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News|Turkey Attempted Coup
Turkey anti-emergency protests draw government criticism
Opposition holds sit-in protests across the country as the government prepares to extend the state of emergency.
Turkey has extended the emergency multiple times since the July 2016 failed coup [Anadolu Agency]
Supporters of Turkey’s main opposition party have staged sit-in demonstrations across the country to protest against the state of emergency, a move criticised by the government.
The demonstrations held on Monday, reportedly in all of Turkey’s 81 provinces, were organised as the government prepares this week to extend the state of emergency for the seventh time.
Turkey declared the state of emergency on July 20, 2016, and has extended it regularly after a coup attempt in July 2016.
Bekir Bozdag, the government spokesperson, criticised the protests, blaming the Republican People’s Party (CHP) of using the methods of “terrorists” and not doing any work.
Bozdag said that for the CHP to be more successful than the ruling Justice and Development Party, it should start working, or running, instead of sitting down.
“They cannot stop the Justice and Development Party by sitting in. We will move on. My advice to them: Now is not the time to sit, now is time to rise,” he said.
{articleGUID}
“For a long time, the CHP is using the methods of terrorist groups instead of a political party’s methods,” he added on Monday, speaking to reporters during a visit to Qatar.
In Istanbul, hundreds of CHP supporters staged a protest on a street near the city’s main Taksim Square after police blocked their access to the square.
The opposition, Turkey’s Western allies and local and international rights groups accuse the government of using the coup attempt as a pretext to bypass parliament and silence opposition in the country.
The government says the purges and detentions aim to remove from state institutions and other parts of society the supporters of Fethullah Gulen, a US-based, self-exiled religious leader blamed by Turkey for the attempted coup.
The Turkish government has carried out detentions and purges of tens of thousands of people after the failed coup.
It says the arrests are necessary to combat threats to national security.
Source: Al Jazeera, News Agencies
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Lions start new lives in African home
Daelyn Fortney, This Dish Is Veg
Nelson was rescued from a French zoo in April 2015 when it fell into liquidation. Ciam made international headlines in November 2015 when he was confiscated from a cramped cage in a garden in Southern France where his owner was illegally keeping him as an ‘exotic pet.’
Former zoo lion, Nelson, and confiscated ‘exotic pet’, Ciam, are today starting new lives in their ancestral home of Africa.
Nelson and Ciam travelled from their temporary home in Belgium - via Germany - to Port Elizabeth, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where they were this morning introduced into their spacious, safe and enriching accommodation at the award-winning Shamwari Game Reserve.
With them every step of the way on their more than 10,000 km journey was Born Free Foundation Co-Founder and actress, Virginia McKenna OBE, who watched with delight as Nelson and Ciam explored their new surroundings.
Virginia said:
"The lyric goes 'life is worth living when you're born free' but for the two lions, Nelson and Ciam, who were not born free and never lived free, life is now, at last, worth living. Nelson, after 14 years of imprisonment and about two years at the Natuurhulpcentrum rescue centre in Belgium, and Ciam, bought from a terrible circus by someone who kept him illegally in his back yard, will now have a new life at the Born Free sanctuary at Shamwari. Seeing them take their first steps into their huge natural enclosures was utterly joyful. At last they are free to live where lions belong and will be treated with the care and respect they deserve. How lucky I was to be there to share the moment."
The two lions started their journey from Natuurhulpcentrum rescue centre, Belgium, on Thursday 4th May. Born Free Celebrity Patrons, comedian Jim Moir (Vic Reeves) and his wife - model and actress Nancy Sorrell - helped carefully prepare Nelson and Ciam for their journey and have been closely following their progress.
They said:
“It was wonderful to meet the magnificent Nelson and Ciam at Natuurhulpcentrum and to help the Born Free team prepare them for their journey to Shamwari Game Reserve. Nelson and Ciam highlight the plight of captive wild animals worldwide that are still kept in zoos and circuses or as ‘exotic pets’ just for the entertainment of humans. We are so happy to hear they are settling into their new homes and know they will be in the best of hands.”
From Belgium, the lions travelled by road to Frankfurt airport, Germany, for their flight to Johannesburg. From there, they were flown by charter plane to Port Elizabeth, and then travelled by road the short distance to Shamwari Game Reserve. Nelson is now living at Born Free’s Julie Ward Animal Rescue and Education Centre, while Ciam’s new home is at the Jean Byrd Centre.
Joe Cloete, Shamwari Group General Manager said:
“We, here at Shamwari Game Reserve are very proud to continue our close working relationship with Born Free, which now marks 20 years, and to be a part of not only supporting this great work, but also raising awareness of the plight of many big cats worldwide.”
Nelson and Ciam’s new lives at Shamwari Game Reserve will be a world away from their previous circumstances, which highlight the sorry plight of the millions of wild animals worldwide kept for human entertainment – in zoos, circuses or as ‘exotic pets’. Nelson was rescued from a French zoo in April 2015 when it fell into liquidation. Ciam made international headlines in November 2015 when he was confiscated from a cramped cage in a garden in Southern France where his owner was illegally keeping him as an ‘exotic pet’.
An increasing number of wild animals are kept as exotic pets, including reptiles, amphibians, mammals, primates and big cats. The demand for these animals fuels both the legal and illegal wildlife trade: some animals may be bred in captivity to supply demand, some may be traded as surplus from zoos and circuses, while others are caught from the wild. Born Free opposes the exploitation of wild animals as pets and campaigns for national and international legislation to reduce and, where possible, end this practice.
Campaigning to prevent captive animal suffering and to phase out zoos has been at the heart of Born Free since its formation in 1984. This year, Born Free has gone ‘back to its roots’, with a focus on challenging the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and the multi-billion pound global zoo industry through its Beyond the Bars campaign.
Return to Animal Stories
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This Toxic View Of Migrants Is A Threat To Europe’s Unity
BY YOSSI MEKELBERG
African migrant workers via Daily Express
EUROPEAN UNION (ARAB NEWS)--Election after election in the European Union confirms what we have known for some time — that Europe is becoming an extremely unfriendly place for migrants. Some countries are taking a particularly nasty approach to refugees and asylum seekers in desperate need of a haven, even if only a temporary one.
In less than a year, Austria, Hungary, Italy and Slovenia have all elected or re-elected to power staunchly anti-migration parties. In Germany the relative success of the ultra-nationalist Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party added a brightly flashing warning sign indicating that Europe has declared itself a place where migrants are not welcome, whatever their circumstances, or regardless of the self-interest of those many European countries whose economies need a constant supply of migrant workers.
Here lies the big conundrum of migration. Humans will not stop migrating, be it for economic reasons, or especially when they face threats posed by oppressive regimes, wars or natural disasters. The aging population of Europe needs migrants to keep its economy moving and maintain the generosity of its welfare society. Yet the current view in Europe of migrants is negative, with little attention paid to the complexity of the issue. If affluent nations could only put aside their prejudices and biases, and create a more rational discourse about the impact that newcomers have on their societies and economies, they would be certain to conclude that sustaining their prosperity requires certain levels of immigration. Moreover, if they wish to properly regulate and manage migration they will also have to invest substantially in the less developed parts of the world.
The recent formation of an ultra-nationalist populist coalition government in Italy, which comprises the anti-establishment Five Star movement and right-wing League, both populist parties that thrive on defying the establishment and the role of Europe in their migration or fiscal policies, has generated further fear for the survival of the European Union as we know it. It has prompted George Soros, one of the wealthiest investors, businessmen and philanthropists of our generation, to launch a public campaign warning of the dangerous nexus between the EU’s current migration policy, or lack of one, and the future of the bloc itself.
"If affluent nations wish to properly regulate and manage migration they will also have to invest substantially in the less developed parts of the world.
Yossi Mekelberg"
Soros, a Hungarian Jew who survived the Holocaust and made his fortune in Europe and the US, is not afraid of, or any stranger to, political controversy. As someone who witnessed and survived the horrors of the 1930s and 1940s, and was part of Europe’s miraculous recovery, he is one of the most enthusiastic of Europhiles, and argues against countries pursuing “self-serving, discordant migration policies, often to the detriment of their neighbors.” He fears that the policies of the new government in Italy could lead to a backlash against Brussels, which would achieve the opposite of what it intended, and strengthen the view that membership of the EU is a recipe for Brussels meddling in the sovereign affairs of a member state. This might end in growing support for parties that promote anti-European and anti-migrant policies, two notions that seem in the current political atmosphere to go hand in hand.
Soros, who has become a target for many nationalists in Europe, and especially the prime minister of his country of birth Viktor Orbán, is right to on the one hand highlight the importance of immigrants for Europe, and on the other hand to show sympathy for countries such as Greece and Italy, which due to their geography have borne the brunt of the migration crisis. This at a time when other more northern countries closed their borders almost hermetically and accompanied this with vile xenophobic rhetoric. Instead of punishing the Italian people, most of whom are instinctively pro-European, for making this regrettable choice at the ballot box, the more constructive approach would be to change the overall European policy on migration.
The current policy places a much heavier burden on countries from Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East that are closest to the main migratory routes. EU policy places the responsibility of dealing with the asylum application on the country where the refugee first lands. It takes only a quick glance at the map to recognize the burden this places on countries such as Italy and Greece. It is essential to amend this anomaly. Moreover, Europe’s first-destination countries require financial and technical help from the rest of the EU to cope with the influx.
The third pillar of dealing with the migration challenge is the creation of economic conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa that are favorable to job creation and entrepreneurs. Something like a Marshall Plan for Africa, as Soros suggests, might be difficult, since it would require an estimated €30 billion per year for the foreseeable future. However, for Europe to move away from its toxic migration discourse, which is no fault of the migrants themselves, it is an investment worth making. Any such plan would require all the major economies, led by Germany and France, to play their part. They should accept that an integrated migration policy must include welcoming migrants to compensate for the low birth rate in Europe, and assisting those countries most affected by large numbers of migrants.
But last, and crucially, if Europe does not take action to improve economic and political conditions where most of its migrants originate, the phenomenon of excessive and intractable mass migration to Europe will continue to negatively dominate EU politics — at the risk of compromising the EU’s values, leading to even further divisions and crises, and even its disintegration.
Yossi Mekelberg is professor of international relations at Regent’s University London, where he is head of the International Relations and Social Sciences Program. He is also an associate fellow of the MENA Program at Chatham House. He is a regular contributor to the international written and electronic media. Twitter: @YMekelberg
Africa Arab Immigrants Immigration News Desk Society
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Supers pleased by ‘Rainy day’ vote Tuesday
Published 11:43 pm Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Local school officials expressed their approval of the passage of Tuesday’s “Rainy Day” Amendment No. 1, which allows school systems to borrow additional money from the Alabama Trust Fund and reduce the effects of impending proration in the next fiscal year.
Andalusia City Schools Superintendent Dr. Beverly McAnulty said the passing of Amendment 1 is a significant step for education in Alabama.
“It is terrific news that it passed,” she said. “It will help us out getting through this year without having to take deep cuts in our budget. It doesn’t mean we will completely avoid proration, but it will lessen the damage. If we are careful, then we can enter 2010 in decent shape and not have to cut our programs.”
County residents clearly expressed their support of the proposed amendment with 64 percent, approximately 8,252, voting in favor of the measure. Voters statewide shared the same sentiment with 57 percent, or approximately 954,325, voting in favor of the amendment.
Sharon Dye, superintendent of Covington County Schools, said she was deeply appreciative of the support shown with the passage of the amendment.
“Alabamians, and especially people of Covington County. have shown their support for public education in a large vote in favor for Amendment 1,” she said. “I think the large numbers show that people in our community see the good things happening in our schools and they do not ever want to see that ever slide backwards.
“I just appreciate the support they have shown our system in this county and across the state of Alabama,” she added. “This means, with the passing of Amendment 1, we will be able to keep running programs that are most important to our students. We know that we will still have proration, but we will be spared a severe shortfall.”
Opp City Schools Superintendent Michael Smithart said that, without the passage of Amendment 1, school systems would have faced the need to cut anywhere from $250,000 to $300,000 from next year’s budget.
“There would have been no way to keep it out of the classrooms,” he said. “It would have taken away from materials we have available to our students and we could have possibly forced to look at some staffing cuts going into next year. This doesn’t fix the 2010 budget. This gets us through, but we still have some issues coming up.”
Wednesday, Gov. Bob Riley issued a statement about the passage of the amendment.
“The approval of Amendment 1 will help Alabama continue the progress we’re making in education,” he said. “It means we won’t have to halt the education reforms we have put in place that are improving the quality of education our children receive. I thank the voters for supporting Amendment 1.”
Helping others leads couple into nutrition business
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ACS monitors COVID as pediatric cases rise
Students feel election is historic, not all happy with…
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France: Avia law is threat to online speech
Posted on May 13, 2020 3 min read Share: Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Freedom of expression organisation ARTICLE 19 has warned that France’s “Avia” Law, passed today, will threaten freedom of speech in France.
Originally drafted to tackle online ‘hate speech’, the law has been widely criticised for being overly broad in terms of the scope of the platforms affected and the content that they are expected to remove.
Senior Legal Officer Gabrielle Guillemin said:
“The Avia Law will effectively enable the French state to devolve online censorship to the dominant tech companies, who will be expected to act as judge and jury in determining what is ‘manifestly illegal’ content. The Law covers a wide range of content so this is not always going to be a straightforward decision.
“Given the timeframes by which companies have to respond, we can expect them to err on the side of caution when it comes to deciding whether content is legal or not. They will also have to resort to using filters that will inevitably lead to the over-removal of content.
“The French government has ignored the concerns raised by digital rights and free speech groups, and the result will be a chilling effect on online freedom of expression in France.”
Provisions within the Avia law
The Law on Countering Online Hatred, so called “Avia Law”, will obligate all websites to remove child abuse and terrorist content within one hour of being notified by the police.
In addition, anyone can report content as “illegal” to major online platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google. They will have 24 hours to determine if this is the case. The scope of the Bill has been extended from illegal ‘hate speech’ to a wide range of other content including: apology of acts constituting an offence against human dignity, war crimes, crimes against humanity, slavery, crimes of collaboration with an enemy, voluntary interference with life or physical integrity, sexual aggression, aggravated theft, extortion or destruction, voluntary degradation or deterioration which is dangerous to a person, sexual harassment, human trafficking, pimping, incitement to or apology of acts of terrorism and child abuse content. It will be down to companies to decide if flagged content is manifestly illegal by these criteria.
Companies can be ordered by an administrative authority to “prevent the redistribution” of content previously found unlawful by a court. In practice, this will mean monitoring all users’ posts to identify where that content is reproduced. This could be in breach of EU law, as Article 15 of the EU E-Commerce Directive prohibits imposing such a general obligation on providers.
Read ARTICLE 19’s analysis of the draft Bill here.
For more information, contact [email protected].
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MARK TALBOT ROBERTS was born in Cambridge, England and moved to Hong Kong over 30 years ago to pursue his legal career. He retired in 2004 to become a full-time artist. He is mostly self-taught, painting almost exclusively in watercolour, which is the medium he believes best portrays the essence of landscapes and seascapes in Hong Kong. Mark has held three one-man shows in Hong Kong and recently exhibited in London. Mark joined Artists Abroad in 2009.
"I have either drawn or painted for as long as I can remember. The act of painting satisfies a creative urge which I believe slumbers in most of us. It simply needs a catalyst to bring that crative urge to the surface. In my case the catalyst was sparked by seeing J.M.W. Turner's work. I love the translucent quality that watercolour lends to painting. By building up layers of watercolour washes and combining these washes with varying tonal values, a feeling of depth can be achieved. I also try to convey a sense of movement when portraying skies and sea by the use of brush strokes and by placing warm and cool colours in juxtaposition."
Website: www.watercolourmjr.com Email: watercolour2382@hotmail.com
Hong Kong Club 1979, Watercolour on Paper, 33.5x24cm
Wong Family Compound, Shangxi, Watercolour on Paper, 33.5x24cm
Monastery on Lantau, Watercolour on Paper, 23x30cm
Tsui Shing Lau Pagoda, Watercolour on Paper, 23x30cm
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Mary Cuthbert was appointed Chair of the Board of ASH Scotland in March 2014. This is an unpaid and voluntary post. As Chair, she leads a strong, experienced, and committed Board which ensures ASH Scotland operates effectively to achieve its aims and objectives.
A career civil servant for nearly 40 years, Mary has extensive experience of public policy making and delivery gained across a range of Scottish Government Departments and on secondment to external agencies, including 18 months with the then Health Education Board for Scotland. Ultimately, she was head of Tobacco Control Policy at the Scottish Government CMO and Public Health Directorate for 14 years until her retirement in April 2012. During this time, she was at the forefront of a raft of major policy and legislative developments in tobacco control leading to a transformation in public attitudes to smoking in Scotland. This included the establishment of a national network of smoking cessation services; the introduction of statutory controls on tobacco advertising and promotion and smoking in public places; and the overhaul of tobacco sale and display law.
A strong advocate of the voluntary sector, Mary also sits on the boards of Young Scot and Alcohol Focus Scotland and the Scottish Advisory Committee of the British Lung Foundation.
In 2007, Mary was given an Outstanding Contribution Award by INWAT Europe for the part she played in helping Scotland to become a world leader in tobacco control. She was also awarded an OBE in 2009 in recognition of her service to the public and the voluntary sector.
Mary lives in Edinburgh and is married with two children and one grandson.
Our people Sheila Duffy Mary Cuthbert OBE Professor Keith Fox
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The Association for Public Art (aPA) is the nation’s first private nonprofit organization dedicated to commissioning, preserving, interpreting, and promoting public art in the city of Philadelphia. See our timeline highlights below to learn more! Or explore our full timeline.
Henry K. Fox and Charles Howell establish the Fairmount Park Art Association (FPAA), renamed the Association for Public Art (aPA) in 2012
Explore full timeline
The first acquisition: Night by artist Edward Stauch
The first major commission of the Association: Major General George Gordon Meade by artist Alexander Milne Calder
The charter is amended to extend the work of the Association beyond Fairmount Park to the City of Philadelphia as a whole.
Ellen Phillips Samuel dies and her residuary estate is received by the Association upon the death of her husband J. Bunford Samuel (d. 1929).
Albert Laeslle's Billy is installed in Rittenhouse Square, given through the Association by Eli Kirk Price II to the City of Philadelphia.
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is substantially completed. The Association plays a significant role in the development of the Parkway.
In 1933, the first of three sculpture international exhibitions is held to identify and commission artists for the Ellen Phillips Samuel Memorial.
In 1940, the second sculpture international exhibition is held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
In 1949, the third and final sculpture exhibition contributes to the awareness of contemporary sculpture in Philadelphia and beyond. Photo by Herbert Gehr/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Henry Moore’s Three Way Piece Number 1: Points is purchased and installed by the Association.
The Association initiates Form and Function, inviting artists to propose public artworks that would be utilitarian, site-specific, and integral to community life.
The Association publishes Public Art in Philadelphia by Executive Director Penny Balkin Bach.
The Association initiates New•Land•Marks: public art, community, and the meaning of place – a program that brings artists and community organizations together to plan and create new artworks for Philadelphia neighborhoods.
The Association launches Museum Without Walls™: AUDIO, an award-winning outdoor sculpture interpretive program for Philadelphia’s public art.
The Association for Public Art receives the national 2015 Public Art Network Award, which honors innovative contributions, exemplary commitment, and leadership in public art.
An Association of Firsts
Established in 1872, the Association for Public Art is the nation’s first private nonprofit organization to integrate public art and urban design. Founded by people from all walks of life who believe that art can play a role in a growing city, the aPA commissions, preserves, interprets, and promotes public art in Philadelphia.
In 1911, the Association advocates for the establishment of the city’s Art Jury (the forerunner of the current Art Commission), and in 1959, supports the City of Philadelphia’s “percent for art” ordinance, the first municipal mandate in the nation.
In 1974, the Association publishes Sculpture of a City: Philadelphia’s Treasures in Bronze and Stone, the first publication to explore a city’s collection of outdoor sculpture that is accessible to a wide audience.
In 1982, the Association initiates its Annual Outdoor Sculpture Conservation Program, the longest ongoing conservation program in the nation.
In 1987, the Association organizes the conference Public Art in America ’87. It is the first national conference to examine public art in its broadest context.
With Public Art
Sign up for our Newsletter and stay up to date with public art in Philadelphia.
Become a member and receive complimentary admission to aPA's Annual Meeting, invitations to aPA special events and more!
Make a one-time donation to ensure that art in Philadelphia is accessible to everyone, anytime!
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TOGETHER FOR A JUST WORLD
PressLibraryContactSearch
Transparency & Control
Help and Donate
Fund for children and youth
Fund migration and human trafficking
Fund emergency response
Donor service
Help and Donate > Fund for children and youth
Children and youth funds
Children and young people are the future and hope of their countries. However, the reality of their lives is often marked by poverty, exploitation and a lack of prospects. With our fund for children and young people, we support projects to sustainably improve their living conditions. Help us give children and young people a better future!
Every child and every young person has the right to life, personal development, education, health, protection from violence and the right to be heard. Unfortunately, the reality is different: Millions of children and young people live in poverty, are exploited and marginalised. But many children and young people are trying to find a way out of this cycle of poverty, violence and hopelessness: They organize themselves and actively stand up for their rights. They take responsibility for themselves, their families and their communities. We want to support them and have set up a fund for children and young people to provide fast and unbureaucratic help for individuals in need. With the donations we support shelters for children and young people, support youth groups or offer training and education courses.
A shelter for children
Girls and boys of different ages live in the shelter of Talikala to live a life far away from the dangers of prostitution. (Photo: AWO International)
With donations from the children and youth fund we support the child shelter of our partner organisation Talikala in the Philippines. Here, boys and girls of different ages live together with two foster mothers. They are all children of prostitutes and particularly at risk of slipping into prostitution themselves.
As far as possible, they live a "normal" life in the shelter. Here they get enough to eat and are supported in their school education. Mothers and children are informed about their rights in special trainings and psychologically accompanied. Donations were used to support the maintenance of the shelter, such as the purchase of tables, chairs, beds and toys. The building was additionally protected by a wall and a fence in order to offer the children more safety.
Mini Libraries in Guatemala and Nicaragua
Our mini-library in Nicaragua: During reading lessons by young people for children, the children deal with different topics by reading together. (Photo: CANTERA)
In Central America, together with partner organisations, we supported committed young people in independently carrying out their own projects. The spectrum is very diverse: from leisure activities to income-generating measures to educational opportunities. For example, donations from the Children and Youth Fund helped to open two mini libraries in Nicaragua and Guatemala in which children, young people and their families come together to read, play and learn. Young people offer reading lessons to the children and try to teach them in a playful way about topics such as treating the environment responsibly. "We wanted to encourage children to read. It was important to us that the reading lessons were not a compulsory event. The children should enjoy reading books," says Hernestina, one of the participants in the youth initiative in Nicaragua.
Protective measures for children and adolescents
Promotion of campaigns for children's and young people's rights and for better participation of children and young people
Support for youth groups and their actions
Financing of educational courses by and for young people, e.g. on the topics of self-determined sexuality, contraception and family planning
Promotion of training courses and trainings for young people
Questions? Please contact us!
Lydia Guba
Tel. 0049 (0)30 / 25292-364
Email: lydia.guba@awointernational.de
Support us and
donate online!
Phone +49 30 25 292-771
Bank für Sozialwirtschaft
PARTNERS, DONORS AND ALLIANCES
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What will studying in 2021 be like for me?
Toxic lies of the ‘church’ pushing bleach as a Covid miracle cure
Health and medicine, Coronavirus, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
Opinion: Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles warns against the false claims that disinfectants like bleach could be used to cure Covid-19 in humans.
It is incredible that it even needs saying, but whatever you do, don’t for a moment entertain the noxious lies of the so-called Genesis II Church of Health and Healing.
It seems astonishing that during this pandemic there was a need to ask any health professional or scientist whether disinfectants could be used to treat people with Covid-19. But we live in surreal times. So this was a question I, and many others, were asked after the president of the United States of America spoke enthusiastically about such an idea during one of his press briefings.
The face of New Zealand’s director general of health, Ashley Bloomfield, said it all when the question was posed to him.
There’s a good reason disinfectants come in childproof containers. Because they are dangerous. Yes, they can destroy bacteria and viruses. Unfortunately, they do the same thing to our cells too.
But there are some people who believe one specific disinfectant can cure 99% of all illnesses. From cancer and autism to infectious diseases like malaria and HIV. And now Covid-19. They don’t refer to it as a disinfectant though. They call it Miracle Mineral Solution, or MMS for short. It turns out that in the days before the president’s now infamous press conference, he was sent a letter asking him to stop the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from barring the sale of MMS to treat Covid-19.
MMS is made by reacting sodium chlorite with a weak acid such as citric acid. When mixed together they produce chlorous acid which degrades to chlorine dioxide and then eventually to chloride ions. Chlorine dioxide is used for bleaching paper and textiles and sometimes for disinfecting drinking water and swimming pools. In other words, MMS is basically an industrial bleach.
The FDA has been trying to stop Americans from drinking MMS for years. They’ve issued warning after warning about the serious and potentially life-threatening side effects of taking it. These include nausea, diarrhoea, and severe dehydration that can lead to death. They’ve also shut down many of the websites selling it.
Which is why the MMS-peddlers resorted to founding their own church – the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing – complete with their own self-styled clergy. As far as they are concerned, they have the “God-given, unalienable rights to maintain and control their personal health” and consider MMS their sacrament. Interestingly, the church also provides members with a letter of religious exemption from vaccinations and mandatory medications.
Back in late 2014, their leader and “archbishop” James Humble came to New Zealand. We were one stop on his Australasian seminar tour, where he charged people hundreds of dollars for the privilege of hearing him talk about MMS. At the time, Humble and his church were touting MMS as a cure for the Ebola outbreak that was happening in West Africa.
Today it’s Covid-19. Small mercy then that the president of the United States referred to disinfectants and not Miracle Mineral Solution, as that would probably have helped to send sales through the roof. And before you think we are immune to this in New Zealand, according to their website, we have two “chapters” of the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing. Both state that they have MMS available.
So just in case I haven’t made myself clear, please don’t take their industrial bleach to protect you from Covid-19. Or anything else for that matter.
Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles is a microbiologist from the Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences' School of Medical Sciences.
This article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the University of Auckland.
Used with permission from The Spinoff, Siouxsie Wiles: Toxic lies of the ‘church’ pushing bleach as a Covid miracle cure, 4 May 2020
Gilbert Wong | Research Communications Manager
Email: gilbert.wong@auckland.ac.nz
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Dark Matter: Independent filmmaking in the 21st century by Michael Winterbottom
by Felicity Chaplin •
December 2021, no. 438
Stanley Kubrick’s Napoleon is perhaps the best-known film never made. But what about others that never happened? What might a closer look at these reveal about the state of filmmaking? Such unmade films constitute the ‘dark matter’ of British director Michael Winterbottom’s book Dark Matter: Independent filmmaking in the 21st century. The invisible dark matter of the cosmos shapes our universe; without it many galaxies would fly apart. For Winterbottom, an examination of cinematic dark matter ‘might help to explain the wider landscape of British independent cinema’ this century.
... (read more)
The Mysteries of Cinema: Movies and imagination by Peter Conrad
by James Antoniou •
October 2021, no. 436
The history of cinema began twice. All art forms are shaped by technological change, but the advent of the talkie in the late 1920s – only a few decades after the first silent films – did not so much develop the medium as kill it and replace it with something new. So abrupt was the change that the strange visual operas of cinema’s earliest years became imbued with a certain innocence, now almost impossible to replicate. To this day, silent film has an aura of mystery, a quality that cultural critic Peter Conrad addresses in his erudite new book.
Women vs Hollywood: The fall and rise of women in film by Helen O’Hara
June 2021, no. 432
In recent years, Hollywood has been forced to take a long hard look at itself. Since Alyssa Milano popularised the hashtag #MeToo in 2017, and the Time’s Up movement was launched in 2018, women in the film industry have been sharing their stories of sexism, discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. Film critic Helen O’Hara’s Women vs Hollywood is not the first attempt at a revisionist history of the Hollywood film industry. Several books have appeared that reread Hollywood through a feminist lens: Laura L.S. Bauer’s Hollywood Heroines: The most influential women in film history (2018), Jill Tietjen and Barbara Bridges’ Hollywood: Her story, an illustrated history of women and the movies (2019), and Naomi McDougall Jones’s The Wrong Kind of Women: Inside our revolution to dismantle the gods of Hollywood (2020).
Cinema’s future in Australia
by Richard Leathem •
As Victoria emerges from its long lockdown, cinemas, among the last businesses to reopen under the roadmap to recovery, are finally open to the public again. But how will they operate in a Covid-normal world? Have we learnt to live without them?
Chasing the Light: How I fought my way into Hollywood: From the 1960s to Platoon by Oliver Stone
by Aaron Nyerges •
Reviewing Oliver Stone’s film Salvador for The New Yorker in 1986, Pauline Kael detected a ‘right-wing macho fantasy joined to a left-wing polemic’. That same compound, a politically unstable one, bubbles under the surface of Stone’s autobiography, Chasing the Light. Generally speaking, it is hard to separate judgement about an autobiography from that about its subject, since reading an autobiography is like a long stay at someone’s home, listening to them detail their life story around the dinner table, night after night. The problem is twofold when its author is so politically conflicted. As distinct from a film review, to review Oliver Stone’s autobiography is undeniably to review ‘Oliver Stone’.
The Social Dilemma
by Joshua Krook •
If you watch one film about technology this year, make it this one. The Social Dilemma (Netflix) features almost every tech insider turned outsider. There’s Tristan Harris, Google’s former chief design ethicist who famously dissented over the company’s attention/addiction business model. There’s Justin Rosenstein, the inventor of the Facebook ‘like’ button, who now regrets his invention. There’s Guillaume Chaslot, inventor of the YouTube recommendations system, who now regrets his invention. There’s Jaron Lanier, founder of virtual reality, who now wants people to delete their social media accounts. There’s Shoshana Zuboff, author of last year’s The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, who blew the lid on the whole game. And that’s just in the first few minutes.
by Tim Byrne •
How, precisely, does a character unmoor itself from its source material? And how concerned should we be to track its progress – or should that be retrace its steps? These questions bugged me as I admittedly devoured Ryan Murphy’s new Netflix series, Ratched. Ostensibly a prequel, it re-contextualises and re-packages the unforgettable villain Nurse Ratched from Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1962) for entirely different aims, so much so that the original feels hopelessly far away. In fact, there’s little evidence of Kesey at all.
Mysteries of Cinema: Reflections on film theory, history and culture by Adrian Martin
by Nicholas Bugeja •
September 2020, no. 424
Adrian Martin’s Mysteries of Cinema is, above all, an impassioned love letter to film, a written record of a life defined and driven by the pleasures, ambiguities, and indeed mysteries inherent in what André Bazin, co-founder of Cahiers du Cinéma, called the ‘seventh art’. In the author’s own words, the book ‘covers 34 years of a writing life’. It charts both his ephemeral and enduring fixations and obsessions, many of which converge on cinema, film form, the role of the critic, pockets of film culture, and the psychological, emotional, and intellectual responses that cinema elicits. Mirroring much of Martin’s oeuvre, Mysteries of Cinema is not easily classifiable; it cuts across different strands of film theory and thought by employing ‘a mode of synthetic film analysis attuned to … the mysteries of cinema’. Martin’s devotees will devour Mysteries of Cinema, savouring its details, imagery, and linguistic flourishes. At more than 430 pages in length, it might prove a formidable undertaking for the more casual reader.
Ben Hecht: Fighting words, moving pictures by Adina Hoffman
January–February 2020, no. 418
In his long poem The Bridge (1930), Hart Crane balances the breadth of his epic vision against a compressive energy, a ballistic sort of expression: ‘So the 20th Century – so / whizzed the Limited – roared by and left.’ Since Crane worked in an American tradition of poet–prophets that includes Walt Whitman and the undersung H.D. (Hilda Doolittle), it is tempting to grant him that. The twentieth century did roar by and go. And the 20th Century Limited, the luxurious passenger train connecting New York to Chicago, furnished it (and him) with an expression of the century’s quarrelsome momentum, its loud, emblematic modernity.
Peterloo ★★★★
by Brian McFarlane •
What I’ve come to expect of a new Mike Leigh film is, above all, the unexpected. His first feature, Bleak Moments (1971), of which there were quite a few in that contemporary study of urban, lower-middle class life, made him a potent force in British film. Think of Naked (1993) and Secrets & Lies (1996) ...
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Bengals work hard in Thailand
6 Mar 2009 | Sgt. Gina C. Rindt
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. -- During their six-month Western Pacific deployment, Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 will conduct air combat training and community relation projects. They are currently deployed to Khorat Air Base, Thailand in support of training a Cope Tiger.
While continuing to integrate with Marine Aircraft Group 12 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, VMFA(AW)-224, also known as the Bengals, were able to take a break from the long hours of maintenance and enjoy different parts of Japan by visiting Osaka, Hiroshima, Miya Jima, Mizuho and Nagano where the winter Olympics were held in 1998.
“We significantly scaled back flight operations, from a maintenance and personnel stand point, in order to prepare for the flight across the Pacific.” said Maj. Sean Henrickson, the VMFA(AW)-224 operations officer. “Training opportunities in Iwakuni are constrained because of airspace limitations and the training ranges are too close to the island.”
Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 currently has 33 pilots and more than 150 Marines in Thailand where the F/A-18 Hornet fighter pilots will be training with many foreign aircraft. Some of the aircraft are Thailand’s F-16 Falcon and Aero L-39 Albatros, the U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles and A-10 Thunderbolt and Singapore’s F-16s and F-5/E Tiger IIs, which will help simulate air-to-air and air-to-ground combat.
The Bengals are involved with Cope Tiger, an air-to-air and air-to-ground combat training exercise involving the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force.
“The relationships we build with these nations, through these exercises have a significant impact on stability and U.S. presence in this part of the world,” Henrickson explained.
The training the Marines will receive while deployed to Cope Tiger will be air-to-air combat, which focuses on foreign air combat maneuvering versus Thailand’s F-16s and F-5s. As the exercise progresses, they will begin to fly Large Force Exercises with all of the participants. This will be an opportunity to gain mission commander qualifications and division leader qualifications for some of the pilots, Henrickson said.
“Apart from the robust flight operations, there are opportunities to engage the Thai people with community relations activities to include school and orphanage visits,” Henrickson continued. “There will be several trips to historic locations such as the Phimai ruins, Bangkok and a chance to watch Muay Thai kickboxing live.”
To show their appreciation for their involvement in the community, the RTAF had a ceremony for the U.S. Armed Forces, which included Thai dancers, Muay Thai kick boxing and local cuisine.
“The warm reception we received from the RTAF and RSAF service members as well as the local populations is indescribable,” Henrickson said. “We are provided an opportunity to see fascinating parts of the world we may otherwise never see.”
Base or Station , deployment , joint operations
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US, EU on same page to counter China's growing assertiveness in Indo-Pacific region: Wendy Sherman
Washington [US], December 4 (ANI): The United States and the European Union are increasingly on the same page in countering China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, said US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Friday.
This comes after Sherman met European External Action Service Secretary-General Stefano Sannino in Washington for two days in a row for talks that separately focused on China and the Indo-Pacific, discussing issues including Beijing's human rights abuses, Taiwan and the coordination on infrastructure development projects in the region, Kyodo News reported.
"We see our approach and the EU's approach to the People's Republic of China (PRC) as complementary and increasingly convergent and aligned," Sherman said at an online event hosted by a Washington think tank.
Speaking along with Sherman during the event, Sannino said, "We do recognize the importance of China in the world, but at the same time we are not shying away when China is challenging...our ways of thinking, our ways of operating and when it is not playing according to rules," Kyodo News reported.
Meanwhile, in a joint statement, Sherman and Sannino affirmed their "interest in stability and the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, Kyodo News reported.
"Both sides noted a shared interest in deepening cooperation with Taiwan," the statement said.
China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China.
Despite being governed separately for more than seven decades, Beijing claims sovereignty over Taiwan. China has also threatened that "Taiwan's independence" means war. (ANI)
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HARLEY DAVIDSON EYEWEAR
https://www.belgoptic.be/nl/bedrijf/13266/marcolin-benelux-sprl
In 1903, William Harley partnered with Arthur, William, and Walter Davidson to build their first motorcycle in a small shed in their Milwaukee backyard. Working nights and weekends to bring an idea to life, the founders of Harley-Davidson handcrafted parts to roll out their first three motorcycles. Their creation has become not only a fixture on the world’s highways, but a symbol of freedom, adventure, and individuality.
From those earliest days, Harley-Davidson® motorcycles were woven into the American landscape. By committing to innovation and resilience, Harley-Davidson powered through several recessions, the great depression, and two world wars.
Fulfilling dreams of personal freedom is the purpose and passion of Harley-Davidson. Its followers are by far some of the most devoted brand enthusiasts in the world. Passionate motorcyclists coming together to form regional clubs with rallies is the original social network.
Today, the brand is one of the most recognized and highly respected brands in the world with a unique culture – an unbreakable bond. The company grew from humble beginnings to become the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer and distributor.
Harley-Davidson® eyewear incorporates this heritage into every eyeglass and sunglass frame produced with subtle call-outs to those same handcrafted parts that make their motorcycles an enduring fixture on the world’s highways.
Harley-Davidson has been a part of Marcolin’s brand portfolio since 2013. The styles include high-quality materials such as titanium and stainless steel with a range of colorations and intricate details ideal for the active lifestyle of the Harley-Davidson® motorcycle enthusiast. Harley-Davidson® eyewear also features larger eye sizes and longer temple lengths for most of the men’s optical styles.
This feature gives a function and fit, which enhances the wearer’s experience. For women, rhinestone detailing is used as inspiration from Harley-Davidson’s own jewelry line
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Andre Smith has taken Hue Jackson's counsel and is starting to become more assertive with his teammates as he tries to claim NFL's No. 1 right tackle spot.
Andre Smith likes the heat.
After offensive coordinator Hue Jackson gets done this spring "putting his foot up your butt so to speak," Smith says, the Bengals right tackle heads back home to Birmingham, Ala., later this month where his friend Mike McCoy makes the thermostat hit 100 degrees at times in the Warehouse Performance Gym.
"Prepare him physically and mentally," says McCoy, Smith's former teammate at Alabama. "He's come a long way in the last year. I know he can be the best right tackle, but I tell him, 'Look, you've never been to a Pro Bowl, nobody's talking about you.' And that motivates him."
Jackson is certainly talking about him as the Bengals start their second week of voluntary practices Tuesday. He thinks this is Smith's season to emerge. After five years of play that has computed to flashes of brilliance mixed with blurbs of inconsistency, Jackson says it is time for him to become more vocal while also taking his rightful place atop the right tackle rankings.
And he likes what he sees as Smith starts embracing the role of veteran leader.
"In my opinion, this Andre Smith is a different Andre Smith than the one I've ever seen,' Jackson says. "He's a more focused, agile, hungry guy after something."
Since Smith came back from the 2011 lockout with a gleam in his eye and an eye on his seam, the Bengals have won and Smith is a big reason why. He's played in every game but two while becoming one of the game's premier run blockers.
Ray "Rock," Oliver, the former assistant Bengals strength coach who developed a close relationship with Smith, believes he's one of the most powerful players in the NFL.
"You can get fooled in this league," Oliver says. "You may not think a guy look likes much and then the next thing you know you're a defensive end playing safety because you've just been flung back into the secondary."
His partner at left tackle, Andrew Whitworth, looks at the defense, too. Numbers and grades are all subjective in this stuff. Profootballfocus.com had Smith rated the NFL's best right tackle in 2012 and then last year had him as the sixth best in both the run and in the pass.
"You put on tape and you know our tackles are going to play 100 percent 1-on-1 football and that means they're a danged good player," Whitworth says. "That's the reason Anthony Collins (started) how many games (25) and got $30 million.
"(Smith) continues to get better every year. There's no reason he can't be the best right tackle in the game," Whitworth says. "You have to look at what guys are asked to do…For what he's asked to do. Drop-back protection, protect the quarterback, go one-on-one with guys, no help, no chips, no slides (protections), he's the best right tackle in the game…A lot of stats are very misleading."
But Jackson has also been talking to Smith and telling him how he's going to help him become the NFL's best right tackle. Just like Jackson has been telling a three-time Pro Bowler in A.J. Green he's got plenty more, he's also been giving it to Smith. And that involves riding him like his offensive line coach at 'Bama.
"Joe Pendry," Smith says. "He always reminds me of my coach. Hue is like, 'I'm going to be like Pendry."
Smith likes the tough love. He better. Here it comes.
"He should be the best right tackle in football. He has the ability. I think he has the want to. It's just doing it all the time," Jackson says. "It's just the consistency of what I think he is that needs to show up all the time. I think he's a really, really good player. He's very important to what we do. He's as important as Whit.
"But like anything, he's so talented some guys don't play to their level of ability all the time. Just because maybe not playing upper echelon players, whatever that is, but in the NFL you have to bring it every play, every week all the time. Not that he hasn't, but my challenge to him is be the Andre Smith that I think is the best right tackle in football."
Smith likes the motivation because now at 27 years old he understands. Particularly after a difficult 2013 when he went untouched on the free-agent market until the draft and then sat out the spring because of personal reasons.
Oliver has seen Smith respond to that tough love.
"Andre is like the old Soviet Union. The only thing he understands is force," Oliver says. "If you make him max out at his potential, 90 percent of the time he'll be better than the guy across from him….He's one of the most intimidating blockers in football."
Smith re-signed with the Bengals for three years at $18 million and admits free agency was "a learning experience...you have to have your chips in a row if you want to get the things you want and it was a great thing to learn from."
Smith catches himself doing those things Jackson has urged. He is talking more in practice. He's showing guys how to step correctly when they don't or praises them when they use their hands properly.
"Hue likes to get the best out of me. That's all he's trying to do. He's a great motivator," Smith says. "I think I'm much different from a year ago…Just trying to do all those little things that make you a great teammate."
There have been signs Smith has been headed this way. The notorious shirtless 40-yard pro day dash in '09, the long rookie holdout, and a chronic foot injury doomed his first two years with an image he hasn't been able to shake. Whitworth looks at the perception wars being fought by Johnny Manziel and Rob Gronkowski and thinks it has taken away from what Smith has accomplished on the field.
Last year, Whitworth, the Papa Bear of the offensive line, took it upon himself to move his locker next to Smith's. At Christmastime, Smith and Whitworth sprung for gifts for everyone on offense.
"He and I go way back to when I tried to recruit him to LSU. Obviously I wasn't very good at that," Whitworth says. "We want to be the best tandem in the league, so I moved over here.
"We've known each other for a long time. I'm proud of whom he's become and the work he's put in to show people who he really is. He went through a lot of the speculation and the crap that Manizel and Gronkowski are going through right now. Some of it was self-created, some of it wasn't. At the end of the day, he's worked his tail off to basically dispel those rumors and prove the kind of football player he is. If he hadn't had to fight that, would he be considered something like the J.J. Watt of his class? I think he's as good a football player as any right tackle. The difference is he had to fight that uphill battle."
Another factor is that Smith doesn't say much. He calls himself "quiet and reserved,' and has been since he was little, he says. It may be just a coincidence that another quiet and reserved guy is the reason he's been a Yankees fan since he was in third grade. His frequently worn Yankees hat is a tribute to shortstop Derek Jeter.
"I (like) the way he carries himself. A very private person," Smith says. "You hardly ever know what he has going on. Stays to himself. Great teammate."
Smith goals are for the team to get better and for his pass protection to get better. Offensive line coach Paul Alexander thinks it already has.
"He's so powerful and quick. He's a tremendous athlete for a big man," Alexander says. "He used to block more on his athletic ability. He's so quick, he's unbelievable. He's a freak….He was a young guy coming out who was blessed with unbelievable athletic ability, and he never really had to harness his technique. He's done that now on and off the field."
McCoy played wide receiver at Alabama and returned kicks before becoming a strength coach. In the weeks leading up to his deal with the Bengals last season, Smith hooked up with his old college teammate and it clicked.
Ironically, really, because McCoy had been watching videos of what Oliver had been doing in his next life as the University of Kentucky strong man
The religious McCoy was nicknamed "Church Boy," by his 'Bama mates, but he was a devil in the weight room, asking the coach after sessions, "Is that all?" Smith first told him, "I can't do all this crap,' but now McCoy not only trains Smith, but his mother, father, younger siblings, and his wife.
"It really is a family affair. We're both raised in the church and have that foundation," McCoy says. "When he came back this offseason, I told him if he was more than 355 pounds, I was going to run him into the ground. But he was where he should have been and there were times after we worked out in the day he'd call me at 8 or 9 at night and say, 'I want another one.'"
That's what Smith seems to be telling Jackson after the challenge. But he knows there's only one way to have the last word.
"I say what I need to say on the field," Smith says.
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< Back to All Press Releases
Brown Gibbons Lang & Company Names Four New Partners
Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), a leading cross-border, middle-market investment banking firm, today announced that four managing directors have become partners and that co-founders Michael E. Gibbons and Scott H. Lang have assumed the titles of chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), respectively.
“Our deal flow, both domestic and international, continues to grow. Four excellent professionals have significantly contributed to this growth,” said Michael E. Gibbons, senior managing director and chairman. “Today we announce two ways in which our firm is evolving to enable us to maintain our commitment to experienced senior level attention and unparalleled client service on every transaction.”
