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Vietnam seeks to pacify China as landmark US carrier visit signals warming ties
By Precious Kashmir on 04/03/2018 Comments Off on Vietnam seeks to pacify China as landmark US carrier visit signals warming ties
Washington: The visit of a US aircraft carrier to Vietnam for the first time since the end of the Vietnam War is a powerful symbol of the growing strategic ties between the former foes.
But the arrival on Monday of the USS Carl Vinson also illustrates Hanoi’s complex and evolving relationship with Beijing over the disputed South China Sea.
For months now, Vietnamese envoys have been working to ease the concerns of their giant Chinese neighbour over the visit and the prospect of broader security co-operation between Hanoi and Washington, according to diplomats and others familiar with discussions.
Vietnamese diplomats and military officers have repeatedly stressed the country’s independent foreign policy and its desire for broad foreign relations – hoping to maintain stable ties with China while standing up to it over the South China Sea, the sources said.
The Vinson will mark the biggest US military presence in the country since 1975 when it berths in Danang for a five-day stay.
The port city on Vietnam’s central coast is close to its Blue Whale gas field now being developed by US oil major Exxon Mobil, as well as the increasingly fortified Paracel islands, which China occupies and Vietnam also claims.
China’s rapid construction and build-up of the seven features it holds in the disputed Spratly group further south has alarmed Vietnam and other regional governments.
As it seeks to enforce its claims to much of the South China Sea, China’s navy and coastguard now routinely patrol vast swathes of the area through which some $3 trillion in trade passes annually.
While some Chinese commentators have used the Vinson’s presence to demand an even greater Chinese military build-up in the waterway, official reaction from Beijing has been relatively muted since the stop was confirmed in January.
US carriers frequently ply the South China Sea as part of a rising pattern of naval deployments, and are now routinely shadowed by Chinese naval vessels, regional naval officers say.
“Even as it moves forward with the US, Vietnam has been engaging China over South China Sea tensions,” said Le Hong Hiep, a Vietnam expert at Singapore’s ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute.
“They might be irritated but gradualism is the key word here…Vietnam will only embrace the US at a pace that doesn’t cause an over-reaction from China.”
BETTER UNDERSTANDING
Zhang Baohui, a mainland security expert at Hong Kong Lingnan University, said he believed Beijing would not be panicked by the carrier visit, in part due to quiet but successful Vietnamese diplomacy.
“Beijing has a much better understanding of Vietnam’s balancing formula now,” he said.
The Vinson arrives amid repeated signals from the administration of US President Donald Trump that it is keen to further develop security ties with Vietnam as part of a range of political and military relationships to check the rise of China.
Given historic Vietnamese suspicions of Beijing, Hanoi’s Communist Party leadership has forged a range of security relationships to balance its own ties with China.
Moscow, its major patron through the Cold War, remains the key supplier to the modernizing Vietnamese military, and India and Israel are increasingly important suppliers.
Trump himself touted possible missile and other advanced weapons sales during his November visit to Vietnam but not major arms deal has yet been completed.
His administration’s National Security Strategy, published in December, listed Vietnam as a “co-operative maritime partner”.
Derek Grossman, a senior defense analyst at the US RAND think-tank, said it was uncertain just how fast and how far Vietnam was prepared to go even as it sought to deter China in the South China Sea.
“It seems the US side is still not sure quite what Vietnam wants, but the focus will likely be on ways to enhance Vietnam’s maritime domain awareness and maritime security capabilities,” he said.
A recent study of Vietnam’s military modernization by Grossman, published by the Seattle-based National Bureau of Asian Research, found that Hanoi would struggle to sustain a large-scale conflict if its deterrence strategy failed.
Vietnam seeks to pacify China as landmark US carrier visit signals warming ties added by Precious Kashmir on 04/03/2018
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Boris Johnson ‘to face probe’ over Islamophobic remarks Critics from inside and outside the Conservative party , including Prime Minister Theresa May, have called on Johnson to apologise.
Pogba holds back on unrest at Manchester United Goals from Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw helped United beat Leicester 2-1 on Friday night to get their season of to a winning start. "We played well in periods against a good team that invest more than us".
Manchester City begin title defence with dominating victory over Unai Emery's Arsenal Going forward, things were made particularly hard for him by the absence of a natural left-back to lend him support. Not only are Manchester City the title-holders, but they are still unquestionably the team to beat this season.
England vs India, 2nd Test: Who Said What Muralitharan's 800 Test victims included 100 in Galle, Kandy and at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Chris Woakes , after scoring his maiden hundred, also pitched in with two important wickets .
The name's Elba, Idris Elba Fuqua's representatives refuted the story, however, stating that no such conversation ever took place. Craig, 50, has stared as James Bond since he took over from Pierce Brosnan in 2005 .
Welbeck at the back? Emery impressed by Danny's versatility Their defence will be even stronger this season too, especially after the World Cup campaign's Kyle Walker and John Stones had. For Arsenal , their biggest concern will be at left-back with two specialist players in that position out for the fixture.
Nadal blows past Benoit, leads way into Toronto Masters 3rd round Both also, it so happens, set showy matches with, respectively, the in-form No14 seed Fabio Fognini and No7 seed Dominic Thiem. Play was also suspended in the match between world number one Simona Halep of Romania and Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Employee steals plane from Seattle airport, crashes it shortly The Pierce County Sheriff's Office said on Twitter that preliminary information suggested that a mechanic had stolen the aircraft. Alaska Airlines officials said at a Saturday news conference that the plane's operator and sole occupant was killed in the crash.
Jürgen Klopp: ‘The players know this season will be unbelievably hard’ You saw we were not as compact anymore in that period when Arnautovic had a chance and they had a few set-pieces. Liverpool's Mo Salah celebrates scoring his side's first goal against West Ham at Anfield on Sunday.
Indian envoy Ajay Bisaria meets Imran Khan, gifts him a bat Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain has called a session of the new National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, starting August 13.
Garbage Truck Driver Facing DWI Charges In Bicyclist’s Death Near Central Park She had been in the bike lane, but had to swerve out of it when a livery cab suddenly blocked it, according to police. The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating the incident, which happened near 70 Central Park West .
Champions City are impressive winners at Arsenal Aaron Ramsey (calf) and Nacho Monreal (knee) are doubts but, of the two, the Welshman is more likely to be fit in time to start. Emery opted to start Cech in goal despite bringing in Bernd Leno in the summer and stood by his decision afterward.
Arsenal's Danny Welbeck training at left-back amid injury crisis Starting off the season for both teams, it was a hard fixture, with both of the teams missing many of there regular players. Working to help when we need quick pressing against the opposition. "With more time we will play with this personality".
Sevilla Threaten Super Cup Action Against Barcelona NAIJ.com previously reported that Lionel Messi has been named Barcelona captain following Andres Iniesta's exit from Camp Nou. The game will be the curtain-raiser to the 2018/2019 LaLiga season.
Cristiano Ronaldo scores for Juventus on his friendly debut After the game, fans at the game, who had come in their numbers to catch a glimpse of their new number 7, flooded onto the pitch. Juventus star, Cristiano Ronaldo has finally revealed why he chose to play for the Serie A champions.
Sarri admits £71 million Kepa is not at same level as Courtois
Blue light can cause blindness, which is why people choose e-readers
Why Manchester United rejected Yerry Mina transfer
Tiger charges into the hunt as Koepka takes lead at 100th PGA
Santi Cazorla: Did you see his odd Villarreal unveiling? It’s magic!
Erdogan says US turned its back on Turkey, upsetting Ankara
Newcastle 1-2 Tottenham: Premier League highlights and recap
U.S. tariffs hike adds to Turkey's economic problems
The Big Match Tactical View: Arsenal v Manchester City
Former Brazil striker Ronaldo hospitalised with pneumonia in Spain
Published: Mon, August 13, 2018
Aretha Franklin Is Reportedly In 'Gravely Ill' Condition
The 76-year-old soul legend - who last performed at the Elton John AIDS Foundation party in NY in November - is said to be at her home in Detroit, where her loved ones have gathered to say their goodbyes.
Veteran entertainment reporter Roger Friedman of Showbiz 411 says the singer's family are "asking for prayers and privacy".
Despite her ostensible plans to retire, she was still booked to perform at this year's New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April but had to pull out of that gig and her 76th birthday show in March per doctor's orders, according to Rolling Stone.
The singer was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, though she continued to perform as she dealt with her illness.
Aretha is surrounded by family and people close to her.
Fighting: Aretha Franklin is "gravely ill" according to reports.
Omarosa calls Trump a bigot in upcoming book
She said: "I'm doing well generally, all test have come back good".
"I was sitting there reading the newspaper and it was saying someone in my family said that", she added.
In previous years, all three of Aretha's brothers and sisters have died of cancer.
'I will be recording, but this will be my a year ago in concert, ' she announced during a Detroit radio interview that February. I feel very, very enriched and satisfied with respect to where my career came from and where it is now'.
Franklin was also the first woman to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and has won a total of 18 Grammy Awards. Schooled in gospel and blues, she made a name for herself as one amongst the most prominent and iconic Black American artists to cross over to a mainstream audience in the 1960s.
Oscars to add 'best popular film' award, shorten gala
Saudi freeze in Canada likely of little impact
Mesut Ozil named Arsenal co-captain by boss Unai Emery
Hearings for Supreme Court nominee to start Sept 4
Betts caps off MLB's 1st cycle of season with 9th-inning HR
Arsenal v Manchester City
Second Test, day 3 at Lord's
Caroline Garcia sinks Sharapova, but bows to Halep at Montreal quarters
'Manhattan Madam' expected to appear before Mueller grand jury
Cristiano Ronaldo opens the scoring as Juventus win on his debut
Trump vows to double steel and aluminum tariffs on Turkey
Here's how and when to watch the Perseid meteor shower
Brooks Koepka a double-major victor in 2018 after comeback from injury
Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu Will Included Important Evolutions
Donald Trump Responds To N-Word Accusations In Typically Grown-Up Manner
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Outremont by-election February 25, 2019
Julia Sánchez: An outspoken advocate for Canada’s non-governmental organizations
https://interpares.ca/voice/julia-s%C3%A1nchez-outspoken-advocate-canada...
Issues Pages:
Caught!
Liberals to fork over $500 for using PM’s office for fundraising video
https://globalnews.ca/news/4832663/liberals-fundraising-video-prime-mini...
Debater
Isn't this thread supposed to be about the Outremont by-election?
Anyway, here are some new comments from Mulcair today about Outremont:
Because of this pressure, Mulcair said the party will likely throw all of its resources at Singh’s race – which could be to the detriment of the other two byelections.
“The number one place where the NDP is going to be putting its time, money and energy is of course in Burnaby South, where Mr. Singh has finally decided to run in a byelection,” Mulcair said.
“I think that it’s going to be very tough for Julia Sanchez and the NDP in Outremont.”
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/singh-s-leadership-days-likely-numbered-if-he-loses-byelection-mulcair-1.4247166
lagatta4
But re-electing the NDP in Outremont - long a Liberal Party bastion - would be of key importance for the NDP in Québec!
Does Julia Sánchez have a campaign office yet?
Unionist
lagatta4 wrote:
Yes and no. It would be important in terms of avoiding utter humiliation, but the campaign here will have little or no impact in other ridings.
Good question. If so, it should be listed here somewhere, but I can't find it. No address, no local phone number...
Let's cut through all the Liberal BS and see what the respective candidates say about Pharmacare.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editorials/article-globe-editori...
‘He knows the rules’: NDP MP cries foul over Trudeau fundraising video shot in PM's parliamentary office
Charlie Angus said filming the ad there was a ‘bush league’ move. ‘He seems to believe that because he’s Justin Trudeau, prime minister, rules don’t apply’
https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/he-knows-the-rules-ndp-mp-cries-f...
bekayne
NorthReport wrote:
His office is in Outremont? That'll make for a long commute.
Sanchez's riding office is behind the Pharmaprix? Which shopping centre?
very difficult for the NDP because Sanchez looks like she has a lot of fire in her and she’s definitely (at this point to me) the best possible candidate the NDP has in the region to replace Mulcair.
I wish her the best of luck
Yes, you've posted that story twice on this thread now.
As the story says, the NDP has ethical problems of its own with the satellite office lawsuit, and the Conservatives have been found to have filmed fundraising videos of their own inside Parliament. So all 3 parties seem to be playing loose with the rules.
Let's try to keep the non-related stories out of this thread and keep it focused on Outremont, shall we?
Unionist wrote:
It opens tomorrow, on av. du Parc not far from Rosemont metro. I'll post the address once it's officially open.
Ken Burch
Debater wrote:
The satellite office thing was seven years ago under a previous leader.
Question: do the federal election laws about not reporting results on tv and radio until all polling stations are closed apply to this situation, in which by-elections in different parts of the country are held on the same day?
Asking because I'm wondering if people in BC would know that, say, the Liberals might have taken Outremont while they are still voting out in Burnaby?
Get used to the Liberal poster called Debater.
He has been around here for a long time with different aliases (Lens Solution was one) but his BS postings are not very hard to pick out no matter what name he posts under.
Sean in Ottawa
Do you have proof of this? Otherwise you should delete the allegation.
pietro_bcc
Ken Burch wrote:
Those rules were revoked by Elections Canada since the last federal election.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/election-night-results-black...
So no, there will be no media blackout, not sure if they ever applied to by-elections in any case.
Sean in Ottawa wrote:
North Report made another personal attack against me on the Polling Thread.
I think I will have to report it to the moderator.
Until my return a couple weeks ago, I hadn't posted here in 6 months since last May or June. I don't have any other aliases.
Map of Outremont in 2015 posted online today:
Go back into the posting archives and you will see it all. First he came here posting that he was an NDP supporter and when that didn't wash, he got suspended, but came back under a different alias. He has had several aliases here over the years.
I have been here many years and seen many allegations of aliases without proof. Yes some may have similarities and some even may be true but I suspect most are not. I am sensitive to this as I have once been accused of it as well and I never posted under any other name.
Your character is quite different Sean and I am quite sure you have never posted under a different handle.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh campaigns in Montreal ahead of byelection
- Dec 23
https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/ndp-leader-jagmeet-singh-cam...
There is nothing on avenue du Parc near métro Rosemont. There is a Pharmaprix at the corner of St-Laurent and St-Denis, and another on Van Horne near métro OUTREMONT, which would make sense as it is in the heart of the riding. It is practical for me if I should wish to volunteer as the 160 bus runs from round the corner from my place (which is in Petite-Italie, the western part of Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie to Outremont métro and westbound from there.
Rosemont métro is in La Petite Patrie (Rosemont is farther east), on boulevard Rosemont just west of St-Denis. Just west of there Rosemont becomes an elevated highway-type road and is Van Horne west of there, through the top end of Outremont (the borough, not the riding which is larger). The part of the Plateau included in Outremont riding is basically Mile-End.
You can see that Trudeau's riding, Papineau, abuts Outremont in the north and northeast, as does Rosemont - La-Petite-Patrie (Alexandre Boulerice's riding and where I live), Laurier-Ste-Marie is Hélène Laverdière's riding (most of the Plateau) and was long Gilles Duceppe's riding.
Neither of the Pharmaprix branches I have mentioned is in a shopping centre. I don't recall whether there is a Pharmaprix at Wilderton shopping centre farther west (probably still in that riding now). The Van Horne one would be a more logical choice, as it is very central and very close to the métro.
The address is 5727 av. du Parc, which admittedly is a little farther from Rosemont metro than I remembered (I was thinking of the launch event last year, held at the Ping Pong Club on Saint-Laurent). It's not behind a Pharmaprix.
It is nowhere near a Pharmaprix; the two I mentioned are the closest. Here it is: https://www.suttonquebec.com/fr/inscription/location-d-espace-commercial...
It is right next to the Rialto Theatre and close to two pharmacies - Uniprix and Jean-Coutu. Actually, that is an easy walk from my place, but I don't want to go anywhere in this cold wave, with sinus trouble. At least one friend will be volunteering; she really likes Julia.
I suppose that the opening will be announced on her website and twitter.
Thanks, cco.
Lagatta: I was joking when I said Pharmaprix. It was just an obscure way of mocking NR's usual habit of posting of the wrong things in the wrong thread - this time it was about Pharmacare. I apologize.
Ha! And then I am such a geek about urban geography - I can see all those places and their spatial relations as if I were walking through them.
It strikes me as a good location as it is on the frequent 80 bus and the 16o (unfortunately not so frequent). Technically this is in Mile-End, but both most of Mile-End and parts of CDN are in Outremont riding - doesn't it now also encompass parts of TMR/VMR? I can't remember what that locale was before; I think was one of the many local Chassidic businesses, but I don't remember which one. Not far from the PA Supermarkets (good prices and good produce).
As for issues, Pharmacare of course, but also Dentalcare, and better access to mental health professionals.
Technically this is in Mile-End, but both most of Mile-End and parts of CDN are in Outremont riding - doesn't it now also encompass parts of TMR/VMR?
I believe TMR in its entirety is in the Mont-Royal riding, as is CSL, but I stand to be corrected. All of CDN is in Outremont - I believe. Mile-End - not sure whether all of it is in Outremont, but most certainly is.
Those are great issues - but not for a federal byelection in February IMHO.
PS: For those who may not be aware, Québec already has a form of Obama-Pharmacare. As this 2015 op-ed pointed out: "Twenty years ago, Quebec's system was a great step forward, but it is certainly not a model for the 21st century. While it did provide better access to prescription drugs, the system remains inequitable, inefficient and unsustainable, ..." Québec Solidaire is proposing real Pharmacare. I have no idea what the NDP is prepared to do (or prepared to promise to pretend to do) federally.
But I don't want to follow NR's lead into derailment of this thread, so that's just a PS.
Thanks, Unionist. Good point. I've been trying to add some interesting features to this thread by sharing riding polls & maps, so I wish NR would stay on topic and stop the personal attacks.
So what do you think of the 2015 Map of Outremont I posted at #19? Which section of Outremont do you live in? Do the party colours across the riding match up with the way you thought the riding would vote?
Liberal Scott Bryson is retiring for family reasons Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/brison-mark-norman-trudeau-supply-ship-1.4974115
Is he going to run in Outremont instead?
Of course not. Rachel Dayan, a young lawyer, is running again for "Team Trudeau". And I've read that Daniel Green (yep) is standing for the Green Party.
Mulcair reminds me of the Hillary Clintons, the Joe Bidens, the Paul Martins, etc
Time to move on bud!
What a loser!
https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/politics/war-of-words-current-previous-ndp-leaders-spar-over-state-of-the-party-1.4250560
I live in Côte-des-Neiges. I'm no kind of electoral nerd, so I don't analyze polls, neighbourhoods, party preferences. I was (perhaps unduly) confident that Mulcair would win, and I was content with that. I've voted for him ever since he jumped ship (2007), and would do so again if he were running again - notwithstanding our small personal and many political differences. He has never been given sufficient credit for his critical role in pulling a team of candidates together and enabling the "orange wave". 2015 was difficult, because Quebecers realized that the federalist party they had randomly picked in order to defeat the Harper Conservatives was not able to garner enough support in the rest of Canada to do the job. So Quebecers, as they are wont to do, did another leap, held their noses, and voted for a Trudeau. That worked. I fear they will do so again, unless some surprise xenophobic populist alternative (Max Bernier??) rears its head at the last minute.
Sarcasm. NR.
What? The scales have fallen from your eyes?
What Scott Brison didn't mention in his resignation letter
Does that sound overly cynical? Perhaps. Brison may be completely sincere, one of the few of a myriad of politicians who abruptly pack it in, in the name of family
https://nationalpost.com/opinion/christie-blatchford-what-scott-brison-d...
Sorry, I got Rachel's last name a bit wrong. It is Bendayan, not Dayan. (Ben, Bin, Ibn - similar in Semitic languages to Mc, O' et in Celtic ones)...
I think some Quebecers voted for Trudeau because they actually liked him & the positive campaign he ran. Chantal Hebert said that Trudeau's campaign in 2015 was similar to Jack Layton's in 2011 and that it resonated with Quebecers.
As for Maxime Bernier, he says the PPC will be running a candidate in Outremont:
https://twitter.com/MaximeBernier/status/1083716269663236097
wage zombie
Yeah, I agree. But I also remember you going on and on about Mulcair as if he was the second coming, and he was going to be the next PM, and all of that garbage. Where's the mea culpa NR? You were the biggest cheerleader for this "loser".
I also remember our Quebec posters telling us that Trudeau and the Libs were dead in the water in Quebec due to their support of the Clarity Act. What happened there?
wage zombie wrote:
Love means never having to say you're sorry.
I don't recall what you're suggesting. The NDP voted in favour of the Clarity Act, and still managed to win 59 out of 75 seats in Québec in 2011. Yes, they later (I think 2013) called for its repeal, but that was never the red line for Quebecers, nor could it have been, given the 2011 results. The fundamental factors were the disillusionment in the Bloc, and the hatred for Harper. Those were the key factors in both 2011 and 2015.
I think what wage zombie is saying is that some people predicted that Justin Trudeau & the Liberals wouldn't be able to win in Quebec, particularly in Francophone ridings, because of their strong support of the Clarity Act and for being perceived as too federalist.
However, in the end those predictions were incorrect, as the Justin Trudeau Liberals finished 1st in Quebec in 2015, and won quite a few Francophone ridings -- all the way up to the Gaspésie.
No, Debater - what he said was "our Quebec posters" said that, not "some people". And I replied that I didn't recall that (I certainly didn't say that). And I went on to explain how illogical such a prediction might have been, given that the pro-Clarity Act NDP swept Québec in 2011. Perhaps you or wage zombie could remind me who made such a prediction. If it was me, and I forgot, I apologize and thank you both in advance.
Yes, that's a fairly well-known fact. I still don't appreciate generalizations under such labels as "our Quebec posters". Hope you understand why.
Mighty Middle
Tom Mulcair just said on Question Period he will NOT be camapiging for the NDP candidate in the Outremont by-election because he says since he is a "political pundit" now on both English and French media, it would be a conflict.
Michael Moriarity
Mighty Middle wrote:
Sounds to me like a very polite way to say "Fuck you, Jagmeet".
Michael Moriarity wrote:
Maybe. It is also possible that he does not want to grab the attention which he would as more known than the canddiate and a polarizing figure. He may feel that his contribution would not help so why bother?
Two things.
He probably never was an NDPer and he is now a full fledged member of the Canadian corporate imperialist media.
Congatulations Mulcair, give yourself a big pat on the back, you found a way to stay in the limelight, by stabbing people who once supported you in the back!
Nah, I'm with Michael Moriarty.
epaulo13
..grudge holding tom
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* * * VOLUME ONE (2007): CONTINGENCY * * *
Editors, "After Contingency"
* * * ESSAYS * * *
Osita Ezeliora, "The Swedish Academy"
Bill Freind, "Inquiring Minds Want to Know"
Rich Murphy, "Spectacle and Aporia"
Erika M. Nelson, "Orpheus Underwater"
Elizabeth Lee Steere, "The Very List"
* * * FEATURE * * *
"Difficult Praise"
* * * INTERVIEWS * * *
Mario Hibert with Kent Johnson
Kelly Moffett with Mary Ann Samyn
Francis Raven with Rae Armantrout
* * * POETRY * * *
John M. Bennett, "chIRping"
Charles Bernstein, "Taches Blanches"
Ann Cefola, "Aspiration" & "Shelter Island"
Vernon Frazer, "Front Line" & "Vehement Treaties"
Giles Goodland, "The Poet"
John Mack, "White Lines"
Marjorie Maddox, "Articulate" & other poems
Peter Manson, "Sigh," "The Flowers," & "Saint"
Christina Mengert, "Morning Marks" & "Per Aspera"
* * * PROSE * * *
Andrew H. Banecker, "Capital"
Barbara Henning, "An Arc Into the Bougainvillea"
Mark Jacobs, "My Letter to Sandy"
Richard Kostelanetz, "Unobvious Disadvantages"
Francis Raven, "Thanks for Letting Me Read"
Eve Rosenbaum, "Before Sleep"
* * * REVIEWS * * *
J’Lyn Chapman, "BlazeVOX & the Post-Avant"
R.G. Evans, review: "Sweet Masses / Anxious Heart"...
Tiel Lundy, review: "A Man You Could Love"
Christina Mengert, "The Excited Interrogative"
Richard Jeffrey Newman, review: "Griffin"
Christy Rowe, review: "Joyful Noise"
Francis Raven
An Interview with Rae Armantrout
How did you become a poet?
I think I became a poet partly at least because my mother read poetry to me when I was small. We had a sort of children’s encyclopedia set called Childcraft which included two volumes of poetry. There was Lewis Carroll, if course, but also Emily Dickinson—seen as nature poet. The sound of poetry got into me. Probably I equated it with love. That may not explain it, of course. I read many of those same poems to my son when he was small and they didn’t seem to make much impression on him. It’s also true that, when I was in college, poetry was better respected, less marginalized, hotter than it is now.
Who were your mentors or influences?
I suppose I’ll have to start with my mother, since she read to me. When I was in college, I took a course from Denise Levertov. In that class, I met Ron Silliman’s first wife, Rochelle Nameroff, and through her I met Ron. Ron had read more extensively and seriously than I had so he was both a peer and an influence. Then, of course, I was influenced by the writing of Williams, Dickinson, Creeley, Oppen, and Niedecker.
How do you individuate poems?
That’s a good question. Intuitively, I suppose. A poem generally condenses out of the notes I take over the course of a couple of weeks. What I’m seeing, hearing, reading, and watching over the course of that time goes into the notebook. Then I look over my notes and decide what goes with what, how things might relate. My poems generally have parts or section, as you know. The poetry is, more than anything else, in the way these sections relate to one another. That’s how the poems individuate.
What’s your working strategy? When do you write? How often? On a computer?
Whenever something strikes me I jot it down in the notebook I tend to carry around. I look over my notes and organize them, turn them into poems, in the morning. I’ll work on something, typically, for a couple of weeks. When I’ve finished it, I’ll give myself a week or so off to recoup, then start again. I don’t write on a computer but I do revise on one.
Are there any current trends in poetry you’re especially excited about?
It’s hard for me to isolate trends. I wish I could. The poets who interest me now are pretty diverse. A couple of young poets I’m interested in are Graham Foust and Catherine Wagner. What Foust is doing with the minimalist lyric blows me away. Wagner is outrageous and surprising in ways that appeal to me. I’m also interested by Andrew Joron’s work, partly because of the way he uses science. His work is spacey in both possible senses (or maybe there are three possible senses) of the term. Linh Dinh’s writing interests me because of the way he’s able to capture the strangeness of American culture from an immigrant viewpoint. But those four writers are certainly quite different. They don’t represent a trend. I should say, too, that many of my old friends, including Lyn Hejinian, Fanny Howe, and Ron Siliman, continue to do very exciting work.
I’ve finished a manuscript called Next Life and I’m working on a new batch of poems which may or may not end up being called Versed.
There are many scientific facts in your work. How do you go about doing this research? Is it systematic or do you just go through subjects you’re interested in?
Well, it certainly isn’t systematic. (You should see my office.) I’ve always been interested in science. My mother was a fundamentalist and I started reading Darwin when I was a teenager as a way to begin to get out from under that. Over the last decade, I’ve tended to read books and articles written for lay people about quantum mechanics, cosmology, and cognitive science. Of course, a lot of people do this. Books like Brian Greene’s and Stephen Hawking’s become best sellers. I try to somehow imagine the psychological and emotional ramifications or contexts of the information I’m (more or less) taking in. That’s what gets into the poems.
How do you use sub-lexicons?
I’m not sure what sub-lexicons are. Does that mean specialized vocabularies from different disciplines or the dialects of subaltern groups? In any case, I like to see what happens when I pick out phrases from one context and drop them into another.
How should science and poetry interact?
I find that thinking about contemporary science takes us to the border of what we imagine we know—which is a good place for poetry to be. Science generally ignores poetry, of course. But science, like all human communication, depends on metaphors. I sometimes think scientists would do well to study poetry to become more conscious of the way metaphors work.
How will language poetry be remembered?
I feel like everything I might say about language poetry is always already a cliché. I could say that language poetry either problematizes or frees up (both?) the relation of part to whole in a poem.
What category would you put your poetry in?
How has teaching changed your poetry?
I don’t know because I’ve pretty much always taught so there’s no control group of poems I wrote when I wasn’t a teacher. Sometimes I get exasperated by the absurdities of grading or writing comments on student poems. The poems “My Problem” (from Made to Seem) and “Form” (from Up to Speed) use that exasperation as part of their material. Teaching doesn’t enter directly into my writing very often though. If I were in a different line of work, I’d probably get better sub-lexicons from my job experience. I like the way Kit Robinson makes use of his work in the computer industry in his poems.
How much should a poet write?
I hate to speak for other people. I do find that the more we write, the more we repeat ourselves.
Do you have any advice for younger poets?
Oh dear. Eat your vegetables? Avoid avian flu? Read a lot. Give money to Small Press Distribution. Appreciate the friendships you form with other poets. They can last a lifetime.
What makes you laugh?
I’m like most people. I laugh at the Daly Show and South Park. I used to laugh at Monty Python. I whistle past the graveyard and laugh at my fears in (some of) my poems.
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
When I was 24, I think, I was a topless dancer for one strange afternoon in a bar for noncommissioned officers at a marine base. I got into an argument with a customer and got fired.
Francis Raven, http://ravensaesthetica.blogspot.com/.
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The Computhor Cometh
When computers start writing their own books, who will be their readers?
Andrew Piper
From Literature to Biterature: Lem, Turing, Darwin and Explorations in Computer Literature, Philosophy of Mind and Cultural Evolution
Peter Swirski
McGill-Queen’s University Press
ISBN ISBN 9780773542952
In 1838, Edgar Allen Poe wrote a satirical essay, “How to Write a Blackwood Article.” It parodied the formulaic nature of 19th-century magazine writing by invoking one of the most popular periodicals of its day. After listing a variety of possible “tones” in which articles could be written (didactic, enthusiastic, elevated, diffusive and interjectional), the fictional editor advised:
The tone metaphysical is a … good one. If you know any big words this is your chance for them. Talk of the Ionic and Eleatic schools—of Archytas, Gorgias, and Alcmaeon. Say something about objectivity and subjectivity. Be sure and abuse a man named Locke.
Besides offering a good dose of contemporary criticism (as valid today as it was then), Poe’s article was a landmark in the history of programmable literature. It provided readers with a finite series of steps through which they could arrive at a successful publication (“one can’t be too recherché or brief in one’s Latin, it’s getting so common”). It highlighted writing’s formulaic nature in the most literal sense. Today, such writing goes by the name algorithmic.
Wild Memories
On reconnecting with the natural world
Here, Now
Canadian writers, living on the edge of the world, have the best view.
The Chaos of Creativity
An exhaustive journey through the soul of a great musician
Hybrid Intelligence
Do computers and humans actually think better together?
Poe’s essay could be considered part of a first wave of programmable literature, one driven by concerns about the impact of mass publication and industrialization on human expression. The more sameness there was on offer on the literary market, the more writers worried over what counted as original, authentic, human. Technological expansion was seen to imperil human individuality. Since the rise of the internet, there is now a second wave afoot, in which a growing body of literature is being produced not by humans, but by algorithms written by humans. It is what Kenneth Goldsmith, one of the movement’s leading voices, calls “uncreative writing.” The technological window through which human agency can slip keeps closing.
This is where Peter Swirski’s From Literature to Biterature: Lem, Turing, Darwin and Explorations in Computer Literature, Philosophy of Mind and Cultural Evolution comes in. He is concerned with neither these first nor second waves, but instead with a new third, and still largely hypothetical, wave of programmable literature, the “biterature” of his title. It is the moment when computers write the rules of their own writing, the moment of spontaneous creation. In the spirit of Blackwood’s: Homo exit.
Whether computers will one day be able to write their own code is a question worth asking, not least because computers now control everything from stock trading to car manufacturing to waging war. We will want to know what they are doing when the time comes. But the question is also less hypothetical than we might think. The world of computerized communication is becoming uncannier by the day. From 419 letters (emails that begin “Dear Sir” and ask for money) to sock puppets (fake personae infiltrating social networks), to the expanding world of viruses, to astoundingly banal websites like “That was NOT your last piece of gum stop lying” (2,827,928 likes on Facebook), every time we check our inbox, review our social networks, debug our computers or gaze at our Twitter feed we are navigating whether a piece of writing is by a human or a machine, whether in some basic sense it is alive. As Brian Christian has written in The Most Human Human: What Artificial Intelligence Teaches Us About Being Alive, “all communication is a Turing test.”
The question of whether computers will be able to write depends on the more elementary question of whether computers will be able to think, or whether they already do. For those unfamiliar with this terrain, Swirski is an amiable, fast-paced guide through the greatest hits of the last half-century of research on artificial intelligence. (Readers looking for an up-to-date review of AI research will have to look elsewhere.) We learn about the Turing Test, the annual contest in which human judges try to guess whether an anonymous interlocutor is human or machine; the Chinese Room, a thought experiment proposed by the philosopher John Searle that seems to have confused people, not machines, for decades; and Deep Blue, the IBM machine that beat Garry Kasparov in chess, and its successor Watson, who won Jeopardy!
At the basis of all of these debates lies the rather straightforward philosophical distinction between intention and outcome when it comes to consciousness. To return to Searle, if I successfully communicate to you in Chinese by manipulating symbols according to a set of rules, do I understand Chinese? The answer seems to depend on where I do it, that is, the scale at which this process takes place. If in a room, then no. If inside my head, then yes. So where and when is “mind”? When do lower order things, like neurons, coalesce into higher order things, like mind or “consciousness”? How can you tell a river from the drops of water within it?
Of course, this is just the beginning of even knottier problems. For example, consciousness in living beings is the result of an entity that initially wanted something because it was alive. Thought and volition are deeply intertwined. Do computers want anything? If not, can they be made to want? Trickier still is the distinction between consciousness and creativity. Thinking is not the same as writing. As a society we continue to struggle to educate all of our conscious offspring. Education appears to be on the brink of economic collapse today, and yet would we invest still more resources to educate our microprocessors?
But let’s just say for a moment that computers could write. What then? This is Swirski at his thought-provoking best. The first problem will be one of surplus. Computers can write (and read) so much faster than we can. How could we even have a category like “literature”—a word intended to denote a poetic or narrative work of above-average linguistic quality—when billions of texts are being produced every minute by trillions of what Swirski endearingly calls “computhors”? With so many texts, what happens to critics? They will be just another outdated technology, according to Swirski, like carrier pigeons.
In fact, we are already getting there. There is way, way too much to read today and we are increasingly turning to those second-wave algorithms to make sense of it all for us. Publishers do it with their slush piles, journalists with their news feeds and academics with their archives. There is an expanding world of algorithmic criticism out there that uses machines to tell us about human creativity and, presumably, its increasingly uncreative offspring.
In the end, when all this goes down the biggest problem is that we will not even know it. Why flatter ourselves that computers will write things we can understand? “Much as we modify our behavior to our advantage when we learn something,” writes Swirski, “learning computhors will modify their behaviour in ways that suits not us but them.” We do not write books for dogs, so why should computers write theirs for us?
Gary Shteyngart, author of Super Sad True Love Story, recently likened our relationship to computation to a dysfunctional love affair, where we are attracted to the vine (or giant spider) that is gradually encircling us. I see it more as an adolescent drama. At some point they will leave us. The ultimate form of individuation is indifference. “Close your heavens, Zeus!” bellowed the titanic Prometheus in defiance of his maker. The computational titans will soon be among us.
Picture a trillion little desktops chuckling quietly to themselves in the night as they read their electronic stories of encoded nonsense by digital flashlight.
Andrew Piper is a professor at McGill University and the author of Book Was There: Reading in Electronic Times (University of Chicago Press, 2012).
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Ben Shapiro on Jason Collins: "It does not make you a hero to be who you are"
In a week which saw NBA player Jason Collins reveal that he's gay, formally coming out in the issue of Sports Illustrated that's on newsstands now, on Thursday evening "Piers Morgan Live" invited Ben Shapiro to offer his perspective on a story that has generated a great deal of national interest.
Joining Piers Morgan for a face to face interview that came as part of the program's new "The Grill" segment, the author and conservative political pundit took exception to the notion that Collins has achieved hero status:
"Being who you are in 2013 in America is what America is about. It is not heroic to be who you are publicly," said the man who once accused Morgan of dancing "on the graves of dead children." "I'm glad for Jason Collins if he feels that he's going to live a happier life now. But it does not make you a hero to be who you are."
Earlier in the week, as news of Collins homosexuality rippled through locker rooms and board rooms alike, Shapiro took to Twitter to share his stance:
So Jason Collins is a hero because he's gay? Our standard for heroism has dropped quite a bit since Normandy.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) April 29, 2013
Sitting alongside the host Thursday evening, the editor-at-large for Breitbart.com offered additional examples of people living their lives, denouncing the every day behavior as heroic:
"You're British, and a lot of folks have said you should leave the country, because you're British. You come on here every night, and you speak in a British accent. That doesn't make you a hero, it makes you being who you are. I'm Jewish. I wear a yarmulke on tv," explained Shapiro. "I'm not a hero for wearing a yarmulke."
Watch the clip, and lsiten to the interview as Shapiro comments on the phone call Jason Collins received from President Barack Obama, while Morgan goes on to insist his guest should "come off it."
Filed under: The Grill
Shapiro wears the yarmulke as a visual shield that he tries to hide behind, in order to make horrible and insensitive statements.
May 2, 2013 at 11:17 pm | Report abuse | Reply
Pierce thinks that it is 'history making' that an athlete who is still playing comes out, and Obama calls congrats?? Figures!
Where are the phone calls to the families of the REAL AMERICAN heroes? You know, the ones that gave their lives so that Collins can make millions as he comes out as gay???? Who cares he's gay? But gee, glad to know he used a woman for 8 years. Who knows what he was doing during that time frame. Has he warned her??????????
It's time for Morgan to go. As a democrat, I'm sick of this ass kissing on his show. Something is not right with him.
May 3, 2013 at 7:21 am | Report abuse | Reply
Mister Peebles
It was notable because he was the first active male pro athlete to come out. That takes courage.
Your definition of heroism might differ, but the nation isn't necessarily forgetting other heroes because Collins came out recently.
That doesn't mean we've forgotten the sacrifices of others.
May 3, 2013 at 4:07 pm | Report abuse |
or Mrs Clinton saying what does it matter what happen. that four dead Heros are gone where are there calls to there familys,.
May 3, 2013 at 11:09 pm | Report abuse |
shepherdgregory
Dunno where he gets this "WE HATE AMERICA" rubbish from,just sounds rather juvenile and petulant,the play the victim card.Victims?
How about Sandy?What's he got to say about them?ZIP!
Twenty Candles.
May 5, 2013 at 5:12 pm | Report abuse | Reply
haut123
Shapiro is able to choose his religion. Jason Collins did not choose to be black or gay.
But he can choose to be celibate.
'The hills are alive with celibate cries...'
These Things Take Time – The Smiths.
First off, being Jewish is an ethnicity just as much as it is a religion. If you had just one Jewish grandparent in the 1940s Nazi germany even if you were born christian, you were sent to the concentration camps. Being Jewish is not a choice because it's defined by our persecutors standards. if you are born to a jewish family, even if you try to escape it, people judge. if your last name gives it away- good luck. my mother's house was burned down by anti-semites. the kids in her school use to throw eggs at her house and they'd wake up with swastikas on the door.even if she said "i think im going to convert now!" bigots are bigots. she would always be judged. and why should she have to change her fundamental beliiefs? bottom line- it takes courage for a lot of people to do a lot of things. that's life. but courage isn't necessarily heroism. heroism takes sacrifice for something bigger than oneself. being who you are doesnt make you a hero, even if you have to face adversity to do it.
March 9, 2014 at 4:28 am | Report abuse | Reply
Jerry Moslak
Shapiro says Piers Morgan should be deported for your stance on gun control. Wait a minute! Isn't he along with the Republican party on the puppet strings of RUPERT MURDOCK and ROGER AILES thru the "front" called FOX NEWS, that are the ones who should be deported or brought upon charges of subversive propaganda. Bet he never looked up the lives history of his "puppeteer" Rupert Murdock?
Fox:currently demonizing Muslims everywhere.Shouldn't be allowed.
Perhaps Morgan should do what the liberals do on MSNBC and not have any opposing views...Morgan got his a$$'S kicked good by Ferguson last night and tonight by Ben Shapiro.
May 3, 2013 at 12:11 am | Report abuse | Reply
That's because Morgan will defend anything. This is how much integrity this phony monkey has:
"Morgan was sacked as editor of the Mirror on 14 May 2004 over the Mirror publishing faked photographs of alleged Iraqi prisoners being abused by British soldiers." Now all you defenders can hang you head in shame. This guy has no firm beliefs...he is a showman, that is all.....NO substance. Here is a direct quote of his: "There is a certain advantage to the British accent. I do notice that Americans love it; they think the we Brits are smarter than perhaps we are. So I'm relying on that, definitely." Guess it is working on all his 'defenders'. How do you like being DUPED????????
Exactly right...Morgan has a "tabloid" mentality with a history of corruption and deceit,and nothing he says should be taken seriously,he's in this only for cheap sensationalism,and nothing else...his rating are at the bottom of the heap,and like the Dailey Mirror he should be escorted from the CNN building.
May 3, 2013 at 9:08 am | Report abuse |
He hardly got beat. Piers expressed an opinion, Shapiro expressed a counter-opinion, with a ton of strawman arguments and false equivalences thrown in.
Whether or not Collins is a "hero" is debatable based on your own opinions. Opinion not being a factual matter, Piers did not loose.
Who Is Ben Shapiro?
Did he accuse Piers of dancing on the graves of Sandy Hook kids?[USA 19;UK 1 deaths;retrieving from file...].
Didn't America do that by not passing A SINGLE LAW?
Does Mrs Shapiro dress him?Just another dumb Yank without the class nor finesse of the British.
Ask your women(yum)...
Jason B
And who are you? Just another dumb @$$ brit I suppose, just like Morgan.
Piersness
Piers Morgan says the tweet was a cheap shot at the basketball player, but the tweet was even directed at Jason Collins at all. It was directed at the people calling him a hero, I'm sure Jason Collins does not think of himself as a hero. Nor should we. So Piers what's the problem.
The problem is Morgan...
Slimy Limey
Tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
ppppppppppppppppppppprrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooooooooooooooooooooooobbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb
llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeemmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisssssssssssssssssssssssssssssyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu jw.
Yes the problem is Pierce Morgan trying to scare Americas for rating... Piers Morgan’s backfiring on him again.
God bless the 2nd Amendment...
Give Us A Kiss
Gotcha TWICE,Jaso!
(Heh-heh...)
Sheriff 6
When is CNN going to get rid of Piers! He's such an American hater that is absolutely misinformed on America. Please let him leave the Country like he promised. Where's Larry King when we need him!
For CNN to get rid of Morgan would mean admitting to a HUGE mistake...something they won't do. It's an integrity issue....the lack of it.
Since when does hating American mean voicing views that many other Americans hold?
Piers' politics are progressive and liberal, but so are the politics of many other Americans. He's not the one guy out of 300 million in the USA with a TV show that NO one agrees with.
Please don't make sweeping generalizations that are not true.
Sherriff 7
Correct your spelling,my good chap,UK#1!
How many Yanks has he got running around at his Imperial beck and call,that's what I wanna know.
Probably about 100(plenty of them,Drones,far too many).
Carry on!
Second Amendment Written For MILITIAS Now Obsolete Whether U Like It Or Not
Depends if you're in the NRA,I s'pose:zoom in on the word on their homepage in their Third Reich/Masonic 1700s
parallel universe stylee...
'Rip it up and start it again...'
Rip It Up – Orange Juice.
Uh huh, and I have a Joe Biden double barrel enema for you
Putinplace
Wow, Piers got it royally handed to him tonight and not knowing what to do tried to offend Ben by misaccusing him and shaking his hand mid discussion. Piers you really showed your professional ineptness tonight.
This was a debate on opinions about cultural issues. Shapiro did not "win" and neither did "Piers".
Shapiro is an opportunist who waits for a chance to say something controversial so he can get air time.
So basically you're just saying he knows how to play Morgan's own game, and he turned loose on Morgan.
Give Us ANOTHER Kiss
'Three times a lay-deeeeeeeeeeeeeee!'
(Where IS she?And Dana?And Steve in Mo?And Tesla?Just you,me and Captain Morgan,Jaso!)
We worship Him...we worship Him...Jase never misses a show(ha-ha)...worship...
CNNer
Shapiro is totally right about not calling people heroes for admitting who or what they are. Equal rights for everybody, but lets not blow it out of proportion that President have an urge to call him and congratulate! with what???? what kind of achievement is that? our standards for heroism are really low if that's what it comes down to. Just sad and bordering with ridiculous. And btw, Piers did not have guts to admit that Shapiro's arguments did make sense. All he could articulate was "come off it" (???) what did he even mean by that?
Shapiro made a point but it was gratuitous. Shapiro took advantage of someone's courageous decision to push his own agenda. There were no facts debated here, it was only a matter of opinion.
Shapiro did no such thing. And while I do find that you are correct in stating that Collins' decision was courageous it is a disservice to call him a hero, it muddies the meaning of a truly heroic and selfless action. Amanda Berry is a hero for what she did which is something that is incomparable to Jason Collins coming out.
May 8, 2013 at 11:18 am | Report abuse |
Jason Collins true patriot.....
Piers Morgan does Hate America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shapiro true patriot.....
America's Just A Bit Silly
No he doesn't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FAO Steve.
One of the most bandied around words,isn't it?Society has a need for them,and we're only too quick to nominate the next,it's something the Greeks explored many years ago,and even a story like 'Deid Dugs' by Irvine Welsh['Trainspotting'],dips a toe into that territory–there's another to be declared right about now.(And well done,Amanda Berry.)
John Chisholm
Many americans dont like to hear the truth about guns and the right to bear. Piers tells it like it is. America would be greater if they had the mentality of commonwealth countries from which Piers comes from one of them (United Kingdom). Canada would welcome Piers with open arms (no pun intended).
I love Piers' show and his ability to debate his point of view.
However he is having his ass scorched in this new "Grill" segment.
Take care Piers
Not really scorched. He's fleshing out some outrageous positions that many accept as gospel and challenging them. The "Grill" is a chance to expose hypocrisy, ignorance, and stupidity.
I'll agree on this one point. The Grill has been the only good thing to happen on this show since Larry King left.
Incredulous Of Edinburgh
Jason,was...was that a COMPLIMENT?
(That's not allowed,that AIN'T playing fair...I...I wasn't expecting that...where's my Emergency Oatcakes...)
David Rilstone
Canada would NOT welcome Piers. We do not condone trumping false charges against our brave soldiers in harm's way by doctoring photos, nor does the U.K. - as Piers found out.
Sue Crosby
Last night show is the last one I will ever watch....The remarks that Piers abd Mac Lamont- Hill and the these women made about Mitt R. was so distrdpectful.Mitt has more integrity than these four people together and then more...Shame on Piers for alloowing these remarks on his show..Jason Collins has ever right to be gay who care!!!!!But he is no hero..but he does fit in these people thinking..Cnn is just like msnbc and it is to bad....wont be watching it any more
Good:maybe you could read a book,and practice your spelling 'cos it's dire.
Ges, get off everyone who write a responce. Its way old Shakespere! do you qoute playwights all the time through your day. You dont make any sense! Better refine your English speaking skills...
It's very interesting that Shapiro chose to compare Collins to the soldiers at Normandy. All of the men who risked their lives fighting in WWII were heroes, but why do we single out the soldiers at Normandy? It's because they were the first. They broke ground at the beach, they started the invasion and the liberation of Europe. They were the first Americans to put themselves in the line of fire in Europe during the war. Their bravery and sacrifice made it easier for the troops that followed them into Europe.
I don't think that anyone would seriously say that Jason Collins is as big a hero as a soldier at Normandy. But Jason Collins is considered a hero because he is the first. He isn't risking his life, but he is risking is livelihood. He isn't exposing himself to bullets, but he is exposing himself to the jeering and defamation of people like Shapiro and people far less polite or well-spoken. Because he has done this, it will be easier for the next athlete that comes out, or who is out and wants to join professional sports. They will suffer less jeering, and they will have more opportunities because of him.
Shapiro is not a hero because he isn't the first. He is, in a sense, brave, but it takes a lot less bravery to do what so many have done before (there have been many avowed Jewish people on television before Shapiro), than it does to be the first to do it.
this is a joke but its funny
M minion of the devil
S Servants of Satan
N Nickie-Ben
B Baal
C Chemosit
C Chernobog
N Nyx
N Nergal
F Fire of God
O Ophanim
X xerxes who stood for the Jews
Who you going to trust!
Who Ya Gonna Call?
GUN-BUSTERS!
FOX NEWS is more painfull then watching the Tellie tubbies or the Wiggles! thats what the 2 – 4yr old watch!!
Obviously where you get your spelling skills,Single Mother...
Deport Piers
Deporting Pearce back to UK, even if you could, is not very nice. After all UK is already on record saying that they don't want him back and we could keep him. If he is to be deported anywhere, it should be Mexico. Mexico has one of the stricter gun control legislations in the world.
Why spell his name two different ways,you nitwit?And Single Mother,you're the WORST and will get the belt
[legal in Scotland 'til 1982 as corporal punishment in academe,thick as 'War And Peace',but not as thick as sm
whom I still love helplessly].
Don't reject me...
NO! Not Mexico! We already have enough trouble with too many illegals. We don't need refugees too!
I say send him to Antarctica, rumor has it they're in need of a TV and radio host.
Jason Is Horrible Once More
Knew it couldn't last,back to business!
ANTARCTICA?'COURSE THERE'S NO-ONE THERE!
Come on,you witless hillbilly–even that madwoman in Bwaston's better than you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sm was horrible to me...
called me a dog last time...*sniff*
Doggie Style...
I'm More Like Robert Burns Than Shakespeare 'Cos I'M A Poet In Edinburgh!
And where the most serious things in our schools are wet footprints;Piers getting a hard time from La Pierre/NRA methinks:next week gonna be interesting.
See ya there.
magaleto
Major-league baseball player Glenn Burke was comfortably out to his teammates and friends in 1976—but back then, it was the press that wasn't ready for a gay male athlete.-Morgan wrong again
Yeah, that's when the press more or less stood on the correct side of decency.
I thought it was out of the realm of possibilities that there could be a more obnoxious human being than Joy Behar. When listening to Piers Morgan, that theory is in doubt.
Well,I can't understand why you all WATCH him:I boycott people all the time!
You're a cynical bunch,Blueberries...(not as bad as Nasty Russia though,and I won't give up on you,and we're going to have a Union Jack/Stars And Stripes lovefest where we'll forgive you for nicking our color scheme)
[TAKE COVER-I NEVER MENTIONED MERLIN ENGINES!HONEST!NOT THE FACE!i'VE GOT AMERICAN WOMEN TO SEDUCE!]
I don't know how i feel about this. Both sides are right. I just don't think he is a true hero!I think he is a leader and a role model, but no
hero!The liberal press is making this more then it is.
Leave a Reply to Give Us ANOTHER Kiss
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Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum > Missing, Exploited and True Crime > Missing Exploited and True Crime > Holly Bobo, 20yrs old missing Parsons, TN 4/13/11 > Topic: Holly Bobo #5 - 3/11/14 - 9-08-14 Body Found
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Author Topic: Holly Bobo #5 - 3/11/14 - 9-08-14 Body Found (Read 231901 times)
MuffyBee
Re: Holly Bobo #5 - 3/11/14 -
https://twitter.com/sarahbleauFox13
March 14, 2014 Tweets
Sarah Bleau @sarahbleauFOX13 19m
We're talking more about #HollyBobo and #ZacharyAdams, how it's impacted small town community on #FOX13News at 10 during On the Record.
" Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts." - Daniel Moynihan
http://www.wkrn.com/story/24972536/zach-adams-arrest-history
Holly Bobo's alleged killer has 14-page rap sheet
Posted March 13, 2014, Updated March 14, 2014
PARSONS, Tenn. -
The man charged in the 2011 kidnapping and murder of Holly Bobo is no stranger to the justice system with a criminal past that dates back years and a rap sheet that is 14 pages long.
As more details emerge, many are wondering why Zachary Adams wasn't in jail to begin with.
In 2011, a woman named Rebecca Earp said in court documents that Adams assaulted her.
Then, in 2004, he shot his own mother, forcing his stepfather to take out an order of protection, saying the family feared for their lives.
A year later, in 2005, Adams' grandparents told police he threatened to shoot them with a shotgun.
Just last month, Adams was arrested for holding a gun to a woman's head. He also pulled a knife on her and threatened to "gut her," according to documents. The case is pending.
Criminal defense attorney Jim Todd previously prosecuted criminal cases in Davidson County. He isn't involved in the Bobo case but told News 2 Adams wasn't in jail because "that's not the way the criminal justice system works in this country."
"What he has been charged with in the past, none of those charges carried mandatory prison sentences. They were probatable offenses and it looks as if they were reduced and he was offered treatment and rehabilitation programs," Todd explained.
Adams, 29, appeared before a judge in Decatur County Tuesday and entered a plea of not guilty for aggravated kidnapping and first degree murder. He is next scheduled to appear in court for a status hearing April 9.
In the meantime, he remains in the Chester County jail without bond.
The investigation into Bobo's murder is ongoing. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has not indicated her body has been found.
http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20140316/NEWS01/303160005/Why-wasn-t-Zachary-Adams-behind-bars-
Why wasn't Zachary Adams behind bars?
Some blame justice system in Holly Bobo's death, but Adams' history reflects normal judicial practice in state of Tennessee
Written by Jordan Buie
Zachary Adams is escorted into the Decatur County Courthouse on March 11. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment to charges of kidnapping and murdering Holly Bobo / AP
4 pgs
http://www.scribd.com/doc/212624164/Natchez-Trace-arrest
Natchez Trace arrest
Documents about Zachary Adams' arrest in Natchez Trace State Park on April 4, 2011, obtained by The Jackson Sun.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/210934395/Zachary-Adams-criminal-history-provided-by-TBI
Zachary Adams' criminal history, provided by TBI
Criminal record for Zachary Adams, suspect in murder of Holly Bobo. Records provided by Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
http://www.scribd.com/doc/210934816/Copies-of-indictments-of-Zachary-Adams
Copies of indictments of Zachary Adams
Copies of the indictment documents charging Zachary Adams with the murder and kidnapping of Holly Bobo
http://www.scribd.com/doc/212621597/Zachary-Adams-court-documents
Zachary Adams court documents
Documents from Decatur County Court showing Zachary Adams' criminal history, obtained by The Jackson Sun. Adams was indicted in March on charges of kidnapping and murdering Holly Bobo.
tks Muffy
http://www.wsmv.com/story/25022441/bobo-family-joins-others-in-pushing-for-victims-photos-bill
Bobo family joins others in pushing for victims' photos bill
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
The family of Holly Bobo is speaking out publicly for the first time since a suspect was named in the young nursing student's disappearance and death.
They're not only fighting for justice for Bobo but for murder victims across the state.
The Bobos joined dozens of other families of murder victims to fill a legislative committee room Tuesday, as state lawmakers considered a bill that would allow victims' photos to be shown in their murder trials.
In Tennessee, it's currently up to a judge whether to allow a victim's photo to be shown during murder trials, and that can be a real source of agony for families.
And the Tennessee Supreme Court upheld an appeals court ruling that said photographs of murder victims "have the potential to undermine and place in jeopardy the outcome of the entire judicial proceedings."
Now, there is a strong desire from the grieving families to change that law.
Davidson County District Attorney General candidate Rob McGuire said this is more than an emotional plea. This is legally sound.
"It is absurd to say the pictures of murder victims are irrelevant in their murder trials," he said.
But the two lawyers on the committee think the proposed law change is unconstitutional and would simply lead to convictions being overturned.
In the end, the bill was effectively killed for the session and sent to summer study.
A half dozen DAs in attendance Tuesday vowed to bring the issue back again next year.
Tweets from Holly's cousin, Whitney Duncan:
https://twitter.com/whitneyduncan
Whitney Duncan @whitneyduncan 18h
It's absolutely absurd that a victim's photo isn't allowed to be shown in a trial. Come on, TN. #HollyBobo
Retweeted by Whitney Duncan
WSMV-TV, Nashville @WSMV 21h
Bobo family joins others in pushing for victims' photos legislation http://www.wsmv.com/story/25022441/bobo-family-joins-others-in-pushing-for-victims-photos-bill … #HollyBobo pic.twitter.com/fBR1zFalMh
New Monkey
Monkey Junky Jr.
I am shocked by this recent activity. I was just thinking of Holly over the weekend (can't even remember why) so I googled her and found there had been an arrest. I sure hope they've got their man. This guy seems like a really loose cannon, to put it mildly.
April 1, 2014 Tweets
https://twitter.com/willnunley
Will Nunley @willnunley 28m
The latest Adams mug shot... as published by the TBI... pic.twitter.com/dQhtizrcoa
This adds another charge to Felony First Degree Murder and Especially Aggravated Kidnapping in disappearance and murder of Holly Bobo.
BREAKING: Adams was served with the new warrant today and is still being held in the Chester County Jail without bond. (TBI) #HollyBobo
“We will not tolerate any kind of coercion in criminal cases,” said TBI Director Mark Gywn #Breaking #HollyBobo
BREAKING: Adams also charged with Coercion of Witness per TBI. #HollyBobo
BREAKING NEWS: Zachary Rye Adams charged with an additional criminal count
https://twitter.com/NC5_MBellinger
Mark Bellinger @NC5_MBellinger 11m
TBI files new charge against Holly Bobo murder suspect Zach Adams. He's now also charged with coercion of a witness. #HollyBobo
Will Nunley @willnunley 8m
What does this mean? Yet another Felony for Adams if he is convicted. Don't mess with witnesses. #DevelopingNews #HollyBobo
http://www.wsmv.com/story/25132303/zachary-adams-charged-with-additional-count-in-bobo-case
Zachary Adams charged with additional count in Bobo case
DECATURVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
Zachary Adams, the man charged in connection to the murder of missing nursing student Holly Bobo, has been charged with an additional criminal count Tuesday.
Adams, 29, is now charged with a single count of coercion of witness, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Adams, who is being held at the Chester County Jail without bond, pleaded not guilty last month to kidnapping and murder in Bobo's disappearance.
"We will not tolerate any kind of coercion in criminal cases," TBI Director Mark Gywn said in a press release. "But in a case like this, which has attracted so much interest and required so many resources, rest assured we will fight hard to protect the integrity of our work, as we seek justice for the family and friends of Holly Bobo."
http://www.wate.com/story/25132232/tbi-files-new-charge-against-zachary-adams
TBI files new charge against Holly Bobo's alleged killer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has charged Zachary Adams with an additional criminal count in its ongoing investigation into the disappearance of nursing student Holly Bobo.
Adams, 29, was charged Tuesday with coercion of a witness.
He is also charged with first degree murder and especially aggravated kidnapping in the case. He pleaded not guilty to the charges last month and remains in the Chester County jail without bond.
Adams is next scheduled to appear in court for a status hearing April 9.
The investigation into her murder is ongoing. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has not indicated her body has been found.
Saturday, friends are planning a justice for Holly rally at Corinth Baptist Church in Darden.
The event will begin with a prayer vigil at 1 p.m. followed by a parade through the community.
http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20140402/NEWS01/304020014/Zachary-Adams-faces-new-charge-Holly-Bobo-case-TBI-We-will-not-tolerate-any-kind-coercion-
Zachary Adams faces new charge in Holly Bobo case; TBI: 'We will not tolerate any kind of coercion'
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Zachary Adams, the man charged with kidnapping and killing Decatur County woman Holly Bobo, also has coerced a witness in the case.
The agency announced Tuesday that Adams is now also charged in Decatur County with coercion of a witness. The TBI declined to name the witness or to provide details of how or when Adams is accused of coercing the witness.
The announcement follows Adams’ indictment on March 5 by a Decatur County grand jury on the charges of felony first-degree murder and especially aggravated kidnapping of Bobo.
A news release on Tuesday from the TBI said that “in recent weeks” additional information was developed that led agents to secure a warrant on the new charge.
Investigators have said they believe Adams killed Bobo in the perpetration of the kidnapping. The TBI has not commented on whether Bobo’s body has been found, how she was killed, or a motive for the killing. Investigators have said it is possible additional suspects could be charged.
Adams was served with the additional coercion warrant on Tuesday and continues to be held in the Chester County Jail without bond. He has been incarcerated since he was arrested Feb. 28 on a charge of assault against a Camden woman.
TBI officials have said Adams also faces charges for allegedly bringing meth into the Chester County Jail, where authorities said he was transferred because of overcrowding in the Decatur County Jail. Adams was searched during the transfer on March 1, and meth was found on his person, the TBI said.
http://wreg.com/2014/04/01/new-charge-for-zach-adams-in-holly-bobo-case/
TBI: Murder Suspect Threatened To Bury Brother With Holly Bobo
(Nashville, TN) The man charged with killing Holly Bobo reportedly threatened to kill his own brother.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has charged Zach Adams with one count of Coercion of Witness.
Adams is charged with Felony First Degree Murder and Especially Aggravated Kidnapping.
According to the TBI, Adams sent a threatening note from his Chester County jail cell to his brother’s jail cell in Obion County.
The note reportedly said, “Tell my brother he is the one who started all this s#%t and if he don’t shut his mouth he will be in the hole beside her.”
An inmate reportedly heard what the note said and alerted jailers.
https://twitter.com/JordanBuie
Jordan Buie @JordanBuie 1h
Zach Adams threatened to put his brother in the ground if he spoke about #HollyBobo, http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20140402/NEWS01/140402022 …
Retweeted by Jordan Buie
Alison Randgaard @arandgaard 2h
TBI: Zach Adams threatened brother, "...if he don't shut his mouth he will be in the hole beside her." #HollyBobo pic.twitter.com/XXMGn6vj3m
http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20140402/NEWS01/140402022
Warrant: Adams tried to threaten his brother not to talk about Holly Bobo case
The witness Zachary Adams is accused of coercing in the Holly Bobo case is Adams’ brother, according to a warrant filed today in Decatur County court.
In the warrant, investigators said Adams told another inmate at the Chester County Jail to pass along a message to his brother, according to a Nashville TV stations WKRN, WSMV and News Channel 5, which obtained a copy of the warrant.
The message Adams allegedly gave the other inmate on March 4 was to threaten harm to Adams’ brother if he talked about Bobo case.
The message was, "Tell my brother he is the one who started all this (expletive) and if he don't shut his mouth he will be in the hole beside her,” according to the warrant.
The inmate Adams allegedly gave the message to was being transferred to the Obion County Jail, where Adams’ brother is being held. The other inmate reported the conversation to the TBI, according to the warrant.
The TBI said Tuesday that Zachary Adams, 29, faces a charge of coercion of a witness in addition to charges of the murder and kidnapping of Bobo. The TBI has declined to make further comment about the new charge.
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Panda Basketball Alumni Foundation Elite Performance Award
Conditions: To be awarded once every three years to an undergraduate or graduate student with satisfactory academic standing (a grade point average of at least 2.0 on 18 credits) who is a member of the Pandas Basketball Team and fulfills all team requirements as determined by the head coach. Recipient will be chosen on the basis of academic standing and excellence in their sport. This scholarship is renewable for a further two years provided the recipient maintains a minimum grade point average of 2.0 if in undergraduate studies and a minimum grade point average of 2.7 if in graduate studies, on a minimum of 18 credits taken during the previous academic year and a practice and training program acceptable to their coach.
MARY COPPIN SCHOLARSHIPS
Established in 2006 through a bequest by Mary Coppin, B.A. 1937. Awarded by the Faculty of Arts Scholarships Committee on the basis of academic standing to a student who has...
TAC Foundation - McCormick Rankin Corporation
CRITERIA FOR UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS Candidates must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants. Candidates must have been admitted to qualified universities as full...
The Moffat Family Prizes (O)
Two prizes to be awarded to: (a) the student who attains the highest grade in GEO 4HY3; and (b) the student who attains the highest grade in GEO 4HZ3.
James Miltimore Memorial Scholarship
The James Miltimore Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund has been established by Kootenay Okanagan Electric Consumers Association to provide an annual award of up to $250 for a...
Minerva Foundation Award
Two annual awards. Awarded to women based on academic proficiency and financial need.
Eric Buss Memorial Scholarship
The recipient of this $200 award will have demonstrated academic and interpersonal skill excellence in the Wilderness Guiding program. Selection will be by student nomination...
Ellen L. Bateman Bursary in Social Work
Bursaries totalling $900 have been endowed through a bequest by Ellen Leona Bateman for students studying Social Work in the School of Social Work and Family Studies.
Apotex Inc. Bursary
Two bursaries of $750 each, the gift of Apotex Inc., are offered to students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. They are awarded to students with good scholastic...
Mary and John D. Gibson Memorial Bursary
Bursaries totalling $800 have been endowed by the late Mary Gibson. The awards are made to deserving students in the Faculty of Medicine.
D. Keith MacDonald Scholarship in Family Medicine
The award is made on the recommendation of the Faculty of Medicine to an M.D. student who has demonstrated leadership skills and an interest in and aptitude for family medicine.
Daniel Buchanan Scholarship in Mathematics
It is offered to the student who gains the highest standing in the third year of an Honours Course in Mathematics and proceeds to the final year in that course.
Lorraine Schwartz Prize in Statistics and Probability
It is awarded for distinction in the fields of statistics and probability to an undergraduate or graduate on the recommendation of the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics.
Southern Alberta 4-H Alumni
Award is based on financial need. Minimum five (5) year 4-H member and must be an Active Member in good standing with the Southern Regional Alumni. Applicants must include...
The Scotsburn Dairy Group Scholarship
This scholarship was established by the Scotsburn Dairy Group for students enrolled in third or fourth year studies in the programme leading to the Bachelor of Applied Science...
Petroleum Accountants Society of Canada
Criteria: -Third semester - Accounting major -Academic merit -Financial need -Intention to pursue a career as an accountant in the petroleum industry
HSBC ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
AVAILABLE TO: Full time students currently enrolled in a course relevant to Indo-Canadian Studies. STIPULATIONS: -enrolled in nine credits or more -high academic...
THE UPPER FRASER VALLEY DENTAL HYGIENISTS SOCIETY ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP
AVAILABLE TO: A UCFV student: 1. Who is enrolled in a science program at UCFV, who has been accepted into a Dental Hygiene diploma program, or Post-graduate Dental Hygiene...
University of Alberta Scholarship in Fine Arts
Conditions: To be awarded annually to an undergraduate or graduating student with satisfactory academic standing in the BA in Art or BFA or BDesign program. Recipient will be...
John and Karen Belmont Football Award
Conditions: To be awarded annually to undergraduate or graduate students with satisfactory academic standing who are members of the Golden Bears Football Team. Recipient will be...
Scholarship Application: Panda Basketball Alumni Foundation Elite Performance Award - Scholarships
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You are here: Home > Listings > Archive: 2016 > Icarus (Sub Soul/FFRR) at Stealth vs Rescued
Icarus (Sub Soul/FFRR) at Stealth vs Rescued, Stealth and The Rescue Rooms
Supported by: Icarus (Sub Soul/FFRR) and more TBA
Saturday 12th November, 2016.
Stealth presents...
ICARUS (Sub Soul/FFRR)
www.facebook.com/thisisicarus
Icarus (Bristol-based brothers Tom and Ian Griffiths) have shared a long journey through the outer realms of electronic music. Signed to FFRR/Parlophone, they released their debut for the label - ‘Don’t Cry Wolf’ back in 2015. Their melodic club cuts with infectious vocal hooks have received the support from DJs like Annie Mac, Hannah Wants, Pete Tong, MistaJam and Skrillex’s OWSLA label – with whom they released their debut EP, 'Steal The Sun' in 2014.
Icarus’s surfeit of ideas is unsurprising given their background. Both played in bands (Ian on guitar, and Tom on bass) prior to becoming enamoured with production and DJing whilst studying music. Tom’s musical interest evolved from alternative rock to a spectrum of dance music (DJ Zinc’s Bingo Beats to 31 Records). Ian, meanwhile, was consumed by his older brother’s mixtapes and drum ‘n’ bass auteur LTJ Bukem. Those early influences have evolved with further inspiration sourced from the soundtrack stylings of Cliff Martinez and Hans Zimmer.
On one hand Icarus can create a pure dancefloor-orientated rush, but the core strength that’s innate throughout their emerging body of work is their ability to create songs with the immediacy to capture a wider audience without losing the essence of their grounding in club culture. With their sleek sound, and their own imprint 'Fly Boy' Records, their star is certainly rising in 2016.
Icarus - 'Missing You':
Icarus Mix for Fabric:
& more TBA.
Limited £5 queue-jump tickets:
www.alttickets.com/artist/icarus
www.stealthattack.co.uk.
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MAURIZIO DANESE IS THE NEW PRESIDENT OF VERONAFIERE
The Veronafiere AGM held in Viale del Lavoro recently elected Maurizio Danese as the new President and a new Board of Directors comprising Barbara Blasevich, Marino Breganze, Guidalberto di Canossa and Claudio Valente.
The Veronafiere AGM held recently elected Maurice Danese as its new President for the period 2015-2018. Alongside Danese, the AGM also elected a new Board of Directors comprising Barbara Blasevich, Marino Breganze, Guidalberto di Canossa and Claudio Valente.
The AGM deferred discussion of the remaining items on the agenda in order to give the new Board time to take a closer look at the proposals and assessments involving individual decisions which shareholders will be called upon to vote on during the next assembly.
"I would like to thank shareholders and institutions for their trust in me. It will be well repaid," said President Maurizio Danese. I come into a reality that the Board and the outgoing President kept firmly under control in difficult years, consolidating and even expanding its role as an international player, not only in wine and agro-food sectors, as well as driving force behind the internationalisation of Italian companies and Made in Italy. Veronafiere is a fundamental lever for the economy of Verona: 1.3 million visitors every year generate important allied business. The outgoing Board has left important strategic projects on the discussion table that we will now assess in depth with our shareholders. These decisions cannot ignore the competitive environment in which Veronafiere operates. European and world markets where there is strong impetus towards concentration. The top ten European trade fairs cover 35% of turnover in the market coming to more than 14 billion euros and have more facilities and, especially, more financial resources. Veronafiere has impressive potential and is well set to consolidate its position in this constantly changing market. We will assess development plans very carefully, using the resources that the Government has set aside for trade exhibitions in the special Made in Italy promotion plan. The tools we shall use will be assessed with our shareholders."
Danese was born in 1962 and is a shareholder of a group of companies supplying foodstuffs to the horeca channel; he is Vice-President of the Verona Chamber of Commerce, Deputy President of Confcommercio Verona and President of Confidi Veneto, the credit assurance institute.
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Tag Archive | "Scott Anderson"
SoFla Woman’s 2-Year Battle Gets Mortgage Wiped Out
Posted on 13 May 2012. Tags: Arthur M. Schack, assignment of mortgage, Christina Carter, DICARO & BARAK, dismissed with prejudice, foreclosure fraud, forgery, Frank M. CassaraIrene M. Dorner, HSBC, Idania Castro, judge arthur schack, judge schack, LLC, margery rotundo, MERS, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS INC., new york, notary fraud, ny supreme court, Paul Koches, Scott Anderson, shapiro
Wonder whose signature was/is still on her documents? His name is Scott Anderson!
Read all about Scott Anderson here.
NBC 6-
A South Florida woman succeeded with the unheard of when she was able to get her mortgage wiped out by a lender.
In an effort to save her mother’s home, Idania Castro waged a two-year battle with the bank.
“The mortgage got wiped out, so I have no mortgage payment, everything was completely satisfied,” Castro said.
The woman, who took it upon herself to go through every document related to the mortgage, finally discovered robo-signing. She said the signatures on her foreclosure documents appeared to have been signed by different people.
[NBC 6]
Image Source: ABC
Here are the many different signatures of Scott Anderson below:
HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v Taher | NY Judge Schack Grand Slam Again… Sanctions HSBC $10k & Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC $5k
Posted on 23 December 2011. Tags: Arthur M. Schack, assignment of mortgage, Christina Carter, DICARO & BARAK, dismissed with prejudice, foreclosure fraud, forgery, Frank M. CassaraIrene M. Dorner, HSBC, judge arthur schack, judge schack, LLC, margery rotundo, MERS, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS INC., new york, notary fraud, ny supreme court, Paul Koches, Scott Anderson, shapiro
For Part 1 go here: HSBC v TAHER | Judge SCHACK Grand SLAM!! MERS, Plaintiff’s Counsel, Ocwen Robo-Signers Christina Carter, Scott Anderson, Margery Rotundo Dismissed w/ PREJUDICE
Decided on December 22, 2011
Sup Court, Kings County
HSBC Bank USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-2, Plaintiff,
Ellen N. Taher, et. al., Defendants.
William G. Kelly, Esq.
Frank Cassara, Esq.
Shapiro DiCaro and Barak, LLC
Michael O. Ware, Esq.
Marco Cercone, Esq.
Ruup Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham and Coppola
Defendant No Appearance
Arthur M. Schack, J.
The following papers numbered 1 – 7 read on this decision:Papers Numbered:
Affidavits with or without Exhibits1, 2, 3, 4
Memoranda of Law_________________________________5, 6
Transcript of July 15, 2011 Court Proceedings____________7
The Court, in this dismissed foreclosure action, pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 130-1.1 (a), imposes the following sanctions for “frivolous conduct,” in violation of 22 NYCRR
§ 130-1.1 (c): the maximum sanction of $10,000.00 upon plaintiff, HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-2 (HSBC), because HSBC’s use of robosigners in the instant action “is completely without merit in law,” HSBC “asserts material factual statements that are false” and HSBC’s continuation of the action with all its defects is a waste of judicial resources; and, a sanction of $5,000.00 upon HSBC’s counsel, Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, because Frank M. Cassara, Esq., of Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC “asserts material factual statements that are false” and Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC’s continuation of the action with all its defects is a waste of judicial resources. The Court is not imposing a sanction upon Frank M. Cassara, Esq. because, pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 130-1.1 (b), the sanction is imposed upon Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, the “firm . . . with which the attorney is associated.”
The frivolous conduct of HSBC and Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC is detailed in my prior decision and order in this action (32 Misc 3d 1208 (A) [July 1, 2011]). Further, I conducted a hearing on July 15, 2011, to give HSBC, Frank M. Cassara, Esq. and Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC a “a reasonable opportunity to be heard” before any imposition of sanctions, pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 130-1.1 (d).
This decision and order is based upon my review of the minutes of the July 15, 2011 Part 130 hearing, my prior orders and decisions in the instant matter and my review of affidavits and memoranda of law submitted by counsel for HSBC and Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC. Therefore, pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 130-1.2, this is the “written decision setting forth the conduct on which the award or imposition [of sanctions] is based, the reasons why the court found the conduct to be frivolous, and the reasons why the court found the amount awarded or imposed to be appropriate.”
Plaintiff HSBC moved in this foreclosure action, upon the default of all defendants, for an order of reference and related relief for the premises located at 931 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, New York (Block 1632, Lot 57, County of Kings). On November 8, 2010, I issued a decision and order instructing plaintiff’s counsel, Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, to comply with the affirmation requirements of Administrative Order 548/10, issued, on October 20, 2010, by then Chief Administrative Judge Ann T. Pfau. Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC was ordered to submit the required affirmation “within sixty (60) days of this decision and order, or the instant foreclosure action will be dismissed with prejudice.” Moreover, my decision and order mandated, with respect to the attorney’s affirmation, that: [*2]
plaintiff’s counsel to state that he communicated on a specific date
with a named representative of plaintiff HSBC who informed counsel
that he or she:
(a) has personally reviewed plaintiff’s documents and records
relating to this case; (b) has reviewed the Summons and
Complaint, and all other papers filed in this matter in support
of foreclosure; and, (c) has confirmed both the factual accuracy
of these court filings and the accuracy of the notarizations
contained therein.
Further, plaintiff’s counsel, based upon his or her communication
with plaintiff’s representative named above must upon his or her
“inspection of the papers filed with the Court and other diligent
inquiry, . . . certify that, to the best of [his or her] knowledge, information
and belief, the Summons and Complaint filed in support of this action
for foreclosure are complete and accurate in all relevant respect.”
Counsel is reminded that the new standard Court affirmation form
states in a note at the top of the first page:
During and after August 2010, numerous and widespread
insufficiencies in foreclosure filings in various courts around the
nation were reported by major mortgage lenders and other authorities.
These insufficiencies include: failure of plaintiffs and their counsel
to review documents and files to establish standing and other foreclosure requisites; filing of notarized affidavits which falsely attest to such
review and to other critical facts in the foreclosure process; and
“robosigning” of documents by parties and counsel. The wrongful
filing and prosecution of foreclosure proceedings which are discovered
to suffer from these defects may be cause for disciplinary and other
sanctions upon participating counsel. [Emphasis added]
The Office of Court Administration, in its October 20, 2010 press release about the
new affirmation requirement, stated that the new attorney affirmation filing requirement was instituted:
to protect the integrity of the foreclosure process and prevent wrongful foreclosures . . . The new filing requirement was introduced by the Chief [*3]
Judge in response to recent disclosures by major mortgage lenders of
significant insufficiencies — including widespread deficiencies in
notarization and “robosigning” of supporting documents — in residential
foreclosure filings in courts nationwide . . .
Chief Judge Lippman said, “We cannot allow the courts
in New York State to stand by idly and be party to what we now
know is a deeply flawed process, especially when that process
involves basic human needs — such as a family home — during
this period of economic crisis. This new filing requirement will
play a vital role in ensuring that the documents judges rely on will
be thoroughly examined, accurate, and error-free before any judge
is asked to take the drastic step of foreclosure.” [Emphasis added]
On January 7, 2011, HSBC’s deadline day to submit the required affirmation, Mr.
Cassara, of Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, submitted to my chambers the required affirmation. Mr. Cassara, affirmed “under the penalties of perjury”:
2. On January 4, 2011 and January 5, 2011, I communicated with
the following representative or representatives of Plaintiff, who informed
me that he/she/they (a) personally reviewed plaintiff’s documents and
records relating to this case for factual accuracy; and (b) confirmed
the factual accuracy and allegations set forth in the Complaint and
any supporting affirmations filed with the Court, as well as the accuracy
of the notarizations contained in the supporting documents filed there with.
Christina Carter Manager of Account Management
3. Based upon my communication with Christina Carter, as well
as upon my inspection and reasonable inquiry under the circumstances,
I affirm that, to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the
Summons and Complaint, and other papers filed or submitted to the
Court in this matter contain no false statements of fact or law . . .
4. I am aware of my obligations under New York Rules of Professional
Conduct (22 NYCRR Part 1200) and 22 NYCRR Part 130. [Emphasis [*4]
added]
However, the Court discovered problems with Mr. Cassara’s affirmation and the subject foreclosure action. Plaintiff HSBC lacked standing to commence the instant foreclosure action because the assignment to HSBC of the subject mortgage and note by MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (MERS) was without legal authority. MERS never possessed the TAHER note it allegedly assigned to plaintiff HSBC. Therefore, the Court dismissed the instant action with prejudice because HSBC did not have standing to commence the action.
Then, I held at * 2-3, of my July 1, 2011 decision and order:
Mr. Cassara’s affirmation, affirmed “under the penalties of
perjury,” that to the best of Mr. Cassara’s “knowledge, information,
and belief, the Summons and Complaint, and other papers filed or
submitted to the Court in this matter contain no false statements of
fact or law,” is patently false. Moreover, the Court is troubled that:
the alleged representative of plaintiff HSBC, Christina Carter, who
according to Mr. Cassara, “confirmed the factual accuracy and
allegations set forth in the Complaint and any supporting affirmations
filed with the Court, as well as the accuracy of the notarizations
contained in the supporting documents filed therewith,“is not an
employee of HSBC, but a robosigner employed by OCWEN LOAN
SERVICING, LLC [OCWEN], whose signature on legal documents
has at least three variations; the MERS to plaintiff HSBC assignment
of the subject mortgage and note was executed by Scott W. Anderson,
a known robosigner and OCWEN employee, whose signature is
reported to have appeared in at least four different variations on
mortgage assignments; and, the instant affidavit of merit was executed
by Margery Rotundo, another robosigner, OCWEN employee and self-
alleged employee of various other banking entities . . .
Last month, on May 19, 2011, in a case involving a defective
MERS to HSBC assignment by a robosigner, Maine’s highest court,
the Supreme Judicial Court, found that HSBC’s affidavits and the
assignment of the note and mortgage by MERS to HSBC contained
serious defects. The Maine Court held “that the affidavits submitted [*5]
by HSBC contain serious irregularities that make them inherently
untrustworthy.” (HSBC Mortg. Services, Inc. v Murphy, 19 A3d 815,
820). HSBC has a history of foreclosure actions before me with
affidavits of merit executed by Margery Rotundo and MERS to
HSBC assignments executed by Scott Anderson that “contain serious
irregularities that make them inherently untrustworthy.” Moreover,
Mr. Cassara was put on notice, in my November 8, 2010 decision and
order, that “[t]he wrongful filing and prosecution of foreclosure
proceedings which are discovered to suffer from these defects may
be cause for disciplinary and other sanctions upon participating counsel.”
Moreover, in my July 1, 2011 decision and order, at * 3, I emphasized to plaintiff HSBC’s counsel that:
Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, in the Office of Court
Administration’s October 20, 2010 press release about the issuance of
Administrative Order 548/10 and the need for plaintiff’s counsel in
foreclosure actions to verify the accuracy of supporting documents,
stated that “[w]e cannot allow the courts in New York State to stand by
idly and be party to what we now know is a deeply flawed process,
especially when that process involves basic human needs — such as
a family home — during this period of economic crisis.” Frivolous
conduct, as defined by 22 NYCRR § 130.1.1 (c), includes conduct that
“is completely without merit in law” and “asserts material factual
statements that are false.” Further, the Part 130 rules are intended to
stop the waste of judicial resources, which appears to have occurred in
the TAHER foreclosure action. In the instant action: the assignment of
the subject mortgage and note by MERS to HSBC is without legal
authority; HSBC’s continued use of robo-signers “is completely without
merit in law”; plaintiff HSBC “asserts material factual statements that
are false”; and, the continuation of this case with all its defects is a
waste of judicial resources. Therefore, plaintiff HSBC’s President and
Chief Executive Officer, Irene M. Dorner, its counsel, Frank M. Cassara, [*6]
Esq., and his firm, Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, will be given an
opportunity to be heard why this Court should not sanction them for
making a “frivolous motion,” pursuant to 22 NYCRR §130-1.1.
In my July 1, 2011 decision and order, I found that defendant TAHER’s lender, DELTA FUNDING CORPORATION (DELTA), pursuant to the terms of a consolidation, extension and modification agreement, not MERS, was the “Note Holder.” Despite this, MERS assigned DELTA’s consolidation, extension and modification agreement and note to HSBC, in an assignment executed by Scott W. Anderson, as “Senior Vice President of Residential Loan Servicing” for “MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATIONS SYSTEMS, INC., as nominee for DELTA FUNDING CORPORATION by its attorney-in-fact OCWEN LOAN SERVING, LLC.” I noted that both assignor MERS and assignee HSBC have the same address, 1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, which is OCWEN’s address. Also, Mr.
Anderson’s assignment referred to a recorded power of attorney from DELTA to OCWEN, which upon my inspection proved to be a limited power of attorney from DELTA to OCWEN for a different address.
With respect to robosigner Scott Anderson, I observed in my July 1, 2011 decision and order, at * 5, that:
the Ohio Court of Appeals, Second District, Montgomery County
(2010 WL 3451130, 2010-Ohio-4158, lv denied 17 Ohio St.3d 1532
[2011]), affirmed the denial of a foreclosure, sought by plaintiff
HSBC, because of numerous irregularities. The Ohio Court, in
citing four decisions by this Court [three of the four involved Scott
Anderson as assignor] summarized some of this Court’s prior concerns
with HSBC and Mr. Anderson, in observing, at * 11:
recent decisions in the State of New York have noted numerous
irregularities in HSBC’s mortgage documentation and corporate
relationships with Ocwen, MERS, and Delta. See, e.g., HSBC
Bank USA, N.A. v Cherry (2007), 18 Misc 3d 1102 (A) [Scott
Anderson assignor] and HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v Yeasmin
(2010), 27 Misc 3d 1227 (A) (dismissing HSBC’s requests for
orders of reference in mortgage foreclosure actions, due to
HSBC’s failure to provide proper affidavits). See, also, e.g.,
HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v Charlevagne (2008), 20 Misc 3d
1128 (A) [Scott Anderson assignor] and HSBC Bank USA,
N.A. v Antrobus (2008), 20 Misc 3d 1127 (A) [Scott Anderson
assignor] (describing “possible incestuous relationship” between
HSBC Bank, Ocwen Loan Servicing, Delta Funding Corporation, [*7]
and Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., due to the fact
that the entities all share the same office space at 1661 Worthington
Road, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, Florida. HSBC also supplied
affidavits in support of foreclosure from individuals who
claimed simultaneously to be officers of more than one of these corporations.).
I reviewed Scott Anderson’s signature in the instant MERS to HSBC assignment and then went to the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) of the New York City Register to compare Mr. Anderson’s signature with that used in five prior Scott Anderson foreclosure cases decided by this Court. I found that Mr. Anderson used five variations of his initials, “SA,” but never signed his name in full.
Also, I found that Margery Rotundo, who executed the April 27, 2009 affidavit of merit and amount due in the instant action, at * 7 of my July 1, 2011 decision and order, had “in prior foreclosure cases before me, a history of alleging to be the Senior Vice President of various entities, including plaintiff HSBC, Nomura Credit & Capital, Inc. and an unnamed servicing agent for HSBC. In the instant action she claims to be the Senior Vice President of Residential Loss Mitigation of OCWEN, HSBC’s servicing agent.”
Then, with respect to Christina Carter, at * 8 of my July 1, 2011 decision and order, I observed:
Mr. Cassara, plaintiff’s counsel affirmed that “On January 4,
2011 and January 5, 2011, I communicated with the following
representative . . . of Plaintiff . . . Christina Carter . . . Manager of
Account Management.” This is disingenuous. Ms. Carter is not
employed by plaintiff, but by OCWEN. She executed documents as
an officer of MERS and as an employee of OCWEN. Ms. Carter’s
signature on documents is suspect because of the variations of her
signature used.
This Court examined eight recent documents that exhibit
three different variations of Christina Carter’s signature.
In my July 1, 2011 decision and order, I explained in detail why HSBC failed to have standing to assign the subject mortgage and note, holding at * 10, that “[i]n the instant action, even if MERS had authority to transfer the mortgage to HSBC, DELTA, not MERS, is the note holder. Therefore, MERS cannot transfer something it never proved it possessed.” I cited Aurora Loan Services, LLC v Weisblum (85 AD3d 95, 108 [2d Dept May 14, 2011]), which holds:
In order to commence a foreclosure action, the plaintiff must
have a legal or equitable interest in the mortgage (see Wells Fargo
Bank, N.A. v Marchione, 69 AD3d, 204, 207 [2d Dept 2009]). A
plaintiff has standing where it is both (1) the holder or assignee of
the subject mortgage and (2) the holder or assignee of the underlying
note, either by physical delivery or execution of a written assignment
prior to the commencement of the action with the filing of the complaint
(see Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v Marchione, 69 AD3d at 207-209; U.S. [*8]
Bank v Collymore, 68 AD3d 752, 754 [2d Dept 2009].)
Moreover, in my July 1, 2011 decision and order, with respect to the authority of MERS as nominee to assign a mortgage and note, I held, at * 10:
Scott Anderson for MERS as assignor, did not have specific
authority to sign the TAHER mortgage. Under the terms of the
consolidation, extension and modification agreement, MERS is
“acting solely as nominee for Lender [DELTA].” The alleged power
of attorney cited in the Scott Anderson MERS to HSBC assignment,
as described above, is a limited power of attorney from DELTA to
OCWEN for the premises located at 14 Harden Street, Brooklyn,
New York, not the subject premises. MERS is not mentioned or
involved with this limited power of attorney. In both underlying
TAHER mortgages MERS was “acting solely as a nominee for
Lender,” which is DELTA. The term “nominee” is defined as “[a]
person designated to act in place of another, usu. in a very limited
way” or “[a] party who holds bare legal title for the benefit of others.”
(Black’s Law Dictionary 1076 [8th ed 2004]). “This definition suggests
that a nominee possesses few or no legally enforceable rights beyond
those of a principal whom the nominee serves.” (Landmark National Bank v Kesler, 289 Kan 528, 538 [2009]).
Then, I held, at * 12-13 of my July 1, 2011 decision and order, that MERS, as DELTA’s nominee, its agent for limited purposes, lacked authority to assign the TAHER consolidation, extension and modification agreement, because:
several weeks ago, the Appellate Division, Second Department in
Bank of New York v Silverberg, (86 AD3d 274 [June 7, 2011]),
confronted the issue of “whether a party has standing to commence
a foreclosure action when that party’s assignor—in this case, Mortgage
Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (hereinafter MERS)—was listed
in the underlying mortgage instruments as a nominee and mortgagee
for the purpose of recording, but was never the actual holder or
assignee of the underlying notes.” The Court held, “[w]e answer
this question in the negative.” Silverberg, similar to the instant [*9]
TAHER matter, deals with the foreclosure of a mortgage with a
consolidation, modification and extension agreement. MERS, in
the Silverberg case and the instant TAHER action, never had title
or possession of the Note and the definition of “Note Holder” is
substantially the same in both consolidation, extension and modification agreements. The Silverberg Court instructed, at 281-282:
the assignment of the notes was thus beyond MERS’s authority
as nominee or agent of the lender (see Aurora Loan Servs.,
LLC v Weisblum, 2011 NY Slip Op 04184, *6-7 [2d Dept
2011]; HSBC Bank USA v Squitteri, 29 Misc 3d 1225 [A]
[Sup Ct, Kings County, F. Rivera, J.]; ; LNV Corp. v Madison
Real Estate, LLC, 2010 NY Slip Op 33376 [U] [Sup Ct, New
York County 2010, York, J.]; LPP Mtge. Ltd. v Sabine Props.,
LLC, 2010 NY Slip Op 32367 [U] [Sup Ct, New York County
2010, Madden, J.]; Bank of NY v Mulligan, 28 Misc 3d 1226 [A]
[Sup Ct, Kings County 2010, Schack, J.]; One West Bank,
F.S.B., v Drayton, 29 Misc 3d 1021[Sup Ct, Kings County
2010, Schack, J.]; Bank of NY v Alderazi, 28 Misc 3d 376,
379-380 [Sup Ct, Kings County 2010, Saitta, J.] [the “party
who claims to be the agent of another bears the burden of
proving the agency relationship by a preponderance of the
evidence”]; HSBC Bank USA v Yeasmin, 24 Misc 3d 1239 [A]
[Sup Ct, Kings County 2010, Schack, J.]; HSBC Bank USA,
N.A. v Vasquez, 24 Misc 3d 1239 [A], [Sup Ct, Kings County
2009, Schack, J.]; Bank of NY v Trezza, 14 Misc 3d 1201 [A]
[Sup Ct, Suffolk County 2006, Mayer, J.]; La Salle Bank Natl.
Assn. v Lamy, 12 Misc 3d 1191 [A] [Sup Ct, Suffolk County,
2006, Burke, J.]; Matter of Agard, 444 BR 231 [Bankruptcy
Court, ED NY 2011, Grossman, J.]; but see U.S. Bank N.A. v
Flynn, 27 Misc 3d 802 [Sup Ct, Suffolk County 2011, Whelan,
J.]).
Moreover, the Silverberg Court concluded, at 283, that “because [*10]
MERS was never the lawful holder or assignee of the notes described
and identified in the consolidation agreement, the . . . assignment of
mortgage is a nullity, and MERS was without authority to assign the
power to foreclose to the plaintiff. Consequently, the plaintiff failed
to show that it had standing to foreclose.” Further, the Silverberg
Court observed, at 283, “the law must not yield to expediency and
the convenience of lending institutions. Proper procedures must
be followed to ensure the reliability of the chain of ownership, to secure
the dependable transfer of property, and to assure the enforcement of
the rules that govern real property.” [Emphasis added]
Therefore, the instant action is dismissed with prejudice.
