Girl characters, make crafts, create printables, enjoy magazine features, read book excerpts…
NASA Space Place
NASA’s award-winning Space Place engages upper-elementary-aged children in space and Earth science through interactive games and hands-on activities.
https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/
Coloring Library: Printable coloring pages
Find the best cartoon sheets in the Coloring Library
In the Coloring Library, you will found thousands of free coloring pages of cartoons, superheroes,tv and movie characters. Find color sheets to print and color all your favorite cartoon characters.
https://www.coloringlibrary.com/index.php
Educational games are a great tool for building foundation math and language skills that today’s elementary school curriculum requires. These online learning games and songs for kids are fun, teach important skills for preschool and elementary school kids and they’re free. Want educational games that help build skills in math, language, science, social studies, and more? You’ve come to the right place!
http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/
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Cigital SecureAssist
Cigital SecureAssist is a plugin for Eclipse which points out common security vulnerabilities as the developer is coding. It reduces risk by delivering actionable guidance in context based on Cigi...
BLU AGE Corp.
Blu Age Corporation, a Netfective Technology Group company, is a software vendor specialized in Agile Model Driven Development (MDD) and Legacy applications modernization. Blu Age Software’s wor...
Infini Software
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*instinctools GmbH
*instinctools provides solutions and services in Information Management. We design and develop applications based on Java and Eclipse technologies. We also develop and market own Eclipse-based ...
aformatik Training & Consulting GmbH & Co. KG
We have earned the confidence of many well-known companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Our expertise enables us to help our clients from the start of projects, beginning with educating and...
IT-Schulungen.Com
seminars & trainings 10 years IT-Schulungen.com for Your advantage. IT schulungen.com is one of the leading Seminar portals of training for the information technology (IT) and IT management....
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Actuate initiated and co-leads the Eclipse Foundation’s open-source Business Intelligence and Reporting Tools (BIRT) project and offers General Training, Technical Support and Consulting for BIRT a...
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RCP Vision provides training, coaching, consulting and development services on Eclipse frameworks, with a professional and innovative structure that makes it particularly suitable to: • rea...
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Eclipse Birt Barcode Generator Add-In was developed exclusively by KeepAutomation.com, which is often used to generate linear & matrix barcodes for Birt application. Supported linear barcodes: ...
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Innovent Solutions is a consulting firm, dedicated to the improvement of decision making through effective information management. Using commercial and open source technologies, we build systems ...
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BREDEX has been dedicated to providing tailor-made solutions for our customers since 1987. Over the years and through various complex projects, we have gathered experience - and set trends - in the...
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With more than 600 various seminars covering all relevant IT subjects, including Java, Linux, Microsoft, Oracle and many more, c//m//t GmbH is one of the leading and most well-known IT training cen...
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Casual Miracles Ltd
Casual Miracles offers experienced team leaders and developers that have a proven ability to deliver high quality software with real business value, early and often. We have a particular interest i...
Last Updated on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 - 15:24 by Channing Walton
Chuusai
Consulting and training company specializing in the Scala programming language, its implementation and its supporting tools, including the Scala IDE for Eclipse. Scala is the ideal JVM language ...
Last Updated on Saturday, November 12, 2011 - 09:55 by Miles Sabin
Testing, Source Code Analyzer, Tools
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Code Confidence Ltd
Code Confidence™ delivers class-leading development tools, training and consulting centered around the C/C++ Development Tooling (CDT) and GNU toolchain components.
Last Updated on Saturday, April 11, 2020 - 12:20 by John Dallaway
Codetrails
Develop The Best Code Possible. Codetrails is a software innovation company focused on using data analysis and machine-learning to provide software development organizations with more intelligent ...
Last Updated on Friday, August 25, 2017 - 05:42 by Codetrails Team
Cogenit
Cogenit is a french company founded in 1989 in Paris. We have strong proven records in information systems and related customer support. Cogenit has been conducting research and d...
Last Updated on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 - 04:09 by Sany Maamari
DevBoost GmbH
Efficient Methods. Modern Tools. Better Software. DevBoost has long-term experiences with Eclipse and EMF technologies and is the company behind many Eclipse and EMF based open-source tools such as...
Last Updated on Sunday, May 14, 2017 - 07:48 by Mirko Seifert
e-Citiz Studio
e-Citiz Studio is a visual plug-in to design iBPM (interactive Business Process Management) e-Services using an MDA/MDE approach. It generates a JEE application. The Studio is based on standards...
UML, UI, Modeling Tools, Languages, J2EE Development Platform
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The effects of photoperiod and light intensity on the sporulation of Brazilian and Norwegian isolates of Neozygites floridana
Castro, Thiago and Wafula Wekesa, Vitalis and de Andrade Moral, Rafael and Garcia Borges Demétrio, Clarice and Delalibera, Italo and Klingen, Ingeborg (2013) The effects of photoperiod and light intensity on the sporulation of Brazilian and Norwegian isolates of Neozygites floridana. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 114 (3). pp. 230-233. ISSN 0022-2011
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of light intensity and duration (photoperiod) on the sporulation (discharge of primary conidia) and conidia germination (from non-infective primary conidia to infective capilliconidia) of Neozygites floridana isolates from Tetranychus urticae originating from Norway and Brazil. Two light intensities (40 and 208 μmol m−2 s−1), three photoperiods (24 h of continuous light (24 h D), 12 h of darkness followed by 12 h of light (12 h D: 12 h L) and 24 h of continuous darkness (24 h D)) and two temperatures (18 °C and 23 °C) were tested. The fungus produced similar amounts of primary conidia and capilliconidia at 12 h D:12 h and 24 h D, indicating that the fungus discharges almost all of its conidia during the first 12 h of darkness. Light had less of an effect on the production of primary conidia than on capilliconidia formation. At 24 h L, capilliconidia formation was significantly lower for all tested light intensities, temperatures and isolates compared to 12 h D:12 h L and 24 h D. At both light intensities, 24 h L resulted in a significantly lower capilliconidia formation for the Norwegian isolate compared to the Brazilian isolate. Our data suggest that, even though 24 h L reduced sporulation, some capilliconidia formation may occur at the low light intensities found on the underside of strawberry leaves during parts of the day as well as the top of a non-shaded strawberry leaf during the dim evening and morning hours in the tropics and during the dim, long summer days in temperate regions.
Spider-mites; Tetranychus spp; Entomopathogenic fungi; Microbial control; Photoperiod; Temperature;
Faculty of Science and Engineering > Mathematics and Statistics
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2013.08.004
Rafael de Andrade Moral
Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
https://www.sciencedirect.com
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cc/2021-04/en_middle_0082.json.gz/line116
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