“First, four of our managing directors are joining the firm partnership. Second, Scott Lang and I are taking this opportunity to further define our roles. This will enable both of us to remain closely involved in client matters by apportioning responsibility for firm matters.”
The new partners are Scott T. Berlin and James C. Miller, based in BGL’s Cleveland office, and Stephen J. Miles and David C. Sulaski, based in Chicago. They join Gibbons, Lang, and Andrew Petryk, a partner based in the firm’s Cleveland office, to comprise the firm’s expanded management committee.
“These four outstanding professionals have considerable skills and experience in wide-ranging areas of business and finance, and exceptional relationships within the middle-market business community,” said Scott H. Lang, senior managing director and CEO. “It is appropriate that they become partners of the firm that they have been helping to build and we are very proud to have them as partners.”
Scott Berlin has over ten years of M&A and restructuring experience, and leads coverage of value oriented financial sponsor groups and other similarly focused investors. Scott also has extensive metals industry experience.
Jim Miller is an expert in industrial and electrical products distribution, having worked with many of the top firms in the industry on sell-side, buy-side, and restructuring transactions since joining BGL. Jim also has deep experience in the food and beverage sector.
Steve Miles has extensive M&A and capital raising experience across a broad spectrum of industries. He also has unique knowledge of global leveraged finance and the debt capital markets generally.
David Sulaski heads BGL’s private equity practice and directs the firm’s other business development activities. He is also responsible for coordinating BGL’s global transactions within Global M&A, a partnership of 24 investment banking firms located in 25 countries around the world, of which BGL is the U.S. member firm.
BGL also announced other promotions. In Cleveland, William P. Watkins has been promoted to director and Cameron S. Miele has been named vice president. In Chicago, Scott M. Hasley has been promoted to director and Michael D. Shaffer has been named senior associate.
“Our firm’s most valuable assets are its people and its culture,” said Lang. “Today’s announcements reflect the tremendous results being accomplished by all of the firm’s professionals on behalf of our growing client base.”
About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company
Brown Gibbons Lang & Company is a leading independent investment bank serving middle market companies and their owners throughout the U.S. and internationally. BGL’s professionals are experts in mergers & acquisitions, debt & equity placements, and financial restructurings. BGL is the U.S. partner in Global M&A, the world’s leading working partnership of investment banking boutiques. More information on Brown Gibbons Lang & Company can be found at www.bglco.c
Link to bio for Michael E. Gibbons
Michael E. Gibbons
Senior Managing Director
216.920.6624 mgibbons@bglco.com LinkedIn Download V-Card
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After 600 days, the Massachusetts State House remains closed to the public. It appears to be the only state capitol still shut on this continent
By Matt Stout Globe Staff,Updated November 14, 2021, 4:17 p.m.
The Massachusetts State House has been closed to the public since March 2020. A sign was seen outside the General Hooker Entrance earlier this year.Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
Steeped in history, the Massachusetts State House stands alone for many reasons among the country’s state capitols: Its iconic dome was constructed with copper from Paul Revere’s foundry. Samuel Adams laid its cornerstone. It holds a 237-year-old fish effigy.
The seat of the state’s executive and legislative branches now has another: The State House appears to be the only state capitol on the continent where the public remains barred from entering.
The pandemic-induced closure has now stretched past 600 days, and legislative leaders in charge of the building say they’re juggling how to safely reopen a living museum where hundreds of people work — most of whom are vaccinated against COVID-19 — but typically receives some 100,000 visitors each year.
Nearly every other state has taken more steps to let people back into the “people’s house” since the onset of COVID-19, according to a Globe review of official statements, news reports, and responses from government officials. And while Hawaii is the only other state whose capitol the Globe found is still closed to the general public, it does allow those with appointments to enter.
The lack of clarity on when the Massachusetts Legislature will reopen its capitol has now stirred complaints about an institution that’s long been criticized for opacity.
“There’s a difference between operating safely and not operating at all, and right now we’re not operating at all when it comes to being able to engage with the residents we claim to serve,” said state Senator Diana DiZoglio, a Methuen Democrat who is running for state auditor in next year’s election. “People need access. The people need access.”
Other states have managed to reopen their capitols, including those hard-hit by COVID and with lower vaccination rates than Massachusetts, where 82 percent of people have gotten at least one shot.
New York, buffeted by one of the highest COVID death rates in the country, allowed visitors to return to the State Plaza Complex in Albany five months ago. California loosened restrictions on visitors in June, and had already opened its Sacramento capitol to the public when lawmakers were meeting. New Jersey restarted tours in early September, and beginning next month, will require virtually all visitors to its Trenton capitol to show proof of full vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test.
Officials in Wyoming and Nebraska say they never closed their capitols due to COVID-19.
In Hawaii, where the state Legislature’s website says the capitol remains closed, a spokeswoman for Governor David Ige said the building is open to those who have appointments, and that she expects state officials to work with legislative leaders on a plan to lift restrictions on the public before the next legislative session begins in January.
The setup in Hawaii had raised questions of whether it’s afforded unequal access to elected leaders, who reportedly met with lobbyists and business leaders after legislators initially said the building was off limits to anyone but themselves and their staff.
When the capitol is closed, “the public loses touch with our government, we lose confidence in our government,” said Sandy Ma, executive director of Common Cause Hawaii. ”We really lose a sense that the government is acting for us.”
Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, most state buildings with “public-facing” agencies have reopened to offer in-person services, according to Governor Charlie Baker’s office. Administration officials also said they have not imposed any restrictions on executive branch offices since Baker ended Massachusetts’ state of emergency in June, save for local requirements, such as a mask mandate in communities where a state office is located.
It’s left the State House as both a symbolic and literal outlier. For months, legislative leaders have said they’re discussing how to reopen the centuries-old building since they closed it in March 2020. But a firm timeline remains unclear. House Speaker Ronald Mariano told reporters last week that officials have yet to have discussions about reopening “the whole building.”
“The People’s House welcomes all the people,” the Quincy Democrat said. Because of that, “this is isn’t just a workplace for us. It is a tourist attraction.”
In the interim, the Legislature — one of 10 full-time state legislative bodies in the country — has livestreamed its legislative sessions, where many lawmakers still vote remotely, and allowed public hearings to be conducted virtually. The practice, lawmakers say, has given access to those who otherwise would be unable to travel to Beacon Hill to testify in person, encouraging in some cases even greater participation than before the pandemic.
Lawmakers held hearings over months to field feedback and reaction on their redistricting proposals. The Legislature also held a half-dozen public hearings soliciting feedback on how to spend billions in federal stimulus aid, all virtually.
“People can now participate at the comfort of their home,” said state Representative Kate Hogan, the third-ranking Democrat in the House who is helping lead the chamber’s reopening working group. The House, she said, is expected to “soon” release a policy governing its next phase of reopening, which is expected to allow all employees to return — currently officials said only “core” House employees should be in the building — and people “who have a need to conduct business.”
The building’s 20-month-long closure has nevertheless refueled the debate about access to elected officials. Since March 2020, the opportunity for constituents to confront legislators at their State House offices has disappeared. The State House also is similarly home to other offices beyond legislators and the governor, including that of the state treasurer, state auditor, and secretary of state.
While accredited journalists are allowed entry along with lawmakers, state officials, and staff, regular residents are not. Were they, they’d find a building somewhat frozen in time.
A sign outside state Representative Angelo J. Puppolo’s first-floor office lists the Springfield Democrat as chairman of the House’s committee on technology and intergovernmental affairs — a panel that no longer exists. State Senator Sonia Chang-Dίaz is identified at her office door under a committee she hasn’t led in 11 months. Tucked next to the building’s General Hooker entrance is an office listed as belonging to state Senator Joseph Boncore. He resigned two months ago.
Some advocates say the near total reliance on phone calls or Zoom meetings has handicapped their ability to engage lawmakers. Act on Mass, a nonprofit that’s lobbied lawmakers to make their rules more transparent, said when lawmakers don’t respond to requests for Zoom meetings, it leaves few, if any, other options.
Related: Massachusetts House will review its rules, citing concerns about the rise of ‘opaque’ advocacy groups
“That’s a pretty unique challenge in this completely online advocacy space,” said Ella McDonald, the group’s spokeswoman.
There are also questions about when to allow even limited tours of the building’s more cavernous ceremonial rooms, as Secretary of State William F. Galvin has advocated for since the summer.
Even now, two or three of the docents who conduct those tours can be found most days camped out in Nurses’ Hall. Galvin’s office has organized tours of the building’s exterior, providing nearly 300 since July. But many times, those who’ve inquired about a free tour ultimately decline once they learn the building isn’t open, said Debra O’Malley, a Galvin spokeswoman.
Both branches of the Legislature, as well as the Baker administration, have instituted some of the country’s strictest vaccine mandates, with which more than 96 percent of legislators and their staff in both chambers and 94 percent of executive branch workers have complied. Just four House lawmakers have refused to prove their vaccination status as of last week.
“Having the give and take, discussion among members, among people and hearing from the public who wants to come in . . . we certainly plan on doing that,” Senate President Karen E. Spilka said. But, she said of the pandemic, “this is a very different situation.”
Arline Isaacson, a political consultant and longtime leader of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, said she respects the Legislature’s caution, even if it’s robbed her and other lobbyists of the casual interactions that prove invaluable on Beacon Hill.
But Isaacson, a fixture in political circles who’s previously made rankings of the most powerful people in Boston, said she’s still found lawmakers responsive to her phone calls, texts, or e-mails.
“I don’t know what I would do,” she said, “if they didn’t know me.”
Matt Stout can be reached at matt.stout@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @mattpstout.
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Study Resources :: Dictionaries :: Malachi
Dictionaries :: Malachi
Below are articles from the following dictionary:
International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia
Malachi:
mal'-a-ki:
1. Name of the Prophet
2. The Prophet's Times
3. Contents
4. Style
1. Name of the Prophet:
The last book of the Old Testament. Nothing is known of the person of Malachi. Because his name does not occur elsewhere, some scholars indeed doubt whether "Malachi" is intended to be the personal name of the prophet. But none of the other prophetic books of the Old Testament is anonymous. The form mal'akhi, signifies "my messenger"; it occurs again in 3:1; compare 2:7. But this form of itself would hardly be appropriate as a proper name without some additional syllable such as Yah, whence mal'akhiah, i.e. "messenger of Yahweh." Haggai, in fact, is expressly designated "messenger of Yahweh" (Hag 1:13). Besides, the superscriptions prefixed to the book, in both the Septuagint and the Vulgate, warrant the supposition that Malachi's full name ended with the syllable -yah. At the same time the Septuagint translates the last clause of Mal 1:1, "by the hand of his messenger," and the Targum reads, "by the hand of my angel, whose name is called Ezra the scribe." Jerome likewise testifies that the Jews of his day ascribed this last book of prophecy to Ezra (V. Praef. in duodecim Prophetas). But if Ezra's name was originally associated with the book, it would hardly have been dropped by the collectors of the prophetic Canon who, lived only a century or two subsequent to Ezra's time. Certain traditions ascribe the book to Zerubbabel and Nehemiah; others, still, to Malachi, whom they designate as a Levite and a member of the "Great Synagogue." Certain modern scholars, however, on the basis of the similarity of the title (1:1) to Zec 9:1; 12:1, declare it to be anonymous; but this is a rash conclusion without any substantial proof other than supposition. The best explanation is that of Professor G.G. Cameron, who suggests that the termination of the word "Malachi" is adjectival, and equivalent to the Latin angelicus, signifying "one charged with a message or mission" (a missionary). The term would thus be an official title; and the thought would not be unsuitable to one whose message closed the prophetical Canon of the Old Testament, and whose mission in behalf of the church was so sacred in character (1-vol HDB).
2. The Prophet's Times:
Opinions vary as to the prophet's exact date, but nearly all scholars are agreed that Malachi prophesied during the Persian period, and after the reconstruction and dedication of the second temple in 516 BC (compare Mal 1:10; 3:1,10). The prophet speaks of the people's governor" (Hebrew pechah, Mal 1:8), as do Haggai and Nehemiah (Hag 1:1; Ne 5:14; 12:26). The social conditions portrayed are unquestionably those also of the period of the Restoration. More specifically, Malachi probably lived and labored during the times of Ezra and Nehemiah. Serious abuses had crept into Jewish life; the priests had become lax and degenerate, defective and inferior sacrifices were allowed to be offered upon the temple altar, the people were neglecting their tithes, divorce was common and God's covenant was forgotten and ignored; just such abuses as we know from the Book of Ne were common in his day (compare Ne 3:5; 5:1-13). Yet, it is doubtful whether Malachi preached during Nehemiah's active governorship; for in Mal 1:8 it is implied that gifts might be offered to the "governor," whereas Nehemiah tells us that he declined all such (Ne 5:15,18). On the other hand, the abuses which Malachi attacked correspond so exactly with those which Nehemiah found on his 2nd visit to Jerusalem in 432 BC (Ne 13:7 ) that it seems reasonably certain that he prophesied shortly before that date, i.e. between 445 and 432 BC. As Dr. J.M.P. Smith says, The Book of Mal fits the situation amid which Nehemiah worked as snugly as a bone fits its socket" (ICC, 7). That the prophet should exhort the people to remember the law of Moses, which was publicly read by Ezra in the year 444 BC, is in perfect agreement with this conclusion, despite the fact that Stade, Cornill and Kautzsch argue for a date prior to the time of Ezra. On the other hand, Nagelsbach, Kohler, Orelli, Reuss and Volck rightly place the book in the period between the two visits of Nehemiah (445-432 BC).
3. Contents:
The book, in the main, is composed of two extended polemics against the priests (Mal 1:6-2:9) and the people (Mal 2:10-4:3), opening with a clear, sharp statement of the prophet's chief thesis that Yahweh still loves Israel (Mal 1:2-5), and closing with an exhortation to remember the Law of Moses (Mal 4:4-6). After the title or superscription (Mal 1:1) the prophecy falls naturally into seven divisions:
(1) Malachi 1:2-5, in which Malachi shows that Yahweh still loves Israel because their lot stands in such marked contrast to Edom's. They were temporarily disciplined; Edom was forever punished.
(2) Malachi 1:6-2:9, a denunciation of the priests, the Levites, who have become neglectful of their sacerdotal office, indifferent to the Law, and unmindful of their covenant relationship to Yahweh.
(3) Malachi 2:10-16, against idolatry and divorce. Some interpret this section metaphorically of Judah as having abandoned the religion of his youth (2:11). But idolatry and divorce were closely related. The people are obviously rebuked for literally putting away their own Jewish wives in order to contract marriage with foreigners (2:15). Such marriages, the prophet declares, are not only a form of idolatry (2:11), but a violation of Yahweh's intention to preserve to Himself a "godly seed" (2:15).
(4) Malachi 2:17-3:6, an announcement of coming judgment. Men are beginning to doubt whether there is longer a God of justice (2:17). Malachi replies that the Lord whom the people seek will suddenly come, both to purify the sons of Levi and to purge the land of sinners in general. The nation, however, will not be utterly consumed (3:6).
(5) Malachi 3:7-12, in which the prophet pauses to give another concrete example of the people's sins: they have failed to pay their tithes and other dues. Accordingly, drought, locusts, and famine have ensued. Let these be paid and the nation will again prosper, and their land will become "a delightsome land."
(6) Malachi 3:13-4:3, a second section addressed to the doubters of the prophet's age. In 2:17, they had said, "Where is the God of justice?" They now murmur: "It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept his charge?" The wicked and the good alike prosper (3:14,15). But, the prophet replies, Yahweh knows them that are His, and a book of remembrance is being kept; for a day of judgment is coming when the good and the evil will be distinguished; those who work iniquity will be exterminated, while those who do righteously will triumph.
(7) Malachi 4:4-6, a concluding exhortation to obey the Mosaic Law; with a promise that Elijah the prophet will first come to avert, if possible, the threatened judgment by reconciling the hearts of the nation to one another, i.e. to reconcile the ideals of the old to those of the young, and vice versa.
4. Style:
Malachi was content to write prose. His Hebrew is clear and forceful and direct; sometimes almost rhythmical. His figures are as numerous as should be expected in the brief remnants of his sermons which have come down to us, and in every case they are chaste and beautiful (1:6; 3:2,3,17; 4:1-3). His statements are bold and correspondingly effective. The most original feature in his style is the lecture-like method which characterizes his book throughout; more particularly that of question and answer. His style is that of the scribes. It is known as the didactic-dialectic method, consisting first of an assertion or charge, then a fancied objection raised by his hearers, and finally the prophet's refutation of their objection. Eight distinct examples of this peculiarity are to be found in his book, each one containing the same clause in Hebrew, "Yet ye say" (1:2,6,7; 2:14,17; 3:7,8,13). This debating style is especially characteristic of Malachi. Ewald called it "the dialogistic" method. Malachi shows the influence of the schools (compare his use of "also" and "again" in 1:13; 2:13, which is equivalent to our "firstly," "secondly," etc.).
5. Message:
Malachi's message has a permanent value for us as well as an immediate value for his own time. He was an intense patriot, and accordingly his message was clean-cut and severe. His primary aim was to encourage a disheartened people who were still looking for Haggai's and Zechariah's optimistic predictions to be fulfilled. Among the lessons of abiding value are the following:
(1) That ritual is an important element in religion, but not as an end in itself. Tithes and offerings are necessary, but only as the expression of sincere moral and deeply spiritual life (Mal 1:11).
(2) That a cheap religion avails nothing, and that sacrifices given grudgingly are displeasing to God. Better a temple closed than filled with such worshippers (Mal 1:8-10).
(3) That divorce and intermarriage with heathen idolaters thwarts the purpose of God in securing to Himself a peculiar people, whose family life is sacred because it is the nursery of a "godly seed" (Mal 2:15).
(4) That there is eternal discipline in the Law. Malachi places the greatest emphasis upon the necessity of keeping the Mosaic Law. The priests, he says, are the custodians and expounders of the Law. At their mouth the people should seek knowledge. "To undervalue the Law is easy; to appraise it is a much harder task" (Welch). With Malachi, no less than with Christ Himself, not one jot or tittle should ever pass away or become obsolete.
LITERATURE.
Driver, "Minor Prophets," II, NewCentury Bible (1906); G. A. Smith, "The Book of the Twelve Prophets," Expositor's Bible (1898); Dods, Post-Exilian Prophets: "Hag," "Zec," "Mal"; "Handbooks for Bible Classes"; J. M. P. Smith, ICC (1912). Among the numerous other commentaries on Mal may be mentioned: Eiselen (1907), Marti (1903), Nowack (1903), Orelli (1908), Wellhausen (1898), Van Hoonacker (1908) and Isopeocul (1908). The various Introductions to the Old Testament should also be consulted, notably those by Driver (1910), Strack (1906), Wildeboer (1903), Gautier (1906), Cornill (1907), Konig (1893); and the articles entitled "Malachi" in the various Dicts. and Bible Encs: e.g. in Encyclopedia Biblica (1902), by C. 0. Torrey; in HDB (1901), by A. O. Welch; in 1-vol HDB (1909), by G. G. Cameron; and RE (1905), by Volck.
Written by George L. Robinson
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CONTENT DISCLAIMER:
The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.
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« Back to Artist Directory
Mary Greene
Dulcimer player; shape note singing specialist; ballad and folk song singer Boone, NC (Watauga County)
GuitarMusicBallad SingingShape-note SingingLap DulcimerPiano
Mary Greene has continued to celebrate and present the traditions of her Appalachian community even while she pursued her educational goals at Appalachian State University. She grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Boone, North Carolina, the daughter of a hard-working farmer and a schoolteacher. Her parents instilled in her the deep love of community and tradition, and the sense of place that informs her programs.
Her early musical experiences, provided by her hymn singing father and the local shape-note singing school leader, were in the religious music tradition. Later, she learned traditional ballads and folk songs (restoring a broken link to her ballad singing grandparents). Mary’s years of academic study of Appalachian music and culture culminated in a master’s degree in Appalachian Studies. Her expertise in the region’s cultural arts coupled with experience as the director of educational services at the award-winning Appalachian Cultural Museum, at Appalachian State University, equip her with multiple views of Appalachian culture.
The sparkle in Mary’s eye, her thoughtful comments and stories, and a voice full of the richness and warmth of the Appalachians combine in her musical programs. Mary has presented folklore and music traditions at the Smithsonian Institution’s Festival of American Folklife and has also taught and performed for more than a decade at the Appalachian State University’s Dulcimer Playing Workshop. She has also provided educational sessions for groups such as the National Association of Music Librarians and the National Eastern Parks and Monuments Association. With funding from the North Carolina Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, in 1994, she produced a documentary recording on North Carolina Heritage Award winner Ora Watson, a traditional fiddler and singer. She completed her own recording, The Unclouded Day, in 1996. She produced and directed a documentary film titled Blue Ridge Shape Notes: Singing a New Song in an Old Way in 2004. Nearly two hundred regional shape-note singers participated in the production of this film.
Her interest in traditional culture also includes crafts. In the early 1990s she conducted research documenting traditional basket makers in western North Carolina. She curated an exhibit on these basketmakers in 2005 at the Appalachian Cultural Museum.
Mary has coordinated, and performed at, numerous festivals, events, and concerts presenting regional traditions to schoolchildren, adults, newcomers and tourists. She also taught a course in Appalachian Music at Appalachian State University and has conducted dulcimer playing and traditional arts residencies in the public schools. She teaches music in Ashe County Public Schools.
Mary Greene is available for lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and performances as her time allows.
School or Classroom Programs
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Wesley Iwundu drafted by Magic in second round of NBA Draft
The former K-State forward is headed to Orlando
By Greg Woods and AMS Jun 22, 2017, 10:06pm CDT
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Wesley Iwundu can pack his bags for Orlando.
The former Kansas State forward was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the 33rd overall pick in the second round in the NBA Draft Thursday night, becoming the first Wildcat to be drafted since Michael Beasley and Bill Walker went in the first and second rounds, respectively, in 2008.
Iwundu, at 6-foot-7, looks to be able to translate his game to the NBA. A two-way player whose wingspan stretches seven feet, Iwundu flashed prowess on both sides of the ball at K-State. He’ll be able to guard both shooting guards and small forwards at the next level.
Iwundu’s path to the NBA is one that is increasingly old-fashioned. He wasn’t a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, and he wasn’t a star for K-State until his junior year. But he has developed and polished his game all through college, turning into an accomplished all-around player.
He ended his K-State career with more than 1,200 points, 600 rebounds, 350 assists, 100 steals, and 50 blocks. As a senior, he averaged 13 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1 steal per game, averaging 31.4 minutes.
In four seasons at K-State, he played in every game except one, the season-opener his sophomore year (a 30-point victory over Southern Utah).
Expect further coverage tonight, focusing on Iwundu’s ability to fit in Orlando’s system.
More From Bring On The Cats
Slate: Connecticut and Notre Dame, yawn; Royals yay!
K-State Sports Bracket - Final Four
Slate: Series losses and second chances
K-State prez Kirk Schulz thinks court-storming's just fine
JUCO PG Corlbe Ervin commits to K-State
Bring on the Podcast: K-State hoops with Joel Jellison
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Tributes for Broadcast vocalist Trish Keenan
Tributes have been paid to a “brilliant” Birmingham singer who has died of swine flu.
Trish Keenan’s fans included former radio DJ John Peel and Simpsons creator Matt Groening.
The 42-year-old singer of the band Broadcast died in hospital on January 14 from pneumonia after contracting the virus while on tour in Australia. The band’s former guitarist Tim Felton paid tribute to Ms Keenan, describing her as a passionate and brilliant singer.
Ms Keenan is thought to have contracted the H1N1 virus while on tour in Australia, and had been in a coma at Warwick Hospital since New Year’s Day.
Mr Felton, who was one of the founding members of the cult band alongside Ms Keenan, her partner James Cargill and keyboardist Roj Stevens, said: “I knew she was ill but obviously the reality’s a bit different ... it’s tragic, awful.
“She was quite a complex character; many good things, many bad things, just like anyone. She was very passionate about music, very strong willed and really loyal, but she also loved a good argument.
“She had a wonderful sense of melody, a great songwriter; she was very driven about that and lyrically she brought a lot of energy into her words and would constantly work at them, and because of that there was a wonderful sense of ‘otherworldliness’ about her songs.”
Mr Felton said he first met Ms Keenan in the late 80s and the band was set up in the early 90s.
“We were friends first, we’d go to clubs, hang out and listen to music together, then the band took off and I left in 2004,” he explained.
“I spoke to her occasionally over the last few years and we’d see each other occasionally, but [when I was in Broadcast] we spent 10 years in constant daily contact.”
Formed in the early 1990s, Broadcast were one of a clutch of local electronic bands at that time which also included Pram and Plone.
They released their debut album The Noise Made By People in 2000. along with three other albums including 2009’s Broadcast and The Focus Group Investigate Witch Cults of the Radio Age.
Their song The Book Lovers featured on the soundtrack of the film Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.
Championed by Radio One's John Peel, Broadcast’s fans include Paul Weller, Blur guitarist Graham Coxon, singer/actress Zooey Deschanel and Simpsons’ creator Matt Groening.
The band was chosen by Groening to perform at the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival he curated last May in Minehead, Somerset.
When Mr Felton left the band in 2004, Ms Keenan and Mr Cargill continued as a duo, later moving from Birmingham to Hungerford in Berkshire.
Mr Felton said Ms Keenan returned to Birmingham from Australia for Christmas and on New Year’s Eve complained of chest pains. Her mother took her to hospital, but she was sent home after doctors failed to find anything wrong.
She returned to hospital the following day and was diagnosed with swine flu and pneumonia, Mr Felton added.
He said she was taken to Warwick Hospital because there were not enough beds with the right equipment in Birmingham.
“She lost consciousness on New Year’s Day and never recovered,” he explained.
Writing on social networking site Twitter, Blur guitarist Graham Coxon said Ms Keenan’s death was “devastating news” while She and Him singer Zooey Deschanel wrote that she was “terribly sad” and called Ms Keenan a “very talented woman”.
Mr Felton paid his own touching tribute to his friend and former bandmate.
He said: “She was never shy, she’d always say what she thought – she didn’t mind upsetting people outside the band.
“If she felt pressured to respond in a certain way, she wouldn’t; she was very strong willed which was a great thing and might seem as a contrast to the [beautiful] voice – she wasn’t a ‘girly’ girl in any way, but in the same way very sensitive.
"Often I’d be on stage and look round at her singing and be overwhelmed at just how brilliant she was.”
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sanction for contempt
Subscribe to sanction for contempt
By Glenn Gibson & Christina Doria on December 8, 2021
In Thrive Capital Management Ltd. v. Noble 1324, 2021 ONCA 722, the Ontario Court of Appeal reversed a Superior Court’s judgment against Noble 1324 Inc. for contempt of court for the failure to disclose their assets and account for money paid in respect of real estate investments. The Superior Court ordered two alleged fraudsters to repay at least $9 million to investors as a sentence for being found in contempt of court, notwithstanding that the trial on the merits had not been heard. In allowing the appeal, the Ontario Court of Appeal offered important guidance on strategic considerations and remedies when a party is dealing with a party who refuses to comply with court orders.…
Continue Reading Judgment is not a Sanction for Contempt: Ontario Court of Appeal Offers Guidance on the Enforcement of Orders in Fraud Proceedings
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Calhoun W. Cox, Jr., Founder
Cal Cox grew up in Seneca, South Carolina and received his Bachelor of Science from Clemson University in 1964.
He served in the Army Corps of Engineers/Special Forces for seven years and is a veteran of the Vietnam War.
Cal worked in the construction industry for 36 years and founded Calcon Constructors in 1981 in Denver, Colorado.
Throughout the years, Cal served as the President of the Associated General Contractors of Colorado, as well as on numerous boards and committees.
James P. Bosshart, Co-Founder and Chairman
Jim graduated with distinction from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering.
Jim co-founded Calcon Constructors in 1981 and currently serves as Chairman. He is involved in all business aspects, including marketing, estimating, project management and office management.
Jim is very involved in the industry; he has served on many committees, including a position as Executive Committee Board of Directors for the Associated General Contractors of Colorado.
Joseph S. Gallion, Jr., CEO
Joe, who received his education from Colorado State University, has been with Calcon since 1982, and currently serves as the company’s CEO.
Joe is responsible for all business aspects, including: marketing, estimating, project management and field management.
He remains very active in the construction industry, and has held positions as the Chairman of Colorado Neurological Institute, Chairman of the Board for Southwest Family YMCA and as the past President of the Construction Industry Training Council.
Presently, Joe sits on the board of AGC Colorado and is a member of the National Western Stock Show.
When not in the office, Joe enjoys golfing, skiing, cycling and traveling.
Brian Mortimore, President
Brian has been with Calcon since 1999 and is currently a President of the company. He is a proud CSU alumnus and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management.
With over 20 years of experience in Project Management, Brian is a vital asset to Calcon’s customers and vendors.
Brian has completed many notable projects for Calcon in the retail, technical, healthcare and mixed-use categories.
He is LEED AP certified and a Certified Healthcare Constructor.
In his free time, Brian enjoys golf, the outdoors and spending family time with his wife and twin girls.
Jim Kohler, Vice President
Jim Kohler, whose experience encompasses both architecture and construction, joined the Calcon Team in 1994.
He graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master’s of Science in Construction Management.
He is a Vice President and a stockholder, and also serves as a Senior Project Manager and Estimator.
Jim handles pre-construction, estimating and project management for Calcon’s projects, seeing them through construction, closeout and warranty
He has been involved with some of Calcon’s more notable projects and is an active member of the Association of General Contractors.
When not in the office, Jim loves ski racing, dirt biking and cycling.
Jeff Johnson, Vice President
Jeff joined Calcon in 2007 and is currently a Vice President of the company.
He has a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from CSU and brings 19 years of Project Management experience to the table.
Jeff has completed many of Calcon’s most notable builds in the healthcare industry, including: specialty medical facilities, medical office buildings and hospitals.
Jeff is a LEED Green Associate, Certified Healthcare Constructor and a member of CAHED and ASHE.
When not at work, Jeff enjoys time with his wife and two girls.
Jim Van Zant, Vice President
Jim joined the Calcon family in 1986 and has been in involved in many of our most notable builds.
Jim graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Construction Management.
He is currently a Vice President and also serves as a Senior Project Manager. He handles pre-construction, estimating and project management for Calcon’s projects, seeing them through construction, closeout and warranty
Jim presently serves as Treasurer and on the Board of Directors for the Construction Industry Training Council (CITC), which offers apprenticeship programs for the construction trades. He is also a member of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering and has received their Healthcare Contractor’s Certificate. He has served as an instructor for a project management class offered by Associated General Contractors.
When not in the office, Jim enjoys the outdoors, his family and his ever growing motorcycle collection.
About Calcon
What We Build
About Calcon Constructors
Building for Colorado since 1981
Calcon Constructors prides itself on executing a construction experience that is second-to-none. We aim to provide the finest of construction services for each and every client.
In fact, over the last three decades, we have perfected the art of tailoring our services to fit our clients’ diverse needs and design visions.
We aim to produce the highest quality standards and workmanship to satisfy even the most select clients.
“We do what we say and more.”
With each and every endeavor, our employees deliver exceptional performances, consistently going out of their way to exceed expectations.
During the course of a project, every employee is empowered to make critical decisions, and is therefore accountable for every related outcome. Ultimately, this sense of ownership, empowerment and responsibility leads to an inspired workforce and successful outcomes.
The Calcon way achieves even greater success for our clients, partners and employees.
Calcon Company Values:
Community, Creativity, Quality, Responsibility, Safety, Community, Creativity, Quality, Responsibility, Safety,
“Our goal is not to be the largest general contractor in Colorado— just the finest.”
2007 AGC National Construction Safety Excellence Award
2011 Pinnacol Circle of Safety Award
2015 AGC Colorado Zero Incidence Rate Safety Award
2016 Bronze AGC Ace Award for “Best Project” ($10 Million – $40 Million)
Let’s build a better Colorado together.
Contact the Colorado construction experts at Calcon today to turn your construction dream into a reality.
CONFIDENCE | TRUST | FOR COLORADO’S COMMUNITIES | SMART SOLUTIONS | INNOVATION | PREMIUM QUALITY | WITH THE FUTURE IN MIND | EXCELLENCE | BECAUSE WE LOVE TO
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The Chisholm Trail: step by step
The ‘Chisholm Trail’ would be a premier cycling route in Cambridge running north to south, following much of the railway line.
Map copyright (c) OpenStreetMap and contributors licenced CCbySA 2.0
The Science Park station is progressing and should greatly benefit people who live or work in the north of Cambridge. The new station should also relieve the congested area around the central train station of a large number of car journeys. Cambridgeshire County Council presented outline plans for the new station on 22 March, receiving much input from local residents. As the newsletter went to press, it was discussed again on 17 May as part of the Northern Corridor Area Transport Plan.
The County Council has not set a date for the completion of the Chisholm Trail. Rather, it seems to be considered as a project to be completed as elements become available for implementation. But the benefits of a ‘cycle and pedestrian bridge along the alignment of the rail corridor, possibly cantilevered from the existing rail bridge or possibly an independent structure’ [North Area Committee Agenda] seem to be well understood at the council. This so-called Chesterton Cycle Bridge could cost up to £1,500,000, subject to further study, and would be a key and probably the most expensive element of the Chisholm Trail. It would connect with ramps down to Fen Road near the level crossing and the National Cycle Network on the Jubilee path. This bridge would bring the Science Park station within walking distance for people in Fen Ditton.
Cambridgeshire’s cycling czar on the Chisholm Trail
Cambridgeshire’s new Cycling Champion, Councillor Martin Curtis, has viewed the Chisholm Trail from a bike. The trail minimises its impact by going alongside the railway line, as an alternative to walking or cycling across Stourbridge Common and the busy Green Dragon Bridge. The new developments will also provide a safe route for residents from the north of Cambridge to reach the area between Newmarket Road and Addenbrooke’s and will take many cycle commuters to the Science Park away from Water Lane and Green End Road.
Travel the Trail click by click
The northern bridge on Newmarket Road has spare arches; the southern one would require drilling.
The trail may have to go around the ramblers’ bridge on Stourbridge Common.
The Campaign will work hard to ensure that the Chisholm Trail is easily accessible, despite some difficulties, as much of the Trail goes on Network Rail land and some of it through little-known industrial estates. To view the Cyclestreets image gallery of the areas and find out more about the Trail, visit http://www.camcycle.org.uk/campaigning/cycleroutes/chisholmtrail/. Here you can also follow the railway track from Milton Road to Cambridge Station click by click, showing each image with its location on a map or aerial picture.
Access from Moss Bank (houses, above) could link the trail with the new station.
Klaas Brümann
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Israeli General to Lebanon: Becoming Iranian Missile 'Pawn' a Dangerous Game
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Anti-Semitism Rising, But So Is Aliyah to Israel
7:00AM EDT 9/9/2014 David Parsons
Anti-Semitism against Jews is growing rapidly worldwide. (Reuters file photo)
In late May, a young man showed up one afternoon outside the Jewish Museum in Brussels, located on a quiet street in the heart of the Belgian capital. Wearing a baseball cap and a "Go-Pro" camera mounted on his chest, he proceeded to take out a .38 revolver and a Kalashnikov rifle from a satchel and fire upon people at the museum entrance.
Within seconds, he had gunned down an Israeli couple, a French woman and a museum worker and then fled the scene.
A week later, the trail led police to Mehdi Nemmouche, a 29-year old French-Algerian criminal, who, after being released from jail in Paris in 2012, went to Syria to join the ranks of the Islamic State terror militia and recently returned to France thirsting to shed Jewish blood. As in the Toulouse shooting two years ago, the shooter had hoped to film his exploits to boost recruiting. Now awaiting trial back in Brussels, he is believed to be the first European jihadist to volunteer in the Syrian war and then return to kill in Europe.
But with ISIS now rampaging across Iraq and slaughtering every "infidel" in its path, European leaders are worried there will be many more like Nemmouche. Officials in Britain, for instance, are concerned that twice as many British Muslims have opted to join ISIS in Iraq and Syria than are currently serving in the British army.
Add to this growing threat the dramatic surge in anti-Semitic incidents across Europe in the wake of Israel's efforts to end Hamas rocket attacks from Gaza over recent months, and we are looking at a very volatile mix.
The Anti-Defamation League just released a study that found a sudden spike in the number of anti-Semitic incidents worldwide, particularly in Europe, since the beginning of the IDF's Operation Protective Edge in Gaza in early July. This included physical assaults on Jews; threats and intimidation; damage to Jewish synagogues, homes and businesses; public hate speech; declarations invoking blood libels and Nazi atrocities; and anti-Semitic political cartoons. The majority of the incidents occurred throughout Europe, but others were reported in South Africa, Australia, Turkey, Canada, Morocco and several Latin American countries.
Though many of those involved said they were only expressing anger at Israel, in most incidents this quickly lapsed into hatred of Jews in general. Protesters often chanted "death to the Jews" and held up signs comparing Zionism to Nazism.
In Paris, several synagogues have come under siege by violent mobs. Near the Peace Palace in The Hague, Muslim crowds have repeatedly held demonstrations featuring the black flag of ISIS and calls for Jews to "remember Khybar"—a reference to the massacre of Jews in that Arabian town carried out with Muhammad's assent.
In Frankfurt, a rabbi received a phone call threatening to kill 30 of the city's Jews. Elsewhere, a rabbi was assaulted in Casablanca in retribution for the Gaza campaign, breaking his nose and ribs. In far-off Australia, hooligans jumped onto a bus filled with Jewish students and threatened them harm.
Meanwhile, both Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan have joined Hollywood stars in accusing Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza.
Given this decrepit state of affairs, it is no wonder that aliyah to Israel is up over recent months, including a rise of 162 percent from Western Europe. This includes a 250 percent increase from France compared to last year. In fact, as many as 5,000 French Jews—a full 1 percent of the community—are expected to move to Israel this year alone. That is an unprecedented figure for a Western country.
Many are being pushed out by the surge in anti-Semitism while also being lured by the prospect of finding better jobs in Israel.
Jewish Agency chairman Natan Sharansky even claimed that Israel has taken in more Jewish immigrants than Hamas rockets over recent months.
Many of these newcomers to Israel are fleeing from Ukraine, where the civil war against Russian separatists in the east of the country has intensified. Over recent months, this conflict has turned into urban warfare between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian forces, emptying entire cities of their populations. This includes thousands of Jews now living in refugee camps in western Ukraine, many of whom are deciding to move to Israel. Aliyah from the Ukraine has doubled so far this year.
Yet many elderly Jews remain shut up in their homes in eastern Ukraine. There is no power or running water in many towns, the trains have stopped operating, shooting and mortar fire can be heard all around, and competing militias have set up roadblocks everywhere demanding bribes for safe passage.
Nonetheless, efforts are under way to send in rescue teams to bring many isolated and internally displaced Jews in the Ukraine out to safety. The Jewish Agency has asked the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem to help fund these rescue efforts, which eventually will lead to their aliyah to Israel.
Understanding that they must be brought out to safety while immigration authorities are expediting their paperwork, the ICEJ has handed over enough funds to assist several hundred Jews awaiting flights to Israel. We also have committed to help fund this most urgent humanitarian mission to rescue trapped Jews still in eastern Ukraine, but we need your gifts to make it happen.
Meanwhile, the next set of ICEJ-sponsored aliyah flights for the Bnei Menashe community in northeast India is expected in November. This, too, is a great humanitarian effort to bring home an ancient Israelite tribe that has been waiting 2,700 years to return to the land of their forefathers.
David Parsons is the Media and Public Relations Director for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. The ICEJ has helped more than 115,000 Jews as they made aliyah to Israel. www.icejusa.org.
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Income inequality is one of the greatest challenges we face in the United States and there is no place where this is more obvious than New York.
New York’s shrinking middle class is a crisis that must be addressed. While rents keep going up, income remains flat for most New Yorkers. From Bay Ridge to Brighton Beach, people cannot afford to live in their neighborhoods anymore. Parents who planned on raising their children where they grew up themselves, find that they cannot afford to stay in their own neighborhood. Everything has become too expensive. Seniors see their children unable to stay nearby and far too often find themselves unable to afford even the most modest apartment.
Here are five key proposals that Chris McCreight believes we must do to help the middle class in Brooklyn:
1) Fix the Unfair Property Tax Assessment System in New York City.
Right now, Bay Ridge are assessed at a higher rate than homeowners in other neighborhoods like Park Slope. Make sense? Of course not! Bay Ridge is assessed over 4% of market value when, in Park Slope, it is closer to 1%! Not only does it not make sense, it is just not fair. This must be remedied immediately.
2) Create Policies That Allow Small Businesses to Succeed.
Small businesses do not just provide our neighborhoods their unique character. From 3rd Avenue in Bay Ridge to 13th Avenue in Dyker Heights to Mermaid Avenue in Coney Island, mom and pop shops employ thousands of people. Small business owners are the economic engine of America and we need policies that allow them to thrive. We must stop overburdening them with fees and unfair tax policies.
3) Protect renters and fix the NYCHA crisis.
Right now, Albany has too much control over New York City rent laws. There's no reason a Senator who represents a district that borders Canada should be setting housing policy in New York City. We must protect renters, especially seniors, by strengthening laws and weakening the grip the real estate lobby has on Albany.
New York should be ashamed of itself for the state of NYCHA. We cannot continue to wait for assistance from the federal government, especially under the Trump administration. New York State must step in with emergency repairs.
4) Pass Universal Health Care in New York.
Last year, the New York State Assembly passed the New York Health Act. Unfortunately, it did not even come up for a vote in the Republican-controlled State Senate. A bill like this would help lower health care costs for the middle class without burdening the state financially. With this plan, there would be no co-pays or deductibles, often a hurdle people face before even considering going to see a doctor.
5) Reinstate the Commuter Tax.
Until 1999, commuters from the suburbs paid a small tax for the use of New York City’s services (Fire, Police, and Transit). This tax on suburban workers (not New York City residents) was removed in a misguided political backroom deal. If reinstated, New Yorkers will no longer see subway fares and bridge tolls skyrocket. It will take strong political will to resurrect the Commuter Tax but it is the right thing to do for all New Yorkers.
But wait, there's one more:
6) Pass Meaningful Campaign Finance Reform.
We need to end the rigged system where campaign contributors and lobbyists influence politicians with their money. Passing legislation should be beneficial to all New Yorkers, not just special interests.
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CDC report: Abortions increased slightly in 2018
CP U.S. | Tuesday, December 01, 2020
By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter | Tuesday, December 01, 2020
A general view of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, September 30, 2014. | (Photo: Reuters/Tami Chappell
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control found that the number of abortions conducted in the United States rose slightly from 2017 to 2018, reversing a consistent decline that began in 2009.
The CDC’s annual Abortion Surveillance Report was released Friday. The most recent installment of the Abortion Surveillance Report, which documents “the number and characteristics of women obtaining legal induced abortions and number of abortion-related deaths in the United States,” includes data from 2018. Based on data collected from 47 states and New York City, the CDC found that a total of 614,820 abortions were performed in 2018.
This number represents a slight increase from the 609,095 abortions performed in the reporting areas in 2017. Adding in data from the District of Columbia brought the number of abortions performed in 2018 up to 619,591. In both 2017 and 2018, data from California, Maryland and New Hampshire was not included.
As explained in the report, “In 2017, the most recent year for which data are available through the Guttmacher Institute’s national survey of abortion-providing facilities, abortions performed in California, Maryland, and New Hampshire accounted for approximately 19% of all abortions in the United States.” Because reporting abortion data to the CDC is voluntary, the figures included in the report might not reflect the actual number of abortions performed in the U.S. in 2018.
Nationwide, the abortion rate, the number of abortions per 1,000 women, was measured at 11.3 in 2018. This represents a slight increase from 2017, when the abortion rate was 11.2. The abortion ratio, the number of abortions per 1,000 live births, was 189 in 2018, a slight increase from the abortion ratio of 185 in 2017.
Despite the increases in the number of abortions, the abortion rate and the abortion ratio , the numbers have declined overall since 2009. “From 2009 to 2018, the total number of reported abortions, abortion rate, and abortion ratio decreased 22% (from 786,621), 24% (from 14.9 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years), and 16% (from 224 abortions per 1,000 live births,) respectively,” the report noted.
“From 2009 to 2018, abortion rates decreased among all age groups, although the decreases for adolescents (64% and 55% for adolescents aged < 15 and 15–19 years, respectively) were greater than the decreases for women in all older age groups"
Only 31 of the reporting areas included information about the race and ethnicity of the women who had abortions. Based on the data available, the abortion rate was highest in the non-Hispanic black community, with 21.2 abortions per 1,000 women and 335 abortions per 1,000 live births. “In 2018, compared with non-Hispanic White women, abortion rates and ratios were 3.4 and 3.0 times higher among non-Hispanic Black women and 1.7 and 1.4 times higher among Hispanic women,” the report concluded.
The CDC report attributes the high abortion rate among non-Hispanic black women to “higher unintended pregnancy rates and a greater percentage of unintended pregnancies ending in abortion,” caused by inequitable “access to quality family planning services.”
Of all the reporting areas, the densely populated metropolis of New York City had the highest abortion rate, with 26.8 abortions per 1,000 women. The Big Apple also had the highest abortion ratio, with 457 abortions per 1,000 live births.