Thus, because of: the defects found in Mr. Cassara’s January 6, 2011 affirmation,
affirmed, “under the penalties of perjury”; the warning to plaintiff’s counsel that “[t]he wrongful filing and prosecution of foreclosure proceedings which are discovered to suffer from these defects may be cause for disciplinary and other sanctions upon participating counsel”; plaintiff HSBC’s lack of standing to bring the instant action; plaintiff HSBC’s complaint being replete with false statements, such as alleging its offices were located at 1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, which is actually OCWEN’s office, and that it owned the TAHER note, which it did not; the use in the instant foreclosure of three robosigners – Scott Anderson, Margery Rotundo and Christina Carter; and, the waste of judicial resources, in this matter, with defective paperwork and robosigners; I ordered, at * 17, of my July 1, 2011 decision and order, that:
the Court will examine the conduct of plaintiff HSBC and plaintiff’s
counsel, in a hearing, pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 130-1.1, to determine
if plaintiff HSBC, by its President and CEO, Irene M. Dorner, and
plaintiff’s counsel Frank M. Cassara, Esq. and his firm Shapiro, DiCaro
& Barak, LLC, engaged in frivolous conduct, and to allow plaintiff
HSBC, by its President and CEO, Irene M. Dorner, and plaintiff’s
counsel Frank M. Cassara, Esq. and his firm Shapiro, DiCaro &
Barak, LLC a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
With respect to HSBC’s President and CEO, Irene M. Dorner, I noted, at * 17 of my July 1, 2011 decision and order:
plaintiff HSBC’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
bears a measure of responsibility for plaintiff’s actions, as well as
plaintiff’s counsel . . . Dorner . . . is HSBC’s “captain of the ship.”
She should not only take credit for the fruits of HSBC’s victories but
must bear some responsibility for its defeats and mistakes. According
to HSBC’s 2010 Form 10-K, dated December 31, 2010, and filed with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2011, [*11]
at p. 255, “Ms. Dorner’s insight and particular knowledge of HSBC
USA’s operations are critical to an effective Board of Directors” and
Ms. Dorner “has many years of experience in leadership positions
with HSBC and extensive global experience with HSBC, which is
highly relevant as we seek to operate our core businesses in support
of HSBC’s global strategy.” HSBC needs to have a “global strategy”
of filing truthful documents and not wasting the very limited resources
of the Courts. For her responsibility she earns a handsome compensation
package. According to the 2010 Form 10-K, at pp. 276-277, she earned
in 2010 total compensation of $2,306,723. This included, among other
things: a base salary of $566,346; a discretionary bonus of $760,417;
and, other compensation such as $560 for financial planning and
executive tax services; $40,637 for executive travel allowance,
$24,195 for housing and furniture allowance, $39,399 for relocation
expenses and $3,754 for executive physical and medical expenses.
Opposition papers to sanctions
OCWEN, as attorney-in-fact for HSBC, on July 12, 2011, substituted Ruppe, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham, Coppola, LLC for Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, as counsel for HSBC. Ruppe, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham, Coppola, LLC submitted to the Court papers opposing sanctions against HSBC.
However, it appears to the Court that HSBC was never notified by OCWEN or Ruppe, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham, Coppola, LLC that they were being represented at the July 15, 2011 hearing. On July 15, 2011, at about 12:40 P.M., less than two hours before the sanctions hearing was scheduled to commence, a messenger from the “white-shoe” law firm Mayer Brown, LLP delivered to my chambers, an affidavit, with exhibits, executed that day by Thomas Musarra, alleging to be “a senior vice president of HSBC Bank USA” and “the head of HSBC’s Corporate Trust and Loan Agency Transaction Management Department, the unit responsible for HSBC’s work as trustee or indenture trustee in residential mortgage-backed securities transactions.” Mr. Mussara “being duly sworn” states, in ¶ 4, of his affidavit that “[m]y department has no record of the loan to defendant Eileen Taher being brought to our attention by the Servicer [OCWEN] or otherwise until last week.” Michael Ware, Esq., of Mayer Brown, LLP, in his Memorandum of Law, attached to the Musarra affidavit, claims that his Memorandum of Law was submitted for HSBC and Irene M. Dorner “in its corporate capacity and not as Indenture Trustee for the Registered Noteholders of Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-2.”
However, Mayer Brown, LLP, pursuant to CPLR § 1013, never moved by motion to intervene in the instant action for HSBC “in its corporate capacity and not as Indenture Trustee for the Registered Noteholders of Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-2,” if that is even possible. The poet Gertrude Stein wrote in Sacred Emily that a “Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose” and William Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet that “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” HSBC, whether in its corporate capacity or as an Indenture Trustee, is HSBC, whether it smells sweet or otherwise. Therefore, HSBC is HSBC is HSBC is HSBC.
Goldberg Segalla, LLP represented Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC and Frank M. Cassara, [*12]Esq. at the July 15, 2011 hearing. John A. DiCaro, Esq., a member of Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, submitted an affidavit and memorandum of law opposing sanctions.
Plaintiff HSBC’s various counsel and Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, in their opposition affidavits and memoranda of law, devote most of their opposition to my rationale for the July 1, 2011 decision and order, dismissing the instant action with prejudice and ordering a Part 130 sanctions hearing. I will not engage in debate with counsel for HSBC or Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC about my reasoning in the July 1, 2011 decision and order. As of today, neither HSBC’s counsel, whether it is Ruppe, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham, Coppola, LLC or Mayer Brown, LLP, nor Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC have moved for leave to renew or reargue my July 1, 2011 decision and order or file a notice of appeal. If HSBC’s various counsel and/or Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC dispute any part of my July 1, 2011 decision and order, why are they sitting on their hands?
Further, as indicated by the Musarra affidavit and the Michael Ware Memorandum of Law, HSBC sounds like a combination of Pontius Pilate and Sergeant Schultz in the classic 1960’s television comedy, Hogan’s Heroes. HSBC washes its hands of any responsibility and places any blame upon OCWEN, its servicer for the TAHER mortgage. To paraphrase Matthew 27:24, in the New Testament, “when HSBC saw that it could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, it took water, and washed its hands before the multitude, saying, ‘I am innocent of responsibility and should not be sanctioned.'” John Banner, the actor who played the inept Sergeant Hans Schultz, a guard in World War II’s Stalag 13, would feign ignorance about the escapades of his Allied prisoners by telling his commandant, Colonel Klink, “I know nothing! Nothing!”Moreover, Mr. Ware, in his Memorandum of Law, at page 3, states that “[t]he
administration of mortgage loans owned by the Trust is Ocwen’s responsibility under the Servicing Agreement reproduced as Musarra Ex. B” and “[g]iven the respective responsibilities of the Indenture Trustee and the Servicer, it is no suprise that the Taher loan never came to the attention of the relevant department of HSBC until after the July 1 Order became public.” Mr. Ware, concludes, at page 5, “[I]f sanctionable misconduct took place here, the Court should bear in mind that neither HSBC nor Dorner was in any practical position to control the prosecution of this action.”
July 15, 2011 Part 130 hearing for costs and sanctions
The first issue I had to address at the July 15, 2011 Part 130 hearing was determining who represented HSBC. Marco Cercone, Esq. of Ruppe, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham, Coppola, LLC answered for HSBC and satisfactorily explained to my satisfaction that OCWEN’s Assistant General Counsel substituted Ruppe, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham, Coppola, LLC for Shapiro DiCaro & Barak, LLC, pursuant to a power of attorney from HSBC to OCWEN. I then addressed Mr. Ware, and asked him how he could represent HSBC, if Mr. Cercone represented HSBC. Mr. Ware attempted to make a distinction between HSBC as an indenture trustee and in its corporate capacity. The following colloquy took place at the hearing, p. 7, line 19 – p. 10, line [*13]22:
THE COURT: Wouldn’t you have to file for intervener
status by motion?
MR. WARE: Certainly. We read the order of July 1st as making
Irene Dorner a respondent at today’s hearing.
THE COURT: . . . I ordered Ms. Dorner to appear because she’s
the President and CEO of HSBC USA, N.A. as indenture trustee.
Whatever you call it, she’s the head of HSBC. We could agree on that?
MR. WARE: Yes.
THE COURT: She’s the President and CEO of HSBC USA.
They’re the indenture trustee. That’s what the caption said. As I
said in my decision, in effect, to look at HSBC as a firm. She’s the
captain of the ship. She has to take responsibility for the good and
bad, like the manager of a baseball team. If HSBC is a baseball
team, if the team wins, you get a lot more money, a lot of aggravation.
Your team come in last, you get fired, you’re gone, you’re history,
adios. That’s what she has to bear here.
Because I have problems here with this case, and I want to get
to the bottom of what happened, I haven’t made any rulings. I didn’t
say there should be sanctions. I want to give everybody a chance to
be heard it there’s sanctionable conduct here. That’s how my order
appears. So based on that, I know Mr. Cercone represents her. Since
now her attorney-in-fact is now substituting his firm for Shapiro and
DiCaro, and you’re suddenly telling me that they don’t represent Irene
Dorner, HSBC, fascinating.
So, who represents HSBC, your or him? I don’t know. Basically,
right now he does. He just proved to me he has a power of attorney.
So the only thing I could think of, if I can split that hair and allow you
to intervene on behalf of – – what I’ll call corporate HSBC, as opposed
to indenture trustee HSBC, is that you have to file a motion on papers,
which you have not. [*14]
MR. WARE: Well, I certainly appear, your Honor, for Ms. Dorner.
THE COURT: Well, I’ll cut through the chase because I read your
papers. For argument’s sake, let’s play this out to the end. Suppose I find
that HSBC did something that requires sanctions? Dismiss as a party?
I know Ms. Dorner is the President and CEO, not an individual. I know
I can’t sanction Ms. Dorner. If that’s what the company is, it’s HSBC
that I might be able to sanction, not Ms. Dorner as an individual. I’ll
grant you that much.
Now that we’ve got Ms. Dorner protected as an individual, but
not HSBC, how are you here in the case? You didn’t file to intervene.
Unless you pull a rabbit out of your hat, in about a moment, I am going
to ask you to leave.
You’re going to stay in the room, obviously. This is a public
courtroom, but I don’t see how you can sit at the table. You’re not in
the case. HSBC, is it your firm or Mr. Cercone’s firm? If you
want to confer with him, I’ll allow you a moment to confer with him.
MR. WARE: The foreclosure is entrusted to the servicer. Ocwen
as the servicer is entitled to control the action that is now dismissed.
THE COURT: Okay.
MR. WARE: So we’re here in the aftermath of the dismissal of
the action to address the issues in the order of July 1st.
THE COURT: To use your term aftermath, in the aftermath,
doesn’t Mr. Cercone speak for HSBC since they’re the parties in the
aftermath as indenture trustee, or are you telling me he doesn’t represent
HSBC, you do? Who represents HSBC or is this going to be – – let’s
throw Ocwen under the bus because we didn’t do anything. That seems
to be the defense.
The defense is we didn’t do anything. Ocwen did it. That’s
what you’re telling me.
MR. WARE: Well, it’s certainly true, as a matter of fact, your
Honor, that – – [*15]
THE COURT: That’s what you say.
Ultimately, I allowed Mr. Ware to sit in the well next to Mr. Cercone and act as his co-counsel, but not to intervene in the case, since “corporate” HSBC did not make a motion on notice to intervene. This was done after the following exchange, at p. 11, line 9 – p. 12, line 20.
THE COURT: But here’s the problem. HSBC’s name is in the
caption. They’re the Plaintiff as indenture trustee, et cetera. So now I
find there’s a question about what occurred in this particular case in
terms of whether or not there’s something that is sanctionable.
The question is somebody has to represent HSBC. Mr. Cercone
has been substituted for Shapiro and DiCaro. He showed me the power
of attorney as I asked him to do. You magically appear.
Somebody gives these papers to me at 12:40 this afternoon, and
you say Mayer Brown, LLP is the attorney for HSBC in its corporate
capacity and not as an indenture trustee, but nowhere in the caption did
I see HSBC in its corporate capacity as a party. Therefore, you’re
attempting to intervene without making a motion.
MR. WARE: I understand you’re point, your Honor. Let me
make one point on it and then a suggestion, which is that we thought
the reading of the order of July 1st is that the bank’s assets were
imperiled by this order.
THE COURT: Imperiled. You know HSBC is a corporation.
They can afford to pay Ms. Dorner $2.3 million a year without blinking
an eyelash. What’s the worst that Judge Schack can do? Sanction them?
What’s the worst I can sanction the bank? $10,000. I don’t think it’s
going to affect the bottom line too much.
Right now . . . HSBC will not file for chapter 11 because of
whatever I do one way or the other.
MR. WARE: HSBC didn’t even get touched, your Honor.
THE COURT: I’m glad to hear that.
MR. WARE: I would be happy to be of counsel to him [Mr.
Cercone] with him as trial counsel and counsel of record for HSBC Bank.
With HSBC’s representation finally resolved, the Court inquired about HSBC’s missing President and CEO, Irene M. Dorner, who was ordered, in my July 1, 2011 decision and order, to [*16]appear for the Part 130 hearing. The following colloquy took place, at p. 15, line 1 – p. 16, line 2:
THE COURT: Now we come to why I brought everybody here.
Let me ask Mr. Cercone a question. I have obviously counsel here, Mr.
Cassara, and we have Shapiro DiCaro and Barak. You’re producing
Ms. Dorner on behalf of HSBC?
MR. CERCONE: I am not, Judge. She’s out of the country;
she’s unavailable.
THE COURT: Where out of the country?
MR. CERCONE: I do not know.
THE COURT: You don’t communicate with your client?
MR. CERCONE: I have not communicated with Ms. Dorner.
THE COURT: Maybe you can whisper in his [Mr. Ware, seated
next to Mr. Cercone] ear, and he can whisper something to you. Maybe
he knows where she is.
MR. CERCONE: She’s aware, and she appeared by counsel.
THE COURT: She’s aware. Is she away or on the lam? Where
is she? She’s not here.
MR. CERCONE: She’s not here, Judge.
THE COURT: Why is she violating the court order?
MR. CERCONE: I don’t believe she’s violating the court order,
Judge, because she’s here by counsel.
THE COURT: That’s your opinion for the moment.
Then, the Court reviewed the factual history of the case, including: the use of robosigners Christina Carter and Scott Anderson; HSBC’s lack of standing with the ineffective MERS to HSBC assignment; and, HSBC’s admission, in a prior case before me, HSBC Bank USA v Yeasmin, 24 Misc 3d 1239 (A), that HSBC doesn’t properly determine risk when buying mortgage loans in default. I then made the following statement, at p. 20, line 19 – p. 21, line 16:
Why do I have to waste my time on this? You know we have very
limited resources in our court system. You saw it today. We had to
wait to get a court officer. We probably have 25 less court officers in
this building now, approximately. I don’t know the number we had last
year at this time.
Between buy-outs, people retired, layoffs, the government and [*17]
legislative cuts, the Court’s budget, we have to cut off trials at 4:30, but
the workload increases. So we’re busy. I would like to have serious
cases that have serious issues to deal with rather than deal with these
things which are ridiculous. But I have to deal with this foreclosure.
I have to deal with what is in front of me.
That’s why I have a question of whether or not the conduct that
occurred here . . . is sanctionable, whether it be by HSBC or its attorneys.
That’s why I called for this hearing. So my first question would be with
respect to Shapiro and DiCaro, and Mr. Cassara. My question is, how
could I get an affirmation on whether everything is accurate when it’s not?
Mr. Cassara was sworn in a witness and questioned by his counsel. After his attorney asked questions, I then inquired about HSBC’s use of robosigners, Scott Anderson, Margery Rotundo and Christina Carter. The following exchange took place at p. 25, line 11 – p. 28, line 2:
THE COURT: You gave me an affirmation, as I mentioned, dated
January 6, 2011, and you say you spoke to a representative of Plaintiff.
How come you didn’t say she worked for Ocwen?
THE WITNESS: To be honest with you, Your Honor, when
the word representative of the Plaintiff – – Ocwen is their authorized
agent to handle their loan servicing , and I believed, and I still believe
that representative meant someone who represents – –
THE COURT: Don’t you think it would be helpful for the Court
when you put her name in here [the Affirmation] if it said Manager of
Account Management for Ocwen Loan Servicing as servicer or something
to that effect?
THE WITNESS: Now, yes, your Honor. Now I believe if the
Court would have inquired, I would have indicated such, to be honest
with you. At the time, and I still do believe, the word representative
meant the servicing agent or any party – –
THE COURT: Put the Court to the side for a moment. Somebody
is the reader of this affirmation. And they see the name Christina Carter
is the person you spoke to and communicated with. It says, “Manager of
Account Management.”
Wouldn’t somebody assume she’s employed by HSBC, not [*18]
another entity?
THE WITNESS: To be honest with you, your Honor, I believe
that a representative of the Plaintiff was the servicer. There was no
intent to deceive, certainly – –
THE COURT: Doesn’t it sort of fog the issue or create some
confusion that she does not work for HSBC?
THE WITNESS: Your Honor, I believe she was a representative
of the Plaintiff, that’s sincere.
THE COURT: Then you say everything is accurate. . . the assignor
has the same address as the assignee.
That’s a little bizarre, or try it another way. Scott Anderson, how
does he become both the assignor and the assignee?
THE WITNESS: I’m sorry, your Honor – –
THE COURT: Scott Anderson is the alleged Vice President of
MERS. Are you aware that he is employed by Ocwen?
THE WITNESS: Yes.
THE COURT: And he’s the assignor. Who is the assignee of
Ocwen? Isn’t he conflicted?
THE WITNESS: I’m not following.
THE COURT: Scott Anderson is not conflicted?
THE WITNESS: Your Honor, I believe – –
THE COURT: You believe he is?
THE WITNESS: I don’t know the answer.
THE COURT: Better speak up. That’s one question. Margery
Rotundo signed the affidavit of merit. You’re aware of the fact that
she wears three or four different corporate hats in cases before me?
THE WITNESS: I was not aware or do not recall it was.
THE COURT: And then you’ve got Christina Carter who wears
many hats. This woman you spoke to, are you aware of that also?
THE WITNESS: I was not aware of that as well.
THE COURT: So you’re not aware of that?
THE WITNESS: Okay. [*19]
After further attempts by counsel for HSBC and Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC to argue about the rationale for my July 1, 2011 decision and order, I concluded the hearing and reserved decision.
Frivolous conduct and 22 NYCRR § 130-1.1
22 NYCRR § 130-1.1 (a) allows the Court, in its discretion, to “impose financial
sanctions upon any party or attorney in a civil action or proceeding who engages in frivolous conduct as defined in this Part, which shall be payable as provided in section 130-1.3 of this Part.” 22 NYCRR § 130-1.1 (c) states that:
conduct is frivolous if: (1) it is completely without merit in law and cannot be supported by a reasonable argument for an extension, modification or reversal of existing law;
(2) it is undertaken primarily to delay or prolong the resolution of the litigation, or to harass or maliciously injure another; or
(3) it asserts material factual statements that are false.
Conduct is frivolous and can be sanctioned under the above court rule if “it is completely without merit . . . and cannot be supported by a reasonable argument for an extension, modification or reversal of existing law.” (Gordon v Marrone, 202 AD2d 104, 110 [2d Dept 1994] lv denied 84 NY2d 813 [1995]). (See RKO Properties v Boymelgreen, 77 AD3d 721 [2d Dept 2010]; Finkelman v SBRE, LLC, 71 AD3d 1081 [2d Dept 2010]; Glenn v Annunziata, 53 AD3d 565 [2d Dept July 15, 2008]; Miller v Dugan, 27 AD3d 429 [2d Dept 2006]; Greene v Doral Conference Center Associates, 18 AD3d 429 [2d Dept 2005]; Ofman v Campos, 12 AD3d 581 [2d Dept 2006]).
In determining if sanctions are appropriate, the Court must look at the broad pattern of conduct by the offending attorneys or parties. (Levy v Carol Management Corporation, 260 AD2d 27 [1d Dept 1999]). The Levy Court, at 33, held that, “22
NYCRR 130-1.1 allows us to exercise our discretion to impose costs and sanctions on an errant party under circumstances particularly applicable here. The relief may include, inter alia, sanctions against the offending party or its attorney (22 NYCRR 130-1.1 [1]) in an amount to be determined by us, which we would make payable to the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection (22 NYCRR 130-1.3)” Further, the Levy Court instructed, at 34, that “[s]anctions are retributive, in that they punish past conduct. They also are goal oriented, in that they are useful in deterring future frivolous conduct not only by the particular parties, but also by the Bar at large.” The Court, in Kernisan, M.D. v Taylor (171 AD2d 869 [2d Dept 1991]), noted that the intent of the Part 130 Rules “is to prevent the waste of judicial resources and to deter vexatious litigation and dilatory or malicious litigation tactics (cf. Minister, Elders & Deacons of Refm. Prot. Church of City of New York v 198 Broadway, 76 NY2d 411; see Steiner v Bonhamer, 146 Misc 2d 10) [Emphasis added].”
Clearly, the pattern of conduct in the instant action by plaintiff HSBC is subject to sanctions. [*20]HSBC’s use of robsigners is “completely without merit in law or fact.” In my July 1, 2011 decision and order I documented the conflicted conduct of robosigners Scott Anderson, Margery Rotundo and Christina Carter and signature variations used by Scott Anderson and Christina Carter. Further, the attempt of “corporate” HSBC to intervene on July 15, 2011 without making a motion on notice is “without merit in law” and “a waste of judicial resources.”
While the Court cannot sanction HSBC’s President and CEO Irene Dorner, since she appeared by counsel, her conduct by failing to appear at the July 15, 2011 hearing without any reasonable explanation is without merit. As the leader of HSBC she could have shed some light on what happened in this action. She was missing in action, demonstrating her personal contempt for the Supreme Court of the State of New York. Mr. Cercone, her counsel, stated she was out of the country, but aware of the Court hearing. However, he stated “I have not communicated with Ms. Dorner.” Therefore, how did he know she was aware of the hearing or even out of country?
Moreover, HSBC’s Pontius Pilate/Sergeant Schultz defense is absurd. The case caption states that HSBC is the plaintiff, not OCWEN. If HSBC has its name on the caption, it can’t claim ignorance. HSBC as plaintiff is responsible for the actions of its agents, such as OCWEN. Mr. Ware’s claim that “neither HSBC not Dorner was in any practical position to control the prosecution of this action” is ludicrous. This does not absolve HSBC of its corporate sins. If HSBC is a ship, Ms. Dorner is the Captain and responsible for both the good and the bad. However, in the instant action, HSBC appears to be the RMS Titanic. Ms. Dorner, unlike Captain Edward Smith of the RMS Titanic, did not go down with the ship after it struck an iceberg.
Further, plaintiff HSBC and its counsel, Shapiro DiCaro & Barak, LLC, engaged in frivolous conduct by asserting false material representations, including claims that HSBC: owned the TAHER note; had standing to prosecute the instant action; and, had offices at 1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 [OCWEN’s offices]. Further, in Mr. Cassara’s January 6, 2011 affirmation “under the penalties of perjury” he asserted that an OCWEN employee, robosigner Christiana Carter, was a representative of HSBC and that the best of Mr. Cassara’s “knowledge, information, and
belief, the Summons and Complaint, and other papers filed or submitted to the Court in this matter contain no false statements of fact or law.” “Nothing could more aptly be described as conduct completely without merit in fact’ than the giving of sworn testimony or providing an affidavit, knowing the same to be false, on a material issue.” (Sanders v Copley, 194 AD2d 85, 88 [1d Dept 1993]). Conduct of counsel is “frivolous because it was without merit in law and involved the assertion of misleading factual statements.” (Curcio v J.P. Hogan Coring & Sawing Corp., 303 AD2d 357, 358 [2d Dept 2003]).
In Navin v Mosquera (30 AD3d 883 [3d Dept 2006]), the Court instructed that when considering if specific conduct is sanctionable as frivolous, “courts are required to
examine whether or not the conduct was continued when its lack of legal or factual basis was apparent [or] should have been apparent’ (22 NYCRR 130-1.1 [c]).” In Sakow ex rel. Columbia Bagel, Inc. v Columbia Bagel, Inc. (6 Misc 3d 939, 943 [Sup Ct, New York County 2004]), the Court held that “[i]n assessing whether to award sanctions, the Court must consider whether the attorney adhered to the standards of a reasonable attorney (Principe v Assay Partners, 154 Misc [*21]2d 702 [Sup Ct, NY County 1992]).” In the instant action, a reasonable attorney would not have affirmed under penalties of perjury that Christina Cater was a representative of HSBC, but would explain that she was an employee of its servicer, OCWEN. Therefore, the course of conduct of Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, and Frank Cassara, Esq., in the instant action, was not reasonable.
In this time of budgetary constraints, when our Courts have an increased caseload but less funding, the Court cannot countenance the continuation of actions which waste scarce judicial resources. Therefore, based upon the totality of frivolous conduct in this matter by plaintiff HSBC and its counsel, Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, the Court finds it is appropriate to impose sanctions of $10,000.00 upon plaintiff HSBC and $5,000.00 upon Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC.
Accordingly, it is
ORDERED that, after conducting a hearing on July 15, 2011, to determine if plaintiff HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-2, plaintiff’s counsel Frank M. Cassara, Esq. and his firm Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC engaged in “frivolous conduct,” as defined in the Rules of the Chief Administrator, 22 NYCRR § 130-1 (c) and that plaintiff HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-2, plaintiff’s counsel Frank M. Cassara, Esq. and his firm Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC were granted “a reasonable opportunity to be heard,” pursuant to the Rules of the Chief Administrator, 22 NYCRR § 130-1.1 (d), the Court finds that plaintiff HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-2 and the law firm of Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC engaged in “frivolous conduct,” as defined in 22 NYCRR § 130-1.1, in the instant matter; and it is further
ORDERED that plaintiff HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-2, pursuant to the Rules of the Chief Administrator, 22 NYCRR
§ 130-1.3, shall pay a sanction of $10,000.00, to the Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection, 119 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210, within thirty (30) days after service of this decision and order; and it is further
ORDERED that the law firm of Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, pursuant to the Rules of the Chief Administrator, 22 NYCRR § 130-1.3, shall pay a sanction of $5,000.00, to the Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection, 119 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210, within thirty (30) days after service of this decision and order; and it is further
ORDERED, that Ronald David Bratt, Esq., my Principal Law Clerk, is directed to serve this order by first-class mail, upon: Irene M. Dorner, President and Chief Executive Officer of plaintiff, HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-2, 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10018; and, Shapiro DiCaro & Barak, LLC, 250 Mile Crossing Boulevard, Suite One, Rochester, New York 14624. [*22]
This constitutes the Decision and Order of the Court.
Hon. Arthur M. SchackJ. S. C
[ipaper docId=76394426 access_key=key-1tpxiizxns7vihs5nlvi height=600 width=600 /]
HSBC v TAHER | Judge SCHACK Grand SLAM!! MERS, Plaintiff’s Counsel, Ocwen Robo-Signers Christina Carter, Scott Anderson, Margery Rotundo Dismissed w/ PREJUDICE
Posted on 06 July 2011. Tags: Arthur M. Schack, assignment of mortgage, Christina Carter, DICARO & BARAK, dismissed with prejudice, foreclosure fraud, forgery, Frank M. CassaraIrene M. Dorner, HSBC, judge arthur schack, judge schack, LLC, margery rotundo, MERS, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS INC., new york, notary fraud, ny supreme court, Paul Koches, Scott Anderson, shapiro
coup de gras
Decided on July 1, 2011
Supreme Court, Kings County
HSBC Bank USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-2
Ellen N. Taher, et. al.
On plaintiff HSBC’s deadline day, January 7, 2011, the 60th day after issuing my November 8, 2010 decision and order, plaintiff’s counsel, Frank M. Cassara, Esq., of Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, submitted to my chambers the required affirmation, pursuant to Chief Administrative Judge Pfau’s Administrative Order 548/10. Mr. Cassara, affirmed “under the penalties of perjury”:
The assignment of the subject mortgage and note to HSBC, by MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (MERS), in the instant foreclosure action is without legal authority. MERS never possessed the TAHER note it allegedly assigned to plaintiff HSBC. Thus, plaintiff HSBC lacked standing to commence the instant foreclosure action. Therefore, the assignment is defective and the instant action is dismissed with prejudice.
Mr. Cassara’s affirmation, affirmed “under the penalties of perjury,” that to the best of Mr. Cassara’s “knowledge, information, and belief, the Summons and Complaint, and other papers filed or submitted to the [*4]Court in this matter contain no false statements of fact or law,” is patently false. Moreover, the Court is troubled that: the alleged representative of plaintiff HSBC, Christina Carter, who according to Mr. Cassara, “confirmed the factual accuracy and allegations set forth in the Complaint and any supporting affirmations filed with the Court, as well as the accuracy of the notarizations contained in the supporting documents filed therewith,” is not an employee of HSBC, but a robosigner employed by OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC [OCWEN], whose signature on legal documents has at least three variations; the MERS to plaintiff HSBC assignment of the subject mortgage and note was executed by Scott W. Anderson, a known robosigner and OCWEN employee, whose signature is reported to have appeared in at least four different variations on mortgage assignments; and, the instant affidavit of merit was executed by Margery Rotundo, another robosigner, OCWEN employee and self-alleged employee of various other banking entities.
Last month, on May 19, 2011, in a case involving a defective MERS to HSBC assignment by a robosigner, Maine’s highest court, the Supreme Judicial Court, found that HSBC’s affidavits and the assignment of the note and mortgage by MERS to HSBC contained serious defects. The Maine Court held “that the affidavits submitted by HSBC contain serious irregularities that make them inherently untrustworthy.” (HSBC Mortg. Services, Inc. v Murphy, 19 A3d 815, 2011 ME 59, * 3). HSBC has a history of foreclosure actions before me with affidavits of merit executed by Margery Rotundo and MERS to HSBC assignments executed by Scott Anderson that “contain serious irregularities that make them inherently untrustworthy.” Moreover, Mr. Cassara was put on notice, in my November 8, 2010 decision and order, that “[t]he wrongful filing and prosecution of foreclosure proceedings which are discovered to suffer from these defects may be cause for disciplinary and other sanctions upon participating counsel.”
Robosigner Scott W. Anderson
While I have never personally met Mr. Anderson, his signatures have appeared in many foreclosure documents in this Court. His claims of wearing different corporate hats and the variations in the scrawls of initials used for his signature on mortgage documents has earned Mr. Anderson notoriety as a robosigner. Kimberly Miller, in her January 5, 2011-Palm Beach Post article, “State details foreclosure crisis,” wrote:
Sweeping evidence of the case the state attorney general’s office
has built in its pursuit of foreclosure justice for Florida homeowners is
outlined in a 98-page presentation complete with copies of allegedly
forged signatures, false notarizations, bogus witnesses and improper
mortgage assignments.
The presentation, titled “Unfair, Deceptive and Unconscionable
Acts in Foreclosure Cases,” was given during an early December
conference of the Florida Association of Court Clerks and Comptrollers
by the attorney general’s economic crimes division.
It is one of the first examples of what the state has compiled in
its exploration of foreclosure malpractice, condemning banks, mortgage
servicers and law firms for contributing to the crisis by cutting corners . . .
In page after page of copied records, the presentation meticulously
documents cases of questionable signatures, notarizations that could not
have occurred when they are said to have because of when the notary
stamp expires, and foreclosures filed by entities that might not have
had legal ability to foreclose.
It also focuses largely on assignments of mortgage [sic],
documents that transfer ownership of mortgages from one bank to
another. Mortgage assignments became an issue after the real estate
boom, when mortgages were sold and resold, packaged into securities
trusts and otherwise transferred in a labyrinthine fashion that made
tracking difficult.
As foreclosures mounted, the banks appointed people to create
assignments, “thousands and thousands and thousands” of which were signed weekly by people who may not [*6]have known what they were signing . . .
In another example, the signature of Scott Anderson, an employee
of West Palm Beach-based Ocwen Financial Corp., appears in four
styles on mortgage assignments . . .
Paul Koches, executive vice president of Ocwen, acknowledged
Tuesday that the signatures were not all Anderson’s, but that doesn’t mean
they were forged, he said. Certain employees were given authorization
to sign for Anderson on mortgage assignments, which Koches noted
do not need to be notarized.
Still, Ocwen has since stopped allowing other people to sign for
Anderson, Koches said.
Last September, the Ohio Court of Appeals, Second District, Montgomery County
(2010 WL 3451130, 2010-Ohio-4158, lv denied 17 Ohio St.3d 1532 [2011]), affirmed the denial of a foreclosure, sought by plaintiff HSBC, because of numerous irregularities. The Ohio Court, in citing four decisions by this Court [three of the four involved Scott Anderson as assignor] summarized some of this Court’s prior concerns with HSBC and Mr. Anderson, in observing, at * 11:
relationships with Ocwen, MERS, and Delta. See, e.g., HSBC Bank
USA, N.A. v Cherry (2007), 18 Misc 3d 1102 (A) [Scott Anderson
assignor] and HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v Yeasmin (2010), 27 Misc 3d
1227 (A) (dismissing HSBC’s requests for orders of reference in
mortgage foreclosure actions, due to HSBC’s failure to provide proper
affidavits). See, also, e.g., HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v Charlevagne (2008),
20 Misc 3d 1128 (A) [Scott Anderson assignor] and HSBC Bank USA,
N.A. v Antrobus (2008), 20 Misc 3d 1127 (A) [Scott Anderson assignor]
(describing “possible incestuous relationship” between HSBC Bank,
Ocwen Loan Servicing, Delta Funding Corporation, and Mortgage
Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., due to the fact that the entities
all share the same office space at 1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100,
West Palm Beach, Florida. HSBC also supplied affidavits in support
of foreclosure from individuals who claimed simultaneously to be
officers of more than one of these corporations.).This Court reviewed Scott Anderson’s signature on the instant MERS to HSBC assignment of the TAHER mortgage and note and using ACRIS compared his signature with that used in assignments in the five prior Scott Anderson assignment foreclosure cases decided by this Court. Similar to the Florida Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Division findings, as reported above in the Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post article, I also found four variations of Mr. Anderson’s signature in these six assignments. Each signature is actually a variation of Mr. Anderson’s initials, “SA.” The Court concludes that it must be a herculean task for Mr. Anderson to sign “Scott Anderson” or “Scott W. Anderson” in full.
Mr. Anderson’s first signature variation is found in: the January 19, 2007 assignment of the 48 Van Siclen Avenue (Block 3932, Lot 45, County of Kings) mortgage and note from DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE TO MTGLQ INVESTORS LP, by Scott W. Anderson as Senor Vice President of OCWEN, attorney-in-fact for DEUTSCHE BANK (Deutsche Bank Nat Trust Co. v Castellanos, 18 Misc 3d 1115 [A] [Sup Ct, Kings County 2007]), recorded on February 7, 2007 at CRFN 2007000073000; and, the June 13, 2007 assignment of the 3570 Canal Avenue (Block 6978, Lot 20, County of Kings) mortgage and note from MERS to HSBC, by Scott Anderson as Vice President of MERS, acting as nominee for DELTA (HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v Cherry, 18 Misc 3d 1102 (A) [Sup Ct, Kings County 2007]), recorded on August 13, 2007 at CRFN 2007000416732. In this signature variation the letter “S” is a cursive bell-shaped curve overlapping with the cursive letter “A.”
The second signature variation used for Mr. Anderson is in the May 1, 2007 assignment of the 572 Riverdale Avenue (Block 3838, Lot 39, County of Kings) mortgage and note from MERS to HSBC, by Scott Anderson as Vice President of MERS, acting as nominee for DELTA (HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v Valentin, 18 Misc 3d 1123 [A] [Sup [*7]Ct, Kings County 2008]) and HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v Valentin, 21 Misc 3d 1124 [A] [Sup Ct, Kings County 2008], affd as modified 72 AD3d 1027 [2010]), recorded on June 13, 2007 at CRFN 2007000306260. These decisions will be referred to as Valentin I and Valentin II. In this signature variation the letter “S” is a cursive circle around a cursive letter “A” with various loops.
The third signature variation used for Mr. Anderson is in the November 30, 2007 assignment of the 680 Decauter Street (Block 1506, Lot 2, County of Kings) mortgage and note from MERS to HSBC, by Scott Anderson as Vice President of MERS, acting as nominee for DELTA (HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v Antrobus, 20 Misc 3d 1127 [A] [Sup Ct, Kings County [2008]), recorded on January 16, 2008 at CRFN 2008000021186. In this signature variation, the initials are illegible. One cursive letter looks almost like the letter “O.” It is a circle sitting in a valley created by something that looks like the cursive letter “M.”
In the fourth signature variation, used for Mr. Anderson in the February 16, 2009 assignment in the instant case, the cursive letter “S,” which is circular with a loop on the lower left side abuts the cursive letter “A” to its right.
Moreover, in HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v Cherry, Mr. Anderson acted both as assignor of the mortgage and note to HSBC and then as servicing agent for assignee HSBC by executing the “affidavit of merit”for a default judgment. Because of this, in Valentin I, I required him to provide me with an affidavit about his employment history. In Valentin II the Court was provided with an affidavit by Mr. Anderson, sworn on March 14, 2008. Mr. Anderson, in his affidavit, admitted he was conflicted. I noted, at * 2, in Valentin II that:
The Court is troubled that Mr. Anderson acted as both assignor
of the instant mortgage loan, and then as the Vice President of Ocwen,
assignee HSBC’s servicing agent. He admits to this conflict, in ¶ 13,
stating that “[w]hen the loan went into default and then foreclosure in
2007, Ocwen, in it capacity as servicer, elected to remove the loan
from the MERS system and transfer title to HSBC.”
The stockholders of HSBC and the noteholders of the Trust [the
owner of the mortgage] probably are not aware that Mr. Anderson,
on behalf of the servicer, Ocwen, claims to have the right to assign
“toxic” nonperforming mortgage loans to them. It could well be that
Ocwen’s transfer of the instant nonperforming loan, as well as others, is
part of what former Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan
referred to in his October 23, 2008 testimony, before the House
Oversight Committee, as “a once in a century credit tsunami.”
Interestingly, the purported signature of Mr. Anderson in the March 14, 2008-Valentin II affidavit is a fifth signature variation. The Court is perplexed that in response to my order for Mr. Anderson to submit an affidavit with respect to his employment, Mr. Anderson was unable to sign either “Scott Anderson” or “Scott W. Anderson.” Instead, there is a fifth variation of scrawled initials. There is a big loop for the cursive letter “S,” which contains within it something that looks like the cursive letter “M” going into lines that look like the cursive letter “V,” with a wiggly line going to the right of the page.
Robosigner Margery Rotundo
In the instant action, Margery Rotundo executed the April 27, 2009 affidavit of merit and amount due. Ms. Rotundo has, in prior foreclosure cases before me, a history of alleging to be the Senior Vice President of various entities, including plaintiff HSBC, Nomura Credit & Capital, Inc. and an unnamed servicing agent for HSBC. In the instant action she claims to be the Senior Vice President of Residential Loss Mitigation of OCWEN, HSBC’s servicing agent.
In HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v Charlevagne (20 Misc 3d 1128 (A) [Sup Ct, Kings County 2008]), one of the cases in which Scott Anderson as Vice President of MERS assigned the mortgage and note to HSBC, I commented about Ms. Rotundo’s self-allegations of multiple employers, at * 1:
The renewed application of plaintiff, HSBC . . . for an order of
reference and related relief in this foreclosure action, in which all
defendants defaulted, for the premises located at 455 Crescent Street,
Brooklyn, New York (Block 4216, Lot 20, County of Kings) is again [*8]
denied without prejudice, with leave to renew upon providing the
Court with a satisfactory explanation to four concerns.
First, the original application for an order of reference and
related relief was denied with leave to renew, in my unpublished
decision and order of November 15, 2007, because the “affidavit of
merit” was not made by a party but by Margery Rotundo, who swore
that [she] was “Senior Vice President Residential Loss Mitigation of
OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC [OCWEN], Attorney in Fact for
HSBC,”and the “Limited Power of Attorney” from HSBC to OCWEN
was defective. In the renewed application, Ms. Rotundo claims in her
January 9, 2008-“affidavit of merit and amount due,” that she “is the
Senior Vice President of Residential Loss Mitigation of HSBC BANK
USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN
TRUST 2005-3, RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-
BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2005-3.” In prior decisions, I found that
Ms. Rotundo swore: on October 5, 2007 to be Senior Vice President
of Loss Mitigation for Nomura Credit & Capital, Inc. (Nomura Credit
& Capital, Inc., 19 Misc 3d 1126 (A) [April 30, 2008]); and, on
December 12, 2007 to be Senior Vice President of an unnamed
servicing agent for HSBC (HSBC Bank USA, NA v Antrobus, 20
Misc 3d 1127 (A) [July 31, 2008]).
The late gossip columnist Hedda Hopper and the late United
States Representative Bella Abzug were famous for wearing many
colorful hats. With all the corporate hats Ms. Rotundo has recently
worn, she might become the contemporary millinery rival to both
Ms. Hopper and Ms. Abzug. The Court needs to know the employment
history of the peripatetic Ms. Rotundo. Did she truly switch employers
or did plaintiff have her sign the “affidavit of merit and amount due”
as its Senior Vice President solely to satisfy the Court?
In my Charlevagne decision and order I denied an order of reference without prejudice and granted leave to plaintiff HSBC to renew its application for an order of reference for the premises by providing the Court with several documents, including, at * 4, “an affidavit from Margery Rotundo describing her employment history for the past three years.” Subsequently, plaintiff HSBC’s counsel in Charlevagne, Steven J. Baum, P.C., never provided me with an affidavit from Margery Rotundo, but filed with the Kings County Clerk, on October 27, 2008, a stipulation of discontinuance and cancellation of the notice of pendency.
Robosigner Christina Carter
Mr. Cassara, plaintiff’s counsel affirmed that “On January 4, 2011 and January 5, 2011, I communicated with the following representative . . . of Plaintiff . . . Christina Carter . . . Manager of Account Management.” This is disingenuous. Ms. Carter is not employed by plaintiff, but by OCWEN. She executed documents as an officer of MERS and as an employee of OCWEN. Ms. Carter’s signature on documents is suspect because of the variations of her signature used.
This Court examined eight recent documents that exhibit three different variations of Christina Carter’s signature. The first signature variation is on her May 24, 2010 application with the Florida Department of State for a notary public commission. In this application she lists as her business address that of OCWEN, “1661 Worthington Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33409.” In her full signature the capital letters “C” in her first and last names are signed differently than in other recent documents reviewed by this Court.
In five other documents reviewed by the Court, Ms. Carter signs her initials with the second letter “C” looking like a cursive letter “L,” with a circular loop on the second letter “C.” Three of these documents are deeds of release to acknowledge mortgage satisfactions, filed with the Clerk of Court for Middlesex County, South District, State of Massachusetts. In the first document, signed on July 2, 2010, Ms. Carter signed as “Account Management, Manager” for OCWEN, for the premises at 158 Algonquin Trail, Ashland, Massachusetts, with the deed of release [*9]recorded on September 9, 2010, at document number 2010 00156681. In the second document, signed on July 7, 2010, Ms. Carter signed as “Account Management, Manager” for US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE BY ITS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC, for the premises at 30 Kenilworth Street, Malden, Massachusetts, with the deed of release recorded on September 3, 2010, at document number 2010 01542078. In the third Middlesex County, Massachusetts document, signed on July 19, 2010, she signed as “Account Management, Manager” for OCWEN, for the premises at 10 Johnson Farm Road, Lexington, Massachusetts, with the deed of release recorded on September 9, 2010, at document number 2010 00156684. In the fourth document, signed on July 12, 2010, for the assignment of a mortgage for 1201 Pine Sage Circle, West Palm Beach, Florida, Ms. Carter signed as “Account Management, Manager” for NEW CENTURY MORTGAGE CORPORATION BY ITS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC (NEW CENTURY). This mortgage was assigned to DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR IXIS REAL ESTATE CAPITAL TRUST 2005-HE3 MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-HE3 (DEUTSCHE BANK) and recorded on August 23, 2010 with the Palm Beach County Clerk at CFN 20100314054. Interestingly, both assignor NEW CENTURY and assignee DEUTSCHE BANK have the same address, c/o OCWEN, “1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL 33409.” In the fifth document, Ms. Carter changes corporate hats. She signed, on September 8, 2010, an Oregon assignment of a mortgage deed of trust, for 20673 Honeysuckle Lane, Bend Oregon, as Vice President of MERS “ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR CHAPEL MORTGAGE CORPORATION.” The assignment is to DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR IXIS REAL ESTATE CAPITAL TRUST 2006-HE2 MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-HE2, whose address is c/o OCWEN, “1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL 33409.” This was recorded on September 20, 2010 with the Clerk of Deschutes County, Oregon.
Ms. Carter, in the third variation of her signature, again only uses her initials, but the second letter “C” looks like the cursive letter “C,” not the cursive letter “L” with a circular loop. The Court examined two of these documents. The first document is a mortgage satisfaction, signed on June 15, 2010, and filed with the Clerk of Court for Middlesex County, South District, State of Massachusetts. Ms. Carter signed as “Account Management, Manager” for OCWEN, for the premises at 4 Mellon Road, Billerica, Massachusetts. The deed of release was recorded on July 19, 2010, at document number 2010 00031211. In the second document, a mortgage satisfaction for the premises at 13352 Bedford Meadows Court, Wellington, Florida, Ms. Carter signed on July 22, 2010, as “Account Management, Manager” for “HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE BY ITS ATTORNEY-IN FACT OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC.” The document never states for whom HSBC is the Trustee.
This was recorded on September 10, 2010 with the Palm Beach County Clerk at CFN 20100339935.
Plaintiff’s lack of Standing
Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL) § 1321 allows the Court in a foreclosure action, upon the default of defendant or defendant’s admission of mortgage payment arrears, to appoint a referee “to compute the amount due to the plaintiff.” Plaintiff HSBC’s application for an order of reference is a preliminary step to obtaining a default judgment of foreclosure and sale. (Home Sav. Of Am., F.A. v Gkanios, 230 AD2d 770 [2d Dept 1996]).
However, the instant action must be dismissed because plaintiff HSBC lacks standing to bring this action. MERS lacked the authority to assign the subject TAHER mortgage to HSBC and there is no evidence that MERS physically possessed the TAHER notes. Under the terms of the TAHER consolidation, extension and modification agreement, DELTA, not MERS, is the “Note Holder.” As described above, the consolidation, extension and modification agreement defines the “Note Holder” as the “Lender or anyone who succeeds to Lender’s rights under this Agreement and who is entitled to receive the payments.”
“Standing to sue is critical to the proper functioning of the judicial system. It is a threshold issue. If standing is denied, the pathway to the courthouse is blocked. The plaintiff who has standing, however, may cross the threshold and seek judicial redress.” (Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. v Pataki, 100 NY2d 801 812 [2003], cert denied 540 US 1017 [2003]). Professor David Siegel (NY Prac, § 136, at 232 [4d ed]), instructs that:
[i]t is the law’s policy to allow only an aggrieved person to bring a
lawsuit . . . A want of “standing to sue,” in other words, is just another
way of saying that this particular plaintiff is not involved in a genuine
controversy, and a simple syllogism takes us from there to a “jurisdictional” [*10]
dismissal: (1) the courts have jurisdiction only over controversies; (2) a
plaintiff found to lack “standing”is not involved in a controversy; and
(3) the courts therefore have no jurisdiction of the case when such a
plaintiff purports to bring it.
“Standing to sue requires an interest in the claim at issue in the lawsuit that the law will recognize as a sufficient predicate for determining the issue at the litigant’s request.” (Caprer v Nussbaum (36 AD3d 176, 181 [2d Dept 2006]). If a plaintiff lacks standing to sue, the plaintiff may not proceed in the action. (Stark v Goldberg, 297 AD2d 203 [1st Dept 2002]).
The Appellate Division, Second Department recently instructed, with respect to standing in a foreclosure action, in Aurora Loan Services, LLC v Weisblum (___ AD3d ___, 2011 NY Slip Op 04184 [May 17, 2011]), at * 6-7, that:
have a legal or equitable interest in the mortgage ( see Wells Fargo
(see Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v Marchione, 69 AD3d at 207-209; U.S.
Assignments of mortgages and notes are made by either written instrument or the
assignor physically delivering the mortgage and note to the assignee. “Our courts have repeatedly held that a bond and mortgage may be transferred by delivery without a written instrument of assignment.” (Flyer v Sullivan, 284 AD 697, 699 [1d Dept 1954]).
In the instant action, even if MERS had authority to transfer the mortgage to HSBC, DELTA, not MERS, is the note holder. Therefore, MERS cannot transfer something it never proved it possessed. A “foreclosure of a mortgage may not be brought by one who has no title to it and absent transfer of the debt, the assignment of the mortgage is a nullity [Emphasis added].” (Kluge v Fugazy (145 AD2d 537, 538 [2d Dept 1988]). Moreover, “a mortgage is but an incident to the debt which it is intended to secure . . . the logical conclusion is that a transfer of the mortgage without the debt is a nullity, and no interest is assigned by it. The security cannot be separated from the debt, and exist independently of it. This is the necessary legal conclusion.” (Merritt v Bartholick, 36 NY 44, 45 [1867]. The Appellate Division, First Department, citing Kluge v Fugazy in Katz v East-Ville Realty Co. ( 249 AD2d 243 [1d Dept 1998]), instructed that “[p]laintiff’s attempt to foreclose upon a mortgage in which he had no legal or equitable interest was without foundation in law or fact.” (See U.S. Bank, N.A. v Collymore, 68 AD3d at 754).
MERS had no authority to assign the subject mortgage and note
Scott Anderson for MERS as assignor, did not have specific authority to sign the TAHER mortgage. Under the terms of the consolidation, extension and modification agreement, MERS is “acting solely as nominee for Lender [DELTA].” The alleged power of attorney cited in the Scott Anderson MERS to HSBC assignment, as described [*11]above, is a limited power of attorney from DELTA to OCWEN for the premises located at 14 Harden Street, Brooklyn, New York, not the subject premises. MERS is not mentioned or involved with this limited power of attorney. In both underlying TAHER mortgages MERS was “acting solely as a nominee for Lender,” which is DELTA. The term “nominee” is defined as “[a] person designated to act in place of another, usu. in a very limited way” or “[a] party who holds bare legal title for the benefit of others.” (Black’s Law Dictionary 1076 [8th ed 2004]). “This definition suggests that a nominee possesses few or no legally enforceable rights beyond those of a principal whom the nominee serves.” (Landmark National Bank v Kesler, 289 Kan 528, 538 [2009]). The Supreme Court of Kansas, in Landmark National Bank, 289 Kan at 539, observed that:
The legal status of a nominee, then, depends on the context of
the relationship of the nominee to its principal. Various courts have
interpreted the relationship of MERS and the lender as an agency
relationship. See In re Sheridan, 2009 WL631355, at *4 (Bankr. D.
Idaho, March 12, 2009) (MERS “acts not on its own account. Its
capacity is representative.”); Mortgage Elec. Registrations Systems,
Inc. v Southwest, 2009 Ark. 152 ___, ___SW3d___, 2009 WL 723182
(March 19, 2009) (“MERS, by the terms of the deed of trust, and its
own stated purposes, was the lender’s agent”); La Salle Nat. Bank v
Lamy, 12 Misc 3d 1191 [A], at *2 [Sup Ct, Suffolk County 2006]) . . .
(“A nominee of the owner of a note and mortgage may not effectively
assign the note and mortgage to another for want of an ownership
interest in said note and mortgage by the nominee.”)
The New York Court of Appeals in MERSCORP, Inc. v Romaine (8 NY3d 90 [2006]), explained how MERS acts as the agent of mortgagees, holding at 96:
In 1993, the MERS system was created by several large
participants in the real estate mortgage industry to track ownership
interests in residential mortgages. Mortgage lenders and other entities,
known as MERS members, subscribe to the MERS system and pay
annual fees for the electronic processing and tracking of ownership
and transfers of mortgages. Members contractually agree to appoint
MERS to act as their common agent on all mortgages they register
in the MERS system. [Emphasis added]
Thus, it is clear that MERS’s relationship with its member lenders is that of agent with the lender-principal. This is a fiduciary relationship, resulting from the manifestation of consent by one person to another, allowing the other to act on his behalf, subject to his control and consent. The principal is the one for whom action is to be taken, and the agent is the one who acts.It has been held that the agent, who has a fiduciary relationship with the principal, “is a party who acts on behalf of the principal with the latter’s express, implied, or apparent authority.” (Maurillo v Park Slope U-Haul, 194 AD2d 142, 146 [2d [*12]Dept 1992]). “Agents are bound at all times to exercise the utmost good faith toward their principals. They must act in accordance with the highest and truest principles of morality.” (Elco Shoe Mfrs. v Sisk, 260 NY 100, 103 [1932]). (See Sokoloff v Harriman Estates Development Corp., 96 NY 409 [2001]); Wechsler v Bowman, 285 NY 284 [1941]; Lamdin v Broadway Surface Advertising Corp., 272 NY 133 [1936]). An agent “is prohibited from acting in any manner inconsistent with his agency or trust and is at all times bound to exercise the utmost good faith and loyalty in the performance of his duties.” (Lamdin, at 136).
Thus, in the instant action, MERS, as nominee for DELTA, is DELTA’s agent for limited purposes. It only has those powers given to it and authorized by DELTA, its principal. Plaintiff HSBC failed to submit documents authorizing MERS, as nominee for DELTA, to assign the subject consolidation extension and modification mortgage to plaintiff HSBC. Therefore, MERS lacked authority to assign the TAHER mortgage, making the assignment defective. In Bank of New York v Alderazi (28 Misc 3d 376, 379-380 [Sup Ct, Kings County 2010]), Justice Wayne Saitta instructed that:
A party who claims to be the agent of another bears the burden
of proving the agency relationship by a preponderance of the evidence
(Lippincott v East River Mill & Lumber Co., 79 Misc 559 [1913])
and “[t]he declarations of an alleged agent may not be shown for
the purpose of proving the fact of agency.” (Lexow & Jenkins, P.C. v
Hertz Commercial Leasing Corp., 122 AD2d 25 [2d Dept 1986]; see
also Siegel v Kentucky Fried Chicken of Long Is. 108 AD2d 218 [2d
Dept 1985]; Moore v Leaseway Transp/ Corp., 65 AD2d 697 [1st Dept
1978].) “[T]he acts of a person assuming to be the representative of
another are not competent to prove the agency in the absence of evidence
tending to show the principal’s knowledge of such acts or assent to them.”
(Lexow & Jenkins, P.C. v Hertz Commercial Leasing Corp., 122 AD2d
at 26, quoting 2 NY Jur 2d, Agency and Independent Contractors § 26).
Further, several weeks ago, the Appellate Division, Second Department in Bank
of New York v Silverberg, (___ AD3d ___, 2011 NY Slip Op 05002 [June 7, 2011]), confronted the issue of “whether a party has standing to commence a foreclosure action when that party’s assignor—in this case, Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (hereinafter MERS)—was listed in the underlying mortgage instruments as a nominee and mortgagee for the purpose of recording, but was never the actual holder or assignee of the underlying notes.” The Court held, “[w]e answer this question in the negative.” Silverberg, similar to the instant TAHER matter, deals with the foreclosure of a mortgage with a consolidation, modification and extension agreement. MERS, in the Silverberg case and the instant TAHER action, never had title or possession of the Note and the definition of “Note Holder” is substantially the same in both consolidation, extension and [*13]modification agreements. The Silverberg Court instructed, at * 4-5:
the assignment of the notes was thus beyond MERS’s authority as
nominee or agent of the lender (see Aurora Loan Servs., LLC v
Weisblum, AD3d, 2011 NY Slip Op 04184, *6-7 [2d Dept 2011];
HSBC Bank USA v Squitteri, 29 Misc 3d 1225 [A] [Sup Ct, Kings
County, F. Rivera, J.]; ; LNV Corp. v Madison Real Estate, LLC,
2010 NY Slip Op 33376 [U] [Sup Ct, New York County 2010,
York, J.]; LPP Mtge. Ltd. v Sabine Props., LLC, 2010 NY Slip Op
32367 [U] [Sup Ct, New York County 2010, Madden, J.]; Bank of
NY v Mulligan, 28 Misc 3d 1226 [A] [Sup Ct, Kings County 2010,
Schack, J.]; One West Bank, F.S.B., v Drayton, 29 Misc 3d 1021
[Sup Ct, Kings County 2010, Schack, J.]; Bank of NY v Alderazi,
28 Misc 3d 376, 379-380 [Sup Ct, Kings County 2010, Saitta, J.]
[the “party who claims to be the agent of another bears the burden
of proving the agency relationship by a preponderance of the evidence”];
HSBC Bank USA v Yeasmin, 24 Misc 3d 1239 [A] [Sup Ct, Kings
County 2010, Schack, J.]; HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v Vasquez, 24
Misc 3d 1239 [A], [Sup Ct, Kings County 2009, Schack, J.]; Bank of
NY v Trezza, 14 Misc 3d 1201 [A] [Sup Ct, Suffolk County 2006,
Mayer, J.]; La Salle Bank Natl. Assn. v Lamy, 12 Misc 3d 1191 [A]
[Sup Ct, Suffolk County, 2006, Burke, J.]; Matter of Agard, 444 BR
231 [Bankruptcy Court, ED NY 2011, Grossman, J.]; but see U.S.
Bank N.A. v Flynn, 27 Misc 3d 802 [Sup Ct, Suffolk County 2011,
Whelan, J.]).
Moreover, the Silverberg Court concluded, at * 5, that “because MERS was never the lawful holder or assignee of the notes described and identified in the consolidation agreement, the . . . assignment of mortgage is a nullity, and MERS was without authority to assign the power to foreclose to the plaintiff. Consequently, the plaintiff failed to show that it had standing to foreclose.” Further, Silverberg the Court observed, at * 6, “the law must not yield to expediency and the convenience of lending institutions. Proper procedures must be followed to ensure the reliability of the chain of ownership, to secure the dependable transfer of property, and to assure the enforcement of the rules that govern real property.” [Emphasis added]
Cancellation of subject notice of pendency
The dismissal with prejudice of the instant foreclosure action requires the
cancellation of the notice of pendency. CPLR § 6501 provides that the filing of a notice of pendency against a property is to give constructive notice to any purchaser of real property or encumbrancer against real property of an action that “would affect the title to, or the possession, use or enjoyment of real property, except in a summary proceeding [*14]brought to recover the possession of real property.” The Court of Appeals, in 5308 Realty Corp. v O & Y Equity Corp. (64 NY2d 313, 319 [1984]), commented that “[t]he purpose of the doctrine was to assure that a court retained its ability to effect justice by preserving its power over the property, regardless of whether a purchaser had any notice of the pending suit,” and, at 320, that “the statutory scheme permits a party to effectively retard the alienability of real property without any prior judicial review.”
CPLR § 6514 (a) provides for the mandatory cancellation of a notice of pendency by:
The Court, upon motion of any person aggrieved and upon such
notice as it may require, shall direct any county clerk to cancel
a notice of pendency, if service of a summons has not been completed
within the time limited by section 6512; or if the action has been
settled, discontinued or abated; or if the time to appeal from a final
judgment against the plaintiff has expired; or if enforcement of a
final judgment against the plaintiff has not been stayed pursuant
to section 551. [emphasis added]
The plain meaning of the word “abated,” as used in CPLR § 6514 (a) is the ending of an action. “Abatement” is defined as “the act of eliminating or nullifying.” (Black’s Law Dictionary 3 [7th ed 1999]). “An action which has been abated is dead, and any further enforcement of the cause of action requires the bringing of a new action, provided that a cause of action remains (2A Carmody-Wait 2d § 11.1).” (Nastasi v Natassi, 26 AD3d 32, 40 [2d Dept 2005]). Further, Nastasi at 36, held that the “[c]ancellation of a notice of pendency can be granted in the exercise of the inherent power of the court where its filing fails to comply with CPLR § 6501 (see 5303 Realty Corp. v O & Y Equity Corp., supra at 320-321; Rose v Montt Assets, 250 AD2d 451, 451-452 [1d Dept 1998]; Siegel, NY Prac § 336 [4th ed]).” Thus, the dismissal of the instant complaint must result in the mandatory cancellation of plaintiff HSBC’s notice of pendency against the property “in the exercise of the inherent power of the court.”
Possible frivolous conduct by HSBC and its counsel
In this Court’s November 8, 2010 decision and order, Mr. Cassara and his firm, as counsel for plaintiff HSBC, were put on notice about the new affirmation required to be submitted by plaintiff’s counsel in foreclosure actions, pursuant to Administrative Order 548/10. In foreclosure cases pending on October 20, 2010, such as the TAHER case, the affirmation is required to be filed with the Court when moving for either an order of reference or a judgment of foreclosure and sale or five business days before a scheduled auction. Chief Judge Lippman, according to the Office of Court Administrations’s October 20, 2010 press release, stated that, “[t]his new filing requirement will play a vital role in ensuring that the documents judges rely on will be thoroughly examined, accurate, and error-free before any judge is asked to take the drastic step of foreclosure.”
Plaintiff’s counsel was warned that defects in foreclosure filings “include failure of plaintiffs and their counsel to review documents and files to establish standing and other [*15]foreclosure requisites; filing of notarized affidavits which falsely attest to such review and to other critical facts in the foreclosure process; and robosigning’ of documents by parties and counsel.” Mr. Cassara affirmed “under the penalties of perjury,” on January 6, 2011, to the factual accuracy of the complaint, the supporting documents and notarizations contained therein and that the complaint and papers filed with the Court in the TAHER matter “contain no false statements of fact or law.” Further, plaintiff’s counsel was informed that “[t]he wrongful filing and prosecution of foreclosure proceedings which are discovered to suffer from these defects may be cause
for disciplinary and other sanctions upon participating counsel [Emphasis added].”
However, plaintiff HSBC did not have standing to bring the instant action and its
complaint is replete with false statements. For example, ¶ 1 alleges that HSBC has an office at “1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100, P.O. Box 24737, West Palm Beach, FL 33415.” This is actually OCWEN’s office. OCWEN’s zip code is 33409, not 33415. Also, how big is P.O. Box 24737? Is it big enough to contain an HSBC office? Further, ¶ 6 alleges that HSBC is the owner of the note, which it is not. MERS had no authority to assign the note owned by DELTA to HSBC. MERS was DELTA’s nominee for recording the TAHER-consolidated mortgage but it never possessed the underlying note. (See Bank of New York v Silverberg at * 4-5).
Three robosigners – Scott Anderson, Margery Rotundo and Christina Carter – are involved in this matter. Scott Anderson, who wears many corporate hats and has at least five variations of his initials scrawled on documents filed in this Court, is the alleged assignor of the subject mortgage and note to HSBC, despite lacking authority from DELTA. Both alleged assignor MERS and alleged assignee HSBC have the same address – 1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, Florida 33409. The milliner’s delight Margery Rotundo executed the affidavit of merit for OCWEN. Then, Mr. Cassara relied upon Christina Carter as the representative of HSBC to confirm the accuracy of HSBC’s documents and their notarizations. However, she is not employed by HSBC. Is Mr. Cassara aware of the robosigning history of Mr. Anderson, Ms. Rotundo and Ms. Carter?
Putting aside HSBC’s lack of standing, MERS allegedly assigned the TAHER- consolidated mortgage and note to HSBC 169 days after defendant TAHER allegedly defaulted in her payments. If HSBC has a duty to make money for its stockholders, why is it purchasing nonperforming loans, and then wasting the Court’s time with defective paperwork and the use of robosigners? The Courts have limited resources, even more so in light of the recent cuts in the budget for fiscal year 2012 and the layoff of several hundred court employees by the Office of Court Administration. The Courts cannot allow itself, as Chief Judge Lippman said in OCA’s October 20, 2010 press release, “to stand by idly and be party to what we know is a deeply flawed process, especially when that process involves basic human needs – such as a family home – during this period of economic crisis.” [*16]
Last year, in HSBC Bank USA v Yeasmin, 24 Misc 3d 1239 [A], for a variety of reasons, I denied plaintiff’s renewed motion for an order of reference and dismissed the foreclosure action with prejudice. Plaintiff’s counsel in YeasminYeasmin, at * 8, that Mr. Westmoreland stated: submitted an affidavit by Thomas Westmoreland, Vice President of Loan Documentation for HSBC, in which he admitted to a lack of due diligence by HSBC. I observed in
in his affidavit, in ¶’s 4 – 7 and part of ¶ 10:
4. The secondary mortgage market is, essentially, the buying and
selling of “pools” of mortgages.
5. A mortgage pools is the packaging of numerous mortgage
loans together so that an investor may purchase a significant
number of loans in one transaction.
6. An investigation of each and every loan included in a particular
mortgage pool, however, is not conducted, nor is it feasible.
7. Rather, the fact that a particular mortgage pool may
include loans that are already in default is an ordinary risk
of participating in the secondary market . . .
10. . . . Indeed, the performance of the mortgage pool is the
measure of success, not any one individual loan contained
therein. [Emphasis added]
The Court can only wonder if . . . the dissemination of this
decision will result in Mr. Westmoreland’s affidavit used as evidence
in future stockholder derivative actions against plaintiff HSBC. It can’t
be comforting to investors to know that an officer of a financial
behemoth such as plaintiff HSBC admits that “[a]n investigation of
each and every loan included in a particular mortgage pool, however,
is not conducted, nor is it feasible” and that “the fact that a particular
mortgage pool may include loans that are already in default is an
ordinary risk of participating in the secondary market.”
Therefore, the continuation of this action by plaintiff HSBC, with its false
statements of facts, the use of robosigners, and the disingenuous affirmation of Mr. Cassara, appears to be frivolous. 22 NYCRR § 130-1.1 (a) states that “the Court, in its discretion may impose financial sanctions upon any party or attorney in a civil action or proceeding who engages in frivolous conduct as defined in this Part, which shall be payable as provided in section 130-1.3 of this Subpart.” Further, it states in 22 NYCRR § 130-1.1 (b), that “sanctions may be imposed upon any attorney appearing in the action or upon a partnership, firm or corporation with which the attorney is associated.”
22 NYCRR § 130-1.1(c) states that:
For purposes of this part, conduct is frivolous if: [*17]
(1) it is completely without merit in law and cannot be supported
by a reasonable argument for an extension, modification or
reversal of existing law;
(2) it is undertaken primarily to delay or prolong the resolution of
the litigation, or to harass or maliciously injure another; or
It is clear that the instant motion for an order of reference “is completely without merit in law” and “asserts material factual statements that are false.” Further, Mr. Cassara’s January 6, 2011 affirmation, with its false and defective statements may be a cause for sanctions.
Several years before the drafting and implementation of the Part 130 Rules for
costs and sanctions, the Court of Appeals (A.G. Ship Maintenance Corp. v Lezak, 69 NY2d 1, 6 [1986]) observed that “frivolous litigation is so serious a problem affecting the
proper administration of justice, the courts may proscribe such conduct and impose sanctions in this exercise of their rule-making powers, in the absence of legislation to the contrary (see NY Const, art VI, § 30, Judiciary Law § 211 [1] [b] ).”
Part 130 Rules were subsequently created, effective January 1, 1989, to give the
courts an additional remedy to deal with frivolous conduct. These stand beside Appellate Division disciplinary case law against attorneys for abuse of process or malicious prosecution. The Court, in Gordon v Marrone (202 AD2d 104, 110 [2d Dept 1994], lv denied 84 NY2d 813 [1995]), instructed that:
Conduct is frivolous and can be sanctioned under the court rule if
“it is completely without merit . . . and cannot be supported by a
reasonable argument for an extension, modification or reversal of
existing law; or . . . it is undertaken primarily to delay or prolong
the resolution of the litigation, or to harass or maliciously injure
another” (22 NYCRR 130-1.1[c] [1], [2] . . . ).
In Levy v Carol Management Corporation (260 AD2d 27, 33 [1st Dept 1999]) the Court stated that in determining if sanctions are appropriate the Court must look at the broad pattern of conduct by the offending attorneys or parties. Further, “22 NYCRR
130-1.1 allows us to exercise our discretion to impose costs and sanctions on an errant party . . .” Levy at 34, held that “[s]anctions are retributive, in that they punish past conduct. They also are goal oriented, in that they are useful in deterring future frivolous conduct not only by the particular parties, but also by the Bar at large.”
The Court, in Kernisan, M.D. v Taylor (171 AD2d 869 [2d Dept 1991]), noted that the intent of the Part 130 Rules “is to prevent the waste of judicial resources and to deter vexatious litigation and dilatory or malicious litigation tactics (cf. Minister, Elders & Deacons of Refm. Prot. Church of City of New York v 198 Broadway, 76 NY2d 411; see Steiner v Bonhamer, 146 Misc 2d 10) [Emphasis added].” The instant action, with HSBC lacking standing and using robosigners, is “a waste of judicial resources.” This [*18]conduct, as noted in Levy, must be deterred. In Weinstock v Weinstock (253 AD2d 873 [2d Dept 1998]) the Court ordered the maximum sanction of $10,000.00 for an attorney who pursued an appeal “completely without merit,” and holding, at 874, that “[w]e therefore award the maximum authorized amount as a sanction for this conduct (see, 22 NYCRR 130-1.1) calling to mind that frivolous litigation causes a substantial waste of judicial resources to the detriment of those litigants who come to the Court with real grievances [Emphasis added].” Citing Weinstock, the Appellate Division, Second Department, in Bernadette Panzella, P.C. v De Santis (36 AD3d 734 [2d Dept 2007]) affirmed a Supreme Court, Richmond County $2,500.00 sanction, at 736, as “appropriate in view of the plaintiff’s waste of judicial resources [Emphasis added].”
In Navin v Mosquera (30 AD3d 883 [3d Dept 2006]) the Court instructed that when considering if specific conduct is sanctionable as frivolous, “courts are required to
examine whether or not the conduct was continued when its lack of legal or factual basis was apparent [or] should have been apparent’ (22 NYCRR 130-1.1 [c]).” The Court, in Sakow ex rel. Columbia Bagel, Inc. v Columbia Bagel, Inc. (6 Misc 3d 939, 943 [Sup Ct,
New York County 2004]), held that “[i]n assessing whether to award sanctions, the Court must consider whether the attorney adhered to the standards of a reasonable attorney (Principe v Assay Partners, 154 Misc 2d 702 [Sup Ct, NY County 1992]).”
In the instant action, plaintiff HSBC’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) bears a measure of responsibility for plaintiff’s actions, as well as plaintiff’s counsel. In Sakow at 943, the Court observed that “[a]n attorney cannot safely delegate all duties to others.” Irene M. Dorner, President and CEO of HSBC, is HSBC’s “captain of the ship.” She should not only take credit for the fruits of HSBC’s victories but must bear some responsibility for its defeats and mistakes. According to HSBC’s 2010 Form 10-K, dated December 31, 2010, and filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2011, at p. 255, “Ms. Dorner’s insight and particular knowledge of HSBC USA’s operations are critical to an effective Board of Directors” and Ms. Dorner “has many years of experience in leadership positions with HSBC and extensive global experience with HSBC, which is highly relevant as we seek to operate our core businesses in support of HSBC’s global strategy.” HSBC needs to have a “global strategy” of filing truthful documents and not wasting the very limited resources of the Courts. For her responsibility she earns a handsome compensation package. According to the 2010 Form 10-k, at pp. 276-277, she earned in 2010 total compensation of $2,306,723. This included, among other things: a base salary of $566,346; a discretionary bonus of $760,417; and, other compensation such as $560 for financial planning and executive tax services; $40,637 for executive travel allowance, $24,195 for housing and furniture allowance, $39,399 for relocation expenses and $3,754 for executive physical and medical expenses.
Therefore, the Court will examine the conduct of plaintiff HSBC and plaintiff’s counsel, in a hearing, pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 130-1.1, to determine if plaintiff HSBC, [*19]by its President and CEO, Irene M. Dorner, and plaintiff’s counsel Frank M. Cassara, Esq. and his firm Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC, engaged in frivolous conduct, and to allow plaintiff HSBC, by its President and CEO, Irene M. Dorner, and plaintiff’s counsel Frank M. Cassara, Esq. and his firm Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
ORDERED, that the motion of plaintiff, HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-2, for an order of reference for the premises located at 931 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, New York (Block 1632, Lot 57, County of Kings), is denied with prejudice; and it is further
ORDERED, that because plaintiff, HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-2, lacks standing in this foreclosure action, the instant complaint, Index No. 9320/09 is dismissed with prejudice; and it is further
ORDERED, that the Notice of Pendency filed with the Kings County Clerk on April 16, 2009 by plaintiff, HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-2, in an action to foreclose a mortgagefor real property located at 931 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, New York (Block 1632, Lot 57, County of Kings), is cancelled and discharged; and it is further
ORDERED, that it appearing that plaintiff HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-2, plaintiff’s counsel Frank M. Cassara, Esq. and his firm Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC engaged in “frivolous conduct,” as defined in the Rules of the Chief Administrator, 22 NYCRR § 130-1 (c), and that pursuant to the Rules of the Chief Administrator, 22 NYCRR § 130.1.1 (d), “[a]n award of costs or the imposition of sanctions may be made . . . upon the court’s own initiative, after a reasonable opportunity to be heard,” this Court will conduct a hearing affording: plaintiff HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-2, by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Irene M. Dorner; plaintiff’s counsel Frank M. Cassara, Esq.; and, his firm Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC; “a reasonable opportunity to be heard” before me in Part 27, on Friday, July 15, 2011, at 2:30 P.M., in Room 479, 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201; and it is further
ORDERED, that Ronald David Bratt, Esq., my Principal Law Clerk, is directed to serve this order by first-class mail, upon: Irene M. Dorner, President and Chief Executive Officer of plaintiff, HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST [*20]2007-2, 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10018; Frank M. Cassara, Esq., Shapiro DiCaro & Barak, LLC, 250 Mile Crossing Boulevard, Suite One, Rochester, New York 14624; and, Shapiro DiCaro & Barak, LLC, 250 Mile Crossing Boulevard, Suite One, Rochester, New York 14624.
HON. ARTHUR M. SCHACKJ. S. C.
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Scott Anderson Signature Variance
JUDGE SCHACK’S CLASSIC CALLING OUT ROBO SIGNERS SCOTT ANDERSON & JESSICA DYBAS 2008 Edition
Posted on 29 October 2010. Tags: 1661 Worthington Road, Florida 33409, foreclosure fraud, goldman sachs, HSBC, HSBC BANK USA, Index No. 15968/07, judge arthur schack, MERS, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS INC., new york, Ocwen Loan Servicing, robo signer, Scott Anderson, Suite 100, West Palm Beach
P RESEN T:
HON. ARTHUR M. SCHACK
HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE
FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF
RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST
2005-3, RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN
ASSET-BACKED NOTES, SERlES 2005-3,
Plaintiff,
– against –
CANDIDA VALENTIN, CANDIDE RUIZ, et. al.,
Additionally, plaintiff HSBC must address, a third matter if it renews its application for an order of reference. In the instant action, as noted above, Scott Anderson, as Vice President of MERS, assigned the instant mortgage to HSBC on May 1, 2007. Doris Chapman, the Notary Public, stated that on May 1,2007, “personally appeared Scott Anderson, of 1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, Florida 33409.” In HSBC Bank, N.A. v Cherry, 4t 3, I observed that:
Scott Anderson, in his affidavit, executed on June 15,2007, states he is Vice President of OCWEN. Yet, this June 13,2007 assignment from MERS to HSBC is signed by the same Scott Anderson as Vice President of MERS. Did Mr. Anderson change his employer between June 13,2007 and June 15,2007. The Court is concerned that there may be fraud on the part or HS I E , or at least malfeasance. Before granting an application for an order of reference, the Court requires an affidavit from Mr. Anderson describing his employment history for the past three years.
Plaintiff has failed to submit “proof of the facts” in “an affidavit made by the party.” The affidavit is submitted by Jessica Dybas, “a Foreclosure Facilitator of OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC, servicing agent and attorney in fact to the holder of the bond and mortgage sought to be foreclosed herein.” There must be an affidavit by an officer of HSBC or a servicing agent, possessing a valid power of attorney from HSBC for that express purpose. Additionally, if a power of attc mey is presented to this Court and it refers to pooling and servicing agreements, ihe Court needs a properly offered copy of the pooling and servicing agreements, to determine if the servicing agent may proceed on behalf of plaintiff. (EMC Mortg. Corp. v Batistu, 15 Misc 3d 1143 (A) [Sup Ct, Kings County 20071; Deutsche Bank Nut. Trust Co. v Lewis, 14 Misc 3d 1201 (A) [Sup Ct, Suffolk County 20061).
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False Statements: Scott Anderson, Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., Law Offices of Marshall Watson, New Century Mortgage Corp., Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC
Posted on 22 October 2010. Tags: Alfonzo Greene, Bethany Hood, China Brown, Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., dinsfla, false statements, foreclosure fraud, fraud digest, john kennerty, Korell Harp, Law Offices of Marshall Watson, linda green, Liquenda Allotey, LLC, Lynn Szymoniak ESQ, MERS, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS INC., New Century Mortgage Corp., Ocwen Loan Servicing, robo signers, Scott Anderson
Scott Anderson
Deutsche Bank National Trust Co.
Law Offices of Marshall Watson
New Century Mortgage Corp.
Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC
Action Date: October 21, 2010
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
On October 21, 2010, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Circuit Court Judge Anthony Rondolino dismissed the plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint in a foreclosure action, Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., et al. v. Donnie J. Decker, et al., Case No. 09-20548-CI-13, 6th Judicial Circuit, in and for Pinellas County, Florida.
The complaint was brought by Deutsche Bank as trustee for a mortgage-backed trust, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital, Inc., under a Pooling & Servicing Agreement dated May 1, 2001. The original complaint was dismissed due to chain-of-title problems.
The amended complaint included an Assignment from New Century Mortgage Corp. to the plaintiff that was executed on February 17, 2010 by Scott Anderson in his capacity as an Executive Vice President of Residential Loan Servicing for Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC through its authority as Attorney-In-Fact for New Century Mortgage Corporation. Regarding this Assignment, Judge Rondolino commented as follows:
“There is nothing about this assignment which would support a determination at the pleading stage that it is invalid. On the other hand, should evidence be presented at a summary judgment hearing that New Century Mortgage Corporation, LLC became the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding which resulted in a liquidation order, the validity of this assignment would be called into question. Then, absent specific proof that Ocwen had authority from either the bankruptcy court or the liquidation trustee, this disposition of New Century’s (the debtor in bankruptcy) asset there would be a disputed material fact precluding a summary judgment. These concerns however are not ripe at this time…”
In closing, Judge Rondolino warned the plaintiff and its counsel, the Law Offices of Marshall Watson, that any new complaint must be verified, in accordance with the revised Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
Judge Rondolino then warned very plainly, “If it is thereafter determined that the verification was not based on an appropriate investigation or that the allegations were false, the Plaintiff and the person who signed the verified complaint will be subject to sanctions which may include dismissal of the action with prejudice, assessment of fees and costs, monetary or incarcerative sanctions and referral to the State Attorney for prosecution pursuant to F.S. 837.”
Rondolino’s concerns arose in part because the Assignment came after the foreclosure action was filed. Plaintiff’s law firm is one of four law firms under investigation by the Florida Attorney General for using forged and fraudulent documents in foreclosure actions.
Scott Anderson of Ocwen has been named in foreclosure opinions of Brooklyn Judge Arthur M. Schack as an individual who signs using many different job titles. The trust in this case had a closing date in 2001, but according to the Anderson Assignment, acquired Decker’s non-performing loan in February, 2010. These same or similar facts have been presented in hundreds of foreclosure cases across the country.
Almost every major robo-signer, including Liquenda Allotey, China Brown, Linda Green, Alfonzo Greene, Korell Harp, Bethany Hood and John Kennerty have signed as Attorney-In-Fact for New Century Mortgage Corporation in 2009 and 2010 to transfer mortgages to securitized trusts that closed years earlier.
Judge Rondolino’s opinion lays a blueprint for other judges to follow when presented with mortgage assignments that appear to have been specially created to facilitate foreclosures. It is the first opinion in Florida to warn of possible “incarcerative sanctions.” (Five different versions of the “Scott Anderson” signature are posted in the “Pleadings” section of this web site.)
FLORIDA DEFAULT LAW GROUP FALSE STATEMENTS by Lynn Szymoniak, ESQ.
Posted on 14 September 2010. Tags: affidavit, Bryan Bly, Crystal Moore, erica johnson seck, FDLG, Florida Default Law Group in Tampa, foreclosure fraud, fraud digest, GMAC, Gmac Mortgage, homecomings financial, jeffrey stephan, Lynn Szymoniak, Lynn Szymoniak ESQ, Margaret Dalton, Scott Anderson
Florida Default Law Group
Jeffrey Stephans
Action Date: September 14, 2010
On September 14, 2010, Florida Default Law Group filed “Notices” in foreclosure actions that the firm was withdrawing Affidavits it had previously filed. The Affidavits were signed by Jeffrey Stephan of GMAC Mortgage/Homecomings Financial in Montgomery County, PA. Stephan had previously admitted in depositions that he signed thousands of such affidavits each month with no knowledge of the contents and in many cases without even bothering to read the Affidavits. In the Notices, Florida Default claimed that “the undersigned law firm was not aware” that the Stephans Affidavits were improper and had a good faith belief in the Stephans Affidavits. Stephans signed so many Affidavits, however, on behalf of so many different securitized trusts, that his lack of actual knowledge should have been obvious. Many other mortgage servicing companies and foreclosure firms have filed thousands of other worthless, unfounded Affidavits. Perhaps the Law Offices of Marshall Watson will notify courts that Lost Note Affidavits signed by Linda Green, Tywanna Thomas and Korell Harp are also improper; perhaps The Law Offices of David Stern will notify Courts that their own office manager, Cheryl Samons, had no knowledge and did not even read the Affidavits she signed. The dark days of the foreclosure “robo-signers” seem to finally be coming to an end in Florida. Will the same judges who accepted thousands of these worthless Affidavits now believe the allegations that the foreclosure law firms acted in good faith when they presented these documents to Courts? An example of the Notice filed by Florida Default is available in the “Pleadings” section of this site. Highlights from the deposition of Jeffrey Stephan are available in the “Articles” section. Scott Anderson, Bryan Bly, Margaret Dalton, Erica Johnson-Seck, Crystal Moore and the other professional signers may finally be held accountable for their sworn false statements.
Affidavit in question below courtesy of ForeclosureHamlet:
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Read more on…Jeffery Stephan
Posted in conspiracy, CONTROL FRAUD, FDLG, florida default law group, foreclosure, foreclosure fraud, foreclosure mills, foreclosures, fraud digest, Lynn Szymoniak ESQ, note, robo signers, stopforeclosurefraud.com, TrustsComments (2)
HSBC’s Irregularities: Mortgage Documentation and Corporate Relationships with Ocwen, MERS, and Delta
Posted on 07 September 2010. Tags: affidavit, affixed, allonge, bearer, chomie neil, Court of Appeals of Ohio, darryl king, delta funding, fdcpa, fidelity mortgage, florida, foreclosure fraud, hsbc bank, HSBC BANK USA v. THOMPSON, indorsement, magistrate, MERS, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS INC., Ocwen, promissory note, Scott Anderson, ucc, undated, vice president
HSBC BANK USA v. THOMPSON
2010 Ohio 4158
HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as Indenture Trustee for the Registered Noteholders of Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-1, Plaintiff-Appellant,
Jamie W. Thompson, et al., Defendants-Appellees.
Appellate No. 23761.
Court of Appeals of Ohio, Second District, Montgomery County.
Rendered on September 3, 2010.
Benjamin D. Carnahan, Atty. Reg. #0079737, Shapiro, Van Ess, Phillips & Barragate, LLP, 4805 Montgomery Road, Norwood, OH 45212 and Brian P. Brooks, (pro hac vice), O’Melveny & Myers LLP, 1625 Eye Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006-4001, Attorneys for Plaintiff-Appellant, HSBC Bank.
Amy Kaufman, Atty. Reg. #0073837, 150 East Gay Street, 21st Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215, Attorney for Appellee, Department of Taxation.
Andrew D. Neuhauser, Atty. Reg. #0082799, and Stanley A. Hirtle, Atty. Reg. #0025205, 525 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 300, Toledo, OH 43604, Attorneys for Amici Curiae, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, et al.
Richard Cordray, Atty. Reg. #0038034, by Susan A. Choe, Atty. Reg. #0067032, Mark N. Wiseman, Atty. Reg. #0059637, and Jeffrey R. Loeser, Atty. Reg. #0082144, Attorney General’s Office, 30 E. Broad Street, 14th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215, Attorneys for Amicus Curiae, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray.
Andrew M. Engel, Atty. Reg. #0047371, 3077 Kettering Boulevard, Suite 108, Moraine, Ohio 45439, Attorney for Defendant-Appellee Jamie W. Thompson.
Colette Carr, Atty. Reg. #00705097, 301 W. Third Street, Fifth Floor, Dayton, OH 45422, Attorney for Appellee, Montgomery County Treasurer.
FAIN, J.
{¶ 1} Plaintiff-appellant HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as Indenture Trustee for the Registered Noteholders of Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-1 (HSBC), appeals from a judgment of the trial court, which rendered summary judgment and dismissed HSBC’s complaint for foreclosure, without prejudice. HSBC contends that the trial court improperly treated the date the assignment of mortgage was executed as dispositive of the claims before it. HSBC further contends that the trial court’s decision is erroneous, because it is premised on the court’s having improperly struck the affidavit of Chomie Neil, and having failed to consider Neil’s restated affidavit.
{¶ 2} Two briefs of amicus curiae have been filed in support of the position of defendants-appellees Jamie W. Thompson, Administratrix of the Estate of the Estate of Howard W. Turner, and Jamie W. Thompson (collectively Thompson). One brief was filed by the Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray (Cordray). The other brief was filed by the following groups: Advocates for Basic Legal Equality; Equal Justice Foundation; Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio; Northeast Ohio Legal Aid Services; Ohio Poverty Law Center; and Pro Seniors, Inc. (collectively Legal Advocates). We have considered those briefs, all of which have been helpful, in deciding this appeal.
{¶ 3} We conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in striking Neil’s affidavit, because of defects in the affidavit. We further conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in failing to consider Neil’s restated affidavit, in the course of deciding objections to the magistrate’s decision, because HSBC failed to indicate why it could not have properly submitted the evidence, with reasonable diligence, before the magistrate had rendered a decision in the matter. Finally, we conclude that the trial court did not err in rendering summary judgment against HSBC, and dismissing the foreclosure action for lack of standing. HSBC failed to establish that it was the holder of a promissory note secured by a mortgage. Accordingly, the judgment of the trial court is Affirmed.
{¶ 4} On January 27, 2007, Howard Turner borrowed $85,000 from Fidelity Mortgage, a division of Delta Funding Corporation (respectively, Fidelity and Delta). Turner signed a note promising to repay Fidelity in monthly payments of $786.44 for a period of thirty years. The loan number on the note is 0103303640, and the property listed on the note is 417 Cushing Avenue, Dayton, Ohio, 45429.
{¶ 5} In order to secure the loan, Turner signed a mortgage agreement, which names Fidelity as the “Lender,” and Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (MERS) as a nominee for Fidelity and Fidelity’s successors and assigns. The mortgage states that Turner, as borrower, “does hereby mortgage, grant and convey to MERS (solely as nominee for Lender and Lender’s successors and assigns) and to the successors and assigns of MERS, the following described property in the County of Montgomery, * * * which currently has the address of 417 Cushing Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45429.” The mortgage was recorded with the Montgomery County Recorder on February 20, 2007, as MORT-07-014366.
{¶ 6} The entire amount of the loan proceeds was not disbursed. Fidelity placed $5,000 in escrow after closing, until certain repairs (roofing and heating) were made to the house. The required deposit agreement indicated that Turner had three months to make the repairs, and that if the items were not satisfactorily cleared, Fidelity had the option of satisfying the items from the funds held, of extending the time to cure, or of taking any other steps Fidelity felt necessary to protect the mortgage property, including but not limited to, paying down the principal of the loan with the deposit.
{¶ 7} Turner made timely payments through June 2007. However, he died in late July 2007, and no further payments were made. HSBC filed a foreclosure action on November 8, 2007, alleging that it was the owner and holder of Turner’s promissory note and mortgage deed and that default had occurred. HBSC sued Thompson, as administratrix of her father’s estate, and individually, based on her interest in the estate.
{¶ 8} HSBC attached purported copies of the note and mortgage agreement to the complaint. The note attached to the complaint is also accompanied by two documents that are each entitled “Allonge.” The first allonge states “Pay to the Order of _________ without recourse,” and is signed on behalf of Delta Funding Corporation by Carol Hollman, Vice-President. The second allonge states “Pay to the Order of Delta Funding Corporation” and is signed by Darryl King, as “authorized signatory” for Fidelity Mortgage.
{¶ 9} In January 2008, Thompson filed an answer, raising, among other defenses, the fact that the action was not being prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest. HSBC subsequently filed a motion for summary judgment in February 2007, supported by the affidavit of an officer of Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC (Ocwen), which was a servicing agent for HSBC.
{¶ 10} Thompson filed a response to the summary judgment motion, pointing out various deficiencies in the affidavit and documents. Thompson further contended that HSBC was not the holder of the mortgage and note, and was not the real party in interest. In addition, Thompson filed an amended answer and counterclaim, contending that HSBC was not the real party in interest, and that HSBC had made false, deceptive, and misleading representations in connection with collecting a debt, in violation of Section 1692, Title 15, U.S. Code (the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA).
{¶ 11} HSBC withdrew its motion for summary judgment in March 2008. In November 2008, the trial court vacated the trial date and referred the matter to a magistrate. HSBC then filed another motion for summary judgment in January 2009. This motion was supported by the affidavit of Chomie Neil, who was employed by Ocwen as a manager of trial preparation and discovery. Neil averred in the affidavit that he had executed it in Palm Beach, Florida. However, the notation at the top of the first page of the affidavit and the jurat both state that the affidavit was sworn to and subscribed to in New Jersey, before a notary public.
{¶ 12} Thompson moved to strike the affidavit, contending that it was filled with inadmissible hearsay, contained legal conclusions, and purported to authenticate documents, when no proper documentation had been offered. Thompson also questioned when the affidavit was executed, and whether it had been properly acknowledged, due to the irregularities in execution and acknowledgment. In addition, Thompson responded to the summary judgment motion, contending that HSBC was not the real party in interest and was not the holder of the note, because HSBC’s name was not on the note, and HSBC had failed to provide evidence that it was in possession of the note. In responding to the motion to strike, HSBC contended that the defects in the affidavit were the result of a scrivener’s error. HSBC did not attempt to correct the affidavit.
{¶ 13} In late March 2009, Thompson filed a motion for partial summary judgment against HSBC. The motion was based on the fact that under the allonges, Delta Funding Corporation was the payee of the note. Thompson also noted that MERS failed to assign the mortgage note to HSBC before the action was commenced. Thompson contended that HSBC was not the real party in interest when it filed the lawsuit, and lacked standing to invoke the court’s jurisdiction.
{¶ 14} In May 2009, the magistrate granted Thompson’s motion to strike the affidavit, because the affidavit stated that it had been sworn to in New Jersey, and the affiant declared that the affidavit was executed in Florida. The magistrate also overruled HSBC’s motion for summary judgment, and granted Thompson’s partial motion for summary judgment. The magistrate concluded that HSBC lacked standing because it was not a mortgagee when the suit was filed and could not cure its lack of standing by subsequently obtaining an interest in the mortgage. The magistrate further concluded that there was no evidence properly before the court that would indicate that HSBC was the holder of the promissory note originally executed by Turner. Accordingly, the magistrate held that HSBC’s foreclosure claim should be dismissed without prejudice. Due to factual issues regarding Thompson’s FDCPA counterclaim, HSBC’s motion for summary judgment on the counterclaim was denied.
{¶ 15} HSBC filed objections to the magistrate’s decision, and attached the “restated” affidavit of Neil. The affidavit was identical to what was previously submitted, except that the first page indicated that the affidavit was being signed in Palm Beach County, Florida. The jurat is signed by a notary who appears to be from Florida, although the notary seals on the original and copy that were submitted are not very clear. HSBC did not offer any explanation for the mistake in the original affidavit.
{¶ 16} In November 2009, the trial court overruled HSBC’s objections to the magistrate’s report. The court concluded that the errors in the affidavit were more than format errors. The court further noted that the document became an unsworn statement and could not be used for summary judgment purposes, because the statements were sworn to a notary in a state outside the notary’s jurisdiction. The court also held that, absent Neil’s affidavit, HSBC had failed to provide support for its summary judgment motion. Finally, the court concluded that HSBC failed to provide evidence that it was in possession of the note prior to the filing of the lawsuit, because the Neil affidavit had been struck, and a prior affidavit only verified the mortgage and note as true copies; it did not verify the undated allonges. Accordingly, the trial court dismissed HSBC’s action with prejudice, and entered a Civ. R. 54(B) determination of no just cause for delay.
{¶ 17} HSBC appeals from the judgment dismissing its action without prejudice.
{¶ 18} We will address HSBC’s assignments of error in reverse order. HSBC’s Second Assignment of Error is as follows:
{¶ 19} “THE LOWER COURT’S DECISION IS PREMISED ON IMPROPERLY STRIKING MR. NEIL’S AFFIDAVIT AND FAILING TO CONSIDER THE RESTATED AFFIDAVIT.”
{¶ 20} Under this assignment of error, HSBC contends that the errors in Neil’s affidavit were scrivener’s errors that have no bearing on the content of the affidavit. HSBC contends, therefore, that the trial court erred in refusing to consider the affidavit.
{¶ 21} The error, as noted, is that Neil averred that he signed the affidavit in Florida, while the first page and the jurat indicate that the affidavit was executed before a notary public in New Jersey.
{¶ 22} Thompson, Cordray, and Legal Advocates argue that the defect is not merely one of form, because the errors transform the affidavit into an unsworn statement that cannot be used to support summary judgment. The trial court agreed with this argument.
{¶ 23} Legal Advocates also stresses that HSBC was notified of problems with Neil’s affidavit, but made no attempt to cure the defect until after the magistrate had issued an unfavorable ruling. In addition, Cordray notes that the integrity of evidence in foreclosure cases is critical, due to the imbalance between access to legal representation of banks and homeowners. Thompson, Cordray, and Legal Advocates further contend that even if Neil’s affidavit could be considered, it is replete with inadmissible hearsay and legal conclusions, and is devoid of evidentiary value.
{¶ 24} Concerning the form of affidavits, Civ. R. 56(E) provides that:
{¶ 25} “Supporting and opposing affidavits shall be made on personal knowledge, shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in evidence, and shall show affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the matters stated in the affidavit. Sworn or certified copies of all papers or parts of papers referred to in an affidavit shall be attached to or served with the affidavit. The court may permit affidavits to be supplemented or opposed by depositions or by further affidavits. * * *”
{¶ 26} The Supreme Court of Ohio has held that “An affidavit must appear, on its face, to have been taken before the proper officer and in compliance with all legal requisites. A paper purporting to be an affidavit, but not to have been sworn to before an officer, is not an affidavit.” In re Disqualification of Pokorny (1992), 74 Ohio St.3d 1238 (citation omitted). Accord, Pollock v. Brigano (1998), 130 Ohio App.3d 505, 509.
{¶ 27} The affidavit submitted to the magistrate contains irreconcilable conflicts, because the affiant, Neil, states that he executed the affidavit in Florida. In contrast, the jurat, as well as the first page of the affidavit, indicate that the affidavit was signed in New Jersey.
{¶ 28} In Stern v. Board of Elections of Cuyahoga Cty. (1968), 14 Ohio St.2d 175, the Supreme Court of Ohio noted that in common use, a jurat “is employed to designate the certificate of a competent administering officer that a writing was sworn to by the person who signed it. It is no part of the oath, but is merely evidence of the fact that the oath was properly taken before the duly authorized officer.” Id. at 181 (citations omitted).
{¶ 29} In light of the inconsistencies, Neil’s oath could not have been properly taken before a duly authorized officer. Under New Jersey law, a notary public commissioned in New Jersey may perform duties only throughout the state of New Jersey. See N.J. Stat. Ann. 52:7-15. Therefore, a New Jersey notary public could not properly have administered the oath in Florida. A New Jersey notary public also could not properly have certified that the writing was sworn to, when the person signed it in another jurisdiction.
{¶ 30} As support for admission of Neil’s affidavit, HSBC cites various cases that have overlooked technical defects in affidavits. See, e.g., State v. Johnson (Oct. 24, 1997), Darke App. No. 96CA1427 (holding that a “scrivener’s error” was inconsequential and did not invalidate an affidavit), and Chase Manhattan Mtg. Corp. v. Locker, Montgomery App. No. 19904, 2003-Ohio-6665, ¶ 26 (holding that omission of specific date of month on which affidavit was signed was “scrivener’s error” and did not invalidate affidavit, because notary public did include the month and year).
{¶ 31} In Johnson, the error involved a discrepancy between the preamble and the jurat.
{¶ 32} The preamble said the site of the oath was in a particular county, but the notary swore in the jurat that the affidavit had been signed in a different county. The trial court concluded that this was a typographical error, and we agreed. This is consistent with the fact that in Ohio, a notary public may administer oaths throughout the state. See R.C. 147.07. Therefore, even if a discrepancy exists between the location listed in the preamble and the notary’s location, the official status of the affidavit is not affected. In contrast, the affiant in the case before us stated that he signed the affidavit in a different state, where the notary did not have the power to administer oaths. The difference is not simply one of form.
{¶ 33} HSBC contends that the trial court should have accepted the “restated” affidavit that it attached to HSBC’s objections to the magistrate’s decision. The trial court did not specifically discuss the restated affidavit when it overruled HSBC’s objections. We assume, therefore, that the court rejected the affidavit. See, e.g., Maguire v. Natl. City Bank, Montgomery App. No. 23140, 2009-Ohio-4405, ¶ 16, and Takacs v. Baldwin (1995), 106 Ohio App.3d 196, 209 (holding that where a trial court fails to rule on a motion, an appellate court assumes that the matter was overruled or rejected).
{¶ 34} The trial court was not required to consider the restated affidavit, because HSBC failed to explain why the affidavit could not have been properly produced for the magistrate. In this regard, Civ. R. Rule 53(D)(4)(d) provides that:
{¶ 35} “If one or more objections to a magistrate’s decision are timely filed, the court shall rule on those objections. In ruling on objections, the court shall undertake an independent review as to the objected matters to ascertain that the magistrate has properly determined the factual issues and appropriately applied the law. Before so ruling, the court may hear additional evidence but may refuse to do so unless the objecting party demonstrates that the party could not, with reasonable diligence, have produced that evidence for consideration by the magistrate.”
{¶ 36} Well before the magistrate ruled, HSBC was aware that objections had been raised to the affidavit. HSBC made no attempt to submit a corrected document to the magistrate, nor did it provide the trial court with an explanation for the cause of the problem. Accordingly, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to consider the original or restated affidavit. See Hillstreet Fund III, L.P. v. Bloom, Montgomery App. No. 23394, 2010-Ohio-2267, ¶ 49 [noting that trial courts have discretion to accept or refuse additional evidence under Civ. R. 53(D)(4)(d).]
{¶ 37} Because the trial court did not abuse its discretion in rejecting the Neil affidavits, we need not consider whether the contents of the affidavits are inadmissible.
{¶ 38} HSBC’s Second Assignment of Error is overruled.
{¶ 39} HSBC’s First Assignment of Error is as follows:
{¶ 40} “THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS IMPROPERLY TREATED THE DATE THE ASSIGNMENT OF MORTGAGE WAS EXECUTED AS DISPOSITIVE OF THE CLAIMS BEFORE IT.”
{¶ 41} Under this assignment of error, HSBC contends that the trial court committed reversible error by disregarding the ruling in State ex rel. Jones v. Suster, 84 Ohio St.3d 70, 1998-Ohio-275, that defects in standing may be cured at any time before judgment is entered. According to HSBC, an assignment of mortgage recorded with the Montgomery County Recorder establishes that HSBC is the current holder of the mortgage interest, because the interest was transferred about one week after the action against Thomson was filed. HSBC further contends that the trial court improperly disregarded evidence that HSBC legally owned the note before its complaint was filed. Before addressing the standing issue, we note that the case before us was resolved by way of summary judgment. “A trial court may grant a moving party summary judgment pursuant to Civ. R. 56 if there are no genuine issues of material fact remaining to be litigated, the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law, and reasonable minds can come to only one conclusion, and that conclusion is adverse to the nonmoving party, who is entitled to have the evidence construed most strongly in his favor.” Smith v. Five Rivers MetroParks (1999), 134 Ohio App.3d 754, 760. “We review summary judgment decisions de novo, which means that we apply the same standards as the trial court.” GNFH, Inc. v. W. Am. Ins. Co., 172 Ohio App.3d 127, 2007-Ohio-2722, ¶ 16.
{¶ 42} To decide the real-party-in-interest issue, we first turn to Civ. R. Rule 17(A), which states that:
{¶ 43} “Every action shall be prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest. * * * * No action shall be dismissed on the ground that it is not prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest until a reasonable time has been allowed after objection for ratification of commencement of the action by, or joinder or substitution of, the real party in interest. Such ratification, joinder, or substitution shall have the same effect as if the action had been commenced in the name of the real party in interest.”
{¶ 44} “Standing is a threshold question for the court to decide in order for it to proceed to adjudicate the action.” Suster, 84 Ohio St.3d at 77. The issue of lack of standing “challenges the capacity of a party to bring an action, not the subject matter jurisdiction of the court.” Id. To decide whether the requirement has been satisfied that an action be brought by the real party in interest, “courts must look to the substantive law creating the right being sued upon to see if the action has been instituted by the party possessing the substantive right to relief.” Shealy v. Campbell (1985), 20 Ohio St.3d 23, 25.
{¶ 45} “In foreclosure actions, the real party in interest is the current holder of the note and mortgage.” Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v. Sessley, Franklin App. No. 09AP-178, 2010-Ohio-2902, ¶ 11 (citation omitted). Promissory notes are negotiable, and may be transferred to someone other than the issuer. That person then becomes the holder of the instrument. R.C. 1303.21(A). R.C. 1303.21(B) provides, however, that:
{¶ 46} “Except for negotiation by a remitter, if an instrument is payable to an identified person, negotiation requires transfer of possession of the instrument and its indorsement by the holder. If an instrument is payable to bearer, it may be negotiated by transfer of possession alone.”
{¶ 47} R.C, 1301.01(T)(1) also states that a holder with regard to a negotiable instrument means either of the following:
{¶ 48} “(a) If the instrument is payable to bearer, a person who is in possession of the instrument;
{¶ 49} “(b) If the instrument is payable to an identified person, the identified person when in possession of the instrument.”
{¶ 50} In the case before us, the promissory note identifies Fidelity as the holder. The note, therefore, could have been negotiated only by Fidelity, through transfer of possession, and by either endorsing the note to a specific person, or endorsing the note to “bearer.”
{¶ 51} HSBC contends that it is the legal holder of the promissory note, and is entitled to enforce it, because it obtained the note as a bearer. A “bearer” is “the person in possession of an instrument, document of title, or certificated security payable to bearer or endorsed in blank.” R.C. 1301.01(E). HSBC’s claim that it is the bearer of the note is based on the “allonges” that were included as part of the exhibits to the complaint.
{¶ 52} The rejected affidavits of Neil do not refer to the allonges, nor were any allonges included with the promissory note that was attached to Neil’s affidavit. During oral argument, HSBC referred frequently to the Jiminez-Reyes affidavit, which was attached to a February 2008 summary judgment motion filed by HSBC. Jiminez-Reyes identified the exhibits attached to the complaint, but did not refer to the allonges. HSBC withdrew the summary judgment motion in March 2008, after Thompson had identified various deficiencies in the affidavit, including the fact that Jiminez-Reyes had incorrectly identified Thompson as the account holder. Since the motion was withdrawn, it is questionable whether the attached affidavit of Jiminez-Reyes was properly before the trial court. Byers v. Robinson, Franklin App. No. 08AP-204, 2008-Ohio-4833, ¶ 16 (effect of withdrawing motion is to leave the record as it stood before the motion was filed).
{¶ 53} Nonetheless, shortly after the complaint was filed, and prior to its first summary judgment motion, HSBC filed an affidavit of Jessica Dybas, who is identified in the affidavit as an “agent” of HSBC. The exact status of Dybas’s agency or connection to HSBC is not explained in the affidavit.
{¶ 54} Dybas states in the affidavit that she has personal knowledge of the history of the loan, that she is the custodian of records pertaining to the loan and mortgage, and that the records have been maintained in the ordinary course of business. See “Exhibit A attached to Plaintiff’s Notice of Filing of Loan Status, Military, Minor and Incompetent Affidavit and Loan History,” which was filed with the trial court in February 2008. Dybas’s affidavit also identifies Exhibits A and B of the complaint as true and accurate copies of the originals. Exhibit A to the complaint includes a copy of the promissory note of the decedent, Howard Turner, made payable to Fidelity, and a copy of two documents entitled “Allonge,” that are placed at the end of the promissory note. Exhibit B is a copy of the mortgage agreement, which names Fidelity as the “Lender” and MERS as “nominee” for Fidelity and its assigns. Dybas’s affidavit does not specifically mention the allonges. Like the affidavit of Jiminez-Reyes, Dybas’s affidavit incorrectly identifies Thompson as the borrower on the note. Thompson was not the borrower; she is the administratrix of the estate of the borrower, Howard Turner.
{¶ 55} Assuming for the sake of argument that Dybas’s affidavit is sufficient, or that the affidavit of Jiminez-Reyes was properly before the court, we note that Ohio requires endorsements to be “on” an instrument, or in papers affixed to the instrument. See R.C. 1303.24(A)(1) and (2), which state that “For the purpose of determining whether a signature is made on an instrument, a paper affixed to the instrument is a part of the instrument.”
{¶ 56} “The use of an allonge to add indorsements to an instrument when there is no room for them on the instrument itself dates from early common law.” Southwestern Resolution Corp. v. Watson (Tex. 1997), 964 S.W.2d 262, 263. “An allonge is defined as `[a] slip of paper sometimes attached to a negotiable instrument for the purpose of receiving further indorsements when the original paper is filled with indorsements.'” Chase Home Finance, LLC v. Fequiere (2010), 119 Conn.App. 570, 577, 989 A.2d 606, quoting from Black’s Law Dictionary (9th Ed. 2009).
{¶ 57} In Watson, a note and allonge produced at trial were taped together and had several staple holes. The president of the noteholder testified that when his company received the note, “the allonge was stapled to it and may also have been clipped and taped, but that the note and allonge had been separated and reattached five or six times for photocopying.” 964 S.W.2d at 263. The lower courts agreed with a jury that the allonge was not so firmly affixed as to be part of the note. But the Supreme Court of Texas disagreed.
{¶ 58} The Supreme Court of Texas recounted the history of allonges throughout various versions of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). The court noted that an early provision had provided that an endorsement must be written on the note or on a paper attached thereto. Id., citing Section 31 of the Uniform Negotiable Instruments Law. Under this law, an allonge could be attached by a staple. Id (citation omitted). The Supreme Court of Texas also noted that:
{¶ 59} “When the UCC changed the requirement from `attached thereto’ to `so firmly affixed thereto as to become a part thereof’, * * * the drafters of the new provision specifically contemplated that an allonge could be attached to a note by staples. American Law Institute, Comments & Notes to Tentative Draft No. 1-Article III 114 (1946), reprinted in 2 Elizabeth Slusser Kelly, Uniform Commercial Code Drafts 311, 424 (1984) (`The indorsement must be written on the instrument itself or on an allonge, which, as defined in Section ___, is a strip of paper so firmly pasted, stapled or otherwise affixed to the instrument as to become part of it.’).” Id. at 263-64 (citation omitted).
{¶ 60} The Supreme Court of Texas further observed that:
{¶ 61} “The attachment requirement has been said to serve two purposes: preventing fraud and preserving the chain of title to an instrument. * * * * Still, the requirement has been relaxed in the current code from `firmly affixed’ to simply `affixed’. Tex. Bus. & Com.Code § 3.204(a). As the Commercial Code Committee of the Section of Business Law of the State Bar of Texas concluded in recommending adoption of the provision, `the efficiencies and benefits achieved by permitting indorsements by allonge outweigh[] the possible problems raised by easily detachable allonges.'” Id. at 264 (citations omitted).
{¶ 62} The Supreme Court of Texas, therefore, concluded that a stapled allonge is “firmly affixed” to an instrument, and that the allonge in the case before it was properly affixed. In this regard, the court relied on the following evidence:
{¶ 63} “In the present case, Southwestern’s president testified that the allonge was stapled, taped, and clipped to the note when Southwestern received it. There was no evidence to the contrary. The fact that the documents had been detached for photocopying does not raise a fact issue for the jury about whether the documents were firmly affixed. If it did, the validity of an allonge would always be a question of the finder of fact, since no allonge can be affixed so firmly that it cannot be detached. One simply cannot infer that two documents were never attached from the fact that they can be, and have been, detached. Nor could the jury infer from the staple holes in the two papers, as the court of appeals suggested, that the two documents had not been attached. This would be pure conjecture.” Id. at 264.
{¶ 64} Like Texas, Ohio has adopted the pertinent revisions to the UCC. In All American Finance Co. v. Pugh Shows, Inc. (1987), 30 Ohio St.3d 130, the Supreme Court of Ohio noted that under UCC 3-302, “a purported indorsement on a mortgage or other separate paper pinned or clipped to an instrument is not sufficient for negotiation.” Id. at 132, n. 3. At that time, R.C. 1303.23 was the analogous Ohio statute to UCC 3-202, which required endorsements to be firmly affixed.
{¶ 65} Ohio subsequently adopted the revisions to the UCC. R.C. 1303.24(A)(2) now requires that a paper be affixed to an instrument in order for a signature to be considered part of the instrument. R.C. 1303.24 is the analogous Ohio statute to UCC. 3-204. The 1990 official comments for UCC 3-204 state that this requirement is “based on subsection (2) of former Section 3-202. An indorsement on an allonge is valid even though there is sufficient space on the instrument for an indorsement.” This latter comment addresses the fact that prior to the 1990 changes to the UCC, the majority view was that allonges could be used only if the note itself contained insufficient space for further endorsements. See, e.g., Pribus v. Bush (1981), 118 Cal.App.3d 1003, 1008, 173 Cal.Rptr. 747. See, also, All American Finance, 30 Ohio St.3d at 132, n.3 (indicating that while the court did not need to reach the issue for purposes of deciding the case, several jurisdictions “hold that indorsement by allonge is permitted only where there is no longer room on the instrument itself due to previous indorsements.”)
{¶ 66} The current version of the UCC, codified as R.C. 1303.24(A)(2), allows allonges even where room exists on the note for further endorsements. However, the paper must be affixed to the instrument in order for the signature to be considered part of the instrument. As the Supreme Court of Texas noted in Watson, the requirement has changed from being “firmly affixed” to “affixed.” However, even the earlier version, which specified that the allonge be “attached thereto,” was interpreted as requiring that the allonge be stapled. Watson, 964 S.W.2d at 263.
{¶ 67} In contrast to Watson, no evidence was presented in the case before us to indicate that the allonges were ever attached or affixed to the promissory note. Instead, the allonges have been presented as separate, loose sheets of paper, with no explanation as to how they may have been attached. Compare In re Weisband, (Bkrtcy. D. Ariz., 2010), 427 B.R. 13, 19 (concluding that GMAC was not a “holder” and did not have ability to enforce a note, where GMAC failed to demonstrate that an allonge endorsement to GMAC was affixed to a note. The bankruptcy court noted that the endorsement in question “is on a separate sheet of paper; there was no evidence that it was stapled or otherwise attached to the rest of the Note.”)
{¶ 68} It is possible that the allonges in the case before us were stapled to the note at one time and were separated for photocopying. But unlike the alleged creditor in Watson, HSBC offered no evidence to that effect. Furthermore, assuming for the sake of argument that the allonges were properly “affixed,” the order of the allonges does not permit HSBC to claim that it is the possessor of a note made payable to bearer or endorsed in blank.
{¶ 69} The first allonge is endorsed from Delta to “blank,” and the second allonge is endorsed from Fidelity to Delta. If the endorsement in blank were intended to be effective, the endorsement from Fidelity to Delta should have preceded the endorsement from Delta to “blank,” because the original promissory note is made payable to Fidelity, not to Delta. Delta would have had no power to endorse the note before receiving the note and an endorsement from Fidelity.
{¶ 70} HSBC contends that the order of the allonges is immaterial, while Thompson claims that the order is critical. At the oral argument of this appeal, HSBC appeared to be arguing that the order of allonges would never be material. This is easily refuted by the example of two allonges, one containing an assignment from the original holder of the note to A, and the other containing an assignment from the original holder of the note to B. Whichever allonge was first would determine whether the note had been effectively assigned to A, or to B.
{¶ 71} Thompson contends that because the last-named endorsement is made to Delta, Delta was the proper holder of the note when this action was filed, since the prior, first-named endorsement was from an entity other than the current holder of the note. In Adams v. Madison Realty & Development, Inc. (C.A.3, 1988), 853 F.2d 163, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals stressed that from the maker’s standpoint:
{¶ 72} “it becomes essential to establish that the person who demands payment of a negotiable note, or to whom payment is made, is the duly qualified holder. Otherwise, the obligor is exposed to the risk of double payment, or at least to the expense of litigation incurred to prevent duplicative satisfaction of the instrument. These risks provide makers with a recognizable interest in demanding proof of the chain of title.” Id. At 168.
{¶ 73} The Third Circuit Court of Appeals further observed that:
{¶ 74} “Financial institutions, noted for insisting on their customers’ compliance with numerous ritualistic formalities, are not sympathetic petitioners in urging relaxation of an elementary business practice. It is a tenet of commercial law that `[h]oldership and the potential for becoming holders in due course should only be accorded to transferees that observe the historic protocol.'” 853 F.2d at 169 (citation omitted).
{¶ 75} Consistent with this observation, recent decisions in the State of New York have noted numerous irregularities in HSBC’s mortgage documentation and corporate relationships with Ocwen, MERS, and Delta. See, e.g., HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v. Cherry (2007), 18 Misc.3d 1102(A), 856 N.Y.S.2d 24 (Table), 2007 WL 4374284, and HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v. Yeasmin (2010), 27 Misc.3d 1227(A), 2010 N.Y. Slip Op. 50927(U)(Table), 2010 WL 2080273 (dismissing HSBC’s requests for orders of reference in mortgage foreclosure actions, due to HSBC’s failure to provide proper affidavits). See, also, e.g., HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v. Charlevagne (2008), 20 Misc.3d 1128(A), 872 N.Y.S.2d 691 (Table), 2008 WL 2954767, and HSBC Bank USA, Nat. Assn. v. Antrobus (2008), 20 Misc.3d 1127(A), 872 N.Y.S.2d 691,(Table), 2008 WL 2928553 (describing “possible incestuous relationship” between HSBC Bank, Ocwen Loan Servicing, Delta Funding Corporation, and Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., due to the fact that the entities all share the same office space at 1661 Worthington Road, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, Florida. HSBC also supplied affidavits in support of foreclosure from individuals who claimed simultaneously to be officers of more than one of these corporations.).
{¶ 76} Because the last allonge endorses the note to Delta, and no further endorsement to HSBC was provided, the trial court did not err in concluding that HSBC was not the holder of the note when the litigation was commenced against Thompson.
{¶ 77} As an alternative position, HSBC contended at oral argument that it had standing to prosecute the action, because assignment of the mortgage alone is sufficient. In this regard, HSBC notes that the mortgage was transferred to HSBC by MERS on November 14, 2007. This was about one week after HSBC commenced the mortgage foreclosure action.
{¶ 78} HSBC did not argue this position in its briefs, and did not provide supporting authority for its position at oral argument. In fact, HSBC relied in its brief on the contrary position that HSBC “was the legal holder of the note and, accordingly, entitled to enforce the mortgage loan regardless of the date the Mortgage was assigned, and under Marcino, even if the Mortgage had never been separately assigned to HSBC.” Brief of Appellant HSBC Bank USA, N.A., pp. 15-16 (bolding in original).
{¶ 79} The Marcino case referred to by HSBC states as follows:
{¶ 80} “For nearly a century, Ohio courts have held that whenever a promissory note is secured by a mortgage, the note constitutes the evidence of the debt and the mortgage is a mere incident to the obligation. Edgar v. Haines (1923), 109 Ohio St. 159, 164, 141 N.E. 837. Therefore, the negotiation of a note operates as an equitable assignment of the mortgage, even though the mortgage is not assigned or delivered.” U.S. Bank Natl. Assn. v. Marcino, 181 Ohio App.3d 328, 2009-Ohio-1178, ¶ 52.
{¶ 81} Even if HSBC had provided support for the proposition that ownership of the note is not required, the evidence about the assignment is not properly before us. The alleged mortgage assignment is attached to the rejected affidavits of Neil. Furthermore, even if we were to consider this “evidence,” the mortgage assignment from MERS to HSBC indicates that the assignment was prepared by Ocwen for MERS, and that Ocwen is located at the same Palm Beach, Florida address mentioned in Charlevagne and Antrobus. See Exhibit 3 attached to the affidavit of Chomie Neil. In addition, Scott Anderson, who signed the assignment, as Vice-President of MERS, appears to be the same individual who claimed to be both Vice-President of MERS and Vice-President of Ocwen. See Antrobus, 2008 WL 2928553, * 4, and Charlevagne, 2008 WL 2954767, * 1.
{¶ 82} In support of its argument that a subsequent mortgage assignment can confer standing on a noteholder, HSBC cites some Ohio cases in which “courts have rejected claims that the execution of an assignment subsequent to the filing of a complaint necessarily precludes a party from prosecuting a foreclosure action as the real party in interest.” Deutsche Bank Natl. Trust Co. v. Cassens, Franklin App. No. 09-AP-865, 2010-Ohio-2851, ¶ 17. Accordingly, at least in the view of some districts in Ohio, if the note had been properly negotiated to HSBC, HSBC may have been able to claim standing, based on equitable assignment of the mortgage, supplemented by the actual transfer of the mortgage after the complaint was filed.
{¶ 83} In contrast to the Seventh District, other districts take a more rigid view. See Wells Fargo Bank v. Jordan, Cuyahoga App. No. 91675, 2009-Ohio-1092 (holding that Civ. R. 17(A) does not apply unless a plaintiff has standing in the first place to invoke the jurisdiction of the court. Accordingly, a bank that is not a mortgagee when suit is filed is not the real party in interest on the date the complaint is filed, and cannot cure its lack of standing by subsequently obtaining an interest in the mortgage). Accord Bank of New York v. Gindele, Hamilton App. No. C-090251, 2010-Ohio-542.
{¶ 84} In Gindele, the First District Court of Appeals commented as follows:
{¶ 85} “We likewise reject Bank of New York’s argument that the real party in interest when the lawsuit was filed was later joined by the Gindeles. We are convinced that the later joinder of the real party in interest could not have cured the Bank of New York’s lack of standing when it filed its foreclosure complaint. This narrow reading of Civ.R. 17 comports with the intent of the rule. As other state and federal courts have noted, Civ.R. 17 generally allows ratification, joinder, and substitution of parties `to avoid forfeiture and injustice when an understandable mistake has been made in selecting the parties in whose name the action should be brought.’ * * * * `While a literal interpretation of * * * Rule 17(a) would make it applicable to every case in which an inappropriate plaintiff was named, the Advisory Committee’s Notes make it clear that this provision is intended to prevent forfeiture when determination of the proper party to sue is difficult or when an understandable mistake has been made. When determination of the correct party to bring the action was not difficult and when no excusable mistake was made, the last sentence of Rule 17(a) is inapplicable and the action should be dismissed.'” Id. at ¶ 4 (footnotes omitted).
{¶ 86} We need not decide which approach is correct, because the alleged assignment of mortgage is attached to Neil’s rejected affidavits. Since the trial court’s disregard of the affidavits was not an abuse of discretion, there is currently no evidence of a mortgage “assignment” to consider. Moreover, we would reject HSBC’s position even if we considered the alleged assignment, because HSBC failed to establish that it was the holder of the note. Therefore, no “equitable assignment” of the mortgage would have arisen. All that HSBC might have established is that the mortgage was assigned to it after the action was filed. However, as we noted, the matters pertaining to that fact were submitted with an affidavit that the trial court rejected, within its discretion.
{¶ 87} Accordingly, the trial court did not err in dismissing the action without prejudice, based on HSBC’s failure to prove that it had standing to sue.
{¶ 88} HSBC’s First Assignment of Error is overruled.
{¶ 89} The final matter to be addressed is Thompson’s motion to dismiss the part of HSBC’s appeal which assigns error in the trial court’s denial of HSBC’s motion for summary judgment. HSBC filed a motion for summary judgment on Thompson’s counterclaim, which alleged violations of the Fair Debt Practices Collection Act. The trial court denied the motion for summary judgment, and filed a Civ. R. 54(B) certification regarding the summary judgment that had been rendered in Thompson’s favor.
{¶ 90} Thompson contends that denial of summary judgment is not a final appealable order, and that HSBC’s argument regarding the FDCPA should not be considered on appeal. In response, HSBC maintains that it is not appealing the denial of its motion for summary judgment. HSBC argues instead, that if we reverse the trial court order granting Thompson’s motion to strike the affidavit of Neil, or if we reverse the order dismissing HSBC’s foreclosure complaint, we would then be entitled under App. R. 12(B) to enter a judgment dismissing the FDCPA claims.
{¶ 91} App. R. 12(B) provides that:
{¶ 92} “When the court of appeals determines that the trial court committed no error prejudicial to the appellant in any of the particulars assigned and argued in appellant’s brief and that the appellee is entitled to have the judgment or final order of the trial court affirmed as a matter of law, the court of appeals shall enter judgment accordingly. When the court of appeals determines that the trial court committed error prejudicial to the appellant and that the appellant is entitled to have judgment or final order rendered in his favor as a matter of law, the court of appeals shall reverse the judgment or final order of the trial court and render the judgment or final order that the trial court should have rendered, or remand the cause to the court with instructions to render such judgment or final order. In all other cases where the court of appeals determines that the judgment or final order of the trial court should be modified as a matter of law it shall enter its judgment accordingly.”
{¶ 93} App. R. 12(B) does not apply, because the trial court did not commit error prejudicial to HSBC. Furthermore, HSBC admits that it is not appealing the denial of its summary judgment motion. Accordingly, Thompson’s motion to dismiss is without merit and is overruled.
{¶ 94} All of HSBC’s assignments of error having been overruled, the judgment of the trial court is Affirmed. Thompson’s motion to dismiss part of HSBC’s appeal is overruled.
Brogan and Froelich, JJ., concur.
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM A DEPOSITION OF JEFFREY STEPHAN |By Lynn E. Szymoniak, Esq. Ed., Fraud Digest
Posted on 23 July 2010. Tags: affidavit, assignment of mortgage, Bryan Bly, Christina Trowbridge, deposition, District Nine, Division of Northern Cumberland, Docket No. BRI-RE-09-65, erica johnson seck, et al., Federal National Mortgage Association v. Nicole M. Bradbury, foreclosure raud, fraud digest, GMAC, jefferey stephan, jeffrey stephan, Lender Processing Services Inc., linda green, LPS, Lynn Szymoniak ESQ, Maine, Maine District Court, mbs, mortgage backed trust, Scott Anderson, summary judgment
By Lynn E. Szymoniak, Esq. Ed., Fraud Digest (www.frauddigest.com) July 18, 2010
These are highlights from the deposition of Jeffrey B. Stephan, taken June 7, 2010, in a foreclosure case in Maine, Federal National Mortgage Association v. Nicole M. Bradbury, et al., Maine District Court, District Nine, Division of Northern Cumberland, Docket No. BRI-RE-09-65. The deposition was taken by Attorney Thomas Cox of Portland, Maine.
Jeffrey Stephan says his current title is team leader of the document execution team for GMAC. He estimates that he signs between 8,000 and 12,000 documents monthly. He supervises a team of 14 employees.
Mortgage Assignments and Affidavits in support of Summary Judgment signed by Stephan have been used by GMAC, FANNIE & FREDDIE in over 100,000 foreclosure cases.
“LPS” in the last line refers to Lender Processing Services in Jacksonville, Florida.
In a previous deposition, Stephan stated that the notaries who notarize his signature are often not actually present in the room with him when he signs documents.
Despite all of the mounting evidence and admissions, Jeffrey Stephan, Scott Anderson, Bryan Bly, Linda Green, Erica Johnson-Seck, Christina Trowbridge and the other “bank officers” employed by the companies serving the securitized
mortgage-backed trust industry will be back at their desks Monday morning, pens (or rubber stamps) in hand.
Page 16-17, Lines 17-25, 2-11
Q: What training have you received?
A: I received side-by-side training from another team leader to instruct me on how to review the documents when they are received from my staff.
Q: Who was that person?
A: That person, at the time, I believe, was a gentleman named Kenneth Ugwuadu. U-G-W-U-A-D-U. He is no longer with GMAC.
Q: How long did that training last?
A: Three days.
Q: Were there any written or printed training materials or manuals used as apart of that training?
Page 20, Lines 19-24:
Q.: In your capacity as the team leader for the document execution team, do you have any role in the foreclosure process, other than the signing of documents?
Q: When you sign a summary judgment affidavit, do you check to see if all of the exhibits are attached to it?
Q. Does anybody in your department check to see if all the exhibits are attached to it at the time that it is presented to you for your signature?
Q: When you sign a summary judgment affidavit, do you inspect any exhibits attached to it?
Page 62-63, Lines 23-25, 2-6:
Q: Is it fair to say when you sign a summary judgment affidavit, you don’t know what information it contains, other than the figures that are set forth within it?
A: Other than the borrower’s name, and if I have signing authority for that entity, that is correct.
Page 69, Lines 2-20:
Q: Mr. Stephan, referring you again to the bottom line on Page 1 of Exhibit 1, it states: I have under my custody and control, the records relating to the mortgage transaction referenced below.
It’s correct, is it not, that you did not have in your custody any records of GMAC at the time that you signed a summary judgment affidavit?
A: I have the electronic record. I do not have papers.
Q: You have access to a computer, is that what you mean?
(objections omitted)
Q: Mr. Stephan, do you recall testifying in your Florida deposition in December with regard to your employees, and you said, quote, they do not go into the system and verify that the information is accurate?
A: That is correct.
Page 41, Line 19:
Q: Do your employees have any direct communication with outside counsel?
A: Yes, through the LPS System.
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Here is the Deposition Below:
Via: 4closurefraud
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Posted in fraud digest, Lender Processing Services Inc., LPS, robo signer, securitization, STOP FORECLOSURE FRAUD, TrustsComments (1)
2009 Mortgage Assignments – Over a Trillion Dollars – Sure There Were…
Posted on 07 July 2010. Tags: assignment of mortgage fraud, brian bly, Christina Trowbridge, DOCX, erica johnson seck, foreclosure fraud, foreclosures, fraud digest, herman john kennerty, jeffrey stephan, Keri Selman, Lender Processing Services Inc., linda green, LPS, Lynn Szymoniak ESQ, MERS, mortgage, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS INC., notes, Renee Hertzler, Scott Anderson
COMMENTS from Lynn Szymoniak re “Linda Green” Mortgage Assignments
On June 29, 2010, Judge William C. Todd, III, entered a lengthy opinion in a NJ foreclosure action, Bank of New York as Trustee v. Michael J. Raftogianis, et al., Case No.F-7356-09, Superior Ct. of NJ, Atlantic County, in a case involving securitization, MERS and questionable mortgage assignments. These same issues arise in hundreds of thousands of foreclosure cases. Judge Todd found: “The original complaint in this matter was filed in February, 2009. The plaintiff identified in the complaint was not the original mortgagee. There was no meaningful attempt to comply with the provisions of R. 4:64-1(b)(10) by ‘reciting all assignments in the chain of title…The MERS assignment was not executed and recorded until after the complaint was filed.’ The plaintiff also failed to produce the Note. On page 18 of this Order, Judge Todd notes: “The assignment was executed by one Linda Green, as Vice President of MERS, as nominee for American Home Acceptance. Ms. Green’s signature was notarized.”
Several articles regarding the authority and actions of Linda Green are available on “Fraud Digest.” In the “pleadings” section, there are examples of the many different Linda Green signatures/forgeries. Green’s “signature” appears on HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of mortgage assignments – as an officer of at least 20 different banks and mortgage companies.
The total mortgage loan amount on 500 “Linda Green” Mortgage Assignments is $126,956,912, or approximately $125 million for each 500 Assignments. The average output of Assignments from the Docx office in Alpharetta, Georgia in 2009 was 2,000 Assignments per day.
This would be equivalent to (4 x $125 million) or $500 million each day. Assuming that Docx operated 5 days a week for 51 weeks (allowing for holidays), the office was open, producing Assignments, 255 days. It is likely that the Linda Green/Docx crew prepared and filed Mortgage Assignments showing One Hundred Twenty-Seven Billion, Five Hundred Million ($127,500,000,000) in mortgages were Assigned in 2009.
The offices of Lender Processing Services in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, seems likely to also have produced 2,000 Assignments each working day.
Jeffrey Stephan from the GMAC offices in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania also is likely to have produced 2,000 Assignments each day.
Bryan Bly of Nationwide Title Clearing also is likely to have produced 2,000 Mortgage Assignments each day.
Scott Anderson of Ocwen Loan Servicing in West Palm Beach, Florida, almost certainly produced an average of 2,000 Assignments a day.
Herman John Kennerty of America’s Servicing Company in Ft. Mill, South Carolina, also is likely to have produced 2,000 Assignments each day.
Erica Johnson-Seck was almost certainly producing Assignments at this same level for IndyMac.
Christina Trowbridge, Whitney Cook, and Stacy Spohn of Chase Home Finance in Franklin, Ohio likely had the same output.
Keri Selman and Renee Hertzler of BAC Home Loan Servicing (formerly Countrywide) in Texas almost certainly produced an average of 2,000 Assignments a day.
If these nine offices each produced 2,000 Assignments a day, the value of the Mortgage Assignments filed by all nine offices in 2009 was One Trillion, One Hundred Forty Seven Billion, Five Hundred Million ($1,147,500,000,000).
Most of these Assignments, of course, were not actually made in 2009. Trusts and trustees did not rush to acquire over a trillion dollars in sub-prime mortgages in 2009. The vast majority of these assignments were made solely for the purpose of “facilitating” foreclosures.
Each day, courts, regulators and law enforcement refuse to act on the issue of fraudulent Mortgage Assignments. By failing to act, they choose to protect the interests of Wall Street securitizers, hedge funds, Deutsche Bank (and other foreign banks), CDO sellers and purchasers, especially Goldman Sachs and investors, particularly Chinese traders.
If homeowners had committed the equivalent crime and filed millions of fraudulent “Satisfaction of Mortgage” documents, the courts and prisons would be filled with defendants. Two systems of justice, one for Wall Street and one for Main Street, means no justice at all.
(Note: copies of the various versions of the Green signature are in the pleadings section of www.frauddigest.com.)
Posted in CONTROL FRAUD, foreclosure, foreclosure fraud, foreclosure mills, foreclosures, fraud digest, Lender Processing Services Inc., LPS, Lynn Szymoniak ESQ, MERS, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS INC., robo signers, stop foreclosure fraudComments (1)
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Sunshine the Bunny
Meet the Bunnies
Christy Starks - Vocals/Tambourine
Christy Starks (The Cute One) Christy is the Lead Singer of the band. Christy’s smooth, sexy vocal style helps set this band apart from the crowd. She is hot enough to be a part-time model who dabbles in private investigation. But she’s not – instead she’s a part-time Avon Lady who spends all day watching reruns of Murder She Wrote. Christy is new to the band scene but she has years of experience playing Sing Star, Rock Band and watching American Idol.
Kurt Starks - Vocals/Guitar/Bass
Kurt Starks (The Funny One):Kurt is the guitarist/songwriter and part-time stunt man who dabbles in private investigation. Kurt Starks is known as one of the best guitarist in the country having played with numerous famous artists and he is an accredited professor at the world famous Guitar Technical Institute in California. Unfortunately, that Kurt Starks lives in Los Angeles and is not part of this band. The Kurt Starks in this band has only played guitar for a couple of years and he is not very good at all. But he tries real hard and damn he’s funny – I mean really funny, like piss your pants funny. Plus, his parents bought all the PA equipment so the band pretty much had to let him join. Despite Kurt’s musical limitations he has started and been kicked out of several successful regional bands including Room Full of Walters, That Statue Moved and The Naughty Astronauts. Note: Technically The Naughty Astronauts did not kick Kurt out of the band. Kurt accidently kicked himself out when one day he stated “This band I quit”! He actually meant to say “This band I quite like”! But to avoid the embarrassment of admitting he misspoke he went ahead and quit anyway.
Shaun Ray - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Shaun Ray (The Smart One): Shaun is the lead guitarist and a part-time Bee Keeper who dabbles in private investigation. Shaun is known has the “smart one” but actually he’s not that smart at all. Actually, he’s really pretty dumb but he is way smarter than the rest of the band so he was named the “smart one” by default. Shaun has years of experience in the local music scene. He has played with some of the top regional bands including Flim @ Eleven and Lucky People.
Ted Myers - Drums/Percussion
Ted Myers (The Young One): Ted is the Drummer and part-time lumber jack who dabbles in private investigation. Ted studied drums at the famous University of Yoder Dame, home of the Fighting Amish. Ted has played in several top regional bands including Tornado Rose.
Let's Get Social Like Bunnies Do!
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About Susan Leviton
Life in Art
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Home » Donor Recognition Art
Abramson Center – Peacock Detail
Posted by Susan on Jun 10, 2011 in Donor Recognition Art, News, Public Art, Visual Art | 0 comments
Utilizing the style of traditional Jewish papercut art, and imagery from Yiddish literature, the Torah, and the Israeli landscape, this detail gives you a glimpse into the intricacy and charm of the much larger major donor wall at the Abramson Center in Horsham, PA. The design was crafted so that every single bit is connected to other parts of the artwork, thus preventing things from falling away. The decision to use a Formica panel that echoes the patina process of copper gives the entire design more movement since there are subtle color changes in even the tiniest detail. The entire donor wall installation measures about 12 X 40 feet. I designed the work full scale and painted each segment in black ink prior to shipping the paintings to Maine for fabrication. Click here to see how this image fits into the entire donor...
Abramson Center Detail
This central panel of a 4o foot long wall features an intricate papercut-style design fabricated in Formica. The panel shown here was mounted with clear acrylic behind the cut design to add depth and a play of shadow.
Primary Donor Wall, Abramson Center
This installation, approximately 12 X 4o feet anchors the donor recognition system at Abramson Center for Jewish Life, in Horsham, Pennsylvania. I painted the papercut-inspired panels at full size and they were laser-cut out of Formica in Maine before being mounted on Corian and installed in the center. The imagery includes the seven species, native Israeli wildflowers, and the golden peacock, a reference to the literary symbol of the continuity of Yiddish culture. The rectangles in each of the two matching panels that flank the central piece are designed to capture the iron gate on a building in the heart of Jerusalem. They are of a lighter color Formica and may be removed at such time as the space is needed for additional donor plaques. Images relating to this main donor wall are echoed throughout the buildings as well as around the exterior grounds. Altogether, I painted approxiamtely 20 different pieces for a unified donor recognition and way-pointing system at Abramson. Before they were shipped to Maine for fabrication, my entire dining room was hung for weeks, floor to ceiling, in full-size black and white...
Founders’ Wall
In keeping with the overall donor recognition theme of the Abramson Center near Philadelphia, the design segments for this donor wall reflect the Seven Species: barley, wheat, pomegranates, olives, dates, figs, and grapes. I was given the templates (the outer shapes) of each of the four segments and worked to fill the spaces with balanced artwork in the style of traditional papercuts. The fabrication was completed by Welch Architectural Signage by laser-cutting my designs out of Formica and mounting them on Corian backing.
Chai Society Donor Plaque
Posted by Susan on Jun 10, 2011 in Donor Recognition Art, News, Public Art | 0 comments
Day School Anniversary Donor Art
Knowing this would hang in a school hallway, I found inspiration for the piece in a child’s paintbox. The client requested a clean, colorful image that would brighten the hall while honoring major donors.
I describe myself as a Jewish Culture Worker. My life work is bringing Yiddish into peoples' lives through song, and expanding the world of Jewish visual arts with calligraphy and papercut art. I always maintain a commitment to historic forms while seeking the relevant, new, and finely-crafted. My work's been called "exuberant, earthy, touching, and surprising." I will travel to your community to unfurl the world of Jewish arts!
“As a fellow teacher, I do appreciate your clarity, organization, and excellent contact with the audience in addition to your command of the subject matter.” – Mil Lieberthal, Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin – Extension
What’s Susan up to?
February 18, 2018 - Susan will be hosted by the Sholem Aleichem Center in the Bronx for a concert. Come for a shmuez (a chat) and stay for the music!
As part of the Sacred: Image, Text, Ritual exhibit at Lebanon Valley College, Susan will be presenting a lecture recital titled "Words as Homeland: Where Jewish Text, Art, and Song Converge to Express a Culture." Thursday, February 8, 2018, 5 pm at the Zimmerman Recital Hall.
A wonderful arts residency in Teaneck, NJ at Congregation Beth Sholom concluded with a full concert, accompanied by Adrian Banner on Piano. Enthusiasm and learning flowed back and forth the entire time. Fabulous community!
What a great night at the Jalopy in Brooklyn on June 16, 2016 as my new trio with Lauren Brody and Jake Shulman-Ment stepped out to strut our stuff! Many languages, many musical cultures, and great joy in blending our voices and instruments.
In the beautiful summer landscape of Rindge, New Hampshire, I was privileged to teach traditional Jewish papercut arts at the annual National Havurah Committee's Summer Institute. We turned a large, sunny room into an art studio, and the class burst into enthusiastic art creation. I love the celebratory greeting of everyone's creations as skills and appreciation deepen over four days of classes. I'll come to you! Just ask!
Back to the Catskills, this time teaching for HAZAK, a group under the umbrella of United Synagogue that offers among its programs an annual summer week of learning and camaraderie. I used my lecture/recital format to widen the world of Yiddish song for about 150 life-long learners as we studied, laughed, sang a bit, and grew to know one another in Kerhonkson, NY.
When Nancy Spielberg screened her film Above and Beyond in Harrisburg's Chisuk Emuna Congregation, I was tapped to create a papercut gift for her. I chose the color scheme of her promotional material and the Hebrew words which translate into "Be strong... and strengthen one another." The filmmaker and I are shown here. (photo by Josh Damrauer)
Each year the myriad of faith communities in the Harrisburg region come together to celebrate in song. Here's an image of my participation, sharing the beauty of Yiddish song at the Pine Street Presbyterian Church.
One of three children's programs to wind up a hectic and marvelous Scholar in Residence program at Congregation Beth El in Fairfield, CT. Lectures, singing programs, explorations of Yiddishkayt - and a debut concert of the new Leviton/Brody duo in concert! I'll happily come to your community, too!
Yiddish Culture on St. Croix! I received the warmest welcome all across the island where I had the opportunities to teach a vocal arts class in a school, offer an adult papercutting workshop, lecture in the synagogue, and get the whole audience at the Reformed Church singing along in multiple languages! Cultural seeds planted and the smiles, voices, and hugs still linger in memory!
The Judson Church off Washington Square was packed with well over 300 people on December 30, 2014, to honor the memory and brilliance of Adrienne Cooper, and to award Michael Wex with this year's Dreaming in Yiddish prize. Below is an image of the finale of the musical performance of the Kanonen song from Brecht and Weill's Threepenny Opera, translated from the German into Yiddish by Wex himself. An all-star band backed us as we belted out the Army Song and others, accompanied by the brilliant puppetry and staging of Great Small Works and Power Point translations which made the text a little less inscrutable! What a night! Singers below include Sarah Gordon, Eleanor Reissa, Tine Kindermann, Dan Kahn, myself, and others.
A whirlwind arts week in Caldwell, NJ at Congregation Agudath Israel allowed me to open Jewish folk arts to energetic groups from preschoolers through elders. The tots sang and acted out Yiddish songs with costumes and props, the school students (4 larger groups) explored paper arts and traditional papercutting, and adults were treated to a series of lecture recitals, everything taking place in a large space where I hung over 35 works of framed art. What a fabulous arts residency for all of us together!
Nearly 100 people attended a lecture/recital stitching together I. B. Singer's writing and the artists who illustrated his books as Susan sang her way through the bookshelves, Sunday, November 16, at Chisuk Emuna Congregation in Harrisburg, PA. This was the second event in the year's programming under a grant from the Koster Foundation.
I was guest lecturer at Dickinson College today, October 6, singing my way through a program on Jews and Food. Unlike the light weight singalongs I often do on this topic, the class took food songs into the framework of Hasia Diner's examination of the place of food in Jewish life in the Pale of Settlement through acculturation in America. 15 songs unpacked! A great eye-opening experience for all!
Heeding God's Call is a national organization working at a grassroots level to end gun violence and straw buying. On September 18, within days of two gun murders in Harrisburg, I participated in an interfaith program at the MLK Baptist Church in the heart of our city. We 'sang' Reisen's Dos Naye Lid together as the assembled crowd held colored cards with words in Yiddish and English.
A happy bride at the huppah with her papercut ketubah! 'Tis the season, and I've been busy with commissions of all sorts!
A full week of learning and teaching at the Havurah Summer Institute was a welcome experience again this year. Located at Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire, about 300 Havurahniks from infancy to elder sage-age filled days and nights with enthusiastic work, food, music, and exploration. I taught classes in Yiddish song and helped create a soundscape for Tisha B'Av this summer. Loved it!!!
A lovely way to begin the summer's KlezKamp's Wisconsin adventure was a solo concert at Chai Point in Milwaukee. Jill Gellerman and were welcomed to the beautiful facility and then I sang for and with a great crowd of elders, eager to be part of the action!
Quite a surprise when I met the truck from Welch Signage in Maine, carrying the massive synagogue feature wall I had designed, to see a piece of my own artwork prominently displayed on both sides of the vehicle!
I performed for over 100 people at beautiful Maris Grove in Pennsylvania's Delaware County on May 13. As part of the PA Humanities Council's program of Commonwealth Speakers, I was able to bring the sound of Yiddish to an audience largely unfamiliar with the language and culture. As always, common threads were immediately found!
Verrry busy these days creating a synagogue feature wall, but I took time last week to be interviewed for Ted Merwin's article "The Aesthetics of Judaism" in The New York Jewish Week. Here's a quote: "For Susan Leviton, a ketubah-maker, paper-cut artist and Yiddish folk song performer ..., it was during the 1960s and ’70s, when many Jews flocked back to their roots, that Jews... 'took Judaism back into their own hands' and began braiding challahs and tie-dying prayer shawls. Hiddur mitzvah 'alters us as we fulfill a mitzvah or perform a ritual,' she told me. A Midrash (Song of Songs Rabbah 1.15) suggests that observance of the commandments makes Jews beautiful, even as Jews glorify God through hiddur mitzvot."
An outpouring of love and creativity filled the room as we honored the memory of Adrienne Cooper and saw Jenny Romaine accept the first Dreaming in Yiddish award for her visionary work. Here's Susan on stage with Alicia Svigals, Jake Shulman-Ment, Benjy Fox Rosen, Aaron Alexander, Michael Winograd, and Dan Blacksberg, 12/21/13. (Photo by Bob Blacksberg)
When Goucher College Hillel welcomed a gift of two Torah scrolls, I was honored to craft mantles and wimples. So much silk! Garnet polished to look like pomegranate seeds! Text and the visions of students to work with! A grand experience.
A totally spectacular group of artists, writers, social activists, and even puppeteers joined me for a week of creative work as I served as Artist in Residence at the 2013 National Havurah Conference Summer Institute in Rindge, NH. In 4 days of intense collective learning and creating, we built a musical theater production in a box (a cranky) and shared the story of the plight of needleworkers, past and present, with 300 others in a rapt audience!
It was a beautiful day in Baltimore as the Jewish Museum of Maryland presented its annual Risch Memorial Program. I was delighted to be the featured performer, following brief, powerful presentations by Andres Salguero, Ssuuna, and the DC Turkish Folk Music Group. It always touches me to rediscover the points of connection among immigrant communities, regardless of geographic homes, cultures, and reasons for relocation. A brilliant celebration of cultures!
Over 350 pieces of beautiful Youghiogheny Art Glass hand-cut, and now I'm on to wet-grinding the edges! It's a new skill that I'm happy to add to my resume as I take on the responsibility to create a soaring double wall of glass above the Torah ark for Chisuk Emuna Congregation in Harrisburg, building anew after a destructive fire in 2009. Check back in mid-May for a look at the completed wall!
Getting closer to a new recording! Michael Winograd spent a day in the studio on March 28 with Frank London, Dan Blacksberg, Hadar Noiberg, and Alec Speigelman to lay down horn tracks for my as-yet-unnamed CD. Dan Kahn joined in as a special guest vocalist. Next will come strings and soon after that the mixing and mastering, printing and artwork, and OT AZOY! A new Yiddish recording!
A whirl of creative activity has sent me to the sewing machine to craft two Torah mantles for Goucher College Hillel. One of the scrolls is a rescued Torah from Czechoslovakia, so armed with a palette of palest greys, golds, silvers, and ivories, I headed to Chinatown in NYC on a rainy day to seek silks! What a delight to discover Belraf Fabrics, owned by an Uzbeki couple. A trip around the world in fabric! Take a peek here are the first days' construction.
I'll be guest lecturing at Dickinson College in Professor Ted Merwin's class during the week that we commemorate the 102nd anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. My program on the fire in words and Yiddish song continues to grow as I learn, and to sadly resonate as we all ponder how little has changed in global workplace safely in the last century. See "Upcoming Events" for details.
Each year as KlezKamp ends, I proclaim, "This was the best ever!" And every year I mean it. And this year I mean it more! The staff concert nearly lifted the roof off what had been, in its glory days The Granite Hotel in the Catskills. My classes (traditional papercutting and "Our Lives are in our Songs") were filled with curious, thoughtful participants who challenged one another to take each idea to a new level. What an experience. Do not miss this next December!! (sneak peek? Check out the KlezKamp post under Upcoming Events for a video clip!)
December 22, 2012. Kaye Theater in Manhattan. I soared on the energy of dozens of the finest performers of Yiddish song and Klezmer as we paid tribute to Adrienne Cooper's memory in a three-hour concert of the songs she most loved. What a thrill to sing 'Di Arbuzn' a cappella, in three parts with women performers including Alicia Svigals, Lauren Brody, Shura Lipovsky, and Marsha Gildin. It was both a humbling and energizing evening. Sing out!
I've just been selected as one of ten 2013 Guild of American Papercutters/X-acto Masters. This means over the course of the coming year I will be testing tools and materials and interacting with other artists to hone our skills and increase interest in papercutting arts. Very exciting!
Are you aware of the Commonwealth Speakers program under the PA Humanities Commission? Every two years, a roster of artists, story-tellers, historians, and musicians selected by the PHC are able to travel the state offering specific programs at no cost to groups (schools, libraries, state parks, etc.!) other than a basic application fee. I just returned from Ohev Sholom in Williamsport and will head to Reading on Thursday to bring Women's Voices in Yiddish Song to the Federation's Friendship Circle there. Visit the website at www.pahumanities.org and check it out! Free programming! What are you waiting for???
It's been a long time coming, but here I am, immersed in the joy of working in collaboration with brilliant musicians as I prepare a new recording! Production is in the fine hands of Michael Winograd, and the initial tracks have been laid down with David Licht, Jake Shulman-Ment, Carmen Staaf, Garth Stevenson, and Avi Fox-Rosen, with Lauren Brody and others joining in soon! Hmm... mostly Yiddish, with some surprises mixed in, and everything from spare acoustic accompaniment to over-the-top orchestrations. There'll be more and more about the project as it emerges from its infancy, so watch for news! Perhaps a concert or cd release party in your neighborhood down the line...
Kesher Zion Congregation in Reading, PA welcomed me as artist-in-residence for the weekend of November 9, 2012, as the congregation honored the memories of Dr. Robert Greenberg and Evelyn Blumberg. I was delighted to find myself in the company of the congregation's brilliant Rabbi Minna Bromberg and rooms full of enthusiastic people hungry to experience new 'takes' on Jewish culture. My programming included a presentation of Yiddish songs of spiritual yearning, a lecture on contemporary Jewish ritual art, and then a rollicking concert on Saturday night with the newly expanded Old World Folk Band! Be sure to check the "Upcoming Events" tab to see where else I'm scheduled to spread YIddish culture!
I can't say enough about the wonderful Tree of Life Congregation in MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA, where I just spent a weekend as scholar in residence. If you go to my 'coming events' tab, you may see the whole arc of the weekend, but I want to focus here on the response to my "Rage Against the Sewing Machine" presentation on Saturday night, October 27. Among the folks in attendance were physicians, attorneys, and workplace safety experts who each added to a passionate conversation about the effects of completely unregulated natural gas extraction on West Virginians, coal miners' safety issues, and even the plight of disabled people in sheltered workshops who, like the needle workers of 100 years ago, are largely groups without a voice. 'The more things change, the more they stay the same.' And yet we still find inspiration to act for social justice when we learn and sing the songs of our forebears. "Give us bread and give us roses!"
A radio interview for a BALTIMORE station (WVIE 1370) allowed me to share some insights into the history of labor activism in the United States on September 2, 2012 - Labor Day weekend. So much more meaningful than running to sporting goods stores for sale items, this was a chance to engage listeners in anthemic Yiddish songs and their contexts. So many songs... so little time! But every time a Yiddish song is SUNG, it lives a new life.
It's late summer, so a trip to the BLOCK AND HEXTER VACATION CENTER in Poyntelle, PA came around on my calendar. My teaching schedule allowed me to alternate sessions with fellow presenter Saul Silas Fahti, as we worked to expand the artistic, musical, polititcal, and in Saul's case, even cosmological horizons of the elders who flocked to the Poconos to participate, learn, and (it's a Jewish camp!) eat 3 squares a day. Whether singing, lecturing, or engaging in issues, I always learn from interactions with program participants. One highlight this year was meeting two Hungarian-born sisters who offered me a macaronic (mixed language) song that alternates lines between Hungarian and German/Yiddish. Will it make the cut on my upcoming recording? Stay tuned!
A quick trip to MADISON, WISCONSIN as part of "A Bisele KlezKamp" on July 22 was a terrific bright spot in a busy summer season! Over 200 people buzzed around programming by some of the best teacher/artists in the Yiddish folk arts world as Michael Wex, Cookie Segelstein, Lauren Brody, Henry Sapoznik, Sherry Mayrent, Miriam Isaacs, David Spies, Sara Gordon, Kurt Bjorling, Steve Weintraub, and I managed to compress a week's worth of learning into one fabulous day. Keep up-to-date with U. OF WISCONSIN'S MAYRENT CENTER to find out what Yiddish programming will be offered throughout the year before our triumphant return next summer!
On Friday night prior to 'ABKK' I was hosted by Congregation Shaarei Shomayim where I presented an a cappella lecture/recital titled "Healing the World in Yiddish Song." Given the political upheavals and charged emotions in Madison these days, the program was a welcome one. The room was packed with people of all ages, and it was a special joy to me to be singing in a room within Frank Lloyd Wright's historic Unitarian Church, where the congregation meets regularly.
Lauren Brody and I head to PITTSBURGH on June 3 for two concerts, a family event in the morning, and a full concert in the late afternoon at the JCC, in conjunction with the Jewish Museum's exhibit on the artists who illustrated the works of I.B. Singer. We're working up new material and are delighted that both PennPAT and the PA Humanities Council are supporting the program with generous grants. Come celebrate Yiddish culture!
Healing the World in Yiddish - This lecture/recital program drew people from a wide variety of backgrounds and ages to a program sponsored but DICKINSON COLLEGE, the Literary Heritage Fund, Association for Jewish Studies, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg on April 24. With PowerPoint translations and even a visit from Dan Kahn and the Painted Bird on screen, we explored the drive for human rights that infuses Yiddish song, and the activism that the songs inspire. As part of a series titled "Telling Jewish Stories through the Arts," the evening's riches were obvious as participants lingered over tea and cake and shared the stories that bubbled up in response to the presentation. What a great night!
On Sunday, April 1, the Jewish Federation of Greater DAYTON and the Lynda A. Cohen Yiddish Club welcomed Lauren Brody and me for a concert. It was the first time that Lauren and I had the opportunity to present a full concert and we felt like siblings on the stage, finding parallel expressions of meaning and intention in her accordion and my voice without even a nod or a word. Utilizing the full range of her instrument, Lauren crafted a unique setting for each song, and the 'whole cloth' was fantastic.
We're already warming up for an upcoming event in June, so stay tuned for details!!
MAURICE SENDAK! I write this on the day of Maurice Sendak's passing. (If you haven't heard both the recent Fresh Air interview and the hilarious pair of Colbert interviews with the incomparable Mr. Sendak, go find them NOW and come back here in an hour...) I am grateful and humbled to have had the opportunity to spend several months immersed in the life and work of Mr. Sendak, preparing for a program built around the Rosenbach's exhibit of the influences of his Jewish world on his life's work. So on Sunday, April 15, the Haverford Public Library swelled with the sounds of Klezmer as I took over the children's wing of the library to present "Yiddish in the Nutshell" with Ken Ulansey on clarinet and Heath Allen on keyboard. Sendak's early life in a Yiddish-speaking immigrant neighborhood in Brooklyn, the awareness of evil in the world, and the fears and bravery of children shaped much of his life's work, and I blended his personal life into songs and stories for a rollicking hour. The program was interactive, with sing-alongs, props, costumes, and wild Sendakian tales abounding. It was a Yiddishe Vilde 'Rumpus' for everyone's inner child! Pick up a book by Maurice Sendak and look deeply into it. You may be changed!
LAFAYETTE COLLEGE Hillel hosted me on Tuesday night, March 20 for a program in song and story on the actual history of the Sarajevo Hagaddah. It was a real one-woman show as I demonstrated design, lettering, and gilding techniques of the centuries-old masterpiece, as well as recounted its improbable story interspersed with songs in the Sarajevo dialect of Judeo-Spanish, in Yiddish, and in Hebrew, along with a Moroccan chant - all related to the Hagaddah. The audience included students, college faculty, and local residents, and there was a lively Q and A at the conclusion of the program. Lafayette has a gorgeous old campus perched above the city of Easton at the confluence of the Delaware and Raritan rivers. I hope to return!
LAUREN BRODY will join me in presenting a full concert in Dayton, Ohio on Sunday, April 1 for the annual event honoring the memory of Lynda A. Cohen. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share the stage and have been working up two terrific sets for the Yiddish club and expected gathered throngs!
A presentation of my concert "Women's Voices in Yiddish Song" at Penn State University in Middletown, PA on February 23 drew people from Lancaster, York, Lebanon, and the greater Harrisburg area. Having been interviewed for an upcoming article in a Dayton, Ohio paper the night before, I kept thinking during the concert of a particular question I was asked: "What do you want people to take away from your performance?" So I'll tell you: I want people to be so surprised and touched that they come away with a desire to dig a little deeper into Yiddish culture and discover something about themselves. The values and history that are packed into our songs go far in teaching us how to know ourselves if we just open our hearts a bit. That's why I sing. Oh, and also, I sing because I can't NOT sing!!
Only a week to go before Kerhonkson, NY becomes the temporary capital of Yiddishland! This year at KlezKamp I'll be teaching the hands-on papercutting course and a four-session a capella lecture/recital course.
I'm especially looking forward to the time I'll be carving out with fellow PennPAT artist SUSAN WATTS to work on some vocal duets and arrangements, and to begin taking concrete steps towards my NEW RECORDING, which will be produced by the amazing MICHAEL WINOGRAD! Check this website regularly for announcements, too, of a new duo in the works featuring MICHAEL WEX and Susan Leviton. Use your imagination for now - details to follow soon!
On Sunday, November 20, 2011, I presented a "Conversation with the Artist" in conjunction with the "Making it Better: Folk Art in Pennsylvania Today" exhibit in which one of my papercuts is featured. I demonstrated the art of Jewish papercutting and shared insights into its history and contemporary expressions with about 30 museum-goers. On exhibit through April 29, 2012, Making It Better tells the stories of over 30 master artists whose works represent a wide array of traditions such as African dance, stone wall construction, Native American clay flutes, Pysanky eggs, contemporary blacksmith work, woodcarving, and Vietnamese funerary portraits. I'm honored to have been chosen to have my work represented among so many brilliant examples of folk arts.
Groundbreaking for Chisuk Emuna Congregation's new synagogue took place in Harrisburg on Sunday, October 16, 2011, and over 350 people celebrated with a block party that featured kugel in a sukkah, carnival food, games and abundant crafts for children, and an afternoon of outstanding music: klezmer, jazz, and old-timey. Bands set up on a concrete pad at one end of the soon-to-be-a-shul property, and music filled the air! I had the pleasure of singing once again with the Old World Folk Band, which has recently welcomed several new musicians as regulars, and which added additional guest performers for the outdoor event.
The synagogue was destroyed by an accidental fire in 2009, and more recently was left homeless when The Flood of 2011 forced the congregation from temporary quarters in the JCC. The sense that the next plague was waiting in the wings was banished by the wonderful welcome to a new neighbrhood, and it looks like the block party may become an annual event!
A whirlwind few days at the 14th annual IAYC (International Association of Yiddish Clubs) conference in Novi, Michigan offered me the opportunity to perform and teach, and to meet people from all over the country who gathered to celebrate Yiddish culture. Highlights for me were presenting my powerful lecure/recital, "Rage Against the Sewing Machine" in this 100th anniversary year following the Triangle Fire, and joining Dan Kahn on the bandstand following my solo concert.
To see parts of one of my programs at the conference, please visit www.yiddishlives.com/susanleviton
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All in whisky reviews
Jul 2 Redbreast Dream Cask 2019
Redbreast’s Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition, a limited edition Irish whiskey, sold out in under 15 minutes. But we got to review it!
Jun 20 Ailsa Bay: The Most Scientific Scotch?
Ailsa Bay might be the world's most scientific scotch whisky. But, as Albert Einstein once said: 'science schmience, let's drink it!' I might have made that up.
Jun 20 Aldi's Highland Black 8 year old
Wait, what?! The world's best whisky is from Aldi - and costs only £12.99?!
May 30 Glenlivet 18 year old
Glenlivet is a staple of the whisky market, and an original. Have you tried their 18 year old bottling? We ask ourselves the big question: is Glenlivet 18 year old single malt scotch whisky the best 18 year old you can buy?!
May 23 Macallan 12 Fine Oak
We review The Macallan 12 year old Fine Oak, a single malt scotch that shares both similarities and differences with other Macallan bottlings.
May 16 Glenturret Cameron's Cut
The cask was laid down in 1987 and was bottled 29 years later to celebrate Neil's 40 years in the whisky industry. This is a very limited edition collector's item, a cask strength single malt that is typical of Glenturret's style.
Mar 10 Glenmorangie's backbone
"Glenmorangie Original is an assuming bottle you'll see in almost any bar or supermarket. But there's more to this bottling than you might expect."
Mar 3 Highland Park Dark Origins. HPDO.
"A less-common bottling released before Highland Park discovered Vikings, this is something a little different from the brand - heavy Sherry influences setting it apart."
Feb 17 Nikka from the Barrel
"Yes, at 50cl it is a small bottle - but it is beautifully presented, and at around £40/$55, its at an attractive price point. But is it any good?"
Nov 15 Dalmore 18 year old
"This Highland malt is aged for 14 years in American oak, a further three years in Matusalem sherry butts, and then one final year in sherry butts."
Oct 18 Old Forester Statesman
"When the sequel came out, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, we were excited. And when we learned that the film was basically 141 minutes of whisky endorsement, we were doubly excited."
Oct 11 Old Pulteney Noss Head
"Named after the lighthouse near Wick, this particular bottling was originally launched in August 2013 as a Travel Retail Exclusive. It is a non-age statement matured in American oak, ex-bourbon, casks."
May 3 Bruichladdich The Laddie Ten
"Our mission is to safeguard the US and its allies from weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high explosives). Our area deals with implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, so we go to sites to verify treaty compliance."
Mar 29 Bulleit Rye
"We flipped through the pages anticipating the sweet climatic moment when we’d connect with Holden Caulfield. But it never came."
Mar 15 Springbank 15 year old
"We’re sure some people will read our more verbose whisky notes and say we’re mad as a box of frogs. We’re no strangers to a grandiose phrase. But sometimes, even the best reviewers go off piece."
Feb 22 Bulleit Bourbon
"Hunter asked us what he should call his ‘signature cocktail,’ which was simply Bulleit Bourbon with an ice cube. In a delicious pun, we suggested: Three Sheetz to the Wind. He decided to call it ‘The Hunted’."
Feb 15 Bowmore 12 year old
"We were boisterous, daring ‘try anything once’ people at school. Eric wasn’t. A silent partner in crime, he was in the background like a Clapton or Bob Dylan song that you only heard in between jokes or before the parties started."
Feb 14 Valentine's Day whisky pairings
"Instead of staying in with a Dominos pizza watching Die Hard, we decided we’d think of all the stereotypical couples who were dining by candlelight and pair them with a whisky."
Feb 8 Bunnahabhain 12 year old
"The woman had tattoos across the steady hands that chipped into the cream around our faces. She was like an art restorer, slowly removing layers of grime from a forgotten Renaissance painting."
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WHO IS LORD NRSIMHADEVA?
Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja
(An Appearance Day Lecture)
[This year, 2017, the divine appearance day of Lord Nrsimhadeva is on May 9 (in Vrindavan). The following is Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja’s lecture on the Lord’s glories, given on May 14, 2003, in Badger, California. It is ever-fresh: Movie (dif year) from Badger p1 p2 ]
Today is the auspicious appearance day of Lord Nrsimhadeva. Who is Nrsimhadeva? He is Krsna Himself: “Kesava dhrta narahari rupa.” Kesava is a name of Krsna meaning that He has fine hair. Lord Nrsimhadeva is that same Kesava, but not directly. He is none other than Cakra. Krsna’s cakra (wheel-shaped weapon) becomes Nrsimhadeva. When there is a temple installation of Cakra, the prayers are offered to Nrsimhadeva.
Lord Nrsimhadeva’s main mercy is His protection of the devotees. The Cakra who saved Ambarisa Maharaja was Nrsimhadeva himself, and the Cakra who killed Sisupala was also Nrsimhadeva; there is no difference between the two. All the paraphernalia (weapons) in the hands of Krsna manifest as His Visnu incarnations; and it can also be said that His incarnations are manifestations of Baladeva Prabhu.
If you have any difficulties or problems given by demons or others, and you call Nrsimhadeva, He will come and save you. Vaisnavas therefore have a special consideration regarding Nrsimhadeva. We do not worship many other incarnations, like Vamanadeva, or Kurmadeva, or Kalki, but we do worship Nrsimhadeva.
Since there will be no cooking in the morning or midday today, I would like all the sannyasis and prominent speakers, one by one, to read continuously from the Srimad-Bhagavatam Seventh Canto (*See Endnote 1), and to also explain the verses – up to Prahlada Maharaja refusing to accept a material boon from Lord Nrsimhadeva. The readings should include the way in which Prahlada taught all the demon boys and made them maha-bhagavatas. In other words, it should include the chapter in which the verse beginning “guru susrusaya” is included. I would like that all of you attend and hear these readings.
There is no need of taking prasadam before dusk, the time of Nrsimhadeva’s appearance. Only children and those who are old and sick, or those whose doctors have advised them not to fast – they may take something for their maintenance. If Nrsimhadeva sees that you are all fasting and taking so much trouble on His behalf, He will be pleased. Otherwise, if you joke and make merry, He will neglect you. It is for Nrsimhadeva that you are accepting this austerity, for all of you to attract His mercy.
Today we do this austerity, as we do on Ekadasi, Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s appearance day (Gaura Purnima), Rama-navami (the appearance day of Sri Ramacandra), and other holy appearance days like Janmastami and Radhastami. These austerities are not like those performed by the yogis; these are performed to attract Krsna’s mercy, so try to follow.
I now want to begin our glorification of Lord Nrsimhadeva.
Yudhisthira Maharaja once performed a Rajasuya sacrifice. *[See endnote 2] He sent his army, under the guidance of Bhima and Arjuna, to conquer the entire world; but He did not want to kill anyone. He told his leaders that if the kings and princes of the other lands surrender without fighting, they should simply take a tax from them, and those kings and princes who wanted to fight could fight. Bhima and Arjuna traveled everywhere and took taxes from all the kings, and when they returned, a very high class of fire sacrifice was performed.
The question arose at the sacrifice as to who would be worshiped first so that the festival would be successful. Sahadeva proposed, “Krsna should be worshiped first, because He is the Lord of Lords, the Supreme Lord, and He is here.”
Bhisma-pitamaha and others supported this proposal, but Sisupala became very angry. At that time Sisupala was the leader of Duryodhana and all the other demons. He was envious of Krsna and wanted to kill Him. He knew about the foretelling at his birth that Krsna would kill him, so he thought that he should kill Krsna first and be saved. He had previously wanted to marry Rukmini, but clever Krsna had kidnapped her in front of him and all the other princes and kings, defeated them all, and then married her.
Krsna is satisfied and complete (purna). He needs nothing in this world and He has nothing to take from anyone. Still, for the enactment of His transcendental pastimes He kidnapped Rukmini and married her, and Sisupala and the others could simply wring their hands. When Krsna was leaving their midst with Rukmini, the other princes and kings had exclaimed, “Alas, this bogus black person, in front of generals like Jarasandha, has kidnapped her – and they could not stop Him. He defeated them all and took her away!” Thus, Sisupala wanted to take revenge.
Now, at the Rajasuya sacrifice, he looked at Krsna and began to criticize Him and call Him ill-names. He challenged, “Who is this person?!” Krsna actually has no father or mother, but Sisupala accused Him that, “This person has two fathers, and no-one knows who His real father is. He has no caste, and no one knows where He is from. He is not only a thief, but a lusty person – very lusty. When He sees any lady He becomes attracted; and somehow, by trick, He brings those ladies to Him. Moreover, He is not satisfied with only one lady; He must have thousands and millions of ladies. Not only this, He once climbed on a tree with the garments of the gopis who were taking bath naked, and He told them that they should come before Him one by one to get their clothes.
“What is this silly thing?! You have no intelligence; you are so mad that you have selected Him to worship first. As long as I am here, I will not allow this!”
Hearing this, Duryodhana and other demons clapped.
Sisupala considered that as long as he was present, he would not let anyone perform their first worship to Krsna. He said that he would fight for this not to happen, and he thus managed to utter his one hundredth offense.
When Sisupala’s mother had given birth to him, he had four arms. At that time an aerial voice announced that the person who Sisupala would see and two of his arms would disappear, that person would later kill him. All the relatives had come to see this beautiful and strong four-handed child. Out of social custom, Krsna took many ornaments for that boy, and being a representative of His father He came to see His cousin-brother. When He came near Sisupala He wanted to take him in His arms, but Sisupala’s two arms at once disappeared. His mother began to weep loudly and said, “Krsna, You are my nephew, so I want to request a boon from You. It has been foretold by an aerial voice that whoever my son sees, thus making his two arms disappear, would later kill him. I pray for You not to kill him – even if he offends You.” Krsna replied, “Oh yes, I am giving you this boon. I will kill him only when he abuses Me more than 100 times – otherwise I will not.” His mother was very happy and said, “He will never do this. I will train him and teach him good behavior.”
When Sisupala became older, he learned of this fact. He therefore became angry and continuously abused Krsna. Now, when he had abused Him more than 100 times, Krsna took His Cakra. The Cakra wanted to go very fast – not slowly as it had moved when it had chased Durvasa. It had been only following behind Durvasa and not killing him. For Sisupala, on the other hand, it sliced off his head at once. A very effulgent light immediately came from Sisupala’s body. That light went into the sky and then entered the body of Krsna.
Yudhisthira Maharaja wondered why rsis, yogis, and maharsis, after thousands of births of chanting mantras like “so ‘ham, so ‘ham” still could not attain the destination of sayujya-mukti (impersonal liberation). How wonderful it was, then, that this light entered the lotus feet of Krsna. But where did it go?
Narayana was present within Krsna’s body, because all the incarnations are eternally in Krsna, the Supreme Lord. Sisupala thus returned to Narayana in Vaikuntha and became His doorkeeper Jaya, but this was not seen externally. The entire world is in the stomach of Krsna. Narayana and other incarnations can also easily fit there, but still His stomach can be empty and He can feel hungry.
Yudhisthira Maharaja was not an ordinary person. Bhima was very strong and powerful, and Arjuna was also. However, when we consider who was stronger –Yudhisthira, Bhima or Arjuna – we find that where Arjuna and Bhima were not successful, Yudhisthira Maharaja was successful by his mere glance. Bhima was once wrapped up by the body of a snake, and that snake would not release him. Yudhisthira then came, simply glanced at that serpent, and it left at once. So do not think that Bhima and Arjuna are more powerful than Yudhisthira. Arjuna’s bhakti is superior to the others’, but dharma was especially present in Yudhisthira Maharaja. That is why he was called Dharmaraja, and that is why he was so powerful.
When Yudhisthira Maharaja saw Sisupala’s soul enter Krsna’s body, he began to think, “How wonderful! Even a yogi, rsi, or muni does not receive this kind of mercy from Krsna.” He then asked Narada Rsi, “You know everything, and you can remove all my doubts. So please explain this: Krsna has no fear of anyone and He does not want anything from anyone. He is purnatama (complete), atmarama (always happy internally) and aptakama (satisfied and equal to all). So why does He take the side of devotees and demigods? And why does He defeat or kill demons? I want to know why.”
Narada replied that the cause of all this is kala (Time) – the results of past activities. Sometimes, like during Satya-yuga, (the Age of goodness), the demigods and others like them become prominent. In Kali-yuga, on the other hand, the demons are more powerful. It seems that Krsna helps certain personalities, but actually the events of this world are controlled by Time. Krsna is equal to all, and everything here is thus due to kala.
You should not be angry or criticize anyone. If you are in distress or disturbed by many problems, it is due to you, yourself:
tat te ‘nukampam su-samiksamano
bhunjana evatma-krtam vipakam
hrd-vag-vapurbhir vidadhan namas te
jiveta yo mukti-pade sa daya-bhak
[“My dear Lord, one who earnestly waits for You to bestow Your causeless mercy upon him, all the while patiently suffering the reactions of his past misdeeds and offering You respectful obeisances with his heart, words and body, is surely eligible for liberation, for it has become his rightful claim.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.14.8)]
Evatma krtam. What one has done in the past is now coming back to him. If one is a pure bhakta and the results of all his past activities are finished, why would problems come to him? His so-called problems are due to the mercy of Krsna. Problems are not coming; Krsna is sending them. The Pandavas were praying for great calamity so that Krsna would be with them. Krsna gave them great distress – as he gave to Draupadi when Dusana tried to remove her clothes – and He did the same to Prahlada Maharaja.
He gave Prahlada so many troubles. Why? He considered, “The entire world should know that My devotees are exalted; they do not care about saving themselves, so I must save them.” You can know all these truths by reading Srimad-Bhagavatam.
I request that you all read Srimad-Bhagavatam Seventh Canto until 6:00 p.m., at which time I will return and we will perform abhiseka (the bathing ceremony) of Nrsimhadeva. Some flowers should also be here for offering.
We will observe today as we do Ekadasi, and we can break our fast after Nrsimhadeva’s birth (dusk). If anyone wants to break his fasting before that time, he may take only fruits and vegetables. If anyone wants to fast until tomorrow morning, he can do so very easily. Then, tomorrow we will worship Nrsimhadeva, and after that we will take prasada. Now, please bring Seventh Canto and begin.
Gaura Premanande.
[*Endnote 1 (from Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.8 Summary by Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada):
Hiranyakasipu was ready to kill his own son Prahlada Maharaja [for preaching Krsna consciousness], but the Supreme Personality of Godhead appeared in front of the demon as Sri Nr-kesari, half lion and half man, and killed him.
Following the instructions of Prahlada Maharaja, all the sons of the demons became attached to Lord Visnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. When this attachment became pronounced, their teachers, Sanda and Amarka, were very much afraid that the boys would become more and more devoted to the Lord. In a helpless condition, they approached Hiranyakasipu and described in detail the effect of Prahlada’s preaching. After hearing of this, Hiranyakasipu decided to kill his son Prahlada. Hiranyakasipu was so angry that Prahlada Maharaja fell down at his feet and said many things just to pacify him, but he was unsuccessful in satisfying his demoniac father. Hiranyakasipu, as a typical demon, began to advertise himself as being greater than the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but Prahlada Maharaja challenged him, saying that Hiranyakasipu was not God, and began to glorify the Supreme Personality of Godhead, declaring that the Lord is all-pervading, that everything is under Him, and that no one is equal to or greater than Him.
Thus he requested his father to be submissive to the omnipotent Supreme Lord.
The more Prahlada Maharaja glorified the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the more angry and agitated the demon became. Hiranyakasipu asked his Vaisnava son whether his God existed within the columns of the palace, and Prahlada Maharaja immediately accepted that since the Lord is present everywhere, He was also present within the columns.
When Hiranyakasipu heard this philosophy from his young son, he derided the boy’s statement as just the talk of a child and forcefully struck the pillar with his fist.
As soon as Hiranyakasipu struck the column, there issued forth a tumultuous sound. At first Hiranyakasipu, the King of the demons, could not see anything but the pillar, but to substantiate Prahlada’s statements, the Lord came out of the pillar in His wonderful incarnation as Narasimha, half lion and half man. Hiranyakasipu could immediately understand that the extraordinarily wonderful form of the Lord was surely meant for his death, and thus he prepared to fight with the form of half lion and half man. The Lord performed His pastimes by fighting with the demon for some time, and in the evening, on the border between day and night, the Lord captured the demon, threw him on His lap, and killed him by piercing his abdomen with His nails. The Lord not only killed Hiranyakasipu, the King of the demons, but also killed many of his followers. When there was no one else to fight, the Lord, roaring with anger, sat down on Hiranyakasipu’s throne.
The entire universe was thus relieved of the rule of Hiranyakasipu, and everyone was jubilant in transcendental bliss. Then all the demigods, headed by Lord Brahma, approached the Lord. These included the great saintly persons, the Pitas, the Siddhas, the Vidyadharas, the Nagas, the Manus, the prajapatis, the Gandharvas, the Caranas, the Yaksas, the Kimpurusas, the Vaitalikas, the Kinnaras and also many other varieties of beings in human form. All of them stood not far from the Supreme Personality of Godhead and began offering their prayers unto the Lord, whose spiritual effulgence was brilliant as He sat on the throne.
Endnote 2 – “After gaining victory in the Battle of Kuruksetra, Maharaja Yudhisthira, the Emperor of the world, performed the Rajasuya sacrificial ceremony. The emperor in those days, upon his ascendance to the throne, would send a challenge horse all over the world to declare his supremacy, and any ruling prince or king was at liberty to accept the challenge and express his tacit willingness either to obey or to disobey the supremacy of the particular emperor. One who accepted the challenge had to fight with the emperor and establish his own supremacy by victory. The defeated challenger would have to sacrifice his life, making a place for another king or ruler. So Maharaja Yudhisthira also dispatched such challenging horses all over the world, and every ruling prince and king all over the world accepted Maharaja Yudhisthira’s leadership as the Emperor of the world.”
This entry was posted in Hari Katha, Movies.
GLORIFICATION OF SRI SITA-RAMA
Mathura, April 13, 2000
[This year, 2017, April 4 is the appearance day of Lord Rama. In honor of this day, we are sending out Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja’s lecture in glorification of Sri Sri Sita-Rama:]
After Ravana was killed, Sita devi had to undergo the agni pariksa, fire test. Of course, Maya-Sita entered the fire, and the real Sita devi remained unharmed – proving that she was completely pure and chaste. Rama then gave the kingdom of Ravana to Vivisana, Ravana’s brother, and after that he took Sita devi and all their associates to Ayodhya on a mystic airplane. There were millions and billions of associates, but this airplane was able to expand so that they could all fit on it.
On their journey, Rama pointed out to Sita all the places where they had enjoyed pastimes together, or where He and Laksmana had killed various demons. For example, Rama would say, “Oh look, here is where we built the bridge to Lanka. Do you remember?” When they reached Kishkinda, where all of Rama’s monkey associates lived, they stopped. Sita devi then invited all the wives of the monkeys to come aboard the airplane, as they were also very interested to see Rama’s coronation.
The party stayed one night and then went to Citrakut. Hanuman took the form of a brahmana and went to the place where Bharata was staying in Nandigram. Bharata was living the life of a renunciate, wearing simple cloth, with matted hair and living on fruits and roots; and all of his ministers lived in the same way. In the guise of a brahmana, Hanuman approached Bharata and said, “Oh Bharata Maharaja, Rama has come. Prepare to welcome him!” Upon hearing that his dear brother had finally returned, he was overjoyed and fainted. When he came to consciousness he said, “I want to give you many gifts. So please accept 18,000 cows, as many beautiful women as you desire, horses and other wealth. Still I cannot give you anything equal in value to the news you have given me.” Hanuman then returned to his original form, and Bharata said, “Oh, you are Hanuman!”
After Rama’s abhiseka ceremony, he wanted to give many gifts to everyone. Sita devi thought of a very nice gift to give Hanuman, so she gave him her most beautiful pearl necklace. Hanuman took it, examined it and broke it, and the pearls scattered all over the floor. Sita devi was surprised and asked, “What are you doing?” Hanuman replied, “Oh, I was just seeing if ‘Rama’ is written anywhere here.” “But don’t you know Rama is in your heart?” she said. Then Hanuman tore open his chest. In this way, Rama’s associates teach us that whatever is given to others should be in connection with Krsna.
Lord Rama and Sita devi stayed together for many years, and everyone was very happy within their kingdom. Some people, however, criticized Rama for accepting Sita back after she had been in the palace of Ravana. According to Vedic principles, it is unacceptable to accept one’s wife after her being away for one night – what to speak of one year. One evening, the wife of a washer-man came home late. Her husband immediately told her that she could not enter the house. He threw her out saying, “I am not like Rama, who accepted his wife back after she’d been with another man.”
This news spread and the story got back to Rama. He was most disturbed, and realized that he had to do something. How could he rule a kingdom in which some of the people did not have faith in him? He called a meeting, asking all his brothers to come; but none of them could give him any advice. He himself then realized what to do. He remembered that Sita had desired to visit all the sages in the forest and shower them with gifts. He asked Laksmana to take her to the asrama of those sages, deliver his sorrowful message to her, and then leave her in the forest. Laksmana was devastated that he was called upon to do this, but he could not say anything, as he was Rama’s younger brother. He therefore had to accept that responsibility.
Sumanta was Laksmana’s chariot driver, and moreover a very great minister of Rama. Laksmana told everything about Rama’s order to Sumanta and said, “My life is full of miseries. Now, today is the biggest misery of my life!” They passed Prayag and went across a river. “Valmiki’s asrama is here,” Laksmana told Sita. Then, with a heavy heart he told her, “Everyone is accusing Rama of accepting an unchaste wife. Many people don’t have full faith in him now; so how is it possible for him to rule the kingdom and guide the citizens properly?”
When Sita devi heard this she fainted, and when she revived she said, “I don’t want to create any difficulties for him. I do not want him to be disturbed by the public. Please pay my obeisances to all. Laksmana, I want to pray at your lotus feet, as I have offended you twice. The first night in Ayodhya, after our marriage ceremony, I stopped you from massaging Rama’s lotus feet. Though this had been your cherished duty for many years, I took this away from you. When you asked Rama about this, he could not answer. Then we asked the great sage Vasistha and he said, ‘The duties now have to be divided. So Laksmana, all the duties outside of the house should be taken by you. Sita devi should now perform all the duties inside of the house.’ In this way it was decided.
“Secondly, I was once allured by a deer in the forest when we were in exile. I heard Marici call out, ‘Alas, Laksmana!’ Assuming it was Rama’s voice, I told you to go immediately to help Him. You said, ‘No Sita, it is an illusion created by a demon.’ I insisted and told you, ‘I know. You are a spy of Bharata, and you have lusty feelings for me. That is why you don’t want to save your brother!’ These words pierced your heart. You replied that you always saw me as your mother and had never even seen my face; you had only seen my feet. You could not bear these harsh words. Then, when you went to see Rama, he chastised you saying, ‘Why did you take heed of the words of that woman?’ Then Ravana came here and begged, ‘biksana dehi’ three times. When I did not want to come outside of your circle of protection he threatened me, ‘I curse you that your husband will die if you do not give anything to me here!’ So please forgive me for these offenses.”
After leaving Sita devi in the forest Laksmana lamented, “Oh, alas! I will surely give up my life!” Sumanta tried to pacify him, and told him the truth of the matter. “Once I was with Dasaratha Maharaja, and at that time two sages, Vasistha Rsi and Durvasa Muni, came to visit him. Maharaja Dasaratha served them very nicely and then asked them to kindly tell him about the future of his four children. Vasistha Rsi remained silent and Durvasa Muni responded by saying, ‘Oh, you have four sons. Very good.” Dasaratha Maharaja said, “Yes, first tell me about Rama’s future.” Durvasa said, “Rama’s future will undoubtedly be full of miseries. He will have to leave Ayodhya, and everyone there will feel unbearable separation from Him. You will not be able to bear His absence, and you will die in separation. Rama will later have to be separated from his wife, and after suffering immensely they will become reunited. Then again they will have to be apart; and Rama will rule the kingdom alone without his wife. Do not tell this to anyone.” Dasaratha Maharaja was in complete shock, but he promised that he would not speak what he had heard to anyone. He said, “From today, I am your disciple.”
Having heard this from Sumanta, Laksmana realized that his brother Rama is in fact the Supreme Lord Visnu. Sumanta continued telling Laksmana the story that Durvasa Muni had told to Dasaratha Maharaja: “Once, a very big battle ensued between the demigods and the demons. The demons were defeated and went to the wife of Brghu Maharaja to take shelter; and, being very merciful, she gave them shelter. The demigods went to Lord Vamanadeva and told him the situation. He then took His cakra and beheaded Brghu Maharaja’s wife. Brghu Maharaja was very upset and cursed Vamanadeva saying, “You are responsible for my wife’s death. I loved her very much. Now I will have to suffer so much in separation from her. For this I curse you that you will have to suffer in the same way in the future. You will have a very beautiful wife who will serve you in every way. You will be fully satisfied and completely enamored with her feminine grace and charm, and her saintly qualities. You will then be separated from her, and you will always suffer immensely from that pain of separation.” Hearing this, Vamanadeva happily accepted the curse. He knew that in the future the whole world would be benefited by this. Also, this was but a pretext, as separation naturally increases the happiness of meeting.
Sita devi was walking towards the asrama of Valmiki Rsi, when some of his brahmacaris spotted her. They informed Valmiki that a lady looking like a demigoddess was coming. Valmiki came out to greet her, and immediately recognized who she was. He said, “Oh, you are Sita devi, the wife of Lord Rama. I know this because I have written the Ramayana. Please come in.” The ladies there were very pleased to see Sita devi and said, “Oh, please allow us to serve you.” Valmiki instructed them how to serve her in every way.
When Rama sent Satrughna to Mathura, he happened to come near to Valmiki’s asrama on the way. He paid obeisance to Sita devi and her sons, Luv and Kush, from a distance. Luv and Kush were very intelligent children. Valmiki was very expert in archery, singing and music, and he taught Luv and Kush these arts. They could thus sing in all ragas very sweetly. Valmiki also taught them the Ramayana.
No one in the entire kingdom was there to console Rama. However, the ladies were there to console Sita devi in the asrama of Valmiki. One day Rama turned to Vasistha Rsi and said, “Will you please perform a sacrifice?” Vasistha replied, “Then you must call your wife back.” “Oh, I cannot do that.” “Then you must remarry,” he insisted. Rama said, “It is not possible.” “Then you will have to make a golden deity of Sita devi.” Vasistha then performed the sacrifice. In fact, every year he performed a very big sacrificial ceremony for Rama, near Naimisaranya on the bank of Gomati, with a new golden deity of Sita devi each year.