Sparsely populated South Dakota had the lowest abortion rate of the reporting areas, with 2.4 abortions per 1,000 women. South Dakota was also the reporting area with the lowest abortion ratio, with 32 abortions per 1,000 live births.
The report included data about abortion-related deaths dating back to 1973, when the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalized abortion nationwide. In 2017, the most recent year where such data is available, there were two abortion-related deaths reported to the CDC. Based on that figure, 2017 tied with 2011 as the year with the lowest number of abortion-related deaths.
The case-fatality rate, defined as “the number of legal induced abortion-related deaths per 100,000 reported legal induced abortions,” has also reached a record low. The report, which computed case-fatality rates for consecutive five-year periods between 1973 and 2017, found that the case-fatality rate was 0.44 from 2013 through 2017. In 1973-1977, by contrast, the case-fatality rate was 2.09.
CDC Report: Abortion Rate Drops to 18 Percent, But 1 in 5 Pregnancies Still End in Abortion
Abortion Rate Falls to Record Lows in U.S., CDC Report Finds
Over 35% of Babies Aborted in 2013 Were Black: CDC Report
Abortions in America Drop to Historic Low; CDC Report Credits Contraception
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Acasa/Blog, Harlan Ullman, Pace & Securitate, Subiecte/History should matter II
History should matter II
President Barack Obama has come under increasing criticism for being weak, vacillating in the use of American power. The infamous “red line” drawn over Bashir al Assad’s use of chemical weapons, along with allegations of failing to act more decisively in Syria and Ukraine and the infamous and seemingly toothless “pivot to Asia” are exhibits a, b and c in these allegations. Allies and partners around the world are described as alarmed over the seeming absence of U.S. leadership along with a rapid decline in the authority of and respect for America.
But wait—-have we not been here before? Pick a year. 1968 is a good choice. In late January, North Korea high-jacked USS Pueblo on the open seas, the first time a U.S. Navy ship was captured since the war of 1812. One week later, the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong launched the Tet Offensive. Despite the destruction of the invading force, television icon Walter Cronkite would declare the war all but lost.
Amidst the riots over Vietnam, Johnson declared he would not seek his party’s nomination for president. A week later in April, Martin Luther King was assassinated. The Secret Service declared Chicago to dangerous for Johnson to attend the Democratic convention that nominated Hubert Humphrey for president. And while other reasons for LBJ’s absence were clear, riots broke out regardless that marred the convention.
Later that summer, Leonid Brezhnev, leader of the Soviet Union declared his doctrine and sent the Red Army into Czechoslovakia to crush the Prague Spring. America’s reputation was in tatters. Red China as it was then called was flexing its muscles. And of course the march of the Soviet Union towards military superiority in nuclear and conventional arms over the west seemed inexorable.
Still, some believe today is unique and conditions far more dangerous and unstable than in the past accelerated by American weakness and lack of leadership. If 1968 is not to your liking, try 1973 (the October Yom Kippur War and the U.S. nuclear alert); 1974 and Nixon’s resignation; 1982 and the crisis in Europe over Euromissiles; and the economic crises of 2007 and 2008 as other examples when conditions were not very healthy.
Too often, as Mark Twain observed in a different context, America has been counted out. But do not count on that. Yes, this column has been very critical of the Obama administration (as it had been of George W. Bush) both domestically and internationally. This White House is long on sweeping rhetoric and promises and too often absent when it comes to implementing policy or taking action, the Osama bin Laden mission withstanding.
The dismal roll-out of the Affordable Health Care Act and the absence of compelling narratives to explain to America publics policy choices for Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Syria, North Korea and Iran for example are inexplicable. Yet why do we tolerate North Korea with its boy leader as a nuclear weapons state while declaring Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions unacceptable? The White House has failed to articulate its positions.
Foreign friends and adversaries alike may gripe about the failure of U.S. leadership. But let us be very careful in responding to those charges as much as the “loyal opposition” would like to use them to discredit this administration and blacken the record of the leading Democratic contender for the nomination, Hillary Clinton. The Democrats did the same to George W. Bush and John McCain although, in fairness, the war in Iraq was the greatest blunder since the Cold War and two administrations have failed and will fail in Afghanistan.
The United States is the most powerful country in the world economically and militarily. Exercising power however is far more complicated. In the case of the military, it is impossible to defeat by force of arms alone an adversary that possesses no army, navy or air force without other tools of statecraft and economic development—tools that have yet to be perfected. And, as much of the danger stems from radical religious ideologies, mounting counter-campaigns to discredit and rebuke these perversions of Islam has proven beyond the reach of both Republican and Democratic administrations.
Too many crises today have no solution let alone a good one. As in Syria and elsewhere, the choices may be between worse, worst and “worstest.” That American politics has descended to the circles of Hell is not also helpful.
No easy solution exists. A better explanation by the White House of its policy choices is crucial. And a better understanding of history can at least mitigate exaggerating every crisis as the worst in our lifetimes.
By Harlan Ullman|2017-11-14T21:28:11+02:0027 mai 2014|Blog, Harlan Ullman, Pace & Securitate, Subiecte|0 Comentarii
Ce urmează pentru Erdogan după estul Mediteranei şi Caucaz?
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Climate for Change
FACT Centre, Wood Street (13th March - 31st May 2009)
Reviewed by Adam Ford
Over the past year or so, as the global credit crunch has turned to recession and inevitable depression, the idea that the current way of organising society is unsustainable has become almost commonplace.
In the United States, a relatively unknown Chicago politician has risen to the presidency, basing his whole campaign on the vague buzzword of 'change'. As each day passes, it is becoming clearer that this was just as cynical as any other marketing technique. However, it inspired many millions to fanatically support him, and this illustrates a hunger for different ways of doing things. Those in power might be unable and unwilling to keep up, but FACT has plugged into this mood, with a thought-provoking exhibition and series of events.
The enormity of the economic crisis dominates the upstairs Gallery 2, in the shape of Melanie Gilligan’s short film ‘Crisis in the Credit System’. This is the first artwork I’ve seen that registers the sheer panic of the current situation. The shredding of old ideas about how financial markets and economies work – essentially that they would go on expanding indefinitely – is realistically brought to the screen, as five bank employees describe their own personal crisis, and grasp in vain for understanding. But beyond this emotional effect and a torrent of suddenly everyday news terms like ‘fundamentals’, ‘derivatives’ and ‘volatility’, it seems Gilligan herself doesn’t understand why the bubble has burst, and she sees no way forward beyond the ‘regulations’ a character tamely proposes towards the end. Of course, she’s not exactly alone in that; none of the ‘financial wizards’ have much of a clue either.
Nik Kosmas and Daniel Keller’s ‘Forever’ rests in the opposite corner. An installation created during the last few weeks, it is a post-apocalyptic computer terminal which plays a Windows 98 screensaver ‘forever’, or at least until the electricity shuts off. It isn’t a stunning artistic achievement, but it certainly reflects soaring levels of anxiety about the years ahead.
‘New York Times – Special Edition’ is the final work on show in Gallery 2. This spoof newspaper generated thousands of real life headlines last November, one week after the election of Barack Obama, when it was distributed free of charge in Manhattan. The front page splash for July 4th 2009 is ‘Iraq War Ends’, and each of the fourteen pages is crammed with stories that American liberals would no doubt love to see. The paper is well put together and humorous, but it is also effectively dated, due to Obama’s systematic attacks on the hopes of all but the richest of those who put him in power.
Two intriguing projects are based in the Media Lounge. Designed by Danish collective N55, ‘SHOP’ is an attempt to create a moneyless economy in a world without borders, where people effectively barter with each other, offering and exchanging goods and services. The project has been running since 2002, and whilst it hasn’t brought about the end of the profit system, it has challenged beliefs in its permanence. ‘Ghana Think Tank’ also stands conventional wisdom on its head, giving majority world citizens a chance to offer advice on Western problems.
But it is Gallery 1 that will be the hub of the FACT’s extremely ambitious project. For ten weeks, it will host scores of meetings, discussions and workshops, each supposedly challenging the crisis-ridden status quo in some way, whether from an economic perspective, an environmental one, or some combination of the two. And on one wall there is a display where visitors are invited to describe how they imagine the ‘perfect’ Liverpool of 2050. Some of these imaginings are silly, such as five-person dragon rides across the Mersey, but others appear more possible, like free summer cinema screenings in Sefton Park.
Why can’t we be materially secure and have fluffy environmental niceness? Why must we live insecure, alienated lives that poison the planet?
From 8pm on 8th April in Gallery 1, I will be taking part in a discussion organised by Shift magazine. I will argue that an economically and environmentally sustainable future cannot be created within a system of rival capitalist states, and that the international working class must take control of the planet to save the human species and millions of others from catastrophe. I will also be arguing for those free summer cinema screenings in Sefton Park.
From 1pm on 26th April, the third part in a series of discussions initiated by Mute and Variant magazines questions the existing framework for independent cultural practitioners. Does commercialisation enhance or corrode 'critical' culture? Why does an institutional turn to 'openness', collaborative and politicised art practices coincide with privatisation? How will the financial crisis impact on arts funding and cultural practice and what would be a 'sustainable' alternative? With panellists: Leigh French (Variant), Anthony Davies (Writer), David Jacques (artist), Ritchie Hunter (Nerve). Chair: Josephine Berry Slater (Mute)
Click here for the Gallery 1 calendar.
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Mystery Road (15)
Directed and written by Ivan Sen
Picturehouse, Liverpool
Reviewed by Colin Serjent
This movie, set in contemporary Australia, resembles an American western at times, with aboriginal detective Jay Swan (Aaron Pedersen) almost looking the part of a sheriff from that genre, all he was missing was a tin star attached to his shirt!
He finds himself embroiled in a no-win situation. He is not trusted by his own community, the aboriginal folks who reside in a small town in the Queensland outback, nor the white community, many of whom are openly racist towards him.
The plot treads familiar ground - the death of an aboriginal teenager, who is found with her throat cut by a highway outside of town, but the film diversifies the story with a menacing and oppressive air, as Swan tries to uncover the killer.
His intensive investigation into the murder leads to him unravelling drug and prostitution rings as well as police corruption - surprise, surprise!.
As well as Mystery Road, with the signpost seen in the opening credits, there is also the aptly named Massacre Creek, which adds an extra foreboding to the setting of the movie.
In a strong cast, there is a notable performance by bent cop Johnno (Hugo Weaving - V For Vendetta)
The cinematography By multi-talented Ivan Sen, who was also director, scriptwriter and music composer. also deserves praise. Shot in widescreen, it lends a greater dimension to the aerial shots of Swan driving his car through town and the stunning outdoor locations.
I found the shoot-out in the closing stages a bit B-western-like but nevertheless this is a memorable film.
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AG Brad Schimel Vows to Fight Human Trafficking
By: Bill Walsh Facebook | Twitter
Posted: Apr 5, 2016 8:50 PM CST | Updated: Apr 5, 2016 8:53 PM CST
Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel came on the CBS 58 News at 4 to talk about his fight against human trafficking.
A November, 2015 online article in The Guardian calls the city of Milwaukee "the Harvard of pimp school," a saying Schimel does not dispute. "It's an awkward metaphor, but there's some validity to that," Schimel said, "We have exported training to pimps in other communities nationwide, we have also transported victims to other communities."
The Attorney General says the problem is hard to fight, in part because so many factors can lead to a child being lured into the sex trade. "Economics is a part of it, there are a lot of issues, substance abuse, mental health. A lot of factors play a role in it," Schimel said
Schimel says he is working to combat the problem on the criminal justice side. "We should move towards stiffer penalties for it. Both in changing our law and convincing our courts to set stiffer penalties," he said.
But Schimel is also working with churches and other various organizations around the state to try and get help to victims. That help can be key in ensuring that a victim stays out of the sex trade "A victim of trafficking doesn't just need a place to stay for tonight after law enforcement makes contact, they're going to need a place to stay for months, and we're going to have to have resources to get them back on their feet," Schimel said.
Schimel says that this problem will not be solved by law enforcement alone, it will take effort from the entire community. "This wouldn't exist if there weren't a demand for it. Out there, there are men who are willing to pay money to have sex with children who are being forced into this. We have to go after them... we can't accept this as a community," he said.
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CDC Newsroom
New CDC study shows changes in breast cancer death rates by age group
Embargoed Until: Thursday, October 13, 2016, 1:00 p.m. ET
Breast cancer mortality is decreasing for both black and white women, especially among younger women. However, even though death rates are going down, we need to do more to level the field.
Breast cancer death rates among women decreased during 2010-2014, but racial differences persisted, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in this week’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The findings show changes for death rates from breast cancer by age group for black and white women, the groups with the highest death rates in the United States.
“Our latest data suggest some improvement for black women when it comes to disparities,” said Lisa Richardson, MD, Director of CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. “First, the decline in deaths suggests that white and black women under 50 are benefiting equally from cancer treatments. Second, we’re hopeful the lack of difference in death rates between black and white women under 50 will start to be seen in older women.”
Data highlights
There was a faster decrease in breast cancer death rates for white women ( 1.9% per year) than black women ( 1.5 percent per year) between 2010 and 2014.
Among women under age 50, breast cancer death rates decreased at the same pace for black and white women.
The largest difference by race was among women ages 60–69 years: breast cancer death rates dropped 2.0 percent per year among white women, compared with 1.0 percent per year among black women.
The authors noted that the drop in death rates among women may be due to improved education about the importance of appropriate breast cancer screening and treatment, as well as women having access to personalized and cutting-edge treatment.
“The good news is that overall rates of breast cancer are decreasing among black women. However, when compared with white women, the likelihood that a black woman will die after a breast cancer diagnosis is still considerably higher,” said Jacqueline Miller, M.D., and medical director of CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
What can be done to reduce breast cancer risk
Personalized medical treatments combined with community-based cancer control efforts that ensure adequate follow-up and treatment after a cancer diagnosis could help decrease breast cancer death rates faster and reduce differences among black and white women.
Women can take steps to help reduce their breast cancer risk by knowing their family history of cancer, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting recommended cancer screenings.
CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services for low-income, uninsured, and underserved women. It is the largest organized cancer screening program in the U.S. and offers free or low cost mammograms to women who qualify.
CDC’s Bring Your Brave campaign provides information about breast cancer to women younger than age 45 by sharing real stories about young women whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.
The United States Cancer Statistics web-based report contains the official federal statistics on newly diagnosed cancer cases. CDC and the National Cancer Institute have combined their cancer incidence data sources to produce these statistics. Mortality data are from CDC’s National Vital Statistics System. CDC provides support for states and territories to maintain registries that provide high-quality data through the National Program of Cancer Registries.
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Ninth Circuit Rejects Private Suits Against Funds Under 13(a)
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that shareholders do not have a private right of action to sue mutual funds for violations of Section 13(a) of the Investment Company Act, which requires a shareholder vote to change concentration policies. The plaintiff sued a mutual fund company alleged to have violated Section 13(a) by over-concentrating bond fund investments in subprime mortgage securities. The Ninth Circuit reversed the District Court’s ruling in favor of the plaintiff. The Court opined that courts should reluctantly create private rights of action and that the statute did not contain any express right. Most significantly, the Court explained that the SEC had broad authority to enforce the Investment Company Act, and Congress expressly granted private rights of action in Section 30 and 36 but not in 13(a). The Court specifically rejected the plaintiff’s argument that the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act suggests that Section 13(a) included an implied right of private action.
OUR TAKE: The Ninth Circuit correctly reversed the District Court’s ruling. Allowing a private right of action under 13(a) would open the door to private actions under almost any provision of the Investment Company Act.
Northstar v. Schwab
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fouzia bazis
63sc
CJPME Factsheet 157, published August, 2012: This factsheet discusses the way in which Israeli Jewish-only colonies (a.k.a. “settlements”) impede progress toward peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The factsheet then outlines why and how “settlement” industries can be boycotted in Canada.
“Settlement” products and companies to boycott
Factsheet Series No. 157, created: August 2012, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East
View factsheet in PDF format
What are “settlements” and how do they impede peace between Palestinians and Jewish Israelis?
“Settlements” are Jewish-only colonies established by Israel in the West Bank (which includes East Jerusalem) and thus beyond the internationally recognized borders of Israel (the borders in effect just prior to the June 1967 war). Currently, at least 500,000 Jewish Israeli colonists (“settlers”) are living in such colonies: 300,000 in the West Bank and at least 200,000 in East Jerusalem.[1] The Israeli military has helped Israeli settlers evict Palestinians from their homes and lands to clear the way for the settlements. As well, the settlers themselves — permitted to openly carry arms — frequently shoot and beat Palestinians, and burn their homes, mosques and crops in order to intimidate them.[2]
Israel has also built a high concrete wall jutting deep into the West Bank. The Wall snakes around the 120+ Jewish-only colonies, isolating Palestinian communities and de facto annexing the colonies to the “Israeli” side of the wall. Israel has also built a network of Jewish-only roads connecting the colonies to each other and to Israel. Palestinians are generally barred from the “settlements” as well as from the Jewish-only roads, Israeli-defined “security” zones, and from the broad cordons around the settlements, the roads and the Wall. Close to 40 percent of the West Bank is thus now off-limits to most Palestinians, although the colonies as such occupy under 2 percent of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
International law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention (art. 49, para. 6) prohibits an occupying power from transferring its own population to the territory it militarily occupies. Yet, ignoring international objections,[3] successive Israeli governments have provided financial subsidies and military protection to enable and encourage the migration to the colonies. Israel’s colonial actions over more than four decades suggest that it aims to permanently control – and perhaps ultimately annex – the West Bank. As such, the continuing establishment of Jewish-only colonies on Palestinian land severely impedes the achievement of a “comprehensive just and lasting peace deal in the Middle East,” as asserted in UN Security Council Resolution 446.
Why should “settlement” products be boycotted?
Boycotting settlement products would exert economic pressure on Israel to halt its illegal “settlement enterprise” and ultimately negotiate a peaceful settlement with the Palestinians.
Settlement product sales help make the illegal “settlement enterprise” remain economically viable, forming the main source of income for some settlements.
Israeli commercial operations in the settlements are often “dirty” because they do not face the same environmental and labour controls as in Israel. [4]
Settlement products are often produced using resources—including non-renewable ones, such as minerals from the shores of the Dead Sea in the oPt—that rightly belong to Palestinians. Palestinians are not compensated for the depletion of their resources. This extraction of resources from an occupied territory violates UN General Assembly Resolutions 3005 and 3336, and the Fourth Geneva Convention (Art. 33, para. 2), which forbid an occupying power to exploit the natural resources of a territory it occupies.
The settlement businesses are not “good corporate citizens”: they do not pay taxes to the Palestinian Authority, although they are located in Palestinian territory.
Settlement products are deliberately mislabelled “Made in Israel,” preventing Canadian consumers from making informed choices. This mislabelling also prevents Canadian customs officials from detecting products that should not enjoy the duty-free status accorded Israeli products under the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement.
Which particular “settlement” products are sold in Canada and by whom?
A few of the “settlement products” sold in Canada:
Dead Sea cosmetic products: AHAVA Dead Sea Laboratories Ltd. produces skin care products derived from minerals and resources from the Palestinian shores of the Dead Sea. They are based in the Dead Sea region in the Jordan Rift Valley in the Palestinian territories.[5] Their export revenue accounts for the majority of their profits.[6] Almost 45 percent of AHAVA is owned by Mitzpe Shalem and Kalia, two illegal Israeli colonies established near the Dead Sea shorelines of the West Bank.[7] AHAVA’s profits directly support these colonies and their residents. Another 18 percent of AHAVA is owned by Shamrock Holdings, a large holding firm further entangled in not only other illegal Israeli colonies but, also the construction of Israel’s Wall.[8][9] The mud and mineral resources used in AHAVA’s Dead Sea products are drawn from the Dead Sea shores in the oPt,[10] violating international law. Dead Sea Premier Cosmetics Laboratories, Mersea Dead Sea Cosmetics, Psoeasy Dead Sea Cosmetics, Intensive Spa, AVANI and wisa Beauty Canada Inc. also sell muds, salts and lotions based on minerals from the Dead Sea’s shores in the oPt. The Bay, Sephora, Pharmaplus, Pharmasave, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sabon, Edva Spa Products, Seacret and other stores sell these products.
Products made by Keter Plastics — an Israeli-owned company with plants in two illegal Israeli colonies — and Keter-Black & Decker. The products include Keter fence and gate kits, “Summit” shelving and storage items, “Magic Villa” playhouses, “Apex” shelving and sheds, Lotemplast bathmats, and Workforce plastic products. These products are sold to Canadians at Home Depot, Costco, Canadian Tire and Sears.[11]
Are other companies operating in Canada implicated in the “settlement enterprise”?
Yes. For example, Ikea delivers products to Jewish Israelis in West Bank settlements, although it does not deliver to Palestinians in the West Bank. This “normalizes” Israel’s illegal colonies on Palestinian territory.
As well, RE/MAX—an international real estate agency which is the largest one operating in Israel—has offices in the West Bank colonies of Ma'ale Adumim and Oranit, as well as in the French Hill, Ramot and Pisgat Ze'ev colonies in Occupied East Jerusalem.[12] RE/MAX is facilitating the sale of illegally-seized Palestinian property and enabling the Israeli government’s colonization of the oPt.[13]
Various other companies operating in Canada—such as Motorola, Hewlett-Packard, and Caterpillar—provide equipment to enable the establishment and expansion of the illegal settlements and the ongoing occupation that the settlement enterprise necessitates. They are directly involved in and profit from Israel’s occupation and illegal colonization of the oPt. Caterpillar, for example, provides the bull-dozers used to destroy Palestinians’ homes, uproot their olive groves and intimidate Palestinians and foreign peace activists who try to prevent the evictions.
[1] Sherwood, Harriet. “Population of Jewish settlements in West Bank up 15,000 in a year.” The Guardian, July 26, 2012.
[2] B’Tselem - The IsraeliInformationCenter for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories. “Press release: Video: settlers firing live ammunition at Palestinians in the presence of soldiers.” 20 May 2012. http://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20120520_asira_al_qibliya
[3] As well, numerous UN resolutions have condemned Israel’s establishment and ongoing expansion of the settlements. The EU, its member countries and the US have all implored Israel to halt the expansion of the settlements.
[4] Environmental and labour standards are not enforced in the “settlements” when those potentially affected are Palestinian. Israeli government officials are not interested in enforcing them, and the Palestinian Authority’s officials cannot, because they are denied access to the settlements.
[5] Ahava Website: http://www.ahavaus.com. See ”Discover Ahava‟.
[6] “From Israel with Ahava” Haaretz Website. Jan. 31, 2007.
[7] Details of Stock Holdings in Ahava Dead Sea Laboratories Ltd.: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/193052/StockholdingsAhavaDeadSeaLaboratories.pdf
[9] Shamrock Israel Growth Fund Website: see companies „Teva Naot‟ & „Orad‟ under the „Active Investment‟section.
[10] “Holland to probe if Ahava products made on occupied land.” YNet News Website: Nov. 11, 2009.
[11] CJPME Factsheets. “Boycott Campaign: Home Depot,” January 2011; “Boycott Campaign: Costco,” July 2011; “Boycott Campaign: Sears Canada Inc,” July 2011.
[12] See About, http://www.remax-capital.com, accessed 25 January 2011
[13] See CJPME Factsheet ‘Boycott Campaign: RE/MAX,” January 2011.
Click on the red tag(s) below to see related CJPME resources
Israel - Colonies BDS (Boycott Divestment Sanctions)
See list of all CJPME Factsheets
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Elastic Path Announces $43M Series B Growth Investment
By Laura Myers
API, B2B, B2C, commerce, ecommerce, eCommerce Platform, Elastic Path, Enterprise, IoT
Elastic Path, one of the first companies to understand and execute on the need for an API-oriented commerce solution for enterprises has enjoyed an exciting month of June. After being named just over a week ago as a Visionary in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce for the third year in a row, furthest in completeness of vision and highest in ability to execute they announced today they have also closed a $43 million Series B growth investment. Led by Sageview Capital with participation from current investors, Yaletown Partners and BDC Venture Capital, this investment brings the total raised by the company to an impressive $63 million.
Prior to today’s release, I had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Elastic Path’s Founder and CEO Harry Chemko to discuss this announcement, how the current market trends are shaping the innovation within their platform and what this latest round of funding means for the organization moving forward.
Their Early Recognition of the Need for API-First
In the press release, Elastic Path’s success was attributed to “being due in part to incumbent vendors struggling under the weight of their now decades old technology” but recognizing the growing chasms in a market is one thing, being able to effectively address them is another. Having helped some of the world’s best brands from all over the world generate over $60 billion in revenue to date, I would say they’re doing something right in that respect so of course, my first question for Harry was regarding the thought process behind the platform allowing it to rise to such a standing amidst the mammoth vendors in the enterprise commerce space:
“Back in 2011, we took a hard look at how the commerce market was evolving, and at the time I also hired a CTO named Sal Visca. He and I really shared this vision of how to implement those front-end experiences in commerce technology in an easier way. We really took a look at what everyone was doing in the market back then and everyone was really focused on the webstore and maybe a mobile store so the commerce platforms were all really built around that concept and, they were just one single application.
In taking a look at the market we thought, in 5 to 10 years from now it’s going to be so different, people are going to want to embed commerce in those day to day interactions that those brands and companies have with customers and, they may have dozens or even hundreds of those different touch points where they want to embed those commerce interactions and in that day to day flow of customer engagement and the paradigm of that single application just didn’t work very well. We re-architected the platform based on that and we stopped developing front end features and built everything as an API first platform.
This was also 2011 which was pretty early, and pretty risky for us but we were very excited and we built it in such a way that it really separated front-end and back-end development. Content teams have lots of people creating content management systems or different touchpoints on the front-end but then the back-end is where you’ve got IT teams worried about scalability and processing hundreds of thousands of transactions an hour and managing large numbers of items in your catalogue, those types of things can still be very bulletproof in terms of the enterprise grade. So, we launched that to market in 2012 to crickets, total crickets, we were just way too early because everyone was just concerned about getting their webstores up but it did show the power of things.
We then started working with a variety of content management systems like Adobe and Acquia and we work with a lot more now, but we had customers starting to build different front-ends and touch points beyond that, people looking at React storefronts, angular, headless content management systems so really most of our growth has been in the last few years when most of that stuff started to catch on”
I made the point to Harry that later on a lot of other commerce platforms were striving to catchup to this trend but Elastic Path seemed to already be there:
“It’s a bit of a nuance, it gets a bit technical but it’s an important one. How the other platforms did it is they took what they already had and they opened up REST APIs on top of it that were the headless commerce platform now but in those situations, if you want to make changes to the underlying commerce platform you still have to rebuild all of those different touchpoints which is okay if you have one or two but, if you haven’t created that separation between front-end and back-end and those APIs are not solid you’ve just exacerbated that level of complexity.
The way we built it was we created that whole different layer that really created that separation of the front-end and back-end so you’re not playing around with a lot of business logic in the front-end, it’s all in the API platform and so, if you have thirty different touchpoints and you go to change some things, then you don’t have to change any of those touch points.”
Gen Z and IoT Light the Way for Innovation
One thing I’ve seen more recently with vendors and hope to see a lot more of is their way of explicitly pointing to the specific market trends driving the innovation of their product because with all the new capabilities being rolled out, aligning them with specific trends bombarding businesses might be the best way to show their power in advancing a business’ digital presence or strategy. In the press release, I was pleased to see Elastic Path had done this by pointing out two of the major trends influencing their product: first the estimated 40% of the consumer segment the first digitally native generation, Gen Z, will account for by 2020 and the additional ‘coming of age’ we will see with IoT, giving way to many new and different touchpoints for brands in reaching their customers.
“The way we look at how touchpoints are coming is that we don’t really get into a lot of the individual ones because we kind of built a platform for a future where we don’t know what those are. One of the stats I always reference is right now there are about 10 billion internet connected devices out there, the vast majority of those are still computers, laptops and mobile phones but when you look forward a few years to 2020, there will be more than 24 billion internet connected devices and most of those won’t be mobile phones or laptops or things like that. It’s more than doubling all of the new ways to interact.
Brands and companies out there today are thinking about their commerce platform for today but the real leading edge ones are thinking ‘well that’s fine for today, we can get our web store up and maybe we’re even doing some chatbots and maybe some voice or magic mirror or something like that’ but if they’re not thinking about 5 years from today, there is going to be a bunch of things we haven’t considered yet, how do they make sure they don’t have to be doing big commerce projects in the future, how do they make sure that they’re set up well so they don’t have to change things then.”
To think in just two years the number of internet connected devices will more than double, anyone who has a misconception about the power of IoT needs to get up to speed quickly and understand it doesn’t just exist in the B2C space. As Harry points out, they are already seeing valuable implications in the B2B space:
“There are even industrial use cases where we’ve got companies that are looking to say, we’ve got this piece of machinery and want it to just know when to schedule service updates and it will know when I need to replace parts and have it interact with the commerce platform right away. But it’s funny because I think the human brain can only think linearly, but how things are actually happening is a bit more exponentially so if you take a point in time a year from now, ways customers are going to be interacting with brands, it’s going to be a whole step change.”
Towards the end of the press release, it was noted the funds recently invested in Elastic Path will be allocated towards accelerating research and development but I wanted to hear if there were any specific areas Elastic Path would be focusing on:
“A lot of what we’re focusing on right now is continuing to innovate on the architecture of the platform so we make it really easy to continue to integrate with touchpoints but there are some other areas around B2B we’re really focused on right now. The B2B market in commerce, it’s a very large market but has a lot to go, about 30% of our customers today are B2B, and we really see that as a big opportunity. We have releases coming up that will have more and more B2B functionalities so we can start to take a larger portion of that market share.”
And, just because while on the topic of B2B or even B2C, I love to ask experts what they think the main differences are, I posed the question to Harry to hear his thoughts:
“A couple things on B2B that are different are things like workflow and organizational stuff. So, you’ve got a company that may have a lot of different buyers that need to do approvals, that need to do roll off a bunch of orders into one order, its account based hierarchies and workflows, charging to accounts, reordering and things like that, that’s more on the organizational side. On the other side is on the catalogues themselves which means folks in the B2B world may have things like contract pricing to a specific contract or point to a specific customer, have segments of customers with different pricing or even different rules, if you buy a certain amount of product over a period of time, pricing can change and adjustments get made to accounts. Those are the situations we are seeing in B2B where people are most looking for change.”
What Has Driven their Success?
Considering the great success Elastic Path has seen in the last few years and having already gained a great understanding from Harry on the technology/market influence fueling that, I wanted to know as Founder and CEO of the company, what were the intrinsic elements of the company he holds in place to aid in the innovation and value created by his team over the years?
“We have four core values as a company and we’ve actually had them since the very early days when we started Elastic Path. What I always tell people, especially now as we’re doing a lot of hiring and for the people already here, you are the ambassadors of our culture and for upholding the values going forward which helps to instill that in the new folks coming in. From a hiring process you do a lot of work to make sure that the people you are hiring meet up with those as well.
Our core values are one, be open, be transparent with what you’re doing. The heritage of Elastic Path is built on a lot of open source software components and that’s always been really important to us, that we work well in that community.
The second one is be remarkable, which is all about doing things that are worth talking about and that to us has been around being really happy to be leading edge, or bleeding edge, similar to what I was saying earlier about us being early. I like to instill that we’re not afraid to be early and to really push the envelope on technology and how we apply technology.
Our third core value would be around the customer which means put yourself in the customer’s shoes with everything that you’re doing and to us our customers are both our end customers as well as our partners, both the system integrators that implement our software and the ISBs that we work with.
Finally, the fourth one is be the team, I know that can be what seems basic at times but I think it’s fairly important to always be talking about that, and having high performing teams. If you have them the output is way bigger than if you don’t have high-performing teams so that’s something we focus on a lot here at Elastic Path, making sure people are aligned, have a shared vision, feel like they have really good purpose for what they’re doing.
That said, we’re kind of looking for a specific kind of person at Elastic Path, we’re looking for people that really want to be part of a growing technology story and people that want to work on that innovative, market leading stuff but also people who just want to work with great brands, we work with some fantastic customers and being able to point to something and say, ‘I was part of that’”
Admittedly, I have a soft spot for the commerce world and my conversation with Harry on the innovations around the corner did nothing but amplify that. As a marketer I am driven by understanding a variety of consumers and increasing their likelihood to engage with various touchpoints but one might argue the commerce transaction, both online and offline could be defined as the ultimate moment of engagement, only surpassed by a customer having an impactful enough experience to transcend into an advocate. Therein lies the challenge that charms me so. The transaction itself signals a win of engagement through a large percentage of the touchpoints the consumer encountered along their journey, culminating in them deciding the product or service offered was worth acquiring.
Through his understanding of IoT and how the way we define and leverage touchpoints will massively evolve in the next few years, I learned a ton from Harry on how the consumer engagement game will change as we move to an even more connected world.
Laura Myers
A digital business, marketing and social media enthusiast, Laura thrives on asking unique, insightful questions to ignite conversation. At an event or remotely, she enjoys any opportunity to connect with like-minded people in the industry.
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Studio Showcase: Podcast Facility Little Everywhere Grows Up
Published on October 01, 2019 By Pro Sound News
Read the original article here.
Glendale, CA—“For the last 10 years of playing music, I had this question in the back of my head: What am I going to do after this?” says Dann Gallucci, a musician, songwriter, producer and engineer best known for his Grammy-nominated work with Modest Mouse, the Murder City Devils and Cold War Kids. The answer, ultimately, was podcasting.Although Gallucci was in and out of bands and recording studios until relatively recently, he initially stepped away from making music in the mid-2000s. “My daughter was getting to an age where, when she said, ‘I don’t want you to leave,’ it was becoming more heartbreaking by the day. I’d been touring for 20 years and I was able to leave on a high note.”
After graduating with a degree in audio engineering from Arizona’s Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences (CRAS), he worked for a while at Phil Ek’s Avast Recording in Seattle until the 2008 recession hit. “So I went on the road and started doing live sound, which I loved,” he says. He worked as M.I.A.’s monitor engineer before moving to FOH with Cold War Kids, Miike Snow and The xx. “I think live sound is absolutely the most important engineering I’ve ever done as far as learning and becoming a better engineer.”
When Cold War Kids lost their guitarist, they called Gallucci, who headed to San Pedro, CA, to help the band build a recording studio. He engineered, produced and mixed, with Lars Stalfors, two albums, also joining the band as guitarist and songwriter.
His transition to podcasting began when he started working on Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, a public radio show produced in Los Angeles and distributed by NPR. “That was my first radio producing job after music. It was full-on boot camp. I did everything on the show and got to learn a ton in a short amount of time,” he says.
Little Everywhere studio and control room
In 2016, he left to set up Little Everywhere, a podcast production house and recording studio, with his partner, Jane Marie, a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning journalist and a 10-year veteran of the weekly public radio show This American Life. “We met and fell in love. I was itching to leave, and Jane was itching to start something,” says Gallucci, who is an ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award winner.
They found a spot in the Seeley Building, a former furniture warehouse in Glendale, CA, that has been turned into a creative campus with dozens of raw spaces. “I was nervous because we were on a budget and couldn’t hire studio builders, but we had a great contractor,” he says.
Keeping noise out of the studio and control room was a new challenge for Gallucci. “I was so used to trying to keep noise from escaping rooms. We could drive people crazy at the Cold War Kids’ space,” he laughs.
Little Everywhere’s control room and studio are separated by a sliding glass door—another design challenge. “We were trying to figure out how we could see into the room but not have reflections off the glass,” he says. Marie came up with the solution: a heavy drape with a transparent panel that she sewed herself. “It’s my favorite thing in here,” he says.
Having built the Cold War Kids’ studio, outfitting Little Everywhere was a breeze, but the demands of podcasting are different than recording rock ’n’ roll. “This is the first time in my career that I didn’t want any coloration. We want transparency and the best representation of someone’s voice from the microphone.”
Little Everywhere studio
In common with many podcast and broadcast facilities, he chose Shure SM7B microphones, although there are other options on the market. “Typically, we don’t get sessions with more than four people, so I’ve got them going through a Cloudlifter CL-4,” which transparently boosts the signals.
To handle telephone interviews, Gallucci had to venture outside his comfort zone. “When I started getting into this stuff, I was going to a very different section of the B&H catalog,” he says, indicating the JK Audio innkeeper LTD digital hybrid used to interface the phone lines with his setup.
A Universal Audio UAD-2 Satellite interfaces everything with the Avid Pro Tools 12 HD workstation, but to provide simple signal routing, he opted for a Toft ATB08M analog mixing console, mainly for its matrix section. The desk is mounted on the wall: “It’s space-saving. Isaac [Brock] from Modest Mouse had one of these in his attic studio. It’s got talkback, a master section and the right amount of feeds for what we need. Well, way more than we need, but it’s nice to have options.”
Simplicity of operation—along with great audio quality, of course—is key in a client-facing podcasting studio where producers and engineers are constantly coming through. This year’s projects have included a podcast by Queer Eye’s Karamo Brown and The Jump with Shirley Manson, an interview series hosted by the Garbage singer featuring guests such as Perfume Genius, Courtney Love and Karen O.
“I want everyone who comes in to have simple functionality so they don’t feel weird or have to ask eight million questions,” says Gallucci. “We wanted a space that people could come into and feel comfortable and feel like it was professional.”He still gets to make music occasionally. “If I’m making music for a podcast, it’s because I’m in the middle of mixing and I need some more music. It’s fun—you can almost score in real time.”
The consumer market for podcasts has grown enormously in recent years and shows no sign of slowing. Major players have started investing heavily in podcast production companies, some of which have seen their original content snapped up by film and television—Dirty John being a prime example. While Little Everywhere’s client-based business has kept the lights on, says Gallucci, focusing more on original content would allow the business to grow.
Indeed, he reports, “We just sold the first season of The Dream to Annapurna Pictures.” The investigative documentary podcast series about multilevel marketing, or pyramid schemes, was co-produced by Little Everywhere and Stitcher. They are now working on the second season of the flagship show.
Gallucci reports that Little Everywhere is currently considering a handful of show offers. “We’re trying to navigate what we have the bandwidth for,” he says. But while production space might appear limited, they are also considering expanding into another space in the complex with larger rooms to handle music recording as well as voice recording, sound design and mixing for budget films.
“If we do expand, which we’re hoping to do,” he says, “that changes everything.”
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Japanese Medical Droid Follows You, Captures Your Walking Style to Detect Future Illnesses
Design firm RDS' CORE-LER 'bot
By Rain Noe - September 17, 2021
The curse of the industrial designer is that you know how things are made, and can easily become distracted by the construction of items in the built environment. Out in the world, we slow our friends and spouses down by pointing out unusual details in seemingly mundane objects.
Physical therapists, too, have a curse. In New York I was friendly with a few, and sitting in a diner, they pointed out to me that the waitress (whom they didn't know) has a bum shoulder, a guy at the counter suffers from lower back pain, a woman passing on the sidewalk has recently had knee surgery. They'd seen and worked on enough human bodies to diagnose them by simply watching the way they moved, sat, stood, or carried things.
As it turns out, there's something to this. Medical research in Japan, according to design consultancy RDS, has discovered a link between the way that people walk and whether they're at risk for dementia, stroke or joint diseases, which are all ailments that shorten life expectancy. AI is used to pick out telltale patterns in walking motions that imperceptible to the human eye.
Photo by Arturo Castaneyra on Unsplash
Using walking as a biomarker would be fantastically useful, as it's non-invasive, doesn't require a testing facility and people in Japan tend to walk a lot, providing many opportunities to capture data. However, it's not practical to send a cameraman out to follow people as they go about their days. Thus RDS, working in collaboration with Japan's National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities Research Institute, has conceptualized a sort of droid called CORE-LER that follows a subject around and observes their walking motions.
According to RDS' (machine-translated) project description:
"In this product, a robot equipped with a 3D camera tracks the subject. The robot analyzes walking and the obtained data is stored on the cloud server. We will constantly improve the accuracy of result judgment by machine learning and define walking movement as a new health barometer. In addition, accurate walking motion analysis that could only be done with an expensive motion capture system can be performed inexpensively and easily, and more items can be measured than with conventional walking analysis.
"By recording and analyzing walking movements as 3D data, it is expected to be used for early detection of diseases that were difficult to detect in the past and for measures against pre-illness."
As someone who's got a colonoscopy coming up, I'd much rather they develop a robot that follows me around and stares at my butt, or something.
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Blue State Secession: The Only Solution?
by Zoltan Grossman
The Election of 1860 led to the Secessions of 1861. The Election of 2004 can lead to Secessions in 2005.*
MAPS FOR FUN
(Washington, Oregon, California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia.)
…Or at least the formation of a nice new Canadian province (with single-payer health care and cheaper medicines)…..
* — This is a joke….
….but there are a few developments that could prevent the “blue states” from joining Canada and Mexico……
AN OPTIMISTIC LOOK AT PRESIDENTIAL SECOND TERMS
Second Nixon term : After the largest landslide in U.S. history in 1972 (in which the Democrats win only one state), Nixon’s Democratic opponents –emboldened by Vietnam and Watergate– aggressively investigate the President, and force him to resign.
Second Reagan term : After another Republican landslide in 1984 (in which the Democrats win only one state), Democrats launch a probe of the Iran/Contra scandal, and diminish Republican control of foreign policy in Central America.
Second Clinton term : After Clinton handily wins the 1996 election, Republicans aggressively investigate Clinton’s private life, and impeach him, weakening his vice president’s 2000 White House bid.
Second Bush term? After George W. Bush narrowly wins the 2004 election, Democrats elect a new congressional leadership to replace the complacent Tom Daschle. Democrats aggressively investigate the Iraq War, denials of civil liberties, and security lapses before and since 9/11.
Anything can happen, because a strong opposition has less to lose in a second term.
Dr. ZOLTAN GROSSMAN is an Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. His peace writings can be seen at www.uwec.edu/grossmzc/peace.html, and he can be reached at grossmzc@uwec.edu.
Zoltán Grossman is a Member of the Faculty in Geography and Native American and Indigenous Studies at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. He earned his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Wisconsin in 2002. He is a longtime community organizer, and was a co-founder of the Midwest Treaty Network alliance for tribal sovereignty. He was author of Unlikely Alliances: Native and White Communities Join to Defend Rural Lands (University of Washington Press, 2017), and co-editor of Asserting Native Resilience: Pacific Rim Indigenous Nations Face the Climate Crisis (Oregon State University Press, 2012). His faculty website is at https://sites.evergreen.edu/zoltan
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Bullitt East basketball coach Jason Couch facing kidney transplant
Jason Frakes
@KYHighs
It remains to be seen how far the Bullitt East High School boys basketball team will advance this postseason, but if the Chargers play beyond March 2, they will do so without head coach Jason Couch.
That’s the day Couch is scheduled to have a kidney transplant at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in an attempt to relieve his polycystic kidney disease, which was diagnosed 10 years ago. Couch said doctors have told him his kidneys currently are functioning at 8 percent efficiency.
Couch, 45, will receive the transplant from his cousin, Kelly Moyer.
“She was the first person tested, and she’s a match,” Couch said. “Sometimes you have to wait a long time, so this is definitely a blessing. I told her that she’s my angel now. For someone to sacrifice that much for you, it’s a little overwhelming to take. But we’re a pretty close-knit family.”
Couch, who previously coached at Greenwood, Eastern and Shelby County, is in his first season as the Chargers’ head coach and has led them to a 20-8 record. He will be on the sideline Wednesday when Bullitt East hosts Jeffersontown at 7:30 p.m. in a 24th District Tournament semifinal.
Couch also could coach in the 24th District final on Friday and the first round of the Sixth Region Tournament on Feb. 28 if the Chargers get that far. The Sixth Region semifinals are set for March 3, a day after Couch’s surgery. Assistant coach Robert Troutman will take over the team if the Chargers are still playing.
“He’s more than capable, and I’m confident in turning it over to him,” Couch said. “If we get that far, it will be tough not being there. But we have a heck of a group of kids. I love them. I never wanted this to deflect attention away from those boys. The way they’ve accepted me and the way they’ve bought into my system has been amazing. We’ve developed a really special bond.”
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Couch said the main symptoms of polycystic kidney disease are high blood pressure – “The way I coach does not lend well to that,” Couch said with a laugh – and fatigue. He said in recent months he also has battled nausea.
“The way he’s handled it has been amazing,” Bullitt East athletic director Troy Barr said. “You can tell he’s not 100 percent, but he doesn’t let his job suffer in the classroom or on the court. There have been days when he looks so tired, but he’s fought through it. … I know he’s ready to feel better, and we’re ready for him to get healthy.”
Couch said he will be in the hospital for up to a week after the surgery and that a full recovery usually takes 12 weeks. He hopes to be ready to return as the Chargers’ head coach during the summer.
Couch praised Bullitt East administrators for working with him as he’s battled the health issues in his first year at the school.
“I’m a pretty faithful person, and that’s what has got my wife Katie and I through this move and this season,” Couch said. “It was a borderline miracle that the first person tested for a transplant came through with that close of a match. We’ve just put it all in God’s hands.”
BALLARD'S RENNER OUT
3 GAMES AFTER EJECTION
The Ballard boys basketball team will be without head coach Chris Renner for its first three postseason games – if it advances that far – after he was ejected from Saturday’s 84-64 victory at Indianapolis Brebeuf Jesuit.