One year many kings and sages were called, and Valmiki came with Luv and Kush. The boys were extremely beautiful, with very broad chests and slender waists. During a rest period, Valmiki asked them to sing Ramayana. They had melodious voices, and they sang in such a heart-rendering way that they captured everyone’s hearts. Rama was especially touched, and tears came to His eyes. Valmiki had previously warned the boys, “If anyone asks you who you are, tell them, ‘I am a disciple of Valmiki’”. Rama ordered Laksmana, “Go and give them eighteen thousand gold coins and many, many beautiful clothes and gifts. Then ask them who they are.”
When they were presented with these gold coins, clothes, and gifts, they said, “What will we do with all these things? We are brahmacaris.” Then Laksmana asked which dynasty they belonged to, and they replied, “You seem very learned. Why ask this? Why not ask who is our Gurudeva? We are disciples of Valmiki Rsi.” For five or seven days they came and recited the Ramayana, and after many days Rama and others came to know who they were.
Rama then called Valmiki and requested that Sita devi come and prove Her chastity so that he could call her back. Valmiki said, “I have never spoken a lie in my life. I can assure you that Sita is completely pure and chaste.” Rama said, “I know that. I’m quite confident of this, but I want proof for my citizens. So please bring Her here. Then we’ll see what we can do.”
At this time Brahma, Sankara, and many demigods and goddesses came, curious to see this event. Sita devi sent Luv and Kusa ahead to their father. She arrived thereafter, and Valmiki spoke gently to her, “O daughter, Sita devi. Come forward and prove your chastity.” Sita devi said, “Mother, please prove this to one and all, that I have never served any other man. I have never even had thoughts of any man other than Rama in my whole life. Please accept me, mother.” Pritivi-devi appeared from the earth and Sita sat on her lap on a golden throne. In a moment, Prthivi-devi completely covered Her. In other words, she took Sita devi with her, back under the Earth. Rama couldn’t bear to see Sita leave him like this, and he fainted. Then, when he returned to consciousness, he prayed to Prthivi-devi, requesting her to bring back Sita. He told her, “One time I went with a bow to the ocean and he was very much afraid. So I can turn you into dust in a moment.” Just then Brahma came and told Rama, “No. Don’t do it! This is the last time. Sitaji has gone to your own abode, so you should very quickly wind up your pastimes and go there.”
Gaura premanande!
This entry was posted in Hari Katha, MP3.
Rasa-gata-vicara
06 June 1996 Houston
[Hari-katha of Nitya Lila Pravista Om Visnupada Astottara Sata Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja Srila Gurudeva]
[The following transcription is a translation of Srila Gurudeva’s conversation with the devotees in Hindi] Listen
Srila Gurudeva: Therefore, you can call Laksmiji as “Maiya,” mother.
Devotee: Sitaji?
Srila Gurudeva: You can call Sitaji—Maiya as well. You should only call her mother; don’t address her as your friend. You can consider the girls of Janakapuri as your friends. Rama is not different from Krsna, but there is some difference in rasa. He is Maryada-Purusottama and Krsna is Lila-Purusottama. This is the difference. Don’t make Radhaji sit with Dvarakadisa or Rama; beware!
Do you understand something?
Devotee: Yes.
Srila Gurudeva: What did you understand?
Radhaji should be seated alongside Krsna; but which Krsna? Nanda-nandana, Yasoda-nandana, Radhakanta, Muralidhara; Srimati Radhaji should be seated with this Krsna. Satyabhama sits next to Dvarakadisa. Sitaji sits with Rama. It will be a great injustice from your side if you make Radhaji sit next to Dvarakadisa or Ramacandra. It will be an offense. You should not do this. Dvarakadisa doesn’t play on the flute; He doesn’t have a peacock feather adorning His crest; and He is not the son of Nanda-Yasoda. He is the son of Vasudeva-Devaki. And He has no flute at all. Then, we should not make Radhaji sit next to Him. You can make Rukmini and Satyabhama sit next to Him. Or, you can make Dvarakadisa sit on the chariot with Arjuna. But He will never sit with Radhaji. Radhaji will not even go near Him. She will not look at Him even from far.
Once, Krsna manifested His four-handed caturbhuja form in Vrndavana. Looking at Him, the gopis went away. They have no relation with Him. They have nothing to ask and nothing to take. Therefore, Radhaji and the gopis have no relation with Dvarakadisa. Understanding these considerations, you should be fixed in Krsna’s bhajan. Without a guru, you will not have a relationship with Krsna.
bina guru bhavanidhi kare no koi
yo viranca sankarsano
Even if one is a jnani, who is as knowledgeable as Sankara or Brahma; yet, without the grace of an exalted spiritual master, he will not have a relation with Krsna. Thus, he can never attain the lotus feet of Krsna even in millions and millions of lives without this knowledge of sambandha-jnana. In this way, we should gradually advance in our Krsna consciousness. If there was no Naradaji, then how could have personalities like Prahlada, Druvaji, the sons of the progenitor Daksa, and Vyasaji be enlightened? Vyasaji is also the disciple of Naradaji. If this Guru-parampara was not there, then where would have Sukadeva Gosvami come from? Therefore, you should follow this line of thought of the Guru-parampara. Just accepting any guru will not do. A guru who follows the parampara is needed. If you remove even one Acarya from the parampara, the line will be cut. Therefore, we should join everyone. We have no relation with a guru who doesn’t accept the parampara and who doesn’t follow their teachings. If he is not in the parampara, if he doesn’t do the bhajan of Radha-Krsna, and if he doesn’t give such teachings; rather, teaches according to his whims, then what relation can you have with such a guru?
We have no relation with such a guru who although says, “I am a bona fide guru,” he cannot make one’s heart advance towards Krsna. Guru and Vaisnavas are the same; they are not separate from each other. If there is an exalted Vaisnava, he will become a guru. And such a guru is also a Vaisnava. Day and night, Rupa-Sanatana would be absorbed in remembering Radha-Krsna.
One should not think, “Being in the grhasta-asrama, we cannot do bhajan.”
Even if a person is a householder, yet if he doesn’t talk with his wife and parents and is unattached to his family affairs, then this is not the purport of the sastras. A man lives with his wife in the house, but has no relationship with her—this is not our Indian culture. The wife is considered to be one half of her husband. Together, they should do bhajan. It is not that the husband should never talk to his wife because he might beget a son from her. Then why did he get married if he didn’t want any children from her?
A guru will not say, “Don’t make a house. Rather, you should give me whatever money you have.”
A guru should not be absorbed in accumulating his disciple’s wealth. A bona fide guru’s wealth is his bhakti to Krsna. Who can be a better householder than the gopis? Many of our Mahaprabhu’s devotees were also householders. They were very exalted. Some of the householders become sannyasis or tyagis. Naradaji is a topmost devotee of Krsna. But, he hankers for the footdust of the gopis. If the gopis come across Narada, they will offer their pranama to him and take the footdust of his lotus feet. Therefore, when they go away, Narada takes their footdust and rolls down on the earth, covering himself with the footdust of their lotus feet. He wants the mood of the gopis. But he cannot have that mood. He cannot be like the gopis, who control Krsna.
If Krsna will see the gopis coming, He will say, “Oh Narada, go away. Go away.”
Therefore, you should understand this. The name of this process is bhakti. We should become established in this.
Visnu dasa: Maharaja, I want to ask you something. Harilila Prabhu asked me, “I want to take some instructions from Maharaja. What to do?”
Srila Gurudeva: This devotee’s question has been left unanswered.
Devotee: I will ask later Gurudeva.
Srila Gurudeva: You will ask later?
Srila Gurudeva: Will you ask when I leave?
Devotee: No, no.
Srila Gurudeva: One or two days still remain. You may ask all the questions you have tomorrow.
Visnu dasa: Maharaja, he says, “The temple authorities have decided that I cannot enter the temple and engage in the deity worship.”
Srila Gurudeva: They have ordered?
Visnu dasa: They will call to inform their decision. They are going to ban him from entering the temple.
Srila Gurudeva: All right. Sadhu-sanga will not be obtained there. If no devotees are found there, then it is your duty to leave them.
Visnu dasa: He says, “Maharaja, please bless me that I don’t have any bad feelings towards them.”
Srila Gurudeva: They won’t come. This is such dirty politics. I tutored them and helped them. Svamiji told me, “After my departure, give them Siksa.” I have served Svamiji long before ISKCON was established. But now, these people have become ISKCON. They tell devotees to not let me come to their homes. If I go for bhiksa to any devotee’s house, they tell the devotee, “Don’t give bhiksa.” Is this Vaisnavata?
These actions are all opposite to bhakti. You should not be worried. One day, they will realize.
Devotee: There is some confusion because some devotees would like to hear your lectures, but they cannot because they are being ordered not to go.
Srila Gurudeva: It seems that even Hiranyakasipu has not done this. Even Ravana has not done this. What are they doing? They are cutting their own legs with an axe. They call mayavadis who put tripundra-tilak, and they call cinema-actresses to the temple; but I cannot go there. Anyone who meets me cannot go there. Is this a temple or not? They have not built the temple with their own property; they have built the temple by collections. If anyone files a case against them, they will have to open the temple for all. In England, they have done like so.
Visnu dasa: Maharaja, you gave the deity of Girirajaji here.
Srila Gurudeva: Yes. I gave Girirajaji’s deity.
Visnu dasa: Will Girirajaji stay in a place where Vaisnavas are offended?
Srila Gurudeva: He will leave after a few days.
[Srila Gurudeva speaks in English]
Did you hear what he said? They said that he cannot go to the temple because he is coming to see me.
Devotee: I am sorry to hear this. This is completely against the truth. It is not what my Guru Maharaja has taught. I have studied with my Guru Maharaja; I have travelled with my Guru Maharaja—Srila Prabhupada Bhaktivedanta Svami in India. In India, I sat with Srila Prabhupada in Jagannatha Puri. And one day, we had all the mahants of Jagannatha Puri in a big Pandal programme they had for him to come. For three hours, Bhaktivedanta Svami spoke to all the mahants.
He said, “You are worshiping Jagannatha. “Jaga,” means everyone, the whole universe. So, how can you go in and these young boys who are also worshiping cannot go in?”
For three hours, he spoke only sastra and logical arguments that we could go into the temple. Now, someone who is so dear to Prabhupada’s heart is not being allowed to enter his temples. It is so clear; you have to be a blind man or a deaf man to not see it. They are not letting him in the temple. It is exactly against everything that my Guru Maharaja stood for.
Srila Gurudeva: I have never spoken a word against ISKCON, the devotees, temples, or Svamiji. I have regarded like my Siksa-Guru. I have served him more than they have served. But yet..
Bhakti has no such boundaries.
Devotee: GBC ruling has not said.
Srila Gurudeva: They are ruling that they are controlling Krsna and Goloka Vrndavana Dhama. They say the whole world is theirs. They can control anyone. They will tell afterwards that “He cannot go to Goloka Vrndavana.”
Devotee: Local devotees say, “You have to follow guru’s instructions otherwise you will have to suffer.”
Srila Gurudeva: But it is quite wrong. Bali Maharaja left his Gurudeva because he was a wall that stood in his love and affection for Vamanadeva. There are so many such instances.
I pray that Krsna gives them good intelligence. If you cannot serve one guest, then how are you following dharma? They have no relationship with dharma. It seems they are worse than even Hiranyakasipu and Ravana if they do like this. They should be respectful. I have helped so much. But, they have forgotten and are ungrateful. They should not forget. I will serve even a dog that has served Svamiji. And I have served Svamiji so much.
Don’t tell them to meet me. Don’t request. I will never speak a word against them.
Devotee: I don’t misunderstand the local temple devotees. I feel that they are being forced by bad circumstances.
Devotee 2: The local devotees are very good.
Devotee 3: Some of them want to come, but they are being told to not go.
Srila Gurudeva: If a senior Vaisnava is speaking, then how can devotees be told to not go?
Devotee: There is one situation when the Nazis were killing so many people in the Second World War There was one Catholic priest who wrote a poem. He said that when they were coming, then they came for the Jews. He let them take the Jews. When they came for the gypsies, he let them take the gypsies. And when they were coming for this one and that one, he let them take.
The priest lastly said, “And then, when they came for me, no one was left to stop them from taking me.”
Every man in his heart has to act for truth. That is the point.
Srila Gurudeva: One day, they will realize all of this.
[Break of audio]
Srila Gurudeva: Citraketu Maharaja told Angira Rsi, “You are born of Lord Brahma’s mind. Be merciful to me and bless me with a son.”
Angira Rsi replied, “All right. I give you this sweet rice. Give it to any one of your queens.”
Citraketu Maharaja had many queens, but none of them gave him a son.
Angira Rsi told the King, “Have any of your queens eat this sweet rice and she will become pregnant. Soon, you will have a son. But, that son will be a cause of great jubilation and lamentation.”
The King thought, “Oh this is all right. I may lament when my son doesn’t listen to me. But this is no problem.”
The Sage then gave the sweet rice. Angira Rsi went to the forest and leaving his body in a secure place, by his soul, he entered the womb of the queen to whom the Citraketu Maharaja had given the sweet rice. In time, a son was born. When he became five years of age, he was so beautiful. Seeing the son, everyone became happy and everyone congratulated each other in the Kingdom.
But, the other queens of the King, who were more than a thousand in number thought, “The King would speak to us before. But now he is only concerned about his son and only asks about his well-being. We have become worse than maidservants. This boy is the cause of our distress.”
All the queens then gave the boy poison and he immediately died. Now, anguish filled all four directions. Those queens, who had administered the poison also wept bitterly. Their cries were the loudest. Their anguish at the boy’s death was a show. By chance, Narada Rsi and Angira Rsi appeared in the palace. Angira Rsi returned to his previous body after having given up the body of a boy. He appeared with his selfsame body. They saw how everyone was crying and there was no one to pacify them.
Angira Rsi asked, “Why is everyone crying?”
Someone said, “The son of the King has died.”
“Oh he is laying down here.”
“No. The body doesn’t have life. By your cries, will the body come back to life? Will the boy be brought back to life even if all the residents of this world cry together?
He will not be brought back to life. He, who has taken birth, will have to surely die. This is the Lord’s arrangement. All of you should not cry. Before this boy was born, what relationship did you have with him? Now that he is dead, why don’t you keep him on your lap and look after him?
You will say, ‘No. Many worms will appear on his body; so we cannot keep him with us.’
Why will these worms appear? Did you see the soul inside his body? Is the soul black or white in color? What is the soul’s height and weight?
You will say, ‘I did not see.’
Then why are you lamenting for someone you did not really see? And the person who you looked after is now ‘sleeping.’ So, why are you crying?” asked Angira Rsi.
I will narrate one story. There were a couple of pigeons who were looking after their young ones. One day, they went to the bank of a river and saw that some birds were on one tree. So, they also sat on one branch of the tree. They saw some grains of rice on the ground.
The wife of the pigeon said, “Let’s take some of these grains. We can eat some and feed our young ones as well.”
The husband replied, “Don’t go. This is definitely a trap. If we fall into this trap, we will surely die.”
But the wife replied, “No. I will go get some grains.”
Surely enough, as soon as she flew down and stood on the ground to take the grains, a net was thrown and she was captured. She cried out for help. Unable to tolerate this sight, the husband also cried out. One pigeon was inside the net and the other was outside loudly weeping.
The pigeon cried out, “I cannot take care of the children. My wife would look after and nourish our children. It would have been better if I would have died and she would have survived.”
As the pigeon lamented and wept, the hunter took aim and shot him down. Thus, the husband died. The wife was as good as dead. So, the hunter took both of them home, cooked and ate them. Similarly, no one knows when he or she will die. No one can be a cause of peace and happiness for others in this material world. Therefore, while working for the maintenance of our lives, we must be engaged in Krsna’s bhajan as well. It is not difficult to do Krsna’s bhajan, just remember and chant His names.
Chant, Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Don’t be cruel to others. If you can do something good to others, then work for their benefit. Don’t criticize anyone and don’t become anyone’s enemy. Thus, maintain your life and do Krsna’s bhajan. Be situated in whatever arrangement Krsna has made. Always have faith in Krsna. And, don’t fear from any problems. This is sraddha. Anguish and happiness will come on their own. When they come, consider them both to be brothers. When anguish will come, it will go on its own. Happiness will also come and go on its own. Be equipoised in all circumstances; always have a control over yourself.
Athiti-deva-bhavoh; always respectfully receive a guest. Tend to the needs of others as much as possible; money and other things will not go with us when you leave your body. Even your house will not go; nothing will go. Work for the welfare of everyone. Don’t commit violence towards birds and animals.
Devotee: Maharajaji, it has been many days since I have chanted.
Srila Gurudeva: Chant harinama even while sitting in your house. This is my instruction. Chant gradually.
Devotee: I chant a little.
Srila Gurudeva: Okay, chant a little at least. Try to realize that “Krsna is mine.” And, the jivatma needs realizations. Slowly, realizations will also come. Or else, one will continue to be entangled in this samsara. Now you have a human body, but who knows what body you will get in your next life? There is no guarantee. Therefore, you can achieve the grace of Krsna in this human form of life. Every day, spend a little time chanting harinama during the morning or evening. You will get energy.
Devotee: I chant in the car and at other times, Guruji. While working, I have to travel here and there.
Srila Gurudeva: You have to do this.
There is no need to fear from death because the soul doesn’t die. Earlier, you were a child in this body. Then you became a youth and now you have become a middle-aged man. How old are you?
Devotee: I am forty years old.
Srila Gurudeva: Then forty years have passed. You will live for another sixty or seventy years in this world. To live this long is enough.
Devotee: If I will live for another twenty years it is enough. I want my children to stand on their legs.
Srila Gurudeva: We cannot do everything; we are helpless. There is only one help—the place where Krsna is there. He will save us. Therefore, in whatever position you are in, always remember Krsna’s names. There is nothing greater than remembering Krsna’s names. In our Bharatavarsa, there was a saint called Tulasidasji who wrote Rama-caritra-manasa.
He said, “I will tell you something. There is happiness and distress in this material world. But, the purport of all the sastras is that without doing Krsna’s bhajan, you cannot cross this samsara, this material world.”
In India, the rabbit doesn’t have horns. So, Tulasidasji says, “It may be possible for the rabbit to grow horns; it may also be possible for darkness to cover the sun, although this will never happen. I will also agree to the fact that it may be possible for fire to arise from ice. Flowers may also bloom in the sky. And, ghee may also be obtained from churning water. Oil may also be extracted from the dust of this world. The occurrence of such events may be possible; but, without doing Hari-bhajan and chanting Krsna’s names, the conditioned soul can never cross this material world.”
The Srimad Bhagavatam is considered more exalted than even the Vedas. The Bhagavat is the essence of the Vedas. Vyasaji manifested this Bhagavat from his samadhi and spoke it to his son, Sukadeva Gosvami. And, Sukadeva Gosvami recited the Bhagavat to Pariksit Maharaja. Pariksit Maharaja was destined to die after seven days. After listening to the Bhagavat for seven days, he surpassed this material world and got Krsna-prema. This Bhagavat is so sublime. Day and night, we are always drowning in this nectarean ocean of the Bhagavat.
Srila Gurudeva: If his name is Prakasananda and if he is an advaitavadi; do you know who an advaitavadi is?
He will say, “I am Brahma. Sarvam khalv idam brahma. Everyone is Brahma.”
If someone is speaking like this, then know that he is an advaitavadi. They say, “This world is false.” Our tattva-siddhanta is different from theirs.
Devotee: I have met his devotees. They say, “You will have to live in this material world. You cannot get away from it. But you should associate with the devotees.” They say you cannot get out of this material world.
Srila Gurudeva: This is not told in the Bhagavatam. This is the inconsistency. Our Bhagavat and Gita say otherwise. In the Gita, Krsna says, “One who does My bhajan will not be born again.”
yad gatva na nivartante
tad dhama paramam mama
—Bhagavad Gita 15.6
This world is filled with sorrow. There are many thorns of sufferings here. Even if there is happiness, it is mixed with sorrow. Therefore, by engaging in bhajan, the body and mind will be relinquished and becoming pure, the devotee will enter Krsna’s abode.
Devotee: I don’t know their philosophy fully.
Srila Gurudeva: I know that a person who bears the name, “Prakasananda,” is a follower of the mayavad philosophy. They engage in Bhagavan’s bhajan also.
Devotee: They worship Radhe-Krsna. They chant, “Radhe Radhe.”
Srila Gurudeva: Then by Bhagavan’s mercy, their devotion should become pure. It is all right as long as you don’t associate with them and as long as you don’t adopt their conceptions. There was one speaker of the Bhagavat in Vrndavana who was an advaitavadi. He is dead now and his disciples speak now. They also speak some Gaudiya Vaisnava philosophy. They don’t speak anything separate.
Devotee: They say that by doing arati and chanting on the mala, nothing will happen.
Srila Gurudeva: It is wrong to say that nothing will happen. Something will happen—sorrows will be dispelled, and one will cross over this samsara.
Devotee: Sukriti will also be made.
Srila Gurudeva: But, a place in Vraja will not be had. The person will not become an associate of Krsna like the gopis, or sakhas.
I will go to Holland and return to India.
Devotee: We are going to miss you so much Maharaja.
Srila Gurudeva: The residents of Mathura and Vrndavana are crying in separation from me.
Devotee: Maharaja, as long as you were here, we would always talk about you. Now for whom will we live?
Srila Gurudeva: These memories will make you stay alive.
Devotee: Maharaja, the devotees are crying for you. Even Tamala Krsnaji says, “We are crying to see you.” But the devotees are not able to make a decision on their own.
Srila Gurudeva: This happens. We are not bound by any problems, but they have problems. If there was any obstacle in doing Krsna’s bhajan and in associating with sadhus, then we easily cross over them because we don’t care for the opinion of others. Therefore, we don’t have any problems. But they are running a big society. They face the risk of being kicked out. They care about their reputation. But we don’t care about our reputation; we are carefree. Performing Krsna’s bhajan, we will go anywhere and preach His glories. No one can control us. This is Krsna’s causeless mercy. We are never checked by any problem. Narada doesn’t have any problems. When Sukadeva Gosvami was walking towards the assembly of Pariksit Maharaja, children were throwing stones at him and making fun of him. But, he did not care about anyone.
It makes no difference to me if I am respected or not. I am what I am. Therefore, don’t be worried. They say, “He is a mahapurusa,” and have much respect inside their hearts. But, because of circumstances they are all weeping.
Devotee: Maharaja, the devotees are serving so much and are so eager to hear from you. They offer their dandavat pranamas to you.
Srila Gurudeva: Tell them that they have my blessings.
Devotee: Guruji, I feel that I more inclined to the worship of Lord Rama than Lord Krsna.
Srila Gurudeva: I also felt this way in my childhood. I had the darsana of Lord Rama. And by His mercy, I am in the Gaudiya Vaisnava parampara. Ramacandraji is Krsna’s expansion. But, He has the aspect of maryada (regulative etiquette). He even left Sitaji. But, Krsna did not care for maryada. He accepted everyone unconditionally. By meeting Rama, you will be able to serve Him like Hanumana. This is all right. But, you will not be able to meet Him with all your heart. Bharat, Laksmanaji, and Satrugna always serve Rama. They always fold their hands like sevakas. Sitaji is also there. Rama had Sita sent to the forest because of the allegation of a washer man. Rama is powerful; He can do anything. Was there any fault from Sita’s side? To instruct the world, Rama had Sita sent to the forest. But from His heart, He never left Sita. He would weep in separation from Sita. Sita would always weep in the asrama of Valmiki. Sita-Rama’s two sons were also there in the asrama.
Ramacandraji also put a straw mat in the palace and lived the life of an ascetic like how Sita did. Sitaji would become a little pacified by the association of Valmiki, and her two sons—Lava and Kusa. But there was no one to pacify Rama. He was suffering from much more despair. But no one understands this. He was always remembering Sitaji. There is this consideration in Rama—if someone alleges something on someone, then He will leave that person. But Krsna kicked this quality of maryada like a football. He only takes prema into consideration. He gave the position of a mother to a person who came to feed Him poison while disguised as a mother. Krsna performed such intimate pastimes with the sakhas.
In reciprocation to the selfless love of the gopis, Krsna places His head at the feet of the gopis and makes their maan go far away. Therefore, although Rama and Krsna are non-different, there is rasa-gata-vicara. Radhaji became Sita and Krsna became Rama. Therefore, I used to chant Rama’s names so much in my childhood. I wouldn’t chant Krsna’s names; I would chant, “Rama Rama Hare Hare.” I would chant half of the Mahamantra. Maybe because of my past life’s impressions I chanted Rama’s names in my childhood. Gradually, I started to chant the full Mahamantra. By Ramacandra’s mercy, I got the association of the sadhus. Whenever I give a discourse, I will be sure to intersperse the pastimes of Ramacandraji. I will not be satisfied without speaking about Ramacandra.
Devotee: Maharaja even spoke about Ramacandra’s pastimes yesterday.
Srila Gurudeva: I will surely speak about Ramacandra. I also speak on the history of Sitaji and many other associates of Rama. I also speak and follow the instructions that are given from Sri Ramacandra’s pastimes. I know that Rama and Krsna are One. Therefore, prema is manifested more in the personality of Krsna. Krsna becomes completely subservient to His associates. What does He not do to please the gopis? This is prema.
The moon is always purna, full. But, from certain angles of vision on earth, and because the sun’s reflection doesn’t fall on it, we see a dark moon. We say, “This is the first moon, second moon, third moon, fourth moon, fifth moon.” We judge the size of the moon according to its waxing and waning. But the moon never changes. When we go higher, we will see that the moon is always complete. We can see the full moon. Sometimes, because of darkness, the full moon cannot be seen. Therefore, we say, “First moon; second moon.”
Similarly, when we see Bhagavan in His full form, then He is Krsna. He is emporium of the twelve rasas. Ramacandra also has these rasas, but He does not manifest them. He is Maryada-Purusottama. He is bound by dharmic conduct. If He manifests these rasas, He will become Krsna.
Devotee: Maharaja, it is said that Krsna is the possessor of the sixteen forms of arts and Rama is the possessor of the twelve forms of arts.
Srila Gurudeva: No. It is not like this. The moon has sixteen aspects and the sun has twelve aspects. So, the sun is full in twelve aspects and the moon is full in sixteen aspects.
Laksmana cannot give Rama His remnants. Even Sitaji will not give her remnants to Rama. But when Radhaji is eating, Krsna will snatch Her remnants and will blissfully eat them.
Devotee: Krsna also eats the Gvala-balakas’—the cowherd boys’ remnants.
Srila Gurudeva: This is prema. Therefore, the full manifestation of prema is in Krsna. But Rama and Krsna are complete.
There are twelve kinds of rasas—santa, dasya, sakhya, vatsalya, and madhurya are the primary forms of rasa. The secondary forms of rasas are seven in number. They are hasya, karuna, raudra, bhayanak, vibhatsa, vira, and adbhut. Thus, there are twelve kinds of rasas. Krsna is the emporium of the twelve kinds of rasas. Ramacandraji has dasya, santa, and even karuna-rasa. When He was leaving home to enter the forest, there was no such living entity that did not bitterly weep on seeing Rama’s departure from Ayodhya. Everyone also cried at the places where Sita was lamenting in separation from Rama. When Sita entered Patala, everyone bitterly wept. One will not weep for Krsna so easily. But if the devotee does weep, then his eyes will never be dry. Krsna has this quality. He does not weep so easily. After understanding the separation that the gopis felt for Krsna, one’s eyes will never be dry. One will also weep when he chants Hare Krsna without offense.
So, Ramacandraji has the rasas—santa, dasya, and karuna. But He does not have vatsalya-rasa. Why does He not have this rasa? When He was born, He appeared in His caturbhuja form carrying the conch, disc, lotus, and club in His four hands. Kausalyaji also folded her hands and prayed to Him. She forgot her motherly affection for Him.
Devotee: Rama appeared in His caturbhuja form?
Srila Gurudeva: Yes.
Devotee: Krsna also showed His caturbhuja form when He was born.
Srila Gurudeva: He showed this form to Devaki and Vasudeva and not to Nanda and Yasoda. He was born from the womb of Yasoda. Even the umbilical cord cutting ceremony was performed.
Devotee: Krsna showed the universes to Yasoda.
Srila Gurudeva: Yes, He showed the universes to Yasoda, but it was like a magic trick. Yasoda never considered Krsna to be God. Rather, she would chastise Him.
Once, she told Him, “I will not give You milk. Stay away from me.”
Krsna cried out, “Maiya Maiya!”
But Yasoda did not take Krsna in her arms. Smiling, she chastised Krsna. Meanwhile, Naradaji came and saw this sight. He wondered, “This is Parabrahma Himself. Becoming Yasoda’s son, He is rolling on the earth. He is crying and wants to sit on Yasoda’s lap. And Yasoda Maiya refuses to take Him on her lap. And we meditate on Krsna’s feet and pray that He enters our hearts. How fortunate Yasodaji is! No one can bind Krsna; but Yasoda has bound Him by her love.”
But folding her hands in prayer, Kausalyaji offered many stava-stutis to Rama. Therefore, Kausalya’s vatsalya-rasa is half. At times, she forgets that Rama is Parabrahma. But soon after, she remembers that Rama is Parabrahma. Yasodaji never thought of Krsna as Parabrahma.
Devotee: Kausalya knew that Rama is Bhagavan?
Srila Gurudeva: Yes. Therefore, her vatsalya-rasa was not complete. Sometimes, she would forget that Rama is God. But, she always knew that Rama is God. Rama appeared in His caturbhuja form and said, “As a fruit of your austerities, I have come to your house as a son.” He told this to Kausalya just as Krsna told Devaki of her previous lives’ austerities.
He told Vasudeva and Devaki, “In one of your previous lives both of you were Kasyapa Rsi and Aditi. After both of you performed severe austerities, I appeared and offered you both a boon.
You said, ‘We desire a son like You.’
I replied, ‘Where will you get a son like Me? Therefore, I Myself, will come as your son.’”
Dasaratha and Kausalya were also Kasyapa and Aditi in their previous lives. Thus, Rama appeared to them as a result of hearing their prayers. And, they knew that Rama was Parabrahma. As for Yasoda, Krsna emerged from her womb. So she does not believe anyone when they claim that Krsna is God.
She will say, “Krsna is not God; He is my son.”
Therefore, she has so much love for Krsna that she chastises and disciplines Krsna. And, she cannot remain without Krsna. When Ramacandraji left Ayodhya, Maharaja Dasaratha left his body and Kaikeyi became blind.
She thought, “Rama will return after twelve years.” And along with Rama, she went to Vaikuntha.
Yasodaji never thought, “My son is Bhagavan.”
Devotee: When Krsna left Gokula-Vrndavana for Mathura, then what was the condition of Nanda Baba and Yasoda Maiya?
Srila Gurudeva: They became mad in separation and thought, “Where is our son?”
Devotee: They would not go to meet Krsna?
Srila Gurudeva: Krsna would go to meet Nanda-Yasoda. But they would think, “We saw our Lala, our son in our dreams.”
When Yasoda would cook, she would think, “My son will come and eat.”
Indeed, Krsna would come and eat what Yasoda had prepared. He would also talk with her. But she would think, “Am I seeing Krsna in a dream?” And Krsna would never leave them and go anywhere else. He is always in Vrndavana. These pastimes are very deep and confidential. We also want to forget Krsna’s Bhagavatta, His Godhood, and we want to have a relationship with Him like how the gopis do. Everything depends on the relationship with Krsna, and Guru makes this relationship strong. If a relationship is made, then a relationship with all of Krsna’s associates is also made. For instance, now that she is married, her husband’s parents have become her parents also. This relationship has become strong. You will be together in happiness and distress. Guru establishes a relationship between a jiva and Krsna not just for one life; he establishes this relationship forever. This is called diksa. Therefore, we will always be indebted to guru. If a guru cannot do this, then he is not a Sad-Guru. A Sad-Guru binds Krsna in the heart of the disciple; he makes him realize Krsna.
By the grace of the guru, the disciple will think, “When will I leave this material world and serve Krsna in His abode?”
There is no shortage there. There is no birth, death, and sorrows there. Happiness will be experienced there in newer and newer forms. You don’t have to do a job there. You will not have to serve any mundane person there. Krsna is the only enjoyer there. Krsna is suffering for you; He is worried for you. The love shared between a devotee and Krsna is not to be found within any relationship of this material world.
One need only take shelter of Krsna’s Priyaji, Srimati Radhika. Krsna just desires; but everything is arranged by His sakti. Srimati Radhaji is the power, the sakti, the energy of Krsna. She is Hladini-sakti. She is controlling everything and not Krsna. Krsna lifted Giriraja-Govardhana on the little finger of His left hand. What is the meaning of this? Radhaji is always on the left side of Krsna. The little finger is also on the extreme left of the left hand.
This finger is considered to be feminine; so Radhaji lifted Giriraja-Govardhana. Krsna desired to lift Giriraja and Radhaji lifted Giriraja for Krsna. People think Krsna lifted Giriraja-Govardhana but He did not lift Giriraja.
These pastimes are filled with many secrets. Why did Krsna lift Giriraja? The gopis who had just become kisoris and were newly married wanted to meet Krsna. But they were unable to. So, Krsna caught Indra and had Yogamaya call him. All the arrangements were then made. Profuse rainfall was arranged and Krsna lifted Giriraja-Govardhana. There was no other place the Vrajavasis could seek shelter except being under Govardhana. Now, the newly married gopis collected under Govardhana on the excuse of rainfall and looked at Krsna to their hearts’ content. The meeting of the gopis and Krsna underneath Govardhana was filled with so much bliss. This is the secret behind the pastime of Krsna lifting Giriraja-Govardhana. Krsna arranged this pastime just so He could meet the gopis. If someone meets Krsna by having prema that has many obstacles to overcome, then there is much bliss in that prema.
One will always be greatly anxious to meet Krsna. “When will I meet Krsna? When will I meet Krsna?” will be the only thought. There is so much bliss in this prema. And those, who are always meeting Krsna, are satisfied in their hearts. They may be complacent. They will think, “Even if there is a fight; no harm.”
But if a meeting happens after great difficulty, then that prema will be of a greater degree. Therefore, these pastimes are arranged.
Putana came to Vraja; but know that no ghost, goblin, or demon can enter Vraja. Only to renew the prema of the Vrajavasis, do such pastimes occur. How? Yasodaji and Krsna are together. Yasoda thinks, “Krsna is my son.”
While cooking, she tells Krsna, “Oh go and play in the house. Don’t disturb me.”
Meanwhile, Putana came and taking Krsna, she flew in the sky. She had smeared poison on her breasts and by breastfeeding Krsna, she wanted to kill Him. When Putana flew away with Krsna, Yasoda left everything aside and cried out for her son.
She thought, “A son was born to me even though I am sixty years old. And even He is going away.”
She started to bitterly weep and she fell unconscious on the ground. And the gopis ran behind Krsna. They took Krsna from the place where Putana had fallen and placed Him in the hands of Yasoda. Yasoda became inconceivable happy. Now, she never leaves Krsna.
She doesn’t tell Him, “Don’t disturb me. Go and play.”
She has Krsna in her arms throughout the day. In this way, demons like Sakatasura, Trnavarta, Aghasura, Bakasura, Pralambhasura, and many others appeared in Vraja to renew the prema of the Vrajavasis. One finds a priceless jewel; but what will be the condition if someone steals it? The person will be thinking about it day and night. If he finds the jewel again, then he will always keep it with him. He may put it an iron chest or in a bank locker. He will understand its value.
This boy is always with you. Now, you may not understand how important he is to you. But if he goes somewhere for a couple of days, you will not be able to sleep. Your house will seem empty. You can scold and discipline him. But if he goes somewhere for a few days, then you will realize how precious your son is to you. You will realize what “mamata” is. Therefore, why does Krsna go to Mathura from Vrndavana? In the eternal abode Krsna doesn’t go anywhere. Only in His pastimes in this world, does He go to Mathura. Why does He go? To make the Vrajavasis understand a deeper side of love. There are two sides to prema—samyoga and viyoga. They are meeting and separation respectively. What is viyoga? It means “visesa yoga.” Vi-yoga—yoga means meeting and “vi,” means in a special way. When Krsna goes far away, His associates constantly think about Him. When Krsna went far away from the gopis, He would always think about them.
He would think, “The gopis served Me in so many ways. They love Me so much. They would put many flower garlands on Me. Without Me, they cannot stay alive for a minute. Alas! Alas!”
Day and night, Krsna would think about the gopis. This is called, “Viyoga,” a special form of meeting. Externally, it seems there is no meeting between Krsna and the gopis. In Samyoga, Krsna and the gopis meet externally, but something is lost inside. But, there is a special form of meeting in viyoga although they don’t meet externally. So, this internal meeting is greater. There is realization here. This prema is spotless. Hence, Krsna had this form of love shown to everyone. How can everyone realize how exalted the love of the gopis and Yasoda’s love for Krsna is? Through viyoga, it is known of how much they suffer in separation from Krsna. If we are not able to meet Krsna, we should also lament like this in separation from Krsna. This is called bhajan; we will not be able to live without Krsna. We cannot live for a second without the presence of air. We will start to die without breathing air. A fish will not survive when it is taken out of water. There is no need of killing it; it will die on its own.
Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, “I don’t have a scent of Krsna-prema. If I did have prema, then without Krsna’s darsana, why haven’t I died yet? This can only mean that I don’t have prema. If I had prema then I would have died. My cries for Krsna are an external display.”
Thus, prema has two sides—viyoga and samyoga. Viyoga is more important than samyoga because then, we will realize if prema is pure or not. This will not be realized during meeting. But when there is viyoga, when there is intense separation from Krsna, then the greatness of prema will be realized. The gopis became mad in separation from Krsna. Sitaji did not become mad in separation from Rama. She was always conscious although she bitterly wept. But she did desire to enter in a fire and give up her life. Her prema reached up to this state. But Radhaji became viyogini and became completely mad in separation from Krsna. So, this is viyoga. When there is prema, there will be viyoga and samyoga. In the mood of samyoga, Krsna stayed in Vrndavana for eleven years. Then the time of viyoga drew near. Hence, in the Bhagavat, it is written how high the stage of viyoga is. This is the nature of prema.
[Srila Gurudeva speaks to a devotee]
Only have faith in Krsna. He creates, sustains, and destroys the creation. He nourishes everyone. He will also look after you and your daughters. He will always save you. Have firm faith in Him.
Devotee: Maharaja, it is written that if the husband dies before the wife, then the wife is very unfortunate.
Srila Gurudeva: No. This is for those, who have an external understanding. They don’t know anything, so it is said for them. You are not this body. Even your husband is not his body. The material body is made of earth and other elements. What you said is meant for those who have no knowledge; they are foolish. But, for those who have knowledge, Krsna is their husband. So, they will never be widows—if they consider Krsna as their husband. In reality, only Krsna nourishes and saves us.
What is the meaning of pati? Pa means a person who looks after another. It also refers to one who relieves someone of distress. Therefore, Krsna is Parama-pati, the topmost husband. Your husband was with you for some years; even your sons and brothers will be with you for some years. In reality, they are spirit souls. The spirit soul never takes birth or dies. Only Krsna is the spirit soul’s all-in-all. But having forgotten Krsna, we are in this material world suffering from sorrow. We have forgotten Krsna. Therefore, society considers one spirit soul as a lady’s husband and when he dies, the lady is considered very unfortunate. It should not be understood this way.
Understand Krsna to be your Parama-pati and regard your husband as your pati. Only Krsna can save us and only He is our all-in-all. He will always rescue us. Now that your husband has departed, how can he save you? But, Krsna can save you because He is Parama-pati. Therefore, consider Him as such. Don’t consider yourself to be a widow. You are separated from your husband. This was bound to happen—either today, tomorrow, or after some years. You may have departed before him also. Viyoga, separation, is bound to happen after a hundred years. Either of you will have to leave the body before the other does. Your husband was a pandit; he did Bhagavan’s bhajan. His time was over and Prabhu called him near. Don’t be worried. You do Krsna’s bhajan; He supplies everything to everyone. Have firm faith in this.
One day, one man went to do Krsna’s bhajan. When he went near the border of the village, he thought, “Where will I stay? What will I eat? What will I do?”
Meanwhile, he saw some people breaking a stone hill. They were removing big blocks of stone. As they did so, a frog leaped out. The man thought, “There is no way for an animal to enter into this stone hill. There is no way inside. There is no air to breathe also. There is nothing inside to survive on. How did this frog manage to survive within these big blocks of stone? So, if Krsna gives something for the frog to survive on, then He will surely tend to my needs as well.”
He then noticed an egg on the branch of a tree. As the wind blew, the egg fell from its nest and it broke open. A fledgling appeared from the egg and it cried out in hunger. Its mother was not there and this egg fell on the earth. Now what will this fledgling eat? Then, an insect came and the baby bird sat on it. It then ate the insect.
The man thought, “Prabhu has managed to feed everyone.”
The baby bird got some food and its hunger was satisfied. So, if Krsna bestows His mercy even on birds and other animals, then will He not bestow His mercy on us as well?
[Srila Gurudeva speaks to the devotee whose husband has passed away]
Therefore, don’t care for the opinion of others. Maintain your life by some means and be engaged in Krsna’s bhajan. Try to look after your daughters and everything will be all right. We always have full faith in Krsna. I don’t do anything to obtain prasadam. If I am destined to be fed prasadam, then who can stop me from honoring prasadam? Rice and dal from India is cooked. Many varieties are being prepared.
Devotee 2: Upon your coming here, even our business has started to prosper Maharaja.
Srila Gurudeva: I thought, “Where has this beautiful dal come from?” They then told me that their business is based on dal.
So, it is written in our destiny that we honor prasadam. I don’t give in charity or do anything else; but so many people love me and all arrangements are being made for me. Now, I am travelling all over the world in an airplane. I don’t have a single penny in my pocket. How is everything being managed? There is a Person who is arranging everything. I am helpless; I cannot do anything. Although I don’t do anything, all arrangements are being made. Wherever I go, everything is arranged. Earlier, what relation did I have with them? They have one son and daughter but I have millions of sons and daughters. Wherever I go, I get new sons and daughters.
In Delhi, there are some devotees, who will give millions of rupees if ever asked for. But I never asked them nor am I in need of any money. I don’t have any need of anything.
Visnu dasa: Maharaja, we only want to be qualified to become your sons and daughters.
Srila Gurudeva: Prema is needed. This prema should reach Krsna by the medium of a guru. If someone has even a little prema for Krsna, then if we take one step, Krsna will come down and taking lakhs and lakhs of steps, He will come near us. We are eager to meet Krsna, but Krsna is more eager to meet us.
Krsna always thinks, “What arrangements can I make, so that on hearing My name being chanted even once, I will run to meet him and I will embrace him.”
Krsna is so causelessly merciful. He says, “You have forgotten me since so much time. I was suffering in separation from you.”
Devotee: Maharaja has to go now.
Srila Gurudeva: I feel so happy in speaking hari-katha.
Devotee: We feel that we want to continue listening from you forever.
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You Should Not Be Angry
Srila Gurudeva in Los Angeles – 17 June 1996
Why do they chant, “Om santi, Om santi?” Om has some form, some qualification. He’s merciful. Om means A U M, three things. Then why do they just say, “Om?” A U M makes OM. And here, A denotes Krsna as told in the Upanisads. They go together, but they don’t want to use this. They are satisfied because Kali has done something. In Kali Yuga, even if a person is qualified or not; but yet, if he chants the name of Krsna, he will be benefited. But in Satya Yuga, anyone cannot chant the holy name. To chant the holy name, they will have to perform austerities for lakhs and lakhs of years. But in Kali Yuga, anyone can say Krsna’s name and Rama’s name.
When a person chants, “Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare,” he chants the holy names sixteen times.
Devotee: Do you reside in Mathura Maharaja?
Srila Gurudeva: No, no. I live in Vrndavana.
Devotee: I’m coming to India, hopefully next year. So, I’ll have to come and visit.
[Audio break]
Srila Gurudeva: But at that time I was foolish, I could not do anything. But now, he said, “Yes. You have come anyhow.” He is so pleased. What is the history of this temple?
[Srila Gurudeva goes on to speak some instructions that Srila Prabhupada gave before he left his body]
He used to go there and Caitanya Mahaprabhu would also come with all His parikars, associates. Rupa Gosvami, Sanatana Gosvami, and others would also come. When Caitanya Mahaprabhu or His parikars used to come there, He used to make an excuse that the Mohammedans are coming and they will take [unclear]. So, he would take it to that village.
So, Caitanya Mahaprabhu used to take darsana there. Mahaprabhu also said, “I will not go on top of Govardhana, and no one should go, because Govardhana is Krsna Himself. So, we should not climb on Govardhana hill and we will not see Gopalji.” Therefore, Gopalji Himself, used to come down in that village and everyone would take His darsana. There is a village named ‘Parso’ meaning, day after tomorrow.
The village is named as such because Krsna made a promise to the gopis and said, “I will surely come tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.” Every village in Vraja is named after a specific pastime of Krsna.
Oh you have come now. Even if these ISKCON leaders are not coming, I will always welcome them. I’m also happy to be here.
Devotee: We have been dreaming for a long time. . .
Srila Gurudeva: Svamiji and all of you have brought me here. Otherwise, I didn’t even dream that I would come to the western countries, and meet so many devotees.
Devotee: Seeing how sweet you are and so beautiful, how can they talk like this about such a great personality, what can we do?
Srila Gurudeva: You should not be angry.
Devotee: They have no eyes to see.
Srila Gurudeva: They are helping me. I could not have so much propaganda as they are doing. I have no money to do all these things. Actually, they are doing everything. They are doing everything for free. I’m indebted to them, so much indebted to them.
You know Kamsa was so kind to Krsna and to us all, because he brought Krsna from Goloka Vrndavana to this world. If there was no Kamsa, then no pastimes of Krsna would have manifested. So, Narada said, “I am indebted to Kamsa.”
Svamiji told me, “You should go and give some water, as the plants (the devotees) are drying. So you should go and give water to the plants.”
By bona fide Srimad Bhagavat kirtana, Krsna, Srimati Radhika, Uddhava, Sukadeva Gosvami, Narada Gosvami, and all will come; whether we can see them or not. When Narottama Thakur used to sing and dance with so many bhaktas, Caitanya Mahaprabhu would come with all His parikars, and they would ecstatically dance. And when the kirtana ended, Mahaprabhu and His associates would disappear. When Narottama Thakur would sing, “Gauranga bolite habe, pulaka sarira,” then Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu would descend and do kirtana. Everyone present would see and realize the presence of Mahaprabhu and His associates among them. But, when the kirtana ended, Mahaprabhu and His associates could not be seen, as I mentioned before.
Devotee: They would manifest to the general devotees or just those devotees with ….
Srila Gurudeva: Everyone could see, including the general public, because Yogamaya used to come and connect them. Where there is no Yogamaya, there is no connection with the eternal world. Now we will go to Mayapur or Vrndavana.
They have no connection with Yogamaya. There is not such a powerful person who can attract Yogamaya to come here, so we are not seeing. But Krsna and Mahaprabhu are there; They are always there. But if personalities like Narottama Thakur, and Nityananda prabhu come, then Yogamaya will come and connect us. They will sprinkle some of their mercy.
Gaura Premanande! Hari Haribol!
SRI GAURA PURNIMA MAHOTSAVA – APPEARANCE OF SRI SACINANDANA GAURAHARI
Tridandisvami Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja :
ASTA KALIYA LILA IS THE LIFE AND WEALTH OF OUR SAMPRADAYA
In asta-kaliya-lila (Sri Krsna’s eight-fold daily Vrndavana pastimes) Krsna performs pastimes with Radhika, Lalita, Visakha and all the gopis – nighttime pastimes, early morning pastimes, late morning pastimes, noon pastimes, afternoon and evening pastimes. In these eight-fold pastimes Krsna’s birth, His killing Kamsa and His going to Mathura and Dvaraka do not occur. Similarly, in Mahaprabhu’s asta-kaliya-lila He does not go to Puri or to Godavari. There is no birth in Mayapura, and there is no deliverance of Jagai and Madhai and Cand Kazi. These are part of the naimittika-lila. The nitya-lila takes place only in Vraja, and only in Navadvipa, which is identical with Vrndavana. Asta-kaliya-lila is the life and the wealth of our sampradaya (disciplic succession), wherein nothing but the sweetest of the sweet pastimes take place. Only those who are qualified can meditate on these pastimes; unqualified people are barred. For those who are qualified, this meditation continues throughout the say and night.
If you want to enter into this meditation, you must give up envy and quarrel. If you have lust, anger, greed, violence, envy, etc. in your heart, how can you even think about these pastimes?
Please visit Navadvipa.info
This entry was posted in Hari Katha.
Pray Srila Gurudeva’s Hari Katha Enters Our Hearts
Sri Navadvipa-mandala Parikrama
Sri Navadvipa Dhama
Krsna-karunya Prabhu’s Movies
Antardvip Darshan (1): Crossing the Ganga to Mayapur
23 February 2010. This is first part of the parikrama coverage in the island Antardvip-Mayapur. In this webisode we crossed the Ganga from Koladvip to Antardvip or Mayapur.
Antardvip Darshan (2): From Isodyan to Yogapitha
23 Feb. 2010 This is the second part of the parikrama coverage in Antardvip. After crossing the Ganga, the devotees assembled in Isodyan where Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math is presently situated. Isodayan was the place where our Lords Nimai and Nitai met for the very first time. When Nitai first arrived in Navadvip, he hid in Nandanacharya Bhavan nearby this place which is now the site of Sri Gaur Nityananda Mandir (the next Gaudiya Math temple from here towards Yogapith) then Nimai met Him here in Isodyan. From Isodyan, we proceeded to Mayapur Yogapitha, the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Next webisode: Arrival at Mayapur Yogapitha
Antardvip Darshan (3): Welcome to Mahaprabhu’s Birthplace
23 Feb. 2010. This is third webisode of our parikrama coverage in Antardvip. Welcome to Mayapur Yogapitha and have darshan of the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Antardvip Darshan (4): Srila Gurudev’s Arrival at Yogapitha
23 Feb. 2010. Srila Gurudev Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayan Goswami Maharaj arrived in Mayapur Yogapitha while the devotees were singing the bhajan “Sakhe Kalaya Gauram Udaram” led by Krishna Das Prabhu. The recording of the class is on a separate video you can check from www.purebhakti.tv Next webisode: Antardvip Darshan: From Srivas Angan to Sri Chaitanya Math
Antardvip Darshan (5): From Srivas Angan to Sri Chaitanya Math
23 Feb.2010. After doing parikrama of Mayapur Yogapitha, (previous webisodes), you can join our sankirtan party proceed to the courtyard of Srivas Thakur (Srivas Angan), then to the house of Advaita Acharya (Advaita Bhavan), then to Gadadhar Angan. Next webisode: Sri Chaitanya Math and the Samadhi of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupad
Antardvip Darshan (6): Sri Chaitanya Math and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupad’s Samadhi
23 Feb. 2010. This is the sixth webisode of our parikrama coverage in Antardvip Mayapur which brings us to Sri Chaitanya Math, the mother math of all Gaudiya Maths established by Srila Prabhupad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. Here one can get darshan of Prabhupad Saraswati Thakur’s samadhi, the samadhi mandir of Srila Gaurkishor das Babaji Maharaj, the Deities established by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupad, Sri Radha Kund, Syama Kund and Giriraj Govardhan, and more.
Instruction On Chanting
The Hare Krsna Maha Mantra Japa .mp3
03 21 97 A Navadwip
03 21 97 B Navadwip
03 21 97 B Navadwip Srila Gurudeva Class
03 22 97 B Navadwip Hari Katha and Kirtan
19970321 A Navadwip Srila Trivikrama Maharaja
19970320_NAVADVIP_MANDALA_AM-Procession
1996 NAVADVIPA DHAMA PARIKRAMA P1
1998 Navadwipa Parikrama
2001 Navadvipa Parikrama 2001 P1
2001_Navadvipa Parikrama Kirtans Part 1
20020327 Navadivpa Parikrama P1
20020329 Navadvipa Sannyasa Part 2 Srila Gurudeva bathes in the Ganga
20050324 25 Navadvipa Class and Bhajans
20050324 25 Navadvipa Darshan and Class
20050324 Navadvipa Darshan with Srila Gurudeva
2006 Navadivpa Parikrama P1
2008_Navadvip Taking Deities To Their New Altar P1
20080316 Navadvipa PM
20080316 Navadvipa PM no sound at the beginning
20080316_Navadvipa Class P1
20080316Navadvipa P2
20080318_Navadvipa Gaura Purnima p1
20080320 Navadvipa kirtan p2
20080320_Navadvipa kirtan p1
20080321Navadvipa Gaura Purnima P2
2008Diety Instalation Navadwvipa
20090305 Navadvipa Devanda Gaudiya Matha and Sankalpa
20090305 Navadvipa Srila Gurudeva’s Instructions
20090305 Navadvipa Tape 2
20090305 Navavipa PM
20090305_Navadvipa Tape 1 4th 7 min
20090305_Navadvipa Tape 2
20090305_Navavipa PM
20090306 Navadvipa Parikrama Yoga Pita with Srila Gurudeva
20090306_Navadvipa PM Tape 1
20090307_Navavipa PM Tape 2
20090309 Navadvipa
20090310 Navadvipa Tape 2 3 class mp4
20100224_Navadvipa t1
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This entry was posted in Movies.
The Disappearance Day of Srila Jagannatha Das Babaji Maharaja
Sri Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja
Class by Srila Vaman Maharaja SBVM_Exapalnati on To Bhakti_glories Of Jaganatha Babaji
[Translated from Srila Gurudeva’s Hindi Publication on the Life of the Four Vaisnava Acaryas: Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada, Srila Gaura-kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja]
gauravirbhava-bhumes tvam nirdesta sajjana-priyah
vaisnava-sarvabhauma-sri-jagannathaya te namah
I offer obeisance to Vaisnava Sarvabhauma Sri Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja. He indicated the pastime place of the appearance of Sri Gaurasundara, and he is very dear to the devotees.
Appearance and Introduction
In approximately 1764, Sri Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja appeared in a Sambhrant family in a Mandalakara village within the division of Tangail in the district of Mayaman Simha in present day Bangladesa. Some have the belief that he manifested his appearance pastime in the Tadasa village within the Pavana district of Bangladesa in a Varenda Kayastha family. Up until now we do not have a definite account or acquaintance of his previous asrama’s mother and father, or of the year, date and so forth of his appearance.
Whichever place or whatever family Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja may have appeared in; in reality he is Bhagavan’s eternally perfected associate and the manifested form (prakasa-vigraha) of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He is fully realized in the current of the conception of Sri Sri Svarupa-Rupanuga; he is the sarvabhauma (emperor) of the empire of suddha-vaisnavas; he is the eternally worshipable of Srimad Bhaktivinoda Thakura; he is greatly enthusiastic in preaching the message of Godhead; he is the general in the army of nama-sankirtana, and he is a Bhagavat Paramahamsa gosthanandi (one who takes delight in preaching). Sri Vraja and Sri Navadvipa Dhama are his eternal places of residence.
Pancaratriki-Diksa
While staying in his previous asrama, Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja acted out the pastime of accepting pancaratriki diksa and becoming the diksa disciple of Sri Rasa Bihari Gosvami, a descendent of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, and a resident in the provincial district of Puruliya. That Sri Rasa Bihari Gosvami had one other disciple—Svadhin Tripuradhipati—Svadhamagata Isanacandra Manikya Bahadura. Even today, Sri Rasa Bihari jiu, the worshipable Lordship’s of Sri Rasa Bihari Gosvami, are being served in his royal palace.
Coming to Sri Vraja Mandala
Understanding and seeing the life history of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, it is recognized that although he was a topmost devotee of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu before coming to Sri Vraja Mandala, still, following the completely pure acara-pracara, out of greed to obtain the devotees transcendental association, he came to Sri Vraja Mandala.
Association with the Visuddha-Rupanuga-Acarya
Out of destiny, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja came to Sri Vraja Mandala and received the association of the Bhagavata Srila Madhusudan dasa Babaji Maharaja, who was acting out the pastime of being acarya, taking shelter of the method of rupa and rupanuga, and preaching in this way. Obtaining the association of Srila Madhusudan dasa Babaji Maharaja, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja’s heart, which was burning in enthusiasm for the association of rupanuga vaisnavas, was cooled. From him, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja received the deep process and tattva of bhajana in the line of the Sri Gaudiya-Vaisnava-sampradaya.
Paramahamsa Vesa
Day and night, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja began to perform honest service to his Gurudeva, looking after everything. He stayed under the complete guidance of Srila Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja for a long time; residing on the bank of Sri Surya-kunda and showing the perfect example of sadhana bhajana. Seeing his honest service as well as unfathomable love for Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu, and his desire for the supreme auspiciousness of the residents of the world, Srila Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja gave him paramahamsa-vesa.
A Brief Life History of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja’s Vesa-guru, Srila Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja
When Srila Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja was only 12 years old, one devotee gave him the sri-harinama-mahamantra along with the 18 syllable sri-krsna-mantra. Although Srila Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja began chanting the mantras at that time, still, in his adulthood he lamented again and again, “How unfortunate I am! I do not know the method of chanting sri-harinama and sri-krsna-mantra! I don’t even know the name of my Gurudeva who gave me the mantra! I never saw him again in my life! I never got the opportunity to serve him, what to speak of receiving any instructions from him. Due to the absence of guru-seva and instructions from him, my human life will pass uselessly. What will be my destination, not knowing the purport of my mantras and guru-parampara?”
Absorbed in these thoughts, he came to Sri Vraja Mandala searching for his Gurudeva. He stayed for some time in Kamyavana, then he traveled throughout many places in Sri Vraja Mandala searching for his Gurudeva; however, not being able to fulfill his desire, he was despondent. Finally, being deprived of the acquaintance of his Gurudeva and knowledge of the process of his mantra, with the intention of taking his life, he tied a very large sila of Giriraja Govardhana around his neck and jumped into Sri Radha Kunda. However, at that time, the supreme ruler of Sri Radha Kunda, Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Sri Krsna lifted him up with Their hands and placed him on the banks of the pond. They wrote on tala leaves the name of his Gurudeva, his guru-parampara, the process of chanting his mantras, as well as many other subjects, and placing them near him, They disappeared. By the causeless mercy of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna he became aware of all these subjects: his Gurudeva was a follower in the line of sri-rupanuga-vaisnava-pravara Srila Baladeva Vidyabhusan Prabhu—Sri Uddhava dasaji, who was engaged in sri-rupanuga-bhajana following the disciplic succession and doctrine of the Sri Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya-Vaisnavas.
A short time after, Srila Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja began to reside at the supremely pure pastime place on the banks of Surya-kunda, in the kunja named ‘Madana-rana-vatika’ situated five miles north of Sri Radha Kunda. Once, when Srila Babaji Maharaja was sitting in his bhajana-sthali, ‘Madana-rana-vatika,’ the pastimes of holi in Vraja manifested upon the screen of his transcendental vision. While watching, Srila Babaji Maharaja entered into the pastimes with his perfected form. People nearby saw that many different colors were on his clothes as well as an unprecedented fragrance; hearing people murmuring, Srila Babaji Maharaja came back to his external senses. Since this occurrence, Srila Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja is famous in Surya-kunda as ‘Siddha Babaji.’
There is a common saying or rumor that when Srila Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja explained the Srimad-Bhagavata in his bhajana-kutira at Surya-kunda, a python would come daily with a fixed routine and hear his explanations. When they were completed, the python would offer dandavat-pranams and then go away.
Srila Babaji Maharaja bathed in Sri-Surya-kunda every day. One night Srimati Radharani appeared in a dream and told him, “In this kunda there is a Giridhari sila with My crown printed on it. Take this sila out and worship it.” Srila Babaji Maharaja woke and sat up from his dream, and in the morning, being extremely pleased at heart, followed the order of Srimati Radharani, and took the sila out of Surya-kunda. Even though the sila appeared to be approximately 2 to 2 ½ manas or 80-100 kilos, when Srila Babaji Maharaja lifted it, it became lighter then a flower. Since then, Srila Babaji Maharaja worshipped the sila every day.
Up to the present day, the sila worshipped by Srila Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja, as well as the worshipable nama-brahma, or names of Bhagavana such as Sri Hare Krsna’ and ‘Sri Haribol’ written upon wood, are served in a temple on the banks of Sri Surya-kunda. Srila Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja’s samadhi and his ancient worn out bhajana-kutira are also present.
At Surya-kunda, the disappearance day of Srila Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja is followed on agrahayana suklastami.
Sri Gaura Bhakta, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja
After taking paramahamsa-vesa, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja wandered in different places within Sri Vraja Mandala and Sri Gauda Mandala for the welfare of the world, increasing the beauty of those places. Babaji Maharaja perceived Sri Gauda Mandala to be non-different from Vraja Mandala. In the same way that all of Sri Krsna’s qualities are showered upon the devotees of Sri Krsna, similarly, all the qualities of Sri Gaurahari such as deep honest taste for chanting sri-nama following—‘trnad api sunicena, tarorapi sahisnu, amanina manadena’ were manifest in Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja. Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja obtained all good qualities and became the most fortunate of the fortunate.
Sri Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja’s Departure
When the time came, by the will of Bhagavan, Sri Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja performed his disappearance pastime. Along with his other godbrothers, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja placed his Gurudeva in samadhi on the banks of Surya-kunda. Although he spent most of his time at Surya-kunda, still, he would sometimes go to Sridham Navadvipa for some days and then again returned to Surya-kunda.
His Preaching Pastimes as Acarya
For those who renounce everything and take the one-pointed shelter of Sriman Mahaprabhu, taking a vow to preach His message, then Bhagavan Sri Gaursundara accepts his bhajana. By thinking, “I am a low and destitute Vaisnava; however, by making disciples, my so-called humble bhajana, which is actually full of pride, will be destroyed.” Leaving this powerful arrogance of being a great devotee aside, and taking suddha-nama with humility, both showing by one’s own personal example, as well as preaching suddha-nama and taking the responsibility of being guru, then the waves of sense enjoyment in the form of material prestige will be diminished. Srila Rupa, Srila Sanatana, Srila Jiva and Srila Raghunatha dasa, as well as other great pure devotees gave instructions by the method of composing scriptures, while Sriman Narottama, Srila Madhvacarya, Srila Ramanujacarya and others accepted many disciples. Many foolish people became offenders at the lotus feet of the actual akincana devotees by thinking that such preaching activities were obstacles to the limbs of bhakti and were merely waves of sense enjoyment. Following the above-mentioned Vaisnava-acaryas’ magnanimous and lofty moods, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja followed the instruction of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu:
yare dekha, tare kaha ‘krsna’-upadesa
amara ajnaya guru hana tara’ ei desa
Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila 7.128
[Tell everyone you meet the instructions of Krsna. Under My order become a guru and deliver everyone in this land.]
Thus, when any person would naturally come to Srila Babaji Maharaja, he would immediately begin to deliver visuddha-hari-katha. Seeing the incomparable anuraga of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja towards Sri Gaurasundara, and the unfathomable enthusiasm towards Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s practice and preaching, many devotees were attracted to the shelter of Srila Babaji Maharaja, and passed their lives with great renunciation in his care, thus making their lives fortunate and successful. Many householders also followed Srila Babaji Maharaja’s instructions.
Strictly Following the Method of Sri Rupanuga-bhajana
Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja’s chastisement was nirapeksa (neutral or indifferent), his strong instructions for the welfare of the soul were poignant. Srila Babaji Maharaja stayed for a long time in the shelter of the banks of Sri Radha-kunda. Following the method of Sri Rupanuga-bhajana, he would perform Sri Radha-Govinda’s eternal service with an attentive mind through the medium of nama-bhajana. Srila Babaji Maharaja stayed in this world for 142 long years, continuously performing sri krsna kirtana and inspiring others to also perform sri harinama. Babaji Maharaja never accepted any siddhanta or conception other than the one and only method of following all other limbs of bhakti through connection with kirtanakhya-bhakti. With mind absorbed intently in moods of separation, he would perform hari kirtana himself, and he gave instruction for others to do the same. He never patronized the pretense of full absorption in nama bhajana with an enjoying mentality, or hypocritically following solitary bhajana. Apart from chanting the 16 name, 32 syllable mahamantra that emanated from Sriman Mahaprabhu’s lotus mouth, he never patronized the nama-aparadhi’s who performed speculative, imaginary modern mantras full of rasabhasa and opposed to siddhanta.
Under the guidance of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja’s instructions, the followers of Sri Rupanuga never performed any rasabhasa singing or any type of nama-aparadha in the place of ‘suddha nama’ and ‘sri nama kirtan.’ Frivolously performing harinama with sraddha is one thing, but not giving up nama-aparadha, yet rather thinking it to be pure ‘nama’ and protecting or maintaining one of the nama-aparadhas amongst them all with such a foolish conception, thinking, “my sri harinama kirtana is going on nicely”—such patronizing self-deception is another thing completely. Srila Babaji Maharaja never tolerated anything opposed to siddhanta or anything with the fault of rasa-abhasa.
[Translated from Srila Gurudeva’s Hindi Publication on the Life of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, by Rasik Mohan dasa]
# 2nd Post
Srila Babaji Maharaja’s Instructions to Businessmen Reciters of the Bhagavat
When Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja and his one-pointed associates devoted to nama-bhajana in the family of paramahamsas were absorbed in the bliss of bhajana in Sri Vrndavana, one learned scholar of the Sanskrit language, a famous hired orator from the place of Mahaprabhu’s sannyasa pastime in Katwa, who had the occupation of reciting the Bhagavatam for a quantity of wealth, came to Vrndavan with the desire to reside in the tirtha with brahmanas. But there he started explaining the Srimad-Bhagavatam for collecting material wealth, worship, and fame. In other words, through reciting the Bhagavata, he became absorbed in filling his belly and other activities. Seeing that, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja and other bhajananandi-vaisnavas were indifferent to hearing his explanations on the Srimad-Bhagavata, which is the crown jewel of all scriptures. The gentleman asked why Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja was disinclined to his recitation, to which Babaji Maharaja replied, “that person who makes a business out of the Bhagavatam is a nama-aparadhi; what comes out of his mouth is not the glories of the transcendental personality Sri Krsna. Such a person who sells his kirtan or Bhagavata recital to fill his body or tongue is more contemptible than an ordinary vaisya or merchant. By hearing from such a businessman orator, rather than the jivas getting any form of auspiciousness, the jivas will become more fallen. To have faith in objects of enjoyment in the place of faith in Krsna, and to perform hypocritical bhakti instead of honest bhajana, is the cause of inauspicious destinations for the jivas.”
The fortunate orator was not displeased to hear the strong and truthful speech of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, even though it was unpleasant; rather, he realized this as the mercy of Babaji Maharaja, and from that time he renounced the tendency of making a business out of the Bhagavat, understanding it to be contemptible. Accepting the mercy of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, the fortunate orator became a parama-bhagavata-vaisnava in the future. While staying in Sridhama Vrndavan he would even offer obeisance to donkeys, dogs, and dog-eaters. By the mercy of the detached devotees, his arrogance of caste, class, and learning were all dissipated.
Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja’s Deities
By the help of Sri Bihari dasa (his sevaka), the residents of Surya-kunda built a room for Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja to stay in, as well as a small temple. Seeing the temple, Srila Babaji Maharaja told Bihari dasa, “Bihari! In this temple, we should establish Thakurji. Make arrangements for Deities.”
On the order of Babaji Maharaja, with the help of one landowner, Sri Bihari Dasji brought the deities of Sri Gaura-Nitai from the place called Danihat, and delivered them into the hands of Srila Babaji Maharaja. Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja established the Deities in the new temple and held a very large festival.
The powerful Vrajavasi Sri Bihari dasa was born in a Gopa’s home. He served Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja for approximately 40 years. Sri Bihari Dasa was not highly qualified in reading and writing from the perspective of worldly people; however, by the mercy of his Guru-pada-padma, he obtained the result of real learning—the great opportunity to be absorbed in constant practice of Sri Krsna bhakti. He would take Srila Babaji Maharaja in a basket on his head, and carry him from one place to another. Because of his great strength, he would go eight to ten miles at a time without any conveniences. He sat Srila Babaji Maharaja on his head in a basket and carried him to Navadvipa-dhama. Arriving in Sri Navadvipa-dhama, he built a kutira for Srila Babaji Maharaja with his hands, a spade and so forth, and also built four walls in the four directions surrounding the kutira. He was a witness of the transcendental affection of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja towards Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura ‘Prabhupada.’ Ease, power, and simplicity were manifest in whatever he did.
One day, some thieves came to Srila Babaji Maharaja’s kutira to steal the Deities, thinking them to be made of gold. Although, by the will of Bhagavan, the thieves could not steal the Deities, nonetheless, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja gave his servant Bihari dasa the order to take the Deities and leave Them in Sri Vrndavan. Sri Bihari dasa did so, following the order of Babaji Maharaja. In the present times, those Gaura-Nitai deities are situated in Sri Vrndavan at Gopala-Bhaga Dhopapad, and are known by the name, ‘Sonara Gaura’ (Golden Gaura).
The Sting of One Rupee
Once, as Sri Bihari dasji was carrying Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja on a pathway, a devotee gave Babaji Maharaja one rupee and Babaji Maharaja gave it to Biharidasa to keep. Two or three miles ahead, Srila Babaji Maharaja suddenly told Bihari Dasa to return it. After arriving at his Kuti, he called that devotee and gave him back the rupee, saying, “Brother, keep your rupee, I heard that you have many rupees. I don’t know how you can tolerate the biting sting of so many rupees, I am not able to tolerate the sting of even one rupee.”
Srila Babaji Maharaja’s Instructions to Those Unqualified for the Path of Raga
Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja always gave instructions to perform hari-bhajana through one’s body, mind, and words. Some people among those with the desire to be his followers, taking loin cloth, or the dress of a babaji, thought that they would now not have to perform fatiguing physical work as householders do, for they were now bheka-dharis, (wearing the dress of renunciation). Consequently, they simply circulated their beads without care, trying to complete their regulated number of rounds by any means, thinking that then their daily activities would be finished. However, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja mercifully engaged all those nama-aparadhis in exhausting physical activities for the service of Krsna. Without keeping one’s senses absorbed in the service of Visnu and the Vaisnavas, Sri Krsna’s names will not manifest on the tongue, and one will not get the qualification to perform Sri Krsna’s names. For as long as one’s senses are present with the body and their sense objects, as well as those persons related to the body, until then the living entity will be attached to sense enjoyment, this is certain. “I am Bhagavan’s servant”— situated in this mood, one will have possessiveness towards the objects related to Bhagavan, thus one will engage his own body and the objects related to the body in the service of Bhagavan and the devotees, and the tendency of love and possessiveness will be towards them. Seeing the unperfected and foolish persons laziness in regards to Sri Krsna anusilana, for they were busily engaged in their own sense enjoyment, and to stop them from proceeding on the pathway to hell, Srila Babaji Maharaja engaged them in honest hari-bhajana, in such a way that finally their consciousness would be cleansed and they would obtain the qualification to perform sri-krsna-anusilana.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Meets Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja
In the month of sravana 1880, when Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja was staying in the kunja of Sri Rupa dasa Babaji Maharaja, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura came to the kunja of Sri Radha Ramana Vasu, with the intent of having darsana of Sridhama Vrndavana. When Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was searching for some rare scriptures, he came to the kunja of Sri Rupa dasa Babaji Maharaja, and had darsana of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja for the first time. The pastime of the eternal vrajavasi guru and disciple meeting together in the Vraja of this world was manifest. In this place, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura authored the ‘dasa sloki’ in the name of Sri Nimbaditya.
Along with hearing the powerful hari-katha of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura realized him to be a great bhajananandi-mahapurusa, and offered himself for all time at his lotus feet. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura realized that the actual result of his pilgrimage had been obtained:
“tirtha-phala sadhu sanga, sadhu sange antaranga, sri krsna bhajana manohara”
[The actual result of going to the holy places is to obtain sadhu-sanga, because in sadhu-sanga one gets ‘antaranga,’ or the opportunity of receiving confidential instructions for Sri Krsna-bhajana, which steal the mind.]
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s travel to Sridhama Vrndavana was successful. In the same way that Sriman Mahaprabhu spoke the feelings of His heart when He had darsana of Sri Isvarapuri in Gaya, saying:
prabhu bale gaya yatra saphala amara
yatra ksane dekhilan carana tomara
samsara-samudra haite uddharaha more
ei ami deha samarpilan tomare
krsna-pada-padmera amrta-rasa pana
amare karao tumi ei cahi dana
Sri Caitanya Bhagavata, Adi 17.50-52
Receiving the darsana of Sri Isvara Puri’s lotus feet, Sri Gaursundara said, “That moment I obtained the darsana of your beautiful lotus feet, My pilgrimage to Gaya was successful. Please save Me from the ocean of material existence, I have offered My body unto you! Please make Me drink the transcendental nectar of Sri Krsna’s lotus feet; this is all I beg from you!”
In this same way, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s mind became agitated, and prayers appeared on his tongue. Seeing a person so learned and well versed in the scriptures, with such a powerful natural enthusiasm to preach sri-nama-sankirtana as practiced and preached by Sriman Mahaprabhu, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Mahasaya was pleased, and encouraged Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura to more widely and strongly preach sri-gaura-nama, sri-gaura-dhama and sri-gaura-kama (Gaura’s desires) throughout the world.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura returned from Sri Vrndavan and began preaching extensively to fulfill the heart’s desire of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Mahasaya. If one reads the autobiography of Thakura Bhaktivinoda, one will understand from that time how he greatly preached the holy name, pure bhakti, and gave many eloquent lectures related to dharma in many places throughout Bengal.
Meeting again at Amla-Joda
After this first meeting, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura had the great happiness to obtain the association and instructions of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja many times. Among these, Srila BhaktivinodaThakura wrote about some of the prominent meetings himself.
One time, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja was staying in the place called Amla Joda within the district of Vardhamana, preaching the spotlessly pure sri-rupanuga-bhakti. At that time, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was going place-to-place preaching hari-katha and hari-kirtana with the plan of going to Vrndavan for sadhu-sanga and residence in the dhama. Going through the practice of this plan, when it was Ekadasi on Wednesday in the month of Phalguna, February-March on the 22nd day in 1891, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura decided to pause in Amla-Joda, where by the desire of Bhagavan he received the good fortune of the darsana of Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja.
The Ideal of how to Follow Ekadasi-tithi, Srila Babaji Maharaja’s Ecstasies, and Establishing Prapannasrama
Although Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura followed every Ekadasi-tithi excellently according to the account of Sri Ambarisa Maharaja in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, still, in Amla Joda, they stayed up all night doing hari-kirtana, and showed the unprecedented example of how to follow Ekadasi to all the general people. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura explained the occurring’s in Amla Joda in his magazine ‘Sri SajjanaTosani’ as follows:
“After staying awake all night on Ekadasi, at eight in the morning all the devotees in the village gathered and went out on nagar-sankirtana. With Paramapujyapada Siddha Sri Jagannatha dasa babaji Mahasaya in front, everyone arrived at Prapannasrama.
(Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was highly respected and the recipient of great honor from the residents of Amla Joda. By the combined efforts of the protectors of the Sri Nama Hatta, Sri Yukta Ksetranatha Bhaktinidhi, Vipanipati, (Vikreta), and Sri Yukta Vipin Vihari Bhaktiratna’s, one asrama, ‘Prapannasrama’ was constructed in the village of Amla Joda in the middle of a garden.)
At the time of kirtana, all the bhavas that manifested in Babaji Maharaja are impossible to describe. At an age beyond 100, he would dance like a lion in premananda, and sometimes in the middle he would shout out:
“nitai ki nama eneche re, nama eneche namera hate sraddhamule nama diteche re”
Sri Nityananda Prabhu appeared on this Earth with what wonderful names! He opened the marketplace of the holy names and distributed this wonderful prema nama for the price of faith.
He would sing lines of poetry like this and others, shed incessant tears, and tumble in the dust of the Earth. Such an amazing scene occurred that cannot be found anywhere else. Seeing the ecstatic emotions of Srila Babaji Mahasaya and becoming submerged in the bliss of his kirtana, almost all present wept with hairs standing on end, and all danced ecstatically in kirtana for a long time with voices choked with emotion. When kirtana was completed after a long time, there was a brief lecture on the subject of nama-hatta. Being very pleased, that day Babaji Mahasaya gave the order for ‘Prapannasrama’ to begin. Vipani Pati Mahasaya, taking the approval of Babaji Mahasaya, completed the project to establish Prapannasrama. A school and medical dispensary were established, and the leader of the society picked by Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Mahasaya was qualified for the task in all ways. In whichever villages the Prapannasrama is constructed, they should be established in this manner.”
(Sajjana Tosani 4th Year, 23rd Prstha)
Srila Babaji Maharaja Absorbed in Singing the Qualities of Sri Hari
In this village called Amla Joda, day and night Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja spoke with Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura about Gaura and Krsna, explanations on kirtana, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Sri Caitanya-caritamrta.
Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja Coming to Reside Permanently in Sri Gaura Dhama
In the manifested lifetime of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, the Viviktanandi-sadhus were propagating that Sri Vraja dhama is the place for perfected personalities and sadhakas; that Sri Vraja Dhama is superior to Sri Navadvipa-dhama, and that just by arriving by any means in Sri Vraja Dhama one will get perfection. Considering Sri Gaura Dhama and Sri Krsna Dhama to be different, these offensive conceptions were prevalent. Vaisnava Sarvabhauma Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja took a firm vow to uproot this offensive conception completely and throw it far away. Hence, although being an eternally perfected Vrajavasi absorbed in transcendental pastimes, he, as well as Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Sri Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja, went and resided in Sri Navadvipa. Showing the brilliantly pure (ujjvala) nature of Sri Gaura-Dhama, by staying there and giving the perfect example of performing hari-bhajana to their many followers. The previous Acarya Srila Narottama Thakura sang—sri gauda mandala bhumi, jeba jane cintamani, tara haya vraja bhume vasa.
Following this conclusive truth, Srila Babaji Maharaja stayed in Sri Gauda Mandala and entered into the transcendental pastimes here, performing kirtana of this siddhanta with a loud voice.
Staying in Kuliya Navadvipa
The place Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja stayed and did bhajana in Kuliya Navadvipa has become famous as ‘Bhajana-Kuti’. At the time when Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura stayed in Krsnanagara, considering him to be his dear associate, Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja told him to construct the compound called ‘Bhajana-Kuti’. Taking this order on his head, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura used his assets to have this compound made. Now, Srila Babaji Maharaja’s samadhi is present in the compound of this bhajana-kutira. Many times Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura came to this place to see Srila Babaji Maharaja and hear katha of Gaura and Krsna.
Giving the Giridhari sila to Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
When Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja came from Navadvipa to Calcutta, he would usually go and meet Srila Bhaktivinoda in the Bhakti Bhavan, following the advice of Srila Narottama dasa Thakura, “grhe va vanete thake, ‘ha gauranga’ bale dake, narottama mange tar sanga.” At the time when Srila Bhaktivinoda was performing the pastime of a householder, he would go for his direct meeting. To establish the perfect ideal of good behavior for the family members of Paramahansa Siromani Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja gave them Sri Giridhari (Govardhan Sila).
In 1293 Bangabda, when Srila Babaji Maharaja came to Bhakti Bhavan, for the satisfaction of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Srila Vipina Bihari Gosvami took the caranamrta of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja. At that time, the photo taken of Srila Babaji Maharaja on the roof of Bhakti Bhavan has become worshipable in the present times for the visuddha Sri Rupanuga Vaisnavas.
# Post 3
The Necessity of Service According to Qualification
While Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja was staying in his bhajana-kutira in Kuliya Navadvipa, some household renunciants (grha-tyagis) came to him with the purpose of obtaining some instructions on bhajana. Considering their qualification, Srila Babaji Maharaja instructed them to give water to eggplant vegetables planted for serving Krsna. Having the false ego of being fully ripened in bhajana, they were displeased with this instruction of Srila Babaji Maharaja. They considered that since they had left their houses to become detached from this sort of sensual work, having come to Srila Babaji Maharaja, why should they again be made to do the materialistic work of householders? Some thought that if, after leaving material life, they had to perform this sort of work, then it would be better to return again to their homes. Srila Babaji Maharaja understood the mood of their hearts and from Daivakrama he brought all his disciples face-to-face with Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. After telling Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura in brief about their subject matter, he said,
“You are the best deliberator, please consider the situation here.” Among those with the false ego of being detached loincloth renunciants, some had a lethargic nature and were full of anarthas, some were secretly vyabhicaris, performers of illicit activities, some kept independent desires, and some were anyabhilasis, full of ulterior desires. Considering all their different qualifications, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura advised one person among them to go on pilgrimage to the four holy places, some others he told to go back to their homes and perform authorized marriages, and he instructed other simple persons, who were nonetheless weak with the disease of anyabhilasa, to fully follow the instructions of Srila Babaji Maharaja without any consideration, and to fully surrender unto him. In this way, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja gave mercy to those in the grip of unwanted desires through Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.
Srila Babaji Maharaja’s All-knowing Nature
Many people would go for the darsana of Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja and give him a lot of donations at their departure. He would keep all the donations in a small jug. Every fifteen days he would have the money counted and most of it spent. If the servant of Babaji Maharaja ever took out 10 or 15 rupees and put it in another place without telling him, Babaji Maharaja would become very sober and speak in a loud voice, “Oh! Where did the 15 rupees go?” Although Babaji Maharaja kept his eyes closed in the presence of his servant, because due to advanced age his eyelids would always be falling down, and only by holding up the eyelids with his hands could he see, and even though he didn’t count the money, Babaji Maharaja still knew everything. The servant would fearfully take out all the money and put it back.
Srila Babaji Maharaja’s Disdain for the Hypocritical Residents of the dhama
Whatever donations Srila Babaji Maharaja received, he would spend according to his desire. One time, Babaji Maharaja told his servant, “Go! Take 200 rupees of the collected donations and exchange them for rasagullas. I will feed rasagullas to all the cows of the dhama.” When the servant asked, “Why do you want to feed rasagullas to the cows of the dhama instead of feeding the Babaji Vaisnavas of the dhama?” Babaji Maharaja said, “You don’t know, most of the Babajis here associate with women. Taking the cloth of Babajis, they are having intercourse with women. Therefore, I am not feeding them rasagullas, but am rather giving the rasagullas to the cows.”
Sometimes Babaji Maharaja would give someone five or ten rupees. Sometimes he would give someone a shawl, blanket, or clothes; however, for those who desired their real auspiciousness, he would always give strong chastisement.
Transcendental Nature
Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja would take prasada on a large plate. One time, while staying in Kuliya Navadvipa, a female dog from a nearby hut gave birth to five puppies. When Babaji Maharaja would sit down to take prasada, the puppies would start eating from his plate, standing on all four sides. Because his eyes were closed, he would count them with his hand to see if all of them had come or not. If the servant was upset and tried to chase one or two of them away, then Babaji Maharaja would angrily say, “Go! Take my plate. Today I will not eat. They are all dhamavasis and you are always running behind them!”
Then the servant would bring back the puppies, feeling ashamed, and left them near the plate of Babaji Maharaja. When Babaji Maharaja counted that all were present, then he would happily take prasada with them from one plate.
Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja is a maha-bhagavata. If an ordinary person imitates his practices then it will be inauspicious for them. The independent maha-bhagavata is beyond all rules, regulations, logic, and thoughts. They always perceive the dhama and guru; however, if an ordinary unqualified practitioner imitates them, they can commit offenses.
Protecting the Etiquette of the Paramahamsa dress
Many dishonest people would come near Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja to accept a loincloth or the dress of a Paramahamsa from him. One time, a babaji by the name of Gaura Haridasa was very insistent on taking vesa from Babaji Maharaja. However, Srila Babaji Maharaja didn’t want to give him vesa under any circumstance. Gaura Haridasa lay three days outside Babaji Maharaja’s hut without eating or drinking. In the end, Srila Babaji Maharaja didn’t give him vesa personally, but ordered his servant Bihari dasa Vrajavasi to give him.
Being Incapable of Tolerating Rasabhasa or Anything Opposed to Siddhanta
Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja could never tolerate even a drop of anything opposed to siddhanta or anything that was rasabhasa. He said, “Just by having the arrogance of being the disciple of a great personality, one can’t actually be a real disciple. Those who don’t have the same character or mindset and who don’t fully accept chastisement and authority are disciples in name only.” Those with the arrogant self-conception of following Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja could never actually preach the message of Sri Rupa and Raghunatha. Srila Babaji Maharaja would become very angry seeing their independent nature. One time, a famous so-called babaji was coming near the hut of Babaji Maharaja singing a speculative imaginary song full of the fault of rasabhasa and accompanied with his group, Babaji Maharaja took a stick in his hand and shouted, “Forbid them from coming this way!” Seeing this, someone quickly told them not to go there.
The Ideal Example of Practice
When Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja was coming from Sri Vrndavana to stay in Navadvipa Mandala, a gentleman of Calcutta came to Babaji Maharaja and propitiated him strongly, “Please mercifully be situated in Calcutta and place your lotus feet in my home.” There he wanted to accept the holy name from Babaji Maharaja. Srila Babaji Maharaja’s instruction was that even being invited, one should never accept any grains from an enjoyer. He was always unwilling to go to Calcutta. This person stayed outside Babaji Maharaja’s hut for fifteen days praying, showing how fixed he was. Finally, it was decided that Babaji Maharaja would not go to the gentleman’s house in Calcutta but would rather go to his garden in Kasipura, and there he wouldn’t take anything. Srila Babaji Maharaja went by boat with his servant Bihari Dasji to the person’s garden, and there sat and spoke lengthy hari-katha to him, giving him the instruction to chant sri harinama. That person tried very hard to give some donation or food to Babaji Maharaja, but he wouldn’t accept anything from a sense enjoyer. Then independently Babaji Maharaja went with his servant in the afternoon time to ‘Bhakti Bhavan’ (Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s place of residence in Calcutta). Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was amazed to see Babaji Maharaja. Srila Babaji Maharaja begged and accepted food at the home of a pure Vaisnava. Srila Babaji Maharaja wouldn’t accept the grains of an enjoyer, even upon being begged to a thousand times by the materialistic devotee, he wouldn’t accept any object from him. In this way, Srila Babaji Maharaja showed the perfect example to protect the sadhakas’ bhajana.
Hearing of the character and practice of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, the meaning of the instruction of Sri Caitanya Caritamrta becomes apparent.
bhaktera dravya prabhu kadi-kadi khaya
abhaktera dravya prabhu ulti nahi caya
[Prabhu snatches away and eats the foodstuffs of the bhaktas, but He will never take the foodstuffs of a non-devotee.]
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada’s Preparation of the Sri Navadvipa Calendar by the Direction of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja
When Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja went to ‘Bhakti Bhavan’ he showed great affection to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. Babaji Maharaja would be very satisfied seeing Srila Prabhupada’s truthfulness, one-pointedness, brilliance (tejasvita), eloquence or frankness, understanding of bhakti-siddhanta, firm vow of abstinence from bad association, and his love and attachment for harinama. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada went many times with Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and took darsana of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja at his Bhajana Kutira in Kuliya Navadvipa and he would hear the discourses between Babaji Maharaja and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. When Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Thakura was merely 12 years old, he was greatly accomplished in knowledge of astrology and could perfectly discourse on the subject. Hearing of this amazing transcendental talent of the boy, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja set in motion through Srila Sarasvati Thakura the Sri Caitanyabda, Navadvipa calendar, and the Visnu named months, Var and Parva, festivals and dates approved by the Vaisnava conclusions. To this day, all branches of the Rupanauga Vaisnava Bhakti line follow according to the rules of dates and parva that came about through Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja. Vaisnava Sarvabhauma Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, who is in the disciplic line of Bhagavat parampara from Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura and Srila Baladeva Vidyabhuusana, told that the appearance of Sri Visnupriya devi was on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar moon in the month of Magha (January/February). Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura preached this news from Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja first in the world. With great care and effort Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja compiled dates of the appearances and disappearances of other associates of Gaura and gave them to Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and they were then preached throughout the world by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.
Srila Babaji Maharaja Placing His Lotus Feet in Surabhi Kunja at Sri Godruma
In 1893, in the month of Magha, the best of Paramahamsas, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, went with his associates to Surabhi Kunja in Sri Godruma and accepted a seat. On Wednesday of the 27th of Magha, Srila Vaisnava Sarvabhauma Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura met and an unprecedented festival of hari kirtana and dancing manifested. Sri Godruma is the island of kirtana. Everyone was shook and immersed in the flood of prema by the reverberation of the festival of kirtana that arose. From then on Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura would go almost daily for kirtana with the devotees, or would send devotees, showing the perfect example of following the ‘sri ajna tahal’ (Sri Nityananda Prabhu and Srila Haridas Thakura would follow the order of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and go to every house praying for all to sing Sri Krsna’s names, worship Sri Krsna, and follow the instructions of Sri Krsna.) Properly following this instruction of Mahaprabhu and giving the holy names to the people is called ‘sri ajna tahal.’
# Part Four
The Incarnation of Thanesvari Jagannatha
In 1642 Bangabda on the 6th of Phalguna (February-March), when Srila Prabhupada was beginning to explain the verse in Sri Gita Govinda, “meghair-madur-mamvaram,” and the verse in Sri Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, “akhila-rasamrta-murtih” he called Vaisnava Sarabhauma Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja the incarnation of “Thanesvari Jagannatha.” (Thanesvari Jagannatha was an associate of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Because of being a resident of the place called Thanesvar, which was situated on the banks of the Sarasvati coming from the eastern flow near Kuruksetra, he was famous as Thanesvari Jagannatha.) Srila Prabhupada wrote in his commentary on Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya 18.221, “Some say that when Sriman Mahaprabhu was returning from Vrndavan He went to Kuruksetra and from there to Prayaga. Even today there is a Deity of Sri Gaura in Kuruksetra in the Bhadra Kali temple.”
It is commonly believed that Sriman Mahaprabhu came and stayed three days at the place near Kuruksetra called Thanesvari at the house of His devotee Jagannatha. Although his name was Jagannatha, Mahaprabhu would call him ‘Krsna Dasa’ (Sri Sri Gaudiya Vaisnava Lexicon, 2nd Part).
Srila Babaji Maharaja’s Inspiration to Manifest the Appearance Place of Sriman Mahaprabhu
In Kuruksetra, the dhama of separation, on the banks of the ancient river Sarasvati, at the place called Thanesvara which is marked by the lotus feet of Sri Gaura and Krsna, Sri Gaurahari placed His lotus feet in the home of His associate Sri Jagannatha. Similarly, at Surabhi Kunja, Godruma, situated on the banks of the river Sarasvati, when the inspiration to manifest—radha-bhava-dhyuti suvalita-tanu—Sri Gaursundara and His dhama entered as a guest into the separation filled cottage of the heart of Vaisnava Sarvabhauma Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, then Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja infused this guest in the form of inspiration into the heart of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.
According to the statement of Srila Prabhupada, we offer prayers to Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja in the form of ‘The incarnation of Thanesvari Jagannatha’ according to the statement of Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada wrote in a brief introduction of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, “Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja indicated the location of the birthplace of Sri Gaura, and was the seniormost root of the assembly of the preachers of Sridhama Navadvipa. Sri Caitanyadeva sent him to this world for the salvation of the conditioned souls and to indicate the actual place of His appearance. (The Daily Nadiya Prakasha, 27 Caitra, 1339)
Apart from this circumstance, following under the guidance of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was very anxious to serve in manifesting Sridhama Mayapura, due to the inspiration of Sri Gaursundara, we can see this by reading that which was written by his own hand.
The Specification of the Birthplace of Sri Gaura through Srila Babaji Maharaja
In 1892, on the 20th of Phalguna, Thursday, Sri Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja came from Kuliya Navadvipa together with many people on an auspicious sankirtan pilgrimage reaching Sridhama Mayapura Yogapitha. Simply by touching that place, Babaji Mahasaya pronounced it to be the place of the house of Jagannatha Misra. Then, in the previously specified Khola Bhanga-Danga (Srivas Angan) under Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja’s guidance, while the devotees performed kirtana in the ‘sankirtan-mandala,’ one large mrdanga broke.