Kentucky High School Athletic Association rules require any head coach who is ejected from a game to sit out his or her team’s next three contests.
“Obviously Saturday night was my fault and I have to take responsibility for it,” Renner said. “We were on the road with unfamiliar officials. They don’t know me, and I don’t know them. The ejection was quick. Did I deserve a technical? Absolutely. Did I deserve to be ejected? I don’t think so. … But I’ll take my medicine and run.”
That means longtime Ballard assistant Ray Kline will be at the helm when the Bruins (23-6) – No. 6 in the state in The Courier-Journal’s Litkenhous Ratings – face Kentucky Country Day at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the semifinals of the 28th District Tournament at Christian Academy.
If the Bruins continue to advance, Renner also would have to sit out Thursday’s district final and the first round of the Seventh Region Tournament on Feb. 28. He would be eligible to return for the regional semifinals on March 2.
“It’s not going to be a huge difference other than it’s going to be a little more mellow on the bench and a little more gray hair,” Renner joked about Kline. “Ray coaches our summer-league games, so our guys are familiar with him coaching. Ballard basketball is not just Chris Renner. It’s an entire staff. We won’t miss a beat.”
Renner has a 518-122 record in his 19th season at Ballard.
Jason Frakes can be reached at (502) 582-4046 and jfrakes@courier-journal.com.
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September 11th remembered
Two years ago the worst terrorist atrocity in history affected thousands of lives not just in America, but across the world.
The lives of families of those lost in the Twin Towers attack were changed for ever.
Coventry man Rob Halligan's dad was one of those killed in the World Trade Centre in New York.
Robert Halligan senior, 59, was working as an insurance broker on the 99th floor of the World Trade Centre's south tower when the catastrophe happened.
The father-of-six, who moved to America more than 20 years ago, was one of 67 Britons killed in the attacks.
His son Rob, 33, of Glenn Street, Holbrooks, was in London today attending a memorial service for the families of British victims in Grosvenor Square.
He said two years on the shock about what happened had faded, but not the horror. He said: "It doesn't change really, apart from the shock going. It is still something horrific and something you don't get over."
On the first anniversary of the attacks, Rob, a singer and guitarist with Coventry band Goldsmiths, posted two memorial songs on the internet which he wrote a week after the tragedy.
The married father-of-two is now recording an album which is based on September 11 and will stand as a memorial to his father.
He said: "Someone has agreed to help me record an album and that's all the songs from September 11. My dad was dyslexic and we have teamed up with the British Dyslexic Association and we are doing something for that."
In January last year Rob organised a concert at the Butts Technical College Theatre, Coventry, which raised more than #400 for the British Red Cross Afghan Appeal.
Have Your Say:
WarwickshireThe exclusive village 25 minutes from Coventry visited by film star Jonny DeppThe Hollywood heart-throb was in the area while shooting for a movie
Coventry City's 'Stevie G' back in the groove and Shippers' timely reminder - the big talking points
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perseverance Feb. 19, 2021
Landing a Rover on Mars Proves We Have the Smarts to Fix Earth
By Alissa Walker@awalkerinLA
Searching for life on Mars will end up saving lives on Earth. Photo: Courtesy of NASA
At 3:55 p.m. yesterday, not a minute later than scheduled, the NASA rover Perseverance daintily dropped to the surface of Mars in Jezero Crater, just seven short months after leaving Earth. Within a few minutes, Perseverance casually snapped a few shots for its Instagram — including a selfie — confirming its remarkably smooth arrival. This was not the first time we’ve landed a rover on Mars, of course, but after four years of EPA gaslighting, Sharpiegate, and the Starship Troopers cosplay that is the Space Force, this moment hit different. As the cheers erupted at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s mission control — a room filled with masked and plexiglass-divided scientists and engineers that was much more sparsely populated than during previous landings — I saw something I hadn’t seen before. I saw how the science that got us to another planet will deliver our own from the climate crisis.
Take the rover itself. Here we have one of the most efficient electric vehicles ever produced: a rugged, remote-controlled six-wheeler engineered for both extreme heat and extreme cold and powered by a nuclear battery. Not only is Perseverance the next-generation version of an all-weather Chevy Bolt, it’s carrying a small solar-powered electric helicopter (name: Ingenuity), that’s being stored on the rover’s belly. If we can master interplanetary, zero-emission transportation, building out a next-generation fleet of high-speed trains, EVs, and cargo bikes really shouldn’t be a problem.
Then there’s the science the rover is there to perform. Among the many experiments it’s conducting to look for signs of life, Perseverance is going to try to make oxygen from Mars’s carbon-dioxide-heavy atmosphere. This is a feat that would be critical for a crewed mission to the Red Planet if we wanted to spend any extended period of time there, Matt Damon–style. (The oxygen may also potentially be used for fuel.) Of course, these findings could be used toward developing carbon-capture technology and other ways to convert carbon to sustainable fuel back home.
There’s no way we would understand the severity of the crisis we’re facing if we hadn’t gone to Mars in the first place. Tools for measuring water and wind on a distant planet have aided our understanding of how these same forces work on Earth, allowing sophisticated forecasting that can not only more accurately predict the severity of climate disasters but help humans make long-range plans for climate adaptation. Exploring space has become a way to peer into our own future and make some necessary adjustments — which is almost surely one of the reasons the Trump administration, complicit with the fossil-fuel industry, tried so hard to pull the plug on certain aspects of NASA’s research on greenhouse gases.
As I watched Perseverance land, it was the second time I had cried that day. The first was earlier that morning, when I read a story about a family in Texas that died from carbon-monoxide poisoning because they had used a gas-powered heater indoors to stave off subzero temperatures after their power had been cut. It was a devastating dichotomy, a skyrocketing, orbit-shattering high, plummeting back to reality. The same government that has successfully deployed a half-dozen missions studying the extreme climate of Mars has spent decades ignoring our own — a climate that grows more extreme every day that we refuse to start repairing it.
We need this scientific expertise to permeate every aspect of society if we have any chance of surviving what is our most existential crisis. The Biden administration, finally aligning scientific priorities with fiscal ones, has already taken a major step to elevate the role of scientists in the federal government, filling key appointments in positions that sat empty for years and making the science adviser’s role a Cabinet position. Biden also needs to give NASA a lot more money. The agency’s spending delivers a remarkable return on investment with triumphant feats that unite us in the present moment while equipping us to address the challenges we will face in the future. The 1960s race to the moon more or less directly led to the development of your computer’s microprocessor, your smartphone, and even some of the food you eat. This time out, the scientists who brought us along on a fantastical field trip to Mars have already provided us with a lot of the tools we’ll need to address our most serious issue on Earth. It’s up to the rest of us to pay attention and start using them.
Landing on Mars Proves We Have the Smarts to Fix Earth
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Egan Bernal: Maybe the Giro d'Italia is a good option for me
By Cycling News published 31 December 18
Colombian suggests Froome and Thomas will lead Team Sky at the 2019 Tour de France
Nairo Quintana, Egan Bernal and Rigoberto Uran on the 2018 Colombia Oro Y Paz podium (Image credit: Getty Images)
Egan Bernal shows off the new jersey (Image credit: Team Sky)
Team Sky's Egan Bernal celebrates winning the 2018 Tour of California with some of his Colombian fans in Sacramento (Image credit: Getty Images)
Team Sky's Egan Bernal points to his sponsor's logo after winning stage 2 of the 2018 Tour of California (Image credit: Getty Images)
Egan Bernal has hinted that he will be happy to target the Giro d’Italia in 2019 as team leader for Team Sky, revealing that Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas are set to focus on the Tour de France.
Team Sky has still to formally reveal their Grand Tour leaders for 2019. A decision was expected to be made during the team’s December training camp but no announcement was made, with riders only able to talk about their hopes and ambitions rather than concrete race plans. The camp was overshadowed by the news that team owner and title sponsor Sky was ending its backing of the British WorldTour team.
Thomas has made it clear that he wants to defend his 2018 Tour de France victory but also hinted at a return to the Giro d’Italia, while Froome has also set his sights on a record-equaling fifth Tour de France win in 2019 despite winning the 2018 Corsa Rosa.
Bernal made his Tour de France debut this year, finishing an impressive 15th overall after helping Froome and Thomas in the mountains. Bernal also won the Tour of California in 2018 and was second overall at the Tour de Romandie.
“I’ve spoken to the team a bit but nothing is really certain,” he is reported as saying by News Caracol in Colombia.
“I like the Tour de France very much. It excites me but Chris (Froome) and (Geraint) Thomas are going there, so maybe the Giro d’Italia is a good option for me. I’ll go where the team sends me.”
Bernal spent December at Team Sky’s training camp before heading home. He will make his 2019 debut at the Colombia 2.1 stage race in February alongside Froome and new teammate and fellow Colombian Ivan Sosa. He won the Colombia Oro y Paz stage race in February and is looking forward to riding the renamed race again this year.
"It's very good to do this type of race here, and it’s great that the guys from Colombia have the opportunity to race with a cyclist like Froome,” he is reported as saying.
“To have as rider who has won so much in our country is something very cool. The organisers have done well and so we have to take advantage of it.”
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Home Lifestyle Health Pioneering heart transplant patient has a criminal record
Pioneering heart transplant patient has a criminal record
An ailing Maryland man who received a pig heart last week in a groundbreaking transplant procedure has a criminal history following an incident 34 years ago in which he repeatedly stabbed a young man, leaving him paralyzed.
The victim, Edward Shumaker, spent two decades in a wheelchair and suffered numerous medical complications before dying in 2007 at the age of 40, according to The Washington Post, which reported the transplant patient’s criminal record for the first time Thursday.
The patient, David Bennett Sr., 57, is being closely monitored at the University of Maryland Medical Center for signs that his body is rejecting a heart received from a genetically modified pig. He was still doing well on Thursday, hospital officials said.
mr. Bennett was charged in 1988 with assault, assault and mutilation with intent to murder, according to court records obtained by DailyExpertNews. He was convicted on lower charges, The Washington Post reported.
In an effort to recover his significant medical expenses, Mr. Shumaker and his family sued Mr. Bennett in civil court and was awarded $3.4 million in damages.
Officials from the University of Maryland Medical Center, where the transplant was performed, said in a statement that health care providers are committed to treating all patients, regardless of background or living conditions.
“It is the solemn obligation of any hospital or healthcare organization to provide life-saving care to every patient that comes to them based on their medical needs,” the officials said.
“Any other standard of care would set a dangerous precedent and violate the ethical and moral values underlying the obligation physicians and healthcare providers have to all patients entrusted to their care.”
Mr Bennett in 2019.Credit…Byron Dillard, via Associated Press
Through the medical center, Mr. Bennett Sr.’s son, David Bennett Jr., who was a young boy when the attack took place, declined to comment on his father’s criminal background.
“I don’t want to talk about my father’s past,” he said in a statement from the University of Maryland. “My intention is to focus on the groundbreaking surgery and my father’s desire to contribute to science and potentially save patients’ lives in the future.”
This evolving story will be updated.
Pioneering
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Posted on June 22, 2017 by Delaware Gazette
Saudi shakeup, Qatar crisis show a Gulf on edge
By Adam Schreck and Jon Gambrell - Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — There was a time when the mention of the Persian Gulf brought to mind images of pampered societies ruled by aging monarchs content to preside quietly over their oil money and fantastical skyscrapers while the U.S. kept the peace.
A sudden royal shake-up in Saudi Arabia early Wednesday is only the latest wild card to be thrown in days of head-spinning developments in the typically staid Gulf.
The kingdom led nations in unexpectedly cutting off nominal ally Qatar from the clubby Gulf Cooperation Council, which suddenly looks so incredibly uncooperative that is has raised fears of war among its members. The fact that Qatar hosts one of the biggest and most important foreign U.S. air bases has so far proved to be a good insurance policy for the tiny emirate — but the dispute brings headaches for Washington.
The main adversary the Arab nations set up the council to stand against, Iran, meanwhile launched a volley of ballistic missiles at militants in Syria, its first such strike in more than a decade and a half.
That’s not even getting into low global oil prices squeezing their largely petrodollar-driven economies. Nor does it account for the ongoing threat posed by the Islamic State group, which struck Tehran for the first time, or the stalemated war in Yemen that’s led to extensive civilian suffering.
So what’s actually going on? Some analysts have pointed to the fact that much of the turmoil came after U.S. President Donald Trump’s trip last month to Saudi Arabia, his first state visit designed to show the Republican had a far different worldview than his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama. In truth, many of the tensions currently on display — with both Iran and Qatar — go back years. But Trump’s strong public endorsement of Riyadh as his primary regional partner may have emboldened the Saudis and changed some of the geopolitical math.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations like the United Arab Emirates were deeply suspicious of Obama’s diplomatic detente with Iran, which culminated in the 2015 nuclear deal.
“The Obama administration’s apparent attempt to disengage from the region engendered a change in the Gulf’s strategic culture, making some U.S. partners more confident in their ability to act on their own,” wrote Michael Eisenstadt, the director of the Military and Security Studies Program at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
However, “arms sales or military surges cannot compensate for policy errors and missteps whose effects are regional in scope and geopolitical in scale,” he added.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s efforts at trying to mediate the Qatar crisis while Trump’s own tweets appear to back the Saudi-led isolation over allegations the country supports terrorism have only compounded the uncertainty gripping the Gulf. Qatar long has denied backing extremist groups, though Western diplomats say its lax oversight allowed funding of Sunni militants like Syria’s al-Qaida branch.
The State Department this week demanded the countries boycotting Qatar spell out their complaints, suggesting the Trump administration was losing patience over the spat among its Gulf partners.
In Iran, Tillerson’s comments last week before Congress that the U.S. is working toward “support of those elements inside of Iran that would lead to a peaceful transition of that government” angered officials there already suspicious of Trump.
Meanwhile, citizens of Tehran openly accused Saudi Arabia of backing the Islamic State attack on parliament and the shrine of the Islamic Republic’s founder that killed 18 people and wounded over 50.
Their evidence? Newly minted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s own comments in May that the kingdom would “work so that it becomes a battle for them in Iran and not in Saudi Arabia.”
So when Iran launched its first missile attack in over 15 years on foreign soil this week targeting Islamic State fighters in Syria over the Tehran assault, it openly acknowledged it was a message for Saudi Arabia and America.
That crisis between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which cut diplomatic ties in 2016, has extended into a disputed shooting in the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia said it captured three members of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard aboard an explosives-laden boat that it alleges planned to attack a major offshore oilfield. Iran dismisses the allegation, though it earlier acknowledged the death of one citizen it called a fisherman who was shot by Saudi forces.
There’s turmoil striking other Gulf countries as well, particularly the tiny island of Bahrain, which is linked to Saudi Arabia by a causeway. A government crackdown on dissent for over a year continues unabated. Militants have responded by stepping up attacks on security forces, including one Sunday that killed a police officer.
In Kuwait and Oman, citizens worry about the health of their current leaders, respectively the 88-year-old Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah and 76-year-old Sultan Qaboos bin Said. In Oman, there’s no clear successor to the sultan while in Kuwait, a leadership struggle is possible.
That challenge of continuing dynastic rule in Gulf Arab nations is tied to the task of handling burgeoning youth populations who expect to live as well or better than their parents. In Saudi Arabia, King Salman putting his assertive, 31-year-old son as next in line to the throne could prove popular with the kingdom’s youth — if he can pull off his ambitious plans to wean the country from its oil-soaked economy.
That all could be derailed with the dissention among the Arab Gulf states in the region and the ever-heating war of words between Iran and Saudi Arabia. In a way, that trouble has been there for decades, simmering just under the surface.
Now it’s boiling to a crisis at a level unseen since the 1990 Iraq invasion of Kuwait. That ended with a war and burning oil fields, something no one wants to see now.
By Adam Schreck and Jon Gambrell
EDITOR’S NOTE — Adam Schreck, the Gulf news director for The Associated Press, has reported from each of the Persian Gulf states and other locations across the Middle East since 2008. Jon Gambrell, an AP journalist since 2006, has covered the Middle East from Cairo and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, since 2013.
Hi! A visitor to our site felt the following article might be of interest to you: Saudi shakeup, Qatar crisis show a Gulf on edge. Here is a link to that story: https://www.delgazette.com/news/58957/saudi-shakeup-qatar-crisis-show-a-gulf-on-edge
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Derby’s favourite book is revealed
Results of Derby Libraries’ public vote to find the city’s favourite book are in
The results of Derby Libraries’ public vote to find the city’s favourite book are in – and the winner is the classic American novel, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Readers were asked to nominate their favourite adult fiction book, and the results show how personal books are. Classic novels old and modern and more recent works feature on the list, along with stories considered classics of their genre and two books by Derbyshire writers.
Set in Alabama in the mid-1930s, To Kill a Mockingbird tells its story through the eyes of six-year-old Scout Finch, growing up in a town where many residents are racist. When her lawyer father, Atticus Finch, is asked to defend Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman, he takes on the case even though his chances of winning are seen as slim. The developing trial is seen through the eyes of Scout, as she and her brother learn some valuable lessons about tolerance, empathy and understanding.
Comments from readers who voted for the book include:
“This book opened my eyes to the world of adult literature, through the eyes of a child. It is a beautifully constructed novel with so many powerful messages.”
“I loved it as a child, adolescent and an adult. I know the story but it never ceases to move me. I learned about love, consideration and compassion from this book. I can pick it up anytime no matter how I feel and learn something new from it. It will be many people’s favourite, and that explains why it is still a wonderfully written book.”
Derbyshire writer Joanna Cannon’s debut novel, The Trouble with Goats and Sheep, also scored high on the list. Readers say:
“An excellent book set in the glorious summer of 1976 with characters we all recognise, living in our streets. An excellent story interwoven in these characters’ lives, following two young girls and various mysteries. Lots of discussion points for book clubs and leaves individuals asking questions.”
“Great storyline with very recognisable characters – people who live down everyone’s street. Questions raised by the book and memories of a great summer (1976).”
These books also feature in the list of favourites, with readers’ reviews:
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Autumn by Ali Smith
Carrie by Stephen King
The Matchmaker of Perigord by Julia Stuart
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins-Reid
We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson
The Binding by Bridget Collins
The Beach by Alex Garland
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sticks and Stones by Jo Jakeman
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
The Shipping News by Annie Proulx
Eon by Greg Bear
The Colour Purple by Alice Walker
Thud by Terry Pratchett
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway (first published in the UK as Fiesta)
Star Wars the New Jedi Order: The Unifying Force by James Lucerno
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres
Browse Derby Libraries’ online catalogue to find new books to read, and place a hold on them for collection. They can be collected from Riverside and Mickleover Libraries during opening hours, or by using the Click and Collect service at Normanton and Alvaston Libraries. For library information and current opening times, go to inderby.org.uk/libraries/welcome-back-to-derby-libraries/
One of the entries in the People’s Vote was drawn at random to receive an iPad Mini 5th generation – useful for all kinds of tasks as well as reading eBooks! Congratulations to the winner, Sam Osbourne, who has been notified. Her nominated book was Autumn by Ali Smith. There are plans for future votes to find Derby’s favourite non-fiction book, and children’s book.
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US shutters Russia's San Francisco consulate in retaliation
By Associated Press Aug 31, 2017, 12:03pm MDT
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FILE - President Donald Trump speaks about tax reform at the Loren Cook Company, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Springfield, Mo. In an escalating tit-for-tat, the United States forced Russia on Thursday to shutter its consulate in San Francisco and scale back its diplomatic presence in Washington and New York, as relations between the two former Cold War foes continued to unravel.
Alex Brandon, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — In an escalating tit-for-tat, the United States forced Russia on Thursday to shutter its consulate in San Francisco and scale back its diplomatic presence in Washington and New York, as relations between the two former Cold War foes continued to unravel.
The Trump administration said the move constituted its response to the Kremlin's "unwarranted and detrimental" decision to force the U.S. to cut its diplomatic staff in Russia. Under the order, Russia must close its San Francisco consulate by Saturday, along with Russia's "chancery annex" in Washington and a "consular annex" in New York.
"The United States is prepared to take further action as necessary and as warranted," said State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert. Still, she said the U.S. hoped both countries could now move toward "improved relations between our two countries and increased cooperation on areas of mutual concern."
Earlier this month, the Kremlin retaliated for stepped-up U.S. sanctions on Russia by announcing the U.S. would have to cut its embassy and consulate staff in Russia by 755 people. During meetings in the Philippines shortly thereafter, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson left open the possibility the U.S., in turn, would retaliate for that move, and promised Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov a formal response by Sept. 1.
The U.S. has said as a result, it will stop issuing visas at its consulates in Russia in cities other than Moscow. A senior U.S. official said Thursday that the U.S. reduction of diplomatic staff is complete.
There was no immediate reaction from the Russian government. But given the back-and-forth nature of the escalating tensions over the past year, it was likely the Kremlin would feel compelled to respond by taking further action against the U.S.
Nevertheless, the United States argued that the score has been evened, urging Russia not to retaliate for the retaliation. U.S. officials pointed out that Russia, when it ordered the cut in U.S. diplomats, had argued it was merely bringing the size of the two countries' diplomatic presences into "parity."
"The United States hopes that, having moved toward the Russian Federation's desire for parity, we can avoid further retaliatory actions by both sides," Nauert said.
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Blake's 7 - Lucifer by Paul Darrow
By Paul Darrow
Read by Paul Darrow
Paul Darrow Big Finish Productions
Many legends surround the aftermath of the collapse of The Federation, including the fate of Kerr Avon... What happened to Avon after the death of Blake and the crew of the Scorpio? Paul Darrow's vivid re-imagining picks up Avon's story at the final moments of the final episode of Blake's 7 and follows him on his fight for survival, this time with no crew and no ship to help him. The adventure continues years later as Avon, now an old man, finds himself a key player in the game of power politics being played out on a grand scale by The Quartet - four ruthless leaders in an uneasy alliance, who govern the world in place of the Federation. Old enemies resurface and dangerous new ones appear as the time comes for old scores to finally be settled...
Author Bio: Paul Darrow
Paul Darrow is an English actor best known for his portrayal of Kerr Avon in the BBC science fiction television show Blake’s 7. In addition to acting, Darrow records voice-overs and straplines for five UK Jack FM stations in Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Bristol, Swindon, and Southampton. He also provides the voice of the character Grand Moff Tarkin in the computer game Star Wars: Empire at War and is the author of Avon: A Terrible Aspect and the autobiography You’re Him, Aren’t You
Publisher: Big Finish Productions
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Green lending: World’s biggest banks’ latest initiative at COP26 is a step backwards
It wouldn’t make sense to abruptly forbid lending to non-green projects now, since we need to avoid hitting hardest the banks that are traditionally most involved in carbon-heavy sectors
By Paul David Richard Griffiths
Published: Saturday 06 November 2021
Over 450 of the world’s banks have committed to a new initiative at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference which is designed to decarbonise their investments. Overseen by former Bank of England supremo Mark Carney, the banks and other financial institutions signing up to Gfanz (the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero) are pledging to report annually on the carbon emissions linked to the projects they lend to.
They are also aiming to provide trillions of dollars in green finance, while committing to net zero emissions across the board by 2050. Major signatories to the initiative, which was originally unveiled in April, include Citi, Morgan Stanley and Bank of America.
While it’s very encouraging to see many of the world’s leading banks committing to sustainable lending, it’s hard not to feel apprehensive. It certainly isn’t the first opportunity that they have had to decarbonise their loan books, and so far the results have not been impressive.
In 2019, the UN General Assembly exuberantly launched its principles of responsible banking (PRBs) with similar goals in mind. The banks that signed up agreed, among other things, to “work with their clients to encourage sustainable practices” and to “align their business strategy” to the UN sustainable development goals and the Paris climate agreement.
So far, many of the biggest banks in the world have not signed the PRBs, even though the principles have been the gold standard until now for committing to decarbonising lending. Leading signatories are also a long way from satisfying their requirements – not to mention those of Gfanz.
Greening finance
Banks can contribute to solving the climate crisis from two angles: their lending and their investments. On the investment side, we saw a tipping point in 2020 when BlackRock, the largest asset manager in the world, announced that it would concentrate its investments on securities that were focused on sustainability.
Lending is still in the nascent stages of its green transition, however. And since it is well accepted that it makes up the majority of corporate finance, this area is make or break for decarbonising the industry.
Well over 200 international banks have signed the principles of responsible banking in the past two years, but, many of the biggest banks are not among them. Of the top ten banks (by market capitalisation), only Citi, Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Bank of China and Agricultural Bank of China are signatories. A further six – JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, China Construction Bank, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley and China Merchants Bank – are not on the list.
I should stress that being a signatory to the PRBs is a limited commitment. Signatories have four years to comply with the principles. Even then, everything is voluntary and non-binding, so signatories are not penalised or even named and shamed for failing to live up to the principles.
To get a sense of the status quo, I looked at the lending practices of three major signatory banks – Citi, ICBC and Japan’s MUFG – for the years 2016-19. This covers the period directly after the Paris Agreement to the year the PRBs were signed. You might have expected banks that were serious about their commitments to have been cutting back on carbon-heavy lending in this period.
There’s still a lot of fossil-fuel lending going on. Lucasz Z
I focused on banks’ lending to fossil fuels extraction, because data is readily available and because this is very much the top of the pyramid when it comes to carbon emissions. I also compared three other major banks who are not signatories to the PRBs: Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase and HSBC.
I found that Wells Fargo and JP Morgan were the world’s largest financiers of such companies during that period (though Wells Fargo dropped to third in 2020). Neither signed the PRBs, though both are now members of Gfanz. Both state in their annual reports that they are committed to the Paris climate agreement. Both did reduce their total fossil fuels lending each year from 2018 to 2020, by 57% and 23% respectively.
Citi, meanwhile, was the third-biggest fossil fuel lender in 2016-19 despite being a signatory to the PRBs (and Gfanz), and reached second place in 2020. And MUFG and ICBC, who are also signatories to the PRBs, both grew their fossil-fuel lending over the period. MUFG is also a Gfanz member, though neither ICBC nor any of the other Chinese banks are part of the new initiative. Also note that HSBC was not a major lender to fossil fuel projects despite not being a signatory to the PRBs (though it too has signed up to Gfanz).
Six banks and fossil-fuel finance 2016-19
Paul Griffiths
From this, I see no discernible sign that the PRBs have so far made any difference to lending in this area. Despite the roar at the UN General Assembly, my worry is that this tiger is proving toothless – and there is reason to fear that Gfanz will go the same way.
When signatories to the PRBs are lending money, they are supposed to carry out environmental-impact assessments and to measure the greenhouse gas emissions of projects. This is not a minor issue considering that such work is beyond the traditional competences of banks and will significantly affect their operational costs.
Signatories are also supposed to ensure that loans go to projects that are carbon neutral. This means that borrowers have to commit to mitigation actions that last for the whole life-cycle of the project. It is part of each signatory’s obligation to ensure that such mitigation actions are carried out, by monitoring the project throughout its duration.
Yet the suspicion is that very little of this is happening on the ground at present. To change this, we would probably need to move to a scheme by which the PRBs are compulsory and binding.
Unfortunately, Gfanz does not look like that scheme. Though the annual reporting requirements on carbon emissions are a step forward, nothing in the initiative is mandatory either. It was also criticised in the weeks leading up to COP26 because the members refused to agree to end lending to fossil fuel projects this year. Instead they aim to halve their carbon emissions in a decade.
My own view is that it wouldn’t make sense to abruptly forbid lending to non-green projects now, since we need to avoid hitting hardest the banks that are traditionally most involved in carbon-heavy sectors. Instead, loan books need to be treated as a portfolio of projects in different tones of green, with a defined trajectory towards greener – but it needs to be mandatory for signatories.
It’s a pity that Mark Carney and other banking leaders did not work towards strengthening the PRBs rather than come up with yet another initiative. I also worry that Gfanz muddies the waters by combining investing and lending rather than focusing purely on lending. We don’t need more roaring; we need a tiger that actually has some teeth.
We invited the banks referred to in the article to comment on their lending activities in this area. MUFG sent us links to its carbon neutrality declaration and environmental and social policy framework.
JP Morgan, Wells Fargo, Citi and ICBC declined to comment.
Climate finance cop26 Banks Climate Change India
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Chad Pregracke
2013 CNN Hero of the Year and President/Founder of Living Lands & Waters (LL&W)
Why Book Chad Pregracke?
At age 17, Chad started on a crusade to clean out the Mississippi River. It evolved into a cultural movement and 11 million pounds of garbage being cleaned out of America’s rivers with over 100,000 volunteers and dozens of global corporations coming on board.
Chad’s not-for-profit organization, Living Lands & Waters, has evolved to be the only “industrial strength” river organization like it in the world.
Chad’s efforts earned him over 40 awards and accolades including the 2013 CNN Hero of the Year.
Chad Pregracke is living proof that an average person can make a big difference. He holds the title of 2013 CNN Hero of the Year. He is also the Founder & President of the internationally recognized not-for-profit organization, Living Lands & Waters. In addition, Chad gives numerous keynotes a year, sharing his stories with many of the world’s largest corporations such as Intel, Anheuser-Busch, FedEx, Honda and John Deere. His adventures and challenges translate to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, leaving them inspired to take action. Chad exemplifies how one person can make a difference in the world.
Growing up 30 feet away from the Mississippi River, Chad became very familiar with the majestic waterway. Spending up to 10 hours a day in the depths and current of the pitch black water, he worked as a Commercial Shell Diver during his teenage and college years. Over a six year period, he crawled 150 miles of the river bottom. He gained a new perspective on the river, looking at it from the bottom up. Chad was both marveled by the river’s beauty and frustrated with its plight due to years of neglect. The river and its shores were littered with thousands of barrels, tires, cars, campers, plastic bottles, appliances, and much more.
At the age of 17, he set out on a mission to do something about the disregarded river. Since 1998, when Living Lands & Waters was established, over 11 million pounds of garbage has been removed by Chad, his crew, and over 118,000 volunteers. They have held more than 1200 river clean-ups on 23 rivers in 21 states. One million four hundred and fifty-eight thousand trees have also been planted through the MillionTreesProject, started in 2007. Furthermore, over ten thousand students have been educated aboard his floating classroom on the barge he and his crew live on up to 9 months of the year. Chad is accomplishing his mission to clean up America’s rivers and launched a social movement that engages people and betters the world in the process.
Chad’s sense of humor, passion, and enthusiasm help carry the message that we can all make a difference by amplifying his story and entertaining his audiences. His vision and leadership have been recognized through countless awards and honors. A few include CNN’s Hero of the Year Award, the Jefferson Award for Public Service (America’s version of the Nobel Prize), and being recognized at the Points of Light Tribute in front of all four
living former U.S. Presidents. They even gave him a standing ovation for his inspirational message on dreaming big, taking action, persevering, leading, and collaborating. He was also named “America’s Hardest Working Person” by a competition hosted by Mitchum. Chad’s non-stop work ethic and determination have also been featured in major media outlets, such as CNN with recent airings on Mike Rowe’s “Somebody’s Gotta Do It” and “Rescuing The Rivers” with Anderson Cooper, the Discovery Channel, Time, People, NBC Nightly News, CBS Sunday Morning, the Chicago Tribune, and Outdoor magazines. In addition, Chad authored a book about his journey titled “From the Bottom Up: One Man’s Crusade to Clean America’s Rivers”, published by National Geographic in 2007.
Chad currently lives and works with his wife Tammy, dividing their time between life on the Teamwork Barge and their home in East Moline, IL.
Chad Pregracke Speaker Reel
Helping to Clean America’s Rivers: From the Bottom Up
From the Bottom Up
As the founder of America’s only “industrial strength” river clean-up organization, Living Lands & Waters, Chad tells a compelling and funny story about growing up on the river and how his river experiences led to his unique vision to clean up the Mississippi River.
During his hour-long talk, Chad takes the audience out on one of the world’s greatest rivers – a journey filled with endless challenges and gripping adventures. His delivery is motivating, captivating, genuine and refreshingly spontaneous.
From the darkness of underwater shell-diving to the brightness of open-air community clean-ups, Chad’s tale embodies the importance of setting goals (one river and one piece of garbage at a time) and illustrates how determination hard-work and persistence pays off.
The river environment is relentlessly real and Chad brings the same up-front honesty to his presentation. Chad’s sincere enthusiasm is an uplifting wave for audiences of all ages as he relates his personal conviction to clean America’s rivers.
Chad empowers the audience with his fascinating story and genuine compassion to make a difference.
Chad’s unique presentation takes his audience on an adventure where they learn the value of hard work, perseverance, and big ideas while engaging in an interactive talk with Chad.
From the darkness of underwater shell diving to the brightness of a community river clean up, Chad’s tale epitomizes the importance of setting ambitious goals, staying determined when the going gets tough, and creating a solid team dynamic even in the most difficult environments.
Chad’s sincere enthusiasm creates an uplifting wave for audiences of all ages as he portrays his personal convictions and struggles to clean up America’s rivers.
Take Away Points:
How an average person can make a big difference
How to create and lead a vision that inspires people to take action
How strong leadership and teamwork can effectively solve a problem, no matter the size
How to inspire people to work together towards a single vision
How philanthropic organizations have enhanced their role from simply providing funding to empowering employees to champion a cause
How to creatively solve problems, like how to steer a 350-ton barge with a bicycle chain
Business Entrepreneurship Corporate Social Responsibility Sustainability Speakers Leadership and Inspiration Activism Environment
Ovie Mughelli
Retired NFL Athlete Turned Environmental Advocate
Fee Range: $10,001 - $15,000
Jimmy Jia
Educator, Innovator and Author, Driven by Demand: How Energy Gets its Power
Dr. Reese Halter
Broadcaster, Distinguished Scientist
Fee Range: Call For Fee
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EQT to acquire a majority stake in Ellab from IK Investment Partners
Today, Ellab announces that IK Investment Partners and EQT have entered into an agreement to transfer the ownership of Ellab. The press releases from IK and EQT can be downloaded via the links below.
Press release from IK
Press release from EQT
Ellab’s management is very excited about the transaction and is looking forward to continuing on the next chapter in the Ellab story.
Financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory conditions and approvals and it expected to be completed within the next two months.
About EQT
EQT is a leading investment firm with more than EUR 61 billion in raised capital across 29 funds and around EUR 40 billion in assets under management. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 21 billion and approximately 127,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.
For more info: www.eqtpartners.com
About IK Investment Partners
IK Investment Partners (“IK”) is a Pan-European private equity firm focused on investments in the Nordics, DACH region, France, and Benelux. Since 1989, IK has raised more than 10 billion of capital and invested in over 125 European companies. IK funds support companies with strong underlying potential, partnering with management teams and investors to create robust, well-positioned businesses with excellent long-term prospects.
For more info: www.ikinvest.com
The Next Generation of the Ellab Temperature Standard is here!
Ellab Expands into Calibration Services in UK with the Acquisition of Arena
Ellab Announces Office in Spain
Join Ellab on our Journey to a Better and Safer Future
Ellab acquires Valcom
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Swiss President in video conference on development funding in Corona times
Press release, 28.05.2020
On Thursday 28 May 2020, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, took part in a video conference on development funding at the invitation of the UN, Canada and Jamaica. The conference, which involved numerous heads of state and government, marks the start of a longer process which will focus on development funding at a global level during the pandemic and beyond.
The initiators want to prevent the progress achieved in global development over several decades from being wiped out by the current crisis. The guiding principle is the 2030 Agenda with its sustainable development goals for the global community. The conference aims to give impetus to a longer-term discussion of specific funding solutions and measures for managing the COVID-19 crisis.
‘As so often happens, it is the weakest among us who suffer most. In order to get through this crisis with dignity, we must develop a social model that is more sustainable, fairer and better equipped to adapt to changed circumstances’, Ms Sommaruga declared. This would mean making investments that are compatible with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, she added. She also called for inequalities to be reduced. The Swiss President described the slump in the level of money transfers that migrants and Diaspora members are making to their countries of origin as ‘alarming’, reaffirming the call made by Switzerland and the United Kingdom to keep channels for these transfers open.
Also represented at the conference alongside the UN member states were the most important actors in development funding, including the OECD, the IMF and the World Bank. Switzerland views the UN’s capacity to intervene during the current crisis as a serious concern. Therefore it welcomes the UN’s decision to tackle the vital issue of development funding in more detail during the corona crisis. On Thursday a process was initiated that will continue to the end of the year; its issues have also been put down for discussion at the High-Level Political Forum on sustainable development (HLPF) and at the opening of the 75th UN General Assembly in September.
DETEC Information Service: Géraldine Eicher 079 211 30 52
Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications
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Assistive Technology Broadens Its Range
By Mary Catherine O'Connor — August 22, 2011 5 min read
Brandi Allan, 17, is a high school junior in Daly City, Calif. She has dyslexia and uses specialized e-learning technology as part of her educational program.
Ramin Rahimian for Education Week
If you’ve ever felt the vibration of a cellphone, or used Google’s voice-based search function to look up a recipe instead of touching your keyboard with wet fingers, you’ve enjoyed the benefits of assistive technology.
Assistive technologies have become commonplace in consumer electronics—in fact, they make up a $30.5 billion industry that’s expected to grow fast, as baby boomers’ vision and hearing begin to fail. But those bells and whistles are byproducts of the efforts made by educational technology developers to design and refine assistive technology tools that remove barriers to learning for children suffering from a range of disabilities.
Thanks to the spread of the principles of universal design for learning, in which the needs of all users—with all levels of access and ability—are considered when creating products, many assistive technology tools are suited to address both cognitive disabilities and physical limitations and are increasingly being employed to help students with disabilities use digital curricula and take virtual courses. That is why experts suggest looking for ways that a single software platform might accommodate the learning differences of a number of students with disabilities—but without losing sight of each individual’s needs, and without assuming that two students with the same diagnosis will benefit equally from a single technology or tool.
“It’s less about the label or disability that each student carries, and more about how his or her challenges manifest themselves,” said Dan Leibowitz, a learning specialist at the 400-student Town School for Boys, a private K-8 school in San Francisco. He is the owner of Innovative Learning Services, which works with individuals and small groups of students and parents to connect them with technologies and skills to improve the students’ ability to learn.
“With each [assistive technology] tool, I ask: ‘Does it help students access information? And does it help students demonstrate their knowledge?’ ” he said.
While universal design is making assistive technologies useful to an ever-wider cross section of students with learning disabilities, individuals’ needs are paramount. “The mainstreaming movement means regular teachers are learning more about assistive technologies and applying the same technologies for their whole classrooms,” said Heidi Silver-Pacuilla, a former deputy director of the National Center for Technology Innovation, or NCTI, in Washington. Ms. Silver-Pacuilla is now the supervisory education specialist for the U.S. Office of Adult and Vocational Education.
To view a variety of prominent assistive technology devices and software, see “Assistive Technology Devices.”
“So the pressure is on educational tech developers to build in access avenues for [assistive technology] into their products, and the pressure is on AT developers to make their products more applicable to mainstream students.”
But the disability community worries that trend could mean students with multiple or severe disabilities won’t get the tools they really need.
For example, while a text-to-speech application can give a blind student access to a specific document on a computer, it won’t allow him or her to navigate outside that document and access other programs or applications, said Jennifer McDonald-Peltier, an assistive technology specialist for the Center for Accessible Technology, a Berkeley, Calif.-based nonprofit that aims to equip students with disabilities with the technology they need to be successful. For that, a screen reader program is essential, she pointed out.
Acquiring assistive technology tools is a multistep process that involves testing, and further study and coordination with a district assistive technology specialist. Many technology providers offer trial tests of their products, and educators can test-drive the various assistive technologies on display at education conferences.
‘Cheap and Easy Tools’
And no matter what a district’s budget situation is or the number or types of disabilities students have, experts in assistive technology offer some universal advice.
To begin with, schools should not overlook the technologies already available.
“My first impulse when an educator says she wants to differentiate her curriculum, and differentiate her instruction for a variety of students,” said Ms. McDonald-Peltier, “is to start by looking at [Microsoft] Word and PowerPoint. These cheap and easy tools might already meet your needs.”
In addition, school computers are likely to have some basic assistive technology tools built in at the platform level. Macintosh operating systems, for example, offer Universal Access, a set of accessibility-focused monitor and keyboard settings designed to help users who have visual and auditory limitations, or those with motor-skill problems. At the other end of the spectrum are the comprehensive software platforms, such as Inspiration software, or the WYNN literacy software, which supports a long list of features and add-ons, such as support for optical-character-recognition devices, or talking dictionaries. Experts point out that such products can be very good learning tools—but they can become very expensive. They say educators might only need specific modules within a software suite, or perhaps another software product, with fewer features.
In any case, experts recommend looking for something that’s easy to install and learn—for teachers and students alike. “The training component is often overlooked in purchasing decisions,” said Ms. McDonald-Peltier.
Upgradable products are preferable, too, given the rapidity with which technology is evolving.
‘We Need Proof’
Finally, experts suggest relying on the research that educational technology groups, such as the NCTI and the Washington-based Center for Implementing Technology in Education, which helps schools implement assistive technology, have compiled. The Tech Matrix is an online tool that allows educators to search for assistive technology tools by specific content areas.
The NCTI is also working with the Assistive Technology Industry Association to help assistive technology manufacturers and software developers conduct research on the efficacy of their tools for learning.
“You wouldn’t test the efficacy of eyeglasses, but other tools, such as digital-text software that includes educational prompts” need to be tested, said Ms. Silver-Pacuilla. “Does it really help students with learning issues? We need proof.”
Most students, through time and experimentation, will find the tools that work best for them, experts suggest.
Brandi Allan, a junior at Immaculate Conception Academy, a 280-student high school in San Francisco, was diagnosed with dyslexia in the 1st grade. She uses a combination of an AlphaSmart keyboard, an Intel optical-character-recognition device for text-to-speech help with printed matter, and a LiveScribe note-taking pen.
“You have to find your own tweaks” to find the best way to use different tools effectively, Ms. Allan said. “I’m still experimenting with different technologies, and I have been since around third grade.”
Mary Catherine O'Connor
Hardware Students With Disabilities
A version of this article appeared in the August 24, 2011 edition of Education Week as Assistive Technology Broadens Its Range
From the Special Report
E-Learning for Special Populations
Special Education Assistive Technology Devices
Mary Catherine O'Connor, August 22, 2011
College & Workforce Readiness At-Risk Students Face E-Learning Challenges
Katie Ash, August 22, 2011
Special Education Training Educators for Virtual Special Education
Michelle R. Davis, August 22, 2011
Tessa Falcetta, a rising 8th grader who lives in Grove City, Pa., has taken online classes in the past and will be taking them again when she starts school in the fall. Tessa has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dysgraphia, and general anxiety disorder.
Jason Cohn for Education Week
Special Education E-Learning Expands for Special-Needs Students
Special Education Spec-Ed Tech Seen as Potentially Beneficial for All Students
Katie Ash, March 14, 2011
Special Education Whitepaper When is it Dyslexia? Assessing Early Indicators.
Download your copy of this white paper to learn how early assessments can help improve student outcomes.
Content provided by Voyager Sopris Learning
Special Education Florida Changed Rules for Special Education Students. Why Many Say It’s Wrong
The new rule contains a more specific definition of what it means to have a “most significant cognitive disability.”
Jeffrey S. Solochek, Tampa Bay Times
Richard Corcoran, Florida’s education commissioner, and Andy Tuck, the chair of the state’s board of education, listen to speakers at a meeting in June.
Bob Self/The Florida Times-Union via AP
Special Education 6 Ways to Communicate Better With Parents of Students With Learning Differences
For students who learn or think differently, a strong network of support is key. Here are 6 tips for bridging the communication gap between families and schools.
Marina Whiteleather
cagkansayin/iStock/Getty
Special Education New York City Will Phase Out Controversial Gifted and Talented Program
The massive change is aimed at addressing racial disparities in the biggest school system in the country.
Michael Elsen-Rooney, New York Daily News
Students write and draw positive affirmations on poster board at P.S. 5 Port Morris, an elementary school in The Bronx borough of New York on Aug. 17, 2021. New York City will phase out its program for gifted and talented students that critics say favors whites and Asian American students, while enrolling disproportionately few Black and Latino children, in the nation's largest and arguably most segregated school system.
Brittainy Newman/AP
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Prices lowered on Metro Ethernet Line and LAN services. For today's best deals on bandwidth and availability call toll free (888) 848-8749.
- Latest Updates & Information -
Advantage of Colocation Bandwidth
Colocation is locating your servers in a colocation facility, also known as a carrier hotel. Advantages of this approach include ready availability of low cost bandwidth including 10 Mbps Ethernet, 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet options. These data centers also offer backup power, environmental control and high levels of security.
How is PoE used for IP Phones?
PoE or Power over Ethernet is a standard that defines a way to transmit electric power to network devices as well as information packets. When PoE equipment is installed in equipment lockers, an IP telephone gets its power from the network and does not need a separate AC power supply.
Where does a VPN make sense?
A VPN or Virtual Private Network is a security technique to allow public networks, like the Internet, to be used for secure private data transmission. Since Internet access is almost universally available, using VPN software to encrypt data into private tunnels is more cost effective than building a fully meshed network to connect many locations.
What is a Service Level Agreement?
An SLA or Service Level Agreement is often part of the contract between a business and telecom carrier for line services such as carrier Ethernet.The SLA spells out the expected availability of the line service and what penalties the carrier is liable for if the line doesn't perform as stated.