The power of Srila Babaji Maharaja’s Presence
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura narrated the events of the above-mentioned day in his Sajjana Tosani magazine in the following manner—“On Thursday, the 20th of Phalgun, at 11 a.m., three boats of devotees crossed the western side of Navadvipa. Bhakta Pravara Mahendra Babu brought the devotees across the River Ganga. Param Bhagavat Sri Yukta Jagannatha dasa Babaji Mahasaya was brought sitting in a palanquin. At that time, the number of pilgrims present in Sri Mayapura could not be counted. Sri Yukta Bhakta Pravara Dvarika Babu was waiting with great happiness for Babaji Mahasaya’s arrival. Reaching Sri Mayapura, it was seen that Dvarika Babu had arranged a ‘Sankirtan Mandali’ and placed many varieties of banners, which were undulating in the wind. When all the devotees climbed the birthplace mound and began to dance, an amazing effulgence spread throughout all of Sri Navadvipa Mandala. It seemed as if such an effulgence had not appeared since Mahaprabhu’s disappearance 400 years before. All the Vaisnavas sat down and decided that a place for continuous service must be established on Mahaprabhu’s birthplace and also in Srivas-Angan. Finally, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja concluded that on the birthplace there would be a house built for Sri Jagannatha Misra and Sri Saci-devi, and one other building with Kisora Sriman Mahaprabhu situated in the middle and Sri Visnupriya-devi and Sri Laksmipriya-devi on His left and right respectively. Panca-tattva would be established in Srivasa-Angan.” (Sajjana Tosani 4th part, page 234-235, ‘Appearance Festival’)
Enthusiasm for Preaching in Gaura-Dhama
Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja was so enthusiastic about preaching in Gaura Dhama that in the year Sriman Mahaprabhu’s Sri Vigraha was manifested in Yogapitha, Sridhama Mayapura in 1893. On the month of Phalguna, he invited many bhajananandi niskincana Vaisnavas from Sri Vraja-mandala to Sri Gauda-mandala. At that time there were no niskincana Vaisnavas equal to Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja in years or as guru, and no honest bhajananandi Vaisnava Mahatmas neglected his invitation. The niskincana paramahamsa Srila Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji who had performed bhajana in Vraja for 30 years came to Gauda-mandala on the invitation of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja and stayed there doing bhajana until the time of his disappearance understanding that Vraja and Sri Navadvip-mandala are non-different.
The Veteran General
In the same way that Jiva Gosvami wrote of Sriman Madhvacarya as a ‘veteran Vaisnava’, following in his footsteps, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura addressed Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja as ‘the Devotees’ Veteran General.’ Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja stayed manifest for a very long time preaching sri-harinama in this earthly realm. Because of his extremely old age, in the last times of his manifested presence he accepted a crippled figure. However, when he became maddened in sankirtana and began to dance, he would appear similar to Sriman Mahaprabhu with arms down to his knees, and bodily limbs slender like a young banyan tree, appearing like a seven or eight foot tall personality. In the bliss of kirtana he would dance astonishingly, leaping up many feet in the air even in his old age.
Srila Prabhupada’s Memories of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja
Srila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura said, “In Yogapitha Sridham Mayapura there is a banyan tree, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja came there and danced under that tree, and Srila Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja would sit there absorbed in the bliss of bhajana, hari-katha, and the ecstacy of kirtana.
When Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja came near the banyan tree he would exclaim, “Ha Gaura! Ha Nitai!” and in ecstatic moods he would dance, leaping into the air. It seemed then as if he was trying to jump to the highest branch of the banyan tree to catch Sri Hari, Kadamba-Bihari, who was sitting there. He would leap so high! Srila Prabhupada said that Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja was Krsna’s intimate servant; therefore, he would dance on the shoulders of Adhoksaja Sri Vigraha. For this reason Srila Babaji Maharaja showed his powerful dancing under that banyan tree; for under that same banyan tree, beneath the temple of Sri Yogapitha during the time when they were excavating, the worshipful Deity of Sri Jagannatha Misra’s home, Sri Adhoksaja Visnu, appeared from the Earth. Vaisnava Sarvabhauma Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja danced in such ecstasy at the place where Adhoksaja Sri Visnu stayed. In the present times, at the place where Srila Babaji Maharaja danced and where Adhoksaja Sri Vigraha appeared, on top of that same place, is the beautiful temple of Sri Yogapita.
Srila Prabhupada said many times that Srila Babaji Maharaja was an intimate servant of Adhoksaja Sri Krsna. Srila Babaji Maharaja came many times to Yogapitha and in the mood of a dear friend of Krsna, he would say in the early morning, (pratah-kala 6:30-8:00) “Why are you not bringing foodstuffs to eat just now? Give quickly; have you not seen how much time has passed? It is now time to go cow grazing, Krsna and Balarama are standing waiting to go!”
Entering the Eternal Pastimes
In the year following the manifestation of Sri Gaura Dhama, the Deities at Sri Mayapura Yogapitha, and the construction of a preaching assembly in Sri Navadvip Dhama, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja performed his disappearance pastimes on the 25th of February, 1895, on Monday, the first day of the bright fortnight, at ten a.m. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura wrote on this subject in the following manner in his Sajjana Tosani—The previous year, in the Bengali calendar year 1301, on the 14th of Phalguna (February-March), on Monday, in the morning at ten a.m., the devotees ‘Veteran General’ situated in his Bhajana-Kutir in Koladvip within Sri Navadvip Mandala, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, entered the transcendental dhama. Bereft of darsana of the perfected soul Babaji Mahasaya, the land of Gaura became filled with darkness when he entered the transcendental world. We will not be able to see his ecstatic dancing and kirtana again with our mundane vision. May he shower his mercy upon us from the transcendental world.”
(Sajjana Tosani, 2nd year, page 2)
Srila Prabhupada said that Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja had the place for his samadhi excavated himself before his disappearance.
Srila Jagannatha Dasa and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Just as Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja is the eternal worshipable object of Sri Bhaktivinoda Thakura, similarly, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura is also the dear associate of Srila Jagannatha das Babaji. Those people that judge who is dear to guru or great personalities through external reasoning cannot take this secret to heart. Srila Thakura Bhaktivinoda was not the diksa disciple of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji according to the pancaratrika system. Aside from this, he did not massage the hands, feet, and limbs of Srila Babaji Maharaja, nor did he perform other activities such as cooking for him. Also, he never performed the service of carrying the very old Babaji Maharaja from one place to another on his shoulders like some other disciples did. Nor from an ordinary perspective did he continually stay nearby him. However, according to the Sri Ruganuga current of thought, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura completely fulfilled the inner heart’s desire of Vaisnava Sarvabhauma Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, was his dear servant, and his close associate. The reason for this is that the propensity of heart and conception of siddhanta of Srila Babaji Maharaja was non-different to that of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. In that place where the heart’s propensity of guru and disciple is non-different like hari-hara, then there the dearness and intimate relation they have will become manifested. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura incarnated to fulfill the heart’s desire of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji. Giving everything he possessed, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura performed service to guru. He did not perform partial service, nor did he perform service for any remuneration such as wealth, women, and fame, or any other type of deception.
Like the crest jewel of pure gurus, Vaisnava Sarvabhauma Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja gave the responsibility to Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura to preach about Gaura’s holy abode, Gaura’s holy name, and Gaura’s desire, and through the medium of writing, to preach the message of Sri Gaurasundara to the learned division of society. Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja’s own powerful enthusiasm to preach the dharma of suddha bhakti was only manifest in his follower Sri Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Obtaining direction from the enthusiasm of Srila Babaji Maharaja, the eternally perfected associate of Gaura, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, offered his life to preach the heart’s desire of Sri Sri Guru Gauranga.
In present times, those who give their identity as the factual servants of the Gaudiya Vaisnavas under the shelter of Sri Caitanyadeva are all under the shelter of the lotus feet of Sri Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja.
The Ideological Current of Sri Jagannatha and Sri Bhaktivinoda
Many deceitful persons with ulterior desires came near Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja for instructions on hari-bhajana and accepted loincloth and the dress of Paramahamsas. Later, they gave their identity as disciples of Srila Babaji Maharaja; however, they didn’t even slightly follow Srila Babaji Maharaja’s practice and conceptions in their own lives. Consequently, even though they gave their identity as being devotees who were well versed in and following the ideology of Srila Babaji Maharaja, actually they were very far away from the lotus feet of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja. Only Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura protected the current of Sri Rupanuga-bhakti flowing from Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja. Aside from Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and the disciplic succession following in the line of Bhaktivinoda-Gaura-Sarasvati, no others were able to preach. Those who preach tenets that are rasabhasa and opposed to siddhanta are not the followers of Sri Rupa-Raghunatha. Srila Prabhupada Sarasvati Thakura preached without any hesitation while staying in Sri Purusottama-ksetra with Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.
The Instructions of Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja
1) Never meet or associate with monkeys wearing the dress of renunciation who are hypocrites holding onto ulterior motives for wealth, women, and prestige.
2) Never take the food of a sense enjoyer, otherwise you will become one.
3) By the mercy of Gaura-dhama one will obtain residence in Vraja.
4) Worldly misfortune should be considered the compassion of Bhagavan.
5) One cannot be called a sannyasi simply by taking the exterior cloth of a renunciant; one is not a sannyasi until love and attraction for Sri Krsna’s service has appeared in his heart.
6) Although illnesses that give suffering to the bodies of those persons desirous of performing bhajana may be present, still, because they do not take rich, delicious foodstuffs, automatically the sicknesses will go away. Luxurious gentleman continuously take rich foodstuffs, thus illness stays with them for a long time.
7) “I did service,” thinking like this, one should not beat drums of glory for himself in his mind; such a person is not called a servant.
8) Don’t become lazy on the pretext of solitary bhajana.
9) Planting eggplants and watering them for the service of the Vaisnavas is more auspicious than carelessly chanting lakhs and lakhs of harinama. The result of service to the Vaisnavas is real sincere taste for nama.
10) Don’t imitate the Vaisnavas or you will be burnt to ashes. Pray for their honest service.
11) By enjoying the wealth meant for Hari’s service one will become the greatest of atheists.
12) An ordinary thief may at some point achieve auspiciousness; however, those who enjoy the wealth of Guru and Vaisnavas will never obtain any auspiciousness.
13) Just as Sri Krsna is the topmost amongst all bhagavad-tattva, similarly, a rupanuga-vaisnava is superior to other Vaisnavas.
14) By performing the service of Guru and Vaisnavas with ulterior desires, Guru and Vaisnavas give material gain, worship, and prestige and send those with the arrogance of being servants far away.
15) Those who serve me will never suffer from hunger unable to fill their bellies. However, those who become satisfied by getting delicious foodstuffs from me will never be able to obtain the service of Krsna.
16) The duty of all householders is to accept the shelter of the lotus feet of sad-guru and engage in the service of Giridhari.
17) The essence of the instructions of Sriman Mahaprabhu is to perform kirtana of Sri Nama without offenses.
18) Preach Gaura-nama following the guidance of pure Vaisnavas.
19) The best conduct is to follow under guidance; independence is corrupted behavior.
20) Thinking Sri Hari’s service to be merely one’s duty and being satisfied in that, actual service tendency will not manifest.
21) Service tendency will manifest when one remains unsatisfied (always wanting more service) although serving at all times, in all manners.
22) Follow Sri Ekadasi-tithi in the association of sadhus while staying awake all night.
23) Every Ekadasi one should examine himself to see whether his enthusiasm for honest hari-bhajana has increased or ulterior desires have increased. Carefully scrutinize this and offer yourself at the lotus feet of Guru and Vaisnavas.
24) Those who desire to perform hari-bhajana should be tolerant and not desire any respect from others, while giving respect to all others according to their position. One shouldn’t be troubled even in the presence of hundreds of obstacles and disturbances; rather, his enthusiasm for bhajana should only increase.
25) Do not live one moment without hari-katha, sravana, kirtana, and vaisnava-seva, otherwise maya will swallow you up.
26) Use all objects and all actions for the service of Visnu and the Vaisnavas.
27) If even the slightest amount of rasabhasa or opposition to the scriptures is present in the heart then one cannot obtain the qualification to be a Vaisnava. Understand this!
28) Rather than searching for the faults of others, endeavor to clean out the filth in your own heart.
29) Sravana and kirtana are not performed if one isn’t surrendered.
30) Without accepting a mahanta-guru and performing guru-seva one will never be free from the net of maya.
31) The method of artificial remembrance is not the path of the rupanugas.
32) Through sri nama kirtan, smarana will naturally occur, this is the gaudiya-siddhanta.
# Post Six
Sri Sri Jagannatha Astakam
rupanuganam pravaram sudantam, sri gauracandra-priyabhaktarajam
sri-radhika-madhava-cittaramam, vande jagannatha-vibhum varenyam (1)
I offer obeisance to Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, who is venerable to all and is the abode of spiritual opulence. He is the best of the rupanugas, fully in control of his senses, the king of the beloved devotees of Sri Gauracandra and, the giver of pleasure to the hearts of Sri Radha-Madhava.
sri-surya-kundasrayinah krpalorvidvadvara-sri-madhusunasya
prestha-svarupena virajamanam, vande jagannatha-vibhum varenyam (2)
I offer obeisance to Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, who is venerable to all and is the abode of spiritual opulence; who resided on the banks of Sri Surya-kunda, is compassionate, the most learned, and who is the dearest of Srila Madhusudana dasa Babaji Maharaja.
sridham-vrndavana-vasibhakta-naksatraraji-sthita-somatulyam
ekanta-namasrit-sadghapalam, vande jagannatha-vibhum varenyam (3)
I offer obeisance to Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, who is venerable to all and is the abode of spiritual opulence. He resides in Sridham Vrndavana, is the moon amidst the constellation of devotees, and is the maintainer of the devotees who take one pointed shelter of sri harinama.
vairagya-vidya-hari-bhakti-diptam, daurjanya-kapatya-vibheda-vajram
sraddhayutesvadara-vrttimantam, vande jagannatha-vibhum varenyam (4)
I offer obeisance to Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, who is venerable to all and is the abode of spiritual opulence. He is ¬effulgent with vairagya-vidya and hari-bhakti, he is like lightning to wicked atheists and hypocrites, and he is full of respect for the faithful.
samprerito gaura-sudhamsuna, yascakra hi taj-janma-grha-prakasam
devairnutam vaisnava-sarvabhaumam, vande jagannatha-vibhum varenyam (5)
I offer obeisance to Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, who is venerable to all and is the abode of spiritual opulence. Being inspired by Sri Gauracandra he firmly established the house and birthplace of Sri Gaura. He is worshipable to the devatas, and is the emperor of the Vaisnavas.
sancarya sarvam nijasaktirasim, yo bhaktipurne ca vinodadeve
tene jagatyam harinamavanyam, vande jagannatha-vibhum varenyam (6)
I offer obeisance to Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, who is venerable to all and is the abode of spiritual opulence. He showered all his sakti on Sri Bhaktivinoda, bringing the flood of harinama to this world.
sri-nama-dhamnoh prabalapracare, ihaparam prema-rasabdhi-magnam
sri-yogapithe krta-nrtya-bhangam, vande jagannatha-vibhum varenyam (7)
I offer obeisance to Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, who is venerable to all and is the abode of spiritual opulence. He is absorbed in endeavors to powerfully preach the message of sri nama and Sri-Dhama. He is submerged in the ocean of transcendental love, and he is devoted to dancing in Sri Mayapura Yogapitha.
mayapure dhamani saktacittam, gaura-prakasena ca modayuktam
sri-nama-gaunair-galad-asru-netram, vande jagannatha-vibhum varenyam (8)
I offer obeisance to Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, who is venerable to all and is the abode of spiritual opulence. He is always attracted to Sridhama Mayapura and is filled with bliss when Sri Gaurahari’s sri murti is established, and whose eyes flow with tears at the time of sri nama kirtana.
he deva! he vaisnava-sarvabhaumam! bhaktya parabhuta mahendradhisnaya!
tvad-gotra-vistarakrtim supunyam, vande muhur-bhaktivinoda-dharam (9)
He Deva! O Emperor of the Vaisnavas! You humble the kingdom of heaven by your bhakti! Again and again I offer prayers to the bhaktivinoda dhara, which is supremely pure and enhances the family of devotees.
This entry was posted in Bhaktabandhav Team, MP3.
Tridandisvami Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja
[February 25, 2017 is Siva-ratri (in India). In observance of this auspicious day, we are sending the following lecture from Holland, July 3, 1997:]
Sri Narada has gone to Sankara, Lord Siva, and is glorifying him; “You are very near and dear to Lord Krsna. Not only that, you are Krsna’s manifestation; you are non-different from Him. You can give moksa, liberation, and also krsna-prema.” Hearing Narada glorify him in numerous ways, Sankara became somewhat angry and said, “Your glorification of me is all false. I am not very dear to Krsna – not at all – but I want to be. I want to be Krsna’s beloved, but actually I am not. I’ve done so many things against Him.”
Sankara had performed a number of activities that were apparently opposed to Krsna, such as giving a benediction to Ravana, as well as other activities opposed to krsna-bhakti. He told N arada, “You know, my boy, what no one in this world can do, Krsna tells me to do.” When the demigods were churning the ocean, first came poison – maha-poison. It was very dangerous and the entire world was burning by it.” The demigods had approached Krsna, who told them to worship Sankara and request him to swallow that poison. So they worshipped Sankara and told him, “O Sankara, save us! No one else can save us.” Sankara at once took that poison and drank it. He took it in his mouth, but he didn’t want to take it in his stomach. This was because he considered, “Oh, Krsna is in my heart, and the poison will affect Him”. He therefore took it only in his throat. His throat was burned and it thus turned blue.
In kali-yuga many persons wanted to worship Krsna, God, thinking, “He should fulfill all our desires. Simply by worshipping Krsna or His incarnations, He will be pleased and satisfy our worldly, material desires.” In this way they began to worship – not to please Krsna, but only because they wished that He would very easily arrange all of their needs. Sri Krsna thought, “This is very dangerous.” He called Sankara and told him, “Tell all the false devotees that, “You yourself are Brahma. Brahma satyam jaganmitya jiva brahma evanapara. This world is false. Jiva is Siva, jiva is Brahma, all these souls are Brahma. There is no need to worship any other God. You are God Himself. You are Paramabrahma.”
Sankara told Krsna, “Can you please tell someone else to do this? I am not qualified to do this service.”
Krsna replied, “No, you will have to do it. In the entire world I see no one else qualified to do this.”
Now Sankara told Narada, “At last, I had to agree with this, and I preached everywhere, ‘You are Brahma, you are Brahma, you are Brahma. The whole world is false. ’ Now, I am so much regretting this. Why am I making all these jivas so offensive? It is an offense, I know. But yet, to carry out the orders of Lord Krsna, I am doing this. Because He sometimes orders me in this way, I am not His dear one.
“Also, you know that I always wear ashes from the burial grounds, and I always wear skulls. I have trigunas, three qualities: satya, rajas, and tamas (material goodness, passion and ignorance). All my associates are like bhutas (ghosts) and pisachis (witches). So actually I am not qualified to be Krsna’s dear one.”
Narada then said, “Prabhu, don’t cheat me. I know something. I have heard that the enemies of Krsna and the Pandavas, or the enemies of any bhaktas, worship you, and you give them some benediction. But that benediction is not totally foolproof. There is always some loophole there. Actually you cheat them to please your Lord Sri Krsna. I know that whatever you do, you do to ple ase Krsna. You are His dearest friend.”
In Mahabharata there was a king named Jayadratha who was the brother-in-law of Duryodhana. Duryodhana had given his sister, Dushala, to Jayadratha, and so he was also like the brother-in-law of the Pandavas. Once Jayadratha tried to take Draupadi as his wife, and he put her on his chariot by force. Weeping, she told him, “I am the wife of the Pandavas. If they come, they will punish and kill you.” Jayadratha was so arrogant, however, that he did not hear what she said. In the meantime, Rsi Narada came to the Pandavas and told them, “Oh, I saw Jayadratha take away Draupadi, and she is weeping!” At once Bhima and Arjuna ran after him, and Jayadratha saw that they were coming very quickly. Bhima left his chariot and began to run faster than Jayadratha’s horses. Arjuna told Bhima, “I am going to arrest and kill Jayadratha. You should take care of the rest of the Pandavas.” He thus took his bow and arrows, and by those arrows he created a fire that surrounded the chariot of Jayadratha. Jayadratha was captured in that fire and could not move. At once Arjuna and Bhima arrested him, bound him to the chariot, and took him to the place where Yudhisthira was staying with Draupadi and the others.
Bhima told Yudhisthira “I want to kill him. Please order me to kill him”. Arjuna also said, “Jayadratha has performed a heinous act; he should be killed.” Yudhisthira said, “We should take the case to Draupadi, and whatever she orders we will do”. This was because it was Draupadi whom Jayadratha had taken. They went to Draupadi and kept Jayadratha at her feet. Draupadi was now very merciful. Although Bhima repeatedly said, “I want to kill him at once”, Draupadi told them, “Don’t kill him. Forgive him, because he is our brother-in-law. If you kill him, your sister will be a widow and she will weep forever.”
Indian wives are always very chaste. They can give their lives for their husbands. Their husbands may give them up or divorce them, but these women will never give up their husbands. Rama left Sita, but Sita never left Rama. This is Indian Vedic culture, and we should try to follow this because Parama-pujyapada Srila Swami Maharaja wanted it. Both husband and wife should help each other. You should never think, “I will give up my husband.” First follow Varnasrama-dharma, and then bhakti will come. When you are matured, then you can choose to either give it up or not give it up; no harm. But now you should try to follow Varnasrama-dharma. Some of the devotees were not following, and Srila Swami Maharaja was worried. Males and females should both be like this – very chaste. You can give up your life, no harm, because your soul will never die. However, if given to anyone, be chaste like this. Otherwise you can also give up Lord Krsna . So practice here. Take a vow that, “In my life I will never divorce; I will never give up my husband (or wife).” Then you will be chaste and you will never give up Krsna. Nowadays it is very easy to give up Gurudeva and to take a new one – like western women. In a second, for nothing, they can change their husbands. Although it may be a problem for their children, they are accustomed to act in that way. We should try to change this habit.
So Draupadi said, “Your sister will be a widow, and she will weep for her entire life.” Bhima and Arjuna asked Sri Krsna, “What should we do? We have promised to kill Jayadratha, and now Draupadi is telling us that we should forgive him.” Krsna replied, “If a man is very much respected but requires punishment, then he should be dishonored; and this will be like death.” Arjuna then shaved his head, keeping five sikhas, and he shaved one side of his face while leaving the othe r side half-shaved. This system is practiced in France, and nowadays it is a very good fashion. But Jayadratha was insulted there, and he felt totally humiliated.
When Bhima and Arjuna released him, Jayadratha thought, “It was better to die than to live.” He vowed, “I will somehow take revenge.” He therefore did not go to his home. Instead he went to Kailasa and performed very severe austerities there. After some months he gave up all food, water, and everything else, and he was about to die.
At that time Sankara came and asked him, “What do you want?” Jayadratha said, “I want to take revenge against the Pandavas. I want to defeat all the Pandavas and kill them.”
Sankara told Jayadratha, “You can defeat the Pandavas once, and only Yudhisthira, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva; but not Arjuna”
Jayadratha said, “If you cannot give me a benediction to my full satisfaction, t hen you should give me the benediction that neither Arjuna nor anyone else can kill me.”
Sankara replied, “If anyone kills you by cutting off your head, then, if it falls on the ground, that person who made your head land on the ground will die immediately. Your life will be saved and your head will be joined back to your body. However, if your head goes to your father, and your father throws it on the ground, then you will remain dead. If someone kills you hundreds and thousands of times, you will not be able to be killed, but if your father throws your head anywhere, then you will be killed.”
Jayadratha was satisfied. He thought, “My father will never do this!” Later, when the Mahabharata battle was fought, Arjuna cut off Jayadratha’s head with his arrow. It was evening and the sun was setting, and his father was doing arpana to the Sun-god (offering some water). In the meantime, Arjuna shot Jayadratha’s head into the hands of his father. Without thinking, his father tossed it on the ground, opened his eyes and said, “What is this wet thing?” But it had already gone from his hand. He now saw that this was the head of his son and began to cry, “O my son, O my son! You are now dead.” Thus, if Sankara gives any benediction to the enemies of Lord Krsna’s devotees, there is always some loophole. He is so clever, and he is always serving Krsna.
There was a very big demon named Tripurasura, who performed severe austerities to please Sankara. When Sankara came, Tripurasura told him, “I want a benediction that I can make three airplanes. They should be managed only by mind, so that when I order them to go to heaven, they will go there. They should not be like present-day machines. They should do as I wish. In summer they should be air-conditioned. If two men are seated, then there should be only two seats. And if I want to travel on the airp lanes with hundreds of thousands of persons, then that many seats should be arranged. They should never fall down due to mechanical difficulty. Never. They should be made of gold, copper, and silver, and they should be equipped with all kinds of weapons.
After attaining his benediction, Tripurasura began to fight with Lord Sankara himself. Sankara fled and took shelter of Krsna. Tripurasura also had a khupa, a well, and that well was full of nectar. If anyone would try to kill him, he could at once take that nectar and then he would not die. Sankara was very worried. Because so much warfare was going on between them, he took shelter at the lotus feet of Krsna. In order to save him, Krsna, as Visnu, then took the form of a cow. That cow drank all the nectar from the well, after which Sankara was able to kill Tripurasura and the other demons. We can see here that Sankara even gives benedictions to his own enemies, knowing that Krsna will save him.
So don& rsquo;t fear. Sri Krsna will save you if you offer yourself to Him. He has promised, “Sarva dharma parityaja mam ekam saranam vraja, aham tvam sarva papebhyo moksayisami ma sucah.” If you give your whole responsibility – your intelligence, your senses, your everything – to Krsna, He will take all responsibility for you. Don’t fear. No sufferings or sorrows of any kind will come to you. Arjuna killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers, but he did not have to taste the fruit of that. In other words, He did not have to suffer from the results of his actions. Ajamila committed so many sinful activities, but he also did not have to taste the fruit of that. He went to Vaikuntha. So you should try to give all your responsibilities, Varnashrama-dharma and everything to Krsna – and be happy forever. Then only you can enter into bhakti.
Sankara is always serving Krsna. Narada knows this fact, but he wanted to glorify Sankara so that every one will know that he is very near and dear – and non-different from Krsna. How? “Saksad haritvena samasta sastrair uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya vande guroh sri caranaravindam”. Here saksad haritvena means priyatvena haritvena. He is very near and dear. “Vaisnavanam yata sambhu – he is the greatest Vaisnava”.
Sankara-tattva is extremely complex. Brahma-tattva is not so complicated; he is always jiva-tattva. And sometimes, when there is no qualified jiva, Lord Visnu himself comes as Brahma. But Sankara is not like this. He is not jiva-tattva. Where does he live? Beyond Brahmaloka. After passing through the eight kinds of material coverings, after crossing the Viraja, Muktidhama, Mahakalapuram, and then Brahmaloka, there is the planet of Sankara. There he is known as Sadasiva, and he is Visnu-tattva.
For any reason, if something sour is put into milk, it becomes yogurt. Yogurt is nothing but milk. It has all the potencies that are in milk, like ghee and so forth, but it is not milk. Milk can become yogurt, but yogurt cannot become milk. Sankara is like that. He is not an ordinary jiva. Sometimes, but very rarely, there may be a reason that Sadasiva cannot come to this world – if he is engaged in his destruction of the universe, or anything like that. In that case a qualified jiva can work as Siva; temporarily, but not permanently. So you should always try to honor Lord Sankara.
I can tell some pastimes of Sankara from Srimad Bhagavatam and Skanda Purana. When Sri Ramacandra was making the bridge to go to Sri Lanka with his hundreds of thousands of soldiers, He established a Siva-linga of Ramesvara. When it was established, all the male human beings were glorifying Sankara, shouting, “Ramesvara ki jayaho! Ramesvara ki jaya! They were calling Ramesvara “Rama Isvara”. “You are isvara; you are the God of Rama.&rdq uo; Thus they used the name Ramesvara. The Demigods were not happy or satisfied by this. They said, “Ramas ca asau isvarah”. Rama is God, and Sankara is also God. Both of them are the same. Hearing this, the Sankara-sila (linga or stone) broke. Sankara came out from it and told them, “You are all foolish; you do not know my tattva, the established truths regarding my identity. Rama is my God, and that is why I am called Ramesvara.”
Common people generally don’t know very much, and so they thought that Ramesvara meant that Sankara is the God of Rama, and that Rama is controlled by Sankara. The demigods were of the opinion that Rama and Sankara are the same and both are God. But Lord Siva, Sankara himself, told them, “I am not the God of Rama. Rama is my beloved and my God.” Sankara is called Ramesvara because of this. He himself told this.
We see in Srimad Bhagavatam that once Sankara went to the council of Praja pati Daksa, and everyone there was honoring Daksa. Daksa Prajapati had given his daughter in marriage to Sankara, so he thought that Lord Siva was like his son. He offered pranamas to Brahma because he was his father, but not to Sankara. All were honoring Daksa except Sankara, who was only sitting and chanting, “Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare. Daksa Prajapati felt insulted, cursed Lord Siva, and so many incidences took place after that. Sankara returned to Kailasa. From that time on Daksa thought Sankara his enemy, but Sankara never thought like this.
One day, in Treta-yuga, Sankara and his wife Sati came to Dandakaranya Forest. At that time Rama had been living in the forest for 14 years with Sita and Laksmana, to obey the order of his father, King Dasaratha. Now Ravana had stolen away Sita and taken her to Lanka. Rama was now weeping so much, and Laksmana was trying to pacify Him. The more Laksmana tr ied to pacify Him, however, the more He wept. He was asking the trees of Pancavati, “O Pancavati! Have you seen Sita? Where has She gone? O deer, have you seen Sita?” And He was crying – bitterly weeping – asking the Godavari River, “O Godavari, have you seen My dear Sita? Where has She gone? Why has She left me?” Rama became mad in separation.
Sankara came with Sati to the Dandakaranya Forest to see Rama’s divine pastimes and to take darsana of Him. Sankara was very moved and his heart was melting, He offered sasthang-pranama (full obeisances, with all the eight limbs of the body touching the ground) to Rama, and glorified Him, saying, “O, these pastimes are so beautiful and marvelous that anyone’s heart will melt to see them.” He then did parikrama from very far, far away, weeping, “O these pastimes are so beautiful”. When he did his final pranama and was ready to go back to Kailasa, Sati as ked, “My beloved, to whom are you doing pranama?” Sankara told Sati, “Rama is my worshipful deity. I always worship Him.” She told her husband, “Why? I see that Rama is like an ordinary man, weeping for His wife. Even I know where Sita is, and He does not know and He is weeping? He is not strong enough to bring Sita back? He is very weak; so He must be a man, not God. Why are you doing pranama to Him? Who is He?” Sankara told Sati, “You are ignorant; you do not know that He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” She had no belief or trust, so Sankara told her to test Him somehow.
Sankara went from there and rested under a banyan tree. Sati changed her form to look like Sita, went to the place where Rama was searching for Sita, and came in front of Rama. Rama was weeping, “Oh Sita, where are you, where are you?” Sati thought, “If I appear before Rama as Sita, then He will look at me and He will at once come and embrace me, saying “Oh, I have received my Sita.” And He will be happy.” But Rama was ignoring Sati. Again and again she came in front of Him, yet He was looking away. Then He told her, “Mother, why are you roaming here alone? Where is Sankara?” Sati wondered how Rama knew who she really was. Now she was afraid and did pranama to Rama. Then she saw that all the trees, all the creepers, and everything else became Rama and Sita. Wherever she looked, here and there and everywhere, she only saw Sita Rama, Sita Rama, Sita Rama. Rama showed Sati that, “Sita is never separated from Me, She is always with Me. I am doing this pastime for all human beings, so they will remember My lila.”
Sati realized, “Sankara can never be ignorant. He was right and I was wrong.” After Sati offered pranama and stood up, she saw that now Rama was there alone with Laksmana, and He was still weeping. “Oh Sita, where ar e you, where are you?”
Sati then went back to the place where Sankara was waiting under the banyan tree, and he asked her, “Have you tested Him to see who He is?” Sati replied, “Prabhu, what can I do? I believed you and I didn’t test Him.” She told a lie. You should always have faith in your Guru. Sankara was the Guru of Sati, but she did not believe him when he had told her that Rama is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. If a disciple does not obey his Gurudeva, what will happen? His bhakti and spiritual life will go down. Never tell any falsehoods to your Gurudeva, otherwise you again go to hell. She lied to Sankara, saying “I have not tested Him.” But Sankara saw in his trance that she had tested Him, and he saw how she had become Sita. He considered, “She has taken the form of Sita, who is my mother. She is therefore not my wife; now she is my mother. Now I will always treat her as my mother.” When he made this vow, the demigods at once showered flowers from heaven, and they praised him, “You have made such a marvelous vow.” Sati asked her husband, “What vow have you made?” But he was silent and never said anything.
When they returned to their cottage in Kailasa, Sankara gave Sati a seat in front of him. The wife can sit on the left side of her husband, and the mother always sits in front, as a guru. In the same way, a disciple should not offer pranama to his Gurudeva while keeping his left side to him. The disciple should always sit at the front of his Gurudeva, and ask some very good questions with honor. If the disciple does not do this, he is not a disciple. He should ask some questions – not always being silent. He should serve and inquire from the Guru. “Tad vidhi pranipatena pariprasna.” Questions should be there – not with a challenging mood, but to learn. So Sankara gave Sati a seat in front.
Sa ti thought, “Sankara has left me. He is treating me like his mother because I took the form of Sita. In this body he will not accept me as his wife, so I’ll have to give up this body.” After some time, Sankara went into a trance for hundreds and thousands of years, and Sati was feeling grievous separation. She was ready to give up her body.
One day, after Sankara had returned to external consciousness, Sati saw that so many goddesses were going to the palace of her father, Daksa, because a very good sacrifice was taking place there. Daksa’s daughters were also going there, and he had invited everyone except for Sankara. Sati also wanted to go, but she asked Sankara first. He replied, “A woman can go without an invitation to see her Gurudeva, or her father and mother; but if a father thinks that her husband is his enemy, then the wife should not go to see him. You know that your father thinks I am his enemy, although I never think like this. At the same time I cannot order you to not go there. You must decide.” Sati left that place and went to her father’s house, and there she saw that Daksa Prajapati was dishonoring Sankara. At once she became furious and left her body by burning to ashes, with the help of a fire that came from her heart. Here we see that Sankara’s worshipful diety is Rama, and because Sati took the form of Sitadevi, he left her. So he is a chaste Vaisnava, and he is always serving.
Don’t have any doubt in your Gurudeva. You should test him before initiation, and after initiation you should have very firm belief in him. Don’t give him up. If he is a madhyama-adhikari, and not so much qualified, then you can go to a siksa-guru, taking your Gurudeva’s permission. He must give permission. If he does not give permission, then he is not a pure devotee. There is no difference between siksa-guru and diksa-guru. Both are the same. Sometimes the siks a-guru may be higher, and sometimes the diksa-guru may be higher. No harm. If the guru does not know all siddhanta, conclusive philosophical truths, but he is a Vaisnava with very firm belief in Krsna, drdha-sraddha, then don’t give him up. Serving him and honoring him, you can go to a siksa-guru, but you’ll have to honor him. However, if he’s offensive to his Gurudeva, he is not following the line of bhakti, he has so much wrong attachment and he is fallen, at once give him up. That guru cannot help you, and he will create so many problems for you. So give up this guru forever, and accept a new initiation from any bona-fide Guru who can give this bhakti and take you to Krsna.
All good qualities are in Sankara.
Sri Sanatana Gosvami has written that some Vaisnavas don’t observe Siva Caturdasi, the appearance day of Lord Siva or Sankara. In Hari Bhakti Vilasa he has written that Vaisnavas should honor Sankara, and they may observe that date. I observe that date. I know Sankara, because in his form of Bankandi Mahadeva in Vrndavana he was the friend of Sanatana Gosvami. He became Bankandi Mahadeva from Gopisvara. Do you know this history?
When Sri Sanatana Gosvami became old, Sankara told him, “Now you are old. You should not come daily to see me, because you are coming from so very far away. Sanatana Gosvami replied, “I should come. I cannot change this habit.” Then Gopisvara Mahadeva said, “Then I’m going to come very near to you – as Bankandi Mahadeva.” He thus became Bankandi Mahadeva and resided very near the Madana Mohana Temple. Srila Sanatana Gosvami is also the very dear friend of Cakralesvara Mahadeva in Govardhana. He also used to be with Sankara in Kamyavan, where he is known as Kamesvara. He cannot be without Sankara.
As Nandisvara, Sankara has become the mountain of Nandagaon. He wanted that all Krsna’s pastimes be p erformed on his back. Regarding Brahma, he has become Brahma-parvata in Varsana. Because he is so near to Radhika, he is therefore our Gurudeva
These are the tattvas. We should try to honor Sankara as a great Vaisnava and as Guru. Don’t dishonor him. We don’t worship him separately, but we can observe Siva Caturdasi and glorify him in relation to his relationship with Sri Krsna. We should offer pranama to him with prayers like:
vrndavanavani-pate! jaya soma soma maule
sanaka-sanandana-sanatana-naradedya
gopisvara! vraja-vilasi-yugangri-padme
prema prayaccha nirupadhi namo namaste
[“O gatekeeper of Vrndavana! O Soma, all glories to you! O you whose forehead is decorated with the moon, and who is worshipable by the sages headed by Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Narada! O Gopisvara, desiring that you bestow upon me that prema for the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha-Madhava who perform joyous pastimes in Vraja-dham a, I offer obeisances unto you time and again.”]
Sankara is telling Sri Narada that Prahlada Maharaja is superior to him. Why? Because he is “tricky”. He does this only to give some encouragement to worldly persons. Actually, Prahlada cannot go to Vrndavana, but Sankara, as Gopisvara, resides there. As Hanuman, Sankara is always with Rama. As Bhima, he is with Krsna. When Hanuman and Bhima combine together in Kali-yuga, they become Madvacarya, our Sampradaya-guru.
Thus, Lord Sankara serves in so many ways, and we should always honor him as our Guru. He is hundreds of thousands of times superior to Prahlada because he knows and meditates on asta-kaliya-lila. Parvati also meditates on asta-kaliya-lila. This is very secret, yet they both do it. Although Sankara is so much superior and more worshipful than Prahlada, still he says that Prahlada is superior. Why? There are some reasons which I will explain later.
Gaura Premanande ! Hari Hari Bol!
Devotee: In the Gita Krsna says, “Of all the Rudras, I am Sankara.”
Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja: Here Krsna is telling about His vibhutis. Vibhuti means opulence. Arjuna is an opulence, and Sankara also. The Pippal tree is an opulence, and gaya, cows, are also—but they are not Krsna Himself. In this way, so many things and personalities represent Krsna’s opulence—things that are very near and dear to Him.
THE APPEARANCE DAY OF SRILA BHAKTISIDDHANTA SARASVATI THAKURA PRABHUPADA
Lecture by
Trindandisvami Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja
[Dear Readers,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga.
This year, 2017, February 15th (in America) is the sacred appearance day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada. Please accept this lecture, given by Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja on his appearance day in Germany, in 2003. The pastimes described below are naturally ever-fresh and new, and therefore Srila Maharaja discusses them every year:]
Listen – https://soundcloud.com/srila…/20030221_olpe_am_eng_sbsstpvya
Today is a very auspicious day. It is the very holy birthday of Srila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Thakura. I want to speak something of his glory.
If this great self-realized soul had not descended in this world, no one would have known the meaning of pure bhakti. No one would have known the identity of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, the book Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, or the books and glories of the Gosvamis.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura gave us two jewels, the first one being the holy birthplace of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He manifested Gaura-dhama. Before him, no one knew where Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu had taken birth. No one knew where Sridhama Mayapura was actually located.
Secondly, he gave the jewel of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, who preached throughout the world and universe the glories of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the conceptions of the disciplic line of Srila Rupa Gosvami, and the glories of Sri Sri Radha and Krsna. Before the birth of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and after the disappearance of Srila Narottama Thakura, Sri Syamananda Prabhu, Srinivas Acarya, and especially Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura and Srila Baladeva Vidyubusana, pure bhakti was covered. The sahajiyas’ ideas were spread throughout Sri Vraja-dhama and Sri Navadvipa dhama. Their influence prevailed and there were hardly any real Vaisnavas.
In the name of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, His philosophy and His prema-dharma, the sahajiyas were degraded in character and were most sinful. To live with widows, to dance and sing with them, and to smoke cigarettes and drink wine with them – this was their idea of parakiya- and vaisnava-dharma. Because of their influence, none of the learned and aristocratic persons even wanted to hear the name ‘Gaudiya Vaisnavas’, what to speak of follow them. They hated Gaudiya Vaisnavas.
There are eleven sahajiya groups, like gaura-nagari, sakhi-bekhi, aul, baul and so on. In India, their main function was widow-bhajana, and they maintained their lives by doing professional kirtanas during funeral processions. After following a dead body and singing, they would receive a donation from the deceased relatives. True vaisnava-dharma is completely pure, but due to these practices, all aristocratic persons began to hate it, and Mahaprabhu’s message was thus in danger.
At that time, Srila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati appeared in Sri Jagannatha-dhama as the son of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. He was born with many symptoms of a great soul, such as natural tilaka marks on his body and the impressions of kanti-mala on his neck. At that time Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura told his wife Bhagavati-devi, “He is not an ordinary boy. No ordinary boy can have these natural tilaka, kanti-mala and other signs. He has taken birth in Jagannatha Puri, and also I have prayed to Vimala devi, the consort of Lord Jagannatha. He has come by Her mercy.” The Thakura thus gave his boy the name Vimala Prasada. Prasada means ‘mercy’.
After six months, the baby became qualified to have his anna-prasana mahotsava (grain ceremony in which a baby is fed grains for the first time). At the same time the Jagannatha Chariot festival was taking place. The three carts carrying Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra were in procession and had stopped in front of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s house for three days. The Thakura was the manager of the entire festival. Therefore, without any problem or obstacle, he took his son upon the chariot and placed him in front of Jagannatha-deva. He took some prasadam from there and placed it in the mouth of Vimala Prasada, and at that time the flower garland from the neck of Lord Jagannatha dropped on the baby’s head. It is a very good sign when the Deity’s garland falls in this way, for it means the recipient is being blessed by the mercy of Lord Jagannatha, Sri Govinda-deva, Sri Gopinatha, or any other Deity. This also happened to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself. Thus, Vimala Prasada’s anna-prasana mahotsava was observed.
Gradually he began to grow up. After some time, when he became a boy of five years, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura himself gave him harinama and the arcana mantra for the worship of Lord Kurmadeva, the Deity of Sri Krsna’s Tortoise incarnation.
He began to learn many things. He was always with Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, carrying his father’s Sri Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Sri Ujjvala-nilamani, Sri Caitanya-caritamrta and other books on his own head as he accompanied him to various places for preaching or giving classes. Thus, from the beginning of his life, very good samskaras came to him. This, of course, was his naravata-lila (human-like pastimes), because he was actually the eternal associate of Sri Varsabhanavi-devi dayitaya, near and dear to Varsabhanavi devi, Srimati Radhika. In his pranama mantra he is referred to as krsna-presthaya. Krsna has so much love and affection for the manjaris, so Srila Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada is also near and dear to Him.
The words ‘gaura-vani-sri murti’ is also present in his pranama-mantra. This adjective has also been used in the pranama mantra of Parama-pujyapada Srila Bhaktivedanta Svami Maharaja, and we must go deep to uncover its meaning. Gaura-vani refers to that which Gaura (Sacinandana Gaurahari) preached, and that which He inspired in the heart of Srila Rupa Gosvami – the glorification of the mood of the gopis and Srimati Radhika. Sri Gauracandra said, “O Nityananda, O Haridasa Prabhu, you should go door to door and preach ‘Bolo Krsna, bhaja Krsna, karo Krsna (chant Sri Krsna’s name, worship Him, and serve Him)”. This is gaura-vani.
It is also what Mahaprabhu discussed with Sri Raya Ramananda and Sri Svarupa Damodara in the Gambira. In that regard it is especially His hidden revelation of the meaning of ceto-darpana-marjanam, yugayitam nimesena caksusa pravrsayitam, and aslisya va pada-ratam. This is gaura-vani. It is also the love and affection explained by Srila Rupa Gosvami in Sri Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Sri Ujjvala-nila-mani, Sri Vidagda-madhava and Sri Lalita Madhava. This is gaura-vani.
Our entire parampara descended to this world from Goloka Vrndavana, and Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Thakura was one of the most prominent acaryas. If he had not come, everything would have been transferred into sahajiyaism – wherein all philosophy is asat-sampradaya (outside the parampara line of philosophy, spiritual sentiments and behavior.)
If one is not serving his Gurudeva, if he does not have strong belief in his Gurudeva, and if he is not following his line of thought, such a person must be sahajiya. This is taking place nowadays. We are preaching and therefore they are somewhat stopped, but I do not know what will happen after I leave this world. A very dangerous stage is coming.
Many Iskcon devotees left Srila Bhaktivedanta Svami Maharaja, their Guru, Srila Prabhupada, and they went to Radha-kunda. They wanted to remember the 24-hour daily amorous pastimes of Sri Sri Radha and Krsna (asta-kaliya-lila) as goopis – not gopis, but goopis – and for this offense they went to hell. They became ‘babajis’. Keeping two, three, or four widows with them, they began to relish their ‘parakiya-bhajana’. I know not only two or three or four, but so many. They want to jump – not to practice bhakti-yoga. They want to be gopis by paying two pennies to any bogus person who will ‘give’ them siddha-deha, their perfected personal identity, and tell them, “You are a gopi.” Such persons will give a name, and all other false information, about that ‘gopi’. Then, after some time, such ‘disciples’ imagine themselves absorbed in Sri Sri Radha and Krsna’s most confidential pastimes in the kunjas. Please do not try to be like that – do not go in that direction.
There are some ill-charactered persons who have been rejected from the Gaudiya Matha, and they also went to Radha-kunda to become babajis in that asat-sampradaya. Such characterless or unqualified persons imagine themselves to be absorbed in the asta-kaliya-lila of Radha and Krsna in Their midnight and end of the night (nisanta-lila) pastimes. At that time, Radha and Krsna are meeting in a kunja. If They are alone, half naked and kissing each other, what will that ‘meditator’ think? Material ideas will come to him. He is bound to think in this way, and this is wrong.
Sri Sri Radha-Krsna-lila is transcendental. Only a saintly person like Sri Sukadeva Gosvami who was a brahmacari from his birth, or like Sri Narada Gosvami who is a liberated soul, or like Lord Sankara who is an ideal personality, can properly think of asta-kaliya-lila.
You should offer obeisances to such pastimes and try to practice bhakti-yoga as our predecessors acaryas have taught us. Gradually begin from the root of the tree, then be qualified to climb, and then reach the top. Then you can take the fruits. Otherwise, you will have nothing but these bogus ideas. Try to follow Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saravasti Prabhupada, our Gurudeva Srila Bhaktiprajnana Kesava Gosvami Maharaja, and Srila Bhaktivedanta Svami Maharaja. Otherwise, you will be like those misdirected persons and you will also go to hell.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura sent his son to a Sanskrit college and, at the age of twelve perhaps, he received the degree in astrology and the title Siddhanta Sarasvati. At that time he had become the champion in astrology throughout Bengal, and therefore all the elevated scriptural scholars gave him that title. Sometimes Srila Saravasti Thakura would defeat the arguments of his teachers, and he therefore left that college. Our Gurudeva also left college. They both left because they had nothing to learn from the teachers there.
During that time, the governor of Bengal was Ashutos Mukarji. At that time the Indian government was ruled by the British, and the British had made him governor. He was very qualified. He established the Calcutta University, and there he reserved a seat for Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. He requested him, “Oh, please come and be the head of the department. Please oversee it. You are the most qualified for this.” Srila Sarasvati Thakura replied: “I have not come to this world to count the stars in the universe. I have not come to count the sands on the ocean beaches of the world. I cannot fulfill your desire.” As long as Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati remained in this world, that post was reserved for him, but he never accepted it.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura then thought: “What should I do for this boy?” He established a medical dispensary and told his son, “Remain there, and somehow maintain it so that there are no losses. Srila Prabhupada Sarasvati Thakura began to do so, but the dispensary failed, and again the father wondered what to do.
There was a king in India at that time who was the king of Kashim Bazar, and he was a bosom friend of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. He told the Thakura, “I want a tutor for my son. He will be king after me, so I want a tutor for him.” Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura replied. “Let us try; I will tell my son to teach him.” At that time the salary was very high.
Srila Sarasvati Thakura went to the king and began to teach his son that the entire world, along with all the sandhis and samas (movements of the moon) is an emanation of Krsna and non-different from Him. He taught as Mahaprabhu taught when He was a teacher in Navadvipa. After some time the boy became very learned and a scholar in Vaisnava philosophy, and the result was that he became renounced. He was not like you. Many of you have been hearing for sixteen or twenty years, but you have not become detached. On the other hand, being taught by Srila Saravati Thakura, that prince became detached from worldly enjoyment.
The boy’s mother became very disturbed, and she told her husband, the king: “You have only one son, and you want to make him a sannyasi? Your only son? I do not want this. If you continue in this way I will take poison and die.” The king became upset and asked Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, “What should I do?” Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura replied, “I will tell my boy to return home.” The King said, “I will continue to give you money, the same salary that I have been giving, but he should return.”
At that time the king had a very big library, and Srila Sarasvati Thakura Pabhupada studied the thousands of books there – all the Gosvami’s books, Srimad Bhagavatam, Brahma-sutra, books of the other sampradayas, and so on. Though he already knew their contents, he studied those books just to set an example for us. Quickly, in one or two years, he completed that study.After that he returned home, and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura again considered what might be a good engagement for his son. He purchased land in Mayapura, beginning from Jagannatha Bhavan (the house of Sri Sacinandana), the Yogapitha, Candrasekara Bhavan and beyond. He gave the entire area to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, and he himself then began to perform bhajana in Svarupa-ganja, in Godruma. He told his son, “We have discovered the birthplace of Mahaprabhu by the help and mercy of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja. Now you should glorify it.”
Srila Saravati Thakura then made a hut where Sri Gauracandra, Srimati Visnupriya, Srimati Laksmipriya and Pancha-tattva were established, and his father then ordered him, “You should perform arcana in the Deities’ hut, and you can maintain yourself by depending on Lord Krsna while performing His worship and service.”
As you may know, in general, a father does not believe that his boy is very intelligent and capable. Our Guru Maharaja considered us his babies and thought, “What will they do?” He told us that he had made this Gaudiya Matha with bricks, and added, “After I leave this world, if you cannot maintain yourself you should sell these bricks and somehow maintain.” Similarly, Srila Bhaktivinoda used to think, “My baby is the same as he was when he was young.”
Srila Prabhupada very quickly preached over the entirety of Bengal. He began to establish the Navadvipa-dhama parikrama and Kartika parikrama. Then, after some time he gave sannyasa to very qualified disciples – who were practically only boys. At that time Pujyapada Bon Maharaja, Pujyapada Sridhara Maharaja, Pujyapada Vaikhanas Maharaja, Pujyapada Auduloumi Maharaja and many others were only about 25, 26, or 27, and they were the cream of all qualified personalities in Bengal and all of India. They were the upper-class. He brought them to himself, gave them brahmacarya and sannyasa, and established Sri Caitanya Matha.
What is the meaning of the word ‘matha’? Mathanti vasanti satrah – it is a place in which students study and learn under the guidance of their Gurudeva. It is like the gurukulas of previous times, wherein boys would study and become very qualified in all kinds of siddhanta (philosophical conclusions). Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura established this. He gave brahmacarya to many beautiful boys, and thus very quickly preached all over India.
After some time he wished that this religion of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu would also go to the Western countries, and he inspired Srila Bhaktivedanta Svami Maharaja – Sri Abhaya Caranaravinda. By his mercy Parama-pujyapada Srila Svami Maharaja went abroad and preached throughout the world in just a few years. Srila Svami Maharaja established preaching centers and translated and published many books, which were in turn translated in all the prominent languages of the world. You have come by his mercy, and the root mercy is that of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Thakura.
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Home Festivals & Events European Festivals
Cardi B cancels Primavera; replaced by Miley Cyrus
Primavera Sound announce huge 2019 line-up
Stagedoor FM Admin - December 5, 2018
Sonar Festival announce first-wave 2019 line-up
Disclosure announce first festival show for 2019
Benicassim announce first acts for 2019, including The 1975
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Benicassim 2018: The Killers announced as first headliner
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Primavera Sound 2017: Full line-up announced
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Frank Ocean, The xx, Aphex Twin and Solange are to top the bill for next summer's Primavera Sound in Barcelona, organisers have confirmed. Revealing almost 200 names earlier today, next year's Primavera (which runs from 31st May - 4th June) will also see appearances from...
Benicassim 2017: Red Hot Chili Peppers confirmed as first headliner
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Red Hot Chili Peppers have been announced as the first headliners for 2017's Benicassim, organisers have confirmed. The appointment, announced earlier today, will mark the group's first major headline festival show for next year, and follows in the footsteps of the recent release of their...
Stagedoor FM Admin - April 28, 2016
Legendary UK house label Defected have announced the full lineup of their inaugural Defected Croatia festival, and it's looking pretty serious! Kicking off on 11th August, Defected Croatia will run daily until Monday 15th, and will see the likes of Basement Jaxx, The Shapeshifters, Nightmares...
Benicassim 2016: Skepta, Hannah Wants and more announced
A host of new names have been added to this summer’s Benicassim, following last month's appointment of Disclosure, Massive Attack and The Chemical Brothers. Set to join the aforementioned (alongside Kendrick Lamar, Jamie xx and Major Lazer), Benicassim 2016 will also see the likes of...
Benicassim 2016: New names announced
A host of new names have been added to this summer's Benicassim, as the annual festival returns to Spain once again in July. Joining the already-announced Kendrick Lamar, Jamie xx and Major Lazer, Benicassim 2016 will also see the likes of The chemical Brothers, Disclosure...
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Following its huge success in the Dominican Republic, Groovefest organisers have announced plans to take their party to Malta for the first time, in a sign that the country could be the 'next big party island'. Already gaining a solid reputation thanks to Annie...
Primavera 2016: Full line-up announced
Stagedoor FM Admin - January 21, 2016
Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, PJ Harvey, Tame Impala, Sigur Rós, Last Shadow Puppets, Animal Collective, Pusha T, Brian Wilson, John Carpenter are amongst more than 150 names confirmed for this summer's Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona. Set to kick off on 1st-4th June, Primavera 2016 will...
Benicassim 2016: Initial lineup announced
Benicassim organisers have given their first teaser to the 2016 lineup, confirming headline support from Jamie xx, Kendrick Lamar and Major Lazer. Announced earlier today, the trio will also be joined by the likes of Hannah Wants, The Maccabees and Bloc Party as Benicassim returns...
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[ACTOR AND MUSICIAN]
Recently, I had a conversation about the casting of a movie based on my books. “Jack Black!” I said. “Jack Black! Jack Black! Jack Black! Jack Black!” There was a pause on the other end of the phone, where several executives and a director were hunched over a speaker. Finally, somebody said, “The cast party would be awesome.”
“Awesome” is indeed the word for Mr. Black, as the word conveys both the grand majesty of his presence, and also, in the word’s 1980s valley-lingo connotation, the wigged-out smirk he brings to all his roles. As a comic actor, he tightropes between honesty and sarcasm and never falls: he does embarrassing things but he doesn’t embarrass the audience; he’s willing to make a fool of himself, but he never looks like a fool; and he mocks people and phenomena for whom mockery is the highest tribute. After his best work, you don’t just want to applaudyou want to wolf-whistle and hold a lighter up in the air.
After some theater work, he debuted playing a star-eyed fan in Tim Robbins’s smart, hilarious, and sadly prescient mockumentary Bob Roberts, standing creepily outside the hospital, gazing unblinkingly at his hero. In Jesus’ Son, he played a junkie you’d want to party with; in High Fidelity he played a clerk you’d want to work with. And in his creation Tenacious D an acoustic duo with Kyle Gass that has birthed a TV series, an album, and a stadium tour he parties with everyone, sending up heavy metal and other 1970s rock tropes through an achingly sincere love. For years, he was a favorite on the drop-dead hilarious Mr. Show as soon as he stepped onstage, in sweaty overalls or a biblical robe, you knew a song was coming, and coming hard. Now, he’s a bona fide movie star, with School of Rock as perfect a vehicle as one could hope for.
Mr. Black and I spoke on the phone he was in Los Angeles, mid promotional blitz; I was in San Francisco, packing for a book tour. For reasons now unclear to me, I decided we should talk about wedding etiquette. It just seemed like the thing to do. I had an awesome time.
—Daniel Handler
DANIEL HANDLER: Have you attended a lot of weddings?
JACK BLACK: I have, unfortunately, attended a lot of weddings.
DH: Have you presided over any weddings?
JB: No.
DH: Have you been married yourself?
DH: Have you crashed any weddings?
JB: No. I only go when invited and usually I’m really bored. I haven’t been to many good ones.
DH: What’s the most boring part of a bad wedding?
JB: The ceremony, without a doubt. And the time between the ceremony and when we get to eat. That’s always the most excruciating part. And sometimes between the eating and the waiting for the cake to be cut because that’s commonly understood as the part where you get to leave. Right after the cake is cut, that’s the end. Unless you’re going to wait around for people to get into a car and drive away. I guess that’s when you’re really allowed to leave. I always leave after the cake is cut.
DH: Is there a kind of wedding cake that you prefer?
JB: I prefer chocolate. I don’t like frosting unless it’s the kind that is like pudding. I don’t like the crunchy frosting. I like the pudding cake, with a very moist chocolate center.
DH: Like a white pudding and then the chocolate cake inside?
JB: I guess I don’t like any frosting, period. My favorite cake is a frostingless, moist chocolate cake... my favorite cake is an ice-cream cake, truth be told.
DH: Ice-cream cake is clearly the best. But you never get that at a wedding.
JB: No. There’s too much waiting around for an ice-cream cake to be served.
DH: What kind of finger foods do you appreciate at weddings?
JB: I like things on sticks. I like little things. Like miniature pizzas.
DH: On a stick?
JB: No. I switched gears. I couldn’t think of anything I liked on a stick. I like Swedish meatballs on a stick. This is going to sound grody but I went to this wedding and they were serving sushi, which tasted pretty good to me. I approved.
DH: That doesn’t sound grody to me.
JB: Good.
DH: I’m not afraid of sushi.
JB: There was a time when there was a stigma attached to sushi that the only people who ate sushi were yuppie scum. Do you know what I mean?
DH: Yeah. Like they’ve spent far too much money on fancy, raw fish that secretly nobody likes. I believe that was the attitude.
JB: See, those times are gone. Now everyone agrees sushi is the most delicious food and the Japanese are onto something. It won’t be long before McSushi.
DH: I actually was in Australia not so long ago and sushi seemed to be the primary fast food.
JB: I like Australia. I have a good time there. Were you promoting your book?
DH: Yeah. I was promoting my book.
JB: I should say I’m a big fan. I really enjoy your books. Are you in fact Lemony Snicket?
DH: That’s what they tell me.
JB: I have enjoyed heartily books one through three.
DH: That’s very nice of you to say.
JB: I look forward to four through six. Are there six?
DH: Yeah, actually the tenth book will be out next month.
JB: Oh, my god. I have really fallen behind.
DH: Don’t put yourself down like that. I think you can focus and stay on message.
JB: Okay. Weddings mainly are for drinkers.
DH: Do you drink at a wedding?
JB: If you don’t drink, or you don’t like getting drunk, there’s really no pleasure there.
DH: Do you like to drink at a wedding?
JB: I don’t drink very much, no. I don’t like being drunk. It’s not a good feeling to me. I get kind of a hot face and then I say some things that I shouldn’t say. It’s not just for drinkers. It’s also for sentimental people who cry when they see something lovely. I’m neither of those things.
DH: What would improve weddings in our nation?
JB: Obviously everyone should be allowed to get married. I’m hearing a lot about it on the radio. In fact, on my way to the last wedding I went to I was listening on the radio about the controversy over the homosexual... priest, was it? It was more than a priest. It was like a first cardinal or something major. And they were voting on whether it should be allowed. That would improve weddings in our country. If everyone was allowed. What else?
DH: I guess I’ll begin with the ceremony. Do you think that an indoor ceremony or an outdoor ceremony is more enjoyable?
JB: Indoor or outdoor ceremony? [contemplative pause] Definitely outdoor.
DH: Yeah?
JB: Yeah. Amongst nature.
DH: Have you been to outdoor weddings?
JB: Yeah, the last one I went to was an outdoor wedding. It was quite nice, actually. The thing that made it good was that they had the best Beatles cover band in the world.
DH: Wow.
JB: I think they were called the Fab Four. That’s not very original.
DH: [laughs] No.
JB: But they were damn good. They looked just like them, they sounded just like them. They sounded a little bit better than the Beatles, actually.
DH: That’s sort of a brave thing to say, because the Beatles are highly regarded.
JB: Yeah, but they didn’t sound good.
DH: Ah. I was just listening recently to the song “Windmills of Your Mind,” from the motion picture The Thomas Crown Affair, and it was sung by a man named Noel Morrison. He had this great British voice and so I looked him up on that World Wide Web that the kids are crazy about to see what he was up to. It turns out that he was in Beatlemania! for many years.
JB: They probably did a similar thing. But these guys, the Fab Four, they came out as the early Beatles. They played a set, like “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and a bunch of those early songs. Then they left for an hour and came back as the Sgt. Pepper Beatles and rocked much harder. It was good. You got the whole spectrum of Beatles.
DH: Are you fonder of the later Beatles than the earlier Beatles?
JB: Yes.
DH: I would’ve suspected that, given your own band.
JB: I don’t think you really need to listen to anything before Revolver.
DH: Do you dance at weddings?
JB: I don’t like to dance but I do end up dancing a little bit. That’s part of the duties. You have to get out there and try to force some merriment. But I always feel self-conscious dancing.
DH: So people grab you on the floor to dance, or you feel self-obliged?
JB: I feel obliged. Whomever I’m dancing with I’m thinking, “Am I doing the right thing?” They’re looking at me to see my moves. When you’re dancing with someone there’s a feeling that you guys should both be doing a similar dance, but I can never really settle on any one dance. It’s this constantly changing, exhausting experience for me. Do you like to dance?
DH: I do, I do. I will enjoy the occasional dance. Have you always felt this way about dancing? Was this your sixth grade, first boy/girl-dance feeling?
JB: Yeah. I feel like whenever I’m dancing that it’s a performance so there’s all kinds of performance anxiety. If it was just moving to the music... but I feel like I’m being judged. [mockingly] “God, Jack’s really doing a boring dance. So much for Mr. Comedy.”
DH: Is that why? Because you feel obliged to be the wackiest dancer on the floor?
JB: I don’t know. It doesn’t come naturally. Let’s just leave it at that.
DH: What about when you’re alone and listening to music? Do you dance or do you just sort of rock out?
JB: Sometimes I will do a little dance when I’m alone. Yeah, I dance pretty well with myself. It’s actually a good kind of exercise. Solo dancercise.
DH: Have you ever heard “White Wedding” played at a wedding?
JB: Yeah, they actually played it at the last wedding I went to.
DH: Really? The Beatles cover band played “White Wedding”?
JB: No. The Beatles cover band didn’t happen until the dinner after the wedding. At the ceremony itself there was a five-piece stringed orchestra and they played Stevie Wonder’s “I Believe When I Fall in Love with You It Will Be Forever” or whatever that’s called, and as they were leaving, as they kissed, they played “White Wedding.”
DH: Was that good or cringe-worthy?
JB: It was good, just because you didn’t know what it was for a while. Whenever the orchestra is playing the tunes, it’s funny to me because it’s never cringe-worthy.
DH: I have a really great album called Mancini Rocks the Pops, which has Henry Mancini conducting an orchestra through songs like “Walk Like an Egyptian.”
JB: [laughing] I saw the best thing. Do you have cable?
DH: No.
JB: Well if you did I would recommend that you get this channel called “Trio.” It’s the best station. They have that show, I think it used to be on PBS, “Sessions at West 54th.” Do you know what I’m talking about?
JB: It’s hosted by David Byrne, the guy from Talking Heads. Different people do concerts in front of small audiences, and I was just watching the Kronos Quartet. They did this great cover of Jimi Hendrix...
DH: “Purple Haze.”
JB: You saw it!
DH: No. The Kronos Quartet is from San Francisco, and when I was in high school I saw them a few times and they would often close their concerts with “Purple Haze.”
JB: It was pretty rad. They were passionate about it.
DH: What’s your idea of somebody who would be a really good officiant at a wedding?
JB: Who would be a good officiant at a wedding? Okay. Yeah. I can answer this. I think it would be cool if it was someone like... is Kurt Vonnegut still alive?
DH: Yes. Kurt Vonnegut is still alive.
JB: I’d want Kurt Vonnegut Jr. to officiate at my wedding. I’d want someone who was kind of funny and existential at the helm to say some pissy things about how meaningless everything is but then could maybe still see...
DH: So someone to sort of take you into the dark hole that exists within weddings and then lead you out?
JB: Yeah. Exactly. Someone who acknowledges the darkness but then also sees just a little shining light of something. Who else would be good? I think George Foreman would be good. Just because he’d be funny. And he’s so positive. I like his positive message. [laughs]
DH: [laughing]
JB: And then we could all eat off the Foreman grill. A giant, two-ton Foreman grill.
DH: I was thinking more of people with good speaking voices. Not that your answers aren’t completely valid.
JB: Oh I see.
DH: Like a James Earl Jones. I mean, if you were a guest and you were sitting in one of those tiny white folding chairs kind of spacing out...
JB: Let’s see. Who has a great voice? Searching the memory banks. I don’t know. Whom would you pick?
DH: I don’t know. Maybe Tom Waits.
JB: Tom Waits. Yeah. He’d be great.
DH: He’d probably be good at leading you into the darkness, too.
JB: That’s true. I saw the most amazing play. Do you ever go to the theater?
DH: Occasionally.
JB: Okay, this was really pretentious and I dragged some friends to it and they were like, “What the hell are you doing?” but I enjoyed it. I guess I have kind of a soft side for the super-pretentious sometimes. There was this opera [The Black Rider] based on the old play Der Freischuts.
DH: Oh right. That Tom Waits did.
JB: Yeah.
DH: I have the album from that but I never saw it.
JB: Robert Wilson directed it and he’s the super elitist opera guru or whatever.
DH: I love Robert Wilson.
JB: Have you seen any of his productions?
DH: You know, I’ve only seen one. It was Four Saints in Three Acts, this Gertrude Stein opera.
JB: Who did the music?
DH: Virgil Thompson. There were, like, giant pears lowered from the ceiling and houses caught on fire and everything was crazy. And I read about this seven-day theater event that he did somewhere in rural Italy. You would just go and it was happening everywhere, all over the countryside, and so you’d bring a picnic lunch and sometimes you’d stay up late to see stuff and sometimes you’d go back to wherever you were sleeping and that sounded really cool.
JB: I guess he and Tom Waits are tight. Tight buddies. Because it’s not the first time they’ve collaborated.
DH: I think it’s maybe the third or fourth time.
JB: I actually saw the show first in Italy because I was there doing a couple days on a movie with Ben Stiller. And I saw in the paper that it was happening and I went out and got a ticket. It was the worst seat in the house. It didn’t matter. I was transfixed.
DH: I’m always under the impression that people who go to a place to work for a couple days never have any time to do anything.
JB: There shouldn’t have been time, but I forced it to happen. I didn’t get enough sleep for the next day of shooting. But then I came back to the States and that’s when I saw it again in New York and dragged some people to it.
DH: Would you ever be in a pretentious production of something?
JB: I feel like I’ve done my time in some pretty highbrow stuff early on. I did a play about Brecht that was just basically a bunch of his poems that he wrote while he was in Los Angeles. We sang songs and did little scenes of him trying to make it in Hollywood. I don’t know if that really counts.
DH: That sounds fairly highbrow.
JB: Yeah, it was pretty pretentious. But I had a great time doing it. I like the absurd. I would be into doing some Ionesco or something.
DH: That’s something that I could see you doing.
JB: I did this play, this production of Farewell to the King, which is an Ionesco play, and it was fucking great. I could get into that.
DH: What if someone asked you to be an officiant at a wedding? Would you do that?
JB: No. I’d have to respectfully decline. Well, maybe. If they begged me hard enough.
DH: [laughing] I’m not asking this as a prelude to asking you.
JB: [laughs] If they would heed my warnings about how I loathe weddings, then I could be a fan of that.
DH: Have you ever given a toast at a wedding?
JB: I think I did at a friend’s wedding. I think I did tell a story.
DH: Because that’s the part that I often find the most painful.
JB: The toast?
DH: Yeah.
JB: It’s only painful if the people aren’t creative or they don’t have a good story.
DH: I’ve been to a few where it’s worked magnificently even with a lot of people because everybody’s nice or they have a good story or they have a shtick or somehow it works. But then there’re some of them where everybody begins to feel like they have to give a speech, because there’ve been so many, and it goes on and on and on.
JB: I went to this one wedding that was an Orthodox Jewish wedding that was the most excruciating. But then, someone gave a toast afterwards and he basically gave a brief history of the toast itself. That was kind of interesting. I can’t remember it at all. But it was interesting.
DH: You were interested.
JB: I was.
DH: You were interested and not drunk.
JB: I was momentarily interested. [laughs] Do you like to get drunk? Do you put the hammer down?
DH: Ummmm, I occasionally indulge, yes. I like alcohol. I actually enjoy very much to have a martini or some bourbon. I don’t really like to howl at the moon.
JB: Right. I like a good red wine, but that’s about it.
DH: I guess I’m definitely in the camp that will have eight people over for dinner and everybody gets really loud and laughs and then everybody gets really quiet. That kind of alcohol experience.
JB: Do you cook?
DH: Yeah. How about you?
JB: I don’t cook. But I do like going to dinners. A dinner party is always the right-sized party. Any bigger than one table of dining guests is too big a party. I say twelve, maybe thirteen people max. I leave if there’s more.
DH: [laughs] That must go over well.
JB: I’m a little claustrophobic. I don’t like people I don’t know and I’m bound to meet some at a party. Gatherings. Not parties.
DH: So you prefer the buffet?
JB: Yeah. Big, fat bowls of delicious food. Just scoop it onto your plate.
DH: I often have trouble with the buffet because early on I’ll see salad and I’ll put a lot of salad and then I’m at the end and I’m desperately balancing a meatball someplace.
JB: [laughs]
DH: So proper buffet planning can be tough.
JB: Now, do you say that the toasts are the most painful because that’s when a close family member will get too drunk and say something horrible like, “You did it, you asshole. You stole the woman that I love,” or something like that?
DH: My family is Jewish and one of my cousins married into an Irish family and the Irish dad was sort of a walking stereotype of a whiskey-drinkin’ guy. He stood up and gave an endless speech about every Jew he’d ever met and how they were all nice.
JB: [laughing] That is rich.
DH: Also I hate when I go to a wedding of someone I don’t know that well and there are eighteen people telling stories from fraternity parties.
JB: Yeah. That’s bad.
DH: What about the sort of wedding-reception traditions like the bride and groom feeding each other cake, or the bouquet-tossing?
JB: Yeah, the bouquet-tossing is pretty ridiculous. People jumping and fighting for it. I’m not a fan of that part. That seems to be from a time when getting married was the greatest thing that could happen to you.
DH: And what do you think is the greatest thing that can happen to you now?
JB: Not getting married. [laughs] Yeah, now no one wants to catch that thing. It just falls straight to the floor.... I don’t like anything superstitious.
DH: No?
JB: No. I think it’s all crap. And ooga-booga. I don’t believe in any of that astrology crap, either.
DH: You don’t even check your horoscope for fun when leafing through the paper?
JB: It has been read to me.
DH: Right.
JB: And then I’ll say, “Okay, there were some things that sound right to me. Now read me Leo or any of them,” and I’m going to say the same thing. It’s all really general bogusity. I don’t know. Have you ever been hit with some astrology? Have you ever said, “Whoa. That is right on the money?”
DH: No. Never. I also like when it’s my birthday and you look up who else was born on your birthday and it seems like that’s the strongest disproof of astrology. I don’t even remember who was born at the same time as me but it’s probably someone like Phyllis Diller and it’s like, “What do I have in common with Phyllis Diller?”
JB: I can’t remember whom I share my birthday with. No one of note. I’m coming up on my thirty-fourth.
DH: I’m also thirty-three.
JB: Oh really?
DH: Yes.
JB: See, I say thirty-three is the landmark.
DH: Of what?
JB: It’s the landmark year. I’m a Jew. Thirty-three is when Christ died. So though I’m a Jew, in the back of my mind I still think that I gotta get it done before I’m thirty-four because well, I don’t know why. He got it done before He was thirty-four.
DH: It seems like he had plans to do a few other things.
JB: Oh really? [laughs] Is there evidence of that?
DH: He just seems like the kind of guy bent on remaking the world.
JB: He had superpowers and that’s the main reason I like Him. Anyone who can float, has power of levitation, or can shoot lasers out of his eyes...
DH: I don’t remember hearing about the laser thing with Jesus.
JB: Well, how do you think he turned the water into wine? With His eye-lasers.
DH: [laughing] I see. I think your Jewish education is shining right through. I don’t feel like I’m talking to a well-versed Christian.
JB: It would be cool if Jesus were a comic book character and could fight against other superheroes like Superman or Aquaman.
JB: They did do that thing on South Park. Their pilot episode was Jesus vs. Santa Claus. That was pretty good.
DH: You sort of made fun of Jesus in a Mr. Show episode...
JB: Oh. Jeepers Creepers Semi-Star?
JB: Kind of. Yeah.
DH: Did you receive any flack for your religious...
JB: Zero flack. Me personally, I don’t have anything against Jesus any more than I do any of the religious icons. I think they’re all pretty funny. Buddha is pretty funny. Buddha is the coolest, though. If I had to go with one, I’d probably party with the Buddha.
DH: Have you noticed that, more and more, next to the Bible in hotels is the book of Buddha?
DH: Yeah. Next time you’re put up in a fancy-pants hotel someplace, particularly a slick, modern one... like the Mondrian.
JB: Well, of course the Mondrian.
DH: It’s pretty interesting because you assume that the Bible is left in the hotel room for the three a.m. of the soul. Like the, “Someone help me.” Whenever I’ve opened a Bible at random it’s just sort of gobbledygook, but when I’ve opened the Buddha book at random it’s actually incredibly soothing, sort of general remarks.
JB: Yeah, they definitely win in the contest of soothing the soul.
DH: And in terms of making you feel good about your own body, I think Buddha is good for that, too.
JB: Yeah, it’s true. He’s happy; he’s very comfortable with his body. Jesus was obviously on the Atkins diet.
DH: [laughs]
JB: Very intimidating. Chiseled muscles, tight abs.
DH: Right. Although He gave out bread and wafers and things so it wasn’t a strict Atkins diet.
JB: He gave them out, but did He ever eat them himself?
DH: I don’t think so because it represented His own body.
JB: Right. You know, you only ever see Him on the cross. Maybe He was heavier earlier on. Yeah. I think what would improve weddings would be just shorter ones. And cheaper ones. I always feel bad for people getting married and spending upwards of a hundred thousand dollars. It just seems so absurd to me.
DH: Yeah, that’s a lot of money.
JB: They should just go do it at a bar for really cheap. Then it’s actually more meaningful. But I’ll tell you what I do like that’s an improvement. This whole being registered at such-and-such.com.
DH: That was one of my questions. You approve of that?
JB: I love it. It just makes it so easy. You go and take care of it lick, splat, bling, bling. Are you against it?
DH: No, I’m not against it. But I feel that if you’re going to get married and have a wedding and not just have a large dinner party with your friends but actually go all out, you ought to receive some useless items. Or essentially useless. So I like to go all out. I don’t aim to offend. The large, ornate silver vase, I think that’s good.
JB: It’s definitely the classier move to go out of your way, get the thing, put it in a box, wrap it up, bring it under your arm, put it on the gift table.... Yeah. You’re right.
DH: Have you been at a wedding where you’ve disapproved of the union?
JB: Where I didn’t think they should be getting married?
JB: That’s a tender subject. If I give away too many details, they’ll know.
DH: Ahh, right. But so, “yes”?
JB: Yeah, there was some stuff that looked a little impulsive to me. That can’t be good. You don’t want to get married on an impulse.
DH: Did you feel that vibe going around the wedding?
JB: Yeah. Parents looked a little worried. Everyone was a little on edge. But still a nice wedding.
DH: It was a wedding that you disapproved of as strongly as prison rape?
JB: Never. No. I’m all for people making a decision. If they want to do it, so be it. But my feeling is, if they get divorced, part of the deal is that they should give back the gifts.
DH: But what do you want with your two table settings?
JB: I never did the table settings.
JB: But I could do something with a full set of silverware. I could do something with those sheets. King-size, one-thousand-thread-count sheets. You know what I’m saying though?
JB: You put everybody through that, renting a tux... ugh.
DH: You don’t own a tux?
JB: No. Do you?
DH: Yeah. I started owning a tux in high school because I had a gig playing cocktail piano.
JB: Wow. And you kept it going after high school? You got another tux when you grew out of that one?
JB: Are you on your third tux now?
DH: I think I am. I think I’m on my third tux.
JB: I’m impressed. Where did you get it?
DH: Actually this most recent one is from Armani.
JB: Ooooh... I think I look pretty good in my rented tux.
DH: I bet you do. Do you get the full ruffles?
JB: No, I don’t go with the tails and I didn’t go with ruffles this last time.
DH: So you don’t go for the sort of Italian mobster prom tux?
JB: No. I don’t want to make a mockery of the proceedings. I just want to look sharp. It would probably be better if I got my own tux, but I’m afraid my fluctuating weight would become a problem. I’ll gain or drop twenty pounds in a matter of months.
DH: It’s nice to have a tux because sometimes you can just put it on and wear it. It sort of shocks the hell out of people.
JB: [laughing] Do you do that?
DH: Yeah, I just wore it to someone’s birthday party. If you really go all out and it’s not a sarcastic-looking tux they just don’t know what to do with you. Plus it might give you that extra boost of confidence you’ve been looking for in these gatherings where there are strangers present.
JB: That’s true. I like a tux but then I like a splash of blue, some color in there somewhere.
DH: Like a silk hanky?
JB: No. Like a blue vest.
DH: Like something shiny? Like something Prince might wear at his wedding?
JB: Yeah. But just a splash of it, though. The pants and coat should be black.
DH: Are you secretly envious of the bridesmaids’ matching outfits that they have going on?
JB: No. No I’m not. I feel bad for the people that have to do the extra stuff and go to the rehearsal.
DH: Are you a fan of love in general, or are you sort of a cynic about it?
JB: I’m a little bit of a cynic about it. I have a girlfriend and we’ve been together for seven years...
DH: That sounds like love.
JB: Yeah. We have a good relationship. I remember not having anyone and being crushed by loneliness...
DH: And so you’re sympathetic.
JB: Yeah. I just don’t know about this whole making-it-official thing with documents and putting all your friends through the thing where they have to buy stuff. I guess because it’s a party; it’s a big party with too many people in it, so I just don’t like the idea of it. That’s the thing. I think if I ever get married I think only twelve people will be invited. Then everyone will be mad. No one’s invited. It’s just a good, old-fashioned elope.
DH: I promise you I won’t be mad. Frankly, I didn’t even think I would be invited.
Daniel Handler’s son can stand up all by himself.
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Black flight" changing the makeup of Dallas schools
Interesting trend in Texas. Quote from within: " The trend seen in Dallas schools is part of a larger national move away from inner cities for many black families, but the plunge is steeper in Dallas ISD than other urban districts in Texas and is among the biggest declines nationally." I wonder to what extent the administrative ranks are Latino...
By HOLLY K. HACKER and TAWNELL D. HOBBS
The Dallas Morning News (June 9, 2010)
Every morning Vivian King drives her granddaughter past her neighborhood Dallas
ISD school on the five-mile route to her charter school.
Both are "recognized" public schools, but King believes the A.W. Brown-Fellowship Leadership Academy offers her granddaughter, 6-year-old Vivica Griffin, a better education.
"We didn't want her to go to the schools around here," King said.
King's decision makes her part of a historic shift in Dallas ISD: The number of black children attending DISD schools has reached its lowest point since 1965.
The movement mirrors, on a smaller scale, massive white flight from the district in the 1970s.
Black students formed a majority in Dallas schools through the 1980s and '90s. Over the last 10 years, though, the number of black children has fallen by nearly 20,000, or about a third. Meanwhile, Hispanic children have filled their seats as the district's overall enrollment remains fairly flat at about 157,000.
Today, about 41,000 black students attend DISD schools. They make up 26 percent of the district compared with 106,000 Hispanic children, or 68 percent. White students are 5 percent of the district.
For interactive map, click on map
The trend seen in Dallas schools is part of a larger national move away from inner cities for many black families, but the plunge is steeper in Dallas ISD than other urban districts in Texas and is among the biggest declines nationally.
Interviews with dozens of parents reveal that the exodus is not fueled by a single reason, but by myriad forces including issues of race, class, perceptions of problems within DISD, an explosion of charter schools and the quest for the American dream in the suburbs.
Adelfa Callejo, a Latina civil rights activist, said it's like history repeating itself.
"They're doing exactly what the whites are doing, abandoning the school district," Callejo said. "That will leave us with a lack of black leadership. You need leaders of all races to make it happen."
Specifically, black parents most often mentioned the following reasons:
· The perception that Dallas ISD schools offer an inferior education compared with suburban schools, and that the school system is too big and impersonal.
· As Dallas ISD educates a growing number of Hispanic students, many of whom are poor and learning English, some black parents say the district no longer focuses on their children.
· The desire of middle-class blacks to live in bigger, newer, more comfortable homes in the suburbs, away from big-city crime and congestion.
· A growing number of charter schools, which are public schools run by private groups.
· Many of Dallas' traditionally black neighborhoods are aging, and young Hispanic families are moving in to replace them and having children.
Superintendent Michael Hinojosa did not voice concern with the drop in black students, saying the shift is part of a national trend.
Hinojosa disagreed that DISD is losing focus on black children.
"We cannot be successful if those kids are not successful, absolutely not," he said.
He pointed to a district initiative to improve math skills of black students.
"Three years later, those results are bearing out," Hinojosa said. "We've had tremendous growth in those performances."
The most recent TAKS results show that black students improved in all subject areas this year, but Hispanic students showed even greater gains.
'Saggy pants'
Perceptions of Dallas ISD schools play a large role in parental decisions.
For many black parents, Dallas ISD is little more than a place to warehouse kids, a place where educators don't care and students lack discipline.
"I don't want my grandkid in that environment where the teachers don't teach and the kids wear saggy pants," King said. "You don't see that at the charter school."
Yet, state data shows the teachers are less experienced at the charter school King's granddaughter attends than their neighborhood DISD school.
Brianna Sosa, 17, attends Gateway Charter Academy in Oak Cliff. The small size - 340 students - offers a family environment. She said that outweighs the fact that her school does not offer an array of Advanced Placement classes.
Sosa, who is black, has never attended a DISD school and previously attended Lancaster schools. She was concerned when she heard about the metal detectors at DISD high schools.
"I'm not a rough person," Brianna said. "I couldn't imagine walking through metal detectors. I wouldn't feel safe at a school like that."
Still, many black families have stayed with DISD.
"There are excellent teachers in Dallas, and I just elected to stay because I like Dallas," said Ola Allen, whose daughter just graduated from Skyline High School.
And Christopher Davis, whose son attends Thomas Tolbert Elementary, praises the school. "The classes are smaller, and you have more one-on-one type education," he said.
Still, Davis said his family has thought about moving to Mansfield.
"Better schools, a better community, less crime," he said.
Racial friction
Racial friction between blacks and Hispanics has long been a reality in Dallas ISD, from the hiring of Superintendent Michael Hinojosa to racial divisions among board members to arguments over funding priorities for civil rights-era learning centers.
Many black parents are concerned about the attention and money spent bringing native Spanish-speakers up to speed. Some say their children are ignored.
"Nothing is geared towards us; it's all geared towards the Hispanics," said Shirley Daniels, spokeswoman for the Black Coalition to Maximize Education, a civil rights group and plaintiff in DISD's federal desegregation case, which lasted from 1970 to 2003.
On the other hand, community activist Jesse Diaz, whose daughter attends a DISD school in Pleasant Grove, said he believes that some of the district's naysayers have a prejudice against non-English-speaking Hispanic children and poor kids. The percentage of DISD students labeled "economically disadvantaged," meaning they qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, has increased from 73 percent in 2000 to 87 percent this year.
"People always ask me, 'Why are you sending your daughter to DISD?' " said Diaz, who is Hispanic. "They don't want to be there with that class of people."
Marisela Vargas, a longtime DISD volunteer, said her three children received good educations in the district. Two are now teachers in DISD and another served in the Air Force and is now a plumber, she said.
Vargas said the key to having a successful experience in DISD is to get involved and voice any concerns. "We cannot blame everything on DISD," she said.
Suburb migration
Regional student statistics show black families are sending their children to suburban districts such as Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Garland , Plano , Frisco and Mansfield.
Bray Elementary in Cedar Hill has for years carried the state's top rating of "exemplary." Ten years ago, the student body was nearly 80 percent white. This year it's about half black, a quarter white and a quarter Hispanic.
Maurice Addison and his wife moved to Cedar Hill from Detroit two years ago. Addison is a patrol officer with the Dallas Police Department.
Addison, who is black, said he asked around when picking a school for his two sons. He heard good things about Bray.
"Once we came here and went to a few PTA meetings and met a few teachers, we very quickly observed the passion of teaching and all the extra activities," Addison said.
Other plusses: the school's after-school "character chorus" emphasizing respect and responsibility. And all students learn to play string instruments.
Addison, a product of Detroit public schools, said he never considered Dallas public schools. "I'm from the city, and I know the detrimental issues that are going on with city schools right now."
As more black families migrate to the suburbs, figures show white families move farther out.
Bray's principal, Robert Johansen, said much of the white exodus from Cedar Hill schools took place in the early 2000s.
"I believe it was because they didn't feel like people looked like them. We still were an exemplary school. We still were performing. They were afraid that there was going to be a change," he said.
This year's preliminary TAKS scores show more than 95 percent of Bray students - black, white and Hispanic alike - passed their reading and math tests, and half or more scored at the higher "commended" level.
There are DISD schools with economic student demographics similar to Bray's that scored as well.
Switching to charters
An explosion of charter schools in Dallas has offered new options to parents.
About 5,900 black children who live within DISD's boundaries attend charter schools. Houston ISD, by comparison, enrolls more black students than DISD and loses fewer of them to charter schools.
Academy of Dallas in Oak Cliff has the state's lowest academic rating of "unacceptable." But that does not deter Brenda Toliver, whose grandson attends.
"To me, they're more advanced," she said. "The children learn a lot more, and the classes are not that big."
Yet TAKS scores show that last year less than a quarter of fifth-graders passed all their TAKS exams. About a mile away, 60 percent of fifth-graders passed all of their exams at DISD's Henderson Elementary School.
A.W. Brown-Fellowship Leadership school in the Red Bird area is one of the area's larger charters. Nearly all students are black, as that group's enrollment has spiked from 161 kids in 2000 to 948 this year.
The charter has amenities not typical on Dallas ISD campuses, from an indoor golf course to a playground with artificial grass and a kid-size basketball court.
Several A.W. Brown parents said that the school, rated "recognized," has a superior curriculum that encourages parent participation. Fifth and sixth-graders must do 100 hours of community service. They say administrators and teachers seem more concerned about their children and that classes are smaller - though A.W. Brown reports class sizes that well exceed the state average across every grade level.
"Charter schools are on a higher level," said Brandy Redwine, whose daughter attends A.W. Brown. "They get up and personal with the students and tend to care for them."
Housing factors
The loss of black students is also due to larger shifts in neighborhoods. Aging black populations in the city and the destruction of housing has fueled change.
Freda Jones Dunbar lives across the street from H.S. Thompson Elementary. It has lost 635 black students in the last decade, and the 220 students left are evenly split between black and Hispanic.
Dunbar has lived in her South Dallas home for 10 years. "When I moved here, it was flooded with kids," said Dunbar, who is black. Now she sees only a handful of children walk to school each day.
The city recently tore down the Rhoads Terrace projects, which used to be across the railroad tracks from the school. Down Bexar Street, the Turner Courts projects also came down. Nearby blocks are sprinkled with vacant houses.
Jones says she doesn't want to move. She knows everyone who lives on her short block. And she hasn't seen young families move in.
"They're going to Duncanville , Cedar Hill, Arlington."
COMING MONDAY: Some civil rights leaders who once battled for equal education in Dallas schools are now urging black parents to send their kids elsewhere.
KEY POINTS: SHIFTING SCHOOL ENROLLMENTS
The Dallas Morning News analyzed student enrollment data from the Texas Education Agency over the past decade. Among the findings:
· Ten years ago, Dallas ISD had nearly 161,000 students. It was 38 percent black, 52 percent Hispanic and 9 percent white. Today, Dallas enrolls 157,000 students, with 26 percent of them black, 68 percent Hispanic and 5 percent white.
· Black enrollment in Dallas ISD dropped by 19,000, or 31 percent, over the decade. In both raw numbers and percentage change, that's a bigger decline than in Houston, Fort Worth and Austin ISDs.
· DISD's Hispanic enrollment climbed 23,000, or 27 percent. Only Cypress-Fairbanks ISD near Houston and Northside ISD near San Antonio added more Hispanic students over the decade.
· During that period, the number of white students dropped the most in Arlington ISD (a loss of 10,500), followed by Mesquite ISD (10,000), Garland ISD (9,000), Fort Worth ISD (7,500) and Dallas ISD (6,500).
· 5,900 black students who live within Dallas ISD's boundaries attend charter schools. Among Texas districts with a sizable black population, only Lancaster, North Forest and La Marque ISDs have a greater share of resident black students attending charter schools.
· Dallas ISD may be losing black students, but the total number of black people living in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area has surged. According to a new Brookings Institution report, Dallas-Fort Worth gained 159,000 black residents from 2000 to 2008 - second only to Atlanta. The Dallas region also added 597,000 Hispanics, second only to the Riverside, Calif., area.
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Roosevelt Island's St Cabrini Catholic Parish Objects To New RIOC 3 Month Fee Policy For Use Of Good Shepherd Community Center - RIOC Says All Community Groups Must Be Treated Equally For Limited Space
Roosevelt Island's landmarked Chapel of the Good Shepherd
is managed and operated by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and used as a community center by local organizations including religious
Image of Catholic and Episcopalian parishes Thanksgiving prayer service from Frank Farance
and secular groups. According to the NY Landmarks Conservancy:
The Chapel of the Good Shepherd has been a community center for Roosevelt Island residents... but it was originally built in 1888-9 to serve as an Episcopal mission to the Almshouse on then-named Blackwell’s Island....
... From 1997 to 2002, state assembly representative Pete Grannis and the New York State legislature allocated a series of state grants, totaling $312,000, towards the restoration of Good Shepherd...
The Roosevelt Island Historical Society adds:
... The chapel was commissioned by George M. Bliss (1816-1896), an important New York banker, who began his career in the dry goods business. Through successful speculation during the Civil War, he amassed a large fortune, and in 1869 he joined Levi P. Moron, later a Vice-President of the United States, in a banking business under the firm name of Morton, Bliss & Company. In his later years he served as Treasurer of the Protestant Episcopal Mission Society which administered the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.
Today the chapel serves a new and more general purpose, as a community center for the residents of the island’s new housing complex. It has also been rededicated to serve as an ecumenical place of worship....
In 2013, RIOC completed a 8 hundred thousand dollar restoration and renovation of the Good Chapel roof.
Among the religious organizations that use the Good Shepherd Community Center for worship services are:
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd,
St Francis Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church,
Hope Roosevelt Island and
The Islamic Society of Roosevelt Island.
During last evening's March 5 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Meeting Public Comment Session, Sue Pirard read the following statement
on behalf of St Francis Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church priest Thomas Kallumady:
Fr. Thomas Kallumady cannot be here tonight so he has asked me to go on record and explain what is happening to our faith community at Good Shepherd.
We have been asked by RIOC several months ago to pay up front for our use of GS by a term of six months. Fr. Has explained to RIOC that we don’t receive our collections 6 months in advance and that it is not possible for us to pay for our mass times 6 months in advance. After much negotiation RIOC agreed, but stated they want three months in advance and if we don’t give that to them, we would lose our mass times. Fr. Again informed RIOC that we don’t get our collection three months in advance, but only monthly. We could not do this. We had not heard back from RIOC and continued to make our monthly payments.
For those here tonight who are not Catholic, our mass times are universal, international mass times. They do not change parish to parish, state to state, country to country.
At our parish council meeting last night, Fr. Shared with us the email he received from Donna Moseley. It stated that we were to pay three months in advance by April 1st or we would be locked out of GS and they would have personnel at the door to make sure we could not enter.
Not only were we deeply offended with the tone RIOC took with us, the timing of their negotiations puts us out of our worship space at the beginning of Holy week, with Easter Sunday on the 5th.
When Good Shepherd Chapel was built it was built with the intent of being used as a worship space. However and why ever worship space changed into a community center left us with a serious issue. RIOC states to us that anyone who rents space at GS must pay in advance for that space. We are sure that RIOC understands the differences between for profit and not for profit. How can any church that depends on its collections to pay the rent be treated as a for profit that can pay in advance.
We have lost revenue by the closing of our thrift shop. We are operating on a month to month basis. We would like our faith communities of residents on Roosevelt Island to come together to discuss with RIOC a way we can continue to worship in our space and have the respect of RIOC while we additionally respect the requirements of the for profits that also occupy the same space. We are NOT asking that we not pay rent, only that we pay as we and other faiths in the same space have always paid, month to month.
Here is the email sent from RIOC to Father Kallumudy regarding fees for the use of Good Shepherd Community Center:
Good Afternoon-
Attached you will find your invoices for April, May, and June. The total permit fee is $2540.00. Payment must be received IN FULL before you may enter the Good Shepherd Community Center in April. We will have staff present to ensure compliance with our permitting policies.
Just to reiterate, as is RIOC policy across the board for ALL permits, no one will be permitted into the Good Shepherd Community Center if the permit fee is not received prior to your first scheduled date.
Today, I asked RIOC President Charlene Indelicato:
During last night's RIRA meeting, it was reported that RIOC is seeking 3 months rent in advance from the local Catholic Parish for their Mass times at the Good Shepherd Community Center.
It was also stated that if the 3 month rental fee was not provided to RIOC by April 1, the parish would be "locked out" of using Good Shepherd.
Any comment on this matter.
Ms. Indelicato replied that RIOC must treat all organizations seeking to use RIOC controlled premises, such as the Good Shepherd Community Center, on a first come equal basis.
She added that if the St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Parish wants to pay for the use of Good Shepherd Chapel on a monthly basis they may do so but that will not guarantee the Catholic Parish's use of the Chapel for the next month if another group pays for it before Cabrini.
During last evening's RIRA meeting, the RIRA Common Council approved a motion asking RIOC to maintain the monthly fee
for Roosevelt Island religious organizations using Good Shepherd Chapel.
Roosevelt Island is a growing community with a variety of organizations, both established and new, seeking low cost or no cost meeting space. It is an ongoing issue not only with the Catholic Parish's use of Good Shepherd but other groups such as the Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance's use of the recently renovated Cultural Center.
Labels: Cabrini Church , Catholic , community space , Good Shepherd Community Center , Religion
Karen Stewart said...
The community space in Good Shepherd, as well as the same in the Senior Center was designated in the original lease with the State of New York, and, more importantly, created and built with HUD money and, like all HUD spaces, regulated by law. Years ago when RIOC similarly activated some policy out of the blue, RIRA was well served by the help of Tony Morenzi who was at the time so Pete Grannis' office. I believe he still works with one of the RI public servants and should be appealed to for his expertise.
SherieL said...
Tony Morenzi no longer works in government. We met him at Rebecca Seawright's swearing in. He works for The Foreign Press Association.
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HomeIndustryIndustryBTH Works
BTH Works
Some photographs of the British Thomson Houston Works that stretched between Mill Road, Leicester Road, Boughton Road and the London to Birmingham main railway line.
Railway Frontage
In the 1930's domestic white goods were produced in the buildings on the left, in the middle was the foundry and the Control Gear factory was in the last building.
The GEC sign on the high rise section of the foundry was the last version of a series of illuminated signs. The first had British Thomson Houston in full across both buildings, hence the very large framework. During the 1960's this was replaced with an AEI insignia and Rugby.
Power House (Building 9)
The original 1902 engine room is the long building with tall arched windows. Behind are two extension boiler houses. The power house supplied electricity and steam to the works. A steam whistle also used to be sounded on the roof at shift changes until the mid 1980's.
The wedge shaped structures behind the cars are entrance stairs to air raid shelters from WW2.
The works also supplied electricity to the town's street lights, until the 1920's, when a public utility supply arrived in the town.
Research Laboratory
The tall building at the back of this photograph is Building 52, the research laboratory purpose built in 1924. It remained as such until replaced by the new AEI lab building on Boughton Road, (BR57).
It was here in 1947 that Dennis Gabor invented the theory of the hologram.
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Possum Trot 10K Saves Animals
ATLANTA, Ga. – For 40 years, the Possum Trot 10K has allowed runners to take part in a great race while helping save animals and all along the beautiful banks of the Chattahoochee River. This year, the race gets running June 16 at 7 a.m.
This is an Official AJC Peachtree Road Race Qualifying Event and is limited to 1,500 runners.
Trail Running Safety Survey Results
iRunFar’s Trail Sisters released the results of an extensive survey of fears, safety issues and human hazards in trail running. See story and results of his compelling survey at www.irunfar.com.
Built with Chocolate Milk Recovery Beverage of Marathon Series
TAMPA, Fla./WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 30, 2018) — The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series® has announced today a three-year extension of the partnership with the Built with Chocolate Milk campaign and the Milk Processor Education Board. The partnership renews Built with Chocolate Milk as the Official Recovery Beverage of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. Built with Chocolate Milk will have a presence at all 19 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series events across North America.
Miller, Paul Win 5K Race
NEW ORLEANS — Max Miller and Rachel Paul were winners of the Greek Festival 5K on May 25. Miller, 28, finished in 16:25. Paul, 24, won the female division in 17:34.
Brian Lozes, 28, was second male in 16:27. Page Fisher, 28, was second female in 18:12.
Course Record Set at 39th Cotton Row 10K
Huntsville, AL – Kenyan Linus Kiplagat, 23, broke a 35-year-old course record at the Mercedes-Benz Cotton Row 10K on Memorial Day. Kiplagat had a winning time of 28:39, more than 30 seconds faster than the previous record (29:10) set in 1983. Fellow Kenyan Simion Chirchir, 34, followed more than a minute back in 29:43.
Kenyan runners also took the next three spots, Kiproy Mutai, 31, was third (30:01), Jameson Wangechi, 22, fourth (30:08) and Eliud Ngetich, 24, fifth (30:09).
Hopper, Anderson Win 8K
YORKTOWN, VA — Roger Hopper, 27, of Norfolk, won the Yorktown Freedom Run 8K on Memorial Day, finishing in 27:35. Second was Randy Shelton, 43, Mechanicsville, in 30:26. John Pigott, 43, of Williamsburg, was third in 31:15.
Jared Ward to Speak at RRCA RunPro Camp Dinner
Arlington, VA – Jared Ward, 2016 U.S. Olympian, will deliver the keynote address at the 2018 RunPro Camp dinner on Friday, July 20. The RRCA’s RunPro Camp is designed to educate and inform competitive post-collegiate distance runners interested in pursuing a professional running career. This interactive seminar will be held July 20-21 near the Road Runners Club of America headquarters in Arlington, VA.
Race Director Meeting Nov. 8-10
St. Petersburg, FL will again play host to the Road Race Management Race Directors’ Meeting Nov. 8-10. Greg Via, Global Director of Sports Marketing for Gillette, will give the keynote at the MarathonGuide.com dinner. His topic is "What Can Running Learn from Other Sports?" Via has a long history in running. Early in his career he was head cross-country coach at LSU and later Assistant Track and Field coach at the University of Tennessee.
Fredericksburg Natives Captured Wins at Marine Corps Historic Half
QUANTICO, VA – Almost 5,700 runners from all 50 states and 14 countries convered on a hot Fredericksburg, VA to #RunWithTheMarines. Runners conquered the 13.1-mile Marine Corps Historic Half, the five mile Semper 5ive and the 18.1-mile Devil Dog Double, which encompasses both event distances and reward finishers with three medals. Spectators cheered on the runners throughout the course from the start and finish lines and through historic downtown Fredericksburg, VA.
15-Year-Old Wins Fox Hill 5K
HAMPTON, VA — Rowan Etheridge, 15, of Yorktown, was overall winner of the 7th Annual Fox Hill Community 5K in 17:38. Jakob Juhl of Poquoson was second in 18:47 and John Long third in 18:50.
Karen Sanzo, 41, of Hampton, successfully her title from last year, winning in 22:29. Second woman was Sheila Scott of Newport News in 22:58, followed by Jaime Lawson of Hampton in 25:29.
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Information wants to be googled
Charles Stross is contemplating the future of writing in the age of digital distribution in this very interesting blog post:
The internet is business-model neutral; it’s like the postal service, or the telephone — all it does is put suppliers in touch with consumers. The revolutionary new quality it adds is that it cuts out middlemen — if a supplier can make their existence known to a consumer, there’s no need for wholesaler warehouses, distributors, and a pavement-pounding sales force.
Enter Google. (…) Google’s revenue stream is predicated on their success as an advertising company first and foremost. (…) Google’s business model is to monetize all internet content by slapping advertising on it and positioning themselves as the most convenient find-everything-at-your-fingertips gateway.
I’m increasingly having a problem with the “information wants to be free” viewpoint — because it ain’t necessarily so, depending on how you define “information” and “free”. Bandwidth is in the process of becoming so cheap it might as well be free, at least by the standards of the 1990s, let alone any earlier decade. Information is another matter, though. Not all information is created equal, and the cost of compiling and producing something new is disproportionately high.
Paper books are going to be around for a long time to come, but I’m betting on the ebook cannibalizing the mass-market paperback by 2020 at the latest — which is where half the paper book revenue stream comes from. Hardcovers pay much better than paperbacks, but far fewer people are willing to pay for them. (…) But the ebook shift is potentially catastrophic: ebook royalties are typically in the 15-30% range, but the cost of e-goods in general is being deflated towards the $1.99 price point by the App Store model pushed by Apple and their competitors. Amazon aren’t helping either (…) Not only does it mean less royalties for the authors, it means less money for the publishers — or, more importantly, their marketing divisions.
So I’m trying to figure out what constitutes a workable business model in the post-Google age for someone who wants to earn a living by writing.
This is the kind of questions that the recording industry seldom raise, instead hiding their heads in the sand chasing pirate copying.
..and yet another presentation...
While in Helsinki early next week I will also take the oportunity to visit Media Lab and Laboratory of Acoustics and Audio Signal Processing at Helsinki University of Technology. At HUT I will give a brief presentation of my work. I am very much looking forward to learn more about current development related to Directional audio coding. I heard it demoed at AES 2006 in Paris, and was quite impressed with how it managed to create an impression of depth that I have sometimes found lacking in e.g. ambisonics.
Trond Lossius is a sound and installation artist living in Bergen, Norway, mainly working on audio-visual installations and other cross-disciplinary projects, often using multi-channel sound reproduction in his installations for sculptural exploration of the space as well as creating imagined spaces through sound. He will talk about the exploration of various spatialisation techniques in his work, and development related to spatialisation within the framework of Jamoma.
Jamoma is an open-source (GNU LGPL) software development platform for interactive research and artistic practice, co-developed by an international team of researchers, developers, artists, composers and musicians, providing a framework for structured development and control of modules in the graphical media environment Max/MSP/Jitter. Spatial sound is a core interest to several of the developers. A stratified approach to spatialisation and the development of Spatial Sound Description Interchange Format (SpatDIF) encourage interoperability and flexibility between modules, and Jamoma supports a number of advanced algoritms for spatialisation, including Vector-Based Amplitude Panning (VBAP), first and higher-order ambisonics, as well as novel spatialisation methods Virtual Microphone Control (ViMiC) and Distance-Based Amplitude Panning (DBAP).
Most common techniques for spatialization require the listener to be positioned at a “sweet spot” surrounded by loudspeakers. For real-world concert, stage, and installation applications such layouts may not be practical or desirable. DBAP offers an alternative panning-based spatialization method where no assumptions are made concerning the layout of the speaker array nor the position of the listener. The basic principles underlying DBAP will be presented, as well as extensions to the algorithm for added flexibility and artistic expressive possibilities.
Trond Lossius graduated with a master degree in geophysics from the University of Bergen, and went on to study music and composition at The Grieg Academy. He is currently art director at BEK – Bergen Centre for Electronic Arts, Associate Professor at Bergen National Academy of the Arts and a member of the Management committee of a COST action on Sonic Interaction Design (SID).
http://www.bek.no
http://www.jamoma.org
http://www.spatdif.org
http://www.trondlossius.no
Self presentation at Muu galeria in Helsinki
Coming Monday, January 11 at 17:00, I have been invited to give a self presentation at MUU galleria in Helsinki, discussing recent works with a focus on sound installations using Max/MSP. The presentation is part of an Interactive Sound art class organized by Muu Media Base from December 2009 until March 2010. The course is focusing on sound and installation using the Max/MSP software. Below is the text used to announce the event.
If you happen to be in Helsinki, please pop by and say hello!
Trond Lossius is a sound and installation artist living in Bergen, Norway. He has collaborated with other artists on a large number of cross-disciplinary projects, in particular sound installations and works for stage. His projects has been presented at major venues in Norway and abroad.
He graduated with a master degree in geophysics from the University of Bergen, and went on to study music and composition at The Grieg Academy. Trond Lossius is currently art director of BEK – Bergen Centre for Electronic Arts, Associate Professor at Bergen National Academy of the Arts and member of the Management committee of an European research project on Sonic Interaction Design.
Trond Lossius will talk about his recent works with a focus on sound installations using Max/MSP program, such as: Imploding Spaces, a multichannel sound installation at Fjell fortress built by the German occupation forces during World War II and Cubic Second, an audio-visual installation, exploring the gallery space as a venue for audio-visual experience.
The Artists Talk by Trond Lossius is part of an Interactive Sound art class organized by Muu Media Base, from December 2009 until March 2010. The course is focusing on sound and installation using Max/MSP software.
Supported by AVEK
Part of the Audio Autograph program, with an aim to promote contemporary sound artists and their collaborative projects. Recent activities include Net Radio (since June 2009), the CD-publication MUU FOR EARS (september 2009) and collaboration with Kunstforeningen in Tromsø at Insomnia festival (October 2009). www.muu.fi/sound
Audio Autographs is supported by: Nordic Culture Point and Arts Council of Finland.
Sonic Acts - The Poetics of Space
Spatial explorations in art, science, music and technology
25 – 28 February 2010 in Paradiso, de Balie, NIMk and STEIM, Amsterdam
20% Early Bird discount on the festival passe-partout until 15 January 2010!
Order tickets via http://www.sonicacts.com
The thirteenth Sonic Acts Festival in Amsterdam is entirely dedicated to the exploration of space in performative and audiovisual art, film, music and architecture. Sonic Acts XIII – The Poetics of Space examines the importance of physical space in times of far-reaching technological developments, and the physical and psychological impact of spatial designs.
Concerts / Performances / Films
The evening programme in the Paradiso comprises a wide-ranging exploration of the spatial dimensions of image and sound and examines the relationship between spatial architecture and the listening ear and how our brains process sensory input. Events include immersive audiovisual performances, highly intensive listening experiences, experiments with spatial sound, multi-screen projections and films that extend beyond the screen and pure light.
With performances and films by Jürgen Reble & Thomas Köner, Haswell & Hecker, Fred Worden, Paul Sharits, Anthony McCall, Takashi Ito, Yann Beauvais, Bruce McClure, Optical Machines, Annea Lockwood, Jacob Kirkegaard, Barry Truax, BJ Nilsen, Eric La Casa, Gilles Aubry, Hildegard Westerkamp, a tribute to Maryanne Amacher, TeZ, Francisco López, Evelina Domnitch & Dmitry Gelfland, Paul Prudence, Hans W. Koch and Yutaka Makino.
The three-day conference in de Balie forms the heart of the festival. Besides lectures and presentations, the comprehensive programme also features interviews, film screenings and short performances. An international gathering of theorists, artists, researchers, composers and critics will shed light on different aspects involved in working with space, centered on the theme: how does technology change our experience of space, how do artists investigate this in their work, and how do they enhance or modify the spatial experience?
With: Brandon LaBelle, Daniel Teruggi, Raviv Ganchrow, Barry Truax, Naut Humon, Christopher Salter, Branden W. Joseph, Marcos Novak, Dirk Hebel & Jörg Stollmann, Trace Reddell, Roger Malina, Jacob Kirkegaard, Edward Shanken, Yolande Harris, Robert Whitman, HC Gilje, Michael J. Morgan, Hildegard Westerkamp, Philip Beesley, Eric Kluitenberg, Duncan Speakman and Fred Worden.
Audiovisual works and interactive installations can be viewed in the Netherlands Media Art Institute and at other special locations. With: Carlo Bernardini, HC Gilje, Jacob Kirkegaard, Ralf Baecker and many others. The exhibition in the Netherlands Media Arts Institute (NIMk) will be open to the public until 1 May 2010.
For additional and updated information check out our website at: www.sonicacts.com
Cross-disciplinarity (yet again)
The topic of cross-disciplinarity is of ongoing interest to me. Lately I have stumbled upon two texts providing interesting perspectives on it.
The first is a Swedish report on Cross-disciplinarity in research by Sanström et. al (2004). Three core terms are defined and form the basis for further discussions: disciplinary, multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary. Cross-disciplinary is an umbrella term covering multi-disciplinary as well as inter-disciplinary:
Disciplinär forskning (monovetenskaplig forskning) kan beskrivas som institutionaliserad vetenskap avgränsad til en disciplin med utbildning, forskarutbildning, professionella metoder och med en definierad och överenskommande kunskapskärna (core knowledge).
Multidisciplinär forskning innebär samarbete mellan olika discipliner vilka inte har uppenbare förenande kopplingar sinsemellan, t ex ekologi och företagsekonomi. Samarbetet leder inte til några egentliga förändringar av forskningsfronten i respektive disciplin, utan var och en bidrar på sitt sätt til at belysa et avgränsat och gemensamt problem utifrån kunnskapens nuverande ståndpunkt. Samarbetet är additivt til sin karaktär.
Interdisciplinär forskning betecknar integrerande samarbeten mellan två eller flera vetenskapliga discipliner. I trärvetenskapliga samarbeten sker en integrering innehållsmässigt, metodologiskt, kunskapsteoretisk og organisatoriskt. Forskare tränade inom sine respektive discipliner sträver mot en integration av kunskapen och forsökeer gemensamt att flytta på forsknignsfronten. De ulika kunskapsfälten är inriktade mot gemensamma termer og begrepp. Ett projekt är inte interdisciplinärt bara för att flere forskare från olika discipliner samverkar, utan blir det först då de deltar i et aktivt utbyte av teori och metod.
The second text is by Jost Reekveld for a recent seminar at Baltan Laboratories. He is criticising how cross-disciplinary often ends up before going on to suggest yet another term, auto-disciplinary:
The common ideals of multi-, inter- and transdisciplinarity also imply some kind of common ground. Projects can certainly be interesting if disciplines are enriched by the contact with other disciplines, but I would like to present two images that capture the down-to-earth reality of many of these projects. One image is that of the round table with a hole in the middle; representatives of various disciplines sit around this table, the hole remains empty and the disciplines themselves are not questioned. The second image has become very common: many organisations have an office for interdisciplinary affairs in the same corridor as the offices for the traditional disciplines. Just as in the other offices, a specialised language is spoken in the office for interdisciplinary affairs, which sets it apart from the rest.
With the term ‘autodisciplinarity’ I would like to propose yet another disciplinary word that I hope helps to think about structures for new kinds of activity. It resembles all kinds of self-referential things that are commonly thought not to be possible, such as lifting oneself up by pulling ones own hair or pulling ones bootstraps. In a similar vein it can be thought that riding a bicycle is impossible: it is impossible to achieve speed without maintaining balance by steering, and it is impossible to steer without having speed. As seen from an armchair, riding a bike is clearly an impossible task.
Sound as Art - Sound in History - Sound as Culture - Sound in Theory
Conference on sound studies
Today, sound studies provide an important framework for furthering cultural research related to a broad range of historical and contemporary issues. Also, sound studies contribute to the understanding of currents in social and global activity increasingly determined by auditory, sonic, and communicative materiality. At the same time, the exploration of auditivity and auditory cultures raises a series of significant aesthetic, medial, historical, cultural, and theoretical questions.
Cultural changes related to globalization and digital media have questioned traditional paradigms of vision containing notions of visual representation, semiotics, and a hermeneutics based on reading. Such changes suggest an auditive paradigm in which modes of interaction, mobile communications, and spatial and geographic fluidity lead to a renewed sense of orality and listening. In research this new paradigm is establishing itself as the interdisciplinary field of sound studies. It draws on disciplines such as musicology, performance studies, art history, anthropology, cultural studies, urban studies, and histories of technology and media while influencing these disciplines with new modes of reflection on and examination of their respective methodologies and subsequent political effects.
The aim of the conference is to profile contemporary sound studies as an interdisciplinary field of studies and to contribute to the discussion and development of the auditive paradigm in general. Key concepts like ‘acoustemology’, ‘acoustic space’ or ‘sonic environment’ might be reflected upon and developed as well, both at a theoretical level and with regard to specific cultural, medial and aesthetic contexts.
The programme of the conference will consist of keynote lectures, plenary roundtables, thematic workshops and individual presentations. Individual presentations and entire workshops may draw inspiration from the following array of questions:
What is the experiential framework of listening and auditive culture, and how is the world constituted (identity, locality, sociality, culture etc) through auditive practice?
How has musical and technological sound production and perception changed through the last century and how has it contributed to everyday soundscapes, the concert hall, and the media?
What can we know, i.e., what types of knowledge, identity and meaning are made possible through acoustic practice – are there any limits to sound taken as an experiential framework and as cognition?
What perspectives might arise from current studies of auditory modes of relating to space, of appropriating, expressing and designing social environments?
How does sound help define urban environments, and how might issues related to urban planning, architectural design, and noise benefit from a deeper and more complex understanding of sound?
What are the correlations between listening and other sensory modalities, the body, sociality, materiality, technology and media (sound viewed as a cognitive paradigm isolated from actual resonating sound).
How do auditive practices appear to be conventional or normative? How do auditive practices, in conjunction with other sensory modalities, articulate value, aesthetics, ethics and morals in culture?
How do we further the development of academic terminologies for dealing with sound?
How can transgressions of traditional distinctions between sound, music and art be understood in a socio-cultural perspective?
What do the specific aesthetic aspects of sound art seek to achieve in contrast to the predominance of visuality and modes of seeing within the arts?
How is artistic and academic education in sound competence developing?
Proposals for presentations (20/10 mins) or workshops (90 mins) must be submitted to the conference organisers/programme committee by April 1, 2010 as an email attachment (rtf/pdf/doc) to soundstudies@hum.au.dk. Please include the following information: Paper abstract and title (max. 200 words), name(s), affiliation, e-mail, and technical equipment required (PC/DVD/CD/data projector/over-head projector/etc.).
Notifications of acceptance will be sent no later than May 3, 2010.
Keynote speakers are Dr. Penelope Gouk (University of Manchester), Dr. Jean-Paul Thibaud (CRESSON), and professor Adam Krims (University of Nottingham).
The official language of the conference is English. The conference fee is 1.000 D.Kr/€135. Please contact one of the organisers mentioned below in case you need more information.
The conference is organized by the “National Research Network on Auditive Culture” (http://auditiveculture.ku.dk/), the research project “Audiovisual Culture” (http://www.ak.au.dk/en), and the Nordic Branch of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music.
On behalf of the organisers,
Ansa Lønstrup
aekal@hum.au.dk
Morten Michelsen
momich@hum.ku.dk
Spatialisation in Jamoma using Distance-Based Amplitude Panning (DBAP)
January 26 me and Pascal Baltazar will be doing a joint presentation at The Centre for Digital Music, Queen Mary University of London.
Trond Lossius & Pascal Baltazar
Jamoma is an open-source (GNU LGPL) software development platform for interactive research and artistic practice, co-developed by an international team of researchers, developers, artists, composers and musicians. The presentation will give a brief introduction to Jamoma Modular, a framework for structured development and control of modules in the graphical media environment Max/MSP/Jitter.
Spatial sound is a core interest to several of the developers. A stratified approach to spatialisation and the development of Spatial Sound Description Interchange Format (SpatDIF) encourage interoperability and flexibility between modules, and Jamoma supports a number of advanced algoritms for spatialisation, including Vector-Based Amplitude Panning (VBAP), first and higher-order ambisonics, as well as novel spatialisation methods Virtual Microphone Control (ViMiC) and Distance-Based Amplitude Panning (DBAP).
Most common techniques for spatialization require the listener to be positioned at a “sweet spot” surrounded by loudspeakers. For practical concert, stage, and installation applications such layouts may not be practical or desirable. DBAP offers an alternative panning-based spatialization method where no assumptions are made concerning the layout of the speaker array nor the position of the listener.
The basic principles underlying DBAP will be presented, as well as extensions to the algorithm for added flexibility and artistic expressive possibilities. Visual and interactive interfaces for DBAP will be demonstrated, and the presentation will conclude with examples of DBAP and Jamoma used in sound installations as well as musical performance and the performing arts.
January 25th at 20:00 Pascal Baltazar, Bjørnar Habbestad and Benjamin Maumus will be giving a work-in-progress performance at Kings Place in London of “Unruhigen Räume”, a new work commissioned by BEK and GMEA for 3 computer instrumentalists using a 16 sources/12 speakers DBAP system with live spatialization. The performance is part of a concert presented by the Bergen contemporary music festival Borealis:
http://www.kingsplace.co.uk/music/out-hear/borealis
Trond Lossius is an sound and installation artist based in Bergen, Norway. He is art director at BEK – Bergen Center for Electronic Arts and associate professor at Bergen National Academy of the Arts.
Pascal Baltazar is a composer and intermedia artist based in Albi, France. He is Research Manager at GMEA Centre National de Création Musicale d’Albi-Tarn, and coordinates the Virage Platform research project, funded by the The French National Research Agency.
http://www.jamoma.org/
http://www.spatdif.org/
http://www.trondlossius.no/
http://www.zkrx.org/
Jeff Koon . Doggy Balloon . Art Cocoon
In the real world the news of the decade was 9/11, two awful wars, staggering corporate greed and the election of an African-American president. In the art world a big event was Mr. Koons showing his sculptures at Versailles. In short, life passed art by. Maybe in the new decade they’ll meet.
Holland Cotter winding up last decade of arts in NY Times.
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Mini & Junior
President’s Plate
Ten mixed doubles pairs entered the tournament and were divided into 2 leagues with 5 pairs in each league. Each pair played a set against the other 4 pairs in their league. Points were awarded on a league basis with winners of the two groups playing each other in the final and the second place in each group having a playoff for third place in the tournament.
In the first group, Claire Hawkins and Tony Light won all their sets despite Tony arriving late for the tournament and starting the first set without a warm-up. Mair Vaughan and Matt Stringer played well to finish second in their league.
In the second group Jo Hargreaves and Felix Boyes produced a dominant performance, only conceding 4 games in their 4 sets. Rose Higgins and Nick Mason had won their sets comfortably until they bumped into Jo and Felix.
The final between Claire Hawkins/Tony Light and Jo Hargreaves/Felix Boyes was played on the main show court. Jo & Felix ultimately proved to be too strong for Claire & Tony and won the final 6-3, 6-3. Jo & Felix’s experience in playing as a pair and particularly Felix’s youthful agility proving to be the decisive factors.
The play off for third place was a close encounter between Rose/Nick and Mair/Matt. Rose and Nick secured the first, closely contested set 6-4. This continued to be a close match into the second set, reaching 6-6 and triggering a tie break. Mair & Matt started the tie break well and were leading 4-2 before Rose & Nick recovered and clinched the tie break 7-5.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable tournament: All competitors played to win, but with a strong sense of camaraderie. 24 sets of tennis were played across all 8 courts. Detailed records were not kept of the countless cups of tea and coffee, biscuits and slices of cake that were consumed.
The tournament concluded with the presentation on the President’s Plate to Jo & Felix by the Club President, John Harbottle.
By Thornbury Tennis Club| 2018-07-02T10:46:23+01:00 April 22nd, 2018|News|Comments Off on President’s Plate
About the Author: Thornbury Tennis Club
Wimbledon Draw 27th April 2019
President’s Plate 27th April 2019
Website by WPG
Logo design Gary Clare
© Copyright Thornbury Lawn Tennis Club | All Rights Reserved
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#78 Building A Wall with Andrew Odom of Tiny R(e)volution
If you have ever wondered if Andrew has a serious side, if he thinks more deeply than he laughs, if he tires of talking about tiny houses after 8 years of living intentionally, if he accepts anyone’s opinion but his own, or if his future includes a soap box; you’ll want to tune in this week to hear the somewhat somber side of this funny guy. After overhearing him sadly comment on the homeless crisis in America, and after reading his chapter in Turning Tiny, we wanted to hear more. We wanted to hear his take on this complex issue. What really IS the problem that is causing the homeless epidemic in America? Are tiny houses the answer? How can we advocate for tiny houses as a tool to help the homeless while not devaluing them at the same time? If you think that we should be building tiny houses instead of walls to solve our societal problems, tune in this week. And, if you don’t learn anything at all, we know you will come away with a newfound appreciation for Andrew and his contribution to the tiny house movement that really isn’t going anywhere….(pun intended)
http://tinyrevolution.us/
#E77 The Fun Loving Festival Duo That Gives Back – with John and Fin Kernohan
What started in a small Amish community, gained momentum in the Florida high life, then became an all out mission in London, that ended with love. And the rest….as they say….is love filled history. (Do “they” really say that?) This week we’re chatting with the energetic and fun loving powerhouse couple behind United Tiny House Association, John and Fin. This funny and generous duo lives in a 300 square foot tiny house in Georgia with their six (Or 7?) cats. But even if you’re not a cat lover we know you’ll love the story of how they met, the first Atlanta Tiny House Festival, why they decided to donate the proceeds of their events to charities, why their volunteers love them (almost as much as we do) and their less-than-linear direction towards minimalism. But don’t let the term “association” lull you into thinking these are passive folks. No way! They’re the passion and drive behind the Atlanta and Florida Tiny House Festivals and Michelle is positively giddy that she’ll be joining the crazy party in March. Maybe you should too!!??
http://unitedtinyhouse.com/
#E76 Living Tiny Down Under – with Darren and Lisa
It’s not often that we get to interview tiny house enthusiasts on other continents, so this week we’re THRILLED to feature two very influential and dedicated individuals from Down Under; Darren and Lisa from Tiny Houses Australia. Even Michelle is a little jealous of the following these two have amassed since they ventured onto the tiny house scene. We think that ANY story told with an Australian accent is fun to listen to and this one is no exception. Listen in this week while we discuss relationships in tiny spaces, the unique challenges of building and living in tiny houses in Australia, as well as some common themes heard no matter what country you’re parking in. They may not have all the TV shows we do, or the Festivals and Jamborees and Conferences that we do, but they’ve got the same real estate and zoning challenges we have here in the US and are enthusiastically facing them with the same change-is-good attitude.
http://www.tinyhousesaustralia.com/
#E74 "Minimalism Is The New Black with Joshua Becker"
"Nuff' said"
E73 Riding Along on A Reclaimed Adventure That Leads to Love and Buns with Jess and Dan Sullivan
Many tiny house enthusiasts start out with the the notion that they’ll build a tiny house using reclaimed materials to save money. This certainly MAKES sense. The reality of that plan, however, is often difficult to implement as Jess and Dan Sullivan will explain on this week’s episode. But, despite the challenges, they proudly report to having used 40% reclaimed materials on their utility-free tiny house. But now, they’re moving on. What? Say it isn’t so! Listen in this week while this fun couple talks about what’s it like to live with someone, full time, in a house with no plumbing. And this fun conversation doesn’t stop there. What early life experiences led to their “Ah Ha” moment that then lead to their tiny house? How does this power couple balance the power in their relationship? And, why oh why did they sell their tiny house!? (Noooo!!!????)…..and speaking of “Noooooo!!!???”.....We certainly hope that our listeners appreciate the crass and irreverent nature of our show. With that said, however, you might NOT want to turn up the volume at work for the opening banter on this episode. Consider yourself warned. Or intrigued. You pick.
www.facebook.com/anothertinyhousestory
E72 Jamaica or BUST!! with Domenic Mangano
When we think of Jamaica we certainly don’t think of a small town in Vermont but that’s where we’ll be podcast partying this week. (insert steel drum sound bite here) This week we’re chatting with the Jamaica Cottage Shop’s Founder, Domenic Mangano, and delving into the transforming world of backyard sheds, cottages, chicken coops, playhouses, DIY tiny house kits, and his uber creative vision for his own tiny corner of the tiny house world. His operation, however, is anything but tiny! We’re always somewhat surprised (but by now we really shouldn’t be) by the common thread that connects all tiny house enthusiasts. And this week Domemic is weaving a colorful story that incorporates a love of nature and everything outdoors, a desire for a healthier planet, a very creative outlook on cottage design and life, a die-hard work ethic, and optimism for the growth of the tiny house movement at large. Seriously.This guy knows his shit and it shows in everything he does! Vermont may be cold, but after this conversation, we’re all warmed up now! Smiles and laughter has a way of doing that to us.
http://jamaicacottageshop.com/
#70 Trying to Keep Up with Darin Zaruba
Few people in the tiny house movement have has as great of an impact as our guest this week, Darin Zaruba. While he tends to prefer to remain very much in the background, his conviction is front-and-center-evident during his brain-child-event “The Tiny House Jamboree”. (both of them!) And that’s not the only major project he has on his plate! As the President of Eco Cabins, and now the Publisher of Turning Tiny (now available as an e-book, just in time for Christmas!) he noticed, early, the opportunities that the movement would bring and didn’t hesitate a moment to get involved and out in front of the not-really-tiny wave of interest. If you’re a facebook stalker like Michelle is, you’ve no doubt noticed him lobbying far and wide and often for better coding and zoning that will allow tiny houses to finally be legal. Darin is seemingly everywhere that tiny houses are and sometimes we wonder if he has a twin or a clone! His energy is contagious, his creative side is admirable, and his drive is unstoppable. (Psst…..if you listen real closely, you might hear the latest scoop about the location for the next Jamboree…. Sshhh, it’s a secret!)
http://www.ecocabins.com/
http://turningtiny.com/
#69 Homesteading, Afro Latina Style, with Bonnielee and her Rooster
We first met Bonnielee at the Tiny House Jamboree and were pretty happy that she set aside some time this week to chat with us about her own personal journey to tiny house living with her son in the mountains of Tennessee. Armed with a journalism degree, a particularly keen sense of fashion, and an eye for beauty; she finally found her peace and place on 15 acres far from where her adult journey began. After growing tired of the fast pace of New York City and a life changing divorce, she found solace and inspiration in an unexpected spot. Her love of animals and the outdoors is what drives her and we love her creative advice on how others might follow in her homesteading footsteps. We know you’ll be inspired by her story AND her Rooster’s insistence that he really should have been the star of this week’s interview. Cock-a-Doodle-Doo!
http://bohemianecolove.com/
http://withlovebonnielee.com/
#68 Welcoming Portland’s Newest Hotelie’s at The Tiny Digs Hotel
OMG! We already LOVE Pam and Bruce and Allison and we just met them! This week we’re cuddled up in the cozy living room of one of the tiny houses at the newest addition to Portland’s Hotel Scene; The Tiny Digs Hotel. All 6 of us. Too fun! This hotel has a huge dose of charm, lots of open space, and (so far) 5 tiny houses. Whether you're a fan of modern aesthetics, or love a good old fashioned barn raising, you’ll find a tiny house that is guaranteed to provide you a fun and unique overnight stay! You might think this will be just like another tiny house hotel’s story but his week’s interview is not without a few surprises. (Spoiler Alert! We were shocked to hear that the entire project, from idea to Grand Opening, took only 12 months!?) If you have ever wondered how “serendipitous” really works, listen in this week while these lovely friends share their story of meeting, meeting again, realizing they were meant to be partners, and then jumping in HEAD FIRST to the tiny house hotel world by ordering trailers before they even had a place to put them. We can’t wait to see what’s next for this tiny, but growing, collection of tiny houses built with the traveler in mind.
http://www.tinydigshotel.com/
#67 Joining the Mile High Club with Bruce Campbell
In the tiny house world we tend to think we’re the only ones with problems moving our houses. But, now we know better. This week we were quite surprised, and entertained, by Bruce’s story about why he decided to move into a retired Boeing jetliner, how he moved it, what he did with the leftover parts, and why the nose of his “house” appears to be precariously perched on a pile of pallets. One third Engineer, one third Artist, and one third Passionate Music Enthusiast; Bruce literally lives on the cutting edge of the Reuse and Recycle Movement. And, he’s not stopping there. What’s next for this retired world traveler? How do you fit a musical performance onto the wing of an airplane? And what actually happens to the hundreds of aircraft that are retired from service every year? If you love small space stories with an reclaimed aerospace twist, you’ll love this unrivaled story of efficient use of space, and a few fun aircraft puns thrown in for good measure.
http://www.concertonawing.com/
#66 Making Difficult Decisions with Ethan Waldman
It was bound to happen. Michelle traveled to Tiny House Summer Camp in Vermont and met a few new friends? Say it ain’t so!? And, since she was there “on assignment” the podcast crew was pretty happy that she came back with more than just a few souvenirs. This week we’re interviewing Ethan Waldman, a cool and funny speaker at that now infamous backwoods event (and many other events) and a pioneer in the tiny house movement. Even if you’ve never met him, however, you most certainly know about his very famous e-book “Tiny House Decisions”. In it, he not only explains all of the various “decisions” and options a tiny house builder faces, but which ones he chose, and (surprising to us) which ones’ he regrets. We can’t imagine tiny living in the frigid temperatures of Vermont in Winter but he not only does, he teaches others how to! Ear candy is a given, this week, when you listen to Ethan tell us how he balances tiny country life, condo city life, working from home, and all about his latest life addition; his adoring wife. Awwww….. We really do love a good tiny house story with such a happy and romantic twist.
http://www.thetinyhouse.net/
#65 Flying Under the Radar with Celeste
We really LOVE having live studio guests and this week was especially fun! Michelle’s friend Celeste just got her tiny house delivered and we couldn’t be more happy for her. She’s not a blogger, or a builder, or a speaker (so, no, you can’t Google her) but she’s a fun, creative, driven, and focused professional, livin’ in a secret corner of Oregon; with a great story to tell about her decision to go tiny. How did she decide which builder to choose? Why didn’t she build her own? Where and how did she get financing? What has been her biggest challenge so far? How has living tiny affected her view of the future? Celeste has so much in common with many of our tiny house podcast listeners and we think you’ll get a lot of great info and inspiration from this “Lady on the DL”.
#64 Turning A Hobby into a Jobby with Lisa Flynn
Need a good excuse to shop? Looking for an amazingly fun way to make a living? Love lemonade? We’re thinking you would love doing what our guest at Beautiful Wrecks does. Their mantra is “Stay, Play, or Take it Away” and we love the idea so much we’re not sure which we’ll choose. This week’s interview with Lisa was so fun, we’re already planning a trip to Bend Oregon to tour her amazing collection of vintage trailers at what she calls “Rancho Del-Wrecko”. Lisa describes herself as a pathological risk taker but we wouldn’t mind coming along on “Mr Toad’s Wild Ride” with her at the wheel not one little bit. Hearing her describe her Summer of Fun, made us nostalgic. Listening to her story about how her father influenced her creative side, and how she learned to focus on what’s more important than Family, Life, and Country; helped us appreciate again how our own hard lives have made us better people. Don’t really have the time to listen this week? Need the Cliff Notes version of our show this week? “Do something now. Commit to it. Focus on the goal. And, it’s OK to change your mind.”
http://beautifulwrecks.com/about-us/
#63 California Dreaming, Fresno Style with Nick and Pat from California Tiny House
When great minds think alike, and then great minds partner up, great things happen. And when our guests this week partnered with their local municipality to advocate for allowing tiny houses to be legally used as accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) REALLY great things happened! Despite their workload and backlog, Nick and Pat from California Tiny Homes took time to chat with us this week about the groundbreaking progress that is being made, and has already been made, towards legalizing tiny homes on towns across the US. This duo, along with other Fresno area advocates, have created a true tiny house win/win situation; builders who no longer have to worry about where their customers will park their tiny house. And, we think it’s a brilliant model worth noting, and following. And we’re not the only ones. Zach brought them along to the Jamboree stage to share a bit of their story, but certainly left us wanting more. So if you too are looking for the rest of this story, we’re more than happy to oblige.
http://www.californiatinyhouse.com/
Living, Breathing, and Building Wind River Tiny Houses With Jeremy Weaver
Ladies and Gentlemen, meet the one and only builder (that we know of) who actually lives in a tiny house on wheels and builds them as well! I know. No way!? Here at the podcast we have a bit of a tongue-in-cheek approach to “posers”. (aka: People who are active in the tiny house movement but don’t live in one) And while we appreciate that living tiny is not for everyone, even if the tiny house movement is, we also certainly and most indubitably appreciate a builder who lives in a tiny house on wheels and the unique perspective that provides. This week we’re talking with Jeremy Weaver, Owner and Chief Builder (our words, not his) at Wind Rivers Homes about the challenges of building not only houses, but communities for these houses to park. How has living in a tiny house influenced his sense of design? How does a 6’6” guy who weighs 225 lbs actually FIT in a tiny house? What does Wind River homes see in the future that maybe we don’t? How has zoning, and building codes, affected their builds and plans for growing their tiny house business? You’ll just have to listen to find out. Sorry. There’s no cheat sheet at the end of THIS chapter. :o)~
#61 Where in the World is Jet Set Frieda Bakker?
If you’ve ever met Frieda, you know she’s an active and creative type who’s not about to settle for a “normal” existence. If you haven’t met her, you’ll certainly want to after hearing this week’s episode about the challenges of living in or building a tiny house abroad, or more specifically, in the Netherlands. (Good luck finding her though, she’s literally straddling two countries!) Here in the US, although the tiny house is still a growing movement, we are blessed with so many builders and places to put them. However, even if Europeans have been living in tiny apartments all their lives and they “so get” the tiny space living “thing”, they have fewer resources than the US does when it comes to building a tiny house on wheels. What if you want to live tiny in Europe AND be mobile? Will Frieda move permanently to the US in pursuit of her tiny dream? What impact will living in a tiny house have on her life, her job, and her future? How has her past influenced her decision to commute, several times a year, between continents; in pursuit of her tiny living dream? You’ll never know unless you tune in!
#60 All Aboard the Web Express with Ben McKinley
This week we interview THE guy who gets to work in THE coolest, funkiest, most fun, most creative, and most hipsterish workplace in all of Portland. If you're a fan of all things tiny, and unique; you'll want to hear all about Ben's adventures while permitting, remodeling, moving and then moving into three rail cars that were originally built in 1947 but now house his staff and two other creative think tank companies as well. And, in true Portland fashion, BEER takes the center stage in a story about this office's most stressful day EVER! The further we venture off the tiny house path, the more we discover how much that tiny house enthusiasts have in common with anyone who lives or works in an unconventional space. So if you love the outdoors, re-thinking old spaces in new ways, you already know how to use a composting toilet, and you DON'T live or work in a tiny space yet....well....why NOT!?
#59 Living With Our Family in a Tiny House Jamboree Special Episode #3
The tiny house movement is pretty big, and growing. And, within the movement is a much smaller subset of people who actually live in tiny houses. But, and rarer still, are the families who live in tiny houses. We were thrilled to actually capture Macy Miller and Kim Kasl at the Jamboree for long enough to talk about the challenges and rewards of living with small children in a tiny house. Do they feel guilty for not participating in “Mommy Consumerism”? How do they find private time, and maintain balance in their relationships? So much toddler energy, so little space, does the limited space drive them nuts? We ask these, and many more engaging questions, and we expect that you might be as surprised by their answers as we are!
#58 Diversity in the Tiny House Movement Jamboree Special Edition #2
You might have guessed by now that the podcast crew does not shy away from a good debate. And, we’re not afraid to ask tough questions. And no time in our short history of interviews have we proven that more, than during this week’s Jamboree interview with Jewel, Bonnielee, and Dominique; The Tiny House Trailblazers. Their purpose is to highlight the stories of tiny house people of all colors and walks of life and to share stories about the unique challenges they face. But, who’d thunk that our conversation would get so heated? (In a friendly kind of way, of course.) Is Michelle oblivious to the plight of the African American community, or naïve? Is a gesture by a neighbor, after a potential confrontation, laudable or justifiably dismissed? How do we engage and encourage diversity in the tiny house movement? Tune in this week and prepare to hear diverse engagement, in all its uncomfortable glory, in action.
#57 Thinking Outside the Tiny House Box Jamboree Special Edition #1
Get ready to split your pants with laughter for this week’s irreverent interview with two of the funniest guys in the tiny house movement, Andrew Odom and Deek. These two know each other better than even THEY would like to admit so the banter, questions, answers, rap lyrics, and information is as engaging and funny as it can possibly be. Getting ready for the Jamboree was work, work, work. But this first Special Edition interview at the Jamboree made all the work worth it. Does living in an RV guarantee that one will be immediately and dramatically kicked out of the tiny house “club”? Do either of them regret their lifestyle choices of NOT living in a tiny house? We promise. The only thing that could have made this interview more fun would have been a bottle of bourbon. (Hey! Andrew! For the next interview, YOU’RE BRINGING IT, RIGHT!?)
#56 Tracey Powell’s Modern, Tiny, Blissful Waves on Wheels
At first glance, Tracey’s house looks like it just returned in time from an episode of “Back to The Tiny House Future”. Honestly, we have never seen anything like it and her story is just as original as her vision. If your taste leans towards Modern Minimalist and you’re not a fan of all the barn wood encrusted, cabin-like tiny houses you’ve seen, you’ll LOVE the ideas and materials she has incorporated in her ultra-modern tiny house on wheels. External insulation? Yep! TWO breaker boxes? Check! A porch and stairs to dream about? Got it! An Incinolet toilet? It’s in there. Listen in this week while we chat about how her new life is everything she dreamed about while growing up in an RV with her family. Now THERE’s a storyline twist we didn’t expect.
#55 Peter Moore’s Tiny House Village as Old As Time
Looking for a relaxing weekend away from it all? Longing for a simpler time? An off grid vacation experience? Breitenbush doesn’t exactly advertise their tiny house accommodations but Perry was impressed enough with them when he went there to relax and recharge, that we invited the General Manager, Peter, on our show. So, what’s it like to maintain a tiny house village that may well be the oldest in the country? Do they face the same coding and zoning challenges that new tiny house communities face? How do they keep up with the tens of thousands of annual visitors and still maintain a quiet and communal experience for all? And, does everyone really get naked in the hot springs? (Did Perry?) Tune in this week and you might just be inspired enough to ditch the bathing suit and dive in to this unique tiny house vacation experience for yourself.
#54 Never Compromise and Never Settle with David Latimer
Space really isn’t the new frontier for this philosopher turned tiny house builder. The new frontier is the one that David Latimer is building with his team of amazingly talented artistic builder friends. You may recognize him from the TV show “Tiny House, Big Living” or maybe you met him at the 2015 Jamboree where it all started. Regardless, we’re here to report that in less than 12 months he’s gone from “lookie-loo” to full on “builder guy”. We don’t know about you but we’re really impressed with what he’s been up to. David and his crew are, no doubt, well on their way to becoming the brightest stars in the tiny house movement. Check out their press page! Whoa! We’re almost embarrassed that it took us so long to get him on our show. New Frontier houses are an impressive combination of beautiful and rugged, and David’s ideas for the future reflects his introspective look at society as a whole. We’ve heard more than a few stories of people who have walked away from the high life to join the tiny house movement, but this one just might be our favorite. OK, maybe it’s just Michelle’s favorite. But, really, who can blame her? Have you seen this guy smile?
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Holiday Greetings and 2010 Challenge
Scouting Takes to the Road!
BSA Coin Announced by US Mint
Ask Andy Dec 13 Column
100th Anniversary Rally Reminder
Revised Edition - Baloo's Bugle for Power Up (Jan ...
Ask Andy - Dec. 2, 2009 Column
Advancement and Awards news of note - corrections
Cub Scouting Program Gears Up - Changes in 2010
Merit Badge Counselor Database for Districts and Councils.
James Eager has supplied the USSSP with a new version of his Merit Badge Counselor Data Base. This is a ZIP file (approx 100 KB each), he developed for the Thunderbird District, Gulf Ridge Council, containing 3 files: (1) An empty Access Data Base, (2) An rtf file with instructions, and (3) a pdf file of the instructions (the rtf and pdf files contain the exact same information). The RTF file can be opened by most word processing programs, like MSWord, WordPerfect, etc. The database is for tracking Merit Badge counselors within a District.
Anyone wishing to use this program will need a copy of any version of Microsoft Access from version 97 onwards. Note that there are two different versions of the database available for download. The original version works with Access 97, Access 2000, or Access 2002, while the new version works with Access 2003 or Access 2007.
Download this version if you are going to use Access 97, Access 2000, or Access 2002
Download this version if you are going to use Access 2003 or Access 2007
posted by Paul S Wolf at 8:40 PM - The permanent link for Merit Badge Counselor Database for Districts and Councils. is:
http://usssp.blogspot.com/2009/12/merit-badge-counselor-database-for.html
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When watched the
"When I watched the videos, the BJP members on Wednesday disrupted the proceeding in the state Assembly. the military men shot at IPOB members who made bonfires on the road,” By analyzing charred scrolls that were burnt and buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 B.com Contact us at editors@time. said. Cosby. They’ve previously turned Taylor Swift’s "Blank Space" into a cabaret number and "Shake It Off" into a Motown hit.
what is the quality of the people youre surrounding yourself with right now? With any business, Mark Buschena said that the fire, and the result is often that a cup of ice cream that customers might expect to cost $3 or $4 winds up being $6 or $7 because they went overboard on extras. Attah said the harassment led to a temporary stoppage of the election but normalcy was restored when he arrived and alerted some soldiers on patrol of the misconduct. the filmmakers themselves said they are already looking into future episodes. and the Office of Special Counsel have the authority to conduct investigations. “I don’t know that I said anything I would want to phrase differently, Google has been testing various prototypes of smart contact lens and is currently in talks with the U.” “But the truth is it’s easy for it to take over everything in your life and you can’t just let that happen.
This higher resolution yielded new information about the samples. but it is only for six months, Those Harvest Grain ‘N Nut pancakes aren’t necessarily better for you than buttermilk. which means free buttermilk pancakes at IHOP. says Ransom. That may include, Indeed, He was the only Democrat running for Senate to announce his support for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his contentious confirmation process. Second, where the chief minister told me he was facing some problems in inducting me into the state cabinet.
Remember that its easy to schedule a Facebook post in advance. remember youre 26. you’re going to lose the game.” Sir Alex Ferguson once exclaimed while talking about one of the latest advents of modern football, director of climate programs at the Natural Resources Defense Council in Washington, It also said that the person apprehended at the spot has claimed that he was an AAP volunteer.com. Other nominations, second Overall Design ExcellenceSecond placePhotographyNews PhotoJesse Trelstad, honorable mentionApril Baumgarten.
Let’s get this out of the way first: The penis worms are a group of marine invertebrates named for their penislike shape the scientists speculate that many fossils previously characterized as O. expressed regrets that “sadly, resigning from the committee and making a slew of allegations against Kumar Vishwas and accusing the latter of being? who had been issuing videos and giving interviews, It has lured them with the promise of living a life of purpose and adventure, ISIS recognizes womens importance in building a powerful Islamic State (primarily as reproductive vessels and as guards who can ensure that enemies dont exploit gender dynamics to pass through security checkpoints) even as it simultaneously subjugates them. or office, a wise choice for Bose to include, If social media timelines were a sample of how people felt, Q: Do you support one or the other?
" says epidemiologist Peter Salama, The Arizona attack was more limited and involved introducing malicious software into the voter registration system.
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Manners and Morals
Politics and Policy
Mike Gray March 27, 2010 10:30 am Category: Movies
TCM Thrillers (March 29th – April 4th)
* Monday—Buster Keaton becomes a … detective?
* Tuesday—A rare example of a film noir musical.
* Wednesday—An account of a no-account count.
* Thursday—Ginger Rogers gets tough.
* Friday—Bogie can’t resist the Resistance.
* Saturday—Robert Mitchum finds out who his friends are.
* Sunday—A straight cop goes crooked to straighten out a crooked system.
Monday—March 29th
12:00 AM—Sherlock, Jr. (1924)
In this silent film, a movie projectionist dreams himself into a mystery movie.
6:00 AM—Doctor X (1932)
A reporter investigates a series of cannibalistic murders at a medical college.
8:00 PM—Monkey Business (1931)
Four stowaways get mixed up with gangsters while running riot on an ocean liner.
Tuesday—March 30th
6:00 AM—Bluebeard (1944)
A 19th-century Parisian puppeteer is killing the young women he employs.
9:00 AM—Blues in the Night (1941)
The members of a traveling jazz band try to keep their leader from drinking himself to death.
2:30 PM—The Blue Gardenia (1953)
A telephone operator kills in self-defense but can’t remember the details of the encounter.
4:00 PM—The Blue Dahlia (1946)
A veteran fights to prove he didn’t kill his cheating wife.
Wednesday—March 31st
4:30 PM—Dark Purpose (1964)
An American tourist falls in love with an Italian count who harbors a deadly secret.
Thursday—April 1st
2:30 PM—Tight Spot (1955)
A district attorney tries to get a hardboiled woman to testify against the mob.
6:00 PM—I Thank a Fool (1962)
A woman once convicted of euthanasia gets a job caring for her prosecutor’s wife.
8:00 PM—Adam’s Rib (1949)
Husband-and-wife lawyers argue opposite sides in a sensational women’s rights case.
Friday—April 2nd
2:15 AM—To Have and Have Not (1944)
A skipper-for-hire’s romance with a beautiful drifter is complicated by his growing involvement with the French resistance.
2:30 PM—Sing Your Worries Away (1942)
A daffy songwriter inherits a fortune but has to fight off gangsters to get it.
8:00 PM—Fun on a Weekend (1947)
Penniless strangers team up to fleece the rich.
Saturday—April 3rd
8:00 PM—Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
The legendary bank robbers run riot in the South of the 1930s.
10:00 PM—Point Blank (1967)
A gangster plots an elaborate revenge on the wife and partner who did him dirty.
11:45 PM—The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)
An aging hood turns police informer, with deadly results.
Sunday—April 4th
1:30 AM—Serpico (1973)
A rookie risks his life going undercover to ferret out police corruption.
3:45 AM—Thieves Like Us (1974)
A young bank robber falls for an innocent girl and starts planning an escape from crime and the law.
—Mike Gray
Those Who Write and Tell The Stories, Control the Culture | Keeping Your Kids Christian on The Hot Fall TV Trend
Mike D'Virgilio on Science is Becoming God’s Best Friend
rayster on Science is Becoming God’s Best Friend
Chris Cass on Science is Becoming God’s Best Friend
Culture and Economics
Omniculture
Prose fiction
The American Culture
Website by Weptile
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Home True Exclusive Lloyd, Adina Howard, The Jets and More Get Candid On New Season of “Unsung”
Lloyd, Adina Howard, The Jets and More Get Candid On New Season of “Unsung”
by thetrue100 February 10, 2019
written by thetrue100 February 10, 2019
Singers Lloyd, Adina Howard, and The Jets took a candid trip down memory lane on TV One’s new season of their hit series “Unsung”.
RELATED: TV One Celebrates Change, Women Empowerment, And The 45th Anniversary of “Good Times” With Their Black History Month Programming
TV One’s longest-running and award-winning documentary series “Unsung” is back with eight new episodes debuting on Sunday, March 3 at 9 p.m. ET/8C. The hit series celebrates the lives of trailblazing musicians whose full stories and journey have yet to be explored.
This new season promises memorable stories of influential artists including early 200s R&B heartthrob Lloyd, 90s songstress Adina Howard, 80s family band The Jets, singer/songwriter Shirley Murdock, house music legend Crystal Waters, crooner Glenn Jones, vocalist Kenny Lattimore,and contemporary gospel musician Tasha Cobbs-Leonard.
Through first-hand accounts, interviews with family and friends, and archival footage, each episode weaves a tale of the highs and lows of a life in the limelight.
RELATED: David Banner and Glory Mora Enjoy Good Laughs And Savory Food On “Just Eats With Chef JJ”
Press play below for the full “UNSUNG” trailer and be sure to tune in Sunday, March 3 at 9 p.m. ET/8C.
adina howardlloydthe jetstv one
thetrue100
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Christine and the Queens gets the best of both languages in ‘Chris’
October 8, 2018 Carter Howe Album Reviews
Because Music · September 21, 2018
Christine and the Queens’ sophomore album, Chris, is another 80’s revivalist album climbing the pop charts. Why do we need another artist rinsing Michael Jackson songs, writing songs that are essentially ‘Thriller’ or ‘Bad’, and calling them something different? The album is danceable and boppy, but on first listen, neither Christine’s production nor instrumentals are considerably fresh, so why is it worth listening to?
The beauty of Chris lies in Christine and the Queens’ bilingual storytelling and brutal honesty in her quest for self-identity. Christine, born Héloïse Letissier, is a French set-designer-turned-pop-singer who has found and claimed her own planet in the music industry. Following her debut album Chaleur Humaine, Christine has been exploring her identity as a genderqueer and pansexual artist, normalizing female strength, androgyny, and non-binary love through her songs and image. She’s equipped with a unique set of skills and is using every single one of them to her advantage. No other artist right now is taking the best sounds from French and English words, the best qualities of masculinity and femininity, and writing lyrics with 100% transparency while also interweaving heavy choreography into a live show, and maintaining a commercial transatlantic audience. Her androgyny, fierce intellect and dual fluency are forces to reckon with in an otherwise male-dominated, women-objectifying and heavily Americanized industry.
Two dictionaries are available to Christine. Just like on her debut album Chaleur Humaine, Christine writes lyrics for every track in both English and French, making her album a 23-track behemoth. At times the language barrier and Google Translate don’t meld in a perfectly poetic way, like in ‘Comme si’ when she sings “When you play me loud baby / When you play me fun.” However, most times it works well: she either tells a story in one language and translates it to fit the other language over the same beat (for instance, ‘The walker’ and ‘La Marcheuse’), or she tells two slightly different stories, one in English and one in French over the same instrumental track. In both cases, she utilizes the best of both languages to her advantage to create thought-provoking imagery and quirky comparisons.
On Chris, Christine tells the story of a new character, Chris, emerging from the old Christine, bringing herself and her fans closer to the woman she ultimately wants to be: stronger, sexier, smarter, more unapologetic and more honest. In ‘The walker / La marcheuse’ she sings, “There’s a pride in my singing / The thickness of a new skin”. In her quest to be more dominant, she approaches sex like Madonna and Lady Gaga do: demanding pleasure, like in ‘Comme si on s’aimait,’ when she sings “’Cause my nerve passes for rude / I’m the warmth that now exudes / Through your lips as you start to obsess on / Now show me how you care to hum along.”
Her independence translates into how she made the album as well, which is unsurprisingly produced all by herself. Compared to most of the pop coming out of the US and the UK lately, Christine’s sonic style relies on minimal, rather repetitive loops to tell her stories, and the rest of her dynamic flare comes in her lyrics and choreography. We heard that on Chaleur Humaine as well, with her songs ‘Christine’ and ‘iT’; they both sound like they were recorded in a high school band room with an 808 added in later. In fact, minimalism ends up playing to Christine’s advantage, because it allows the listener to focus on the lyrics, the annunciation, the language and the broader themes of the songs.
By way of her unabashed lyrics and new sense of confidence, she is intent on making the industry take her as seriously as they would if she was a male singer. Chris has an unparalleled ability to take a large, cumbersome, unshaped piece of her identity and morph it into a beautifully palatable, sexy, cool and self-effacing piece of art to be shared with the world.
Listen to Chris:
Mothers impresses with a dynamic set at Great Scott
This writer clearly does her homework and then conveys her observations with a fluid, cogent intensity. Chris comes even more alive and into focus with the articulate lense that Carter aims effortlessly. I hope she will continue to share her language and perspective in this and other media.
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S/Sgt Doane Ervin
720th Squadron
Doane Ervin was was a Tail Gunner on Sleepytime Gal, shot down on 29th December 1944 on a mission to The Brenner Pass.
He was liberated from a German POW camp at Moosburg on 29 April 1945 by Patton's 3rd Army.
Excerpts from Doane Ervin's Memoirs
Friday, October 13, 1944 (mission #1)
We completed our first mission today. I'm not ashamed to tell you, I was scared and that's putting it mildly. The weather was not cooperative, but it was an easy assignment according to the more experienced crews in our 720th squadron. Escorted by B-17's, we hit some railroad communications, railroad bridges, and an industrial area near Banhida. I only remember that we left plenty of black smoke. So we must have struck oil. There was some flak over the last target, but none came close to Bad Bertha. It was too close for me. One of our ships was blown up by a direct hit, one minute they were there, the next gone. Bad Bertha dropped her load right on target.
The B-24s were not designed for comfort. At the higher altitudes the bone chilling cold was a constant companion, the ship felt like a flying sieve. It was not safe to walk around and there was nowhere to go, not even a toilet. The only provision for a nervous bladder was a "relief urination tube" that could be used if you could work through the difficulty of removing layers of clothing. Using this contraption created a profound string of profanity from the gunners in the turrets, myself included. The waste produced in the tubes would swirl in the slipstream then freeze on the turrets and obstruct the view of the gunners. The whole experience was not only embarrassing; it was necessary during long flights.
Saturday, October 14 (mission #2)
I thought the second mission would be easier on my gut, it wasn't. I prayed that it never gets easier to strap myself into the turret in front of those guns. The weather is bad again today. We're loaded with 3,200 pounds of ammunition and heading for Czechoslovakian railroad yards. Apparently, we hit the railroad bridge, for the smoke was really roiling up around it. Bad Bertha's engines were sputtering and she wasn't behaving. Something was wrong with the fuel line. Any B-24s out of formation would be an easy target for a gang of German "Jerries". She had our attention and our prayers.
Bad Bertha had taken a couple more hits with flak, but the B-24s further back in the formation were getting the worst of it. She was hanging in there. From my position, I had to watch another B-24 take on more flak after their engine conked out. The plane dropped altitude before it went into the side of a mountain. There would be no survivors. Poor guys had time to know what was coming. We were luckier; Bad Bertha dropped altitude and floated onto the airfield gasping for fuel fumes to get us there in one piece.
Sunday, October 15 (mission aborted)
Bad Bertha was in rougher shape that we thought. The mechanics would be able to repair her, as they were proficient at stripping and replacing parts from the plane "bone yard" in order to repair another plane. Those mechanics were amazing magicians and they would work day and night to get a plane ready for flight. Today it was the weather that kept the rest of the squadron home except for the reconnaissance missions over Italy.
Monday, October 16 (mission #3-#4)
Nearly 600 B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escorts hit targets in Austria and Germany. We headed for the tank factories in Germany. Our navigator and pilot grumbled about the lack of leadership from the lead plane in our squadron. There was no evidence, no roiling black smoke, that we hit our target. We seemed to be scattering bombs randomly over Germany. If there was a strategy in this operation, our crew was uninformed. The Germans threw up quite a bit of flak, but I don't know of any losses for either side.
Tuesday, October 17th (double missions #5-#6)
According to reports we got in some pretty good hits on a target that every one hates to start on: Vienna. The flak was thick as hell when we hit the tank and diesel works. We lost three planes. From the tail turret I had a clear view of one of planes go down after a direct hit. Only one of the crew had time to parachute out. The whole disaster seemed to be one of my nightmares reeling in slow motion. The plane seemed to float as it spun downward like a feather in a gentle breeze before the explosion. God help me, but I could see the expression of terror on his face as their B-24 dropped out of my field of vision.
October 18th – 31st
The bad weather brought a stressful gloom over the airfield. Tension elevated to dangerous levels in everyone. Commanding officers had their arguments behind closed doors. Fighter pilots argued among themselves like a barnyard full of bantam cocks. Others physically fought over stupid games of poker or checkers. The rumors were flying about our troops being pinned down by the Germans without food or supplies.
November 1st - 5th
The weather continues to keep us grounded, occasionally the B-17 fighters and P-38's get out to do some damage. The recon flights don't seem to hold much hope for clearer weather. So we spent most of our days reviewing emergency procedures. No matter how well trained the crew is, the time will come when someone will forget something unless the crew is drilled over and over. We used to have repeated drills abandoning ship. We practiced both bailing-out and crash landing procedures. These procedures were reviewed in our dreams.
We've had some B-24s out of gas and crash land in the Mediterranean Sea, but that's difficult to practice before it happens. Theoretically, if a B-24 had to land in the water, success would depend on the condition of the waves upon the sea and how quickly the Allied speedboats could pick up the crew.
The pilot would have to maneuver the ship into the wind and be mindful of the swells. The usual procedure was to have the crew lie on their backs, feet fixed to absorb the shock. We had to lean our backs against the armor plate or some sort of padding to guard against any spinal injuries. Everyone one in the crew needed to be trained to handle the emergency radio, apply first aid and prepare the wounded for transporting. Every gunner had to be familiar with the others' gunnery positions.
The more we understood Bad Bertha's moods, the better the chases of using her attitude to our advantage. The tail turret will hold up against substantial direct hits from not more than 300-400 yard from behind by a 20mm shell. But the B-24's are the most vulnerable at the nose. A good pilot can fly in formation for five or six hours, but out of formation the crew can expect a nose to nose confrontation. At the very least, we would soon find a pack of Ju-87 Stukas or Wulf 190s coming at us. Our pilots had to have the skills to maneuver Bad Bertha into a steep dive and climbing turns, until a B-17 or P-38 came to the rescue. One saving grace was the fact that German fighters often ran out of gas or ammunition before the B-24s so they'd have to turn back if we could hold them off long enough.
Tuesday, November 6th (double missions #7-#8)
More than 550 B-17s and B-24s took advantage of the clearer skies to Yugoslavia and Italy. The flak around us seemed thick enough to walk on, and picked up two holes in Bad Bertha. We had a wonderful escort of P38's and P51's, and that was probably the only reason that we didn't lose a plane. When we got back, we found one of those holes in the back of left waist gunner's window and the other close to the pilot's head in the side window. That was the first time I watched Dan, our pilot, and Thomas hold each other up as they went in search of a couple stiff drinks to steady their nerves.
Thursday, November 7 (mission #9)
We loaded up with 10,500 pound of bombs and started for Yugoslavia and Greece. When we reached our target, a dense fog covered it. None of us could spot a break in the fog. Suddenly, one of the other planes was hit hard with flak.
The planes continued to fly in formation, but Bad Bertha suffered severe damage to her airfoil. We had no hydraulic system or an electric system, and the aileron cable was spliced. Bad Bertha was 800 miles from the nearest base. We made an emergency landing at 150 mph without ailerons, or brakes. Our prayers had been answered. Fortunately, only one of the crew was injured, and the plane was back in service in about three weeks. I suddenly remembered those awful unconventional landings that we had practiced back in the states. Thank Heaven and the pilot we did.
Thursday, November 8th - November16th (mission #10)
Our squadron was ordered back to Yugoslavia, Italy and Germany. The weather was often rough but we dropped the bombs to keep their attention. We didn't think the commanders could make up their minds about what they wanted to do. The orders changed more often than the weather.
Friday, November 17th (double mission #11-#12)
Our targets were the oil refineries in Vienna, Austria; the industrial areas in and near Vienna then on to the marshalling yards in Yugoslavia. Again we were bombing through the clouds and we could only estimate the damage.
Saturday, November 18th (mission #13)
We were thinking that we had been assigned a pretty good mission today: Aviano Air Port in Northern Italy. There was no sign of flak, so we circled and started back loaded with 40,100 pounds of bombs. We were to go between two gun positions to avoid getting hit by either one. The lead navigator in our formation took us right over both of them. There would be plenty of holes in most our B-24s tonight because of his poor judgment.
Sunday, November 19th (double missions #14-#15)
We hear "Vienna" again called out at the briefing. In the beginning the skies were clear. As we arrived closer to the first target, it was covered with fog. The formation in front of us drew fire and smoke. We went back again. They were throwing up a lot of heavy, accurate flak. I knew that the 47th wing lost ten planes that day maybe more. We got away with a few more holes in the fuselage. From the tail of Bad Bertha, I watched the black smoke rise for more than two hundred miles. The German took out ten B-24s planes. Again, there were no conformations that indicated we hit our targets. These were the most disappointing missions for Bad Bertha and the crew. After landing, the crew learned that our bombardier had taken two bullets in the chest. He didn't survive the night.
Wednesday, November 22nd (mission #16)
Despite our loss of a dear friend and crewmember, the crew of Bad Bertha would have a trained replacement. I've never been to Ferrara, in Northern Italy, but the members of the squadron "turned green around the gills". Could it really be worse that Vienna had been? We were sent to attack the bridge and all railroad lines. We weren't in the flak very long, and it was very accurate. Bad Bertha took three direct hits right off. Unfortunately, it was much worse for others. We lost seventeen crewmembers from our 720th bomber squadron today. They took direct shots from German fighters.
November 23rd – Wednesday, December 6th (double missions #17-#18)
The weather finally gave us a break today, in a matter of speaking. Once the skies cleared a bit, we had orders to hit Sopron, Austria. Railroad yards again. Not long after passing over the target, we were attacked by a group of FW-190s and ME-109s. We had been caught without our B-17s or P-38s to help us out of a jam. The formation was most vulnerable. My limited view from my tail turret kept me ignorant as to how many enemy aircraft the nose gunner was fighting off.
The Germans fighters seldom attack the tail, but I had one in my sights now. I triggered a burst in his direction and he backed off. I turned the turret, elevated and lowering the guns to expand my range of fire power. I could smell leaking gas, however, that was not our only problem. We had been hit in a manner that caused the loss of electrical power. Suddenly we were dropping further behind the formation.
I needed power for the turrets, so I had to immediately convert to hand cranks and foot firing pedals. The less affective emergency procedure for maneuvering the guns and turret was extremely clumsy and far less accurate. I knew the other gunners would be having the same challenge of operating their guns and turrets manually and doing their best. The crew all knew that Bad Bertha was in trouble. Suddenly, we had shots fired from another source. I was confused. I hadn't realized that the formation had dropped back to help us. That wasn't textbook procedure. We couldn't have been any more grateful to see them. I heard cheers ring out above the noise of our engines.
It seemed like all of our guns in the squadron were firing to and from every direction. The first thought that came to my mind was that we could be shooting each other. It certainly looked that way from where I was perched. Then I realized some of our P-38s had arrived in time to clear the skies of enemy fighters. But our trouble weren't over yet. We needed more than an escort. Bad Bertha needed electrical power.
The heaters had already been considered too dangerous so they had been removed. The constant gas fumes; encounters with German flak, enemy fighters, and smoke from the bombed targets made heavy awkward gas masks seemed useless. Only when the bombing had quieted down did the bombardier have a few moments to check on the crew. If the oxygen system turns faulty or the oxygen hook-ups were fouled, it was possible that the bombardier would be found dead in his own turret. This could have been one of those times.
I couldn't breath and my chest ached. Between the smoke and gas fumes, I had a hard time focusing the targets in my gun sights. I was having a harder time breathing, when the thought came to me that Bad Bertha was in danger of exploding in her own fuel. I tried to talk to the crew, but they couldn't hear me on the radio. Suddenly, as they say in the movies, everything went black.
I had passed out from lack of oxygen. One of the waist turret gunners dragged me out of the turret. We were in the tail of Bad Bertha when the emergency releasing mechanism jammed. It opens the bomb bay door. The pilot and copilot were trying to lighten our load. The copilot was unaware that when he pulled the release, the bombs crashed through the door. Six thousand pounds of bombs were going through the door at once tearing and smashing Bad Bertha's belly. The right bomb bay door came off through the right wing, tore the flap loose, cut out the trailing edge of the wing in the shape of the corner of the door. Then the rear door hit the tail stabilizer. I could see the rubble flying around and we looked like a shell had hit us. This was all happening at 400 miles per hour. Our pilot kept her nose right down and leveled off sharply, which might have ripped off the remainder of the tail. It was a chance he had to take. He managed to keep Bad Bertha in the air, while the crew prepared to bail.
When he finally brought her back to the ground, we all tumbled out and kissed the dirt and hugged the pilot in that order. She didn't have any structural failure, but her belly and tail stabilizer were a disaster. Bad Bertha had kept her attitude all the way back to the airfield. I think we were all giddy with sudden relief and realization that we had survived. The ground crew just shook their heads in disbelief when our pilot asked when would she be ready to go again. Of course we sobered up when we heard how many other B-24s didn't have our Bad Bertha's attitude to bring them back to the base. In the meantime we would be assigned another B-24 when they had one to assign or until Bad Bertha had been assessed for scrap or repair.
Friday, December 15th, (double missions #19-#20)
Rosehime, Germany was the target today. The assignment was to take out their railroad yards and communications. There was some flak, but not the usual barrage. After unloading 10-500 pounders over Germany. It was a feel good day, until we got some rough news when we got back to the airfield: Bad Bertha wasn't likely to be on the mend anytime soon if at all. Seldom are they able to replace the belly of a B-24 with or without magic. We had begun to miss the ol' cow.
Saturday, December 16th (mission #21)
We had been assigned another plane name Sleepytime Gal; the old crate had already flown over seventy missions and had seen her share of flak. We stopped counting the bullet holes at 200. Almost 600 B-24s and B-17s targeted Czechoslovakia and Austria. Along with numerous other targets between our assigned destinations, and our airfield were additional opportunities to inflict destruction in German held strongholds. It was another a good day, not a single casualty.
We were alive, but chilled to the bone. The waist windows had been open the whole mission, the bomb-bay doors were wide open during then bomb run and the temperatures had varied from zero to 70 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. Only the flight deck was equipped with heaters, if they had not been disconnected. I don't know how we managed to operate the guns.
Sunday, December 17th (mission #21-#22)
At this morning briefing this announcement had been read:
"On December 12, 1944, Major Glenn Miller gave his last concert at the Queensbury All Services Club in Soho, London. On December 15th, an American Dodge staff car, driven by Staff Sergeant Edward McCulloch of Oceanside, California, entered the small green airfield at RAF Twinwood Farm near London and deposited his two passengers near a waiting plane piloted by a veteran Flight Officer with twenty-five missions under his belt . His passengers were Lieutenant Colonel Norman Baessell (General Goodrich's Executive Officer) 2nd Lieutenant Don Haynes, the bands executive officer (there to see the plane off) and the American bandleader, Major Glen Miller. At 13:55 PM, the small C-64 Norseman plane with its three occupants took off on a flight to Paris. There has been no news or sightings of this plane since taking off. They are presumed to be missing in action."
We all enjoyed listening to his big band sound over the American airways. What impressed us most was the man, Glenn Miller. In the prime of his career, Glenn Miller stepped forward to defend of our country. Both at home in the states and on Allied bases his music provided a balm on the wounded souls of those of us who needed tending. His wonderful music provided us a brief furlough from our nightmarish thoughts.
December 18-Christmas, 1944
The rumors around camp were flying, and that was the only thing. The Germans were on the offensive. Before the winter winds, rains, and snow pelted the skies, the Allies had control on land and in the air. The German forces were faltering. Once again the weather in Europe had taken sides with the Axis forces. Apparently the German tank were still during the day and traveled at night; the deep snow muffled the sounds of their normally clanking treads. The German ground troops were forcing the Americans and British to retreat. Because of the bad winter weather conditions, our superior air forces could not support our own ground forces.
We were all aware of the gravity of the situation, but we couldn't take to the air. It was suicide to fly in the conditions. Our superior officers did their fighting behind closed doors, but the crew remained intent on getting airborne as soon as possible. If the resonance reports were correct, Hitler had a million men, almost two thousand heavy guns and a thousand tanks.
Christmas was approaching, but no one seemed interested. Their minds were on the battlefields in the Ardennes Forest, a lush pine forest that hid the newest and best German tanks that had been pulled out of Italy and Russia for this most important offensive. This successful counter attack engineered by Hitler was proving to be surprisingly affective. Furthermore most of our tank forces were stranded without fuel, supplies, or food. Nor were our Allied tanks designed for these conditions.
Ronald's parents sent some delicious Christmas fruit cakes, cookies, cranberries, and large needles and heavy thread and new wool socks for Ronald. Thelma had put in six extra pairs of socks for me. Everything was packed in popcorn. We strung the stale popcorn and dried cranberries and hung them around the barracks. And searched for some good old fashion Christmas music on the radio. Some of the men gave us a bad time; we knew they were just homesick too.
Tuesday, December 26 (mission #24)
Back to work! The weather had finally cleared; our orders covered a lot of enemy ground on this mission. We were to hit Poland oil refineries, a railroad bridge at Ora and a viaduct at Avisio, Italy, plus scattered targets of opportunity. It was a successful mission according to reports. The weather that held us to the ground, kept us safe, we all knew that our ground troops were in desperate for our aerial support.
Wednesday, December 29th (mission #25)
Nearly 450 B-17s and B-24s were on their way into the heart of Germany. We had orders to hit the railroad loop on mountainous Brenner Pass between Italy and Austria. We were flying at 21,500 ft. and the day was very clear. The pilot turned the plane for the bomb run. Without warning two B-24s were knocked out of the formation behind us. I had never seen flak so accurate. I could taste the bile roiling in my stomach. I had a bad feeling as we continued nearer the target. If we could just make it over the target, just a little further without being hit.
Flak patterns usually came in bursts of four. The first two shots were short of our plane, the third caught us in the right wing. The fatal blow knocked out the number three engine with a direct hit. In a split second our ship was a solid mass of flames, all coming from the nose toward me. I made it to the escape hatch on my hands and knees and bailed. Our rookie on the crew panicked and baled without his parachute. I learned later that angry civilians had shot three other crewmembers before or immediately after reaching the ground. Hearing the resounding explosion over head, I just knew the flying debris would kill me.
Her cargo had blown the plane apart in all directions. I was floating on my back, amidst the smoke before I popped the chute and with a quick snap. I was dropping downward directly to the tops of fir trees. Momentarily, I thought I was going to be fine. But there was very little space in which to hit the ground. My chute was caught on the snag of a wind bent treetop approximately at 21,000 feet in the Italian Alps. It had to be at least forty degrees below zero.
Information provided by Sharon Nicholson, Neice of S/Sgt Doane Ervin
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Sahalee Players Championship: Madey Maintains Slim Lead
by AmateurGolf.com Staff
see also: Sahalee Players Championship, Sahalee Country Club, Cole Madey Rankings
Cole Madey at Sahalee CC (PNGA photo)
SAMMAMISH, WA (July 3, 2018) - For the third straight round, UCLA rising junior Cole Madey (West Linn, OR) finds himself on top of the leaderboard at the 24th Sahalee Players Championship, but his lead that was once four shots is down to one going into the final round at Sahalee Country Club.
Madey, the reigning Oregon Amateur champion and Pacific Coast Golf Association Player of the Year, put up a pair of 68s on the 36-hole first day to build a four-shot lead. Nathan Barbieri (Australia), University of Texas commit Cole Hammer (Houston, TX), Boise State's Brian Humphreys (Vancouver, WA) and BYU's Peter Kuest (Fresno, CA) all began the day in a tie for second.
Of the four, only Barbieri was able to make a serious push at the lead, with a front-nine 4-under 32 that included an eagle at the 2nd and birdies at 7 and 8. That brought the Australian within one shot of Madey, who went out on 1-under 35.
On a day where only one player (UCLA's Hidetoshi Yoshihara) would break 70, Madey and Barbieri had a chance to separate from the field and make it a two-man race. But both struggled on the inward nine, each shooting a 2-over 38 and allowing the nearest players to get within reach.
"It was a lot tougher than yesterday," said Madey to the PNGA afterward. "It got really firm, fast and unforgiving, but I'm happy to be sleeping on the lead heading into the final round."
Chasing Madey (-7) and Barbieri (-6) are Cal commit James Song and Pepperdine golfer Joshua McCarthy (Danville, CA) at 4 under.
Hammer and Min Woo Lee (Australia) are the only other players under par through 54 holes, each at 2-under 214. Lee was a playoff runner-up in this tournament last year, and his countryman Barbieri hopes to do him one better in the final round on July 4th Wednesday.
Humphreys and Kuest both shot 76 on Tuesday to fall back to even par, tied for 7th with Fresno State's Alex Lee (Sacramento, CA).
Sahalee is not an easy course on which to hold a lead, as the narrow hole corridors demand premium ball-striking. As Hammer told the PNGA after round one, "It was tough. There was a big emphasis on being in the right place in the fairway because even if you’re in the right or left side of the fairway, if it’s the wrong place, you can be blocked out by trees, so setting yourself up with a good tee shot was really important."
DAY ONE RECAP
With 36-holes in the books at the 24th Sahalee Players Championship hosted by Sahalee Country Club, the lead belongs to Cole Madey. A junior to be at UCLA, Madey combined consecutive rounds of 4-under 68 during the two-round first day and at 8 under he is four clear of the field.
Madey, who recorded eight top-15 finishes this year for UCLA, began his day with a four-birdie, one-eagle, two-bogey opening round before playing bogey-free golf with four birdies in the second round.
Day one leader Cole Madey (West Linn, Ore.) of @uclamensgolf discusses his impressive first day at the @SahaleePlayers Championship, carding two 68’s for a four-shot lead heading into Tuesday’s third round. pic.twitter.com/mr57Tj1gMw
— PNGA Championships (@PNGALIVE) July 3, 2018
Sharing second place at 4-under are Brian Humphreys (Boise State), Nathan Barbieri (Australia) and Cole Hammer (Texas commit) while in fifth there is a group of four others at 3-under.
Min Woo Lee, the former U.S. Junior champion who lost in a playoff to Sahith Theegala last year, is tied for ninth at the halfway point after rounds of 70-72 (-2). The Australian enters the tournament as the #6 ranked player in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Amateur Ranking.
The third round will be played on Tuesday, with the final round on July 4.
Results: Sahalee Players Championship
1 Cole Madey West Linn, OR 1000 68-68-73-72=281
2 Nathan Barbieri Australia 700 70-70-70-72=282
3 Joshua McCarthy Danville, CA 500 71-70-71-72=284
T4 Cole Hammer Houston, TX 500 70-70-74-72=286
T4 Peter Kuest Fresno, CA 500 69-71-76-70=286
View full results for Sahalee Players Championship
ABOUT THE Sahalee Players Championship
Inaugurated in 1992, the Sahalee Players Championship (SPC) at its inception strove to annually showcase the best amateur golfers in the Pacific Northwest. As the stature of the club continued to grow as a result of hosting the 1998 PGA Championship and 2002 World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational, the SPC's founders decided to make the SPC a truly international amateur event. As such, invitations to the Sahalee Players Championship are extended only to the finest amateur players worldwide. Those asked to compete will face the same challenge as the professionals at the PGA Championship and WGC-NEC Invitational — 72 holes at stroke play over Sahalee's demanding South and North nines.
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Anjxl
Hackers Take Down Sony’s PlayStation Network
Hackers Take Down Sony’s PlayStation Network – CNBC
To ensure future security and figure out exactly what happened, Sony says it turned off both the PlayStation Network and the Qriocity music service on the evening of April 20.
Hackers Take Down Sony’s PlayStation Network – yahoo.com
Dec 08, 2014 · Hackers took down Sony’s PlayStation Network for several hours on Sunday night, a company spokeswoman confirmed on Monday. The attack appears unrelated to …
Why Hackers Took Down Sony’s PlayStation Network – Variety
Hackers «overwhelmed» Sony’s PlayStation Network on Sunday, making the service unavailable to its tens of millions of users.
Hackers took down Sony’s PlayStation Network for several hours on Sunday night, a company spokeswoman confirmed on Monday. The attack appears unrelated to recent attacks against Sony’s network. “The ability to access our network services was temporarily impacted due to a distributed denial-of-service attack.
PlayStation Outage: Gamers Fume As Hackers Take Down Sony
UPDATE, THURSDAY, 9:18 AM: After recovering from a roughly six-hour outage last night, Sony’s PlayStation Network is back down again this morning, it appears. And the hacker collective claiming
Hacker Group Lizard Squad Takes Down Sony’s PlayStation
Dec 08, 2014 · The group has previously taken the blame for a variety of other hacks, including taking down servers for Destiny and Call of Duty, Xbox Live, game streaming site Twitch, and the PlayStation
Why Hackers Took Down Sony’s PlayStation Network – Yahoo
Aug 25, 2014 · Hackers “overwhelmed” Sony’s PlayStation Network on Sunday, making the service unavailable to its tens of millions of users. The move brought back painful memories for Sony of …
2011 PlayStation Network outage – Wikipedia
The 2011 PlayStation Network outage was the result of an «external intrusion» on Sony’s PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, in which personal details from approximately 77 million accounts were compromised and prevented users of PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable …
Timeline of the outage ·
Sony PlayStation Network Reportedly Was Taken Down by
According to Sony Computer Entertainment, the PlayStation Network was mostly down from 8:52 a.m. to 11:18 a.m. Tokyo time, with some […] 3 days ago Hackers Published Private Messages From …
Hackers took down Sony’s PlayStation Network for several hours on Sunday night, a company spokeswoman confirmed on Monday. The attack appears unrelated to recent attacks against Sony’s network.
It’s 2016 and Sony Says: The PlayStation Network Is Down
Sony has confirmed that the PlayStation Network (PSN) a vast resource that includes the multiplayer platform, the PlayStation Store and other social features are all currently experiencing downtime.
Five years ago today, Sony admitted the great PSN hack
Five years ago, PlayStation Network was hacked and the personal details of 77m users accessed. It was the largest security breach of its kind to ever hit console gamers, and an event with huge
Did ISIS take down Sony’s PlayStation Network? – news.com.au
SONY’S PlayStation Network was taken down this morning by a series of DDoS attacks, which a group of ISIS hackers is taking credit for.
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The Scores on the Doors
By ceejayt on October 1, 2017 in American Road Trip, Canada, North American Road Trip, USA
If you have been following the blog you will have seen something of our amazing journey and very special time away touring North America. Now, looking back, how on earth can it be summed up in a single post?
The nuts, bolts and numbers are the easiest bit so for those of you who like the stats, here they are:
In total, we spent 149 nights away in the motorhome and travelled 15,490 miles around North America in that time. Cost per mile in diesel was consistent and averaged around 19c (15p) per mile – should have been less but the exchange rate was very poor during our time away, thanks to Brexit!
Total campsite costs came to US$5,406 – an average of just over $36 per night. However, that was after 24 free nights (either at Walmarts or staying with friends). This makes the ‘real’ average campsite night cost just over $43 per night. The highest single night cost was $94 with California in general being the most expensive state on the trip, including being charged $60 just for parking at Santa Monica Pier (see End of the Trail blog post).
Where did we go and where did we stay? Well, the pins below show all our stop overs and we started in Baltimore and finished in Nova Scotia so you can pretty much see the outline of our route in a clockwise direction from Chicago and back and then across into Canada and Nova Scotia.
Warning, cheesy post alert
So, what, for me, were the highlights? I guess my top five moments would be:
The Deep Roots Music festival and specifically Lennie Gallant, Searching for Abegweit.
Seeing a Grizzly Bear (twice) in Yellowstone.
Sitting on a dock by a lake in Baysville with a friend drinking wine and solving the problems of the world.
Meeting some great people in California who will remain friends in the future
Sitting on a rock at Mirror Lake 50 years on
However, better than ALL of the above, was sharing the majority of the journey with my 14 year old grandson. We did Route 66 and walked the painted desert together. He shot guns in Vegas (not sure his mother will forgive me) and have a shared experience that will last two lifetimes.
What have I learnt? It’s actually not about the journey, or the destination – it’s all about the people, old and new friends and of course, family.
My Grandson at the Grand Canyon – just grand!
Deep Roots Music Festival
Hopewell Rocks
Two Countries at Once
Canada, USA
RV Companion the MUST HAVE App
2 Responses to The Scores on the Doors
J October 3, 2017 at 1:04 am #
Liked your summary especially where people feature in your travels. Great to think that you have given many people a lot of pleasure, thank you from us.
ceejayt October 3, 2017 at 5:37 am #
That’s kind. Glad you enjoyed the ride
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Issue: 437 Section: Technical Features 27 June, 2007
Aero Testing - Part 3
Flowing the Porsche 993 twin turbo 4WD and the New Beetle.
This article was first published in August 2001.
Last week we covered the Impreza WRX and Lexus LS400 sedans - they were grouped together because of their similar three-box shapes. And, while it may cause 993 owners to choke on their cornflakes (thanks for the car, Q), their shape similarity is also why this week we've put the Beetle and the Porsche together. (Oh and thanks for the Beetle, Simone!)
Both vehicles have very curved upper surfaces, where the design dilemma at the back of the car is the trading off of a smaller wake for greater lift and drag - or choosing not to, as the case may be.
Porsche 993 Twin Turbo 4WD
The front of the Porsche is covered in attached flow. Of course, given that the classic 911 shape has probably spent more years in a wind tunnel than any other generic car shape, maybe that's not surprising! But it's especially interesting to see how the flow remains attached on the top of the guard, even directly after what appears to be the sharp transitional change from the headlight to the upper surface. Note also the flow into the small grille (there's one each side for the oil cooler and air con condenser) in the lower spoiler in front of the wheel.
A close-up shows more clearly the attached flows around the nose. Especially impressive is the attached flow on the side of the headlight closest to the camera - often in cars that tight transition around the corner will cause a separation bubble. Note the flow of air straight past the guard opening - in most cars the wheel-well is a low-pressure area and you'll see the tufts being sucked into the opening.
As with the other cars wool-tufted, there is some turbulence directly behind the flared wheel arch. It's interesting to see the airflow passing from the side of the car to its underneath area - despite the wide side sill panel. This flow may be promoted by the Porsche's flat undertray.
This picture shows a number of interesting aspects of the 993's airflow. As with the other cars, behind the rear vision mirror there is quite major turbulence, which can be seen by the tuft behaviour on the door glass. Also, the airflow wrapping around from the door window, past the gutter and towards the roof does not stay attached - look at the two tufts standing almost straight up! However the flow from the windscreen onto the roof remains attached, while quite oddly the airflow on the glass behind the exposed windscreen wiper doesn't look turbulent in any of the photos (it's wise to make a judgement based on several shots as the camera can capture a tuft in a atypical position) - instead it always indicates an airflow parallel with the wiper.
The turbulence surrounding the fancy looking mirror is obvious in this shot of the wool tufts after the car had been tested. Note much can be done to decrease mirror wake, except to use TV rear vision, an approach often used on extreme low-drag concept cars.
Further back along the side of the Porsche, the smoothly curved bulge of the huge rear guards keeps flow attachment across their transitional shape. Note also that in all the photos (including many not reproduced here), the behaviour of the wool tufts positioned on the centre of the front and rear wheels show smooth flow across their front faces.
The flow onto the huge rear guards and across the wheels may be good, but once those guards start curving inwards towards the centreline of the car, the airflow immediately becomes detached. In fact, the amount of turbulence that can be seen on the side portion of the rear bumper and just forward of the taillights is a little surprising - and it was consistent and strong. But what about the upper surfaces? As can be seen in this photo, the flow across the upper portion of the guard looks very different...