What is Mid-Band Ethernet?
Mid-Band Ethernet is a WAN or Wide Area Network technology that delivers 2 to 45 Mbps over existing copper pair wiring. This bandwidth range falls neatly in between T1 lines at 1.5 Mbps and DS3 service, usually provided over fiber optic carriers, at 45 Mbps. As a native Ethernet delivery system, mid-band Ethernet offers an easy way to extend the corporate network beyond the premises.
Metro Ethernet Service Prices Reduced!
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U.S. States: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
(c) 2007 - 2021 by John Shepler Profile+, All Rights Reserved.
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Home Other Stuff Ten series fo...
Startups in general
Ten series for budding entrepreneurs to watch over the holidays
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and a great time to tuck into a new series!
There’s an abundance of streaming services available and a bunch of great series out there – especially if you’re a startup enthusiast or budding entrepreneur. The only problem is finding the show you want to watch.
So, here’s a list of ten great series to watch during the festive period – some will make you laugh, some will give you some inspiration, and some might be a bit of an eye-opener to the world’s realities – something for everyone!
1. Girlboss
Netflix comedy Girlboss follows misfit Sophia discover a passion for fashion and become an unlikely businesswoman. Loosely based on Nasty Gal Founder, the show follows Sophia trying to balance her new life of success.
Why it’s worth watching: Based on a true story, it gives comic relief and it’ll keep you solidly entertained while you muse on the realities of running a new business. It shows passion, grittiness and determination.
2. Better Call Saul
Available on Netflix, Better Call Saul is a spin-off, prequel and sequel of Breaking bad. The series follows ex-con artist Jimmy McGill as he turns into a small-time attorney and transforms into alter ego Saul Goodman. The series is a show that you can feel familiar with in the intense beginnings of running and maintaining a business, and developing a ‘fake it until you make it’ attitude.
Why it’s worth watching: This series gets rave reviews for its storytelling, twisting plot and character development.
3. The StartUp
Available to watch on Netflix, StartUp is an American drama series starring Martin Freeman and Adam Brody. The show follows the emergence of GenCoin, a tech idea centred on digital currency (that sounds familiar…) developed by three strangers to conceal their illegal money. Crooked FI agent Phil Rask is on the task to expose the trio and bring them to justice.
Why it’s worth watching: The show will certainly capture your attention with its tale of three entrepreneurs who are brought together by personal ambition to make a tech success story.
4. Dirty Money
Netflix original documentary that takes a dive into the world of corruption, fraud and crime revolving around the world’s economy. This docuseries explores stories of scandal and corruption in business, exposing acts of corporate greed and corruption. Some of the tales that are told include a car company that cheats emissions tests to save money and the drama and shady deals that surround Donald Trump’s business empire.
Why it’s worth watching: The riveting exposé is essential viewing for anyone wanting to get involved in business. It confronts us all to think about the human cost of corporate greed.
5. The Mind, Explained
This Netflix series explores the inner workings of the human brain, looking at topics of dreaming to anxiety disorders. It’s a must-watch for any budding entrepreneur to better understand how the mind works and what makes people tick.
Why it’s worth watching: Any entrepreneur needs to understand how people work in order to lead a great team and market their products/solutions successfully, this documentary provides the insights you need.
6. Workin’ Moms
A comedy series that offers a look into the other side of running successful businesses – upholding your personal life. Set in Canada, and streamable on Netflix, the sitcom is incredibly popular. It tells the tale of a friendship group sharing the struggle of urban motherhood, achieving a sense of self, and keeping it professional.
Why it’s worth watching: Running a business is never easy. This series is a bit of comedic relief, and reminds us that there’s more to life – we all have a lot on our plate, and sometimes, constant professionalism is hard
7. Dragon’s Den
UK series Dragons Den sees budding entrepreneurs get three minutes to pitch their business ideas to five multimillionaires who are willing to invest their cash. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in business for inspiration and as a lesson on how (or how not) to make a winning business pitch.
Why it’s worth watching: If you want to launch a company, you need to know how to pitch it. Watching this series will be a real eye-opener on the do’s and don’ts.
8. Ballers
Available on HBO, Ballers is an American comedy-drama starring Dwayne Johnson as a retired NFL player navigating a new career as a financial manager. It’s a good watch that tells what may be a familiar tale of how to make a career change, and manage new relationships
Why it’s worth watching: This series weaves together entertainment with societal critique and really emphasises the emotion that goes into making a big career change
9. Generation Wealth
This documentary takes an extraordinary look into our growing obsession with wealth and the race to get rich. Exploring a growing culture of materialism, the cult of celebrity and obsessions with social status, the documentary bears witness to the global boom-and-bust economy and exposes the complicated consequences. Generation Wealth takes a critical look at the desire to be wealthy – regardless of the cost.
Why it’s worth watching: This documentary is a stark reminder of the dark side of consumerism. It’ll make sure you keep sustainability and people-centric values when setting up your business.
10. Inside Bill’s Brain, Decoding Bill Gates
Oscar-winning director, David Guggenheim, aims to find out what goes on inside the mind of the founder of Microsoft. Over the course of three hour-long episodes, we get a small glimpse into Gate’s childhood, education, growing Microsoft, and his family life, as he pursues unique solutions to some of the world’s most complex problems. From clean drinking water to nuclear energy plants, Bill Gates is definitely changing the world.
Why it’s worth watching: It’s always helpful to step inside the mind of a genius. Plus, Bill’s reading list is on full display.
We hope you enjoy this selection! Let us know your thoughts – any others we should add to the list?
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Deep Render raises €1.8 million for its image compression tech that mimics the human eye
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Home News British Airways axes thousands of flights in huge blow to UK passengers
British Airways axes thousands of flights in huge blow to UK passengers
Alex Glenn
8 December 2021 @ 10:41
British Airways axes thousands of flights in a huge blow to UK passengers. The company say that the omicron variant is not to blame though.
More than 2,000 flights have been grounded until March 2022 by British Airways. 2,144 flights have been ditched from the winter schedule. A spokesperson though outlined that it is not due to worries over the omicron variant or coronavirus travel restrictions being put in place.
British Airways commented: “Like other airlines, due to the continuing Coronavirus pandemic we are operating a reduced and dynamic schedule.” Fewer people are wanting to travel at the moment.
Some countries in Europe are already beginning to re-implement lockdowns to try to keep the virus at bay. The travel industry has been relieved though as initial reports suggest that the omicron variant leads to mild symptoms. Not much is known about the new variant at the moment.
France is just one of the latest countries to bring in new coronavirus restrictions.
From Friday, December 10, nightclubs in France will be closed for an entire month. These closures are being put in place in a bid to control the coronavirus pandemic before Christmas.
The French Prime Minister Jean Castex is hoping to save the Christmas holidays. He has also put in place restrictions on pre-Christmas festivities too.
Alex Glenn is a reporter for Spain’s largest English-speaking newspaper, Euro Weekly News. Formerly she worked in the NHS for 15 years until relocating to Spain in 2018. She loves the Spanish lifestyle, language and culture and spent several years learning Spanish before moving to Spain for a better quality of life. She has made her home in the mountains in Almeria, where she loves being part of a rural community that has a mix of both expats and Spanish residents. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading and exploring the area where she lives.
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EPA Reveals How the Tesla Model 3 Gets 310 Miles of Range
By Joel Hruska on August 9, 2017 at 4:21 pm
Tesla’s Model 3 is supposed to be a game-changing vehicle for both the company and the EV industry as a whole. Up to this point, Tesla’s business model has revolved around selling a relative handful of luxury vehicles. The Model 3 is supposed to drive economies of scale by scaling to far higher volumes, and Tesla has said it’s adding 1,800 reservations a day for the vehicle.
According to Tesla, the standard version of the Model 3 will have a 220-mile range, while an extended Long Range variant will be available with a 310-mile range. The Long Range variant can also go 0-60 in 5.1 seconds and has an 80.5kW battery, according to the EPA’s report:
Model 3 information. Data by the EPA.
The EPA reports that the vehicle’s battery provides 350V and 230 amp hours, which works out to a 80.5 kilowatt-hour battery. That’s actually better than the Model S provided on a slightly larger battery; the Model S with an 85KWh battery had a range of 253 to 272 miles, depending on the variant you purchased, according to the EPA’s figures.
Part of the variation between the two is likely due to weight. The curb weight on the Model S is ~4,600 – 4,750 pounds for the 85kWh variants and rises to 4,960 pounds for the P100D with its larger battery. The Model 3’s curb weight, in contrast, is 3,837 pounds. That’s a significant slash compared with the Model S.
EPA tests have previously shown that reducing vehicle weight is one of the best ways to improve fuel economy, with a 1-percent improvement per 100 pounds of reduced weight. As Autoblog details, a study by the Aluminum Association found that eliminating 10 percent of vehicle weight improved fuel economy by 4.1 percent, while cutting 20 percent of weight improved fuel economy by 8.4 percent. It’s not clear if EVs follow exactly the same formula, and we’d expect some slush even between gasoline vehicles. Still, it’s clear that at least some of the Model 3’s improved range on a smaller battery is courtesy of having less junk in the trunk.
The Model 3 is, in many ways, the true make-or-break moment for Tesla. The Model X was a variation on a luxury vehicle theme, but nobody thought the company’s fate was riding on the vehicle’s success. Scaling up Model 3 production, in contrast, means dramatically increasing Tesla’s monthly raw materials supply, battery production, and manufacturing speed.
If Tesla can pull this scaling off, it’ll have a killer brand name attached to a (relatively) affordable vehicle with which to take on the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf. If the company runs into problems, investors could start getting jittery given Tesla’s significant rate of cash burn and the difficulties of competing with the established automotive industry. If Elon Musk is wise, he’ll leave building Hyperloops to others and focus on his car company.
Battery Electric Vehicle
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About EyeMuse Books
Q&A with Publisher and Author
New Mexico: A Guide for the Eyes
Southern California: A Guide for the Eyes
Learn what EyeMuse Books is all about and how and why Guides for the Eyes was born through this Q&A with Elisa Parhad, who founded the company in 2008.
1. Tell us about Guides for the Eyes.
The genesis of this project can be traced back to 2001 when I was living in Japan as an English teacher. I was enamored with the new sights, experiences, habits, and beliefs that surrounded me, but guidebooks were of little help for learning about intimate aspects of the culture, especially for someone who lived in the country long-term, or for anyone interested in more than restaurants, attractions, and places to stay. Like any good Anthropology graduate, I was fanatical about learning and absorbing the meanings, names, and origins behind everything I saw, but the information came in bits and pieces that I had to hobble together. I wished this information could have been compiled in one place, all laid out in a digestible format that mimicked the visual manner in which you naturally experience the world. It didn’t take long for me to figure out that this would be a problem everywhere I went. So I began to work on a solution for myself that others might enjoy as well. The Guides for the Eyes series is a product of this realization.
2. Why California for the second book of the series?
There are so many locales I’d love to include in the Guides for the Eyes series. I was still a newcomer to the state when the first book in the series came out and I was so curious about my new environs. Creating the series really gave me a new way to systematically explore a new place. I started making lists of items that could be included for a SoCal book and I was doing the work before I even consciously made the decision to do a book on the region. I couldn’t help myself! The resulting culture and geography lessons helped me get a great grip on what makes this very unique corner of the world tick. I’m so lucky to have gained this perspective. The streets of Los Angeles can seem ugly, mundane, and disorienting to some, but so much of the streetscape and landscape is now very alive with a unique history for me. The whole region is filled with strong characters, insane stories, quirky destinations—so many of which influenced the entire world. And, it’s constantly happening all around us. It’s an inspirational, exciting place to live.
Another factor in my decision to write about Southern California was pure practicality. I became a new mother just after the first book was released. I knew that the intense travel required to do a book like this wasn’t going to happen with a baby. But day trips I could do. And, so we did. My son’s early days were filled with many, many, many photo trips. Sadly, he won’t remember the majority of them, but he was along with me for the great majority of the photos in the book.
One struggle I had with this book was that so many of the topics seemed so mundane at first. With the book on New Mexico I was dealing with a place that has a highly distinct style and culture. It’s really a locale that doesn’t look like anywhere else, and so many of the elements that make it special are not well known outside the state or found anywhere else. Not so for Southern California! Elements that are now a part of daily life throughout North America, and even the world—motels, drive-thrus, freeways, billboards, and ranch homes—have strong roots here. Their origins and influences are fascinating when you dig deep, but the first thing most people think about with such topics is an unremarkable suburbia. But I’ve found that there is so much more than that going on beneath the surface.
4. How did you become interested in this mix of anthropology, art, design, space, and place?
I’m lucky to have grown up in a family that places a great value on travel, exploring, and curiosity. My times abroad inspired the realization that we often overlook the cliches and mundane aspects of a place in our search for singular achievements or moments—whether these be historic battlefields, or gigantic skyscrapers. But a culture is really understood through it’s patterns of daily living—its people and the products, crafts, architecture, cuisine, and artwork they surround themselves with. The world is filled with different ideas of how to live that are shaped by each locale’s unique history, climate, natural resources, and religion. I’ve always found the results of these factors fascinating. I’d love to reach old age having explored as many different places as possible to experience all the wonderfully diverse ways of living and viewing the world.
Since I was a little girl I have been involved in the arts—I’ve been schooled in painting, drawing, design, printmaking, and ceramics. But I’ve never been as interested in individual artists as much as traditions of artistry. I feel more engaged with collective impulses rather than individual ones. I guess I was born with an innate need to know what motivates a whole people to do things a certain way.
4. Tell me about the process for this book.
I began this project with a list of items that for me were the most notable features of Southern California’s character. I started digesting all the classic writers and thinkers on the region, such as Carey McWilliams, Alan Hess, Thom Andersen, Reyner Banham, and John Chase, and exploring the land by foot, car, and bike. Items in the landscape that kept showing up got notice. The list grew longer and longer the more I saw and learned about the landscape.
I started this project weeks after my son was born, which means it was on a veerrrry slow schedule. But, this slowness ended up being a real benefit because it gave me lots of time to percolate not only the items I wanted to include, but how all pieces fit that made up the big puzzle.
Writing and photography took place in the same period. I was taking photographs when my son was awake and writing when he was asleep. Basically, I drove all across the region, enjoying its amazing scenery and cuisine on the way, visiting sites and museums, but really in search of moments to capture in a photograph. Trips were typically planned like this—Hmmm, I need a picture of an ocotillo plant. Anza-Borrego! OK, we’ll go camping there in February when all the cacti are in bloom.
5. Who should read this book?
This series attracts the curious-minded, art and architecture buffs, designers, artists, travel enthusiasts (active and armchair), history lovers, etc. When this series was started, the thought was that tourists would be the main consumers, and while tourists are certainly a big part of sales, locals have turned out to be the strongest supporters. People want to know what they are looking at and why. They also want to share with guests or family members who visit what their home is all about. People read Guides for the Eyes books for the same reason that they were created—curiosity about the world around us.
But the question about who should read that book is different than who will read the book. Southern California is a polarizing place. You’ve got the lovers and the haters. Sadly, I think Southern California gets a bad rap. Maybe knowing the stories behind what is seen on a day to day basis will enrich experiences here. There is so much in SoCal, and love it or hate it, so many aspects of our daily living got started here—Southern California is the original pop culture and innovation incubator. After learning about it, no one can deny that the history and culture here is fascinating.
6. Any plans for future books in the series?
Of course! There are other regions of California to explore, such as Northern California and the Central Coast. Additional places being considered include Louisiana, Texas, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest. We are also excited to start working with other writers to help speed up the pace of production. And, there is always international destinations, which is what started me here in the first place. As they say, the sky is the limit…
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False Economy ran from 2010-2015. This site is no longer being updated, but the False Economy research team continue to report at Sentinel News.
A battle of biblical proportions: can Lewisham beat Jeremy Hunt?
from Open Democracy - our NHS:
It has all the hallmarks of David and Goliath.
A small, community-based campaign group in south London taking on the parliamentary might of the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt himself. Head to head. In court.
Except this is neither a passage from the Bible nor a Hollywood movie.
No, this is the reality faced by an NHS hospital that finds itself under the axe as a result of decisions alleged to have been made unlawfully by the Secretary of State.
Contesting the legality of Hunt’s actions, the Save Lewisham Hospital (SLH) group - who have already fought a colourful and impassioned campaign - now plan to bring the Secretary of State to book in a judicial review to take place in the High Court in early July.
SLH was formed in 2012 by patients, GPs, doctors, nurses and other health workers in Lewisham. It came together in response to the plan to reduce services at Lewisham Hospital as part of rescue measures for the neighbouring South London Healthcare NHS Trust, brought low by cuts and its PFI deal.
The plans for Lewisham were drawn up by the neighbouring trust’s ‘special administrator’ Matthew Kershaw and included downgrading Lewisham’s A&E department and closing all acute admitting wards, the intensive care unit and the maternity service.
The ramifications for the local population are huge. Campaigners argue that Lewisham is a busy, well-performing and popular hospital and that the alternatives being put forward by the Secretary of State will be extremely difficult for residents to access. They also point to serious consequences for pregnant women. With no A&E, women who require emergency services during labour will have to be transferred by ambulance - mid-crisis - to another maternity unit, putting both mother and baby at risk.
Dr. Louise Irvine, Chair of SLH said: “The plans to demolish 60 per cent of what has been a “Top 40 hospital” for five years running - including some brand new facilities - when existing provision in surrounding hospitals is already full to overflowing and blue light ambulances are being diverted to Lewisham, are dangerous in the extreme. This is why so many thousands of people in Lewisham and further afield have engaged with the campaign”.
The legal action, launched by lawyers Leigh Day on behalf of SLH, asserts that this decision was unlawful. They argue Kershaw’s powers as the SLHT administrator - and therefore the Secretary of State’s too - related to South London Healthcare NHS Trust only. They did not extend to the Lewisham Trust. Both Kershaw and Hunt stand charged with acting “ultra vires” - outside their legal powers as SHLT administrator and Secretary of State and in breach of the National Health Service Act 2006.
The lawyers will also be contesting the consultation process which took place, claiming it was flawed. Mr Hunt himself required four tests to be satisfied before any reconfiguration proposals could proceed. These included ensuring GP support, clinician support, enhanced patient engagement and improved patient choice. The proposals failed on all four counts and yet are to be implemented.
Rosa Curling from law firm Leigh Day said: “We have written to the Secretary of State setting out the basis of our client’s case but to date, he has chosen not to respond. Our client has no option therefore but to issue proceedings and to request that the Court urgently intervene. The campaign is asking the Court to declare Mr Hunt’s decision unlawful and to quash it, so Mr Hunt can reconsider.”
This latest battle comes on the back of a series of high-profile campaigning events run by SLH. From marches and human chains, to events such as “The Hunt for Hunt” and media projects such as “Born in Lewisham”, SLH have shown how persistence, imagination and persistence can bring a community together around a sense of progressive civic pride. The planned legal challenge builds on months of hard work by campaigners.
Lewisham’s fight is coming to a head at a time when emergency services across the country are facing rising waiting times due to increased usage. The government has responded with increasingly dubious excuses, blaming GPs, immigrants and even women doctors in turn for our overwhelmed A&Es.
Excuses that have all been decried by professionals within the system. In their search for scapegoats, they seemed unable to blame themselves; it has been demonstrated that it has in fact been Coalition government policy that has led to much of the rise in A&E attendances.
The government’s approach has been nonsensical. It seems curious that Bruce Keogh, National Medical Director of the NHS Commissioning Board, has been so exercised about rises in death rates elsewhere in the system (such as the 0.67% mortality rate for weekend operations), while simultaneously failing to comment on shocking data that shows a steep jump in deaths - by 37% - when a local A&E closed in Newark as a direct result of Coalition policy.
But beguiled by some other numbers, Jeremy Hunt has justified the downgrading of Lewisham, on the basis that it would “save around 100 lives a year”. Where has this estimate come from? How can it be reconciled with the fact that A&E closures actually lead to increased mortality and morbidity? But then again, this is not the first time that Mr Hunt has been befuddled with numbers.
What remains unanswered by either Hunt or Keogh is why, if genuinely concerned about rising mortality rates, they have they not heeded calls to halt their planned closures of A&E up and down the country pending a fully independent review of the effects of such policies? Does the government really feel that achieving £20 billion in NHS savings is more important than our lives? Or are these skewed priorities revealing a predilection for the kinds of services that can generate money in a private market (such as surgery), “softening up” the rest of the NHS before introducing private “solutions”?
It is questions like these that make Lewisham’s struggle relevant to us all. Taking Hunt to court over his actions in Lewisham will force him to think again about his policies for the rest of England’s NHS.
But legal battles are costly. While Save Lewisham have managed to raise £5,000 through their own efforts, they are still far from the £20,000 that it costs for expert legal representation to effectively challenge the closures.
Recognizing both the local need and wider national implications, campaigning organization 38 Degrees have stepped in to help. Ian Palmer, Campaigns Manager at 38 Degrees said:
"The future of Lewisham hospital has become a focus for hospital campaigns across the country. Lewisham's services are being cut not because of clinical need, but to help shore up the finances of a neighbouring trust. If Lewisham can have its services slashed, no hospital is safe.
It's for this reason that 38 Degrees members across the country have been donating to the Save Lewisham Hospital legal fund, to challenge Jeremy Hunt's decision in court. Lawyers have advised that the method Jeremy Hunt used to force through the changes to Lewisham went beyond his powers and that he did not take the necessary steps.
Hopefully, if the funds for the challenge are raised, and the case is successful, Lewisham can become the line in the sand for ill-thought out hospital closures across the country."
The struggle to save local services at Lewisham matters to the whole country. It exemplifies the government’s concerted attack on the NHS itself, as it plans to roll out privatization throughout our healthcare system. It is in all of our interests that Hunt is stopped in his tracks in Lewisham, or else he will be able to wield his axe on A&E departments all over England.
Lewisham vs Hunt: the David and Goliath story for modern day England. And though we all know who comes out on top in the biblical version, it might be a good time to remind Mr Hunt.
Posted by: False Economy at 11:03am on 18 June 2013
Filed under: Health, Protest
(Abusive or off-topic comments will be deleted)
False Economy research team launches independent news site
Barnet careworkers fight pay cut with strike action this week on 24 & 25 February
Government cuts to legal aid weren’t based on evidence, reveals Public Accounts Committee
How 85% of tax and benefit ‘savings’ have been at the expense of women
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e-mtb trail e-mtb all mountain trekking technology
Fantic debuts at RALLY DAKAR
The stainless Franco Picco at the wheel of the XEF Rally 450
The starting date of the most fascinating and hardest motoring adventure is approaching, and Fantic is preparing to be the protagonist with the brand new XEF Rally 450 brought to the race by Franco Picco. The legendary sixtysix-year-old rider, who now has 27 participations in the Dakar and is preparing for his twenty-eighth venture, will launch the bike unveiled less than a month ago at EICMA
This is a total debut for Fantic that in the past has never been present in the demanding marathon. A new challenge that will have the development of the bike as its primary objective, taking advantage of the rider's great technical and competitive experience.
Conceived as a specific vehicle for Dakar and large raids, the XEF 450 Rally was built starting from the base of the enduro sister XEF 450, on which the Fantic technicians intervened with new superstructures, and working on the frame with equipment that includes suspensions with specific setting and dedicated braking department.
The total fuel supply was positioned entirely in the center, thus giving up any rear tanks, with the result of a better and constant distribution of weights even with progressive emptying during the stage; the guaranteed autonomy reaches 30 liters, enough for a day of competition. The front of the 450 Rally is equipped with a sharp windshield that wraps around the the navigation instruments.
The Fantic XEF 450 Rally will be distributed at dealerships after mid-2022 in the standard version, with the possibility of purchasing the Factory kit for ready-to-race modification.
For the definitive development of the Fantic XEF 450 Rally, Franco Picco's sensations and experience will count a lot: stainless protagonist of the greatest rally-raids, born on 4th October 1955 in Vicenza, he is probably the driver who enjoys the longest competitive curriculum in competitions in the dunes.
Having landed on the great adventure back in 1985, he presented himself at the start of the then Paris-Dakar almost by chance with the aim of training intensively to drive on the sand in view of his participation in the motocross world championship, he decided to continue his career in this direction after the third place overall in his debut, and some stages even led at the head of the race. He immediately became official driver, during the second half of the eighties he collected two second places, a fifth and a tenth place at the various editions of the Dakar - as well as two victories at the Pharaons Rally in 1986 and 1992 - and then temporarily left the two wheels from 1996 to 2009 to participate in the race driving cars, or on assistance trucks.
In 2010, however, he returned to his origins, returning to tighten a handlebar to participate in the Dakar in Argentina, in which he won the Marathon class and 23rd place overall. In the following years, until 2017, he participated in the race with different means: on motorcycles, quads, and trucks.
In the three-year period 2018-19-20 he started the Africa Eco Race (Monaco-Dakar), finishing the race twice in tenth place and once in fifty-fourth.
In January 2021 he returned to the Dakar again (which is now held in Saudi Arabia) by enrolling in the Original by Motul category, a class which by regulation requires the rider to be the only one who can carry out assistance on the motorcycle. In the race as a private driver Franco Picco closed his 27th Dakar at the age of 65 in 43rd place overall, second among the Italian riders and 11th in the Original by Motul. During the undertaking, he took the time to publish the videoselfies and photographs of the most exciting moments of the race on his social profiles, enjoying enormous success.
At the upcoming Dakar 2022, Franco Picco returns to the official driver status: no more autonomous maintenance and bivouac in a tent, but a workshop vehicle in tow, a masseur and a camping bed for the overnight stay. The mechanic will be Fernando Prades.
THE DAKAR 22
This is the 44th edition of the Dakar, the second to be held in Saudi Arabia. It will take place from 1st to 14th January for a total distance of over 8000 kilometers. It starts on the first day of the year from Jeddah, with a 834 kilometers long transfer to Hail interrupted by a 19 kilometers prologue. The first real stop on January 2nd will be a "boucle", a circular route, from Hail to Hail 546 kilometers 334 of which are special stages. The race will then point east and then south of the country.
Unlike last year in which repeated hard sections in stones and pebbles were proposed that put a strain on the tenacity and resistance of men and vehicles, the new edition will be, as the organizers assure, with a lot of sand. In addition to the aforementioned fraction of January 2nd, there are five other ring stages: January 4th with departure and arrival Al Qaysumah, January 6th and 7th where arrival and departure are set in Riyadh with different routes, January 11th from Wadi To Dawasir and back, and finally on January 13th, the penultimate stage, from Bisha to Bisha. This condition will make the assistance activity easier. The rest day is set, as always in the middle of the race, in Riyadh on January 8th.
FRANCO PICCO
"If, as announced by the organizers, there is a lot of sand, we will have a lot of fun - says Franco Picco - Last year was tough on the long stretches of moving stones: you couldn't push full throttle without risking, and the body and the mechanics were put to a severe test.
We will have fun and develop the bike: the first goal is to bring it to the end by collecting a wealth of experience, keeping the right pace, never too slow also to avoid the risk of ending up between cars and trucks, and perhaps even to get some satisfaction. It will still be a very reasoned race, as in fact it was the one in 2021, but this time I think it will be less tiring because I will enjoy good assistance and sleep on a camping bed.
I immediately fell in love with this new venture: the warm welcome at the Fantic home gave me a strong stimulus. I have known Mariano Roman since the time of the motocross fields and the agreement for this project was immediate. We have been working on the bike in these last months, keeping it hidden until EICMA despite everyone's great curiosity. I enjoyed working alongside the technicians and all those who are working hard to develop the XEF 450 Rally.
I tried the bike for a long time, and I was very happy: now it's time to test it in the dunes. I thank Fantic for the great opportunity they are offering me, and I am proud to bring to the race, at its absolute debut, an Italian product with a long tradition, which in recent times has been reaping commercial and sporting successes across the board. "
E-Bikes e-mtb trail e-mtb all mountain trekking technology
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Home Markets Soybean tariffs will hit farmers hard
Soybean tariffs will hit farmers hard
About one in every three rows of U.S. soybeans grown is exported to China
By Susan Crowell -
(Farm and Dairy file photo)
(This article was updated to include information about a new sale of soybeans to undisclosed destinations.)
SALEM, Ohio — A trade dispute with China escalated last week with China’s announcement April 4 of a proposed 25 percent tariff on imported U.S. soybeans.
Last year, the United States sold $12.4 billion in soybeans to China — nearly 60 percent of all U.S. soybean exports. According to the Ohio Development Services Agency, Ohio’s $1.8 billion in soybean exports in 2017 accounted for more than 3.5 percent of all Ohio commodity exports.
China’s tariff threat is the latest move in an ongoing back and forth with China that began March 8 when President Donald Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on imported steel and a 10 percent tariff on imported aluminum from most countries, including China.
US response
On April 5, President Trump ordered the U.S. trade representative to consider imposing tariffs on up to $100 billion worth of Chinese products. Those duties would come on top of the $50 billion in products the U.S. has already targeted.
The Trump administration has said it is taking action as a crackdown on China’s theft of U.S. intellectual property.
The U.S. bought more than $500 billion in goods from China last year and now is planning or considering penalties on some $150 billion of those imports.
The U.S. sold about $130 billion in goods to China in 2017. China has proposed tariffs of $50 billion on those U.S. products.
Farm country will feel it
Sen. Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican, says the United States needs to protect its intellectual property and competitiveness, but shouldn’t force farmers to bear the brunt of retaliation for the entire country.
“It’s not fair, and it doesn’t make economic sense,” Grassley said in a statement. “The administration knew that if it imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, China would retaliate against U.S. agriculture. I warned President Trump as much in a White House meeting in February.”
Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation lobbying group, warned that the dispute has “placed farmers and ranchers in a precarious position.”
“We have bills to pay and debts we must settle, and cannot afford to lose any market, much less one as important as China,” Duvall said.
American Soybean Association President John Heisdorffer said the tariff will have “a devastating effect on every soybean farmer in America.”
Hits close to home
China is Ohio’s most important soybean export market, so a tariff on American soybeans likely would drive down crop demand and the price Ohio farmers receive for the crop, said Ian Sheldon, an agricultural economist with The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
“This is obviously going to hurt farmers,” Sheldon said.
Across the United States, about one in every three rows of soybeans grown is exported to China, said ag economist Ben Brown, who runs Ohio State’s farm management program.
“The soybeans that don’t get sold to China are going to need a buyer somewhere,” he added.
Some of those buyers have already surfaced, as Reuters reports 458,000 tonnes of U.S. soybeans were sold to undisclosed destinations last week. The article cited traders who claimed the destination were soybean processors in the European Union, specifically the Netherlands and Germany.
It’s unclear if or when China will follow through on the threat of 25 percent tariffs on American soybeans in China. But if the country does follow through, and American soybean prices in China go up, other countries could step up to supply more soybeans to China, and they could be sold cheaper without the tariffs.
In the long term, that could cause the United States to permanently lose a significant share of the soybean market, said Ohio State’s Sheldon.
“U.S. farmers may not be able to grab that market share back,” he said.
Planting decisions
Typically, soybeans aren’t planted until early May in Ohio, so farmers still have time to change their mind about how much of the crop to plant — although most of their seed is already purchased.
Ohio State ag economist Barry Ward said the tariff isn’t likely to trigger dramatic shifts away from planting soybeans.
“…producers know that lots of things can change between now and harvest,” Ward said.
(All rights reserved. AP contributed to this report.)
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Susan Crowell
Former Farm and Dairy Editor Susan Crowell was with the paper from 1985 to 2019, serving as its editor for 30 years. Raised on a farm in Holmes County, she is a graduate of Kent State University.You can follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/scrowell and follow Farm and Dairy at http://twitter.com/farmanddairy. You can also find her on Facebook.
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Agreement with SC Braga for the transfer of Trincão
The player will join FC Barcelona on 1 July 2020
FC Barcelona and SC Braga have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Francisco Trincão who will join the club on 1 July 2020. The transfer fee is 31 million euros and the player will sign a contract with the Club for the next five seasons, until the end of the 2014/25 campaign with a buy-out clause of 500 million euros.
Youth and talent up front
Francisco Trincão was born on 29 December 1999 in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. He began his career in the youth teams at Vianense and FC Porto before landing at SC Braga. On 28 December 2018 he made his first team debut for the Portuguese club against Vitoria FC in a league cup match.Since his debut, Trincão has made 29 appearances for the first team, scoring three goals. In the current season he has established himself as a key part of the team, playing 21 times and scoring three goals and providing six assists.
The player has represented Portugal at various levels and is currently a member of the U21 national squad. With the U19 team he was part of the side that won the European Championships in 2018 and ended the tournament as top scorer with five goals and top assist provider with three.
Left footed but can play anywhere
The young Portuguese forward can play anywhere up front although he usually features on the wing, on either flank despite being left footed. Trincão is quick and technically gifted with a vision that means he is a great creator of goals as well. The new Barça player also has the ability to take defenders on with his dribbling skills.
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Will FIFA Online Be Making a Comeback Anytime Soon?
There are few FIFA developments that have been more frustrating than the decade-long, tumultuous saga of FIFA Online. Despite there being a consistently high demand for a FIFA MMORPG, various versions of this have been released and shut down more times than we can count. The latest iteration, FIFA World, enjoyed two years of widespread popularity before abruptly being taken offline in July 2015, with EA explaining the decision by claiming that they “did not have the momentum to bring the game to a full commercial launch”.
Despite this, a version of FIFA Online developed by a South Korean subsidiary of EA is still playable in several East Asian countries and boasts a large number of dedicated followers. Needless to say, many fans in the west have been left both disappointed and hopeful, waiting for the day that FIFA Online returns to their screens.
While there is little information suggesting that a full-fledged FIFA Online MMORPG will be making a comeback in the near future, there are several reasons why it definitely should. Let’s take a look at them.
Free Online Football Games Are More Popular Than Ever
The main reason why now is the time to bring back FIFA Online in Europe and North America is the surging popularity of online football games in recent years. Hit online-only titles such as Soccer Pro and Zombie Soccer have become smash hits and cultural phenomenons in the years since FIFA World went offline, cultivating millions of loyal followers around the globe.
In addition, the free-to-play model clearly works well for online football games. One standout example here would be the Football: Champions Cup Slot game released by NetEnt, the most known provider of online casino games. The free-to-play 5-reel slot game is one of the best titles in NetEnt’s extensive roster, one that is a testament to the appetite for online football games right now.
FIFA Online is Enjoying Record Levels of Success in Asia
While it’s true that FIFA Online titles such as FIFA Online 3 were developed exclusively for the Asian market, their runaway success does not mean that online titles need to be exclusively confined to this region. Developers have claimed that the latest iteration of the series, FIFA Online 4, often has over 100,000 people playing simultaneously, a figure that suggests the game is without a doubt commercially viable for EA. While Thailand, Malaysia, China, and South Korea continue to enjoy new mods, updates, and expansions for FIFA Online, fans in Europe and the US are left wanting.
The FIFA Brand Needs a Fresh Direction
Finally, it’s worth noting that a FIFA Online re-release could help revitalize the brand at a time when things are looking pretty stagnant. The last several console titles have all been released to lukewarm or even straight-up hostile reviews, with fans and critics complaining that the franchise is becoming stale and has lost direction. None of this has been helped by the fact that recent console titles have been plagued with bugs from the get-go, despite a new FIFA game costing upwards of $70. FIFA Online could be just what EA needs to draw people back to its most enduring brand.
While there is little on the airwaves regarding a FIFA Online release at the moment, we remain vigilant and hopeful. Watch this space for more updates in the year ahead.
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Tagged: Thriller
‘The Apparition’ New Photo with Ashley Greene and Sebastian Stan
The Apparition stars Ashley Greene, Sebastian Stan, Tom Felton, and is directed by Todd Lincoln. Synopsis: When frightening events start to occur in their home, young couple Kelly (Ashley Greene) and Ben (Sebastian Stan)...
Trailers / Photos
THE DIVIDE Movie Trailer and New Poster with Michael Biehn and Milo Ventimiglia
THE DIVIDE stars Michael Biehn, Milo Ventimiglia, Lauren German, Rosanna Arquette, Michael Eklund, and is directed by Xavier Gens. Synopsis: In this graphic and violent, post-apocalyptic thriller, nine strangers—all tenants of a New York...
13 New Poster with Jason Statham and Mickey Rourke
13 stars Jason Statham, Sam Riley, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Ray Winstone, Alexander Skarsgard, Mickey Rourke, and is directed by Géla Babluani. Synopsis: Vince Ferro is a man in desperate circumstances. While on a...
I MELT WITH YOU Movie Poster Thomas Jane, Rob Lowe and Jeremy Piven
I MELT WITH YOU stars Thomas Jane, Jeremy Piven, Rob Lowe, Christian McKay, Carla Gugino and is directed by Mark Pellington. Synopsis: Richard (Thomas Jane), Ron (Jeremy Piven), Jonathan (Rob Lowe) and Tim (Christian...
10 Photos From DREAM HOUSE with Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz
DREAM HOUSE stars Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts, Marton Csokas, Elias Koteas, Jane Alexander and is directed by Jim Sheridan. Synopsis: Some say that all houses have memories. For one man, his home...
3 New Photos of Taylor Lautner in ABDUCTION
Check out three newly released photos of Taylor Lautner in the upcoming movie ABDUCTION which also stars Lily Collins, Alfred Molina, Jason Isaacs, Maria Bello, Michael Nyqvist, Sigourney Weaver, Denzel Whitaker and is directed...
MARGIN CALL Poster with Kevin Spacey, Simon Baker, and more
Take a look at the poster from MARGIN CALL which stars Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker, and written & directed by JC Chandor. Margin Call...
MARGIN CALL New Photos with Zachary Quinto and Simon Baker
Check out some new photos from MARGIN CALL starring Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker, and written & directed by JC Chandor. Margin Call Synopsis: Over...
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DREAM HOUSE Movie Trailer, New Photos and Posters with Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz
Check out the trailer and some photos and posters for DREAM HOUSE which stars Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts, Marton Csokas, Elias Koteas, Jane Alexander and is directed by Jim Sheridan. Dream House...
2 New Photos From ABDUCTION with Taylor Lautner and Lily Collins
Check out a couple new photos for the upcoming movie ABDUCTION which stars Taylor Lautner, Lily Collins, Alfred Molina, Jason Isaacs, Maria Bello, Michael Nyqvist, Sigourney Weaver, Denzel Whitaker and is directed by John...
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04-29-2021 12:46 PM #8851
Re. walls of text
I get it and I might do the same, but the problem is that there is a huge, huge amount of information pointing at very real conspiracies that have been perpetuated for decades designed to persecute American citizens by American politicians and businesses.
That's a BIG claim, and it requires big proof.
I think this is in response to Ong, but just to be clear, I skipped passed a bunch of posts and just now noticed that Ong also was complaining about walls of text. I wasn't saying it as a way to discredit, I just really was tired of reading the multi paragraph exchanges on both sides.
Originally Posted by boost
I wasn't saying it as a way to discredit, I just really was tired of reading the multi paragraph exchanges on both sides.
Yeah it's impossible to follow that. I do it myself too, but even when I'm one of the interlocutors, it can be pretty exhausting. As a spectator, I just change the channel.
He literally suggested more of their paid time should be time training, and you responded with "BUT THEN THEY CAN'T BE DOING COP STUFF!"
Ok but you took that comment out of context because you didn't read the discussion. I appreciate how, taken in isolation, you reach that conclusion. I retract my "disingenuous" comment. But you cherry picked one single comment and took issue with it.
It was poop who I was talking to at that point, not mojo. Poop casually said something along the lines of "maybe if they spent more time training and less time driving around" because he considers their driving around to be a waste of time. I don't consider it to be a waste of time. I consider it to more efficient policing than having them sat around an office. I made the valid point that if they are doing more training, they are doing less policing.
Earlier in the discussion with mojo, I make it clear that police need to be better trained. So it's not like I disagree outright with what poop said. But he made his comment in the context of him thinking they are doing fuck all driving around town, which is why I was arguing with him.
My reaction to you was pretty knee-jerk.
The point is, they can't police and train at the same time. So saying they need more training, then later arguing that if they're training, they can't be policing, is contradictory. The only way to resolve the paradox is to have them train in their spare time. Is that what you're suggesting they do?
05-01-2021 01:54 AM #8855
Thanks for ratcheting down-- I feel like I've noticed a lot of people learning the value of this over the past year or so of super contentious times, especially myself. It can be fun to sling poo, and I was sorta kinda doing it by skimming for cherries, but it's always good when someone can cool it off so some sort of progress can actually be made.
But, yeah, while I think Poop can be good at triggering argument mode, I think you took the bait and ended up holding contradictory positions for having done so.
Anyways, now that we're here: they need better and more training, which needs to come at the cost of something they currently do. Even if you value some amount of aimlessly driving around time*, surely you agree that some of it could be traded for more training, right? If not, where alternatively do you think the time should come from? If they're 100% better at policing, can't they be aimlessly driving around at a very minimum 49% less? Might it be that better training could actually dictate less or no aimless driving around? I'm not saying I know this would be the outcome, but you seem confident you know it wouldn't be, and that seems to be an oddly overconfident position in my view.
*in actuality, at least in my observations, this is mostly time parked on social media or playing candy crush or whatever they're doing on their phone
But, yeah, while I think Poop can be good at triggering argument mode,
SHUT UP!!!!
Oh wait, I'm sorry, I didn't mean that.
I've missed Rudy's interviews.
Is it possible for him to run for prez in 2024 from prison?
Trump is up to his old tricks as well:
https://twitter.com/MysterySolvent/s...821313026?s=20
I hope a lot of people come out of the last decade cleared of any delusion that capitalism leads to meritocracy. I've had friends who went from "Trump is a millionaire, so he must have done something right" to "I cannot believe the magnitude of this man's stupidity."
On the other hand... we were 200 years past the french revolution before Trump and the people were like: hey guys, how about we democratically elect our own inbred idiot king!
Last edited by oskar; 05-01-2021 at 06:51 PM.
Nah, we've had some pretty awful presidents before-- but we def are at the end of a cycle in which the people who stand to profit off of dismantling the framework that supports functional capitalism have for the better part of a century convinced everyone else that the framework holding back the greatness that is unbridled capitalism.
edit: it's easy to infer a conspiracy theory here, and while there certainly are conspiracies that have and are furthering the trajectory we've been on all these decades, on the whole I think it's much more the ebs and flows of the zeitgeist. I think there tend to be more conspiracies at play when the few stand to gain, because it's inherently easier to conspire amongst fewer more powerful people, but there needn't be some grand council of child sacrificing bankers for any of this to play out.
Last edited by boost; 05-01-2021 at 07:40 PM.
I'm not sure I get that, but anyway, here's a video that's making the rounds of that real estate developer who can't sell his stupid $500M mansion... why is that even a thing? When you have millions to spend on a home, wouldn't you want to design it yourself?
So here's real life Russ Hanneman from Silicon Valley fame, walking you through his monument to to the coming collapse of late stage capitalism while suffering from suicidal depression:
Last edited by oskar; 05-02-2021 at 06:29 AM.
That was entertaining. If he does a follow up at some event that happens there, please link it!
I mean, it was funny until the teenage kids were dropped, then it just became sad. Like, these kids are having to watch their dad have a $500m mid-life crisis in public while he blows their inheritance, ans this could also be a public record of the depression that resulted in his suicide. This guy is on the edge, I'd give him 50-50 of making it to the end of 2022.
If I were designing my own house, with an unlimited budget, I'd probably look insane. But I wouldn't have the deluded arrogance to think I'm going to change the fucking world. I'd know that I'm just a rich cunt with grandiose ideas. Literally the only thing he intends to do that is good here is create an art gallery for teenagers. That I like. That's not going to pay the bills though, or change the world. I also have to admit I liked the rooftop swimming pool. That's really nice. But the art is really shit (with the exception of those large hoops of metal). This guy has absolutely no artistic taste at all.
In my dream house, my insanity would become apparent when I show the bunkers. I'd have a seed bank, stockpiles, underground emergency living quarters, actual renewable energy not to save the world but so I can still have energy if shit hits the fan, I'd have loads of Land Rovers, Jaguars and old Minis that I never drive, but not a single Ferrari... I'd be a completely different kind of insane if I were this rich. I'd have art all over the place, it would definitely be a pretty sick art gallery. I'd also have animals. That's how I'd stave off the chronic loneliness of being a sad wanker, by having a gang of animals that don't give a fuck how much of a dickhead I am so long as I feed them. And I'd have gardens, greenhouses, orchards, plants and flowers everywhere. People would actually want to come and visit my house because it would be full of art and life, even if it's not human life. But I'd tell them to fuck off while holding a shotgun with a snarling rottweiler next to me. I'm not going to pretend to be doing this for anyone else. It's mine, get orf moi land.
It is nice thinking about having a $500m budget for a house.
@15:38 - That's art.
@15:26 - That is fucking shit.
@2:43 - This is disgusting.
I'd probably just hire a harem of about a dozen high priced hookers and stay in the same house. I guess I'd need a bigger house to keep all the hookers in though. Maybe add a conservatory too, those are nice. And a music room.
I'm easy to trigger into arguing. I like arguing in the way we do... heated without being hateful. I don't give a massive amount of thought to the subjects we discuss. I mean, I don't think about the pros and cons of policing while I'm smoking a spliff in the garden. Most of my comments here are more or less off the cuff.