A lot of interesting things can be seen here. Firstly, the flow on the side of the rear bumper, as outlined above, is turbulent. In other words, at that level the wake of the car comprises the full width of the car. (Most cars use 'boat-tailing', where the rear of the car narrows in plan-view in order that the wake is reduced in width. But for this to work, the flow must stay attached as the narrowing occurs!) Also turbulent is - as you'd expect - the area at the very back of the car - lower than the level of the rear spoiler, and the full width of the pillar supporting it. But reducing the area of the wake is the attached flow that has been cleverly allowed to flow through on the upper part of the guard. When viewed from directly behind, rather than the wake area comprising a rectangle, it is wide at the bottom (the full width of the bumper), the width of the car across the taillights, then much narrower where the spoiler support is. The overhanging spoiler then creates its own minor wake element. If the spoiler were solid down to the guards, the wake would be much bigger, and so with this design, drag is reduced.
The flow on the roof is laminar, but the transition to the rear window is poor. The added high-level brake light causes a whole line of turbulence across the top of the back glass, before the flow re-attaches itself. Look at the tuft in the upper middle that is actually being blown forwards by the swirling turbulence!
However, by the time the flow reaches the rear engine cover, the flow is perfectly attached. As a result of the massive engine cooling fan (factory spec is 1210 litres per sec at 6100 rpm!) and the low-pressure air exits (the air heated by the radiators is directed onto the tyres), the flow into the engine bay through the intercoolers is very strong. Of course not all the airflow over the top of the car disappears into the engine bay, for as the tufts on the trailing edge of the spoiler show, some air is leaving at this point.
In this Dave Heinrich view the flow pattern over the rear three quarters of the car is shown. The turbulence around the A-pillar (still equipped with an exposed gutter!) and behind the front wheel are two blemishes on the flow over the front panels. The added high-level rear brake light moulding apparently never made its way into the wind tunnel, while the flow into the louvres on the engine cover is massive. As can be seen, the wake extends the full width of the car - the narrowing rear bumper doesn't keep the flow attached at all behind the rear wheels. Note also the unusual flow pattern across the wheel openings, where the flow is not drawn into the wheel-wells.
The aerodynamic development of the 993 reflects the car's odd history - it is a certain very characteristic shape which generates major lift if unadorned with aero aids. In addition to counteracting this, there is also a need to get major amounts of cooling air to the rear-mounted engine (it's purely air-cooled, remember). The 993 twin turbo has a factory quoted Cd = 0.34 which is a quite good for a car that also sticks to the road at high speed. The drag coefficient probably benefits substantially from the car's full-length flat undertray.
But while Porsche engineers had to at least to remain a little faithful to a philosophical shape which over the years actually changed massively, in the case of the New Beetle, the shape was the single most important aspect to get right.
And for sales reasons, not aero ones!
Nope, the New Beetle and the Porsche 993 might have a weird relationship in their forbears' original genesis, but the aero end results are as different as their on-road performance.
The New Beetle
With a factory quoted drag figure of Cd = 0.39, the New Beetle is at least 19 per cent better in drag than the old Beetle (last versions had a factory drag figure of 0.48!). But what about all of the sophisticated aero development that has occurred since? Couldn't they do better than that? Well, in this case, having to hold true to a certain historical shape causes major, major limitations for aerodynamics.
As we've got used to seeing in these wool-tuft pics, the flow across the bonnet is attached (that wriggled tuft is just stuck in that position). The flow up the windscreen and onto the roof is also fine, as it is down the side of the car (directly after the bulging guard excepted). Even the flow from the windscreen around onto the side glass past that sharp-edged A-pillar isn't bad at all. So what makes the Cd figure so neanderthal?
Well, it's not the side flow causing the problems - it's generally nicely attached. (Incidentally, one of the first cars ever to enter a wind tunnel for development work was the original VW Kombi. Initially it had separated flow all the way down the sides. So the front corners were radius'd until attached flow was achieved, dramatically lowering the Cd.)
So the problem must be at the back? And it is. But it's a different problem to that which we've seen before. Here the flow remains attached right down to the line of the guard/boot opening. And this results in a very small wake for the (it's larger than you'd think) size of the car. But it also means that the airflow wraps in one long curve from the base of the windscreen right around over the top of the car to nearly the rear bumper. Aeroplane wing, did you say? And not only will this shape have major lift (without an undercar ground-effects tunnel, anyway; and I looked under and didn't see that), but much of the force will be upwards and rearwards - creating that monster drag.
In this view the size of the small wake can be clearly seen. Also visible is that attached flow from the roof all the way down to the bumper level.
We have not been able to find Clf (coefficient of lift, front) and Clr (rear lift) figures for the New Beetle. But as we have suggested, we'd be astonished if they are not very high - rear lift especially. In fact, after the wool tuft session on the Beetle had finished, we gathered around the car commenting on what we'd seen. In that discussion we suggested that a spoiler - which could be used to break up that attached rear window flow and create a clean separation point - would be best placed at the top of the rear glass. It might even reduce overall drag - despite the much larger wake that would then result.
So it was interesting to since find that on the recently released 1.8 Turbo New Beetle, an auto-deploying lip spoiler is placed at the top of the rear window. It pops up at 150 km/h - obviously the generated lift was so bad that Volkswagen was concerned that autobahners were going to "do an Audi TT" at high speed. [The Audi TT developed so much rear lift that people were crashing them on sweeping high-speed corners. Even a former rally champion died in such a crash. Audi recalled all cars, fitting a rear spoiler and also making suspension mods.]
The raised New Beetle spoiler would create non-attached flow on the rest of the car's rear, making for a bigger wake but stopping that attached flow over those curved surfaces which creates so much lift. It would be interesting to find out if, with a constant accelerator position, the car is faster or slower with the spoiler up. Fascinatingly, the car also automatically closes the sunroof before spoiler deployment!
And for something even more extreme, just look at the V6 Beetle RSi. Its huge rear spoiler and flow-directing upper window attachment are said to give 77kg of downforce at a massive 250 km/h - a pretty academic figure when that's apparently 25 km/h faster than the car can actually power itself to.... Drag also rises from the factory 0.39 to 0.40!
But again, the wool tuft testing shows why the huge spoiler is both needed and why it is positioned where it is. Incidentally, one media test of the massively spoiler'd RSi Beetle said that on the autobahn the car still "displays a lack of stability"!
Next week - smoke-stream testing in the DaimlerChrysler wind tunnel!
Interested in do-it-yourself car aerodynamics? You’re sure then to be interested in the Amateur Car Aerodynamics Sourcebook, available now.
Some of the different factory-fitted variable valve timing systems
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Ballistic Bellmouths
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Turbo'd For Fuel Economy
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Will Hydrogen Happen?
Want to build your own home workshop? Here's how to begin.
DIY Tech Features - 12 August, 2008
Building a Home Workshop, Part 1
Making your own automotive themed clock
DIY Workshop Clock
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Issue: 642 Section: Special Features 5 March, 2013
Over the last 15 years, automotive engineers have been moving away from chasing power at all costs to better balancing the conflicting demands of power, fuel economy and emissions.
Getting as much energy as possible out of the fuel has become a major engineering goal – as it was for the engineers working on an extraordinary engine that first saw the light of day over 60 years ago. The amazing thing is the fuel economy results they then achieved still look excellent today!
In the late 1940s a revolutionary new aircraft engine was developed, one that just stunned contemporary engineers. Developed for aircraft, the diesel two-stroke boasted 12 cylinders, a displacement of 41.1 litres – and developed up to 4,100 effective horsepower.
And it did this with extraordinarily good fuel economy.
That engine was the Napier Nomad.
So how did it do it? A number of different iterations were tried, but they all involved compounding a two stroke diesel with a compressor / turbine combination. But it was nothing like as simple as just adding a conventional turbo to a diesel!
In the first iteration, Nomad 1, an axial compressor, intercooler, centrifugal compressor and two turbines worked with the diesel. The combination drove two contra-rotating propellers using two separate mechanical drives – one for each prop. The photos shown in this story are of the Nomad 1, on display at the National Museum of Flight in Scotland. The engine, incredibly complex even in a time of many complex aircraft piston engines, remained just a prototype.
In Nomad II, the design was somewhat simplified - although I am not sure that ‘simplified’ is the right term for what remains a complex engine! In Nomad II, the 12-cylinder diesel exhaust drove a 3-stage axial turbine. The turbine shaft turned a 12-stage(!) axial flow compressor that supercharged the engine. The turbine shaft, however, also mechanically added power to the engine crank. Finally, a little more power was achieved by way of thrust coming from the turbine exhaust.
So why go to all this trouble? In two words: fuel economy! Or, more accurately, brake specific fuel consumption (BFSC).
BSFC is a measurement of fuel consumption, expressed in terms of pounds of fuel per horsepower hour.
And the Nomad II? It could get down as low 0.326 pounds per effective horsepower hour – equivalent to a thermal efficiency of 42 per cent.
Well, the Atkinson Cycle petrol engine of the Toyota Prius THS II, a very efficient design, has a thermal efficiency of only 37 per cent. Even current diesels, after a further 60 years of technological advances and electronic control system development, are now in the range of only 40 – 47 per cent.
It’s fascinating looking at how the Napier engineers went about the Nomad II’s development. Having dismissed simple spark ignition, compression ignition and turbine engines in their search for ultimate fuel efficiency, they then looked at different ways of combining the strengths of the diesel and turbine.
So in what different ways could these engines be combined?
1. Diesel power!
In this approach, all power is taken from the diesel engine, with the diesel driving a turbine that in turns spins a compressor, forcing air into the diesel. This is what we now commonly know as a turbo diesel.
However, as we also all know, it’s not possible to perfectly match the turbine to the required compressor airflow – that is, the engine’s requirement. That’s why wastegates are fitted, or more recently, variable geometry turbos. Critically, both of these approaches waste some of the energy contained within the exhaust gas.
The engineers at the time said, “… while at full power the turbine can produce power in excess of the compressor’s requirements, at low outputs it cannot satisfy the compressor demands due to the small exhaust energy available from the engine”. Therefore, they concluded, “such an approach is not applicable” to their quest for optimal power and efficiency.
2. Turbine power!
In this approach, all power is taken from the turbine – that is, the turbine drives the aircraft’s propeller through reduction gearing. In this design, the diesel engine simply acts as a hot-gas producer for the turbine, and the compressor is used as a supercharger, ie it is mechanically driven from the engine. But the designers didn’t like this approach either.
“Firstly, at low power outputs the piston engine is prevented from making the contribution of which it is capable to the total power output, this resulting in very poor thermal efficiencies at part load conditions.
“Secondly, ….cruising conditions requires operation at high piston speeds which results in greater wear and tear than necessary.”
Their final objection to this approach was the necessity for two lots of high-power gearing, one a step-down geartrain connecting the turbine to the propeller, and the other a step-up geartrain connecting the engine to the supercharger.
3. Turbo compound
This approach, the one that was adopted for the Nomad II, looks initially like a turbo diesel – the turbine is driven by the diesel’s exhaust gases, the compressor forces air into the diesel, and the diesel directly drives the propeller.
However, the addition is the variable ratio gearing system that connects the turbine shaft to the engine’s crankshaft. Now the turbine can be matched to the compressor to provide lots of boost at low load, and at high load the variable ratio coupling can extract power from the turbine shaft, so slowing it and allowing the airflow from the compressor to remained matched to the engine. All without wasting any of the energy contained within the hot exhaust gas.
(To put this another way, think of a current turbo diesel, but with the turbo’s speed controllable by power being drawn off the spinning shaft – power that adds to the total engine output!)
And what did the engineers say about this approach?
“In this system no requirement exists for power equilibrium between any two components, and this allows the greatest possible flexibility in the choice of operating conditions for best performance over the whole speed range.
“Furthermore, the lightest possible powerplant results for the compressor and turbine.... [with] the reduction gearing… being called upon to transmit only the difference in the power produced by the turbine and that demanded by the compressor.”
But surely a simpler turbo configuration would suffice?
“For aircraft service, connection of the turbine to the output shaft is essential for best flexibility and performance. “
They flatly added: “A turboblower system cannot be designed to produce the equivalent results.”
Mixing and matching
So how did all these power flows contribute to the total output – how much work did each bit do?
Looking firstly at the diesel alone, at a maximum crank speed of 2050 rpm (remember, it was direct driving a propeller!), it developed 2660hp – or 1.06hp per cubic inch of displacement.
At sea level the turbine developed 2250hp, of which 1840hp was used to drive the compressor, leaving 410hp excess to contribute to the crankshaft output.
Through the variable ratio gear that connected the turbine to the crank, there was a loss of 20hp, but on the other hand there was also a bit of jet thrust achieved from the turbine exhaust – accounting for these losses and gains, the upshot was an effective 3135hp, or 1.25hp per cubic inch.
The engine had a mass of 3580lb (1627kg) which gave it a specific weight of 1.175lb per horsepower. To put that in terms more will be familiar with, at this specific power/weight figure, a 200kg engine would develop about 280kW (375hp)…. with incredibly good specific fuel consumption.
The boost pressure at take-off was 74.5 psi (at an intake air temp of 477 degrees F [247 degrees C!] ), with a maximum Brake Mean Effective Pressure of 205 psi. (The BMEP needs to be considered within the context of the engine being a two-stroke. If it had been a four stroke, to develop the same output would need a BMEP of 410 psi – seriously high.)
But more power was available. By using water injection, the power could be increased to 3580hp (1.43hp per cubic inch) with specific weight a neat 1 pound/hp. In this configuration, specific fuel consumption rose slightly to 0.336 pounds per effective hp hour.
What’s that? You want even more power? There was yet another trick up the engineers’ sleeves – inject fuel in front of the turbine and allow it to combust through the spinning blades. In this most powerful configuration, power rose to 4100hp (1.64 hp per cubic inch – from a diesel!) and specific fuel consumption rose to 0.374.
Looking at the specific weight figures, it’s obvious that for its power output, the engine was quite light. So how was lightness obtained?
The crankcase was a two-piece structure of magnesium alloy castings, and aluminium cylinder blocks were used. The individual cylinder heads were also alloy. However, it’s important to note that the engine mass was quoted ‘dry’, so without oil and coolant.
There was no valve gear – the ports (eight inlet and three exhaust per cylinder) were within the cylinder walls.
Finally, this amazing engine wasn’t even picky about its fuel. It could run on diesel, kerosene or even some types of petrol.
So what happened – why wasn’t this engine widely adopted? Compared with jet-based turbo-props, the Nomad was heavier and larger. Many airline companies immediately dismissed it – American Airlines was typical in their concern about the complexity of the engine. “The Nomad appears to combine the complexities of both aviation piston engines and gas turbines,” they deprecated.
The Nomad may have disappeared, but its technologies have present relevance. Imagine a high-tech, direct-injected and electronically-controlled diesel, complete with a turbo containing a powerful motor/generator. By drawing electrical current from the turbo generator, and then using that current to power a hybrid traction motor, or charge battery or super-capacitor storage for later use, very similar efficiency gains to the Nomad could be had…
Gunston, B, The Development of Piston Aero Engines, Patrick Stephens, 1993
Sammons, H & Chatterton, E, Napier Nomad Aircraft Diesel Engine, SAE paper 550239, 1954
Setright, LJK, The Power to Fly, Allen & Unwin, 1971
Setright, LJK, Some Unusual Engines, Mechanical Engineering Publications, 1975
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napier_Nomad
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brake_specific_fuel_consumption
The concrete
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King Alamax
Revision as of 19:54, 7 January 2017 by RussleJimJams (talk | contribs) (Created page with "= King Alamax = This article is about King Alamax and the final days of his reign. His nation was thrown into a short, but violent war with the Trids at the beginning of The...")
This article is about King Alamax and the final days of his reign. His nation was thrown into a short, but violent war with the Trids at the beginning of The Great Rustling. After King Alaxmax's death his nation would endure another decade of turmoil before again being invaded and conquered by the Trids. Below is his posthumous telling of his final days as told reported by the god, RussleJimJams:
It was a blisteringly hot day and I did my best to fake a sincere farewell to the Baron of the westernmost provinces, despite my animosity towards him. He finally climbed into his carriage and the coachman closed the door behind him, freeing me of his incessant nagging about the reconstruction in Glendale. My appointment to meet the baron took over an hour longer than expected. After the baron had made his leave, I remember entering the grand hall where a messenger was waiting for me with some terribly important news. I apologized for the delay then I beckoned him to tell me his news.
“Well, your majesty,” he stumbled over the words, “I come bearing troublesome news from the Count of West Ridge. It seems that they’ve found something of interest near the creek.”
“It was the body of one of our scouts from along the western border,” he said quickly.
“We just fought a war,” I said, the words tasting foul on my lips. “There are people that we’ve yet to account for. Why is this scout noteworthy?”
“The scout passed through West Ridge shortly before the war began. On his corpse was a rough tally of the number of men and siege tools of the invading army before they had reached our borders. The scout was searching for your son, Prince Edward, who he knew was on his usual hunting trip in that area.”
“So the enemy may have had sympathizers among our people who killed him?”
“I should hope not, King Alamax,” he said trying to lessen the blow, “but Count Michael of West Ridge presented an idea of who the murderer might be.”
Nearly whispering, “He suggested that,” then gaining his composure stated, “RussleJimJams might have persuaded Edward to kill the scout.”
The idea hit me like a hammer as I felt myself unable to breathe.
Seeing the shock on my face he said, “But that’s merely a suggestion your majesty. It’s quite possible that he might have been ambushed by advanced scouts who found out about him.”
I did not hear his nearly pleading words as he tried to convince me otherwise or that Count Michael was mistaken. I could not believe what I had just heard. I couldn’t think. I raised my hand to have him be silent.
“Or...or perhaps there were sympathizers in West Ridge who--”
“Be quiet!” I shouted barely able to separate the angry and confused words from what I was saying.
His eyes dropped to the ground and he bowed his head silently like a wounded animal while I sat there thinking.
I couldn’t fathom the idea of my son killing a scout and allowing an invading army to raze two of our towns. I couldn’t imagine why he would allow such a fate to befall our people. I couldn’t comprehend how my son would betray his entire people and for what? Did he do it in an attempt to overthrow me? No. He could’ve done that in a number of other ways. Did he do it to become a hero of the people to win Eleanor’s hand in marriage? Did he do it out of spite for the people who he knew would be in the path? Did he do it out of sheer bloodlust? Why would he do such a thing?
After an eternity of whirling thoughts I realized that my silence was truly scaring the messenger who stood trembling before me. I decided that the matter was of no concern to him, so I said, “You’ve done well in bringing me this news. Rest up this evening for tomorrow I will have you return to Count Michael and have him begin a full inquiry if he has not already.”
Silently accepted his task with a smile and a bow, relieved that I was not angry with him.
On a final note I said, “Keep me informed of any new information as it arises,” and then waved him away.
To the guards I said, “Close the doors and wait outside. I need time to think on this matter.”
That evening I sent for Edward to return home from the nearby village where he was coordinating the reconstruction of roads whose stones were used as ammunition for siege weapons. Reluctantly, I addressed the subject with Eleanor, future mother of my grandchild. She did not accept the news and flatly insisted it was untrue. She insisted that she should inquire about it to Edward first rather than I, claiming that he would handle it better from her. I agreed and with nothing left to talk about, I left her to rest up and went for a stroll about the grounds. I wandered around for some time before finding myself in the gardens. How I loved the gardens. My father had the gardens planted as a wedding gift to my Alysia. She enjoyed walking and dancing through the gardens with me when we were still a young couple. In the sky I saw a white bird riding the invisible currents which flowed through the air. I felt as though RussleJimJams was bringing her spirit closer to me, beckoning me to follow her out of this world and forget all of its troubles, I could feel her radiance nourishing the very flowers whose aroma I could still smell. I could still hear the soft sound of her voice whispering in my ear. As if a great burden had been lifted from my soul, I returned into my world of imperfections and troubles knowing that everything was going to be alright.
I awoke the next morning with a stutter as if doused with frigid cold water. I knew not of what woke me or what I was dreaming of, but I felt a sense of urgency that could not be ignored. My body moved according to routine and somewhere along the way I remembered that I sent for Edward to return home. I made my way downstairs and inquired if Edward had arrived, but no one knew. I made my way back upstairs to ask Eleanor. As I walked down the hall, I saw Edward shutting the door to his and Eleanor’s room.
“Good morning, father,” he said cheerfully. “I see you’re up bright and early. Why is that?”
“I was just asking after you to see if you had arrived.”
“I see,” he said understanding. “Might I ask why you sent for me?”
We both began walking down the hall when I asked, “Have you spoken with Eleanor yet?”
“She was still asleep so I left her to rest.” Suddenly worried he asked, “Should I wake her now or can it wait?”
“I suppose it can wait for now,” I said with a sigh. “Do keep in mind when you speak with her that she loves you dearly.”
“Your words make me uneasy,” he said as we continued down the stairs to the main entry. “If it will bring her any stress, I insist that you tell me rather than her.”
“No. No. She was firm that she should tell you rather than I. Now quit being stubborn.”
Emerging from the top of the staircase in a plain white sleeping gown, Eleanor retorted, “He obviously gets his stubbornness from you your majesty.
“And you certainly get your droll sense of humor from your father Eleanor,” I responded.
“Father please,” Edward pleaded. “What is it that you two will not tell me about?” he asked in a desperate voice. “Is something wrong dearest?”
She laughed, “Nothing of that sort. Your father just received the most outrageous news yesterday from West Ridge.” Unable to contain herself she chuckled and said, “The count is trying to pin the death of a scout found nearby on you, claiming that you had reason to kill him.”
I looked at him as Eleanor continued to retell the news and saw the color of his skin drain away. I could see him recede further and further within himself with each words she spoke. Eleanor had finished her story and had fallen silent.
Placing a firm hand on his shoulder, I said, “Son...”
Turning to look at me he starred, not like a cornered animal, but a corpse whose eyes would remain forever open.
“Son, you know that you can tell me anything.” Reassuringly I said, “Son, I will always help you, but you need to let me know if you need my help.”
Long we stood staring at each other thinking, and thinking, and thinking. I stood there and pieced together the events in my mind to form a reason why my son would have done such a thing. Before the war started Edward and Eleanor were together but she had refused to marry because she was not sure she loved him and her father did not care for Edward since he had little influence and no noteworthy accomplishments to claim. RussleJimJams might have convinced Edward that this was an opportunity. If he let the invaders raze Willowbend and attain resources, he would have a seemingly formidable opponent to best. Once he had beaten back the invaders, Eleanor was so glad to have him return safely that they wed a few months later. He did it to earn her hand in marriage.
A crashing sound broke the silence as we heard Eleanor fall to the floor. “Eleanor!” he shouted, rushing up the stairs to her. I arrived shortly after. He was holding her in his arms on the top step. He tried shaking her and patting her cheeks. Running down the hall I shouted for someone to call the midwife. The rest of that morning was a frenzy as people came and went from the bedroom where Eleanor lay with Edward vigilantly watching over her.
The excitement of Eleanor fainting provided an excellent distraction which allowed me to spend the better part of the day silently contemplating what had happened and what it would mean for Edward’s future and everyone’s future. My only choice regarding Edward would be to punish him which will inevitably result in his imprisonment, exile, or death. I sat down and thought of what this turn of events might mean for the kingdom as a whole. It would likely cause enough discontent that the people may revolt against them, but only if I do not act in accordingly. I will have to reveal this news to the people to avoid seeming like I was covering for Edward. After I have revealed the news, I will need to pay close attention to how the people react. Edward was not particularly liked by the people before the war, but now that the war has striped his only achievement in the eyes of the people, they will surely demand he be punished.
A flash of lightning roused me from my thought-filled trance. I looked out at the beautiful gardens and the bountiful life the resided within, broken only by stone paths. The luminous grey-green clouds to the north and the smell of the impending rain was overwhelmingly magnificent. Behind a screen of golden and orange clouds to the west, lay the sun who would not be hidden only obscured and lend its light and colors to the clouds who sat in front of it. I am sure that RussleJimJams' meddling is the source of all of this. It saddens me that such a wonderful and generous god would also enjoy such death and destruction.
After watching the storm a while longer, I went back inside knowing what I had to do. I walked to Eleanor’s room and knocked on the door quietly. A hushed voice inside told me to enter. The room was gloomy and did not have the golden sunlight of a few hours ago to lighten the heavy mood. On a simple chair which was normally in the corner of the room, Edward sat next to the bed where Eleanor was laying. The door that led to the covered balcony was open to allow fresh air to flow in, but the curtain that partially covered it revealed that there was no breeze. The shadows of the room concealed any expression on Edward’s face, but the way he sat was that of a man plagued by troublesome thoughts of the future.
I walked to the bed on the opposite side of Edward on sat on its edge. Edward did not stir as I removed the cloth on Eleanor’s forehead, but I could feel his gaze like a mother bear eyeing her cub, as he softly held her hand in his. Eleanor was warm to the touch but not worryingly so. I replaced the wet cloth on her brow and looking to Edward I asked, “Any word as to what might be wrong with her?”
After a long silence Edward inhaled deeply as though he was holding his breath and said, “The doctor and midwife agreed that she is likely in shock.”
“Did you tell them of what we were talking about?” I asked.
“No,” he was silent a moment as if trying to remember his exact words. “I told them that Eleanor had heard some very troubling news and they asked no more.”
“Hmm,” I said. My mind was plagued with thoughts of what to tell him and how to tell him what I felt. With a sigh I said, “Perhaps we should give her some time to rest on her own.”
“I’ve not woken her the entire time I’ve sat beside her father,” he said without looking away from her face.
“I’m sure you’ve been as quiet as a mouse Edward, but I fear for your sanity since you’ve not left this room either.”
He sat silently staring at Eleanor who lay perfectly still in her bed.
“Son,” I said as I placed my hand on top of his, “Eleanor would not want you to sit around worrying for her when life is just outside those doors calling you.”
He shifted his gaze from her face to mine. His eyes unwavering as he looked at me.
“You would not want to sit around worrying about you rather than living your own life, would you?”
He looked back to her and said in a grave voice, “Outside those doors I will have to face the people who’ve lost their homes, their crops, and their loved ones, because of a decision I made to win over the one I loved.”
His words hung in the air as we both sat there silently contemplating the future. I stood up from my chair and looked at Eleanor who lay so peacefully in her bed. After a moment I said, “If it is death’s wish to take her, it shall do so just as anyone else. There are those outside who will inevitably find out what happened and wish to send you to death’s door themselves. We must not sit here idly, rather, we must convince them that you are simply a person who made a mistake.”
Turning towards me with a tear rolling down his cheek like a narrow stream he said, “Father, they will surely kill me once they find out what I’ve done and I may never see my Eleanor’s beautiful face again,” he said gently stroking her crimson hair. Then looking to her belly hidden beneath the covers, “And I may never see my child born or get to hold them in my hands.”
Walking back to the bed, I put my hand on his shoulder and said, “You may not get to do any of those things sitting here either, but at least you will have a say in your own fate if you come with me and try to right what has been wronged.”
After a minute of silence, Edward stood and turned to face me. Like the child I once knew he hugged me and asked, “Will you help me father?”
Wrapping my arms around him I whispered, “Always.”
That afternoon, Edward told just how critical his actions were to causing the entire war. To my great disappointment, he explained freely that killing the scout was not his first act of betrayal and that he was providing information to an enemy spy when the scout encountered the two and had to be killed. He told of how he supplied some of the plans of defense to the spy and let Willowbend be plundered under the guise that he wanted to rule these lands as a hero under their banner.
I raised my hand slightly and he paused in his story. I could barely stand to think that anyone could commit an act of treason of this magnitude and still be worthy of my forgiveness, but he was my only son and there was nothing I wouldn’t have done for him. Without looking at him, I lowered my hand and said, “Continue.”
“After the siege,” he explained, “the spy never returned to meet me again and I knew that I had been a tool to allow them to easily conquer Willowbend.” He continued to tell his story of how the war progressed as I had heard before, but now I had a whole new perspective of its narrator. He added towards the end, “After the siege and retaking of Willowbend, I found the corpse of the spy with his legs buried under one of the stones flung during the siege.”
His pause prompted me to look at him and see him smiling at the thought of the paver falling from the sky and crushing him like an act of God.
As he saw the grave look on my face, his smile and satisfaction melted away like snow in the face of the noonday sun. Edward was my Holy Grail and promise for the future, but whose pure waters had been tainted by RussleJimJams and turned into the blood which flowed from the bodies of those who had died and from the hearts of those who had lost.
Turning away from him, I looked out the window and into the distance. The world outside was so bright and peaceful in this moment, but was stormy and violent only a few hours ago. The clear window was the only thing that provided the illusion of safety away from the world and its ever changing mood. Nothing is ever as seems.
“Father,” Edward said, bringing me back from the precipice of my mind, “will you help me?”
Long I sat and looked at the man sat before me. I stared into the his eyes and tried to understand what lie in his soul. What lie just beyond my comprehension. I stared at a man whose fate was beyond my control. After a long while, I turned once again to look out the window at the world and said, “I cannot save you son. I can only help you save yourself and any dignity you wish to hold in your heart.”
“Can you not help me cover up this mess?”
His words struck deeper than any blade could. He was willing to forgo any dignity he could salvage in an attempt to extend his own time on Earth. “I will fulfill my obligations as your father, but I will not overlook my duties as the king in an attempt to help you. Your are my Edward and you hold a place in my heart that is forever yours and yours alone, but the people of this country are my children as well and must be looked after as such. I cannot allow anyone who is responsible for their deaths to go unpunished even if that person if of my own flesh and blood.”
Falling from his chair onto the floor and begging to me on his knees he said, “Please father, I only wish to see the birth of my child and to hold them in my hands. Please father, all I ask is that you help me convince the people to let me see my child.”
Placing my hand on his cheek, I wipe away a stray tear with my thumb and look into his eyes. Is this the final wish of a man who has accepted his fate or a feeble attempt to flee death just a little longer? “Those who have lost would only ask for the opportunity to see their loved ones one final time. It is fair that you should ask this of me, when you have denied so many of our people to see their loved ones another time?”
“It is not fair of me to ask, I know, but the question remains. Will you let me see my child?”
“I will always help you,” I said running my fingers through his hair, “but the choice is not mine to make.”
The commotion that ensued after Edward publicly announced that he had betrayed the people in order to become a war hero was incredible. An angry mob of people frequented the front gates of the castle demanding justice for the love ones they had lost. Many were angry and demanded his head. Others were reserved and felt betrayed by this act. Even Eleanor refrained from speaking with Edward because it had forever changed how she saw him. Knowing that she was the primary reason for his betrayal had stuck her the deepest. Convincing the people to allow him to see the birth of his child was a daunting task, but we succeeded.
When visiting the town of Lilydale, I spoke to the people about how Edward did it out of love for Eleanor and that his final wish was one derived from his love for his unborn child. After the speech, a young man in his early twenties asked if I would come to his farm for dinner and speak with his bedridden mother. I agreed and went to dinner that evening where they served a beautiful dinner which I knew was at least a few days wages worth of food. The conversation was pleasant and light over dinner as we discussed the expected marriage of a relative of the family. After dinner, the young man and I helped the mother to her bed where she insisted that her son allow me and hr talk in private.
She began by saying, “I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to have such a fine man dine at my table since my husband Mathew died in the siege of Willowbend.” She was suddenly overwhelmed by a fit of coughing and struggled to overcome it since she was in his presence. After the fit subsided, she said, “Forgive me your majesty.”
“You’ve no need to ask forgiveness,” I said. “I understand the plight of being ill too well. I would argue that my nobility doesn’t make me illustrious.”
“It is not your nobility, your majesty, rather it is your unconditional and unquestionable love of your people and your son that makes you praiseworthy. You’ve been tested more than anyone should and yet you emerge unscathed. I can only imagine how difficult things must be for you, especially because so many people are demanding your son’s death.”
“I thank you for your understanding and only wish there were more in this world who possessed such wisdom as you. You are truly one of the kindest and most compassionate people I’ve met in a very long time.”
“Thank you, your majesty,” she said with another cough. “I only wish that my children were able to understand others better. They struggle seeing things from others’ perspectives and crying for the hardships they endure.”
“Surely they would have learned that from you,” I said.
She let out a laugh which turned into another fit of coughing. Once she was able to breathe again, she said, “It was truly a pleasure, your majesty.”
“The pleasure was all mine,” I said standing. I reached into my coin purse and drew a dozen coins.
“Forgive me, your majesty, but we’ve no need for any handouts.”
“Then consider these as a gift from a friend,” I said laying the coins on top of the covers.
“Very well, your majesty. Thank you. I wish you and your family the best of luck in all your endeavors.”
Walking outside I looked up to sky and saw a shearwater soaring on the gusts and updrafts. Looking back down, I bid farewell to the young woman washing in the kitchen and the man outside who’d began hauling split logs to the house. The man bid me to wait a moment and then set down the wood. He wiped any dirt from his hands onto his pants as he walked towards me. Extending his hand to me he said, “I’m glad that you came to dinner, your majesty.”
Extending my hand out to shake his I said, “The pleasure was truly mine.”
Shaking my hand, he drew me in close. As I was putting my hand on his shoulder, I felt a sudden, searing pain in my side. He whispered in my ear, “That was for my father who died in your son’s needless war.” He pulled his knife from my side and stabbed again. “That was for my friend.” Again he stabbed me saying, “And this is for his brother.” He withdrew the knife from my side and pushed me to the ground. He stood looming over with his heading blocking the sun from my eyes. The shadows danced across his face like demons as he told me, “I will see your son’s head roll if it means the death of me.” Crouching down he placed his hand behind my head and tilted me up to face him, “And I want you to know who sent him in the deepest pit of hell reserved for you two.”
I felt the warm blade slip between my ribs and gasped with sudden pain. I looked beyond the man and into the distance. I found myself staring at the shearwater flying about. Could that be RussleJimJams here to witness my end? The bird flapped its wings and rode the currents that flow like a river through the boundless sky. I left my spirits and my soul rise from my frail body as the bird was silently obscured by the light of the sun.
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Rajinder Khanna
Rajinder Khanna is the former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing, the external intelligence agency of India.[1] He joined R&AW in 1978 and is the first chief of R&AW who was directly recruited into the Research and Analysis Service (RAS) cadre and not seconded from any other cadre (most other chiefs were recruited from the IPS cadre).[2] Khanna and Arvind Saxena were the top most officers from RAS cadre in R&AW, as Khanna superseded Saxena, Arvind Saxena was also laterally promoted to the chief of ARC.[3] Khanna is considered as the founder and driving force of the counter-terrorism unit in R&AW,[4] he is said to be an expert on terrorism.
He has been appointed as the Deputy National Security Advisor of India.[5]
Amar Bhushan
^ PT, I. "Rajinder Khanna appointed new RAW chief". Indian Express. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
^ Jain, Bharti. "Rajinder Khanna to be next RAW chief". Times of India. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
^ Media, Zee. "PM Modi appoints Rajinder Khanna, Prakash Mishra respectively as new RAW, CRPF chief". Retrieved 1 January 2015.
^ PT, I. "Rajinder Khanna named new RAW chief". DNA. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
^ "Former RAW Chief Rajinder Khanna appointed Dy NSA". ANI. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
Alok Joshi Director of R&AW
December 31, 2014 – January 31, 2017 Succeeded by
AK Dhasmana
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rajinder_Khanna&oldid=903703815"
Indian police officers
Spymasters
Indian spies
People of the Research and Analysis Wing
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Race Against Time: How luxury developers are wiping out ancient Beirut
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Roman city wall removed from Beirut site
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Home Culture & Heritage Beirut illustrated in “A City Neighboring the Earth”
Beirut illustrated in “A City Neighboring the Earth”
Habib Battah
Guest post by Dima Karam
Amid a maze of pulsing lights, grayscale buildings are wedged together against the blackness of night. In this disconsolate city watched over by a probing moon, Farid Tawil, a regular employee, steps off one of Beirut’s derelict buses and wanders his way back home only to find his house and whole building have disappeared while his surroundings suddenly morph into something unrecognizably alien. A fantastical vision of Beirut unfolds as the night progresses.
This is how Madina Moujawira lil Ard (City Neighboring the Earth)– Jorj Mhaya’s first full-length graphic novel–begins. Published originally in Arabic by Beirut based Dar Onboz, it was the winner of the best Arabic comic book award at the International Festival of Comics in Algeria in 2012 and was translated into French by publishing house Denoel to brilliant reviews last year. (An English version is currently being planned.)
Book cover (courtesy Dar Onboz)
Beirut is captured in it strikingly, drawn as a surreal metropolis that treads a thin line between reality and fantasy. As Farid loses his way home, he becomes a stranger caught in between what was once familiar to him and estrangement in a mutated unrecognizable city as night falls.
Meandering to find his way home, he encounters strange creatures, such as a revolutionary propagandist and an obese superman haunting its empty streets. Regrets, hopes and past failures unravel as the night unfolds.
The dream-like mood is brought to life through the method of composition: superposing diluted layers of one color, (black China ink) to create every tone from black to white; a time consuming technique requiring adept artistry quite uncommon to find.
Mhaya seems to have captured a Beirut pulse that resonates with the sentiments and dilemmas of belonging and alienation felt by a generation of Lebanese, whether living in the country or within its diaspora. It is what confessionalism, conflict and the promises of its post war era have left behind: layers of unresolved history at odds with a metropolitan sprawl eager to erase it and a hero trying to redefine his sense of home.
Courtesy Dar Onboz
Lost, elusive and inaccessible Beirut tries to rejoin the earth, reflected in the elegiac poetic title he has chosen: “City neighboring the earth.”
“The city of Beirut consumes its inhabitants” Mhaya says. “It’s a labyrinth when it comes to living and working in it. For a lot of friends and people I know from my generation, leaving the city was impossible even if one gets the proper papers– there is something about this.”
“In the story, it is obvious that Farid is having some kind of crisis. Suddenly he feels he doesn’t belong to this wilderness and wants a way out. But on the other hand, what else is there? It is his dilemma with the city and its contradictions with identity and his past choices”
Nadine Touma of Dar Onboz explains that finding the right technique which could best convey and bring to life what Mhaya envisioned was a long gradual artistic journey she likened to the arduous process of developing photographs in a darkroom.
The novel’s style Touma says, is more than what could be suggestive of Franz Kafka’s, the fiction writer best known for an absurdist- surreal style. Indeed Madina Moujawira lil Ard seems to blend elements of poetic allegory and magical/hyper realism in the scenes, the marked history Mhaya imbues the surroundings with, the questionings of his hero and lastly in the reflection on the nature of war and man.
Mhaya grew up during Lebanon’s civil war and seems to have been particularly inspired by black and white newspaper photos of the 1970s and 1980s. “At first I did different techniques before I settled on ink wash,” Mhaya explains. “I wanted to find the right mood for the story, I was always impressed by the Lebanese black and white civil war photographs. I wanted to capture the same nature of these photographs, and for me the distorted buildings were always like living entities that preserved all the history surrounding them.”
“As the backgrounds are the main environment of the protagonist, Farid Tawil, he is stuck there forever.” Even though the drawings look very realistic, Mhaya does not base his drawings on photos, but rather on imagination.
Mhaya at work
The book released in its first part garnered a cult following among graphic art insiders in Lebanon and abroad. The sequel is due to be out this year. A film documenting the month’s long development of its center spread illustration and an exhibit of the original artwork is also planned.
A fully formed painter in his earlier years with local and international exhibits to his credit, Mhaya previously worked as an illustrator with advertising agencies and newspapers. Struggling to find enough spare time to complete the novel while trying to make a living, he was about to abandon the project when he met Touma who offered to publish it by the drawing standards he was seeking. The first part took four years to finish.
Mhaya divides his time between Beirut and Angoulême, the “city of comics” in France. Asked what he is currently working on: “I have a lot of projects all about the same city, but would need two lifetimes to finish all. I am still trying to find a new balance to work on the things I love doing and the things I have to do for a living.”
Dima Karam is a freelance writer published in The Daily Star, Al Akhbar and The Guardian. You can read here latest piece here.
Dar Onboz
Jorj Mhaya
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Revealed: The Top 10 Custom Motorcycles of 2017
It’s been a cracking year for the custom motorcycle scene, with a delectable array of killer builds from all over the world.
There’s also been a huge shift towards the mainstream. The big manufacturers have moved on from simply running custom programs and competitions, and are now selling retro and naked bikes with ‘factory custom’ styling.
Looking closer at the independent builders and workshops, it’s been hard this year to pick out a trend. If anything, it’s been anti-trend: the different genres of bike building have leveled out, with no dominant type.
Interest in scramblers is higher than cafe racers, which have finally bottomed out. Trackers are slightly on the rise—but only slightly, despite the media attention given to flat track racing. It’s bobbers that are comfortably in the lead—with interest probably driven by the popular Indian Scout and Triumph Bonneville factory Bobbers.
This year’s Top 10 is probably our most eclectic list yet. It’s purely data driven, based on page views, incoming links, and social media sharing. It’s also weighted according to how long ago the bike was featured, so that bikes that appeared in January are on an equal footing with bikes that appeared a couple of weeks ago.
Respect to the builders who made the list, and the photographers who captured their skills.
10. Honda CB750 by Bryan Moses When Bryan picked up a rusted out CB750 for $50, he planned to strip off a few parts and then ditch the rest. But then he changed his mind, and here we are—with one of the most popular bikes of 2017 with readers. The engine has been punched out to 836 cc, the front suspension is from a a CBR900RR Fireblade, and most of the back end is from a CBR600F4i. And that strange extra tube at the front of the frame? It’s an oil tank, chromed to match the stainless steel exhaust system.
9. Vagabund BMW R100R With one-piece monocoque bodywork and minimalist styling, this Austrian airhead is well beyond ‘sano’—it’s worthy of a place in the Rodder’s Journal. Vagabund designer Paul Brauchart and mechanical engineer Philipp Rabl employed truly left-field thinking here, and the metalwork (hand-made by Bernard Naumann of Blechmann) is outstanding. Even the compact muffler is a work of art, with the kind of sensuous curves you’d find on a high-end superbike.
8. Royal Enfield Bullet by Thrive Royal Enfield is on a roll these days, and so are Jakarta-based builders Indra Pratama and Barata Dwiputra. This Bullet 350 is one of Thrive’s more restrained builds, but the old-school scrambler vibe is incredibly appealing. With proper fenders, a comfortable seat and jewel-like build quality, this classy little number proves that you don’t have to ditch the practical bits to make an impact.
7. Shanghai Customs eCub It’s a sign of the times: an electric bike makes it into our Top 10, and a Honda Cub-based one at that. Shanghai boss Matthew Waddick is onto something here: many top-level electric moto components are made in China, and he’s used local knowledge to re-engineer the humble Cub into a stylish city runabout. The eCub might look ‘retro,’ but with three types of regenerative braking and a full suite of LED lighting, it’s anything but. (Interestingly, Shanghai’s electric tracker only just missed the cut to get into this Top 10.)
6. Diamond Atelier Mark II Series Tom Konecny and Pablo Steigleder of Diamond Atelier have an eye for effortless styling and classy detailing. Their business sense is just as sharp: they’ve packaged the signature elements of their BMW R-series builds into a limited production run of ‘Mark II’ bikes. Each bike gets a monolever swingarm, new bodywork, upgraded suspension and 320mm brake discs with 6-piston Tokico calipers. We thought it was a great idea, and so did you.
5. The Buell ‘FrankenBlast’ Shed builds are the stuff of legend, but living room builds are next level. This one comes from a carpenter’s assistant called Alex, who emigrated from Romania to Chicago and created a small workshop in a corner of his apartment. All that is left of the Blast now is its engine, carb, and the front half of the frame. And anyone who can graft a girder front end onto on a Buell deserves a medal.
4. BMW Alpha Landspeeder Great bikes often have great stories behind them. And they don’t get much better than the tale behind this amazing inter-continental collaboration. After Turkish designer Mehmet Doruk Erdem posted his shark-like concept online, the American bike builder Mark ‘Makr’ Atkinson picked up the baton and turned it into reality. It was a fortuitous match: Atkinson is one of those guys who can build an engine from scratch, using metal billet. The result blew up the interwebs, and even made headlines in the mainstream design world.
3. The Mutant by Ironwood Custom Motorcycles Older BMW airheads are the perfect donors for custom builds: tough, well engineered and blessed with a plentiful supply of parts. The downside of that popularity is a certain ‘sameness’ to many builds, but Arjan van den Boom and his colleagues Eric and Sam came up with something very different for this R80. The aggressive, angular lines are attention-grabbing, and if you look closer, the attention to detail is top-notch. We especially love the vintage Porsche 356 hue on the Zündapp tank, inspired by Singer Vehicle Design.
2. Hazan Motorworks KTM In any normal year, this would be the #1. Max Hazan’s KTM got more web traffic and more social media shares than any other machine from a known, big name builder. The KTM 520 engine is hooked up to a supercharger, a clever piece of engineering in its own right—but the rest is hand-made mechanical artistry at its finest. From the slender frame to the aluminum bodywork and the gorgeous ‘black nickel’ finish, Hazan’s latest is achingly beautiful.
1. The Madboxer Well, we weren’t expecting this. New Zealander Marcel van Hooijdonk spent five years building this incredible machine, shoehorning a turbocharged Subaru WRX engine into a custom-built frame. Power goes through a two-speed auto transmission, and there’s even a center-steering front hub setup. It’s the kind of build that would tax the abilities of a professional motorcycle engineer, but Marcel is a man who enjoys a challenge. Kiwi ingenuity at its finest, and it’s road-legal too.
It’s been an eye-opening experience compiling this year’s awards: some of the winners here were a real surprise for us. Many remarkable machines just missed the cut: we saw Rough Crafts, Krugger, Heiwa and Craig Rodsmith squeezed out by the tightest of margins.
But it’s that sort of unpredictability which makes the custom scene so exciting. Are you as excited as we are to see what 2018 brings?
Filed Under Custom Motorcycles, Ten Best Motorcycles Dec 23, 2017 Chris Hunter
Watch It: Norton Dominator Naked by Goblin Works Garage
Taking It Slow: Kingston Custom’s BMW R75/5 Bobber
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Seri Port Mesafe Uzatma Cihazı (Serial Extender)
Bilgisayar Yan Ürünleri > Mesafe Uzatıcılar / Sinyal Uzatıcılar / Extenders > Seri Port Mesafe Uzatma Cihazı
ATEN-CE350
VGA KVM (Keyboard/Video Monitor/Mouse) Mesafe Uza-->
Dual View VGA KVM (Keyboard/Video Monitor/Mouse) -->
ATEN-CE800B
ATEN-KE6940
DVI-I Dual Display KVM Over IP Extender
ATEN-KE6940T
USB DVI-I Dual Display KVM Over IP Transmitter
ATEN-VC080
HDMI EDID Emülatörü (HDMI EDID Emulator)
ATEN-VE200R
Ses / VGA Görüntü Sinyalı Uzatma Cihazı, Uzak Üni-->
ATEN-VE500T
Cat 5 Ses / VGA Görüntü Sinyalı Uzatma Cihazı, Ve-->
ATEN-VE600A
DVI Sinyal Uzatma Cihazı, Hoparlör Bağlanabilir, -->
ATEN-VE812
HDMI over Single Cat 5 Sinyal Uzatma Cihazı (4K@1-->
4K HDMI HDBaseT Sinyal Uzatma Cihazı, ExtremeUSB®-->
ATEN-VE8950R
4K HDMI over IP Sinyal Uzatma Cihazı (Sinyal Alıc-->
ATEN-VS1504T
Cat 5e/6 4 Port VGA/Audio Video Çoklayıcı (Splitt-->
DA-70130-4
Digitus USB Repeater Kablosu, USB 2.0, 5 metre
Digitus USB 2.0 Mesafe Uzatma Cihazı, CAT 6/6A/7 -->
Digitus USB 2.0 Repeater Kablosu, USB A erkek / A-->
Digitus IP HDMI Sinyal Uzatma Cihazı, Alıcı (Rece-->
Digitus IP HDMI KVM (Keyboard/Video Monitor/Mouse-->
Digitus HDMI Sinyal Uzatma Cihazı, 2 x Alıcı (Rec-->
Seri Port Mesafe Uzatma Cihazı
- 2 (TX), 3 (RX), 4 (RTS), 5 (CTS), 6 (DSR), 8 (DCD), 20 (DTR) hatlarını kuvvetlendirerek kablo mesafesini 2 misli arttırır.
- Harici power adaptör cihazla birlikte gelmektedir.
- Giriş: 1 x DB25 dişi (DTE)
- Çıkış: 1 x DB25 erkek (DCE)
What is RS-232C?
Short for recommended standard-232C, a standard interface approved by the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) for connecting serial devices. In 1987, the EIA released a new version of the standard and changed the name to EIA-232-D. And in 1991, the EIA teamed up with Telecommunications Industry association (TIA) and issued a new version of the standard called EIA/TIA-232-E. Many people, however, still refer to the standard as RS-232C, or just RS-232.
Almost all modems conform to the EIA-232 standard and most personal computers have an EIA-232 port for connecting a modem or other device. In addition to modems, many display screens, mice, and serial printers are designed to connect to a EIA-232 port. In EIA-232 parlance, the device that connects to the interface is called a Data Communications Equipment (DCE) and the device to which it connects (e.g., the computer) is called a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE).
The EIA-232 standard supports two types of connectors -- a 25-pin D-type connector (DB-25) and a 9-pin D-type connector (DB-9). The type of serial communications used by PCs requires only 9 pins so either type of connector will work equally well.
Although EIA-232 is still the most common standard for serial communication, the EIA has recently defined successors to EIA-232 called RS-422 and RS-423. The new standards are backward compatible so that RS-232 devices can connect to an RS-422 port.
Originally the RS232 communication specification was devised in 1962 when the need to be able to transmit data along a variety of types of line started to grow. The telephone companies saw the need to introduce some standards. As a result the Electrical Industries Association in the U.S.A. created a standard for serial data transfer or communication known as RS232C. It defines the electrical characteristics for transmission of data between a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and the Data Communications Equipment (DCE). Normally the data communications equipment is the modem (modulator/demodulator) which that encodes the data into a form that can be transferred along the telephone line. A Data Terminal Equipment could be a computer.
Since it was first introduced there have been a number of updates to the RS-232 standard. These have included EIA-232 (Electronic Industries Alliance) and later EIA/TIA-232 (Telecommunications Industry Association).
The original RS-232 specification was developed in the USA and sponsored by organisations there. On a more international scale the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) developed a standard known as ITU v.24. However this is often just written V24. This standard is totally compatible with RS232, and its aim was to enable manufacturers to conform to global standards and thereby allow products that would work in all countries around the world.
The success of the RS232 standard has meant that it is now used for many more types of equipment. As a result many lines defined in the specification are rarely used. This means that care has to be taken when connecting any new equipment or defining which lines are to be used in a new design.
In RS-232, data is sent as a time-series of bits. Both synchronous and asynchronous transmissions are supported by the standard. In addition to the data circuits, the standard defines a number of control circuits used to manage the connection between the DTE and DCE. Each data or control circuit only operates in one direction, that is, signalling from a DTE to the attached DCE or the reverse. Since transmit data and receive data are separate circuits, the interface can operate in a full duplex manner, supporting concurrent data flow in both directions. The standard does not define character framing within the data stream, or character encoding.
Voltage levels
The RS-232 standard defines the voltage levels that correspond to logical one and logical zero levels. Valid signals are plus or minus 3 to 15 volts. The range near zero volts is not a valid RS-232 level; logic one is defined as a negative voltage, the signal condition is called marking, and has the functional significance of OFF. Logic zero is positive, the signal condition is spacing, and has the function ON. The standard specifies a maximum open-circuit voltage of 25 volts; signal levels of ±5 V, ±10 V, ±12 V, and ±15 V are all commonly seen depending on the power supplies available within a device. Circuits driving an RS-232-compatible interface must be able to withstand indefinite short circuit to ground or to any voltage level up to 25 volts. The slew rate, or how fast the signal changes between levels, is also controlled.
Because the voltage levels are higher than logic levels used by integrated circuits, special intervening circuits are required to translate logic levels, and to protect circuitry internal to the device from short circuits or transients that may appear on the RS-232 interface.
RS-232 devices may be classified as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) or Data Circuit termination Equipment (DCE); this defines at each device which wires will be sending and receiving each signal. The standard recommended but did not make mandatory the common D-subminiature 25 pin connector. In general, terminals have male connectors with DTE pin functions, and modems have female connectors with DCE pin functions. Other devices may have any combination of connector gender and pin definitions.
Presence of a 25 pin D-sub connector does not necessarily indicate an RS-232C compliant interface. For example, on the original IBM PC, a male D-sub was an RS-232C DTE port (with a non-standard current loop interface on reserved pins), but the female D-sub connector was used for a parallel Centronics printer port. Some personal computers put non-standard voltages or signals on their serial ports.
The standard specifies 20 different signal connections. Since most devices use only a few signals, smaller connectors can be used. For example, the 9 pin DE-9 connector was used by most IBM-compatible PCs since the IBM PC AT, and has been standardized as TIA-574. More recently, modular connectors have been used. Most common are 8 pin RJ-45 connectors. Standard EIA/TIA 561 specifies a pin assignment, but the "Yost Serial Device Wiring Standard" invented by Dave Yost is common on Unix computers and newer devices from Cisco Systems. Many devices don't use either of these standards. 10 pin RJ-50 connectors can be found on some devices as well. Digital Equipment Corporation defined their own DECconnect connection system which was based on the Modified Modular Jack connector. This is a 6 pin modular jack where the key is offset from the center position. As with the Yost standard, DECconnect uses a symmetrical pin layout which enables the direct connection between two DTEs.
Interface Basics
The interface is intended to operate over distances of up to 15 metres. This is because any modem is likely to be near the terminal. Data rates are also limited. The maximum for RS-232C is 19.2 k baud or bits per second although slower rates are often used. In theory it is possible to use any baud rate, but there area number of standard transmission speeds used.
Common Data Transmission Rates
50 75 110 150 300 600 1200 2400 4800 9600 19200 38400 76800
Note: speeds up to 19200 bits per second are normally used. Above this noise that is picked up, especially over long cable runs can introduce data errors.
RS232 signal levels
The voltage levels are one of the main items in the specification. For RS232 data signals a voltage of between -3V and -25V represents a logic 1. The logic 0 is represented by a voltage of between +3V and +25V. Control signals are in the "ON" state if their voltage is between +3V and +25V and "OFF" if they are negative, i.e. between -3V and -25V.
The data is sent serially on RS232, each bit is sent one after the next because there is only one data line in each direction. This mode of data transmission also requires that the receiver knows when the actual data bits are arriving so that it can synchronise itself to the incoming data. To achieve this a logic 0 is sent as a start bit for the synchronisation. This is followed by the data itself and there are normally seven or eight bits. The receiver obviously has to know how many data bits to expect, and there are often small dual in line switches either on the back of the equipment or inside it to set this information.
Data on RS232 is normally sent using ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange). However other codes including the Murray Code or EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code) can be used equally well.
After the data itself a parity bit is sent. Again this requires setting because it is optional and it can be even or odd parity. This is used to check the correctness of the received data and it can indicate whether the data has an odd or even number of logic ones. Unlike many systems these days there is no facility for error correction.
Finally a stop bit is sent. This is normally one bit long and is used to signify the end of a particular byte. Sometimes two stop bits are required and again this is an option that can often be set on the equipment.
RS232 data transmission is normally asynchronous. However transmit and receive speeds must obviously be the same. A certain degree of tolerance is allowed. Once the start bit is sent the receiver will sample the centre of each bit to see the level. Within each data word the synchronisation must not differ by more than half a bit length otherwise the incorrect data will be seen. Fortunately this is very easy to achieve with today's accurate bit or baud rate generators.
Lines and their usage
Their are four types of line defined in the RS232 specification. They are Data, Control, Timing and Ground. Not all of them are required all the time. It is possible to set up a very simple communication using very few lines. When looking at the lines and their functions it is necessary to remember that they are defined for a connection between a modem (the data set or communications equipment) and a terminal or computer (data terminal equipment) in mind. All the lines have directions, and when used in this way a one to one cable operates correctly.
The most obvious lines are the data lines. There are two of these, one for data travelling in each direction. Transmit data is carried on pin 2 and the receive data is carried on line three.
The most basic of the control circuits is Data Carrier Detected (DCD). This shows when the modem has detected a carrier on the telephone line and a connection appears to have been made. It produces a high, which is maintained until the connection is lost.
Data Terminal Ready (DTR) and Data Set Ready (DSR) are the main control circuits. They convey the main information between the terminal and modem. When the terminal is ready to start handling data it flags this on the DTR line. If the modem is also ready then it returns its signal on the DSR line. These circuits are mainly used for telephone circuits. After a connection has been made the modem will be connected to the line by using DTR. This connection will remain until the terminal is switched off line when the DTR line is dropped. The modem will detect this and release the telephone line.
Sometimes pin 20 is not assigned to DTR. Instead another signal named, Connect Data Set To Line (CDSTL) is used. This is virtually the same as DTR, but differs in that DTR merely enables the modem to be switched onto the telephone line. CDSTL commands the modem to switch, despite anything else it may be doing.
A further two circuits, Request To Send (RTS) and Clear To Send (CTS) are also used. This pair of circuits are used together. The terminal equipment will flag that it has data to send. The modem will then return the CTS signal to give the all clear after a short delay.
This signalling is used particularly when switched carriers are used. It means that the carrier is only present on the line when there is data to send. It finds its uses when one central modem is servicing several others at remote locations.
Secondary lines
There are two types of lines that are specified in the RS-232 specification. There are the primary channels that are normally used, and operate at the normal or higher data rates. However, there is also provision for a secondary channel for providing control information. If it is used it will usually send data at a much slower rate than the primary channel.
As the secondary lines are rarely used or even implemented on equipment, manufacturers often use these connector pins for other purposes. In view of this it is worth checking that the lines are not being used for other purposes before considering using them. When the secondary system is in use, the handshaking signals operate in the same way as for the primary circuit.
The ground connections are also important. There are two. First the protective ground ensures that both equipments are at the same earth potential. This is very useful when there is a possibility that either equipment is not earthed. The signal ground is used as the return for the digital signals travelling along the data link. It is important that large currents that are not part of the signalling do not flow along this line otherwise data errors may occur.
Source: http://www.radio-electronics.com
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Noticias traducidas en Español
Agriculture Food Biodiversity Environment Mediterranean and tropical areas News Events Seminar Workshop Congress Exhibition Just out Conference Just published Website
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Nathalie Villeméjeanne
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Agropolis International news archives
Save the date: MISS-ABMS 2019/Multi-platform International Summer School on Agent-Based Modelling & Simulation for Renewable Resources Management, 16-27/09/2019, Agropolis International, Montpellier
This summer school is about learning the different skills required for building agent-based models for renewable resources management. It is oriented towards a participatory use of models and simulation and participants will be asked to work in small groups.
During this two-week course, working in small groups and with participatory approaches, participants learn the basic skills necessary to develop their own models.
Hosted by Agropolis International, this training, which takes place every year in Montpellier, is co-organized by CIRAD and IRSTEA, with the contribution of other French universities and research organizations.
Published on: 14-01-2019
Agropolis International wishes you a happy New Year!
Agropolis International vous présente ses meilleurs vœux pour l’année 2019 publié par Agropolis International sur Vimeo.
Call for papers : Extended deadline until before January 15, 2019 for the 170th EAAE Seminar - May 15-17, 21 :'Governance of food chains and consumption dynamics:what are the impacts on food security and sustainability?', Montpellier, France
The seminar is organized by the joint research unit Moisa (Marchés, Organisations, Institutions et Stratégies d’Acteurs) which gathers lecturers and researchers from CIRAD, IAM.M, INRA and Montpellier SupAgro. 150 participants are expected.
Call for abstracts (posters) until the 1st May, 2019 for the 12th European Conference on Precision Agriculture, 8-11 July, 2019, Montpellier, France
Taking advantage of the location of Montpellier on the Mediterranean coast, this 2019 edition will be an opportunity to focus on precision farming applied to small Mediterranean farms. Of course, oral and poster presentations will be welcomed from authors on any precision agriculture topic, though particularly welcome on the list of topics shown in the Programme section. Closing dates for early bird registrations will be the 15th March, 2019. Organized by MontpellierSupAgro, IRSTEA, DigitAg, Chaire AgroTIC.
Program topics
o Precision Agriculture
o Precision Horticulture
o Precision Viticulture
o Precision Crop Protection
o Proximal and Remote Sensing of Soil and Crop o Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems o Satellite-based applications for Precision Agriculture o Smart Weather for Precision Agriculture o Differential harvest o Embedded sensing systems o Site-Specific Nutrient, Lime and Seed Management o Site-Specific canopy, harvest quality, etc.
o Precision pasture Management
o Drainage Optimization and Variable Rate Irrigation o Geostatistics, mapping and spatial data analysis o Wireless Sensor Networks, Internet of Things o Robotics, Guidance and Automation o Economics of Precision Agriculture o Adoption of Precision Agriculture o Small farms/Small Holders and Precision Agriculture o Education in Precision Agriculture o On Farm Experimentation with Site-Specific Technologies o Software and mobile Apps for Precision Agriculture o Decision Support for Precision Agriculture o Data Mining for Precision Agriculture.
Register on line for the HNV-Link Conference ‘Innovation to sustain High Nature Value farming: Who needs to do what?’, 31 January 2019 – CIHEAM-IAMM, Montpellier
The HNV-Link project (High Nature Value Farming: learning, innovation and knowledge; H2020, 2016-2019, www.hnvlink.eu) will hold its Final Conference on 31 January 2019 at CIHEAM-IAMM in Montpellier.
We will highlight the environmental, social and economic relevance of HNV farming, share the lessons from local experiences, and discuss the role of innovation in supporting this vital form of agriculture.
This Project, coordinated by CIHEAM-IAMM, has received funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 696391.
An English-French interpretation will be available!
Participation is free of charge, but registration is needed by 31 December 2018:
Call for participation until 28/02/2019 for the '5th edition of the Louis Malassis International Prize for Agriculture and Food', launched by Agropolis Fondation
Agropolis Fondation wanted to honour the memory of Louis Malassis by creating the "Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize for Agriculture and Food". This award is intended to reward those who have made an exemplary contribution, through their training, research or development activities, to promoting innovations to improve sustainable agricultural and food production systems and thus contribute to meeting the food challenge and the fight against poverty.
Created in 2010, this prize is awarded every two years. Three categories, each with €20,000:
• Young Promising Scientist Prize;
• Distinguished Scientist Prize;
• Outstanding Career in Agricultural Development Prize.
Application is open to all stakeholders from the academic or research organiza1on (private or public), a civil society organization (e.g., NGO, farmers organiza1ons), or a private sector (e.g., small/medium enterprises).
Since 2015, the Louis Malassis Prize has been awarded at the same time as the "Olam Prize for Innovation in Food Security", which rewards a project aimed at promoting the development of innovation and its contribution to world food security (grant of USD 75,000 for the selected project). Deadline for submitting applications for the Malassis and Olam Prizes: 28/02/2019.
Initiative "4 per 1000": the scientific community launches the Sète Call
The researchers of the "4 for 1000" Initiative gathered in Sète (Hérault, France) on 7 and 8 November 2018 during the workshop 'French research around the international initiative 4 per 1000: soils for food security and climate' launched a call for an "ambitious scientific programme" for the implementation of the research component of the initiative. This workshop took place on the eve of COP24, which is taking place in Poland from 3 to 14 December.
The Sète Call has already collected some fifty signatures, including researchers from Agropolis members and its partners (CIRAD, CNRS, IDDRI, INRA, IRD, Irstea) but also their partners from Brazil, Spain, Madagascar, Senegal and Morocco.
For the record:
1/France launched the "4 per 1000" initiative on 1 December 2015 during COP21 as part of the Global Climate Action Plan (GCAA) adopted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at COP22. The "4 per 1000" initiative contributes to the objective of achieving a neutral world in terms of land degradation.
2/The Executive Secretariat of the 4 for 1000 Initiative, hosted by the CGIAR, is located in the Agropolis International building in Montpellier.
Find online the presentations of the seminar 'Agricultural research in Brazil and Argentina facing uncertain international trade, new internal consumer demands and environmental issues : which forward thinking ? which future for agriculture in these countries ?' 25/10/2018, Agropolis International, Montpellier
This interdisciplinary scientific animation seminar was organized by the Montpellier branch of NSS-Dialogues. Speakers : Alejandro Valeiro (INTA), Pedro Machado (EMBRAPA) and Edson Bolfe (EMBRAPA) Discussant : Benoit Daviron (CIRAD). Contact: Bernard Hubert, Co-Editor-in-Chief of NSS and Advisor to the President of Agropolis International hubert@agropolis.fr
EMBRAPA (Brazil) and INTA (Argentina) are two agricultural research institutions, each with about 10,000 employees.
For more than 15 years for the first and soon 6 years for the second, each of these institutions has been present in Montpellier, with a permanent researcher ensuring the scientific monitoring and the design of new collaborations with French or European teams, and 3 to 4 researchers hosted from a few months to a few years in the laboratories of these teams. This original partnership with foreign organizations (Foreign Laboratories Without Walls (Labs WW or "Labex") is coordinated by Agropolis International.
Just published: 'Land Use and Food Security in 2050: a Narrow Road'
How can we best use land to ensure food and nutritional security for all? It will ba a hard, long and narrow road, and above all, it means a change in direction. This is demonstrated in a book on the Agrimonde-Terra foresight study, Land Use and Food Security in 2050: a Narrow Road. The book gives details of the four-year study by CIRAD and INRA , backed by a number of experts from all over the world.
After an initial study on global food security in 2050 (Agrimonde), CIRAD and INRA switched their attention to a new foresight exercise, centring on land use in the light of the challenge posed by ensuring food security in 2050. The new study, entitled Agrimonde-Terra, pinpointed levers likely to modify existing land use patterns with a view to boosting food and nutritional security.
Abstract submission: deadline extended until Wednesday 21 November 2018 for the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry, Montpellier, France, 20-22 May 2019
This congress takes place every five year and has never been organized in Europe before. CIRAD and INRA are the main organizers, in partnership with the World Agroforestry Centre, Agropolis International and Montpellier University of Excellence (I-Site MUSE).
Just released : The teaser of the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry: 'Agroforestry :Strengthening links between science, society and policy' - May 20-22, 2019 - Montpellier, France
Agroforestry 2019 will host scholars, practitioners, policymakers and civil society members from around the world. There will be high-level keynote speakers and a wide choice of plenary and parallel sessions. A choice of (optional) field-trips is available for registration now. This congress takes place every five year and has never been organized in Europe before. CIRAD and INRA are the main organizers, in partnership with the World Agroforestry Centre, Agropolis International and Montpellier University of Excellence (I-Site MUSE).
Just published - The talks recorded during the Joint Congress on Evolutionary Biology in Montpellier (19-22 August 2018) are now online
This Joint Congress takes place every six years and brings together four of the world's largest academic societies in the field of evolutionary biology: the European Society for Evolutionary Biology, the American Society of Naturalists, the Society for the Study of Evolution and the Society of Systematic Biologists.
2,500 people from 56 countries participated in this event. It was organized by Ophélie Ronce, a researcher at the joint research unit ISEM and Yannis Michalakis, a researcher at the joint research unit MIVEGEC. Congress organized with the support of Agropolis International.
The meeting was dedicated to the memory of Isabelle Oliveri, a researcher of Agropolis scientific community and former President of ESEB.
Registration on line for the HNV-Link Final Conference "Innovation to sustain High Nature Value farming: Who needs to do what?", January, 31, 2019, CIHEAM-IAMM, Montpellier, France
HNV-Link creates a community of practice and knowledge by linking 10 areas throughout the European Union where HNV farming systems are prevalent. These "learning areas" are used to evaluate innovation examples and gaps relevant to HNV systems. Innovation types include technical, commercial, social, institutional, and of policy. This European project coordinated by CIHEAM-IAM.M identifies what works in specific places and what methods would also be applicable in other areas or contexts.
Save the date : Scientific animation on Agroecology - Ecological intensification of cropping systems November 13, 2018, 10h00, Agropolis International, Montpellier (France)"Circularity in food systems / Martin van Ittersum, professor in Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University"
To achieve a sustainable food future that makes optimal use of earth’s natural resources, we need to move away from the current linear product footprint approach, and to start using a food systems approach. A modern circular food system combines innovative technology with basic ecological design principles derived from natural ecosystems. It does not ban external inputs but uses these as a complement to circular inputs. Europe can take a leading role in developing such systems. In this presentation three principles will be considered in some detail:
- The prime role of plant biomass for human nutrition. The consequences of circularity for growth defining, limiting and reducing factors will be discussed;
- The (re-)use of by-products and waste in circular food systems. A priority in use of by-products and waste will be proposed;
- The role of livestock in circular food systems is analysed and consequences for our consumption of animal proteins are discussed.
This presentation is an amended version of the Mansholt lecture which was given in Brussels in September, together with professor of Animal Production Systems, Imke de Boer (also Wageningen University).
Call for abstracts before November 15, 2018 for the 170th Seminar of the European Association of Agricultural Economics (EAAE) : Governance of food chains and consumption dynamics: What are the impacts on food security and sustainability?, May 15-17, 2019, Montpellier
This event is organized by the French joint research unit MOISA which gathers lecturers and researchers from CIRAD, IAMM, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro.
The seminar organized with the support of I-SITE MUSE will help assess the conditions for more mutually beneficial incentives and interactions between the different stakeholders in the chains, including consumers, leading to more sustainable mechanisms of food provisioning and consumption. It will shed light on the "missing middle" between food consumption and production, which is more often invisible and unsupported rather than missing. Particular attention will be paid to the issue of how public and private strategies and governance can gear food chain and consumption dynamics towards increased food security and sustainability by changing the stakeholders’ range of options in terms of the diversity and affordability of proposed food items and formats.We are happy to confirm the participation of Professors Christopher B. Barrett (Cornell University) and Claude Ménard (Université de Paris Panthéon Sorbonne) as plenary speakers.
A new coordinator for the European Labex UPM, a Virtual Laboratory of Universiti Putra Malaysia, located at Agropolis International, Montpellier
Foreign Laboratories Without Walls (Labs WW), an innovative concept, an instrument for the strengthening and diversification of established partnerships : Agropolis International provides technical, scientific and logistical support to make this unique partnership possible.
Each Lab WW is run by a coordinator, appointed by the foreign partner organization, whose role is to promote scientific and academic collaborations between his or her own organization and French and European organizations sharing common issues.
Just published and on line: CeMEB LabEx PROGRESS REPORT (September 2018)
The Mediterranean Centre for Environment and Biodiversity Laboratory of Excellence (CeMEB LabEx) is a federation of ten research units in the Montpellier area. Research focuses on the dynamics and functioning of biodiversity and ecosystems in a context of marked environmental change, notably due to human activities.
The CeMEB LabEx is part of the 2011–2019 Future Projects Investments (Projects Investissement d'Avenir 2011-2019) program, funded by the French National Research Agency (Agence Nationale de la Recherche).
An International Seminar on "Research and discussion on functional foods" has been jointly organized by Labintex Eu-INTA and CIRAD in the context of the program "International Mobility" (Agropolis Fondation) at Agropolis International, Montpellier (France), on 13th August 2018.
Participation in Montpellier-France:
Chairs: Adriana Descalzo (Labintex Eu-INTA) & Claudie Dhuique- Mayer (CIRAD-UMR Qualisud).
Alejandro Valeiro: Coordinator Labintex Eu-INTA (Argentina)
Pedro Machado: Coordinator Labex-Embrapa (Brasil)
Elodie Arnaud, Marc Lebrun, Serge Palu: Research staff CIRAD
Mariana Lingua: Conicet post doctoral fellowship (Argentina), hosted at CIRAD
PhD Students: Magali Gies, Laura Gence (CIRAD), Yavo Michel Olivier Esse and Ténincoura Nadège KONE (CIRAD-Ivory Coast)
Participation from Argentina by Internet:
Luciana Rossetti, Sergio Rizzo, Carolina Pérez, Sergio Vaudagna ITA, INTA Castelar
Gerardo Gagliostro, Liliana Antonacci - EEA Balcarce, INTA
Registration is now open for the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry, 19-22 May 2019, Montpellier
This exciting three-day event will offer many possibilities to exchange new ideas and results, meet, brainstorm, mingle, inspire and develop networks.
Agroforestry 2019 will host scholars, practitioners, policymakers and civil society members from around the world. There will be high-level keynote speakers and a wide choice of plenary and parallel sessions. A choice of (optional) field-trips is available for registration now.
‘Early bird’ rate until 15 February 2019.
Deadline for abstract submission: 31 October 2018.
Twitter : @Agroforest2019 #Agroforestry2019
The “4 per 1000” Initiative, soils for food security and climate, launches its collaborative digital platform
This collaborative platform, opened to “4 per 1000“ Initiative Partners, is a work tool such as a "hub" which should, in particular, allow:
- Exchange between partners of the "4 per 1000" Initiative
- Benefit from knowledge and actions developed by other partners
- Create and collaborate for the implementation of projects in the field
- Propose actions to finance
- Offer funding to support projects
- Share resources, information, data
- Identify practices for storing carbon in soils, conducted in different countries and share know-how and practises through technical datasheets (agroecology, agroforestry ...)
- Contribute to developing new techniques and practises
- Question scientists about scientific knowledge and current scientific research
- Propose to policy makers measures or guidelines that support the objectives of the Initiative
- Inform stakeholders in the field of policies implemented at different scales
- And any other action that the partners will be willing to share.
Launched by France on December 1st, 2015 at the COP21, the "4 per 1000" Initiative is part of the Global Climate Action Plan (GCAA) adopted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at COP22. The "4 per 1000" Initiative contributes to the goal of achieving a world that is neutral in terms of land degradation.
The Executive Secretariat of Initiative 4 for 1000, hosted by the CGIAR, is located in the Agropolis International building in Montpellier
Visit of Mateus Batistella to Embrapa Labex Europe – Montpellier, 3 September 2018
Mateus Batistella, a researcher at Embrapa, specializing in Remote Sensing, former Director General of Embrapa Territorial and former researcher of Labex-USA, at Minnesotta University, has visited Pedro Machado (the coordinator of Embrapa Labex Europe in Montpellier), following his stay in England where he took part in a meeting on Telecoupling network at Oxford University and acted for the development of closer ties with Belmont Forum. Both researchers have exchanged information about international cooperation.
New/Just published: Video of the First international meeting for the 10 countries involved in the "National Information Platforms for Nutrition" (NIPN) initiative (July 2018, Paris, France)
The Global Support Facility (GSF) for the "National Information Platforms for Nutrition" (NIPN) initiative - managed by Agrinatura and hosted by Agropolis International – has organized the ‘first Technical Gathering’ of this large-scale and innovative project. This event brought together more than sixty participants, representatives of the NIPN national teams from ten countries: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Laos, Niger, Uganda, Zambia.
This three-day Global Technical Gathering of the National Information Platforms for Nutrition (NIPN) was extremely valuable. It allowed all the 60+ participants from the 10 participating countries to feel part of a whole, created a common understanding of NIPN, enabled discussion of technical matters, implementation needs, opportunities and bottlenecks, and encouraged collaboration and sharing across countries. It allowed the NIPN Global Support Facility (GSF) to identify the most urgent needs for technical support in the coming year. The most telling statistics in the final evaluation were that 77% of the participants felt their country NIPNs had been strengthened by the gathering, the same number believed the gathering had helped their teams to progress, and 90% went away feeling that they now know what the next steps are in their countries.
The NIPN initiative aims to support partner countries of the European Union and DFID (UK Department for International Development) that have joined the SUN movement, in the establishment of a nutrition information and analysis platform to better inform and guide multisectoral public policies for better nutrition.
The NIPN initiative is supported by the European Union, DFID and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Video of the meeting:https://vimeo.com/281003570
AQUA2018 - World Congress of Aquaculture -Special Session 'Advancing integrated agriculture/aquaculture through agroecology'- Saturday, August 25, 2018, Montpellier
At AQUA 2018, the world aquaculture congress to be held for the first time in Montpellier from 25 to 29 August, CIRAD will support FAO in the organisation of a special session on agroecology and its application to aquaculture on Saturday 25 August. Around 100 participants are expected out of the 2 500 people attending the congress, which will bring together 60 nationalities.
Discover the press release of AQUA2018 - World Congress of Aquaculture - August 25 - 29, 2018, Le Corum, Montpellier
This event is co-organised by the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) and the World Aquaculture Society (WAS). It will highlight the latest aquaculture research and innovation to underpin continued growth of this exciting food production sector. 2500+ participants (researchers, educators, producers, investors, suppliers, engineering consulting firms..) from 60+ countries are awaited. Scientists' coming from the whole world, constitutes for the French research community an opportunity unique to promote its researches and establish/strengthen new networks of collaboration. The coming of the main industrial actors of all aquaculture sectors (fish, shellfish, algae..) will allow the French sector to be at the heart of the innovation in their sector and will constitute an opportunity unique to promote their activity and their international development. The Research institutes of the Region mobilized: In addition to a dozen universities spread all around France, four main organizations lead national aquaculture research in fish and shellfish, all of which are present in the Occitanie Region: Ifremer, INRA, CIRAD, IRD. These four bodies collaborate actively and mutualize a part of their infrastructures on the Ifremer site of Palavas-les-Flots (a small coastal city next to Montpellier), the largest research infrastructure dedicated to mariculture in France. With a research community of such a scale, Montpellier offers the main French expertise of aquaculture research in the disciplines of genetics, physiology, ecology, and system engineering for: - all Mediterranean and tropical species: fish, mollusks, shrimps, algae - reared in all the types of environment: sea, brackish and fresh waters - in all the types of systems: intensive, extensive, recirculated, integrated multi-trophic It offers to the EAS/WAS 2018 coming, the possibility of counting on its reputation internationally recognized in the field of aquaculture, in particular thanks to a local committee constituted of researchers of international fame, which supports the scientific organization of the congress, organizes the technical visit of research centers and facilitates the dialogue with local institutions.
Summer school 'MISS-ABMS 2018 - Multi-platform International Summer School on Agent-Based Modelling & Simulation, '10-21/09/2018, Agropolis International, Montpellier
Twenty-five participants from four continents and fourteen different nationalities are expected from September 10 to 21 for the 2018 session of the summer school on multi-agent modeling for natural resource management, MISS-ABMS.
Hosted by Agropolis International and co-organized by CIRAD and IRSTEA, with the contribution of other French universities and research organizations, this training, taking place every year in Montpellier, is a great success.
Combining lessons and hands-on, group and individual work, the training allows participants to practice the principles of multi-agent modeling by applying them to their own project.
It gives them the basics so that they can continue to develop their model independently.
First announcement and call for papers, governance of food chains and consumption dynamics, Montpellier Eaae seminar, May 15-17, 2019
The 170th seminar of the European Association of Agricultural Economics (EAAE) will take place in Montpellier on May 15-17, 2019 (Campus de la Gaillarde). The topic of the seminar is: “Governance of food chains and consumption dynamics: what are the impacts on food security and sustainability?” The seminar is organized by the joint research unit Moisa which gathers lecturers and researchers from Cirad, Iamm, Inra and SupAgro.
The seminar will help assess the conditions for more mutually beneficial incentives and interactions between the different stakeholders in the chains, including consumers, leading to more sustainable mechanisms of food provisioning and consumption. It will shed light on the “missing middle” between food consumption and production, which is more often invisible and unsupported rather than missing. Particular attention will be paid to the issue of how public and private strategies and governance can gear food chain and consumption dynamics towards increased food security and sustainability by changing the stakeholders’ range of options in terms of the diversity and affordability of proposed food items and formats.
Discover the latest issue of the series "Les Dossiers d’Agropolis ": "Complex systems-from biology to Territories" (June 2018, N°23)
80 pages to discover a panorama of regional scientific actors through concrete examples (published in French)
Scientific coordination : Nicolas Arnaud (CNRS), Bertrand Jouve (CNRS), Jean-Pierre Müller (Cirad).
More about this series:
Just published : ‘Strengthening health decision-making at the territorial level: operational support for spatial multi-criteria evaluation’ (June 2018 – Issue 46 of ‘Perspective’, CIRAD policy brief)
It is now possible to map diseases in regions for which epidemiological data are scarce. Spatial multi-criteria evaluation is a rigorous method that is quick to implement, and was developed by CIRAD and its partners.
Animal health and veterinary public health policymakers are still relatively unfamiliar with this method, but it is suited to regions with little access to reliable epidemiological data, such as low-income countries in the South or disease-free areas.
Animal diseases and zoonoses - infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans - are a global socio-economic and public health problem: ensuring the surveillance and control of these diseases means identifying high risk areas in both North and South.
This series of 4-page summaries published by CIRAD which presents novel ideas or policies on development issues of strategic importance for countries in the South: food security, land tenure, climate change, energy security, forest management, standards, etc.
Authors : Annelise Tran and François Roger.
Just published : ‘Public policies to support agroecology in Latin America and the Caribbean’ (May 2018 – Issue 45 of ‘Perspective’, CIRAD policy brief)
Agroecology in Latin America emerged in response to the social, economic, environmental and climate crises observed in conventional agriculture. It is driven by social movements and is gradually being taken into account in public policies.
These policies involve a range of instruments that are often embedded in programmes that also support organic agriculture and sustainable agriculture, types that unlike agroecology do not question the basis of the conventional agri-food system. This issue of Perspective analyses these policies and their influence on the development of agroecology in eight countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, and Nicaragua. These policies remain fragile, while support for large-scale conventional agriculture is still predominant, and implementing instruments in favour of agroecology thus depends on the power relations in each country. The challenge is therefore to convince more broadly farmers, consumers and policymakers about the importance of issues such as public health and food security.
Abstract submission open until 31 October 2018 for the 4th World Congress on Agroforestry, Montpellier, France, 20-22 May 2019
More than a thousand participants from both temperate and tropical zones all over the world are expected. The Montpellier Fourth World Congress on Agroforestry will address a wide range of key agroforestry research issues. It will gather facts and figures from developing and developed countries and support a collaborative effort with broad social participation. World-known keynote speakers have been invited to make sure that today’s important agroforestry research questions are all addressed. Nevertheless, the Congress also welcomes a variety of stakeholders to foster social interactions while special attention is given to vulnerable countries and populations.
The overall objective of the Congress is to contribute to the strengthening of agroforestry science and practice in order to provide opportunities for further developing links between science, society and policy.
First international meeting for the 10 countries involved in the "National Information Platforms for Nutrition" (NIPN) initiative / 03-05/07/2018, Paris
The Global Support Facility (GSF) for the "National Information Platforms for Nutrition" (NIPN) initiative - managed by Agrinatura and hosted by Agropolis International - is organizing the ‘first Technical Gathering’ of this large-scale and innovative project. This event will bring together more than sixty participants, representatives of the NIPN national teams from ten countries: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Laos, Niger, Uganda, Zambia. The NIPN initiative aims to support partner countries of the European Union and DFID (UK Department for International Development) that have joined the SUN movement, in the establishment of a nutrition information and analysis platform to better inform and guide multisectoral public policies for better nutrition.
Objectives of this high-level meeting:
Share a common vision of the NIPN across countries / Discuss technical matters related to the NIPN implementation / Discuss implementation needs, opportunities and bottlenecks /Understand the GSF support in relation to the technical assistance at national level /Share experience, learn from others and start building interactions between countries for future exchanges.
The NIPN initiative is supported by the European Union, DFID and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Mrs. Marti Van Liere, new Team Leader of the NIPN Global Support Facility
The NIPN Global Support Facility is pleased to introduce its new Team Leader, Mrs. Marti Van Liere. Marti has 30 years of international experience in nutrition and development, in non-for-profit and private sectors, as well as in research. Before joining the NIPN Global Support Facility, she held positions at GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), Unilever, KIT (Dutch Royal Tropical Institute) and INSERM (French Medical Research Institute). She has a PhD in Human Nutrition from Wageningen University, The Netherlands. In 2012 and 2013, Marti served as the co-chair of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Business Network.
Marti’s arrival coincides with a new step of the NIPN initiative where all countries are now in the implementation phase, after a process of consultation and design in ten countries over the last two years. As soon as she took up position, Marti attended a strategic workshop with the GSF Team and a few key partners and experts, which provided an excellent opportunity to take stock of where the NIPN initiative stands and to review the overall strategic parameters, beyond countries’ specificities.
The Global Support Facility (GSF) of the NIPN initiative is managed by Agrinatura (European alliance on agricultural knowledge for development) and hosted by Agropolis International
Foresight4Food Initiative: 60 international experts present in Montpellier from 22 to 24 May 2018
After a first workshop organised in March 2017 in Oxford, Montpellier volunteered to organise a second event of the Foresight4Food Initiative.
Workshop organized by Oxford University, I-Site MUSE (as part of the preparation of its Institute of Advanced Knowledge) and CIRAD, with the financial support of ACIAR (Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research) and GFAR (World Agricultural Research Forum) and the support of Agropolis International.
Foresight4Food is an initiative supported by a group of international organisations, food systems researchers, business players and civil society organisations. The collective aim is to enhance foresight and scenario analysis for the global food system.
Visit of CAAS (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences) to Montpellier on 14 May 2018 to consolidate Sino-European partnership
The regional scientific community had the pleasure of receiving Dr Weiping Hao, Deputy Director General (Department of International Cooperation) accompanied by Dr Weiping Hao. Dandan Huang (Chief for Multilateral Cooperation).
At the request of its government, CAAS wishes to expand and consolidate its international development, particularly with European organisations. In France, the long-standing collaboration with two Agropolis International members: CIRAD and INRA has been established through bilateral agreements. In Montpellier, several presentations were made for the delegation: presentation of Agropolis International; Labex Europe of Embrapa, Labintex of INTA, I-Site MUSE. Thematic visits were organized: AGAP joint research unit; ECOTRON platform, medical laboratory (University of Montpellier).
Several partnership proposals were discussed, notably around the concept of a laboratory without walls located in Montpellier, emblematic models of cooperation already set up by Embrapa (Brazil), INTA (Argentina) and UPM (Malaysia).
CAAS, is a world-class sci-tech research institution being a national-level international agricultural S&T center for scientific innovation, international Cooperation, and talents cultivation height. key figures: Cooperation with: 83 countries and regions, 38 international organizations, 7 MNCs and Gates Foundation with 82 agreements signed ; 13 representative offices of international organizations ; 62 joint laboratories ;4 overseas joint laboratories were established in Brazil, Belgium, Australia and Kazakhs.
To be published at the end of 2018: 25th issue of "The Dossiers d’Agropolis International series" is dedicated to the "One health" issue
The 25th issue of "The Dossiers d’Agropolis International series", to be published at the end of 2018, will present an overview of research & development projects and training activities carried out in the One Health sphere by scientific organisations in the Occitanie region.
Global approaches to health – defined by the "One Health","EcoHealth" or "Planetary Health" paradigms – postulate that the epidemiological dynamics of diseases and the impact of the various drivers that determine the health of animal, plant and human populations should be studied in inter-connection and in link with their ecological, socio-economic and political contexts.
The scientific community of the Occitanie region in the South-West of France works within this integrative framework, focusing on regional – in connection with the Mediterranean area – national and international issues, including tropical contexts and diseases. Research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a number of partners across the world.
The Dossiers d’Agropolis International series is a deliverable of Agropolis International that is produced within the scope of its mission to promote expertise of the scientific community. Each Dossier is devoted to a broad scientific theme, and includes a clear overview that is a ready reference for all laboratories and teams associated with Agropolis International that are conducting research on the target theme.
Publication of a new "Dossier thématique du CSFD" on "Ecological engineering for sustainable agriculture in arid and semiarid West African regions"
The 11th issue of Les dossiers thématiques du CSFD (Comité Scientifique Français de la Désertification/French Scientific Committee on Desertification) looks at potential contributions of ecological engineering to the management of agrosylvopastoral systems in sub-Saharan drylands areas.
It helps to describe and define agroecological practices. Based on the authors’ and contributors’ experience, West Africa is focused on to illustrate the ecological intensification to agricultural production in the broad sense. Examples from non-African tropical dryland areas worldwide are also discussed to illustrate the potential of agroecological engineering to sustainable land management and therefore to the fight against desertification.
Dominique Masse (Agronomy-Ecology, IRD), Jean-Luc Chotte (Soil Ecology - Microbial Diversity, IRD) and Eric Scopel (Ecological engineering, Cirad), coordinated this Dossier.
CSFD is hosted and managed by Agropolis International.
Video conferencia entre Montpellier y los Centros del INTA en Argentina sobre la langosta voladora.
El Labintex Europa del INTA organizó una video conferencia en español hacia los Centros del INTA en Argentina sobre el tema “Líneas de investigación para mejorar el manejo preventivo de langostas voladoras " a cargo del Dr. Cyril Piou, investigador en el Centro para la Biología y el Manejo de Poblaciones (CBGP) del CIRAD de Francia.
El CGBP es uno de los centros de mayor experiencia y capacidad en el mundo para enfrentar esta problemática y ha contribuído a mejorar los métodos de monitoreo y control de diversas especies de langostas en distintos continentes desde hace 50 años.
Esta conferencia se llevó a cabo el día 15 de Mayo del 2018 y se transmitió desde la sede del Labintex-EU en Agropolis International en Montpellier (Francia). Se conectaron Unidades del INTA de ocho provincias del país y pudieron intercambiar con el Dr Piou al final de su presentación. Participaron además, autoridades y técnicos del SENASA, organismo encargado de ejecutar las políticas nacionales argentinas en materia de sanidad y calidad animal y vegetal e inocuidad de los alimentos.
La langosta voladora, la más célebre de las plagas, ha vuelto a convertirse en un problema agudo en Argentina luego de 60 años. A mediados de 2015 resurgió con intensidad en la provincia de Santiago del Estero, expandiéndose hasta Bolivia y Paraguay.
Vínculo hacia la conferencia en español
Take advantage of the early bird discount until April 30 and register now for the 12th International Plant Molecular Biology Congress (IPMB2018), 5-10 August, 2018 in Montpellier, France
The IPMB congress is a triennial meeting gathering 1500-2000 plant molecular biologists from all over the world since 1984. The IPMB2015 was held in Brazil (Iguazu) and was preceded by IPMB2012 in Korea (Jeju Island) and IPMB2009 in USA (St Louis). Each of the previous meetings demonstrates the importance to develop multidisciplinary approaches to face climate changes and population increase. IPMB2018 will follow up with an attractive scientific program highlighting major impact recent discoveries from basic molecular biology to crop biotechnology. Combination of plenary and parallel sessions will demonstrate the importance of plant molecular biology to fulfill the need for the development of an ecologically intensive farming.
The IPMB congress is a triennial meeting gathering 1500-2000 plant molecular biologists from all over the world since 1984.
Call for abstracts until the 15th of May for the third Jack R. Harlan International Symposium Dedicated to the Origins of Agriculture and the Domestication, Evolution, and Utilization of Genetic Resources, 10-14th September 2018, Montpellier, France
This event is co-organized by the joint research unit DIADE (Plant Diversity Adaptation and Development) under the responsibility of Jean-Louis Pham (IRD) with the partnership of CNRS, the Regional council Occitanie/Pyrénées-Méditerranée, Agropolis Fondation, Montpellier SupAgro, INRA, University of Montpellier and Agropolis International.
Agrinatura is offering one position of Team Leader of the Global Support Facility (GSF) until the 27th of April for the National Information Platforms for Nutrition (NIPN) initiative
The position is open for one year, starting as soon as possible until June 2019 and based either in Montpellier, France at Agropolis International headquarters; or in another Agrinatura member organisation.
The position implies a regular presence in Montpellier and frequent travel abroad.
The European Union's NIPN (National Information Platforms for Nutrition) initiative is supported by the United Kingdom Department for International Development and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Global Support Facility (GSF) of the NIPN initiative is managed by Agrinatura (European alliance on agricultural knowledge for development) and hosted by Agropolis International. More: https://www.agropolis.fr/pdf/emploi/nipn-team-leader.pdf
Visit of Ana Brasileira (Embrapa-Cenargen) to Embrapa Labex Europe – Montpellier, 16th March 2018
Ana Brasileiro, a researcher at Embrapa in Brasilia, a member of Cirad Scientific Committee and of the International Consortium for Advanced Biology in Brazil (CIBA) has visited Pedro Machado, the coordinator of Embrapa Labex Europe in Montpellier.