There has always been an argument here that the police have too much paperwork, and that means less time on the beat. There are other ways to free up police time for more training. Poop's flippant comment about less time driving around and more time training shows a lack of thought on the subject comparable to my own. He's doing no different to what I do... arguing about subjects that he's not deeply interested in, because it's a fun way to engage with people.
Police in the UK, for the most part, look professional when on duty. Aside from seeing them in the Burger King drive thru, and everyone needs a lunch break, I don't see cops literally wasting time. Obviously, they do a fat lot of nothing when standing guard at a crime scene or whatever, but that's a necessary nothing. I don't see them with their feet up playing with their phone.
idk about hookers, but cam girls maybe.
Some of it is fine. I think the overall architecture is pretty cool if you ignore for a second how ridiculously impractical it is, but it's not like that guy designed it. He commissioned an architect who had to listen to hours of esoteric nonsense and plans for a 21st century Heal the World rendition featuring a hologram Whitney Houston, and then ignore all that and just design a stupidly big house.
I hate to bring up nazis again - I have a feeling we talk about nazis too much here, but famously Hitler was a dumb bitch with terrible taste and his idea of good architecture was like whatever the Romans did just bigger, so they built those massive monuments out of tons upon tons of marble that were supposed to last the Thousand-Year Reich, none of which survived the war.
This feels like that. It's what you'd expect... but bigger!
The architecture is on a par with most megamansions in LA. Not bad, but it's not comparable to a castle. It's rather like competent art compared to brilliant art. And you can't ignore the impracticality, not when you consider this is a home. Who wants that much space in their home? I want my house to be cosy, I don't want to be able to play cricket in my living room.
I mean, frankly, I hope this is built on a fault line.
I'd rather have a bunch of different houses in different parts of the world and move around every few months than have one giant house that takes a year to walk from one end to the other.
I can definitely see the appeal of that, but it's pretty bad to have empty properties most of the year. I guess if I had a different woman in each house, with a gang of animals, then we're getting somewhere.
If I had an unlimited budget for a house, I'd prioritize location. Find a plot of land in the tropics which I can rent off a decent part of for income and live in a medium-sized 2-bedroom with a couple of offices. I wouldn't use a pool or hot tub or anything like that, so no need. A beach view, or a short walk to a beach is enough. Somewhere I can noodle on guitar and maybe buy some fruity drinks.
It'd need to be close enough to civilization to have access to good medical care and to have solid internet.
Not much, really.
Dud I'm pretty sure if you have silly money, you don't need to worry about a "good internet connection" like it's a problem for people who can afford their own fucking antenna. But you're right, location would be huge for me. I don't want to be anywhere near a fault line, if I'm near the sea I want to be above tsunami height, and I don't want to live in a lawless country with tribal war going on. If there's hurricane and/or tornado risk, then the design of the house takes that into account, including shelter for the gang of animals. I want to be reasonably far away from a city, but near a market town with a rich farming history. Oh and minimum peak summer temperature is 25 degrees, while I'm flexible when it comes to winter so long as my house is easy to heat and my animals and trees will survive.
That's what's so sad about that house. You all know what you'd do with that kind of money. You'd think with unlimited money these super millionaires would be able to think of things that would be fun to do... High dive board, deep diving pool, climbing wall, skate park, roller coaster, water slide... but this mf is like: ok, we already have 5 pools... how about 2 more pools? It's just more shit you don't need, because you already have five of them in the same house! It's just depressing. It's like the react guy in the video says: he built a hotel. He built a hotel for one family, and there's nothing to do. You can stand up from one couch in front of a giant tv, walk half a mile and then sit down at another couch in front of a giant TV. You can only hope that there's a gun rack on the way so you can end yourself.
This man badly needs a dog in his life, that much is clear. Then I'd give him a dog's life before he offed himself.
It feels like GTA III architecture. From the street it looks ok, from the air it looks fine, but you go inside and it's oddly cavernous, corridors suddenly become rooms, rooms become other rooms, it looks like there's an echo everywhere, and while it's cool at first, ultimately you're alone in a pointless sandbox.
We need a new thread for MCGA, this guy lives in Canada apparently.
https://twitter.com/bobomonkeyrage/s...97348525600773
Are republicans ok?
I like the whole, "Obama said mean things about Trump. Waaaah!"
When you can easily dig up dozens of quotes of Republicans saying at least as bad about Trump.
Smoke and mirrors is all the Rep party seems to have in a post-Trump US.
Febuary, Brexit thread:
Originally Posted by spoonitnow
The next civil war, if we have one before the country just collapses as a whole, won't be Republican vs. Democrat or right vs. left. It'll be either: 1) the two center parties against the two fringe parties (who will also be against each other), or 2) everyone against communists.
Originally Posted by oskar
The closest you'll get to a civil war is some militia larpers going Allahu Akbar on a vaccination tent.
Witnesses said Virginia Brown yelled “no vaccine” while almost hitting seven people with her SUV.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/virgi...b03135479fee17
I'm IN THE ZONE with this shit!
That's some good work there.
Oskar, what's your over/under on number of days before someone goes MAGA on one of those vote recounting places? I'm going with about 19 days myself.
I'm too out of the loop on this one. I am aware that there's a recount going on financed by republicans that is supposed to make Trumps ongoing claims sound less stupid.
Looking at T_D the interest in this seems to be rather low: https://patriots.win/p/12igvlHN0E/ma...feeds-52821/c/
This has been going on in some form or another for 7 months now. I think this one will fizzle out like all the other recounts and lawsuits... I'm taking the over. My feeling is that republicans are particularly low energy atm.
Except for these fuckers:
https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3dp...r-its-patriots
This thing is going to be lit!
From an entertainment standpoint, it's a tragedy that he's gone.
https://twitter.com/bobcesca_go/stat...871769095?s=20
https://twitter.com/BFriedmanDC/stat...121106947?s=20
lmao @ his pants on backwards one. That's gotta be fake. How does he get to point of zipping up and not figure it out...unless someone else equally senile is dressing him now.
The best theory I've heard is that he uses stretch pants with a decorative zipper. That in conjunction with a mid day bathroom emergency may be the culprit.
Fair point, and certainly plausible given his diet.
But on the video, does it not look like there's blurring where his zipper would be? (It also kind of looks like he's wearing adult diapers, which may fit with the other theory - maybe he just thought "fuck it, if I'm just gonna shit my pants anyways why worry about if the zipper is facing the right way")
No matter how much you don't want it to be true, the man clearly has his pants on backwards.
The creases are the final nail... Those are clearly butt creases.
IDK how your legs bend, man
I mean... the creases are clearly from the legs bending toward them.
IDK how you can bend your legs backward behind your butt in a way to get those creases.
Oh I want to believe it, don't worry about that...
Good point. The other guy has a vertical crease down the middle of the front of his pants, whereas T has ass wrinkles on his.
Trump can bend his knees?
I think they'd be behind the knees in that case, no? Not a crease expert, but don't these have to be from his fat ass sitting on them the day before?
Waiting for Ong to show up now and tell us that at least he's not raping puppies.
Ahh, sorry guys this has been busted. I thought that crotch area looked blurred out.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/tr...nts-backwards/
That last one looks like his entire torso is on backwards.
Trump? Nah. My response would be "at least he's no longer relevant".
Honestly, if people are still losing their shit about his continued existence, that tells you more about that person than Trump.
One for the physics thread: What is holding him up?
if people are still losing their shit about his continued existence, that tells you more about that person than Trump.
Not sure what counts as "losing their shit," but I don't see anyone doing that. I'm sure someone is somewhere but I don't know them.
Tried to insert the photo from this one, where he looks like the Leaning Tower of Cheeseburgers.
https://medium.com/@DrGJackBrown/bod...d-29a69fa4e742
Ok seriously, how does he not tip over here? His center of gravity is about a foot in front of where his legs are.
Maybe he has special shoes. Today at work, I found amongst the tat a takeaway coffee cup that doesn't tip over. Somewhat fascinated, I took a look at it. It wasn't heavy at the bottom, instead it used suction. It worked in such a way that it was easy to lift off the table but not to tip. Maybe Trump's shoes have similar suction pads to keep him fixed to the floor.
It's either that or the world's strongest postural muscles. I'd laugh if the front of him was all goo and rolls, and the back was just totally ripped.
He is full of hot air.
Maybe it's the lamest use of this gimmick ever:
I checked out the unspillable mug thing, and if I was honest with myself I would get one, but buying that seems like an admission. My self-image is one of a person that navigates gracefully around mugs, and having that mug would break that illusion.
My guess is that he's had a lifetime of practice leaning in that way. He's big on physical intimidation, think his notorious handshake pull and the town hall debate with Clinton. Being an already tall person, his presence is that much more imposing if he's not just taller but over you.
Just when you thought Britain had taken over top spot as the country with the most dumb people in the world.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/cashier-de...l_twitter_abcn
If he has a previous felony on his record he'll get the death penalty for this.
Imagine thinking "fuck it, I'll do life or get the lethal injection because I'm annoyed with what that bitch just said to me". Imagine giving this few fucks about yourself or other people.
Trump cronies falling like dominoes.
The routers are the key.
https://twitter.com/MollyJongFast/st...00263638609920
I don't believe it until one of those guys actually goes to big boy prison. The Weisselberg-will-bring-down-Trump storyline has been floating around for a couple of years now. All these financial crimes investigations feel like a farce. If there's one issue that crosses party lines, it's protecting capitalists from accountability.
Anthony Atamanuik from Comedy Central's The President Show should sue Trump for stealing his impression of himself.
https://youtu.be/t7c6yU-tDEg?t=168
This thread has gone super quiet since Biden took over. It's as if he's a competent president not talking shit and being nice to migrants.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-58650753
If Trump sent a bunch of migrants back home on a plane, there would be uproar, calling him racist.
I knew Biden wouldn't be subject to the same standards as Trump. The left are, for the most part, hypocrites.
Biden's been shit to Haiti refugees.
Biden fucked up Afghanistan pull out.
Feel better now?
Do I feel better? Of course, it's not about how I feel, nice attempt at trying to make it about me though.
Why aren't you guys talking about Biden?
Because he's not daily saying/doing something ridiculous/evil. He's just a standard generic US president.
That's funny. Did he really say that?
I mean, Trump said things that incoherent every other day, so it is a high bar to meet.
I very much doubt he said that, it just made me laugh.
Yeah well, he's obviously senile. But I'd rather have the senile but otherwise mentally stable guy in charge than the senile guy who is unstable.
That said, I don't think Biden will end up rated as one of the best POTUS ever.
IDK what getting out of Afghanistan was supposed to look like, and I don't know how much of what is blamed on Biden is a logistically solvable problem. Presumably, he took the advice of the generals as far as how to go about what needed to be done.
It was/is a shitshow, but it was going to be that no matter who was POTUS at the time, and it's been 20 years of getting nothing for our investment and no other POTUS had the wherewithal to admit as much and do something about it. Of course the political fallout is bad. And Biden gets the fingers of blame pointed at him because those before him covered up the shitshow. Biden admitted to the shitshow, and gets the blame.
I mean... he did have a hand in starting it, if memory serves.
I'm not saying Biden is good, but anyone's better than Trump. It's shitty, but true when he said his responsibility isn't to the Afghan people, but to Americans. His job isn't to free Afghanistan or save them from the Taliban. He can choose to try that if he wants, but that's not his job. It's shitty, but that's the world we live in. Self-interest is cruel, but rational.
I'm not pinning Afghanistan on Biden. It was clear from day one that the day we left, the Taliban would take back over. The only way to avoid it is to keep on providing military support for their government, and to do that we'd need a puppet government who can be trusted. So basically Afghanistan becomes a proxy state of USA.
That isn't a perpetual solution. The only way to forever rid the world of the Taliban is for the people to rise up against them at all costs, and they won't do it. That's because the male population find their strict Islamic law to be an acceptable form of society. The women don't get a say. Let them live in the 13th century. We can't police the world.
idk what Biden was doing back then, if he was part of the Bush administration and didn't oppose it then yeah he can take a share of the blame for us going there in the first place.
edit - he's a dem, do I don't see him being in Bush's govt. If he was a dem who voted for it, then he's still part of the blame.
If he was a dem who voted for it, then he's still part of the blame.
Meh, I think voting against that war right after 9/11 would have been seen as worse than wiping your ass with a burning American flag for a US politician. One person did iirc and she got called a traitor and sent death threats (though she kept her seat, so there's that).
The war itself was kind of pointless. I'm not sure what they thought they could accomplish, other than look like they were doing something to combat terrorism. They were never going to turn Afganistan into a functioning democracy any more than they did in Iraq, or in Vietnam for that matter.
It's easy to get the Afghanistan war mixed up with Iraq tbf. Voting for the war against the Taliban isn't as bad as the Iraq war, for the simple reason there were at least official claims that the Taliban were providing shelter for the terrorists, "harbouring" was the word being dished out iirc. Whether they actually were is a whole different matter. But everyone knew Iraq had fuck all to do with it, so anyone who voted for that war really does have blood on their hands.
I did not expect him to do it, I'm glad he did it, and I think it's a very smart move politically to have done it right now. In 4 years nobody will care how it went down, all that matters is that he did it. It's also something Trump campaigned, but failed to deliver on.
The Taliban offered to deliver Bin Laden to the US, to which Bush famously replied "We don't negotiate with terrorists."
#MAGA is alive and well in Nevada.
https://twitter.com/ElParece/status/1450544468017434625
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Trade body says UK tourism slumped during Olympics
LONDON – The Olympics brought less tourist money to recession-hit Britain than businesses had hoped for, a trade group said Monday, with a majority of tourist companies reporting losses from last year.
A survey of more than 250 tour operators, hoteliers and visitor attractions found that tourist traffic fell all over Britain, not just London, said UKinbound, a leading trade association representing British tour operators and other businesses dependent on tourists.
"A lot of people thought London would be very busy and very expensive at this time," said Mary Rance, the group's chief executive. "We weren't completely surprised but we were a bit disappointed that (the Olympics) seem to have had an impact around the U.K., not just London."
The group's survey said that of its members, 88 percent reported some losses during the games compared to the same period last year. The businesses reported that visitor numbers were down by 10 to 30 percent compared to last year, Rance said.
Officials are still tallying up the total number of tourists who came to — or avoided — London this summer. The capital normally sees about 1.5 million tourists on average in August, and it's not yet clear if that is up or down this year.
The official visitor figures won't be available until September.
Tourism officials say that international Olympics visitors to London, including athletes, officials and tourists, totaled about 300,000. Domestic spectators from Britain made up the majority of people visiting games venues.
Restaurants and shops have complained that these games visitors did not spend as much money on food and shopping as typical summer tourists.
"The people who came to the games really didn't do very much sightseeing, didn't do very much shopping, didn't do very much eating out," said Miles Quest, a spokesman for the British Hospitality Association.
London's hotels have hit about 80 percent occupancy, which is not higher than typical August rates, Quest added.
Rita Beckwith, chief executive of City Cruises, an operator of sightseeing tours on the Thames, said the Olympics period had been "deeply disappointing."
There were some positive signs. Visa, the only credit card accepted at the Olympics venues, reported that international visitors to Britain spent more than 450 million pounds ($705 million) on their cards during the first week of the games, up by 8 percent on the same time last year.
Around 12.7 million pounds were spent on Visa cards in London restaurants last week, an increase of almost 20 percent on a year ago.
London and Partners, the company that oversees the tourism industry in the capital, said it had expected the lower visitor numbers this summer. But it stressed that it was more important to focus on the long-term effect the Olympics can have in bringing in potential tourists.
"We are now working with (tour operators) to promote the legacy of the games and to turn the millions of viewers into visitors, who can come to the capital and experience the new attractions and exciting places they have seen on their screens," it said in a statement.
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Plane that crashed in Detroit had been flying at fireworks
The small plane that crash-landed in a Detroit residential street, injuring the pilot and a bystander who was injured by a power line that the aircraft brought down, had been trailing a banner over crowds gathered for a fireworks display, authorities say.
Early reports by police suggested the plane had to land Monday night because it was running out of fuel. The pilot reported engine failure, Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Tony Molinaro said Tuesday, and he anticipated it would take a few weeks to investigate the crash.
“I was walking up the street here, and then all of a sudden, a plane was just a little too low and it actually hit poles and a wire here,” witness Dondra Mainor told WDIV-TV.
The plane flew out of Coleman A. Young International Airport, Molinaro said. Located near the crash site on Detroit’s east side, the small airport also is known as City Airport.
The pilot suffered minor abrasions and was able to climb out of the plane. Detroit police spokeswoman Nicole Kirkwood told the Detroit Free Press that the woman on the ground who was electrocuted was in serious condition.
Small plane crash lands in Detroit injuring pilot, bystander
The Detroit News, citing city spokesman John Roach, reported the plane had been trailing a banner over crowds gathered for the annual fireworks. The plane came to rest with its nose on the pavement, just beyond a stop sign and near parked cars.
The Ford Fireworks was produced by The Parade Co. and included thousands of pyrotechnic effects visible for miles along the Detroit River between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. It’s the event’s 58th year. Dearborn-based Ford Motor Co. has been the title sponsor since 2013.
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Mumbai all set to break all-time record for rainfall recorded in 24 hours in December
At 24.8 degrees celsius, the financial capital recorded the second-lowest maximum temperatures for the month in a decade.
Dipti Singh
Mumbai: Mumbai is all set to break the all-time record for ainfall recorded in 24 hours in December. The all-time high 24 hour rainfall recorded so far was 54mm in December 2017 and meteorologists have hinted that Wednesday's rainfall will surpass this mark.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised fishermen not to venture along and off the south Maharashtra-Goa coast.
Officials said that the unseasonal rains are expected to continue on Thursday and moderate showers will continue over the weekend.
Mumbai's Santacruz observatory had recorded 42mm rainfall in 12 hours ending at 8.30pm on Wednesday, while the Colaba observatory recorded 43 mm in the same period. This also led to a significant dip in the maximum temperature (by 9 per cent ) recorded in the city.
At 24.8 degrees Celsius, the city also recorded the second-lowest maximum temperatures for the month in a decade. Maximum temperatures dipped by almost nine degrees in the 24-hour period ending at 8.30pm on Wednesday, from 33.3 degrees C recorded on Tuesday to 24.8 degrees on Wednesday. The maximum temperatures recorded at Santacruz was also 8.6 degrees below normal.
In November, 30.1mm rain was recorded, the second-highest in a decade. The record for rain in November was in 2019, at 109.3mm, while all the other years, there has been less than 5mm of rain. 24.7mm of the 30.1mm rain recorded at the Santacruz observatory, was between November 21 and 22. This falls in the moderate rainfall category.(15.6mm to 64.4mm).
According to the IMD, the unseasonal weather is expected to continue on Thursday as well. ‘‘Yes, the rain will continue till the weekend; however, the intensity will decrease starting Thursday,’’ predicted Rajesh Kapadia, of Vagaries of Weather, a popular private weather blog.
Meanwhile, Shubhangi Bhute, scientist, IMD Mumbai, said, ‘‘The rain that that city is witnessing is owing to a cyclonic circulation over the south-east Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep area which now lies over south-east and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea. A warning for fishermen has also been issued as we expect rains/thunderstorms to continue for Palghar, Thane, Raigad and parts of Mumbai till Thursday.’’
‘‘At present, a western disturbance is lying as an upper air system in the mid and the higher tropospheric levels. This system is interacting with the cyclonic circulation, which is over the northeast Arabian Sea and adjoining the Gujarat region. Along with this, a low-pressure area is expected to form over the east-central Arabian Sea. A trough is also running along the Maharashtra coast in the lower levels,’’ stated experts from Skymet Weather, a private weather agency.
Weather Update: Heavy rains expected in Mumbai today; yellow alert issued
India Meteorological Department (IMD)
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Ecce dedi te in lucem gentium, ut sis salus mea usque ad extremum terrae.
Exaltatio Sanctae Crucis Septembris MMIV
For English Speakers
The Family of St. Jerome's Miami Chapter wishes you peace in the Lord.
The Family of Saint Jerome is a canonical association dedicated to the advancement of the Latin heritage of the Catholic Church, as it is reflected in the Church’s liturgy, in its sacred music, in its devotional life, in its official documents, and in its propagation of the Faith.
This heritage is of the greatest value, as Pope John XXIII affirmed in his Apostolic Constitution, Veterum Sapientia. It is a continual sign of the Church’s establishment by God on the rock of Peter in Rome. It has helped to give the Church a splendid ability to attract, unite, and sanctify the faithful of every nation and culture of the world.
It is essential for the preservation of this heritage that the Latin language itself, which is the bearer of that heritage, be USED. Pope Paul VI stated that those who are willing to devote themselves to learning, using and advancing Latin as a living language, do a great service to the Church.
The members of the Family of Saint Jerome must also promise loyalty to the Holy Father, and must commit themselves to strive for holiness by following the example of the Saints.
FOR A CATALOGUE OF LATIN MATERIAL (PRINTED, AUDIO AND VIDEO) - SUCH AS THE "CURSUS LINGUAE LATINAE VIVAE" - A 13 CASSETTE AUDIO COURSE, AVAILABLE FROM THE FAMILY OF ST. JEROME, GO TO:
www.hieronymus.us.com/Venalia/IndEngl.htm
FOR THE ENGLISH TEXT OF THE FAMILY OF ST. JEROME'S CONSTITUTION GO TO:
FOR FURTHER DETAILS, IF INTERESTED,
CONTACT US BY E-MAIL:
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Dzieci Hiroszimy
Author of posters, co-founder ofthe Polish school of poster, director of animated films, draughtsman, stage designer, and illustrator. Born on January 4, 1928 in Poznań, Poland. In 1947 studied the piano and then architecture at the Warsaw Polytechnic, graduating in 1952. From 1945 Lenica had satirical drawings published in the Polish press (e.g. "Szpilki", "Odrodzenie", and ”Świat" magazines). In 1950 he created his first posters for the cinema and the theatre. He illustrated books for children (e.g. J. Tuwim's poem "Locomotive" and B. Leśmian's "Sesame Tales" and other books, wrote essays, among others ones concerning the theory of the poster, worked as an exhibitor and stage designer in the theatre. He also designed small graphic forms, such as postage stamps. In 1957 he started to create animated films, initially in Poland and then in France, Germany and the USA. His films include, for instance, "House" (created in collaboration with Walerian Borowczyk; at the Grand Prix at the International Competition of Experimental Films in Brussels, 1958), "Labyrinth", "Monsieur Tête", "A", "Adam 2", and "Ubu Roi". In the period 1954-1956 he was assistant to Henryk Tomaszewski at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts. In 1974 he conducted lectures at Harvard University in Cambridge, USA. In 1979-1985 he was head of the department of animated film at the Kassel High School, Germany. In 1986-1994 he was professor at the Berlin High School of Arts, In 1963 he left Poland and settled in Paris. He had numerous one-man exhibitions, e.g. in Warsaw, Cracow, Poznań, Paris, Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Vienna, London, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo. For his achievements in the art of poster Jan Lenica received, among others, the Toulouse-Lautrec Award (1961), first prize at the First International Biennial of Posters in Warsaw (1966), the Jules Cheret Award (1983), the Jurzykowski Foundation Award, and an award in New York (1987). Lenica's films received many awards and recognitions at international festivals, e.g. in Annecy, Oberhausen, Venice, Melbourne, Brussels, Cracow, and Buenos Aires. For his overall achievement in film art he was presented with the prestigious Max Ernst Award (1966) and the Smok Smoków [Dragon of Dragons] Award in Cracow (1999). He twice received the Bundesfilmpreis, the highest film award gevin in Germany. In 1998, at the Studio of Film Miniatures, he started work on a feature movie with the use of trick camera work, entitled R.O. Island, which he was notable to finish. As of 1986 Lenica lived in Berlin, and where he died in 2001.
Ask about: "Dzieci Hiroszimy"
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Home Fossils Neither too hot nor too cold: Evolution of marine crocodilians constrained by...
Neither too hot nor too cold: Evolution of marine crocodilians constrained by ocean temperatures
This is a marine crocodilian, here a dyrosaurid, swimming in the warm surface waters during the end of the Cretaceous period. Credit: Guillaume Suan
The ancestors of today’s crocodiles colonised the seas during warm phases and became extinct during cold phases, according to a new Anglo-French study which establishes a link between marine crocodilian diversity and the evolution of sea temperature over a period of more than 140 million years.
The research, led by Dr Jeremy Martin from the Université de Lyon, France and formerly from the University of Bristol, UK is published this week in Nature Communications.
Today, crocodiles are ‘cold-blooded’ animals that mainly live in fresh waters but two notable exceptions, Crocodylus porosus and Crocodylus acutus venture occasionally into the sea. Crocodiles occur in tropical climates, and they are frequently used as markers of warm conditions when they are found as fossils.
While only 23 species of crocodiles exist today, there were hundreds of species in the past. On four occasions in the past 200 million years, major crocodile groups entered the seas, and then became extinct. It is a mystery why they made these moves, and equally why they all eventually went extinct. This new study suggests that crocodiles repeatedly colonized the oceans at times of global warming.
Lead author of the report, Dr Jeremy Martin said: “We thought each of these evolutionary events might have had a different cause. However, there seems to be a common pattern.”
Dr Martin, with a team of paleontologists and geochemists from the Université de Lyon and the University of Bristol, compared the evolution of the number of marine crocodilian fossil species to the sea temperature curve during the past 200 million years. This temperature curve, established using an isotopic thermometer, is widely applied for reconstruction of past environmental conditions and in this case, is based on the isotopic composition of the oxygen contained in the fossilised remains of fossil marine fish (bone, teeth, scales).
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Co-author, Christophe Lécuyer explained: “According to this method, it is possible to calculate the temperature of the water in which these fish lived by applying an equation linking the isotopic composition of the fossilised remains to the temperature of mineralisation of their skeleton. The seawater temperatures derived from the composition of fish skeleton thus corresponds to the temperature of water in which the marine crocodiles also lived.”
The results show that colonisation of the marine environment about 180 million years ago was accompanied by a period of global warming of the oceans. These first marine crocodilians became extinct about 25 million years later, during a period of global freezing. Then, another crocodilian lineage appeared and colonised the marine environment during another period of global warming.
The evolution of marine crocodilians is therefore closely tied to the temperature of their medium, and shows that their evolution and their lifestyle, as in modern crocodilians, are constrained by environmental temperatures.
Nevertheless, one fossil lineage does not appear to follow this trend. Jurassic metriorhynchoids did not go extinct during the cold spells of the early Cretaceous, unlike the teleosaurids, another group of marine crocodilians. Quite surprisingly, metriorhynchoids only disappeared a few million years later. This exception will certainly provide grounds for new research, particularly into how the biology of this group adapted to life in the pelagic environment.
Professor Michael Benton from the University of Bristol, another co-author of the study, said: “This work illustrates a case of the impact of climate change on the evolution of animal biodiversity, and shows that for crocodilians, warming phases of our earth’s history constitute ideal opportunities to colonise new environments.”
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Note : The above story is based on materials provided by University of Bristol.
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Getty Image/Ralph Ordaz
“You know what a trampoline is?”, Jonathan Kuminga is asking. “For you to jump on?”, he clarifies.
The question is an answer to the question of whether the 19-year-old came to view basketball as a home during his high school hop-scotching from West Virginia to New York and New Jersey, and eventual enrollment with G League Ignite in Walnut Creek, California. It’s an abstract question and he’s responded in kind. Rather than viewing basketball as a constant, Kuminga looked at it as an accelerant apparatus — specifically, a trampoline.
“You use basketball to get everything you want, all the opportunities,” Kuminga says, with one clear distinction. “Basically it was school, and then basketball came after.”
That order of importance was as critical for Kuminga’s parents as it was for his decision to pursue basketball as something serious enough to pin his future on. Growing up in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuminga first picked up a basketball when he was two. Both his parents — at his estimate, his mom stands between 5’10” and 6’ and his dad between 6’5” and 6’6” — were athletic, his mom primarily playing volleyball and his dad basketball, and with no gyms close to where the family lived, Kuminga relied on his parents taking him to play when they could.
“We don’t have gyms anywhere near the house, you have to walk a couple miles for you to get there,” Kuminga recalls. “And so for a young kid, that’s not safe. Even if they see a future ahead of you, they’re not going to let you just go by yourself anywhere and be in a critical situation and things like that.”
But when Kuminga turned 10, he remembers something changed, “That’s when my parents started letting me go to the gym by myself.”
It was a decision that shaped his trajectory for the next nine years both in choosing basketball as a possibility, and in an acquiescence from his family.
“They never really let me do anything. Especially basketball wise. They’d rather me stay home and not play basketball,” Kuminga says. “So, for my parents just trusting me, letting me go to the gym by myself sometimes, I think that’s when I realized that I had a chance to be whatever I wanted to be if I keep doing the same thing.”
His parents’ protectiveness taking a necessary backseat to allowing him to pursue his dreams would only add to a young Kuminga’s determination and drive. “I think that’s when I really fell in love with the game, and just wanted to be at the gym every single day,” he remembers. “Like it don’t matter what time. And I think that’s when I started believing in myself.”
It’s a moment of distinction that’s difficult to describe, but something all professional athletes share. The alignment of a love for something with the realistic assessment of being good enough to turn the dream into tangible reality and make it their job. Chance is also tied up in that calculation, specifically, trusting yourself enough to know when to take one. For Kuminga, it was turning down college offers from Duke, Texas Tech, Kentucky, Auburn and more to opt into a brand new program offered by the NBA’s G League.
The G League Ignite started as an alternative for blue chip high school recruits who didn’t want to play the requisite one year of college, or one year overseas, in order to declare for the NBA Draft. With Ignite, players would be paid to play and simultaneously take classes focused on sports business, from managing their brand, state and municipal tax considerations, and financial literacy, like what percentage of salary they could expect to pay their agents. They would also get on-court reps — a lot of them.
Alongside Kuminga in Ignite’s initial roster were Jalen Green and Isaiah Todd, who also went on to be drafted in 2021. So too were veteran players Amir Johnson, Jarrett Jack and Bobby Brown. While his time in the program was derailed by the pandemic, Kuminga played 13 games, averaging 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds in 32 minutes per game.
“It’s a lesson in learning the NBA itself and how it operates — practice structure and travel — and the Ignite team mirrors that in many ways,” Jama Mahlalela, the Warriors new Director of Player Development and Assistant Coach, has said of Kuminga’s road to the NBA through Ignite. “Having teammates like Amir Johnson and Jarret Jack who had been through it, and learning from them, helped Jonathan as he’s come to us.”
Kuminga was drafted 7th by the Warriors, a distinction he shares with his cousin, Emmanuel Mudiay, who was drafted 7th by the Nuggets. When asked if it irked him not to go at least one higher so he could tease Mudiay, Kuminga turns serious.
“I wanted to go one,” he says, his voice decisive. “I know I was going one, but I don’t know what happened. I can’t control it, but I dropped to seven.”
While he admits being drafted to a team like the Warriors is something he was still “really happy about,” there’s a sense when speaking to Kuminga that the results of the Draft have become a source of stubborn inspiration for him, evident on the floor this season and in his quick crumpling up of a potential opening icebreaker.
Kuminga plays with no trace of levity. That is, he is as imposing in his size and strength, using them to unbalance his defenders easily, as he is in his resolved composure on court. For being the youngest player in Warriors history to score at least 20 points, in a December game that was a short-manned matchup with the Raptors, or coming into a league rife with flashy gunners with a reputation for deliberate, purposeful shooting, there’s not much of Kuminga’s age evident in his professional bearing.
“He sees the game way better than I thought he’d see the game,” Kuminga’s famously blunt teammate, Draymond Green, said of the rookie’s skills at the start of this season, “The way he can put the ball on the floor, collapse the defense and kick it out, I didn’t expect him to read the floor like that. He does a great job of it, and I think that is the biggest surprise for me.”
“I’ve got so much in my game that I really haven’t shown to people,” Kuminga says of that intuitive sense of the game Green touched on. “But I feel I got so much in my game that whenever I play, a lot of people be surprised that I’m able to do things like that.”
Green, along with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, are the veteran players Kuminga says he’s worked to build trust with the most this season. He sits next to Green in the locker room and has made an appearance on Thompson’s beloved boat. He admits there’s not many rookies who are afforded the kind of insight he’s getting in his first season in the NBA, and that Green “doesn’t believe in a lot of things and a lot of people,” but asked whether he’s folding any elements of their games into his own and he’s clear. “Nah, we’re different types of people. But as much as I can gain from them, that’s all I wanted.”
Kuminga’s road to the NBA was a non-traditional one, and getting his first preliminary taste of the floor in a pandemic — initially in the G League Bubble, now a season juddering on its rails with Omicron practically train-heisting team rosters — has held his rookie year to the same strange parameters.
“I’ve been a professional since last year, but the G League is way different,” Kuminga says of the adjustment between Ignite and a championship franchise like the Warriors. “It’s a lot of things that come ahead of you that you wasn’t expecting, that you just gotta know how to control them. And some of them you cannot control, but just that type of adjustment that you need to do to stay in this league and be one of the greatest.”
That knack for adjusting has afforded Kuminga a distinct versatility, something he further capitalized on in the early-season minutes racked up shuttling between the Warriors and their G League affiliate in Santa Cruz, and gaining NBA starting minutes when Golden State managed its COVID protocols.
“He kind of showed how talented he is, how young he is, how high his ceiling is and how far he has to go – all in one night,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said of Kuminga’s performance in Toronto. “But that’s the whole point of getting him reps.”
Those reps and experiences, good and bad, are all invaluable to his development. In a December 28 loss to the Nuggets, Kuminga missed seven free throws and with 12 seconds left and a two-point difference, sprinted down the court to get clear after a steal by Otto Porter Jr., who flipped it to Curry who daisy-chained it back to Porter to find Kuminga under the basket, who was then dutifully blocked by an immovable Nikola Jokic. Against the Pacers two weeks before that the Warriors instead shaved out a win by two, and while Kuminga played just over six minutes, he was +11 on the floor for Golden State. It’s growth by increments, and the team’s keenest and most important eyes are seeing it.
“I think in order for us to go far, he is going to have to play a part in that. He just has some things that none of us other guys bring to the table,” Green said of Kuminga’s brief but impactful time on the floor in Indianapolis, “Some of the things, the tools that he has as a basketball player as far as his quickness, his speed, his athleticism, his strength, and youth. The majority of us don’t have that.”
“I think more so for him it’s just to get over that feeling that he had in the first quarter, I think it could be good for him in terms of dealing with a tough stretch and staying confident in yourself,” Curry said after Kuminga’s tough, late break with Denver. “Because that’s all you can do in this league. You’re going to go through pretty much everything at some point. Excited to see how he bounces back.”
The dynamics of a winning team are inevitably more forgiving, and Kuminga being ensconced in the dominating record of the Warriors this season gives him much more freedom to not just play, but to make the mistakes necessary for a rookie to improve. Comparatively, you only need to look to what the Warriors asked of Kuminga’s predecessor, James Wiseman, in the turmoil of last season to see what a difference a functional, flourishing team makes to establishing a young player’s ceiling.
In 25 games, Kuminga is making 49.4% of his shots, with most of those coming from up close in the paint with dunks, hook shots or second chance points. That’s from averaging between nine and 10 minutes per game. Compared to his draft classmates like Scottie Barnes and Evan Mobley, who play between 33-35 minutes per game and return the same shooting percentage (albeit a larger sample size for shots attempted), Kuminga’s shot percentage is competitive. Factor in that he’s playing on a team where the ball is naturally going to get in Curry’s — and Thompson’s once he’s back — hands, then his shooting, for small sample size of opportunities he’s getting, seems even more a miracle.
With the Ignite, Kuminga shifted between small and power forward spots, using his quickness and speed to capitalize on mismatches. For the Warriors, his versatility may be his best attribute, evidenced in the defensive assignments he’s had against DeMar DeRozan and Chris Paul, the former on whose legendary pump-fakes Kuminga refused to bite and the stubborn latter who he even more stubbornly stayed stuck to. On a team that helped bring small-ball into popularity, Kuminga’s future could be as much as a small-ball center as it is on the wing, all the while still encouraging him to hone his 3-point shooting.
“I want him shooting 3s. I want him shooting open 3s. But I want him to recognize when to shoot, when to drive and when to pass. Those are things that sound simple, but it’s not simple,” Kerr said after his starting assignment in Toronto. “So much of a young player’s development is figuring out, ‘What am I in this league? What position do I play? What’s my game?’ In today’s game, to be a top-level player, almost without exception, you have to be able to knock down perimeter shots. For him, that’s going to be the case.”
That goes double when you’re playing on a team that’s built its championships, and superstar players, around the ability to out-shoot, on any given night, any other team in the league.
Overall, the best-case scenario for Kuminga in the interim is to stay fluid with the cushion and benefit of a team needing him in bursts, and without the pressure to crack a dedicated rotational spot this season. He can still develop on an accelerated timeline but without needing to be everything, all at once. Considering his age, even if it doesn’t show up that much on the floor, that’s crucial for his decision-making and his probing at his own potential.
Kuminga, who has referred to himself as a sponge (a term Mahlalela often uses), clearly sees this.
“We’re basically trying to tighten up my game, and knowing where I need to be. And just telling me that it doesn’t matter if I play or I don’t, I shouldn’t be mad about it,” Kuminga says of the work his development coaches Kenny Atkinson and Mahlalela are doing, as well as the advice Leandro Barbosa has given him. “At the end of the day, whenever the time comes, I gotta be ready for that time to shine. Basically just those little things, that’s what they’ve been telling me.”
Kerr has credited Kuminga’s perspective, noting that while it may be “undoubtedly frustrating” for him at times, he’s kept a level, and proactive head. It’s a mindset that Kuminga has no doubt developed on his own, but the foundation started with his family. Asked whether his parents kept up with his high school games, his joining Ignite or even the Draft, Kuminga demurs each time, almost with a faint sense of surprise. The only time his basketball world came to collide with his parents’ hope for him was when Kuminga saw them for the first time in six years, the night before the Draft. But even then, what surprised them most wasn’t the stage their son was about to cross or the platform he’d find himself on, but the physical changes to his face, his body.
“I guess [I was] like a whole different person that they didn’t expect,” he says with a small laugh. “I think my face changed. Like everything changed in my body. It’s like a different type of person that to actually get to see in person, that they have been seeing on internet or anywhere over the past six years.”
His parents unfamiliarity with his basketball wasn’t out of disinterest, but what mattered more to them was whether he was happy and safe. The rest were just details, marks of progress after his initial divergence, the day when his parents let him walk to play ball alone. So while he’s learning from winners now and aspiring for more, perspective, for his family and for Kuminga, has always come from a wider scope.
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Home Our services Consultant profiles Clinical imaging Ahmed Elowaidy
Raja, Usman – consultant clinical and interventional radiologist
Usman Raja is a consultant clinical and interventional radiologist at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. He qualified with merit from Imperial College in 2009, and completed specialist training in general and interventional radiology at Imperial College Healthcare. He also completed fellowships at the Royal Marsden and Royal Free Hospitals.
Usman has been a consultant at Guy's and St Thomas' since 2017. He is fully trained in a range of vascular and non-vascular interventional procedures. He is also well versed in the interpretation of multiple imaging modalities, including ultrasound, CT and MRI, with a particular interest in cross-sectional oncology imaging.
Usman has maintained a strong interest in academia, and has authored or co-authored multiple posters, national presentations and peer reviewed publications.
BSc in medical sciences and paediatrics, Imperial College London, 2007
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Imperial College London, 2009
Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR), 2014
European Board of Interventional Radiology (EBIR), 2017
Complex hepatobiliary and oncological interventions
Vascular interventions
Renal/haemodialysis access interventions
Embolotherapy, including testicular vein embolization and uterine artery embolization
Terumo® Interventional Scholarship Winner, British Society of Interventional Radiologists (BSIR), 2015
Royal College of Radiologists European Congress of Radiology Travel Bursary Award, 2016
"Recommended poster" commendation, European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology, 2017
Case Study Scholarship Award winner 2015/2016/2017, BSIR
Best educational poster prize award, BSIR, 2021 (co-supervisor)
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Windy with rain and snow in the morning, becoming snow in the afternoon. Some sleet may mix in. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds ENE at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of precip 100%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected..
Winter Storm Warning until MON 12:00 AM EST
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST
TONIGHT...
* WHAT...Snow, sleet, and freezing rain expected. Total snow
accumulations 1 to 4 inches. Up to 1/4 inch of ice accumulation
with locally higher amounts possible. Winds gusting to 35 mph.
* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
strong winds, snow and ice. Travel could be very difficult to
impossible.
Streaking Kings confident ahead of first roadie vs. Kraken
The Los Angeles Kings seem to be gaining confidence by the day.
With a lineup featuring four holdovers from their Stanley Cup championship teams in 2011-2012 and 2013-14 and some talented youngsters, the Kings have won three straight games and moved into third place in the Pacific Division.
They will look to extend the streak when they travel to Seattle to face the expansion Kraken for the first time Saturday night.
The Kings defeated visiting Pittsburgh 6-2 Thursday to cap a seven-game homestand in which they went 5-2-0.
Los Angeles scored three goals in a span of 1:23 early in the third period after the Penguins had tied the score at 2-2.
"Momentum is real. It's a big part of hockey, a big part of sports," said Kings rookie defenseman Sean Durzi, who had a goal and two assists. "I think after they scored, the response on the bench was really good. A lot of guys just talking it through, saying ‘Let's bounce back.' "
Los Angeles' Anze Kopitar had two goals and an assist and Dustin Brown tallied his 700th NHL point on his sixth goal of the season, later adding an assist. Goaltender Jonathan Quick made 27 saves.
Kopitar, Brown, Quick and defenseman Drew Doughty are the Kings players with championship rings and their names on the Stanley Cup.
Samuel Fagemo, who made his NHL debut Thursday, called the experience of playing with that quartet -- and against the likes of the Penguins' Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin -- "special for sure."
"I think I've watched those guys since I was 4 or 5 five years old, so I was just so happy," Fagemo said. "It was awesome being able to sit and watch those guys from the bench."
Kings coach Todd McLellan said he's excited about his team's prospects.
"Young and old, we talk about that so much here. The kids coming in need to look up and see it done the right way. And our older players, the ones that are still here, do it the right way most of the time and they deserve a lot of credit for providing guidance," McLellan said. "If you've had a big brother or sister at home that took care of you and showed you the way, it's a lot easier than walking around aimlessly and we get that from our upper-end group.
"They're strong believers and supporters of the kids that are playing now and the kids hopefully feel that."
The Kraken could use a bit of guidance after losing their past eight games (0-7-1).
Though Seattle went 0-3-0 on its just-completed trip to Colorado, Dallas and St. Louis, the Kraken showed some positive signs. Against three of the better home teams in the league this season, they twice took the lead into the third period.
"It's obviously not the way we want it to be," said Alex Wennberg, who scored Seattle's lone goal in Thursday's 2-1 defeat to the Blues. "We're finding ways to lose the game. We have the lead right now and again, it's a third period where we give away some goals. I mean, we've got to find something here.
"We've got to step up and take responsibility for what's going on."
Goaltender Chris Driedger, who made 25 saves, allowed two third-period goals.
"Just frustrated," Driedger said. "You're never really feel happy after losing a game. It's a team effort and I don't think anyone is satisfied without getting two points. We're just in one of those stretches where we've got to figure out a way to win."
Suwanee, GA Daniel Evans, age 68, of Suwanee, GA passed away o…
Jackson Electric Membership Corporation
Jackson EMC - Lawrenceville
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Abandoned Earth
Linwood D. Rumney
Winner of the Gival Press Poetry Award - 2015
Poetry collection.
“In Abandoned Earth, Linwood Rumney creates a world both menacing and comforting at once. While wide-eyed with wonder at life’s sorrows, joys and mysteries, he maintains an understated tone that enables him to relate even the strangest events with a measured and convincing voice. This beautifully written collection contains what few books of poetry manage: high spirits, a keen eye and, above all, an embracing wisdom.” —John Skoyles, PloughsharesPoetry Editor and author of Suddenly Its Evening: Selected Poems
“I love the clarity and precision of Linwood Rumney’s poems and his restrained yet intense voice. Intense because it is restrained, pressurized by his deft use of stanzaic structures and forms. Robert Frost and William Carlos Williams seem to be among his influences, but his voice and vision are clearly his own. Rumney writes about the natural world and the human world, and he sees in both of them a terrible 'excess' and a brutal 'lack'. But, as in 'A Mystery on the Greyhound Bus', he also recognizes that 'simple beauty persists', like the finch feeding her chicks in a bus station eave while a man on the platform, both laughing and crying, waves to a woman on the departing bus. Far more than simple beauty, that image—and Rumney’s poetry throughout this book—is resonant and complex in the most compelling way”. —Eric Nelson, judge and author of Some Wonder: poems
Linwood Rumney was recently given a Creative Writing Fellowship from the American Antiquarian Society. His poems have appeared widely in journals, including North American Review, Hotel Amerika, New Millennium Writing, The Southern Review, Ploughshares, and Puerto del Sol, and they have been anthologized by Jacar, FutureCycle, and Main Street Rag. Translations of Aloysius Bertrand, an early practitioner of the modern prose poem in French, have appeared in Arts & Letters, Hayden’s Ferry Review, and elsewhere. An Associate Editor for Black Lawrence Press and previous Poetry Editor for Redivider, he has received awards from the St. Botolph Club and the Writer’s Room of Boston, as well as Kimmel Harding Nelson Center Residency. Originally from Central Maine, he currently lives in Cincinnati, where he completed a PhD as a Charles Phelps Taft Dissertation Fellow.
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« Return to this article
Know the West
A life unwound
Hillary Rosner Sept. 14, 2009 From the print edition
By Michelle Huneven
304 pages, hardcover: $25.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009.
Patsy MacLemoore is a hard-partying 28-year-old who managed to earn a Ph.D. from Berkeley but drank herself out of the running for the most prestigious jobs, landing at a middling college in Pasadena, Calif. It's the spring of 1981 in Michelle Huneven's latest novel, Blame, when Patsy comes to in a jail cell. It's happened before, but this time is frighteningly different: She's charged with hitting and killing a mother and daughter in her own steep driveway, in the 1963 Mercedes she wasn't supposed to be driving even while sober. Horrified by the damage she's caused, the lives ruined, Patsy pleads guilty and is sentenced to four years in prison.
Sober and released early for good behavior -- she worked on a prison crew, battling wildfires -- Patsy settles into a replica of her former life: same location, same job, same friends, but all experienced through a prism of guilt and the puritanical self-discipline she's determined to maintain. Patsy's guilt remains the driving force behind everything she does. How could she ever have children, for example, when she killed someone else's child? She tiptoes through life, trying above all to do no more harm.
Huneven, a journalist and James Beard Award-winning food critic, is a nimble writer. Her characters are the sort that haunt you weeks later. In fact, some of the book's other characters are more vividly drawn than Patsy herself: There's Gilles, the young lover of Patsy's ex-boyfriend, Brice, who looks after her post-prison and provides a glimpse into gay life at the dawn of the AIDS era; Cal, Patsy's husband, who copes with his own losses by helping heal others; and Joey, Brice's niece, who delivers the news that upends Patsy's carefully rebuilt life.
And therein lies Blame's only real flaw. The big plot twist, the news the jacket copy calls a "fall-off-the-couch-with-surprise moment," seems at least somewhat obvious from the beginning. Still, Huneven lets events play out with just the right balance of melodrama and stoicism as Patsy sets about coping with a new reality. Blame is ultimately about the way choices stack on top of one another, each shaping the next until they become an entire life.
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Copyright © High Country News
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We work closely with local government and communities to celebrate our incredible local heritage across NSW.
Heritage Near Me was an innovative $28.5 million 4-year program that empowered NSW communities to protect, share and celebrate their local heritage. The program finished in June 2019.
The Heritage Near Me team worked closely with local government, industry and communities to ensure that local heritage values have greater recognition.
From 2016-2019 the Heritage Near Me Incentives program provided grants for local heritage items and projects that were not supported under existing heritage programs in NSW. The grants programs included the Heritage Activation Grants, Local Heritage Strategic Projects and the Heritage Green Energy grants that complemented the (former) Office of Environment and Heritage Energy Saver program. See our Grants page for a list of grant projects funded under Heritage Near Me.
The Roadshows also worked with local government and communities to deliver events and festivals which celebrated the unique and diverse culture and heritage of a region.
The Roadshows also ran community culture and heritage events and shared their virtual reality film, Our Heritage with the broader community.
Heritage Heroes: Protecting and Celebrating local heritage
The Heritage Heroes project celebrated people in our community who protect and share their local heritage through the Heritage Near Me funded projects.
Remembering the General Merchants
In 2016, local business people Mark and Carole McNeil purchased the oldest remaining timber building in the Inverell CBD known as ‘The Farmhouse’ c1867. The McNeils were motivated by the desire to create a new place for the community that offers local products and shares the history of the area through a display of local artefacts. Items on display include the manual telephone exchange from the nearby village of Graman and moulds from the former Inverell foundry.
Fiona Adams, Manager Integrated Planning and Reporting from Inverell Shire Council worked with the McNeils to scope the project and develop the project for a Heritage Activation Grant. The McNeils were successful in their application and received $100,000 for project. Over nine months the McNeils planned, repaired, remodelled and finally opened the café/restaurant, ‘The General Merchant’, in July 2017. During the renovations, the McNeils worked closely with the Inverell and District Family History Group to uncover the history of the building.
Funding from the Heritage Activation grant paid for the installation of wheelchair friendly access to the building via a covered walkway and access ramp; reinstatement of the original awning, the design for which is based on historical photos which have been gathered by the Inverell Family History Group; and an in-store display and mural to increase knowledge and appreciation of Inverell’s heritage.
The General Merchant is now open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is regularly filled with locals and visitors enjoying the new space and marvelling at the changes to the historic building.
Animal, mineral, vegetable
Animal, mineral, vegetable tells the story of a project between Berridale Public School, CSIRO Volunteer Scientist Dr Bill Crozier and the Snowy River Historical Society, who share the Crozier Science and Heritage Museum in Berridale Public School.
Berridale is a small town in the Snowy Mountains between Cooma and Jindabyne. Some of the school buildings are listed on the State Heritage Register and other schoolrooms are listed for their local heritage significance by Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
The Heritage Activation project came to life when Bill Crozier, who works with the school as a Science Mentor, offered to donate his science collection to the school to create a space for lifelong learning.
Principal Tracey Southam developed the museum project and later invited the Snowy River Historical Society to share the space. The completed museum presents the unique natural and cultural heritage of the region and creates a central hub for Science and History lessons for students.
The Heritage Activation grant funded a curator to design displays, purchase of the cases and development of interpretive displays. The grant was for $16,300.
If you are going past Berridale stop in and have a look. The museum is open between 9.15am and 3.15pm, Monday to Friday.
Walking the Line
Heritage Heroes is a series of short stories celebrating local heritage heroes showcasing projects funded through the NSW Government's Heritage Near Me program. Walking the Line follows the restoration of the historic 1890s Temora Railway Precinct and the development of an interpretive walk. The film stars project manager Claire Golder from Temora Shire Council and Railway Temora volunteers Max Oliver and Rodney Kite who share their passion for the history of the railway and the revitalised precinct.
The walk also explores the 1900s Pardey's flour mill and silos, and will provide visitors with an understanding of the important role the precinct played in grain processing and transport, and the maintenance, supply, support and upkeep of steam locomotives from early 1910s to the 1960s. The site is a popular destination for both amateur and professional photographers who enjoy photographing the features of the railway station, silos and flour mill at different times of the day, and a railway museum explores the lives of locals who lived and worked on the Railway.
Temora Shire Council were successful in the 2016-17 round of the Heritage Activation grants. They received $53,500 for accessibility, minor restoration works and the development of the walk.
Saving the Royal Pub
'Saving the Royal' tells the story of the Rickert family and their journey from purchasing to reactivating the Royal Hotel. The Hotel has been operating since the 1860s and the Rickert family are bringing the old hotel back to life with a restoration and adaptive reuse project. The project will be opened in stages with stage one of developments to include a licensed cafe with a gelato ice creamery, bar, disabled unit for accommodation, and laundromat.
The Rickert family were successful in the 2016-17 round of the Heritage Activation Grants. They received $100,000 to fund 2 stages of the works to reactivate the building.
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Latest attempt to expand FMLA offers incentive for employers
by Christian Schappel
You may have heard: The feds are interested in expanding employee protections, and the availability of sick leave and medical leave — especially paid varieties. But many of their proposals have been met with backlash. But this latest proposal offers more in an attempt to gain employer support.
The problem with a lot of the feds’ past proposed laws, at least in the eyes of employers: cost.
Employers feel providing employees with more leave, unpaid or not, than current federal laws mandate would create significant cost burdens — whether it’s due to a loss in productivity or having to hire replacement workers.
To help alleviate those burdens, while providing more leave opportunities to workers, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced “The Strong Families Act.”
It would essentially expand the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) by creating a system in which employers, even those too small to be subject to the FMLA as presently constructed, could voluntarily offer paid family leave similar to full- and part-time workers.
In exchange for offering workers paid family leave, employers would be given a 25% non-refundable tax credit for each hour of paid leave provided.
To be eligible for the tax credit, employers must offer a minimum of four weeks of paid leave. The more leave employers offer, the more their credit grows.
The paid leave would be tracked on an hourly basis and must be kept separate from other vacation or sick leave.
In addition, the credit would be available to any employer, regardless of size, with qualified employees, and — much like under the FMLA — employers would be prohibited from retaliating against employees who participate in the leave program.
A similar bill was also introduced in the House.
While analysts on Capitol Hill are giving The Strong Families Act little chance of passage, the bill may be precursor to the types of incentives legislators will be looking to build into laws to gain employers’ favor.
With many employers already feeling like they’ve been pushed to the brink as far as how many new requirements Congress and their states can lump on them, legislators may be starting to feel the need to sweeten the pot to generate support for new regulations.
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Amicus Brief in Support Of Petitioner O.G.
S259011 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA O.G. Petitioner, vs. THE SUPERIOR COURT OF VENTURA CO. Respondent; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA Real Party Interest. On Review From The Court Of Appeal, Second…
July 8, 2020 News
Human Rights Watch Amicus Brief in Hernandez-Roman v. Wolf
Covid-19 and the Adelanto Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center
Colombia: Amicus Curiae on Access to Abortion
Honorable Cristina Pardo Schlesinger Justice of the Constitutional Court of Colombia Rapporteur of Case T-6.612.909 Case: T-6.612.909 Subject: Human Rights Watch amicus curiae brief …
Human Rights Watch Amicus Brief on Juvenile Life-Without-Parole Sentences
Submitted before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Human Rights Watch filed an amicus brief in the case of Henry Hill, et al. v. the United States (12.866) that is before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The amicus submission demonstrates in detail how the United States, including the state…
US: Misuse of the Material Witness Statute
Amicus Curiae brief filed with the Supreme Court
Human Rights Watch and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers filed an amicus brief in the case of Ashcroft v. Al-Kidd before the Supreme Court. The case challenges the US government's misuse of the material witness statute to investigate…
US: California Should Reduce Overcrowding in its Prisons
Amicus Curiae provided to the United States Supreme Court in Schwarzenegger v. Plata
INTRODUCTION This case involves ongoing, undisputed, and lethal constitutional violations in the California state prison system. As the lower court found, and the State does not dispute, “the medical and mental health care available to inmates in the…
Latin American, Caribbean States Blocking UN Effort to End Juvenile Executions
(New York, October 28, 2008) – Latin American and Caribbean governments should drop their opposition to UN efforts to end executions of juvenile offenders, Human Rights Watch said today. UN diplomats in New York are debating the juvenile death penalty as…
Human Rights Watch Amicus Brief on Juvenile Detention
Argument to the Supreme Court of Argentina on International Standards on Juvenile Detention
Human Rights Watch filed an amicus brief in the case of García Méndez, Emilio and Musa, Laura Cristina s/case No. 7537 that is now before the Supreme Court of Argentina. We argue that the system by which Argentine judges authorize the detention of…
Comments to the Malawi Law Commission on the development of HIV and AIDS Legislation
Reverend Joseph Mpinganjira, Chairperson The Malawi Law Commission Sent by facsimile: RE: COMMENTS ON THE REPORT OF THE LAW COMMISSION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIV AND AIDS LEGISLATION Dear Reverend Mpinganjira and members of the Commission:…
Additional Submission on US Compliance with the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict
This submission by Human Rights Watch supplements the November 2007 submission by the US Campaign to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers. It reflects new information and developments related to the United States and children involved in armed conflict between…
US: Supreme Court to Review Restrictions on Access to Court for Guantanamo Detainees
Boumediene v. Bush and Al Odah v. US amicus brief
On December 5, 2007, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a challenge to the Military Commissions Act of 2006. At stake are provisions in the law that prohibit the 330 Guantanamo Bay detainees – and any other non-citizen the president declares to…
Brief of Amicus Curiae International Human Rights Organizations
Supreme Court of the United States, January 6, 2006
The detention and military commission systems created by the Executive to hold and try persons seized in the “war on terror” and implemented at the United States Naval Station in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba (“Guantánamo”) violate the well-established norms of…
Amicus Curiae Brief : Open Society Institute v. United States Agency for International Development
Negative Impact on Public Health Interventions by Mandatory Anti-Prostitution Pledge
The Open Society Institute (OSI) and DKT International have recently initiated two separate but similar lawsuits against the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) regarding the so-called “anti-prostitution pledge” in legislation…
Brief of Amici Curiae in Goodman v. Georgia
Supreme Court Brief, July 29, 2005
Human rights Watch joined with many other organization to file an amicus brief in Goodman v. State of Georgia et. al. urging the Supreme Court to rule that Title II of the Americans with Disability Act, as applied to prisoners with disabilities, is a…
Jama v. INS: Keyse G. Jama, Petitioner, v. Immigration and Naturalization Service, Respondent
Supreme Court of the United States, No. 03-674, 05/24/04
On Writ of Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Brief Amici Curiae of International Human Rights Organizations and International Law Professors in Support of the Petitioner "When a country lacks a functioning central…
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October 20, 2021 Video
Syria: Returning Refugees Face Grave Abuse
(Beirut) – Syrian refugees who returned to Syria between 2017 and 2021 from Lebanon and Jordan faced grave human rights abuses and persecution at the hands of the Syrian government and affiliated militias, Human Rights Watch…
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Reauthorize Cross-Border Aid into Northern Syria
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Peruvian National Police Committed Multiple Abuses During November Protests
(Lima) – The Peruvian National Police committed multiple abuses against mostly peaceful demonstrators protesting the ousting of then-President Martín Vizcarra in November 2020, Human Rights Watch said today. Peru’s interim President Francisco…
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Proving Patterns of Cruelty from Afar
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Missing Victims of ISIS
The authorities in Syria should address as a priority what happened to people who disappeared in the custody of the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) while the group controlled parts of Syria, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.…
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Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have not brought to justice those responsible for the massacres of ethnic Banunu in Yumbi territory one year ago.
July 8, 2019 Video
Video: Verdict on Former Congolese Warlord
The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) conviction of the Congolese rebel leader Bosco Ntaganda sends a strong message that justice may await those responsible for grave crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Human Rights Watch said today.
October 3, 2017 Video
Syria: First Atrocities Trials Held in Europe
Efforts to bring those responsible for atrocities in Syria before European courts are starting to bear fruit, notably in Swedish and German courts, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. While various authorities in Europe have opened…
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Ground-breaking investigations and prosecutions are underway in some European countries against people accused of torture, beatings, and kidnappings in Syria and Iraq. These cases are made possible by the arrival in Europe of both victims and suspects in…
DR Congo: Mass Rape Victims Deserve Better Justice
(Kinshasa, October 1, 2015) – The Democratic Republic of Congo government should urgently reform the country’s justice system to better prosecute atrocities, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The 102-page report, “Justice on Trial…
August 27, 2015 Video
Bosco Ntaganda on Trial for War Crimes
The trial against Bosco Ntaganda at the International Criminal Court in The Hague is a victory for victims, their families, and human rights activists across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The ICC issued its first sealed arrest warrant against…
July 13, 2015 Video
Three Years After ICC Warrant Issued, FDLR Leader Still At Large
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and United Nations peacekeepers should urgently take steps to arrest and transfer Sylvestre Mudacumura, military commander of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), to the…
September 13, 2013 Video
Syria: Mass Executions By Government Forces
Syrian government and pro-government forces executed at least 248 people in the towns of al-Bayda and Baniyas on May 2 and 3, 2013. Human Rights Watch interviewed 15 al-Bayda residents and 5 from Baniyas, including witnesses who saw or heard government…
November 10, 2010 Interactive
Dear Obama: A Message from Victims of the LRA
Since September 2008, at least 2,000 civilians have been killed and nearly 3,000 others have been abducted during attacks by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). In this feature, victims of this rebel group call upon US President Barack Obama for urgent and…
May 26, 2010 Interactive
Global Justice: The Expanding Reach of Accountability
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The Christmas Massacres: LRA attacks on Civilians in Northern Congo
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Literature and the Arts >
Film and Television: Biographies >
Tarnovsky, Andrei
Tarnovsky, Andrei, 1932–86, Soviet film director, grad. State Institute of Cinematography (1960), where he made several notable short films. The son of poet Arseni Tarkovsky, he is perhaps the finest Russian filmmaker since Sergei Eisenstein, and is known for poetic and visionary films that capture the flow of time in characteristic long takes and tracking shots and the natural world in images of great beauty. For much of his lifetime his films earned acclaim abroad but were banned in the Soviet Union. Tarnovsky made only seven complete feature films. His first full-length film, the prize-winning Ivan's Childhood (1962), told of an orphan's life in World War II, and he achieved international fame with Andrei Rublyov (1965), the tale of a 15th-cent. Russian icon painter. His next films were Solaris (1972), The Mirror (1975), and Stalker (1979); the last is a dystopian science-fiction classic that is most often regarded as his masterpiece and was the final film he made in the USSR. He made Nostalgia (1983) in Italy, and afterward remained in the West. His last film was The Sacrifice (1986).
See his Sculpting in Time (1989); J. Gianvito, ed., Andrei Tarkovsky: Interviews (2006); studies by M. Turovskaya (1989), V. T. Johnson and G. Petrie (1994), G. A. Jonsson and T. A. Ottarsson, ed. (2006), R. Bird (2008), N. Dunne, ed. (2008), J. M. Robinson (2008), T. Redwood (2010), S. Martin (2011), G. Dyer (2012), and N. Skakov (2012).
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Film and Television: Biographies
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Inspectas > News > Education > Yet more asbestos warning for schools after woman’s mesothelioma diagnosis
Yet more asbestos warning for schools after woman’s mesothelioma diagnosis
Ex pupils of two Woodley schools are being urged to assist with an investigation after a woman was diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer.
Fears have been raised after the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, developed symptoms of what was subsequently diagnosed as mesothelioma, a cancer that most commonly starts in the layers of tissue that cover the lungs.
Concerns about your school? Read more here.
As a result, solicitors have been instructed to build a case as to whether the woman was exposed to asbestos dust while attending Beechwood Primary and Bulmershe Secondary schools between 1975 and 1986.
The news comes weeks after Bulmershe Leisure Centre’s swimming pool was permanently closed following fears that the ceiling tiles were in danger of falling and releasing asbestos.
Helen Childs, from solicitor firm Royds Withy King said:
“I wouldn’t want anyone to be alarmed, because the chances of anyone who attended either school developing an asbestos related illness is very very small.
However, asbestos was a very widely used material, and it is still present in many schools that were built or altered in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, like Bulmershe and Beechwood.
Any information any of your readers can give about the construction or maintenance of Bulmershe or Beechwood will be very much appreciated. I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who can recall maintenance and repair work being undertaken at Beechwood or Bulmershe, particularly during term time, or who can remember that Beechwood or Bulmershe were in a poor state of repair.”
Drop-in sessions are being organised by the solicitors firm at Coronation Hall, in Headley Road, on Monday, April 9 from 10am to 5pm, again on Wednesday, May 2 from 2pm to 5pm, and then on the first Thursday of every month between 9am to 12pm.
Alternatively, residents can discuss any concerns with the solicitors by calling 01865 268 359, 07876805431 or by emailing helen.childs@roydswithyking.com
Posted on 28th March 2018 29th March 2018 Categories Education Tags Bulmershe, Legal, Mesothelioma, Pupils, Reading, Schools, Teachers, Woodley
Witnesses sought after asbestos dumped in South Northamptonshire
Calling all Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans – specialist mesothelioma support available
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New Beaupre
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Cogan
Llancarfan
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Home Home Performance Renewable Energy Solar
A Net Zero Energy Home Grows Up: Lessons and Puzzles from Ten Years of Data
BY BETHANY SPARN and LIEKO EARLE
A version of this article appears in the Winter 2017 issue of Home Energy Magazine.
Click here to read more articles about Solar
In 2005, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver teamed up with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to design and build a net zero energy (NZE) home in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. A main goal of the project was to show that a NZE home was feasible to build within the Habitat for Humanity model. This meant that the design must be repeatable and cost-effective for the climate region; that it must be simple enough that it could be built largely with volunteer labor; and that occupants could operate the home with no special training.
The NZE home that was built meets all of these criteria. It is highly insulated, with R-40 walls, R-60 ceilings, and an R-30 floor. It is solar tempered, meaning that there are south-facing windows for passive heating with an overhang for summer shading, and equipped with heat recovery ventilation, a solar water-heating system, and a 4kW PV system. The solar tempering design, along with double stud wall and fiberglass batt construction, the construction of the home was simple and low cost. Other efficiency measures were selected to ensure that the overall energy use of the building was low, so that a smaller PV system would enable net zero energy annually.
The Net Zero Energy Habitat for Humanity House in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
When the house was completed, a family of three—a mother and her two young sons—moved in. The home was fully instrumented with sensors and data loggers so that NREL engineers could monitor equipment performance and observe the home’s energy consumption over time. We have been monitoring this house continuously for the past ten years, and the resulting data set is rich with surprising and thought-provoking trends.
Net Zero Energy?
What does it mean for a home to be truly NZE? According to DOE, a net zero energy building is one where the source energy consumed annually is less than or equal to the energy produced by the on-site renewable-energy resource on a source energy basis. This house uses both electricity and natural gas, so the site energy use for both fuel types was converted to source energy in common units of kBtu. (All the energy consumed by the house was converted to source energy using site/source conversion factors of 1.09 and 3.15 for natural gas and electricity, respectively.) The bar chart in Figure 1 shows source-energy ratio: the annual energy produced by the PV system divided by the total energy (electricity and natural gas) consumed by the house, in terms of source energy. The horizontal line indicates the 100% level, where PV production and source energy use are equal. The home is a net producer in years 1, 2, 3, and 9, but falls short of the NZE goals in years 4 through 8, and 10. Overall, the home has not achieved NZE status in its first ten-year period, even though the annual source-energy ratio for nearly half the years on record has been over 100%.
What happened after the first three years of operation? Figure 2 shows the annual source energy use alongside the source energy offset by the PV system. It appears that the sudden shift from net producer to net consumer is the result of a combination of two effects. From year 3 to year 4, PV production dropped by roughly 10%, while at the same time, household energy use continued to rise at roughly 10% per year (when averaged over the first eight years).
Percent of Source Energy Consumption That Was Offset by PV Production Annually
Figure 1. Ten-year summary of the source-energy ratio (percent of energy consumed that was offset by PV production).
Annual Source Electricity Consumption and Source Energy Offset by Production
Figure 2. Annual source energy consumption and offset provided by PV system.
End-Use Trends
Figure 3 shows the annual source energy consumption, including both gas and electric, broken down by end use. From years 1 through 8, energy consumption generally increased. This corresponds to the overall general decrease in source-energy ratio over the same time period. Source energy consumption dropped by nearly 45% between years 8 and 9. This corresponds to the increase in source-energy ratio from 64% to 110% between those years.
Annual Source Energy Consumption
Figure 3. Annual source energy consumption, broken down by end use.
Despite some fluctuation in the energy generated by the PV system annually, energy consumed in the home is the main driver for the ten-year pattern of source-energy ratio. Looking more closely at energy consumption by end use, a number of interesting trends are apparent.
The category of miscellaneous electric loads (MELs) in this data set includes all plug loads and any appliances not individually submetered. Although we do not know what these end uses are, we see in the data that MELs are the main energy user in the home and have grown over time. They likely include home entertainment and office equipment (TV, DVD player, computer); countertop kitchen appliances (toaster, microwave); any plug-in lights (all hard-wired lights are captured in the lighting category); and other, less common plug loads (such as aquariums, space heaters). Given the proliferation of modern consumer electronics, it is not surprising to see MELs energy use increase—but to see these miscellaneous loads increase to the point that they make up most of the energy use in the home is dramatic. An interesting aspect of this data set is that it spans a ten-year period over which two small children grew into teenagers, and this may account for at least part of the increase in MELs energy use.
The trend in heating is somewhat puzzling. The home has two known sources of space heating—a central gas space heater and small electric baseboards in the bedrooms. Use of these two sources varies widely from year to year. In some years, the home was heated primarily by the central gas heater, and in some years, by the electric baseboards. In other years, neither source was used much, although the historical weather data indicate that those winters were not significantly warmer than average. As shown in Figure 4, MELs use increases in the winter months, particularly in years where the heating energy use for both the gas and baseboard heaters is low, strongly suggesting that the occupants may be using additional plug-in space heaters to keep the house warm. MELs use is significantly lower during the summer months, so it is unlikely that window air conditioners were installed (the home does not have a central cooling system).
Monthly Average for Temperatures and Source Energy Use for MELs and Total Heaters
Figure 4. Monthly averages of indoor and outdoor temperatures, as well as monthly source energy use for MELs and both types of heater.
The two categories of load that have the biggest impact on the overall source-energy ratio are MELs and space heating. This case study shows that changes in occupant behavior can drive high variability in annual energy use. The same occupants have lived in the house for the entire duration of the project; yet the evolution of their collective MELs usage pattern is significant enough to help to determine whether the home achieves NZE in a given year.
Even in a home with an extensive data acquisition system, it is impossible to fully understand variability in energy use. In addition to highlighting the variability and unpredictability of MELs use for a single home, does this long-term data set offer other lessons that are broadly applicable?
Understanding and Controlling MELs
As residential building research and improved energy codes have pushed homes to be built with better envelopes and more-efficient HVAC and water-heating equipment, the smaller loads in the home have become a larger fraction of residential energy use in aggregate. Improvements in technologies and building methods have made possible reduction to all major loads in a home, but MELs reduction continues to be an elusive goal. Ten years ago, researchers at NREL recognized the need to devise strategies to reduce MELs energy use in order to achieve 50% whole-house savings. We have moved beyond the goal of 50% energy savings, but little progress has been made to reduce MELs energy use. Consumer electronics are becoming more and more efficient, but the number of devices in homes has exploded. A number of studies over the last ten years have identified MELs as a challenging problem that will only become bigger as homes become more energy efficient.
It is difficult to research the rampant growth in MELs because these end uses are by nature a moving target. We know generally what devices people have in their homes, and how that mix has changed over time, but we have little empirical data on their usage patterns. Detailed field studies to generate statistically meaningful data would be labor intensive and cost prohibitive. Currently available monitoring equipment for plug loads does not meet the cost and ease-of-use requirements for large-scale field studies. And if it is difficult to measure the energy use of all the MELs in a home, it is even more difficult to find ways to reduce that energy use. The MELs category includes a diverse assortment of devices, used in every room by different people at different times of day. Most MELs are small loads, distributed throughout a home, and every single one would need a dedicated controller. A MEL controller could be located at the breaker level (depending on the loads connected), integrated into the device, or integrated into the wall outlet. Or it could be a pass-through controller that sits between the plug load and the wall outlet. However, the cost to install distributed controllers for all the MELs in a home would likely be much higher than the potential energy savings. Improving the energy efficiency of the individual devices might reduce the need for sophisticated controls, but most new electronics are already fairly efficient, and the large overall MELs load is mainly driven by a combination of legacy devices and the sheer number of devices, not by the efficiencies of the newest devices. With the advent of the Internet of Things, the rapid increase in connected devices that have built-in communication capabilities may deliver new opportunities for data collection, as well as personally tailored energy management features.
The Wheat Ridge NZE house offers a unique perspective on MELs and on their growth over time. Several studies have looked at multiple homes for relatively short periods of time, and have found that the energy use between similar homes can vary wildly depending on the occupants. In contrast, the subject house exhibits significant changes in MELs use over an extended time period but with the same occupants.
Is Net Zero the Right Goal?
Beginning in 2020, California aims to become the first state in the nation to require all new homes to achieve NZE based on one year of meter data. While California is working to change its building codes to meet this goal, cities and smaller municipalities in other states are planning to mandate NZE homes in all-new construction in the coming decade. NZE homes, no longer a niche concept, will become commonplace in the very near future. As the ten-year data set from this case study shows, meeting NZE in the long term is not as simple as choosing the right building systems, because occupants are a primary driver of a home’s energy profile. It may be worth asking: Is NZE even the right metric to gauge our progress toward sustainable homes?
The process of designing a NZE home naturally starts with a very energy-efficient house. Improving the building envelope and installing an efficient and climate-appropriate package of equipment in the home minimizes the home’s energy requirements. Energy modeling can be used to estimate the amount of PV that is needed to offset the annual energy consumption based on “typical” occupant behavior. Of course, this will result in some homes being net producers and some homes being net consumers (and some homes being one or the other, depending on the year), because few if any families match the statistical average energy use profile. Some of the variability could be reduced by predicting the behavior of the future homeowners, but as this case study shows, families grow up and people change their habits over time. This NZE home has only achieved net zero status for four out of ten years; but overall, energy generated by the PV system has offset nearly 90% of the home’s consumption. Is that good enough, or is this a failed effort to build a NZE home?
Until recently, the cost of solar panels limited the amount of electricity homeowners or builders could reasonably plan to offset, but this factor has changed dramatically in recent years. As the overall cost of installing rooftop PV plummets, the way that builders plan for NZE is certain to evolve. If building codes require NZE, builders could easily install more PV than the average occupant would need to ensure that a home would achieve net zero energy for nearly everyone. Taking this concept to its extreme, it may be easier for developers to shift their focus from improving the thermal efficiency of their houses to simply installing larger—and now affordable—PV arrays to achieve NZE status; the only limiting factor is rooftop real estate. So will architects design houses differently to maximize PV installation possibilities? Will decades of work on cost-effective efficiency measures be rendered obsolete by cheap solar panels?
The Role for Occupants
Many people do not think about how their behavior affects energy consumption, but an analogy to driving illustrates how these habits can change. Drivers have traditionally not thought about how the way they drive affects gas mileage, but as newer cars have incorporated fuel economy metrics into the dashboard display, drivers have been prompted to rise to the challenge, many making a game of driving as efficiently as possible. This suggests that energy feedback should also be available to interested homeowners so that they too can learn how to operate their homes in the most energy-efficient manner. Drivers may be more receptive to feedback, since they are constantly looking at their dashboard while driving, while homeowners might not look so often for feedback on energy use. But such feedback might still produce meaningful changes in behavior. A number of devices can be installed to provide instantaneous feedback on power consumption or overall energy use, but these devices can be complicated to install, and few people know how to interpret feedback that is shown in units of kilowatts or kilowatt-hours. Simpler forms of feedback are needed. A Nest thermostat, for example, shows a little leaf (like the Toyota Prius) to indicate when an action improves energy efficiency. Similarly, simplified feedback could be provided for whole-house energy efficiency, especially for cases where the homeowner is trying to achieve net zero status. Studies have shown that feedback alone can produce whole-house energy savings of 5–10%, although data on long-term persistence are limited. Educating homeowners before they move into a NZE home could also help them to understand how their behaviors affect the home’s energy performance.
“Test Results from NREL Spur Change in Penetration Limits for Solar Power in Hawaii,” Clean Technica, March 8, 2016.
Earle, L., and B. Sparn. Results of Laboratory Testing of Advanced Power Strips. Washington, DC: ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, 2012.
Ehrhardt-Martinez, K., K. Donnelly, and J. Laitner. Advanced Metering Initiatives and Residential Feedback Programs: A Meta-Review for Household Electricity-Savings Opportunities, ACEEE Report #E105. Washington, D.C.: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, June 2010.
Hendron, R., and M. Eastment. “Development of an Energy-Savings Calculation Methodology for Residential Miscellaneous Electric Loads.” In Proceedings of the 2006 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings. Washington, D.C.: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, August 2006.
Kerr, R., and D. Toy. Occupied Home Evaluation Results. Final Report prepared by Building America Deliverable # 16.D.2, November 25, 2007.
Norton, P., Christensen, C., Hancock, E., Barker, G., and Reeves, P. “The NREL/Habitat for Humanity Zero Energy Home: A Cold Climate Case Study for Affordable Zero Energy Homes.” Technical Report NREL/TP-550-43188. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. June 2008.
U.S. Department of Energy. A Common Definition for Zero Energy Buildings. DOE/EE-1247. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Government Printing Office, September 2015.
Controllable loads in the home can play a role in demand-side management strategies, such as demand response and dynamic pricing. Appliance manufacturers have explored controllable loads for the last several years, but there has been little consumer demand for them. That could change as utilities change their rate structures or their rules on rooftop solar.
Other examples of automated ways to flatten the demand from the home to reduce instability on grid include on-site energy storage (such as a lithium-ion battery pack) and solar inverters with sophisticated control features capable of curtailment. Efforts are under way to develop and vet these possible solutions to complement the ever-increasing rooftop solar installations. Many major manufacturers are building controllable inverters, and early laboratory tests of their performance have helped to convince the Hawaiian Electric Company to lift its moratorium on connecting residential solar panels to the grid.
As more jurisdictions encourage—or mandate—NZE homes, it will become necessary to incorporate a variety of automated solutions for mitigating the impact of distributed solar on the grid, to ensure that NZE homes do not create problems for the utility. Although grid responsiveness does not necessarily reduce energy use inside the home, controllable loads and solar inverters will better enable utilities to add more on-site (and grid scale) renewables to the grid. This will do more to promote long-term sustainability than improving the efficiency of a single home. States and municipalities that are planning to require NZE status should coordinate with their local utilities and their state public utilities commission to evaluate options for incorporating grid responsiveness into the NZE requirements before they take effect. Forward thinking in this area would ensure that NZE homes reduce our reliance on fossil fuels by partnering with the utility of the future.
What have we learned? A decade of performance data on a NZE-designed home has shown that consistently achieving net zero status annually is not easy. But how important is it to achieve NZE? Even if a NZE-designed home does not meet the target every year—or ever—it provides significant benefits to the homeowner and to society. To put it another way, it is not an all-or-nothing proposition. At the same time, homes with large rooftop solar arrays still face challenges related to grid integration, regardless of whether or not they achieve NZE.
So what is our true mission? Perhaps the concept of NZE is gradually evolving to represent an inspirational vision rather than a mandate, but pushing the housing industry toward building NZE homes is a step in the right direction, even if some buildings fall short. Ultimately, the goal is to create an electrical infrastructure that relies more on renewable energy sources and less on fossil fuels. Reducing the energy consumed by residential buildings is part of this complex challenge.
Bethany Sparn and Lieko Earle are scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Craig Christensen, also a scientist at NREL and Paul Norton, of Norton Energy R&D, also contributed to this article.
A New Guide for Solar Plan Reviewers, Code Inspectors, and Installers
By Ruth Fein Revell
When an industry grows as fast as solar, it can be challenging for consumers, contractors, and code officials to be in lockstep on the path to a successful installation—from plan review to inspection ...
The Big Bounce
By Elizabeth Grant
When the sunlight bounces off the roof, where does it go?
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karen ruetz
With over twenty years’ experience as an actor and director in the Atlanta area, Karen became inspired to write plays, especially ones that feature strong and complex roles for women. While she doesn’t have a degree, her experience as an actor and director work hand in hand to tell stories that focus on complex relationships for the stage. Her comedy, For A Good Time, Mary was produced in Canton, Georgia in April 2019 and its second production is scheduled in February 2022. She has had numerous short plays produced in 2020 (many on Zoom), and has had staged readings of all of her full length plays to date. Her first, a drama, The Art of Deception, had a staged reading in 2018. Karen has written three shorts for young actors, as well as a full length, Discovering June. Karen is a member of the Dramatists Guild, Merely Writers and the In-House Writers.
Website: http://www.karenruetz.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/karenruetzplaywright
TW:@tkgraphicsatl
IG:@karenruetz
NPX: https://newplayexchange.org/users/28229/karen-ruetz
I have been involved in theatre for over 20 years. It's now a part of me I can't let go! I only started writing plays a few years ago and have found a real love for storytelling. All of my plays have strong female characters, and there is always a role I would love lo play as an actor. The most gratifying moment in my career as a playwright was seeing my first production, my first comedy, For A Good Time, Mary. Hearing audiences laugh at my words and be engaged with characters I created and having the actors tell me how much they loved the roles and story, filled my soul with joy. Being a playwright can be both challenging and fulfilling, but I can't imagine doing anything else.
A new drama called Wayward Girls and revisions on other works
Women, Comedy, Drama, Young Audiences, Relationships
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David Guetta sells his songs for a nine-figure sum
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Little Mix: ‘We don’t need to act sexy to sell records’
Click onto YouTube and you can see Beyoncé writhing on a pole, Nicki Minaj shaking her ample derriere, and Miley Cyrus straddling a giant wrecking ball, naked as the day she was born. But one band is boycotting the nudity and sexual choreography. And that band is Little Mix. “There’s no need to do that […]
Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj top BET Award nominations with six nods each
Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj top the nominations for this year’s BET Awards with six nods each. Brown will compete twice in the video of the year category for his tracks Loyal and New Flame. Minaj is up for the top prize with Anaconda while Beyoncé and Lil Wayne follow with four nominations each. Beyoncé’s […]
Iggy Azalea says she ‘may not return’ to social media after paparazzi photos
Iggy Azalea may not be coming back to social media anytime soon. The rapper’s management has been posting on her accounts since she announced she was taking a break. In her last Instagram post, she wrote about paparazzi photographers invading her privacy by taking photos of her outside her home in a bikini. “[It’s] so […]
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ClimateNews
No words necessary: The cartoonists tackle climate change
The results of a worldwide competition are sharp, satirical – and even funny
Siski Green
Thursday 03 July 2008 00:00
1/21No words necessary: The cartoonists tackle climate change
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Runner up: 'Car Culture', by Kate Evans, UK
Ever since the 1750s, when the writer, satirist, statesman and inventor Benjamin Franklin put political cartooning on the map by publishing the first cartoon of the genre in America, artists have combined their talent, wit and political beliefs to create cartoons that enrage, enlighten or simply engage the viewer.
A picture may paint a thousand words, but a cartoon provokes, protests and entertains – all at once. It is this that makes cartoonists so valuable and influential in times of crisis. Today, that crisis is climate change, and clever imagery can give new impetus to our struggle to combat global warming. The organisers of Earthworks 2008, a global cartoon competition, believe that art and humour are simple ways to get the environmental message across.
"We set up the competition to give cartoonists around the world a platform on which to express themselves," says John Renard, one of the Earthworks organisers. "We hoped that the competition would stimulate cartoonists to use their pens and wit to help combat environmental devastation and give new impetus to our desperate fight to stop global warming," he says. "After all, humour is often a valuable key in the struggle to win hearts and minds."
But despite the sharp wit that pervades the cartoons, climate change is no laughing matter for their creators. The 50 or so countries from which the 600 competition entries were sent are all suffering the effects of global warming, some more dramatically than others. Two cartoons were sent from Burma, where in May this year a cyclone tore through five regions along the western coast, killing at least 100,000 people, and leaving millions more without shelter, food, or clean water.
And although governments around the world are reluctant to suggest, officially, that the disaster in Burma is a direct result of global warming, there's little doubt that it will have added to the cyclone's destructive power.
Studies published in the journals Nature and Science have demonstrated a link between rising sea temperatures and increased wind-speed of cyclones and hurricanes, and even US-government-funded organisations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration admit that a warming of the global climate will affect the severity of storms. "Experiencing first-hand the catastrophic effects of climate change allowed these artists to give their cartoons a special poignancy," says Renard. "And it brought home to us the burden of responsibility to do our utmost to prevent such devastation becoming more common."
But dramatic weather changes aren't the only consequences of global warming and the cartoons reflected this, with some artists focusing on species loss or coral reef degradation, others on rising seas or water wars.
Certain effects of global warming, such as shortages of food and clean water, for example, clearly resonated with cartoonists from places like Yemen and Syria, where increases in average temperatures have already exposed the population, particularly children and the elderly, to potentially life-threatening diarrhoea and malnutrition.
Predictably, water scarcity and desertification were common themes among the entries, with many images showing parched landscapes, dry oceans and dying animals. These cartoons illustrate what is already occurring in hotter parts of the world such as Africa, Australia and South America, but dwindling supplies of fresh water potentially affect everyone.
Even in Britain's supposedly wet climate, summer hosepipe bans have become routine. And, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, every continent is suffering, with water scarcity already affecting 40 per cent of the world's population.
Receiving competition entries from individuals who have had to endure the adverse effects of climate change is, you could argue, to be expected, but entries also came in from those countries most often accused of halting progress towards cutting greenhouse emissions.
There were several entries from China, the world's second biggest producer of greenhouse gases, which also continues to build, on average, one new coal-fired power plant every week and has no intention of stopping or slowing production. There were also entries from the United States, whose government has stubbornly refused to acknowledge the impact of human activity on global warming and remains one of the few countries not to have ratified the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
Brazilian cartoonists, too, felt the urge to illustrate their disappointment with a government that failed to prevent the terrifying pace of deforestation in their country, where 1,250 square miles of Amazon forest were lost in the latter half of last year.
Many of the competition entries showed passion and were exceptionally well drawn, but the winner, "Coat Star" by Mikhail Zlatkovsky from Russia, held a particularly poignant message, the judges felt, showing humanity in the form of a man indecently exposing himself to a pristine universe.
"It says, 'This is the disdain we've shown our world'," says Renard. "And we felt the sleaziness was appropriate to the topic." Second prize went to Constantin Ciosu, from Romania, for his illustration of a man holding a flower being chased by hundreds of butterflies, a humorous and unusual take on the world's dwindling natural resources. Finally, "The Hand" by Tawan Chuntraskawvong, from Thailand, was chosen for its immediate impact.
The judging panel, which included cartoonists Martin Rowson and Morten Morland and Green Party principal speaker Dr Derek Wall, among others, had a tough job choosing the three winners.
"We were quite taken aback by the enormous response this year," says Renard. "And the entries were simply outstanding. Some cartoons were bitingly satirical, others outrageously funny or bitter and even fatalistic, but none were neutral or indifferent."
The panel made their choices, ultimately, on the basis of the clarity of the message. "Language should be unnecessary, the imagery should transcend the need for words," says Renard.
"And the judges felt the winning cartoons sent a message that could be understood internationally, across cultural, religious or political barriers and boundaries."
Powerful, uncompromi-sing and uncomfortable, the cartoons bring home what global warming will mean: not a Costa Brava on the south coast but desertification, widespread hunger and, ultimately, our own destruction.
But the allow us a wry smile as we interpret each artist's take on global warming. And if it's true, as George Orwell stated, that "every joke is a tiny revolution", these cartoons should get the wheel turning.
A selection of the best cartoons will go on tour over the next year, details and information on the next biennial competition will be announced on www.kenspraguefund.org. The Ken Sprague Fund was set up to commemorate the work and ideas of the cartoonist and graphic artist, Ken Sprague, who died in 2004
BurmaComic BooksCosta BravaGlobal Warming
1/1No words necessary: The cartoonists tackle climate change
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When The Post Was Highway Robbery
Frank Hopkins
Down through the years there have been periodic calls to provide gardai on the beat with guns, but most people would probably balk at the idea of arming postal workers with weapons. However the editorial writer of Saunders Newsletter of March 20th, 1786, obviously thought it was a great idea.
The proposal was made against the backdrop of increasing mail-coach robberies in Dublin and the writer asked: "Why could not our mail carts be so contrived, as conveniently to carry a man armed with a blunderbuss? Besides which the post boy could also have pistols in a belt about his waist."
The writer also proposed the development of what must be the forerunner to the armoured car when he suggested that "the mail should be confined in the cart, within a strong iron kind of cage, the key of which to be kept only by the respective post-masters on the road".
In the same edition it was reported that a young post boy, Alexander McLivery, had been executed at Newgate Prison in Dublin two days earlier for the theft of a number of letters. McLivery was the first post boy to be executed for theft under the Postal Act of 1784.
McLivery, who carried the post between Dublin and Drogheda was arrested in November, 1785, for stealing lottery tickets out of a letter. A search was subsequently carried out at the stable where McLivery lived in Drogheda and a number of stolen letters were found hidden there. McLivery was convicted and he was hanged in front of Newgate Prison on March 18th, 1786.
The mail coaches themselves were a great source of revenue for the city's footpads and highwaymen and, 'til the end of the 19th century, the Dublin suburb of Santry was an ideal location for attacks on the mailmen. At that time Santry was an isolated, lonely and heavily wooded spot and for many decades it was known as one of the most dangerous places in the greater Dublin area.
On September 17th, 1773, the Drogheda mail coach was held up at a place called the 'wall of Santry' by two highwaymen as it approached Dublin. The robbers were described as being about 20 and 16 years old and both were dressed in blue overcoats. The young men, said to have been well bred and remarkably polite, stripped the passengers of their cash and pocket watches. On learning that one of their victims was a priest, the highwaymen gave him back his purse.
Soon afterwards, a man named Fleming -- "a young man of good education" -- was arrested near Stradbally (Laois) and charged with the robbery. Fleming confessed to having taken part and implicated his fellow gang members in the process. He also showed the authorities where the loot from the robberies was hidden in return for immunity from prosecution.
In August, 1828, the Derry mail was on its way out of Dublin when the driver of a horse and cart deliberately drove at the stage coach breaking one of its lamps. The coach guard apprehended the cart driver and brought him to the police at Santry. However, some of the cart driver's friends attempted to rescue him and two of them were seriously wounded in the ensuing gun battle.
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Julia Roberts and Mark Ruffalo to Star in Larry Kramer’s HIV-AIDS Drama ‘The Normal Heart,’ with Director Ryan Murphy
Julia Roberts and Mark Ruffalo to Star in Larry Kramer's HIV-AIDS Drama 'The Normal Heart,' with Director Ryan Murphy
sophia savage
Julia Roberts and Mark Ruffalo are set to star in HBO Films’ “The Normal Heart.” Roberts’ “Eat Pray Love” director Ryan Murphy will helm the project, set to shoot in New York City later this year. The film will be based on Larry Kramer’s Tony Award winning play of the same name. Kramer also penned the screenplay.
“The Normal Heart” depicts the HIV-AIDS crisis’ and the sexual politics of the early 1980s as gay activists and allies fought to expose the truth behind the epidemic amidst the city’s denial. Roberts will play Dr. Emma Brookner, a paraplegic physician who treats many of those who first contracted the disease, while Ruffalo will play Ned Weeks, a man who witnesses the disease first-hand. Matt Bomer (“Magic Mike”) plays a reporter who becomes Ruffalo’s lover.
The film will be exec produced by Murphy, Jason Blum, Dede Gardner and Dante Di Loreto. A 2014 release is planned.
More on Kramer’s play below:
In 1981, writer Larry Kramer hosted a gathering of six gay men and their friends to discuss the “gay cancer,” and to talk about fundraising for research. This informal meeting in Kramer’s home would lead to the formation of Gay Men’s Health Crisis, one of the first advocacy groups for HIV prevention and care.
Kramer’s play debuted at New York’s Public Theatre in 1985 and was revived in Los Angeles and London and off-Broadway. The 2011 Broadway revival garnered five Tony nominations, winning for Best Revival, Best Featured Actor and Best Featured Actress.
This Article is related to: News and tagged CASTING WATCH, In The Works, Julia Roberts, Mark Ruffalo, News
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Home and Away star Harley Bonner and Natalie Roser’s picture-perfect romance
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Natalie Roser, a bikini model, and Harley Bonner, an actress, create a stunning and skilled couple.
The couple is prolific across social media, sharing their lives and their love with their fans.
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Friends and fans alike congratulated the couple on their recent engagement along with magnificent scenery on NSW’s South Coast, which they shared on Instagram.
Here’s a look back at their five-year romance.
Harley is best known for his work on Home and Away, but he began his career on Neighbours, Australia’s other popular soap opera, where he portrayed Josh Willis for three years.
Josh’s appearance on the show was announced in 2013 as part of a revamp that included a revitalized family focus.
In 2016, Harley left Neighbours to pursue other acting opportunities, and she was killed off the program. Josh, his character, died in an attempt to save Daniel Robinson, another character in the film.
Harley and Natalie started dating in February of 2017 when the pair were in their mid-twenties.
Harley was still pursuing acting opportunities, splitting his time between the US and Australia.
Natalie first posted a pic of the pair in California in April that year, writing “I’ve had the most perfect day,” and tagging Harley.
After catching the travel bug, the couple appeared to spend a lot of time on vacations in places like Japan and the United States before settling in Los Angeles in 2018.
“Ready for our next chapter. Today we are relocating to Los Angeles! I’m so excited to watch this man chase his dreams while I chase mine. Could not be more excited to take this journey with you, @harleympbonner ,” Natalie wrote on Instagram.
“Look out L.A., we are coming your way!”
While Harley maintained her acting career, Natalie found employment as a model in the United States and started her own lingerie line, Rose & Bare, which aims to match underwear to all skin tones.
The happy couple celebrated three years together in early 2020.
Natalie took a black and white photograph of the couple and captioned it, “Creating my real-life fairytale from the very first time we met.”
“Three years of more love than I ever thought possible. Forever grateful for everything that leads me to you I love you endlessly, my Harley Bonner. #happyanniversary,” she wrote in celebration.
She also posted for Harley’s birthday just a few weeks later, in April.
“Today is Harley Bonner day. A day for celebrating the love of my life. A day for celebrating the man who will steal your babies and dogs to kiss and cuddle them, the man who will sit and have a conversation with anyone about anything, the man who makes me laugh and enjoy every moment of my life Happy Birthday @harleympb,” she penned.
Although they seemed to enjoy life and success in LA, the pair moved back in 2020 when the pandemic hit.
Natalie was able to return to modeling work in Australia, as life went by somewhat unchanged.
“Lucky enough to be going back to work today! Feeling very thankful,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of herself from a shoot.
“It felt amazing being back at work. There’s light at the end of the tunnel. I wish we could all get to the end at the same time but seeing countries like New Zealand and Australia start to lift bans and resume some social interaction make me hopeful for my friends back in the states. Hang in there team,” she added in another post about her return to modeling.
During the COVID issue, the couple stayed in Australia and now appear to be settled, even buying a dog together in March of this year.
Their adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pippin, naturally has his own Instagram.
This year, Harley made his return to television with a part on Home and Away as Logan Bennett, a doctor.
“It’s been a while since I’ve had the privilege of working on a program that’s such a hallmark of Australian television,” Harley told 7 News.
“I’m happy to say I picked it back up a lot faster than expected. I really love working on shows like Home and Away, I love my character and I can’t wait for Australia to meet him.
He’s seen and done a lot in his life, and he tries to stay away from some of it. “I’m curious to see what we’ll find out as time passes,” Harley said of Logan.
“This is Logan’s first time on the field. Summer Bay could be just the change of pace and scenery he’s been longing for, but fate may have other ideas.”
At the end of October, Harley hinted a possible engagement by uploading a photo of himself riding his motorcycle and adding, “Tough weekend to top… more to come.”
He then shared a series of photos, edited together to make a montage, of himself proposing to Natalie, captioning it “HB
In the second round of shots, he wrote, “My fiancé! Woah! Adulting hard now…”
Natalie later posted a video of the moment, adding “It’s like a dream. I’m so incredibly happy and so in love. @harleympb”.
“YAYYYY oh my heart!!!,” commented model and friend of Natalie’s, Erin Holland.
“So so sweet,” added model and fitness influencer, Steph Clare Smith.
“Awww this is so beautiful, and your ring, I love your ring,” wrote former Bachelorette, Becky Miles.
Congrats to the super happy pair!
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HOME AND AWAY 2022 First Promo
HOME AND AWAY SEASON FINAL 2021 Episode THURSDAY 25th NOVEMBER 2021
HOME AND AWAY 7713 7714 7715 Episode THURSDAY 25th NOVEMBER 2021 Season Finale
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iPhone 5s/5c now rolling out to 35 new markets
Christian Zibreg ∙ October 25, 2013
As the massive November 1 iPad Air launch across 42 global markets draws near (how about picking yours at Walmart?), tomorrow marks another key accomplishment for the company’s iconic smartphone as a bunch of international Apple Stores go offline ahead of the second wave of expansion.
More than a month ago – on September 20 – Apple’s new iPhones went on sale in the United States and an additional ten major markets worldwide. Shortly after, Apple told us a major expansion in 35 new markets would follow on Friday, October 25 so this isn’t a shocker.
Eager to learn whether your country is on Apple’s map? Read on…
Online Apple Stores have already gone offline in a lot of places as Apple preps to launch the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c in Italy, Russia, Spain and nearly two dozen additional countries beginning Friday, October 25.
The October 25 launch countries (the second wave) are as follows:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, French West Indies, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Island, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and Thailand.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYsSiaBZmRk
Moreover, the phones are arriving to an additional 16 countries next Friday, November 1: Albania, Armenia, Bahrain, Colombia, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, India, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.
In each of the aforementioned markets, the new iPhones will be available across select Apple Authorized Resellers plus Apple and carrier stores (retail and online).
Buying your handset direct from Apple has its benefits.
Most notably, you’ll want to experience Apple’s free Personal Setup service to help you customize your device and get you up to speed by having smart store employees set up your email and settings, demo best new apps from the App Store and more.
The company is also hosting free workshops at all retail outlets globally.
The third wave of expansion (November 1) will make the new iPhone 5s/5c available in a total of 52 markets. The handsets originally launched on September 20 in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico and Singapore.
By year’s end, Apple expects the 5s/5c will have rolled out to more than a hundred countries across nearly 300 carriers, an improvement over the 240 iPhone 5 carriers.
I’d love to hear from our non-US readers down in the comments. I know iDB has quite an audience the world over so tell me, who’s buying a new iPhone, which model will you be picking and is the device overpriced in your country?
Tags Apple iPhone iPhone 5c iPhone 5s
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Filter by region: North of Sahara, Oceania
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Supporting the transition to online learning during times of crisis in Lebanon and Tunisia
The unfolding COVID-19 pandemic has forced the wholesale shuttering of face-to-face education facilities and nearly all education-related services.
Supporting continuous learning and education system resiliency in Latin America
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to school closures and disruptions affecting 1.
Digital new deal for Africa
Networking technologies are now firmly embedded in the core of many economic, social, and political activities around the world.
Technology, scaling and inclusion in Africa
Africa is increasingly becoming a hotbed of innovation.
Building a network of excellence in artificial intelligence in Sub-Saharan Africa
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to alter our world and to advance human development, with dramatic implications across every sector of society.
OD4D Phase II
In an era of rapid change and increasing mistrust in institutions, open data and the surrounding communities that use it, are working to shift norms and culture to create dialogue and collaboration between governments, civil society and the private sector.
Community access networks: how to connect the next billion to the Internet
Despite recent progress with mobile technology diffusion, more than four billion people worldwide are unconnected and have limited access to global communication infrastructure.
Grants and awards: Gender equality and scaling digital innovation
With the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) 2015–2030 agenda, promoting gender equality is central to global development policy and practice.
Harnessing big data to meet the Sustainable Development Goals – Building capacity in the Global South
Large volumes of complex and variable data, often called big data, promise to improve government service delivery, complement official statistics, and facilitate development in sectors such as health, urban development, transportation, and humanitarian response.
Building emerging leaders in communications policy in Africa and Asia
In Africa and Asia, regulations governing communications are not designed to facilitate poverty reduction and economic growth.
Building an Africa open data network
Open data is data that is available online that can be freely used, re-used, and redistributed by anyone.
Supporting Open Data Solutions in Francophone Africa
Despite promising open data initiatives, notably in Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, African Francophone countries are severely lagging behind in terms of access and use of public data.
Harnessing the sharing economy in developing countries
Digital marketplace platforms like AirBnB and Uber, sometimes referred to as the sharing economy, have become an essential part of the digital economy in recent years.
The Alliance to Scale Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Seed Alliance)
This project will support digital innovations that solve development challenges.
Improving Internet Governance: Support to the Global Commission on Internet Governance
This project provides continued support to the Global Commission on Internet Governance (GCIG) to engage the developing world in important Internet governance discussions.
Protecting Privacy in the Global South (Phase 2)
This project builds on earlier support to a unique global research network of policy researchers, lawyers, and technical experts dedicated to improving privacy protection in the developing world.
Global Partnership on Open Data for Development
Open data can help governments, businesses, and organizations share huge amounts of information with the public that can be used and re-used for a variety of social and economic purposes.
Building Research Capacity for Systematic Reviews
Technology can be a crucial catalyst for improving people's lives in the developing world.
Microwork and Virtual Production Networks in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia
As use of the Internet and mobile technologies in the developing world continues to grow at a high rate, there is potential to provide real income opportunities to poor and unskilled workers.
A Rights-Based Approach to Internet Policy and Governance for the Advancement of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
The debate on Internet freedom has intensified over the last few years as governments and civil society organizations explore policies to safeguard online civil liberties and online security.
Catalyzing Broadband Internet in Africa
This project aims to inform policies that help marginalized groups in Africa, such as women and the poor, to take advantage of the social and economic opportunities of broadband Internet.
Understanding Southern Influence in Cyberspace Security and Governance: Toward a Global Network of Southern-based Cyber Scholars
The securitization of cyberspace - that is, making it a matter of national security - is perhaps the most important force shaping global communications today.
Developing Evaluation and Communication Capacity in Information Society Research (DECI-2)
One of IDRC's main goals is ensuring that high-quality research contributes to change in policy and practice.
Strengthening Equity through Applied Research Capacity Building in e-Health
There exists limited understanding of how e-Health solutions are perceived, designed, implemented and used.
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Demand to give protection to Catholic bishop , said – threats from Islamic organizations
Leadership change in Gujarat Message for all, clear image is not enough for Chief Minister in BJP, it is also necessary
History of Samajwadi Party
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Home Blog The British Had To Leave India When Venkataraman Came Out After Being...
The British Had To Leave India When Venkataraman Came Out After Being Locked In The Detention Center For Two Years
JaagoIndian Team
R Venkataraman’s name is recorded with great respect in the list of people who took the country towards progress. Venkataraman, who got into the movements against the British, studied advocacy with Arthashastra to get people out of jail. Venkataraman, who had become a grit for the British in Madras, was kept in a detention center for two years. When he came out, the British had to leave India and flee. He reached the highest post of the country through many ministries. In his journey till becoming the President, many interesting developments made a place in his life. On the occasion of Venkataraman’s death anniversary, let’s take a look at his interesting life.
Next Celebs were taking the first read -born December 4, 1910, Tamil Brahmin family Pottukutti village in Thanjavur district in the Madras Presidency Ramaswamy Venkataraman was extremely talented. Venkataraman, a rich intellect, used to read the books of his next class in his early class itself. Due to his close friendship with books, he was counted among the most talked about and promising children of his school.
Buland’s voice was imprisoned behind bars, during his youth, he joined the freedom movement. According to experts, during this time he would decide the strategies to make the movement vocal by raising slogans against the British by becoming a part of the daily march. Once during the agitation, the soldiers pelted sticks on him. Many people like him got hurt, many people were presented in the then civil court for the trial, many people had to go behind the bars for not getting good lawyers to defend them. It is said that due to this, Venkataraman was caught and put in the detention center in 1942. Here he stayed for two years.
This incident deeply influenced the thinking of Venkataraman, who became a lawyer to teach a lesson to the British . Venkataraman, who had the goal of studying economics, decided to practice law. Venkataraman earned a master’s degree in economics from Loyola College and also a law degree from the Law College Madras. To help the people who participated in the movement, he started practicing in the civil court and became the secretary of the Madras Provincial Federation. After some time in 1935, he became a prominent lawyer practicing in the Madras High Court, and in 1951 he also became a lawyer in the Supreme Court.
Transformation in Industry and Railways Given Venkataraman’s leadership abilities and his work, he was elected as a member of the country’s first parliament from 1947 to 1950. After this, he was the Secretary of Congress from 1953 to 1954. In 1967, Venkataraman was made a member of the Planning Commission. During this, he transformed while working in many departments including railways, road transport, industry.
Venkataraman, who became famous for his policies and vision through the ministries of finance, defense, home, was made the finance minister in Indira Gandhi’s government in 1980. Venkataraman was appointed Defense Minister in 1982 during the second term of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As Defense Minister, Venkataraman worked to develop military weapons and solve the basic problems of the army. Venkataraman, who was one of the prominent leaders of the country, also became the Home Minister and in 1984 became the seventh Vice President of the country. In 1987, he was appointed as the eighth President of the country under Rajiv Gandhi’s government.
Venkataraman, who started his life like a common man admitted to the army hospital, earned a name everywhere due to his eloquence, intelligence, and decision-making skills. Venkataraman was admitted to the Army Hospital in Delhi in 2009 after he complained of urosepsis. Venkataraman, who was admitted for about 15 days in the hospital, died on 27 January 2009. Venkataraman has authored more than a dozen books on various subjects like industry development, association with the Gandhi family. Many authors have also written books on Venkataraman
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Home / BIOGRAPHY / The Diary of A Young Girl Definitive Edition
The Diary of A Young Girl Definitive Edition
A timeless story rediscovered by each new generation, The Diary of a Young Girl continues to bring to life the experiences of Anne Frank, who for a time survived the worst horror the modern world had seen.
SKU: 9780141315188 Category: BIOGRAPHY Tags: History & the past: general interest (Children's / Teenage), True stories (Children's / Teenage)
‘One of the greatest books of the [last] century’ – Guardian
‘In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart …’
A deeply moving and unforgettable portrait of an ordinary and yet an extraordinary teenage girl.
First published over sixty years ago, Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl has reached millions of young people throughout the world.
In July 1942, thirteen-year-old Anne Frank and her family, fleeing the occupation, went into hiding in an Amsterdam warehouse. Over the next two years Anne vividly describes in her diary the frustrations of living in such close quarters, and her thoughts, feelings and longings as she grows up. Her diary ends abruptly when, in August 1944, they were all betrayed.
Since its publication in 1947, The Diary of a Young Girl has been read by tens of millions of people, now reissued with a revised Foreword, Afterword, Chronology and Glossary.
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Trenches and Destruction: Letters From the Front 1915-1919 Pleasance Walker
Why This World: A Biography of Clarice Lispector
A Moveable Feast Cider With Rosie
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Lebanon Locals Explain How Cryptocurrency Can Save Their Country
CryptocurrencyNov 28, 2021 11:30AM ET
“Crypto is a way for people in Lebanon and similar countries to make money they wouldn’t dream of working a regular job. Crypto is also a means to substitute the local currency, which is plummeting every week,” an anonymous Redditor told DailyCoin.
On November 24, 2021, financial journalist Omar Tamo wrote that “the Lebanese lira crashed to its all-time lowest market value against the US dollar, with little-to-no sign of recovery.”
The economic crisis in the country has been going on since 2019. Because of the financial difficulties, people began transitioning to cryptocurrency. As it’s decentralized and free from governmental power, crypto provides an escape from Lebanon’s tragic situation.
Elie M., a 30-year-old Lebanese in an exclusive interview with DailyCoin talked about how people in his country struggle and how cryptocurrency is offering an escape for citizens, however, with many obstacles.
Hyperinflation in Lebanon
Banks in 2019 told the population that they were going to give great interest rates, 10% on the dollar and 15% on the Lebanese pound. All that people needed to do was put their money in the bank for 3-5 years. That sounded nice, and almost all Lebanese trusted the banks and put their money in, Elie explained.
The revolution then took place in late 2019, because banks didn’t allow citizens to withdraw money anymore. There was currency inflation, and the currency was devaluing because of the politicians who stole the money and transferred it to their own foreign bank accounts.
Then, the central bank took all the money, which was the people’s money, from the banks as loans. Thus, the banks didn’t have the money anymore, and to this day, the Lebanese cannot withdraw their own hard-earned money.
“My dad has been working in the family business for 14 years saving money, as well as most Lebanese who had their life savings in the bank. And they can't touch it anymore. You can't withdraw the dollars, so you just sit and watch; the bank doesn't give you any money,” Elie said.
In addition, the rate at the same time was going up. $1 used to be exactly 1,500 Lebanese pounds. At the moment, $1 is 23,500 Lebanese pounds, which is a 20x fall in value.
“Let me give you an example,” Elie said.
“I used to get paid $1,000 a month, which back then was 1,500,000 Lebanese pounds. Right now, the salaries are still 1,500,000 Lebanese pounds, but because of the new value, which is around 24,000 Lebanese pounds for $1, that's me getting like $50 instead of $1,000.
There's nothing you can do about it. Everyone protested, tried to close the streets, attack MP houses, attack banks. Nothing happened.”
Young Lebanese Adapting to Crypto
Currently, many youth trade cryptocurrency. On Reddit, there are a lot of posts about crypto, a lot of people asking how to open up accounts, how to deposit money, and what to trade. However, cryptocurrency is complicated and most people are still beginners. Elie clarified his background:
“I studied computer science at the American University of Beirut in 2009-2012. And I remember vaguely, people were talking about Bitcoin, and back then it was nothing; people used to trade Bitcoins for pizzas. No one thought that Bitcoin would become what it is today. I remember back in 2016, Bitcoin started jumping to 5,000. Again, I thought I should join crypto, but it seemed very volatile, and I didn't understand it yet.” However, mining isn’t efficient in Lebanon; there are issues with electricity in Lebanon. Sometimes electricity can only be used for six to eight hours a day, and people use backup generators. Electricity continues to be cut more and more, plus the price of everything is skyrocketing.
When COVID came, many started researching digital coins and many new cryptocurrencies began appearing. More people got interested in crypto.
“I remember seeing a post on Reddit, where a Lebanese lives off trading crypto and he was advising other citizens to join. This was around two years ago, a year and a half ago exactly, when the revolution started. And he was even handing out around $2 worth of BTC or BNB. I told him I wanted to join and he explained everything to me.
I downloaded Binance and now I usually go on cryptocurrency on Reddit, the subreddit. I post, I get my information from there. I watch YouTube Coin Bureau to get information, I do my research about coins and I try to diversify my portfolio,” Elie said.
Using Cryptocurrency in Lebanon
According to Elie, to trade cryptocurrency in Lebanon, you need to go through middlemen, who take commissions. After reaching out to put your money into a Binance account, you need to pay approximately 4% in commission. Then you find the money deposited in your account and you can start trading crypto. If you put $1,000, it’s likely going to end up at $900 on Binance because of all the commissions.
What is a middleman? That is a very vague, shadowy area in the country. Does he belong to a political class? Does he belong to an elite class? Does he have connections? No one really knows.
If you’re lucky enough, and you have someone who has a bank account outside Lebanon, a cousin, a relative, a friend, you can send them money with Western Union (NYSE:WU), and they can deposit the money for you on a crypto trading account.
Sanctions in Lebanon are making it very difficult to withdraw money. Most of the money in crypto is going to stay in crypto for a while, so most people are holding. The only way people can withdraw their money is via Binance. Again, they have to go through a middleman. If you make a $2,000 profit and you want to withdraw the whole $2,000, you have to go to the middleman, who will take a commission again for money withdrawal.
The Hopes that Crypto Could Solve Some Problems
“Every day I see posts of Lebanese fleeing the country looking for jobs, even low wage ones. I'm talking about garbage man jobs and basic cleaners in hotels for people with degrees. You will find an engineer working in Dubai, at the moment, as a hotel room cleaner because he just wants to leave the country.
I just hope crypto will change some people's lives in Lebanon for the better because Lebanon doesn't deserve what happened to it. If you came to Lebanon two or three years ago, before 2019, it was one of the best places to come for a party, to enjoy the beach, to go skiing in winter. We have so many beautiful places and nature. Lebanese are one of the world’s friendliest people; they will invite you to their home, they will feed you like you’re a part of their family. They will take care of you and will show you around the country. We don't deserve what happened to us,” Elie shared.
On The Flipside
DeFi, as an alternative to banks, can provide new opportunities for citizens from politically unstable countries.
Cryptocurrency investments can be a crucial extra income stream for people dealing with financial problems.
Why You Should Care?
Hyperinflation and economic crisis are making the lives of people in Lebanon extremely difficult.
Join to get the flipside of crypto
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Cardano Climbs 10% As Investors Gain Confidence By Investing.com - Jan 16, 2022
Investing.com - Cardano was trading at $1.3979 by 05:37 (10:37 GMT) on the Investing.com Index on Sunday, up 10.22% on the day. It was the largest one-day percentage gain since...
OCC Comptroller calls for federal collaboration with crypto intermediaries By Cointelegraph - Jan 16, 2022
The Acting Comptroller of the Currency, Michael J. Hsu, highlighted the need for collaboration and coordination with large crypto intermediaries to better understand the risks...
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Hunter and Alex are two fitness enthusiasts who saw a brand new unexplored market: fashionable clothing for athletic body types. But with a proposal of $500,000 for 5% equity, will Barbell Apparel be a homerun with the sharks?
Growing up, both these athletes had one big struggle: finding clothes that fit their muscular bodies. After realizing that more people had the same struggle, these two friends decided to create Barbell Apparel, whose first fashion line is composed of athletic fit denim, chinos, and shorts tailored to fit muscular legs. And these aren’t just your ordinary trousers! The two entrepreneurs focused on using high-tech fabrics, military-grade stitching, and specific tailor for active bodies. The jeans are actually made up of 100% spandex. During the demonstration portion of the show, it was clear that with Barbell Apparel, there is no movement restriction whatsoever, so you can comfortably show off your great body while maintaining an active lifestyle.
The company actually received funding through Kickstarter. Afters setting a goal of $15,000 in 45 days, the entrepreneurs were shocked to find out the morning after posting the funding page, that they had already received $80,000 worth of donations. By the end of the 45-day campaign, Barbell Apparel had received $735,000!
The clothes are sold solely online for $149, with a production cost between $15 and $20.
Kevin wasted no time, asking them immediately why they have a valuation of $10 million. The young entrepreneurs seemed quite ready to justify their valuation, claiming that by the end of the year, the sales will be $2.3 million, with a growth rate of around 100% per year. This was not enough of a justification for Kevin, who still thought the valuation was too high.
Next up, the two entrepreneurs also referred that, although most denim companies make around 15% pre-tax, Barbell Apparel has better margins, since last year they made a gross profit of $700,000 out of the $1.1 million in sales, and out of this year’s $2.3 million, they expect at least $1.5 million in gross profit. They also mentioned that these values were obtained before deducting Alex’s and Hunter’s salary.
As the company starts to sound better and better, Lori enquires them about their inventory problem. The entrepreneurs explained that since the clothes are sold at such a fast pace, the company doesn’t have money to invest back in materials. This is the main reason why they came on the show, to find a shark to help them find a solution for their lack of inventory.
Robert was the first one to express his concern regarding a possible investment. He claimed that a management of inventory is quite tough, and it requires a continuous cash input. At a ten million valuation, Robert said it’s too much of a risk to invest in the company. Kevin quickly followed, saying that the best option for the company would be if they would manage to get a private equity firm to invest free money at five-million valuation.
Daymond, who is a seasoned fashion mogul, was the next one to offer some advice. He mentioned that, although he has 15 clothing brands, 12 of them are dead. He then mentioned that he currently only invests in clothing companies if they are within the sports and athleticism category, but not companies selling denim. The issue with denim is that it lasts long and the more worn it looks, the better it looks. And for these reasons, Daymond backed out of the deal.
After Daymond backed out, Mark mentioned that his problem with denim was quite different: market competitivity. If the company succeeds, there will surely be a copycat version of Barbell Apparel, therefore undermining the company. And for that reason, Mark decided not to invest.
Lori soon followed, congratulating the young businessmen on their ability to make room for themselves within the clothing industry. Although her praises, Lori doesn’t see this opportunity as the right investment for her and quickly dropped out of the race.
Robert’s fears of investing in the company reside within the inventory. As mentioned before, inventory management is highly expensive, so he backed out. In a last attempt to lure Robert back into the deal, Hunter mentioned that they are great at sourcing and managing inventory, the only problem is having enough money upfront to buy the materials needed.
Kevin was the last shark still in the game. He praised them for being able to create a business in such a competitive market, but once again the continuous amounts of money needed were mentioned, thus leading Kevin to also pass on this investment.
Although no deal was made, the overall tone of appraisal from the knowledgeable sharks means one thing: Barbell Apparel is an excellent company who managed to thrive in a brutal market.
What happened to Barbell Apparel after Shark Tank?
Unfortunately, the company left the show with no investment, and though it’s too soon to discuss how the company is doing, we are quite sure that the two entrepreneurs will find a way to keep thriving. If you would like to buy your own active-wear from Barbell Apparel, make sure to visit their website or purchase it online.
Episode: 9
Original Air Date: November 18, 2016
Entrepreneurs: Hunter Molzen and Alex Hanson
Company/Product: Barbell Apparel
Proposal: $500,000 for 5% equity in the company
Previous Post EnergyBits Shark Tank Pitch by Catharine Arnston Next Post Nootrobox Shark Tank Pitch by Geoffrey Woo and Michael Brandt
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Nathan's Run
by John Gilstrap
Imprint: Pinnacle
THE SENSATIONAL AWARD-WINNING THRILLER
“IMPRESSIVE AND PROVOCATIVE . . .VASTLY ENTERTAINING.”
–San Francisco Chronicle
It begins with a savage killing at a suburban Virginia juvenile detention center, but nothing is as it seems. Accused of murder and branded a cop-killer, Nathan Bailey becomes the target of a nationwide manhunt led by homicide Lieutenant Warren Michaels, himself a grieving father. What no one knows is that the real killer is a mob hitman, and that Nathan is his next target.
Alone and desperate, Nathan has nowhere to turn for help but a sharp-tongued radio talk show host who has already pronounced him guilty to her national audience. Thrilling, violent and achingly poignant, Nathan's Run will touch the heart of anyone who's ever faced seemingly impossible odds.
With a New Author’s Note
“FAST, INTRIGUING . . . A CLEVER PLOT WITH ENOUGH MENACE TO KEEP READERS ON THE EDGE OF THEIR SEATS.” –Boston Herald
“RACES TO A PULSE-POUNDING CONCLUSION.” –Kirkus Reviews
“SEE NATHAN RUN. BETTER, READ NATHAN’S RUN. IT’S SERIOUS FUN.”
John Gilstrap is the New York Times bestselling author of award-winning action novels including the Jonathan Grave Thrillers and the Victoria Emerson series. A master of action-driven suspense, he's touted as one of the most accomplished thriller writers on the planet and his books have been translated into more than 20 languages. He is the recipient of an International Thriller Writers' Award for Against All Enemies and a two-time ITW Award finalist. He also won the ALA Alex Award for Nathan's Run, which was optioned for film by Warner Bros. A nationally recognized weaponry and explosives safety expert, John Gilstrap frequently speaks at conferences, events, clubs, youth programs, and military bases. He is a former firefighter and EMT with a master's degree in safety from the University of Southern California and a bachelor's degree in history from the College of William and Mary in Virginia. John lives in Fairfax, Virginia and can be found online at JohnGilstrap.com.
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Polish president vetoes media bill that targeted US company
by: VANESSA GERA, Associated Press
FILE – Poland’s President Andrzej Duda talks for the media during a news conference with North Macedonia’s President Stevo Pendarovski at the presidential office in Skopje, North Macedonia, on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. Poland’s president on Monday, Dec. 27, 2021 says he has decided to veto a media bill that would have forced U.S. company Discovery to give up controlling share in TVN, a Polish TV network. President Andrzej Duda noted that the bill was unpopular with many Poles and would have dealt a blow to Poland’s reputation as a place to do business. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski, File)
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s president on Monday said he has decided to veto a media bill that would have forced U.S. company Discovery to give up its controlling share in TVN, a Polish TV network.
For many, it was a victory for freedom of speech and media independence in a country where democratic norms are being challenged by the nationalist government. The veto was also expected to be welcomed by Washington, which had been seeking to defend the largest U.S. investment in Poland.
President Andrzej Duda noted that the bill was unpopular with many Poles and would have dealt a blow to Poland’s reputation as a place to do business.
“Contracts have to be kept,” Duda said at a news conference in Warsaw where he announced his veto. “For us Poles it is a matter of honor.”
The bill, recently passed by the lower house of parliament, would have prevented any non-European entity from owning more than a 49% stake in television or radio broadcasters in Poland.
Its practical effect would have targeted only one existing company, Discovery Inc., forcing the U.S. owner of Poland’s largest private television network, TVN, to sell the majority or even all of its Polish holdings.
Polish government leaders pushed the legislation and argued that it was important for national security and sovereignty to ensure that no company outside of Europe can control companies that help form public opinion.
Yet many Poles saw the bill, pushed by the ruling Law and Justice party that Duda is aligned with, as an attempt to silence a broadcaster with an all-news station, TVN24, and an evening news program on its main channel viewed by millions.
Mass nationwide protests were recently held in support of the station and of freedom of speech more broadly. Donald Tusk, the leader of the centrist Civic Platform opposition party who spoke at that demonstration, said Duda’s decision showed the importance of pressure from the U.S. — and pressure from the street.
“Let no one say anymore that it is not worth it, that it is impossible, that we cannot do anything. We can and we must,” Tusk said on Twitter.
Discovery had threatened to sue Poland in an international arbitration court, saying it would fight for its investment. The network was first bought by another U.S. company, Scripps Networks Interactive, for $2 billion and later sold to Discovery.
It represents the largest ever American investment in Poland and the company now puts TVN’s value at $3 billion.
Duda said the bill would have violated the provisions of a Polish-U.S. economic treaty signed in the 1990s, and Poland could have faced possible penalties reaching in the billions of dollars if he had signed it.
Duda said he agreed in principle that countries should limit foreign ownership in media companies, saying many other democratic countries — including the United States, France and Germany — have such legislation.
He said that he would support such legislation that would affect future investments. But he argued that in the case of TVN, the law would have hurt a business already operating legally in Poland.
He also said that he shared the view of many of his fellow Poles that given other problems, including the pandemic and inflation, the bill wasn’t necessary right now.
Discovery welcomed Duda’s move, saying: “We commend the president for doing the right thing and standing up for core democratic values of a free press and the rule of law, and we want to thank all the viewers and everyone that has supported this important issue.”
What’s the difference between the throat swab or nasal swab COVID-19 test?
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Parking Lot Volunteers (Regular Dismissal Days)
Weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from Jan 4, 2022 to Jun 3, 2022
Imai Parents // Imai PTA
1 day before
Hi Parents!
Thanks for your help so far! The school still appreciates support in the front parking lot only. We are looking for adult volunteers to help during morning drop off and end of day pick-up periods . You can sign up for one or more time slots below.
Volunteers should report to the office at the beginning of the shift to get a yellow vest.
Please note that volunteers will not be allowed on campus, even to cross between the back gate and front office. These positions are outside the gates. So make sure to arrive on the appropriate side of campus for your shift.
Volunteers must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination. Please do this as soon as possible before your first shift by emailing a photo or scan to imaipta@imaipta.org. If your status was already verified previously for Beautification Day, you do not need to submit it again.
We need the following:
2 volunteers at front of school parking lot to help direct cars along drop-off and pick-up circuit and tell parents that parking in the lot is not allowed (reserved only for staff with the orange dash sticker). In the afternoons, help is also needed to gather student names and room numbers from walk-up parents.
Parking Lot Volunteers (Regular Dismissal Days) Signed Up: 0 / 2
Front Parking Lot Volunteers (Pick-up) Signed Up: 0 / 2
Mon, Jan 17 2:20pm-2:55pm
Tue, Jan 18 7:45am
Tue, Jan 18 7:45am-8:10am
Tue, Jan 18 2:20pm-2:55pm
Wed, Jan 19 7:45am
Wed, Jan 19 7:45am-8:10am
Wed, Jan 19 2:20pm-2:55pm
Fri, Jan 21 7:45am
Fri, Jan 21 7:45am-8:10am
Fri, Jan 21 2:20pm-2:55pm
Tue, Feb 1 7:45am
Tue, Feb 1 7:45am-8:10am
Tue, Feb 1 2:20pm-2:55pm
Wed, Feb 2 7:45am
Wed, Feb 2 7:45am-8:10am
Wed, Feb 2 2:20pm-2:55pm
Fri, Feb 4 7:45am
Fri, Feb 4 7:45am-8:10am
Fri, Feb 4 2:20pm-2:55pm
Mon, Feb 7 2:20pm-2:55pm
Fri, Feb 11 7:45am
Fri, Feb 11 7:45am-8:10am
Fri, Feb 11 2:20pm-2:55pm
Mon, Feb 14 2:20pm-2:55pm
Tue, Feb 15 7:45am
Tue, Feb 15 7:45am-8:10am
Tue, Feb 15 2:20pm-2:55pm
Wed, Feb 16 7:45am
Wed, Feb 16 7:45am-8:10am
Wed, Feb 16 2:20pm-2:55pm
Tue, Mar 1 7:45am
Tue, Mar 1 7:45am-8:10am
Tue, Mar 1 2:20pm-2:55pm
Wed, Mar 2 7:45am
Wed, Mar 2 7:45am-8:10am
Wed, Mar 2 2:20pm-2:55pm
Fri, Mar 4 7:45am
Fri, Mar 4 7:45am-8:10am
Fri, Mar 4 2:20pm-2:55pm
Mon, Mar 7 2:20pm-2:55pm
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Fri, Mar 11 7:45am-8:10am
Fri, Mar 11 2:20pm-2:55pm
Mon, Mar 14 2:20pm-2:55pm
Tue, Mar 15 7:45am
Tue, Mar 15 7:45am-8:10am
Tue, Mar 15 2:20pm-2:55pm
Wed, Mar 16 7:45am
Wed, Mar 16 7:45am-8:10am
Wed, Mar 16 2:20pm-2:55pm
Fri, Apr 1 7:45am
Fri, Apr 1 7:45am-8:10am
Fri, Apr 1 2:20pm-2:55pm
Mon, Apr 4 2:20pm-2:55pm
Tue, Apr 5 7:45am
Tue, Apr 5 7:45am-8:10am
Tue, Apr 5 2:20pm-2:55pm
Wed, Apr 6 7:45am
Wed, Apr 6 7:45am-8:10am
Wed, Apr 6 2:20pm-2:55pm
Mon, Apr 11 2:20pm-2:55pm
Tue, Apr 12 7:45am
Tue, Apr 12 7:45am-8:10am
Tue, Apr 12 2:20pm-2:55pm
Wed, Apr 13 7:45am
Wed, Apr 13 7:45am-8:10am
Wed, Apr 13 2:20pm-2:55pm
Fri, Apr 15 7:45am
Fri, Apr 15 7:45am-8:10am
Fri, Apr 15 2:20pm-2:55pm
Mon, May 2 2:20pm-2:55pm
Tue, May 3 7:45am
Tue, May 3 7:45am-8:10am
Tue, May 3 2:20pm-2:55pm
Wed, May 4 7:45am
Wed, May 4 7:45am-8:10am
Wed, May 4 2:20pm-2:55pm
Fri, May 6 7:45am
Fri, May 6 7:45am-8:10am
Fri, May 6 2:20pm-2:55pm
Tue, May 10 7:45am
Tue, May 10 7:45am-8:10am
Tue, May 10 2:20pm-2:55pm
Wed, May 11 7:45am
Wed, May 11 7:45am-8:10am
Wed, May 11 2:20pm-2:55pm
Fri, May 13 7:45am
Fri, May 13 7:45am-8:10am
Fri, May 13 2:20pm-2:55pm
Mon, May 16 7:45am
Mon, May 16 7:45am-8:10am
Mon, May 16 2:20pm-2:55pm
Wed, Jun 1 7:45am
Wed, Jun 1 7:45am-8:10am
Wed, Jun 1 2:20pm-2:55pm
Fri, Jun 3 7:45am
Fri, Jun 3 7:45am-8:10am
Fri, Jun 3 2:20pm-2:55pm
Address: 253 Martens Ave, Mountain View, CA 94040
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Former Billings City Council member shares his support for NDO
By: Mitch Lagge
BILLINGS — Former Billings City Council Member Brent Cromley voiced his support for a Billings non-discrimination ordinance (NDO), from the other side of the podium Monday night.
Cromley also rebuked arguments against a NDO during public comment.
A NDO is a law designed to prevent discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation on the basis of race, creed, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Cromley correlated Billings seemingly stagnant population growth in the last two years with the city's lack of a NDO.
“I think that Billings needs to pass an NDO before it becomes the only city over 100,000 people that accepts the discrimination of the LGBTQ," Cromley said.
Cromley cited the Billings Facilities Master Plan conducted in 2015, saying Billings was expected to grow 1.8 percent annually. It was estimated in 2015 the population in Billings would reach 123,000 by 2020.
Cromley cited the U.S. Census Bureau's estimated population for Billings in 2014 at 108,458 and in 2018 at 109,550. Between 2014 and 2018, the average growth rate was 0.25 percent, or one sixth of what was predicted, Cromley said.
In 2016 the U.S. Census Bureau estimated 109,654 people living in Billings. In 2018 the estimate was 109,550 people lived in Billings. The average growth rate between 2016 and 2018.
Brent Cromley
PowerPoint slides prepared by former Billings City Council Member Brent Cromley
Cromley compared average population growth rates of Billings to other major Montana cities in his presentation. He concluded Billings and Great Falls, the only cities on the list without NDO's, were seeing their population drop.
"Billings is lagging behind other cities,” Cromley said.
Cromley just ended his second term as Billings Ward 1 representative at the beginning of the year. He introduced a NDO to the council in Sept. 2019, but later withdrew after speaking with members of the LGBTQ community.
Council Member Penny Ronning introduced a NDO with similar language to Cromley's last week.
Cromley gave his take on arguments against the NDO. One of them being that the NDO passing would create more cases for the court system and bog it down.
"Not true. In all the Montana cities, they have 30 years of experience, there have not been any complaints filled. And that's generally the experience around the country. So, why pass an NDO? Because it's a matter of perception, it would give the statement that Billings does not discriminate," Cromley said.
Another argument against a NDO is that it is not needed because there is no discrimination happening in Billings.
"If you heard the testimony in 2014, you know that's not the case," Cromley said.
A previous iteration of the NDO turned into one of the most contentious debates in recent memory at the Billings City Council. In August 2014, after weeks of debate meetings lasting into the early morning hours, the Billings City Council voted 6-5 against a NDO. Then-Mayor Tom Hannel cast the deciding vote, saying the city wasn't ready.
In 2014, people cited religious reasons for their opposition to a NDO. Cromley had something for that argument too.
"Nothing in the ordinance requires you to associate with a particular person. It is only in public services, employment, and public accommodations that it's involved and churches are exempt,” Cromley said.
On Feb. 24, the council will vote whether to put the NDO up for adoption in Mar. 23.
To read the draft ordinance that Ronning submitted to the Council, click here.
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Trump Loyalists Still Have A Strong Hold On The Republican Party
Published January 28, 2021 at 3:07 AM MST
On Tuesday, 45 out of 50 Senate Republicans voted to try to stop the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. Democrats still won out with a handful of Republicans on board. But that vote could signal how GOP lawmakers intend to go in a post-Trump political world. Jonah Goldberg is a conservative columnist, editor-in-chief of The Dispatch, regular guest on this very program. Good morning, Jonah.
JONAH GOLDBERG: Good morning, Rachel.
MARTIN: OK. So a handful of familiar Republican names crossed party lines to support impeachment - the trial, at least - Mitt Romney, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Ben Sasse, Pat Toomey. I name them because those are the same people who've been critical of Donald Trump several other times. So even though we heard Mitch McConnell place blame for the January 6 riot squarely at the feet of President Trump, it seems to have changed nothing when it comes to the party's loyalty to him.
GOLDBERG: I don't know that it's changed nothing; it just hasn't changed enough. The dilemma that the Republican Party faces for a long time, whether or not Donald Trump remains this outside influence six months or a year from now that he is currently, is just simply that Donald Trump has now become a wedge issue for the Republican Party. He divides the Republican Party. Obviously, the majority - significant and, for my case, depressing - majority of Republicans don't want to publicly get crosswise with him.
But the problem is is that as it stands right now, demographically, at least across the country and in the sort of tipping point swing states like Arizona and Georgia, the Republican Party is - needs every conceivable Republican voter to stay to keep from being a minority party, a permanent minority party. And you shave off the 10 to 15% of Republicans who just are sick of the Trump stuff, you're not going to make up for that with rural voters and others who only turn out when Trump is on the ticket anyway. So the Republican Party's got a huge problem here. And it's a very depressing one because it's leading to the Republican Party making allowances for crazies - I mean, forget the racist arguments, just absolute crazy people - because they think they need them in their coalition.
The idea that Liz Cheney, the No. 3 ranking House Republican, is getting more pressure and more attacks from fellow Republicans than Marjorie Taylor Greene, this absolute loony bird, scary QAnon type just tells you a lot about where the GOP is right now.
MARTIN: I mean, Marjorie Taylor Greene - Jen Psaki, at the podium in the White House the other day, was asked about her, said she don't want to talk about Marjorie Taylor Greene in the briefing room. But Republicans sort of have to talk about her because she does, as you note, represent something very real, a very real energy, even though you say it's a crazy and damaging energy.
GOLDBERG: Absolutely. Look, I mean, this is a huge argument that I've been having with fellow conservatives for a while now. There is a real sort of victim culture, sort of right-wing snowflake-ism (ph) taking over big chunks of the right. You're not allowed to criticize our crazy people. You're not allowed to criticize Donald Trump. You're not allowed to criticize us for thinking that the election was stolen. You know, that's like now, like, an identity politics argument.
Like, you're supposed to, like, respect people's beliefs that, you know, the Venezuelans and the North Koreans stole the election kind of thing. And the problem with this is that if you want to take offense at being lumped in with insurrectionists and racists and white supremacists and QAnon conspiracy people thing - stuff, you can't just take offense when people lump you in with that. You actually have to denounce those people, too. You have to draw clear, bright lines. That's the best way to send a signal that you don't want to be lumped in with those people is by not letting yourself be lumped in with those people. But instead...
MARTIN: But the future...
GOLDBERG: ...They want to close ranks.
MARTIN: The future of your party doesn't look to be doing that. I mean, when you think about someone like Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the U.N., governor of South Carolina - I mean, she has been incredibly reticent to criticize President Trump for his role in the January 6 riot. And she hasn't explicitly condemned someone like Marjorie Taylor Greene.
GOLDBERG: Yeah, which I think is shameful. And I'm friends with Nikki. My wife used to work for her. But you know, at this point, the political calculation for a lot of these people, particularly people looking at 2024, is they can't win without Trump voters. Trump is now this cultural war - culture war symbol. You're either a defender of him, or you're not. And that goes for his strongest and biggest defenders, too. And that's what people like Marjorie Taylor Greene are like. They - you know, as long as you're heroically on the front lines defending Trump, you can't criticize those people either. It's hugely dysfunctional.
MARTIN: Jonah Goldberg of The Dispatch, columnist for The LA Times.
Thanks as always, Jonah.
GOLDBERG: Great to be here. Thank you. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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