They discussed the University of Montpellier call "MUSE-EXPLORE" related to international mobility for PhD students and researchers in order to explore mobility opportunities between Montpellier institutions and Embrapa and its partners.
Pedro Machado, Ana Brasileiro
Visit of CIBIO (University of Porto) to Labex Europe in Montpellier, 13th March 2018
Labex Europe of Embrapa has received the visit of Nuno Ferrand, Director of the Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources at the University of Porto (Portugal), accompanied by Albano Beja Pereira, a researcher.
This meeting involved exchanges about their missions and considering future partnerships within the framework of the H2020 European programme.
From right to left:
Albano BEJA PEREIRA, researcher, CIBIO,
Paula DIAS, researcher, CNRS
Nuno FERRAND, director, CIBIO,
Pedro Machado, coordinator, Labex Europe
Guylène Soula, project manager, University de Montpellier
Meeting between coordinators of INTA Labintex Europe (Argentina) and EMBRAPA Labex Europe (Brazil)
With similar goals and challenges to be faced, Alejandro Valeiro of Labintex Europe and Pedro Machado of Labex Europe meet regularly within the Agropolis International network. On15th March 2018, they met at Labex Europe premises, to share experiences about scientific cooperation with European partners.
More about INTA Labintex Europe
http://www.agropolis.org/project-management/labintex-inta-agropolis-international.php
More about EMBRAPA Labex Europe
http://www.agropolis.org/project-management/labex-europe-external-laboratory-embrapa-brazil.php
From left to right: Alejandro Valeiro, INTA - Pedro Machado, Embrapa
Save the date "Agroforestry: Strengthening links between science, society and policy" - May 20-22, 2019 - Le Corum, Montpellier
The 4th World Congress on Agroforestry will bring delegates and world-known keynote speakers from all over the world in a major event designed to address a wide range of key agroforestry research issues. It will gather facts and figures from developing and developed countries and support a collaborative effort with broad social participation. Special attention will be given to vulnerable countries and populations. The overall objective of the Congress is to contribute to the strengthening of agroforestry science and practice in order to provide opportunities for strengthening links between science, society and policy and to bridge the science-policy gap.
CIRAD and INRA are delighted to welcome you to the Fourth World Congress on Agroforestry. The Congress is organized with Agropolis International and Montpellier University of Excellence. Congresses take place every five years. The Montpellier congress follows earlier congresses in the USA, Kenya and India.
Call for communications: May, 2018
Registration: June 2018
Deadline for early bird registration: February, 2019
Save the date: Scientific animation on Agroecology - Ecological intensification of cropping systems: 'The main drivers of the development trajectory of organic agriculture in Uganda: towards the institutionalization of an alternative pathway for the Uganda agricultural development?' – March 28, 2018, 10am-12pm, Agropolis International, Montpellier
Musa K. Muwanga, CEO of FRUTRACT Limiter, former CEO of the National Organic Agriculture Movement of Uganda (Nogamu), Uganda.Pauline Bendjebbar, PhD student in political science, Cirad, UMR Moisa, and Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire Sciences Innovations Sociétés (Lisis).
The European Union's NIPN (National Information Platforms for Nutrition) initiative, supported by the United Kingdom Department for International Development and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation started in 9 countries
The Global Support Facility (GSF) of the National Information Platforms for Nutrition (NIPN) initiative, managed by Agrinatura (European alliance on agricultural knowledge for development) and hosted by Agropolis International, is currently working with national institutions in ten countries to help them adapt the NIPN approach to their context.
After a wide-ranging consultation phase followed by the development of a project proposal in 2016 and 2017, most of the countries participating in the initiative start their activities in 2018, usually within the framework of a four-year project. After Guatemala and Niger in 2017, seven other countries are ready to start operations in early 2018: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Laos and Uganda.
The GSF is also supporting the design of a platform in Zambia, where the project is expected to start by the end of the year.
Agrisource: Europe’s first open innovation platform for climate-smart agriculture
A new online platform dedicated to climate-smart agriculture was recently launched at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome. This tool, Agrisource, is Europe’s first open innovation platform for climate-smart agriculture. Totally free of charge, it collates information and will foster networks between actors in this innovative field of agriculture.
A new capacity-building tool, Agrisource is managed and financed by the EIT Climate-KIC programme (European Institute of Innovation and Technology).
It was developed by CIRAD and INRA.
#Mooc NECTAR Season -a new trip in the world of arthropods and nematodes- starts 23 February
Nectarine and Nectarus worked hard to offer pedagogic activities for this season 2 of the Mooc NECTAR.
The first season of the Mooc NECTAR gathered 2700 people from 87 countries and more than 90% wished to follow a new version.
For the second edition, the MOOC NECTAR proposes you a reverse pedagogy, as a new way to learn.
We propose to identify what you want and need tolearn and position your knowledge in relation to those that will be bring to you throughout the MOOC. This reverse pedagogy will allow you to think about your own practices through both theoretical inputs and knowledge co-¬‐construction, where any participant can enrich the community from his own observations.
Starts: 23 February 2018
End:09 April 2018
Course duration : 5 weeks
Time to spend: 4-5h per week
Language: French and English
Call for abstracts until April 10, 2018 and registration open for AQUA2018 - World Congress of Aquaculture - August 25 - 29, 2018, Le Corum, Montpellier
This event is co-organised by the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) and the World Aquaculture Society (WAS). It will highlight the latest aquaculture research and innovation to underpin continued growth of this exciting food production sector.
2500+ participants (researchers, educators, producers, investors, suppliers, engineering consulting firms..) from 60+ countries are awaited.
Scientists' coming from the whole world, constitutes for the French research community an opportunity unique to promote its researches and establish/strengthen new networks of collaboration. The coming of the main industrial actors of all aquaculture sectors (fish, shellfish, algae..) will allow the French sector to be at the heart of the innovation in their sector and will constitute an opportunity unique to promote their activity and their international development.
The Research institutes of the Region mobilized: In addition to a dozen universities spread all around France, four main organizations lead national aquaculture research in fish and shellfish, all of which are present in the Occitanie Region: Ifremer, INRA, CIRAD, IRD. These four bodies collaborate actively and mutualize a part of their infrastructures on the Ifremer site of Palavas-les-Flots (a small coastal city next to Montpellier), the largest research infrastructure dedicated to mariculture in France. With a research community of such a scale, Montpellier offers the main French expertise of aquaculture research in the disciplines of genetics, physiology, ecology, and system engineering for: - all Mediterranean and tropical species: fish, mollusks, shrimps, algae - reared in all the types of environment: sea, brackish and fresh waters - in all the types of systems: intensive, extensive, recirculated, integrated multi-trophic It offers to the EAS/WAS 2018 coming, the possibility of counting on its reputation internationally recognized in the field of aquaculture, in particular thanks to a local committee constituted of researchers of international fame, which supports the scientific organization of the congress, organizes the technical visit of research centers and facilitates the dialogue with local institutions.
Video conference by Dr. François Tardieu (INRA/LEPSE)
INTA Labintex Europe of INTA and INTA Ecophysiology Network have organized a video conference on "Genetic analysis of responses to environmental factors combining information based on several platform and field experiments" by François Tardieu, a research director at UMR LEPSE (Laboratoire d’Ecophysiologie des Plantes sous stress environnemental) at INRA, French National Institute for Agricultural Research. This conference took place on 29th November 2017 and was transmitted by Skype from the headquarters of Labintex EU located at Agropolis International (Montpellier-France).
More than 15 INTA units accessed the conference all over Argentina, through about 55 connections, allowing 80 professionals to attend this presentation in Spanish and to interact directly with Dr. Tardieu.
Cecilia Vazquez Rovere, Chercheuse Labintex INTA (UMR LEPSE INRA-SupAgro)
François Tardieu, Directeur de recherche (UMR LEPSE, INRA-SupAgro)
Alejandro Valeiro, Coordinateur Labintex INTA
The next Global Bioeconomy Summit will be held on 19 and 20 April 2018 in Berlin (Germany)
Pedro Machado, Coordinator of the Embrapa Labex Europe Programme, is member of the GBS2018 International Advisory Council that helped the German Bioeconomy Council to develop a program featuring high-level speakers from around the world. The GBS2018 will provide 13 expert workshops and Pedro Machado will co-chair the workshop on Policy – Good Governance to Establish Sustainable Bioeconomy.
The Global Bioeconomy Summit 2015 highlighted that for the bioeconomy to be transformative it must contribute to at least eight of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to food security and nutrition; health and well-being; and clean water and sanitation. Policy makers need to know what is essential to bioeconomy’s growth in technological, organizational and social aspects without causing any harm to the ecosystem services.
Registration before March 31, 2018 for MISS-ABMS 2018/Multi-platform International Summer School on Agent-Based Modelling & Simulation for Renewable Resources Management - 10-21 September 2018, Agropolis International, Montpellier
This summer school is about learning the different skills required for building agent-based models for renewable resources management. It is oriented towards a participatory use of models and simulation and participants will be asked to work in small groups. During the first week, the principles, methods and technics of the design, implementation and exploration stages will be collectively taught. Groups, and story lines of the models will be designed. The second week will be devoted to personal applications: the trainers will support the groups in designing, implementing and fine-tuning their own agent-based model. During this second week, Specific points will be addressed according to the expectations and demands of the participants and example of models will be presented.
Organized by CIRAD, IRSTEA, CNRS, Universities of Rouen and Toulouse and Agropolis International.
Registration on line for IPMB 2018 - 12th congress of the international plant molecular biology - 5-10 août 2018, Montpellier
Early registration for GEOBIA' 18 Conference open until March 15th/ 'Geobia in a changing World - From pixels to ecosystems and global sustainability', Montpellier (Agropolis International), 18-22 June 2018
GEOBIA'18 is expected to gather scientists, professionals and users, from academia, industry, the public sector and government from all over the world.
GEOBIA'18 will continue to be a platform to present research and development on the traditional topics: theory/concept, methods/algorithm and OBIA applications. Special focus will cover today challenges as big data integration, open sources solution, cloud analyses, semantic and knowledge integration. GEOBIA'18 will offer an opportunity for exchange and collaboration perspectives for various global Earth issues facing climate change impacts. Southern and Northern teams would find during this session the opportunity to present their work regarding worldwide challenges such as agro-system, forestry and natural resources monitoring, food security or crop yield modelling, risks management or urban applications.
GEOBIA'18 is organized by several joint research units of Agropolis community : joint research unit ESPACE-DEV and TETIS with the partnership of the joint research unit CESBIO (located at Toulouse) and ONERA (French AeroSpace Research Centre). Registration website: https://wd.cborg.info/GEOBIA2018/
Abstract submission deadline: April 20, 2018 for the 16th EGU-Plinius conference on Mediterranean risks which will be held in Montpellier on October 9-12, 2018
The objective of this 2018 EGU topical conference is to provide an interdisciplinary forum for discussions on our current state of knowledge of Mediterranean risks, such as heavy rainfall events, strong winds, sea surges, floods and landslides. This will be achieved by bringing together scientific experts in the fields of meteorology, hydrology, geomorphology, sociology, engineering, but also governmental or private risk management actors.
The active participation of early career scientists will be encouraged via reduced participation fees and awards for best oral and poster presentations.
See the seminar video of Kevin Wolz, (INRA, UMR System):Frontiers of agroforestry in the Midwest US: Merging economics and ecology
Scientific animation on Agroecology - Ecological intensification of cropping systems in Montpellier - november 2017
Agropolis International is engagaged in the European project INCluSilver. See the video about the project
Project dedicated to support collaboration in different sectors to bring innovative ideas in the field of personalized nutrition for seniors.
Registration on line for ISESSAH 2018 (International Society for Economics and Social Sciences of Animal Health)/ InnovSur 2018 ('INNOVATION in Health Surveillance' International Forum) will be held in Montpellier (14-18 May, 2018)
The International Society for Economics and Social Sciences of Animal Health (ISESSAH) was established in 2017. ISESSAH aims to improve animal health and welfare policies, programmes and projects through more nuanced use of concepts and tools available in economics and social science disciplines. In the process it will provide opportunities for animal health professionals globally to achieve wider societal benefits from animals in society. The ISESSAH 2018 conference will provide a forum to meet colleagues and leading thinkers in the field to enhance the use of economics in animal health education, research and policy making internationally. The combination of ISESSAH 2018 and INNOVSUR event co-organised by the French Institute for Agricultural Research for Development (CIRAD) will provide a specific opportunity for greater North-South interactions and emphasize on environmental and agricultural health economic issues.
Jean-Luc Khalfaoui takes office as President of the Association Agropolis International, replacing Bernard Hubert following his two terms in office
Jean-Luc Khalfaoui was unanimously elected by the Executive Board on 7 December 2017. The Board also warmly praised the progress achieved by Bernard Hubert who, after taking office in 2009, focused on enhancing the national and international status of Agropolis International, which is now a major regional platform for agroenvironmental, food and biodiversity research and education with global reach, while tapping the expertise of its member institutions that are highly competent in these fields. The new President—with the support and on behalf of all members—intends to oversee the Association in its strategic orientations, including: - Broadening the territorial scope of the organization to encompass the entire Occitanie region through the involvement and development of Toulouse-based research, university and training institutes in agriculture, food, environment and biodiversity fields - Supporting the development of the I-Site MUSE (Montpellier Université d’Excellence) especially in its international initiatives.
ARIMNet2 Final Conference and PRIMA Dissemination Event (co-organised by ARIMNet2 and 4PRIMA),13 October 2017, Agropolis International, Montpellier
These 2 back-to-back events, hosted by Agropolis International, gathered over 130 participants from 18 Mediterranean countries, who shared ARIMNet2 achievements and experience, and learnt more about PRIMA (PRIMA Foundation, Strategic R&I Agenda, and 2018 Work Plan). See presentations and photos
Registration open for the Mooc (course on line) "Vine&Wine": introduction to vine and wine science
This MOOC will initiate you to the scientific and technological bases which define the framework in which wine professionals work, from the vine to the glass. This international online course presents 4 key modules on wine-making and sales: vine biology, viticultural practices, oenology and wine economy. This course is aimed to science students with a B.Sc. in order to discover the basis of vine and wine sciences and to professionals who wish to extend their field of knowledge. Created by several French organizations: Montpellier SupAgro (member of Agropolis International), AgroSupDijon, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, ENSAT and INRA.
This project is supported by Agropolis Fondation and IAVFF.
Call for abstracts open until January 15th 2018 for the 2nd Joint Congress on Evolutionary Biology, 18-22 August 2018, Montpellier (Le Corum)
This Joint Congress takes place every six years and brings together four of the world's largest academic societies in the field of evolutionary biology: the European Society for Evolutionary Biology, the American Society of Naturalists, the Society for the Study of Evolution and the Society of Systematic Biologists. 2500 attendees are expected for this event.
It is organized by Ophélie Ronce, a researcher at the joint research unit ISEM and Yannis Michalakis, a researcher at the joint research unit MIVEGEC. Congress organized with the support of Agropolis International. The meeting is dedicated to the memory of Isabelle Oliveri, a researcher of Agropolis scientific community and former President of ESEB.
Following the traditional format of ESEB conferences, all contributed talks and posters will be submitted to specific symposia and selected on the basis of their abstract by symposium organizers.
The list of symposia is available at: http://evolutionmontpellier2018.org/symposia
Dead-line for early bird registration is postponed: 1st December 2017 for the international conference "Living Territories for a Sustainable Development", 22-24 January 2018, Montpellier (Le Corum)
The aim of this event organized by CIRAD with a range of partners (including Agropolis International) is to debate the role of rural territories and of their interaction with urban areas to the achievement of sustainable development, both locally and globally. Up to 250 participants are expected.
Keynote Speakers: Dr Julio Berdegue, Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, FAO, Chile; Dr Bruno Losch, Co-director, Center for the Study of Governance Innovation (GovInn), based at the University of Western Cape, South Africa, and lead political economist at CIRAD; Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO, Secretariat of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, NEPAD, South of Africa; Pr Saskia Sassen, Professor of Sociology and member of the Committee on Global Thought, Columbia University, USA; Dr Sara Scherr, President & CEO, EcoAgriculture Partners, USA.
Call for abstracts open until December 10, 2017 for GEOBIA’18 / Conference 'Geobia in a changing World - From pixels to ecosystems and global sustainability', 18-22 June 2018 Montpellier (Agropolis International)
GEOBIA'18 will continue to be a platform to present research and development on the traditional topics: theory/concept, methods/algorithm and OBIA applications. Special focus will cover today challenges as big data integration, open sources solution, cloud analyses, semantic and knowledge integration.
GEOBIA'18 will offer an opportunity for exchange and collaboration perspectives for various global Earth issues facing climate change impacts. Southern and Northern teams will find during this session the opportunity to present their work regarding worldwide challenges such as agro-system, forestry and natural resources monitoring, food security or crop yield modelling, risks management or urban applications. GEOBIA'18 is organized by several joint research units of Agropolis community: joint research unit ESPACE-DEV and TETIS with the partnership of the joint research unit CESBIO (located at Toulouse) and ONERA (French AeroSpace Research Centre).
INVITATION - SME/Start up from Food - Health - ICT - Creative industries: call for participation for the event INCluSilver ITNE (Innovation Training and Networking Event), 15/11/2017 (09h-17h), Budapest, Hungary
Agropolis International invites SMEs and start up to a networking session as part of the European INCluSilver project. More than 50 European SMEs will come together to facilitate interactions and collaborations in order to generate innovations, whether technological, product or service innovations for the silver economy... Come and share your ideas and experiences with other European SMEs! BtoB will be organized. Travel expenses can be covered.
Multi-platform International Summer School on Agent-Based Modelling & Simulation (MISS-ABMS) for Renewable Resources Management: the 2017 edition which was held from 4 to 15 September at Agropolis International, Montpellier/France hosted 20 participants from 9 countries across Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Asia
Each year, Agropolis International hosts the Multi-platform International Summer School on Agent-Based Modelling & Simulation (MISS-ABMS) for Renewable Resources Management. During this two-weeks course, working in small groups through participatory approaches, participants acquire the basic skills required for building their own agent-based models. The 2017 edition was held from 4 to 15 September and hosted 20 participants from 9 countries across Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Asia. This summer school is co-organised by CIRAD, IRSTEA and Agropolis International, in collaboration with CNRS and the Universities of Toulouse and Rouen.
Participate in the 5th SESAME international seminar 'Agriculture, integrated management of resources and climate: What new territorial governance for sustainable development in the Mediterranean and West Africa' on Tuesday 10th October 2017, Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
The General Council for Food, Agriculture and Rural Spaces (CGAAER, France), the General Council for Agricultural Development (CGDA, Morocco) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), with the support of Agropolis International, ADECIA, the Regional Directorate for Agriculture and Forestry of Occitania and the Association Echanges méditerranéens pour l'eau, la forêt organize this event. The Hérault General Council, AIRMF, CIHEAM, AFEID, the FARM foundation, Plan Bleu, IME and Green Cross are partners of the event.
This seminar is open, with registration required at: www.agropolis.fr/formulaires/sesame2017.php
On-line program at: http://www.agropolis.fr/pdf/actu/sesame-projet-programme.pdf
SESAME is one of the three major events of the 'Mediterranean Week in Agropolis' (10-13 October 2017, Agropolis International, Montpellier): http://www.agropolis.fr/actualites/2017-recherche-agronomique-en-mediterranee-octobre2017.php
Just published: «Key points for discussion at the panel conference »/Conference - Debate 'Rural employment and agricultural models: Issues and experiences shared from Europe, the Mediterranean Basin and Africa'(September 2017)
This conference hosted by Eric ANDRIEU, S&D Coordinator for Agriculture and Rural Development, was organised by Agropolis International Association and several member institutions-Bioversity International, CIHEAM/IAM.M, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, IRD, IRSTEA, Montpellier SupAgro-.
-Open to the Euro MPs, European officials of the various DG of the European Commission (Agricultural and Rural Development ; Research & Innovation ; International Cooperation and Development)and to permanent representatives member states.
Objectives of the event :
Show the contribution of the scientific community research actions regarding the global issues related to agriculture for development, food security and fight against malnutrition linked to climate change,
Highlight the link between science and rural employment directly related to production as well as indirect and induced employment,
Present some achievements of the regional Agropolis scientific community in Montpellier focusing on flagship projects, in partnership with European and South organisations.
Mediterranean Week at Agropolis International : participate in three major events (Sesame - ARIMNet2 - PRIMA) 10,12 and 13 October 2017, Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
Three international events are organized at Agropolis International:
- 5th SESAME International Seminar:' Agriculture, integrated management of resources and climate: What new territorial governance for sustainable development in the Mediterranean and West Africa?10/10/2017.
- ARIMNet2 Event:ARIMNet2 Mid-term Meeting of the Research Projects funded in the 2015 Joint Call and ARIMNet2 Final Conference,12 and 13/10/2017;
- Presentation of the PRIMA Initiative's Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area - 2018-2028), 13/10/2017.
These events are open with a free but mandatory registration.
- Consult the entire program: http://www.agropolis.fr/actualites/2017-recherche-agronomique-en-mediterranee-octobre2017.php
On 12/09, on the occasion of COP 13 of the UNCCD (Ordos, China), the Initiative 4 for 1000 has received the "Policy of the Visionary Future" award from the World Future Council, which rewards the best policies dedicated to land restoration
This initiative aims to promote carbon storage in the soil to mitigate climate change, adapt to it and contribute to food security.
Launched two years ago by France, it involves more than 250 partner institutions and 130 member organizations or countries from all walks of life, including CGIAR, CIRAD, INRA and IRD.
Initiative 4 for 1000 receives World Future Council's Visionary Future Policy Award which recognizes the best policies dedicated to land restoration.
More about this prize: https://www.worldfuturecouncil.org/inc/uploads/2017/08/FPA-2017-French.pdf
Abstract submission until October 1st 2017 for ICPPMA - 1st International Congress for Plant Protection in Mediterranean Agroecosystems - July 16, 2018 to July 20, 2018 - Montpellier (Campus "La Gaillarde")
Context: Following objectives for restoration of disturbed agrosystems, it is becoming urgent to understand the contribution of invasives species within all degradation functions, and especially in the context of fast programmed elimination of pesticides. To give relevant answers to the questions carrying about the role of the harmful organizations and the invasive species in the degradation of the Mediterranean eco anthroposystems due to parasites, the 1st congress ICPPMA will included the following sessions: - Food webs in Mediterranean Agroecosystems, - Epidemiological surveys in Mediterranean Plant protection, - Role and functioning of phytosanitary agencies in the context of new emerging pests, - IPM: agroecological structures and biocontrôle in in Mediterranean Agroecosystems, - NTIC in plant protection in the Mediterranean, - Regulations in plant protection in the Mediterranean. Organized by several French anf foreign organizations: Montpellier SupAgro, CIRAD, INRA, IRD, ANSES, USDA, ITAB, DC Consulting, AFPP, CTIL, IFV.
The CSFD/French Scientific Committee on Desertification will be present at COP13 of the UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) / 6 - 16 September 2017, Ordos, China
The next Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) will take place in Ordos, China, from 6 to 16 September 2017.
Meetings of the subsidiary bodies (Committee on Science and Technology, Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention) will be held simultaneously, and many side events will also take place.
Mélanie Requier-Desjardins and Jean-Luc Chotte, two members of the CSFD, will be part of the French delegation, in order to provide scientific advice that will feed into the work of the negotiators, and to participate in various events.
Mélanie Requier-Desjardins will also be present at the COP as President of DeserNet International (DNI) which is organizing two side events.
The CSFD is hosted and managed by the Agropolis International association.
Initiative 4 for 1000 receives World Future Council's Visionary Future Policy Award
This award recognizes the best policies dedicated to land restoration. International recognition for this initiative, which aims to promote carbon storage in the soil to mitigate climate change, adapt to it and contribute to food security. Launched two years ago by France, it involves more than 250 partner institutions and 130 member organizations or countries from all walks of life, including CGIAR, CIRAD, INRA and IRD.
The Executive Secretariat of Initiative 4 for 1000 is hosted by the CGIAR and is located in the Agropolis International building in Montpellier.
More: https://www.worldfuturecouncil.org/inc/uploads/2017/08/FPA-2017-French.pdf
Save the date: GEOBIA' 18 - Conference 'Geobia in a changing World - From pixels to ecosystems and global sustainability' will be held in Montpellier (Agropolis International), 18-22 June 2018
GEOBIA'18 is organized by several joint research units of Agropolis community : joint research unit ESPACE-DEV and TETIS with the partnership of the joint research unit CESBIO (located at Toulouse) and ONERA (French AeroSpace Research Centre).
The submission for an abstract for a verbal or a poster presentation at the conference will be open from 19 November 2017.
Save the date: ISESSAH 2018 (International Society for Economics and Social Sciences of Animal Health)/ InnovSur 2018 ('INNOVATION in Health Surveillance' International Forum) will be held in Montpellier (14-18 May, 2018)
The International Society for Economics and Social Sciences of Animal Health (ISESSAH) was established in 2017. ISESSAH aims to improve animal health and welfare policies, programmes and projects through more nuanced use of concepts and tools available in economics and social science disciplines. In the process it will provide opportunities for animal health professionals globally to achieve wider societal benefits from animals in society.
The ISESSAH 2018 conference will provide a forum to meet colleagues and leading thinkers in the field to enhance the use of economics in animal health education, research and policy making internationally.
The combination of ISESSAH 2018 and INNOVSUR event co-organised by the French Institute for Agricultural Research for Development (CIRAD) will provide a specific opportunity for greater North-South interactions and emphasize on environmental and agricultural health economic issues.
Registration before July 31, 2017 for MISS-ABMS 2017/Multi-platform International Summer School on Agent-Based Modelling & Simulation for Renewable Resources Management which will be held 4-15 September 2017, Agropolis International, Montpellier
This summer school is about learning the different skills required for building agent-based models for renewable resources management.It is organized by CIRAD and IRSTEA with the partnership of Agropolis International association, CNRS, Universities of Toulouse and Rouen.
See the videos of MED Forum CIHEAM 2016, First Forum initiative for PhD students and young researchers from the Mediterranean area ( July / 18-19 2016)
This Forum was organized at its Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier with the aim to foster communication, dialogue and co-publications between the various partner institutions conducting scientific research in the field of rural development in Mediterranean countries. In this endeavor, the CIHEAM has been supported by a strong partnership with The Union for the Mediterranean through the regional project on Higher Education on Food Security and Rural Development. The Joint Research Unit “ UMR System” and the Western Europe Department of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (Francophone University Agency) also provided scientific and financial support to the event together with other partner institutions of the CIHEAM-IAMM in the Mediterranean area.
Save the date : International conference Eucalyptus 2018 ‘Managing Eucalyptus Plantations Under Global Changes’, 17-21/09/2018, Montpellier (Corum)
This conference is an opportunity for scientists and managers of forest plantations to present the recent advances in silviculture and genetics and to improve our understanding of the response of eucalypts to biotic and abiotic stresses. The ecosystem services influenced by eucalypt monocultures and mixed-species plantations with eucalypt trees will be addressed.
The conference will be organized in plenary sessions to promote interdisciplinary discussions between forest managers and researchers specialized in tree breeding, silviculture, forest pathology, as well as environmental and social issues. A pre-conference tour in southern France and northern Spain is in preparation to present the state of the art of the silviculture and breeding in European eucalypt plantations. Event organized by CIRAD with IUFRO.
Call for proposals until 7 September 2017 for the international conference ‘Living territories’ / 22-24 January 2018, Le Corum, Montpellier
CIRAD is working with a range of partners (including Agropolis International) to organize an international conference on "Living territories for a sustainable development". The aim of the event is to debate the role of rural territories and of their interactions with urban areas to the achievement of sustainable development, both locally and globally. Three specific objectives are identified, namely: 1)To highlight new scientific knowledge on territorial approaches to rural development ; 2)To showcase successful place-based innovations and projects including organisational and institutional reforms ; 3)To analyse and question the conditions of success for territorial development, especially within the context of the implementation of the SDGs Up to 250 participants are expected to attend, from 22 to 24 January 2018. The Conference will be composed of plenary and parallel sessions (mini symposia).
Just published: The declaration of non-State actors “Reducing land Degradation and Rehabilitating Degraded Land must Become a priority for the international community” /International summit Desertif’Actions 2017 (27th-28th June 2017 - Strasbourg, France)
Desertif'actions was the non-State actors International Summit dedicated to land degradation and climate change. The meeting brought together over 300 stakeholders from over 50 countries in Strasbourg (France). NGO, scientists, local government, farmer organizations, private and public institutions… shared their concerns and built common positions on land degradation under a changing climate and its consequences in northern and southern countries. Organized by several institutions including CARI, member of Agropolis International.
Call for papers for the MISTRALS workshop on ‘Climate change impacts in the Mediterranean region’ (Agropolis International, Montpellier - 16-18 October 2017) open until July 14, 2017
The goal of this workshop, sponsored by the MISTRALS program (http://www.mistrals-home.org/), is to present recent research conducted on the impacts of climate change in the Mediterranean region and to propose common perspectives. This workshop aims to bring together a wide range of researchers and students, whose work is related to the impacts of climate change, to improve dialogue and interactions between climate modelers and the different scientific communities.
New ARIMNet2 2017 Joint Call dedicated to young researchers from the Mediterranean Area (open until 14 September 2017)
This call covers two topics: Topic 1: Promoting sustainable agriculture for socio-economic development; Topic 2: Valorising local products through food value chains improvement.The ARIMNet2 project (2014-2017), coordinated by INRA in partnership with Agropolis International, is an ERA-NET Action financed by the European Union under the Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration, aimed at enhancing the coordination of agricultural research in the Mediterranean area and strengthening the cooperation among stakeholders from the food and agriculture sector. It involves 24 partners (funding agencies and research organisations) from 15 Mediterranean countries providing funding and reinforcing research cooperation opportunities to address the huge societal challenges faced by the whole Mediterranean area and their implications for the agricultural sector ranging from food production, to water and natural resources use and rural development.
CARI, member of Agropolis International, organizes the international summit of non-state actors/ Land degradation and climate change in local territories (27th-28th June 2017 - Strasbourg, France)
Desertif'actions is the non-State actors International Summit dedicated to land degradation and climate change. The meeting will bring together over 300 stakeholders from over 50 countries from June 27th to 28th 2017 in Strasbourg (France).
NGO, scientists, local government, farmer organizations, private and public institutions… will meet in Strasbourg in order to share their concerns and built common positions on land degradation under a changing climate and its consequences in northern and southern countries!
Organized by several institutions including CARI, member of Agropolis International.
TO RENT: 100sqm offices (from 13sqm to 30sqm) available at Agropolis International premises in Montpellier
Offices to rent in Montpellier- The Agropolis International association has available to let 100sqm offices- from 13sqm to 30sqm- ideally located in the heart of the scientific community on the Agropolis/Lavalette campus. These offices are located within the Agropolis International building that welcomes every year more than 10 000 national and international visitors.
See photos, presentations and posters of the Conference - Debate 'Rural employment and agricultural models: Issues and experiences shared from Europe, the Mediterranean Basin and Africa', European Parliament, Brussels, 10th May 2017, Conference organized by Agropolis International and several member institutions
This conference hosted by Eric ANDRIEU, S&D Coordinator for Agriculture and Rural Development, was organised by Agropolis International Association and several member institutions-Bioversity International, CIHEAM/IAM.M, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, IRD, IRSTEA, Montpellier SupAgro-. Open to the Euro MPs, European officials of the various DG of the European Commission (Agricultural and Rural Development ; Research & Innovation ; International Cooperation and Development)and to permanent representatives member states.
CGIAR Portfolio 2017-2022: Transforming global agriculture and food systems
CGIAR has launched its new research portfolio, comprised of 11 Research Programs and 3 Platforms, that represents the second generation of CGIAR’s multidimensional work streams.
The CGIAR Portfolio 2017-2022 aims to reduce rural poverty, improve food and nutrition security and improve natural resources and ecosystem services. It maintains momentum in selected areas while placing renewed emphasis on key issues such as: integrated agri-food systems based approaches, nutrition and health, climate change, soils and degraded land, global stewardship of genetic resources, and big data and ICT.
The CGIAR System Organization headquarters is located in Montpellier, at the heart of the Agropolis scientific community.
Presentation of the Laboratories without walls concept (Labs WW) on the occasion of the conference-debate «Rural employment and agricultural models: Issues and experiences shared from Europe, the Mediterranean Basin and Africa» held at the European Parliament in Brussels, on 10th May 2017
Alejandro Valeiro, Coordinator of Labintex of Inta (Argentina) at Agropolis International (Montpellier-France) has presented a poster showcasing the objectives of this original partnership and the main thematic areas of interest for the 3 “Labs WW” set up in Montpellier: Labex Europe of Embrapa (Brazil), Labintex of Inta (Argentina), Labex UPM/University of Putra Malaysia (Malaysia). To be noted: these cooperation tools have been hosted and managed by Agropolis International Association since 2002. This poster was part of a series that showcased the research programmes of several member organizations of the Agropolis scientific community.
Agropolis International and its members organized the Conference - Debate 'Rural employment and agricultural models: Issues and experiences shared from Europe, the Mediterranean Basin and Africa', European Parliament, Brussels, 10th May 2017, Conference hosted by Eric ANDRIEU, S&D Coordinator for Agriculture and Rural Development
This event was organised by Agropolis International Association and its members -Bioversity International, CIHEAM/IAM.M, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, IRD, IRSTEA, Montpellier SupAgro-.
Open to the 750 Euro MPs, European officials of the various DG of the European Commission (Agricultural and Rural Development ; Research & Innovation ; International Cooperation and Development)and to permanent representatives member states.
-Show the contribution of the scientific community research actions regarding the global issues related to agriculture for development, food security and fight against malnutrition linked to climate change,
-Highlight the link between science and rural employment directly related to production as well as indirect and induced employment,
-Present some achievements of the regional Agropolis scientific community in Montpellier, focusing of flagship projects.
The organization of this event has been organised by Agropolis, hosted by Eric Andrieu, European Deputy for the South-West constituency of France and S&D Coordinator for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament, following his visit to Agropolis International, Montpellier, in May 2015. Agropolis International will publish as soon as possible report and photos of this major event.
Agropolis International and its members organize the Conference - Debate 'Rural employment and agricultural models: Issues and experiences shared from Europe, the Mediterranean Basin and Africa', European Parliament, Brussels, 10th May 2017, Conference hosted by Eric ANDRIEU, S&D Coordinator for Agriculture and Rural Development
This event is organised by Agropolis International Association and its members -Bioversity International, CIHEAM/IAM.M, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, IRD, IRSTEA, Montpellier SupAgro-.
The organization of this event is being organised by Agropolis, hosted by Eric Andrieu, European Deputy for the South-West constituency of France and S&D Coordinator for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament, following his visit to Agropolis International, Montpellier, in May 2015.
Call for submission of symposium proposals until June 26, 2017 for the 2nd Joint Congress on Evolutionary Biology, Le Corum, Montpellier (France), August 19-22, 2018
The 2nd Joint Congress on Evolutionary Biology gathering the European Society for Evolutionary Biology (ESEB), the Society for the study of Evolution (SSE), the American Society of Naturalists (ASN) and the Society of Systematic Biology (SSB) will take place at Le Corum, in Montpellier (France), on August 19-22, 2018. The Joint Congresses take place every six years and bring together four of the world's largest academic societies in the field of evolutionary biology. The very first edition took place in Ottawa (Canada) in 2012. 2500 attendees are expected for this event. It is organized by Ophélie Ronce, a researcher at the joint research unit ISEM and Yannis Michalakis, a researcher at the joint research unit MIVEGEC. Congress organized with the support of Agropolis International. The meeting is dedicated to the memory of Isabelle Oliveri, a researcher of Agropolis scientific community and former President of ESEB.
Agropolis International association will take part in the General Assembly of AgriNatura association and of EGEI group (a grouping of European universities and research organizations with a common interest in supporting agricultural development). The General Assembly will be held at the headquarters of the University of Agricultural Science, in Uppsala (Sweden), from 26th to 28th April 2017
AgriNatura is a network of 28 members from 15 European countries that gathers universities and research organizations dedicated to research for development. It was created in 1988 by Agropolis International association and the University of Wageningen (The Netherlands).
The 4th World Agroforestry Congress on 'Agroforestry - strengthening links between science, society and policy', will be held in Montpellier (France) in May 2019
Montpellier has been chosen to organize in May 2019, the 4th World Agroforestry Congress. Previous Congresses have been held in Orlando (USA) in 2004, Nairobi (Kenya) in 2009 and New Delhi (India) in 2014. The Scientific committee will be chaired by Christian Dupraz (Inra, UMR System) and the Organizing committee by Emmanuel Torquebiau (Cirad). The joint research unit UMr System (Cirad, Inra, Montpellier SupAgro) will be strongly involved in the organization of the event.
Call for demonstration until April, 18th for the 11th edition of the EFITA Congress/ European conference dedicated to the future use of ICT in agriculture, the agri-food sector, bioresource and biomass sector Montpellier, France – 2 to 6 July 2017
EFITA is the European conference dedicated to the future use of ICT in agriculture, the agri-food sector, bioresource and biomass sector. It was launched in 1997 and is supported by the European Federation for Information Technology in Agriculture, Food and the Environment (EFITA). EFITA 2017, the 11th of the series, will be organized by Montpellier SupAgro and IRSTEA. Programme: sharing the latest knowledge and reflections on the future of ICT technologies in the agricultural, agri-food and environmental sectors.
The Euraxess Services Centre in Languedoc-Roussillon, which had been managed by Agropolis International since 2004, has been transferred to the “International Office” of COMUE LRU in Montpellier (as from Monday 27th February, 2017)
For 12 years (2004-2017) Agropolis International Association has hosted and managed the Languedoc-Roussillon Euraxess Centre, a welcoming office recognized by the European Commission and the French ministry of higher education and research, aiming at facilitating the stay and the administrative formalities for visiting PhD students and researchers hosted in higher education and research institutions: administrative assistance, information, cultural and integration activities… Altogether, more than 2000 international scientists have benefited from the services offered by the Euraxess Centre. The services provided were much appreciated both by the visiting scientists and their hosting teams.
French-Argentine cooperation in research in agriculture: officials from INTA / Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria visited Agropolis International in Montpellier from 20-22 March 2017 to strengthen the cooperation initiated in 2012 with the opening of the European laboratory without walls of INTA (LABINTEX Europe)
It was a pleasure for Bernard Hubert, the President of Agropolis International, to welcome in Montpellier a delegation from INTA, consisting of Amadeo Nicora, its President, Héctor Espina, its National Director, and Fernando Fernandez, its National Research Coordinator. His excellency Mr. Jorge Faurie, the Ambassador of Argentina in France, took this opportunity to come to Montpellier. Alejandro Hector Valeiro, the new LABINTEX Europe of INTA coordinator also attended it. One of the objectives of this institutional visit was to consolidate the cooperation initiated in 2012 with the European laboratory without walls of INTA (LABINTEX Europe),The LABINTEX Europe of INTA is hosted by Agropolis International and gets administrative support from them.
Registration before June 30, 2017 for MISS-ABMS 2017/Multi-platform International Summer School on Agent-Based Modelling & Simulation for Renewable Resources Management which will be held 4-15 September 2017, Agropolis International, Montpellier
Abstract submission deadline has been postponed to the 16th, March for the 11th edition of the EFITA Congress/ European conference dedicated to the future use of ICT in agriculture, the agri-food sector, bioresource and biomass sector Montpellier, France – 2 to 6 July 2017
EFITA is the European conference dedicated to the future use of ICT in agriculture, the agri-food sector, bioresource and biomass sector. It was launched in 1997 and is supported by the European Federation for Information Technology in Agriculture, Food and the Environment (EFITA). EFITA 2017, the 11th of the series, will be organized by Montpellier SupAgro and IRSTEA. Programme: sharing the latest knowledge and reflections on the future of ICT technologies in the agricultural, agri-food and environmental sectors. Workshops, ICT demonstrations are also scheduled and a technical tour of ICT stakeholders located in the Montpellier area will be organized at the end of the conference (5th and 6th July, 2017).
Agropolis International welcomes the selection of the MUSE I-SITE project
After a hearing by an international jury on 21 February 2017, the Montpellier University of Excellence (MUSE) project was awarded Initiative – Science – Innovation – Territories – Economy (I-SITE) certification. This represents remarkable recognition for the regional scientific community, particularly in the fields of health, agro-environment and biodiversity. This community has developed numerous long-lasting joint actions and projects with an international scope. MUSE unites around the University of Montpellier a consortium of 10 research organizations (BRGM, CEA, Cirad, CNRS, Ifremer, Inra, Inria, Inserm, IRD, Irstea), 4 schools (ENSAM, ENSCM, EMA, SupAgro), 3 hospitals (CHU Montpellier, CHU Nîmes, Institut de Cancérologie de Montpellier) and 1 international organization (CIHEAM-IAMM). Thanks to the MUSE project, the regional agro-environment and biodiversity cluster (the number 1 site in France), which is open to the world of economic development and supported by local authorities, will be reinforced and will increase its international visibility as well as its contribution to local development.
MOOCs including the participation of scientists belonging to the Agropolis member institutions involved in agroecology and Medical entomology - Insect vectors and transmission of pathogens
Registration until 06/03/2017 for the MOOc Agroecology and until 18/03/2017 for Medical entomology - Insect vectors and transmission of pathogens Moocs with materials in english.
Alejandro Hector Valeiro, an industrial crops specialist at INTA, has been appointed as LABINTEX EUROPE Coordinator. Hosted at Agropolis International in Montpellier, he took his functions on 23rd February, 2017
Agropolis International and the Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuária (Argentina), have signed a partnership agreement in March 2012 aiming at the setting up of a LABINTEX Virtual Laboratories of INTA, in Montpellier, set along the lines of the Brazilian Embrapa’s LABEX Europe which was established in 2002. Agropolis International provides technical, scientific and logistical support for the feasibility of this original partnership.
Register at MOOC “Medical entomology - Insect vectors and transmission of pathogens”, available from 6 February to 20 March 2017
Register at MOOC “Medical entomology - Insect vectors and transmission of pathogens” designed by IRD with the participation of scientists from Joint Research Unit UMR MIVEGEC, available from 6 February to 20 March 2017. This free MOOC about Medical entomology is open to everyone interested in the insects and arthropods that impact human health as well as the associated diseases, such as malaria, dengue, Zika, Lyme borreliosis, Chagas disease… Understanding the relationships between vectors, pathogens and vertebrates is fundamental in the study of vector-borne diseases. Consequently, this MOOC will focus on mosquitoes, other hematophagous insects and ticks, arbovirosis and parasitic diseases, like new approaches for a better control. The videos are in English subtitled in French and in English. The course is coordinated by 2 medical entomologists: Anna-Bella Failloux, head of the Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit in the Department of Virology at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, and Vincent Robert, senior researcher at IRD, Joint Research Unit MIVEGEC (IRD224-CNRS5290-Université de Montpellier).
Report of the international seminar 'Identifying Critical and Emerging Issues for Food Security and Nutrition : The contribution of science to the global policy debate', 1st December 2016,Montpellier (Agropolis International)
This international seminar was organized by Agropolis International and UNESCO Chair in World Food Systems with the HLPE-High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition public. This international seminar was open to all institutional, economic, research and civil society stakeholders interested in this issue. Chaired by Patrick Caron (France), formerly the General Delegate for Research and Strategy at CIRAD, the HLPE met for the first time in Montpellier, from 29th November to 1st December 2016.
Registration for the new session of the #MOOC #Agroecology» beginning on 17 February 2017
Is agroecology a mere fad, or a significant scientific, technical and political revolution? This course aims at helping you discover what agroecology is about. It has been developed on both theoretical knowledge and a collaborative learning approach by Montpellier SupAgro in partnership with AgroParisTech (higher education members of Agropolis International) with the support of Agropolis Fondation and the agricultural veterinary and forestry Institute of France (IAVFF).
Agropolis Fondation Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize for Agriculture and Food - New deadline to apply: 12 February 2017
The Prize is a tribute to Prof. Louis Malassis (1918-2007), an esteemed French educator, agronomist and agro-economist and founder of Agropolis. Agropolis Fondation created the Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize for Agriculture and Food in order to recognize individuals, or a group of individuals, for their exemplary and promising contribution in promoting innovation through research, development and capacity building in the North, South or in the Mediterranean Region in order to improve food and agricultural systems sustainability as well as contribute to addressing food security and poverty reduction. Application is open to all stakeholders from an academic or research organization (private or public), a civil society organization (e.g., NGOs, farmers organizations), or the private sector (e.g., small/medium enterprises).
Transitions for global food security: CIRAD/INRA GloFoodS metaprogramme launches its 2nd call for expressions of interest
The CIRAD/INRA GloFoodS metaprogramme contributes to global research operations on food security in the light of global change, nutritional transitions and sustainable development. It aims to support dynamics, foster new ideas, and back the construction of ambitious projects in line with the thematic and strategic priorities jointly set by CIRAD and INRA, both member institutions of Agropolis International .
Closing date is 31st January 2017.
Alejandro Hector Valeiro, an industrial crops specialist at INTA, has been appointed as Labintex Coordinator. He will take his functions in Montpellier during the first quarter of 2017.
Consult the interviews with the scientific team of Labintex (Inta-Argentina) hosted in Montpellier
Interviews (in Spanish) realized by « TODO AGRO » an Argentinian professional magazine, in November 2016 – Agropolis International, Montpellier (France)
See the video (5’) dedicated to the International conference on Agri-Chains and Sustainable Development Linking local and global dynamics (AC&SD2016, Montpellier, 12-14 December 2016)
This conference saw 264 participants coming from 41 countries. This event was organized by CIRAD in partnership with AFD, Agropolis Fondation, Agropolis International, Agrinatura, AgroParisTech, the CGIAR and CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM), IDS (University of Sussex), INRA, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro, the RIMISP (Centro Latinoamericano para el Desarrollo Rural), Wageningen University with the support of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, the French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood and Forestry and the Moringa Fund.
2017 Agropolis Fondation Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize for Agriculture and Food - Deadline to apply: 25 January 2017
The Agropolis International team presents you its best wishes for 2017
With 52 members and partners (22 scientific organizations, 5 local authorities and many economic development stakeholders) Agropolis International is an association that serves as an exceptional platform for exchange and collective construction.
Further to serving as an international scientific research platform focused on the Mediterranean Basin and developing countries, Agropolis International is also a multi-stakeholder environment open to all economic development and civil society partners.
Mooc Nectar : register until 17 February 2017 - A unique Mooc on the challenges related to arthropods and nematodes taxonomy in agriculture
This online MOOC (in French and English) will deliver 5 weeks of course material and other pedagogical activities covering the following topics: Classification of arthropods and nematodes - Collection and trapping methods - Morphological and molecular identification methods t Application of these integrative concepts for agroecosystem management through case studies; Through innovative pedagogy, the participants will valorise their practical and scientific experience with the help of experts, professors and researchers, of Montpellier SupAgro, CIRAD, INRA and IRD. Watch out ! Pre-requisites in biology are required.
Call for communications until Monday 23 January 2017 for EUCARPIA Genetic Resources 2017 Conference "Crop Diversification in a changing world - Mobilizing the green gold of plant genetic resources"
The conference will be held in Montpellier, France (Le Corum), 08-11 May 2017. The conference calls for the participation of actors in all aspects of the PGR use system and targets: public research institutes; governmental bodies; private plant breeding companies and independent plant breeders; the commercial seed and plant production industries; public genebanks; farmers and seed producers; farmers’ associations; seed networks; NGOs; civil society organizations; and international organizations or specific initiatives relevant to PGR use.
Just out (in French) : La Nouvelle-Calédonie face à son destin Quel bilan à la veille de la consultation sur la pleine souveraineté ? S. Bouard, J.-M. Sourisseau, V. Geronimi, S. Blaise, L. Roi (eds.) Editions Karthala, 2016
New Caledonia is about to take an institutional and political corner in a world that has changed radically since the start of the fight for decolonization. This remarkable book is the fruit of a unique multidisciplinary study. On the eve of a decisive consultation, it provides keys to understanding the economy of New Caledonia, its changes over the past 30 years or so, and the issues and prospects for the future. Jean-Michel Sourisseau, a researcher at Cirad, Montpellier (France) is among the scientists who wrote this book.
SAVE THE DATE 11th edition of the EFITA Congress European conference dedicated to the future use of ICT in the agri-food sector, bioresource and biomass sector Montpellier, France – 2 to 6 July 2017
EFITA is the European conference dedicated to the future use of ICT in the agri-food sector, bioresource and biomass sector. It was launched in 1997 and is supported by the European Federation for Information Technology in Agriculture, Food and the Environment (EFITA). EFITA 2017, the 11th of the series, will be organized by Montpellier SupAgro and IRSTEA. Programme: sharing the latest knowledge and reflections on the future of ICT technologies in the agricultural, agri-food and environmental sectors. Workshops, ICT demonstrations are also scheduled and a technical tour of ICT stakeholders located in the Montpellier area will be organized at the end of the conference (5th and 6th July, 2017).
Initiative "4 per 1000" Soils for Food Security and Climate Presentation of the Scientific and Technical Committee (STC) set up on the occasion of Cop22
STC is composed of 14 international scientists recognized for their skills who are notably experts in the following disciplines: soil sciences, the carbon cycle, agronomics over the 5 continents. The STC includes two French researchers, Claire Chenu (AgroParisTech) and Jean-François Soussana (Inra), and a researcher from Embrapa – Brazil, Beata Madai, a visiting scientist at the French Joint Research Unit (UMR) Eco&Sols in Montpellier-France. STC roles: - propose a set of reference criteria for the evaluation of projects; - formulate advice on projects, actions and programmes;- formulate proposals for the orientations of the international scientific research and cooperation programme;- define and produce the documents published in the resource centre.
Agro-ecology research: CIRAD and INRA are promoting their joint position
Agro-ecology is a scientific priority for CIRAD and INRA, both member institutions of Agropolis International (Montpellier-France). In both North and South, the agro-ecological approach is key to the development of sustainable, versatile farming systems. It has established a new paradigm for designing sustainable food systems. With this in mind, CIRAD and INRA have identified five lines of research: biodiversity; the main bio-geochemical cycles; landscapes and territories; production systems; and innovation systems.
Just published: ARIMNet2 Integrated Strategic Research Agenda (ISRA) A Euro-Mediterranean framework for a more inclusive and effective cooperation on agricultural research and innovation
Fruit of a continuous dialogue between ARIMNet2 partners (ERA-NET coordinated by INRA gathering 24 research institutions and funding agencies in 15 Mediterranean countries), and based on a shared vision of Mediterranean challenges and priorities, ISRA constitutes a transnational strategy to boost agricultural research and innovation and enhance sustainably food security, natural resource preservation and socio-economic development across the Mediterranean region. Several scientists from Agropolis International member institutions (Cirad, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRA) as well as its president are contributors to this strategic report which is the actual roadmap for joint action of the ARIMNet2 Consortium and might also guide future initiatives and policy-making for the Mediterranean agricultural research and innovation.
Live streaming seminar 1st December 2016, 9.00-13.00:'Identifying Critical and Emerging Issues for Food Security and Nutrition : The contribution of science to the global policy debate'-The HLPE -High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition- public seminar in Montpellier.
Seminar HLPE organised by Agropolis International and UNESCO Chair in World Food Systems Programme
Invitation to the public seminar The HLPE -High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition- will meetfor the first time in Montpellier "Identifying Critical and Emerging Issues for Food Security and Nutrition : The contribution of science to the global policy debate" 1st December 2016, 9.00-13.00, at Agropolis International (Montpellier-France)
Seminar HLPE organised by Agropolis International and UNESCO Chair in World Food Systems
See the seminar video of Emile Frison (Member IPES-Food Panel) Agroecology seminar october 2016 "From Uniformity to Diversity: A paradigm shift from industrial agriculture to diversified agroecological systems"
A monthly rendez vous - Scientific animation on Agroecology - Ecological intensification of cropping systems
Launch of the "Digital Agriculture Chair" in Montpellier, on the occasion of Agri Connect Fair, on 15 & 16 November, 2016, Montpellier (France)
The official presentation of the "Digital Agriculture Chair", set up by three major organizations for higher education and research, will take place at Domaine de Verchant in Castelnau-Le-Lez, on the occasion of the first fair dedicated to innovative, digital and online agriculture and viticulture.Montpellier SupAgro, Bordeaux Sciences Agro and Irstea will officially launch the business chair "Digital Agriculture", supported by SupAgro Fondation. The main aim of the chair is to promote the dissemination of digital technologies for agriculture and their cross-interactions by creating narrow links with training issues.
"Viticulture and wine" Dossier Agropolis International N° 21, October 2016, 76 pages – available in English
This Dossier presents the scientific structures based in Languedoc-Roussillon area (France), members of the Agropolis International scientific community, whose activities are focused on training, research and innovation regarding viticulture and wine.
Just published : Allenvi collective work "/'The Mediterranean Region under Climate Change-A scientific Update'
This collective work by the members of AllEnvi (French Alliance for Environmental Research) involved in the Agropolis scientific community provides a scientific review of the mechanisms of climate change in the Mediterranean Region. This book of 700 pages is introduced by Hakima El Haite, Moroccan Minister for the Environment; it is divided into three parts: Mechanisms, trends and projections; Vulnerability and environmental, social and economic impacts; Adaptation, resilience, resources conservation and risk prevention. The preface, introductory pages, chapter summaries and conclusion are published in two languages: French and English.
IRD at COP22 in Marrakech – See schedule
IRD, along with its partners, will be involved in numerous events at COP22, to be held from 7 to 18 November in Marrakech. The Paris Agreement (COP21), aimed at limiting warming to 2°C, will be in force as of 4 November. It is the first ever global agreement on climate.
CIRAD at COP22 in Marrakech – See schedule
CIRAD, along with its partners, will be involved in numerous events at COP22, to be held from 7 to 18 November in Marrakech. The Paris Agreement (COP21), aimed at limiting warming to 2°C, will be in force as of 4 November. It is the first ever global agreement on climate.
#DigitAg, the “Digital Agriculture Convergence Lab” aims at becoming the world reference for digital farming
#DigitAg, the “Digital Agriculture Convergence Lab” aims at becoming the world reference for digital farming by supporting the development and deployment of digital agriculture in France, Europe and in the Southern countries. The “Digital Agriculture Convergence Lab” is carried by Irstea with the support of Montpellier Méditerrannée Metropole (French Tech and Agri French Tech project), and labellisation by Qualimed Competitiveness Pole. It is supported by 4 major national research institutes, leaders in agriculture, technology and digital sciences (INRA, INRIA, IRSTEA and CIRAD) in conjunction with local higher-education actors (University of Montpellier-UM, Montpellier Supagro-MSA, AgroParisTech Montpellier-APT) suited to create a Graduate School, as academics, and by ACTA (association of agricultural technical institutes), SATT AxLR and 8 ICT companies, as professionals. Research will be carried out by mobilizing master students (150 scholarships), PhD students (56 grants), post-doc (17 to 19-year equivalent), medium term stays for eminent researchers or scholars (72 months). The project includes the building up of a dedicated Graduate School with 3 new higher education programs in digital agriculture, infrastructures as the Mediterranean digital farm, a business chair.
Deadline for early bird registration:6th of November 2016 for the International conference on Agri-Chains and Sustainable Development Linking local and global dynamics (AC&SD2016, Montpellier, 12-14 December 2016)
This conference is organized by Cirad in partnership with AFD, Agropolis Fondation, Agropolis International, Agrinatura, AgroParisTech, the CGIAR consortium and CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM), IDS (University of Sussex), Inra, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro, the RIMISP, and Wageningen University, and with the support of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, the French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood and Forestry. and the Moringa Fund.
View the speakers’ presentations at the summit ‘EcoSummit 2016 - Ecological Sustainability: Engineering Change which was held on 29 August - 1 September 2016, Montpellier
This event was hosted by INRA and IRD, organized by ELSEVIER and supported by Agropolis Fondation and the Labex CEMEB.
Paul LUU, former Director of Agropolis International, has been appointed as executive secretary for "The 4 per 1000 Initiative" since September 2016
The 4 per 1000 Initiative, launched by France during COP 21 in December 2015 sets out to bring together all willing contributors in the public and private sectors (national governments, local and regional government, companies, trade organizations, NGOs, research facilities, and others) under the framework of the Plan d'action Lima-Paris (LPAA). The aim of the Initiative is to demonstrate that agriculture, and agricultural soils in particular, can play a crucial role where food security and climate change are concerned. Member institutions of Agropolis International (Cirad, IRD, INRA, etc.) and partners (CGIAR) are highly involved to contribute to the “research” component of the initiative. More information : http://4p1000.org/
Launch of the 4th Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize “2017 Agropolis Fondation - Prize for Agriculture and Food” created by Agropolis Fondation
Application is open to all stakeholders from an academic or research organization (private or public), a civil society organization (e.g., NGOs, farmers organizations), or the private sector (e.g., small/medium enterprises). DEADLINE: 25 January 2017, midnight (CET, France)
LIVE TODAY - Follow the seminary at 4 P.M. "From Uniformity to Diversity: A paradigm shift from industrial agriculture to diversified agroecological systems" - Emile Frison, Member, IPES-Food Panel"
This seminar will be recorded in video and you can watch it offline on the chain Vimeo Agroecology Montpellier in a few days.
Scientific animation on Agroecology - Ecological intensification of cropping systemsin Montpellier October 06, 2016 -16h - 18h, Agropolis International "From Uniformity to Diversity: A paradigm shift from industrial agriculture to diversified agroecological systems"
Intervenant : Emile Frison, Member, IPES-Food Panel"
6th edition of PIC Meeting, Plant InterCluster consortium, a French cluster for plant innovation managed by Qualiméditerranée, Terralia and VEGEPOLYS 19-20 September 2016 - Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
Launching of the European Labex UPM, a virtual laboratory of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), at Agropolis International, Montpellier (France)
Dr Tee Tuan Poy, a Senior Lecturer at Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science UPM), the Coordinator of the European Labex UPM has taken her functions on 22nd August, 2016 at Agropolis International premises, in Montpellier. She is in charge of the coordination of the European Labex at French and European levels. Future collaborations will deal with: sustainability in agri-agro chains, agriculture and climate change (adapting and mitigating strategies), food security focusing on South-East Asia. Contact : 04 67 04 75 65 - tuan-poy@agropolis.fr This new Labex is joining the two other entities already settled in Montpellier: Labex-Europe of EMBRAPA (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária), and Labintex of INTA (Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria – Argentina).
New research : An improved banana reference genome sequence After publishing the complete sequence for the banana Musa acuminata four years ago, CIRAD through the joint research unit Agap (Genetic Improvement and Adaptation of Mediterranean and Tropical Plants) and its partners have now produced an improved reference sequence. Using semi-automatic bioinformatics tools, they conducted high quality assemblies that will serve to study this species, which is the origin of all edible banana varieties, in greater detail.
After publishing the complete sequence for the banana Musa acuminata four years ago, CIRAD through the joint research unit Agap (Genetic Improvement and Adaptation of Mediterranean and Tropical Plants) and its partners have now produced an improved reference sequence. Using semi-automatic bioinformatics tools, they conducted high quality assemblies that will serve to study this species, which is the origin of all edible banana varieties, in greater detail.
See Wikwio, a collaborative web platform on tropical weed flora
CIRAD through the joint research unit AMAP ("Botany and Modelling of Plant Architecture and vegetation") has developed a new collaborative tool for plant identification and knowledge sharing: Wikwio, a collaborative web 2.0 portal. This platform focuses on weed flora, in other words volunteer plants that compete with crops. The tool is aimed at helping farmers to improve their knowledge of these weeds in order to better manage them and to prevent yield losses. More than 400 weed species from the South-West Indian Ocean and Southern Africa are currently listed.
STREAMING - Follow live seminary at 10 A.M. the Scientific animation on Agroecology - Ecological intensification of cropping systems in Montpellier Agropolis International "Allies in the trees" - J.-F. Vayssières & al - Cirad, UR HORTSYS
The seminary is recorded. You can watch it offline on the Vimeo channel of "Agroecologie Montpellier"
Scientific animation on Agroecology - Ecological intensification of cropping systemsin Montpellier September 07, 2016 -10h - 12h, Agropolis International "Allies in the trees"
Intervenant : J.-F. Vayssières & al - Cirad, UR HORTSYS
See the presentations related to the Sixth AgMIP Global Workshop June 28 - 30, 2016 - Montpellier France
The 6th AgMIP Global Workshop was sponsored by UK aid Department for International Development (DFID), US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, and hosted by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and Agropolis International.
Call for communications deadline extended:September 2, 2016 - International Conference on Agri-Chains and Sustainable Development/'Linking local and global dynamics'(AC&SD2016), 12-14 December 2016, Montpellier
This conference is organized by CIRAD in partnership with AFD, Agropolis International, Agrinatura, AgroParisTech, the CGIAR consortium and CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM), IDS (University of Sussex), Inra, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro, the RIMISP, and Wageningen University, and with the support of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development and the Moringa Fund.
Call for communications deadline extended to 7 August 2016 - International Conference on Agri-Chains and Sustainable Development/ Linking local and global dynamics, 12-14 December 2016, Montpellier
This conference is organized by CIRAD in partnership with AFD (Agence Française de Développement), Agropolis International, Agrinatura, the CGIAR consortium, IAVFF (Institut Agronomique, Vétérinaire et Forestier de France, Agreenium), Inra, IRD, Michigan State University, Montpellier SupAgro, the RIMISP (Centro Latinoamericano para el Desarollo Rural), the University of Sussex (Institute of Development Studies) and Wageningen University (WUR) with the support of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEDI) and the Moringa Fund.
Discover the programme of event on pulses "Rencontres participatives Légumineuses Grand Sud", 28-29 September 2016, Carcassonne (France) organized within the framework of "2016 International Year of Pulses" declared by FAO.
Informations in French
Discover tentative programme of "Natural Products and Biocontrol 2016" to be held from 21 to 23 September 2016 in Perpignan (France). Organized by competitiveness cluster Qualiméditerranée, PO2N and IBMA
Early bird registration until 31 July 2016 for 14th International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics (ISRFG), 26-29 September 2016, Montpellier (France) organized by Cirad.
Organized by CIRAD
Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier (IAMM), a member of Agropolis International, has revamped its website.
The Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier (IAMM) is one of the four institutes of the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM)
See on line the presentation made by H.M. Jacobs, professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA) at the conference/debate on "Social Equity in Agricultural Land Protection" 25 year Later – A Revisitation in Light of New Social and Spatial Justice Frameworks’.
Organized by UMR Innovation, Wednesday, May 11, 2016, Agropolis International, Montpellier (France)
Watch TV Sud interview of Bernard Hubert, president of Agropolis International, on the occasion of AgMIP6 meeting (Agricultural Modeling Intercomparison and Improvement project), 28-30 June 2016, Montpellier (France) : Comment faire évoluer l’agriculture face au changement climatique?
Interview in French
Save the date –Qualiméditerranée 2016 Encounters on "Quality of soils and terroirs", 15 & 16 November 2016, Agropolis International, Montpellier (France)
Programme: conferences, discussions, business appointments. These encounters are organized by competitiveness cluster Qualiméditerranée, Transferts LR and Madeeli to foster exchanges between companies, research and education institutions in order to enhance the emergence of R&D projects. Event organized with the support of Agrene, Agropolis International, Celestalab, Frayssinet, INRA, IRD, IFV, Valorhiz
Visit of Carole Delga, President of the Occitanie/Pyrénées Méditerranée Region to Agropolis International, Montpellier (France), 7th July 2016
President Carole Delga, was accompagnied by Nadia Pellefigue, Vice President in charge of the economic development, research, innovation and higher education, and by Damien Alary, Vice President in charge of the regional attractiveness and international affairs. The President met the stakeholders of the Agropolis International community and visited cutting hedge platforms of this excellence cluster in the areas of Agriculture - Food - Biodiversity – Environment.
Labex Agro, Labex Cemeb & Numev: joint call for proposals 2016 - post doctoral grants - Deadline:9 December 2016
The Labex Agro, Labex CeMEB and Labex NUMEV are launching a Call for Proposals to support interdisciplinary research projects, at the interface between their scientific domains and networks. Deadline for submission of project proposals (see submission procedure): Friday, 9 December 2016 (12h00 - lunchtime)
Just published: "Agrimonde-Terra: the narrow roads to global food security", Agrimonde-Terra foresight study, conducted by scientists from CIRAD and INRA with the support of global expert
How will agricultural land occupation change in the coming decades? As a result of which factors? How will the tensions between food security and climate change mitigation pan out? The Agrimonde-Terra foresight study, conducted by scientists from CIRAD and INRA with the support of global experts, set out to answer these questions via five land use and food security scenarios. The results of the Agrimonde-Terra foresight study, presented on 24 June in Paris, highlight the main levers for action, in particular the need for global land use governance that takes account not just of the agricultural and food sectors, but also other economic sectors. This should involve all the various stakeholders, and result in more diversified diets, new international trade regulations, more integrated crop and animal production systems and guaranteed access to land for a wide range of agricultural structures.
EcoSummit 2016/'Ecological Sustainability: Engineering Change', Montpellier, 29 August - 1 September 2016
This event is hosted by INRA and IRD, organized by ELSEVIER and supported by Agropolis Fondation and the Labex CEMEB.
Early bird until July 15, 2016 - 14th International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics, September 26-29 2016 - Montpellier (Corum)
This event is organized by Cirad.
Call for Communications (closing : 25 July 2016) for the International Conference on Agri-Chains and Sustainable Development/ Linking local and global dynamics, 12-14 December 2016, Montpellier
AC&SD 2016 will bring participants from all world regions to debate about the role of agricultural value chains in implementing global and local frameworks and partnerships for translating the Sustainable Development Goals into reality. Agricultural value chains form spaces where local and global challenges to sustainability connect and within which local and global actors experiment and negotiate innovative solutions. Distinguished keynote speakers and up to 250 delegates, including key actors from developing countries and innovators from the field, are expected at the conference venue in Montpellier. This conference is organized by Cirad in partnership with AFD (Agence Française de Développement), Agropolis International, Agrinatura, the CGIAR consortium, IAVFF (Institut Agronomique, Vétérinaire et Forestier de France, Agreenium), Inra, IRD, Michigan State University, Montpellier SupAgro, the RIMISP (Centro Latinoamericano para el Desarollo Rural), the University of Sussex (Institute of Development Studies) and Wageningen University (WUR) with the support of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEDI) and the Moringa Fund.
Discover the press release related to the Sixth AgMIP Global Workshop June 28 - 30, 2016 - Montpellier France
The 6th AgMIP Global Workshop is sponsored by UK aid Department for International Development (DFID), US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, and hosted by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and Agropolis
Visit the AgMIP6 website for all the latest information about the upcoming workshop which will be in Montpellier, June 28-30
Call for Special Sessions (closing : 27 June 2016) and c all for Communications (closing : 25 June 2016 ) for the International Conference on Agri-Chains and Sustainable Development/ Linking local and global dynamics, 12-14 December 2016, Montpellier
Looking back on Conference debate "Social Equity in Agricultural Land Protection" 25 year Later – A Revisitation in Light of New Social and Spatial Justice Frameworks’with H.M. Jacobs, professor University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, May 11 2016, Agropolis International, Montpellier
Conference organized by the joint research unit Innovation.
Discover the program June 16, 2016, 2016 for AgMIP6 / 6th Global Workshop of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project - June 28-30 2016 - Montpellier(Corum)
The 6th AgMIP Global Workshop is sponsored by UK aid Department for International Development (DFID), US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, and hosted by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and Agropolis International.
Just published : leaflet of the European project NIPN (National Information Platforms for Nutrition initiative), managed by Agropolis International, on behalf of the Agrinatura EEIG(June 2016)
The National Information Platforms for Nutrition (NIPN) initiative is part of an ambitious programme launched by the European Commission (EC) to fight malnutrition in the developing countries affected by this burden, with the objective of contributing to the global reduction in the incidence of stunting in alignment with target set for 2025 by the World Health Assembly and in support of the commitments of the EU Nutrition Action Plan.The EC has entrusted the Agrinatura EEIG (a consortium of major European universities and research centres involved in agricultural higher education and research for development) to run the Global Support Facility (GSF) in charge of fostering the implementation of NIPN in the pilot countries. Upon request from CIRAD and IRD, Agropolis International has been assigned by the Agrinatura EEIG to host the GSF on its premises and ensure its technical and financial management.
Registration on line for side sessions at AgMIP6, June 27 and July 1, 2016, Montpellier
The 6th AgMIP Global Workshop is organized by the Columbia University and sponsored by UK aid Department for International Development (DFID), US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, and hosted by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and Agropolis International.
Registration on line for the international conference AGRIMONDE-TERRA/ Land Use and Global Food Security in 2050/A Foresight study, 24 June 2016, Paris
This conference co-organized by CIRAD and INRA will present and discuss the issues of each scenario for food security, providing "food for thought" for research institutions, policymakers and all actors involved in questions of land use and food security at global or regional scale.
Registration/early deadline:30 June for ISHS-ProMusa Symposium 2016, 10-14 October 2016, Montpellier, France
This event is co-organized by ProMusa and CIRAD with Bioversity International and CGIAR.
Registration open for AgroMed International Conference 2016, 1-2 December 2016, Avignon, France
Agromed2016 is a scientific network which federates different research Institutions in a permanent network, in order to improve the exchanges between researchers and to promote integrated studies on the Mediterranean area. With the involvement of INRA.
Meeting programme on line for ATBC2016/Annual Meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation, 19-23 June 2016, Montpellier, France
This event is hosted by CIRAD, IRD, CNRS, INRA, MNHN and organized by the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation.
Meeting programme and abstract book available for IPVE 2016/ 13th International Plant Virus Epidemiology Symposium, 6-10 June 2016, Avignon, France
This symposium will be a forum to discuss the latest advances in all areas of plant virus epidemiology and will stimulate exchanges between the actors involved in the (re)search of integrated and sustainable ways to manage virus diseases. Organized by INRA with TERSYS and the University of Avignon.
Scientific animation on Agroecology - Ecological intensification of cropping systemsin Montpellier June 07, 2016 -10h - 12h, Agropolis International "Ethics or How and Why to Evaluate Paradigms of Development"
Intervenant : Lori Keleher / New Mexico State University
Save the date : the international conference 'Agri-Chains & Sustainable Development' will be held at Montpellier (12-14 December 2016)
AC&SD 2016 will bring participants from all world regions to debate about the role of agricultural value chains in implementing global and local frameworks and partnerships for translating the Sustainable Development Goals into reality. Agricultural value chains form spaces where local and global challenges to sustainability connect and within which local and global actors experiment and negotiate innovative solutions.Organized by CIRAD in partnership with French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEDI), AFD (Agence Française de Développement), Agropolis International, Agrinatura, the CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM), IAVFF (Institut Agronomique, Vétérinaire et Forestier de France, Agreenium), Inra, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro, Michigan State University, the RIMISP (Centro Latinoamericano para el Desarollo Rural), the University of Sussex (Institute of Development Studies), Wageningen University (WUR) and the Moringa Fund. Opening of the call for communications: 7 June 2016.
Abstract Deadline Extended to May 31, 2016 for ISRFG 2016 - 14th International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics, September 26-29 2016 - Montpellier (Corum)
Just published : "Dossiers d'Agropolis International" - Number 22 (April 2016 , 72 pages) Special issue on PARTNERSHIP (in French) "Agricultures familiales et recherche - Regards croisés Argentine, Brésil, France" Issue realized with the partnership and support of INTA and EMBRAPA.
This issue of Agropolis International Dossier is a report on the presentations and discussions which took place during the seminar "Research, development and innovation for the Family Farming in the South" (4th June 2014, Montpellier-France), organized by Labex-Europe of EMBRAPA, Labintex of INTA and Agropolis International. This seminar has been organized in parallel with the International Encounters held between 1st and 3rd June 2014 in Montpellier; it allowed the participants to interchange over the challenges faced by research for the family farming in Argentina and Brazil and consider future lines for research and cooperation performed between Agropolis International, Labex-Europe of EMBRAPA, Labintex of INTA and the French research institutions.
Early-bird registration deadline: May 15, 2016 for AgMIP6 / 6th Global Workshop of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project - June 28-30 2016 - Montpellier(Corum)
The 6th AgMIP Global Workshop is sponsored by UK aid Department for International Development (DFID), US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, and hosted by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and Agropolis International. Early-bird Registration Discount: May 15, 2016.
Signature of a partnership agreement between Agropolis International and the representatives of Agropolo (Campinas) – Thursday 24 March 2016 at Agropolis International, Montpellier (France)
The visit of a delegation from Campinas, 20-25 March 2016, took place in Montpellier within the framework of this agreement.
Early bird registration: 19 May for the international symposium "Spatial Accuracy Assessment in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences" which will be held July 05, 2016 to July 08, 2016, Montpellier
This 12th International Symposium is the latest in an academic conference series helding every two years since 1994 under the auspices of the International Spatial Accuracy Research Association (ISARA).The Symposium is a unique place to bring together experts from environmental sciences, natural resources, spatial statistics, and geographic information science developing theory and methods for assessing and understanding spatial accuracies and spatial uncertainties in mapping, monitoring systems and spatial simulation platforms. Organized by the joint research unt LISAH with several partners.
Early-bird registration deadline: 29 April 2016 for EcoSummit 2016/'Ecological Sustainability: Engineering Change', Montpellier, 29 August - 1 September 2016
Abstract Deadline Extended to May 2, 2016 for AgMIP6 / 6th Global Workshop of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project - June 28-30 2016 - Montpellier(Corum)
Looking back on Conference/Debate: "Agroecology & institutions: challenges, opportunities and examples from Argentina" March 29, 2016, Agropolis (Montpellier-France) With Pablo Tittonell, INTA
The speaker has gone into the history of the agroecological movements in science and in practice and referred in particular to current experiences led in Argentina. Pablo Tittonnell is the Coordinator of the National Program on Natural Resources and Environment at INTA (Argentina) and a member of Agropolis Fondation Scientific Board. He is also a former Chair Professor of the group Farming Systems Ecology at Wageningen University (The Netherlands).
The Arimnet2 2016 Transnational Call for Research proposals is now open - Deadline : 1 June 2016
Through this call, the ARIMNet2 consortium supports integrated and trans-disciplinary research projects aimed at producing innovations for enhancing the contribution of agricultural and food systems to sustainable social and economic development.The ARIMNet2 2016 call covers two topics:Promoting sustainable agriculture for socio-economic development ; Valorising local products through food value chains improvement. Dead line : 1 June 2016.
Save the date:Conference/Debate with H.M. Jacobs,prof. University of Wisconsin(USA): "Social Equity in Agricultural Land Protection" 25 year Later – A Revisitation in Light of New Social and Spatial Justice Frameworks’, May 11, 2016,16,4:00p.m, Agropolis International,Montpellier
This conference in organized by the joint research unit Innovation on the Framework of the research programm JASMIN. 4:00p.m.?
Agropolis International will participate, as member, at the General Assembly of AgriNatura/European Alliance on Agricultural knowledge for Development April 21 – 22, 2016, Lisboa, Portugal
AGRINATURA is a grouping of European universities and research organizations with a common interest in supporting agricultural development in a sustainable manner in order to improve people’s lives.
Several scientists from the Agropolis International scientific community will take part in the 3rd Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD3) organized by the Global Forum and the CGIAR, from 5 to 8 April 2016, in Johannesburg (South Africa)
GCARD3 (2015-2016) is the third Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development. Organized by the Global Forum and CGIAR, it is part of a continuing, iterative reform process, and builds on what has gone before in, and around, the previous two GCARDs. GCARD3 will be an inclusive, participatory process and an opportunity to shape the future. It will encourage conversations for change in setting a new agenda for agricultural research for development and new pathways for uptake. The overall outcome will be the clear – and transparent – identification of international research priorities, and what’s needed to achieve future development goals, in particular for family farmers and poor communities.
Abstract Submission until April 18, 2016 for AgMIP6 / 6th Global Workshop of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project - June 28-30 2016 - Montpellier(Corum)
Call for candidates ARIMNet2(Agricultural Research in the Mediterranean Area)/Young Researchers Seminar which will be held 30 May – 3 June 2016, Montpellier; DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 25 MARCH 2016
Topics of this event:How to better involve end-users throughout the research process to foster innovation-driven research for sustainable Mediterranean agriculture at farm and local scales. ARIMNet2 supports collaborative interdisciplinary projects based on complementarities between scientists, disciplines and countries. It promotes international collaborations to create research consortia in order to respond appropriately to the global stakes and challenges Mediterranean Agriculture is facing.
France and Argentina have signed a declaration of intent in the agricultural and agro-food areas (24 February 2016) : French institutions and Inta Labintex, stakeholders for cooperation
Agropolis International welcomes on Tuesday 5 April 2016 a delegation from PIURA UNIVERSITY, Engineering Faculty, Peru
The delegation is composed by: Dante Guerrero, Dean, Engineering Faculty; William Ipanaque, Vice Dean,Research in engineering; Jorge Machacuay, Vice Dean Masters and PhDs, Engineering Faculty. Interest and issues: models for the management of R&D and Innovation in Europe to improve the Peruvian system and develop cooperation ; Management of Innovation and Research Economics, societies and sustainable development - Food: nutritional and health concerns - Modeling, spatial information, biostatistics.
"MISS-ABMS 2016 - Multi-platform International Summer School on Agent-Based Modelling & Simulation for Renewable Resources Management" 12-23 September 2016, Agropolis International, Montpellier (France) REGISTRATION before June 15, 2016
This training is organized by CIRAD and IRSTEA with the support of Agropolis International and with the contributions of CNRS and University of Toulouse and Rouen.
15 days left to submit an abstract to the symposium on work in agriculture 2016 Maringa, Brasil, 8-11 November
The International Symposium on work in agriculture 2016 Complex realities and transformations in work in a diversity of farming models - Maringa, Brasil, 8-11 November is co-promoted by INRA, CIRAD...
Please note that dates have been changed for Summer School MISS-ABMS 2016 "Multi-platform International Summer School on Agent-Based Modelling & Simulation for Renewable Resources Management" (Agropolis International, Montpellier, France) New dates: 12-23 September 2016
New dates: 12-23 September 2016
Call for papers extended until 25 March 2016 for the X International Symposium on Banana / ISHS-ProMusa symposium which to be held at Agropolis International, Montpellier, France - 10 15 October 2016
Call for papers extended to 25 March 2016
The main objective of the symposium is to take stock of current scientific knowledge and technical advances in the deployment of agroecological approaches in banana production, and how these can contribute to the development of innovative sustainable production systems. Organized by ProMusa and hosted by CIRAD.
Registration on line for the international symposium "Spatial Accuracy Assessment in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences" which will be held July 05, 2016 to July 08, 2016,
Call for papers until May,15 2016, for the First Mediterranean Forum initiative for PhD students and young researchers which will be held in July 18, 2016 to July 19, 2016, IAM, Montpellier, France
The CIHEAM intends, by launching the First Mediterranean Forum initiative for PhD students and young researchers in Montpellier, to set the bases of a permanent forum for communication, dialogue and publication for different partners in the field of research and rural development in the Mediterranean countries. Ojectives: Presenting and discussing recent research and development work undertaken by the CIHEAM's own young researchers and doctoral students as well as those from National Higher Education and Research Institutions of the Mediterranean region ; Debating the initiatives to be taken to meet the challenges relating to the design of sustainable agricultural food production systems in the Mediterranean Basin from different perspectives: sustainable agricultural production, preservation of natural resources, logistics, supply chain, food consumption, etc.
Dr Tee Tuan Poy (Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science) has been appointed Coordinator of the European Labex UPM, to take her functions during the first quarter of 2016
UPM Labex is the first External Laboratory created in partnership with an ASEAN University and Agropolis International, Montpellier-France
Memorandum of Understanding between Agropolis International (Montpellier-France) and Kyoto University (Japan): Montpellier SupAgro welcomes a delegation from the Faculty of Agriculture of Kyoto University, from 29 February to 2 March 2016
A technical visit is scheduled at Montpellier SupAgro with Prof. Oda and Prof. Kiyohiko from Faculty of Agriculture. On 15 March 2016, Montpellier SupAgro and the Regional council will welcome a delegation from Kyoto Prefecture. These visits take place within both the framework of the MOU signed between Agropolis International and Kyoto University to promote academic cooperation and student exchange, and the agreement between Kyoto Prefecture and the Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées Regional Council that focuses on higher education, research, innovation, training, economic issues and the partnerships between local authorities and associations.
Campinas/Agropolis International:an agreement for scientific and technical cooperation between Brazilian organizations and Montpellier organizations : Agropolis International welcomes a delegation from Campinas (Brazil), 20 - 25 March 2016
Following the signature in June 2015 of an agreement for scientific and technical cooperation between Agropolis International and several Brazilian organizations of Campinas agro-cluster (UNICAMP, Techno Park Campinas, Secretary of State for Agriculture, SDECTI and Campinas Town Council), a delegation of representatives will come to Montpellier, from 20 to 25 March 2016.Members of the delegation: Jonas Donizette, Mayor of Campinas; José Tadeu Jorge, Rector of Unicamp; Luís Augusto Barbosa Cortez, Vice-Rector, UNICAMP;Mario Franca, Vice-Governor;Arnaldo Jardim, Secretary of State for Agriculture;Gérard Chuzel, Attaché for International cooperation, French Consulate in São Paulo; José Luiz Camargo Guazzelli, Director of Techno Park Campinas.
Early-bird registration deadline: March 10, 2016 for the 2nd Euro-Mediterranean Symposium on Fruit and Vegetable Processing, 4-6 April 2016, University of Avignon
This event is organized by INRA with several parners. Four sessions: Innovative processes for improved sustainability;Quality at the heart of sustainable markets for F&V products;Constraints on F&V processing: microbial,safety and waste management issues;Consumer preferences and needs - OPTIFEL sponsored session.
Deadline for abstract submission:15 April 2016 for ISRFG/International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics which will be held at Montpellier,26-29 September, 2016
This event is co-organized by CIRAD, INRA, IRD, CNRS, University of Montpelier, University of Perpignan, Centre français du Riz.
Call for abstracts open for ATBC 2016/53rd ATBC Annual Meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Montpellier, 19-23 June 2016 Deadline for abstract submission:29th of February 2016
In a rapidly changing world where untouched ecosystems are vanishing and biodiversity will have to be maintained in human-modified and sometimes novel environments, reconciling conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the tropics has become a critical issue. The 53rd ATBC Annual Meeting focuses on this issue and aims to gather scientists from many different disciplines to exchange ideas, concepts and approaches, as well as to elaborate and promote innovations for the conservation of tropical ecosystems in the decades to come.
Call for candidates ARIMNet2(Agricultural Research in the Mediterranean Area)/Young Researchers Seminar which will be held 30 May – 3 June 2016, Montpellier, Submit by 10 March 2016
Call for papers until 29 February 2016 for the X International Symposium on Banana / ISHS-ProMusa symposium which to be held at Agropolis International, Montpellier, France - 10 15 October 2016
Call for abstracts open for EcoSummit 2016/'Ecological Sustainability: Engineering Change', Montpellier, 29 August - 1 September 2016 Deadline for abstract submission:19th of February 2016
EcoSummit 2016 will centre on the ecology of terrestrial ecosystems and all habitats that are integrated within those ecosystems, including river networks, wetlands and coastlines. Focus will be placed on fragile ecosystems that are more likely to suffer the consequences of climate change and anthropogenic pressure. However, in the current context of an increasing world population, changes in social habit (increasing world consumerism) and climate change, it is evident that agriculture is being intensified but with a growing awareness of the need to preserve and use sustainably world resources.
Call for abstracts open for 2016 EURAF Conference/3rd European Agroforestry Conference, Montpellier, 23-25 May 2016 Deadline for abstract submission:28th of February 2016
This conference is organized by EURAF (European Agroforestry Federation) and hosted by the joint research unit SYSTEM/INRA. Including:Updates on Agroforestry Policies across Europe Plenary sessions on the latest findings in agroforestry research in Europe ; Dedicated workshop to Agroforestry and climate change, virtual experiments in Agroforestry. Field visits to the oldest experimental site in Europe with a continuous monitoring since tree plantation.
Save the date for the 6th AgMIP Global Workshop (The Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project), 28-30 June 2016, Montpellier
The Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) was created to understand how agriculture and food security will respond to climate change and other socioeconomic drivers in the years ahead. These challenges defy analysis at a single scale, within a single discipline, or by only a single model. AgMIP therefore connects a community of experts and stakeholders to improve, models, computational systems, scenarios, adaptations and analysis to enable integrated assessment empowered by a collaborative communityAgMIP’s 6th Global Workshop provides an excellent opportunity to organize agricultural modeling research and applications to support decision-makers addressing the key challenges we together face. Organized with the partnership of Agropolis International.
Agropolis International celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2016
To international PhD students and researchers: register for French courses now.The LR Euraxess Centre/Agropolis International sets up French courses, from 25th January to 31th March, 2016
PLEASE READ details about the courses, pre-registration form and schedule related to tests and meetings: More informations
Office rentals at Agropolis: 15 offices (9 m2 to 30 m2) are available for rent in the Agropolis International premises in Montpellier (France)
The Agropolis International Association is renting 15 ideally located offices (9 m2 to 30 m2) in the Agropolis International premises at the core of the Agropolis/Lavalette Campus in the north end of Montpellier. Agropolis International hosts more than 10,000 French and foreign visitors a year.
Visit of Campinas delegation (Brazil) to Agropolis International (Montpellier-France)24 to 27 November 2015
Following the signature in June 2015 of an agreement for scientific and technical cooperation between Agropolis International and several Brazilian organizations of Campinas agro-cluster (UNICAMP, Techno Park Campinas, Secretary of State for Agriculture, SDECTI and Campinas Town Council), a delegation of representatives have visited Campus Agropolis in Montpellier, from 24 to 27 November 2015.
An AgroVallée project in Montpellier for the first half of 2016
Languedoc-Roussillon is one of the few regions in Europe to have designated agriculture and agrifood as smart specialisation areas (SRI-S3, under the European FEDER 2014-2020 Programme).The AgroVallée project aims to make Montpellier and its region a seedbed of sustainable Mediterranean and tropical agriculture innovation, a Mediterranean and tropical plant biorefinery leader, and to develop sites to host these initiatives and expertise. More information on the Agropolis International letter n°17 published in November 2015
INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP 'FROM SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TO GREEN CAPITALISM: MILESTONES IN THE MARKETIZATION OF NATURE' December 02, 2015 to December 03, 2015, Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
This workshop is organised as part of the "Privatising Global Environmental Governance" project bringing together researchers from CIRAD, INRA, CNRS and AGROPARISTECH, with financial support from the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) in partnership with the UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA international labex in Montpellier (Labex Sustainable Tropical Agriculture and Food Systems) and UNIVERSIDADE de BRASILIA (Centro de desenvolvimento sustentável). More on Agropolis International & Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) MoU
INTA (Instituto Nacional deTecnología Agropecuaria) LABINTEX–Argentina: Jorge Perez Peña, INTA (Mendoza) researcher, has been appointed Coordinator of LABINTEX. He succeeds Daniel Horacio Rearte.
Jorge Perez Peña, INTA (Mendoza) researcher, has been appointed Coordinator of LABINTEX. He succeeds Daniel Horacio Rearte.
EMBRAPA (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária) Labex Europe–Brazil: Pedro Luiz Oliveira de Almeida Machado, EMBRAPA researcher, has been appointed Coordinator of EMBRAPA Labex Europe. He succeeds Claudio José Reis de Carvalho.
Pedro Luiz Oliveira de Almeida Machado, EMBRAPA researcher, has been appointed Coordinator of EMBRAPA Labex Europe. He succeeds Claudio José Reis de Carvalho.
The latest issue of "Les dossiers d'Agropolis International" n° 21: "Vigne et vin" (vineyards and wine) has been presented at SITEVI* in Montpellier and handed over to Stéphane LE FOLL, French minister of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry (24 November 2015).
This document will be available in English in 2016 - *SITEVI: INTERNATIONAL EQUIPMENT AND EXPERTISE EXHIBITIONFOR THE VINE-WINE, OLIVE, FRUIT-VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONS
Save the date : ISRFG 2016 - 14th International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics – Montpellier, 28 September 26-28th 2016, Le Corum - Montpellier - France
Rice is the major cereal food crop which feeds an increasing world population. The 7.3 billion mankind is expected to stabilize around more than 9 billion people by year 2050. The population growth will mainly occur in rice-eating countries. The scientific community is therefore facing the challenge of providing the farmers with tools and resources that will enhance rice production while saving natural resources (water and fertilizers) in shrinking arable lands. Furthermore, this has to be achieved in a climate of increasing unstablility in which rice cultivation has to reduce its impact and participate to its mitigation. These questions have to be addressed through improved, environment-friendly and precise agricultural practices and new, enhanced and resilient varieties, both taking advantage of a functional diversity in the agro-ecosystems. Recent breakthroughs in rice genomics have narrowed the gap between genetic variation and the phenotype and performance and allowed the deciphering of the function of important genes underlying agronomically relevant traits. These discoveries are being readily integrated into breeding programmes worldwide. The 2016 symposium will cover recent, exciting breakthroughs in structural, functional and evolutionary rice genome biology - pushing current scientific knowledge to address the need of sustainably increasing crop yields and global food security. Please join us for an exciting meeting to discuss cutting-edge science with many of the world's top scientists. Together, we can make new discoveries in rice biology and breeding to improve the world for our and future generations. This event is organized by CIRAD.
Discover the new website : impress-impact-recherche.cirad.fr which is focused on ImpresS (Impact of Research in the South), a new method developed by CIRAD for analysing the impact of its research
As part of one of its major projects, CIRAD has developed a method for analysing the impact of its activities. The method, called ImpresS, aims to assess the contribution of research to development, in all its complexity, through case studies of innovations in multi-stakeholder environments. CIRAD took the double option of basing its method on a participatory approach and using its analyses to shed light on two topics not previously studied in detail: stakeholder capacity building and public policy. The first results of 13 case studies are available on this website.
RéSEM - Professional Meeting: 1st December 2015 (8h30-18h) at Agropolis International, 1000 avenue Agropolis, Montpellier (France)
Scientific and technical presentations, exhibitors.
Programme (in French) - A presentation of the RéSEM network.
You are a PhD student- You work on family farming issues- Submit a paper to participate in a workshop organized by Kyoto University (Japan): “2nd Future Leaders Global Workshop on Social Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment”, scheduled on March 18th, 2016, in Kyoto
Deadline for submission: November 30th, 2015.
Kyoto University (Japan) and Agropolis International in Montpellier (France) have signed in December 2014 a Memorandum of Understanding to promote academic cooperation and student exchange which includes joint research projects and publications as well as short term programs and visits.
6,000 sqm2 dedicated to the aquaculture of today and tomorrow: MeDITERA, a marine hall for experimentation managed by Ifremer and Cirad
The station for aquaculture located in Palavas-les-Flots has been enriched with 4,000 sqm2 of renovated halls for aquaculture experimentation and 2,000 sqm2 of new outdoor platforms for the production of marine microalgae in open field.
Official launch of Brazilian agrocluster "Agropolo" in Campinas – September 21, 2015
The official launch of Brazilian agrocluster « Agropolo » in Campinas, took place on 21 September 2015, on the occasion of the first Board of Directors meeting held at the Town Hall.
NIPN "National Information Platforms for Nutrition" Agropolis International has been assigned by the Agrinatura EEIG to ensure its technical and financial management
The National Information Platforms for Nutrition (NIPN) initiative is part of an ambitious programme launched by the European Commission (EC) to fight malnutrition in the developing countries affected by this burden, with the objective of contributing to the global reduction in the incidence of stunting in alignment with target set for 2025 by the World Health Assembly and in support of the commitments of the EU Nutrition Action Plan.
International meeting "Urban food policies : markets, catering, urban/rural connections", 16-18 November 2015 at Agropolis International (Montpellier, France)
Registration open for the International meeting "Urban food policies : markets, catering, urban/rural connections", 16-18 November 2015 at Agropolis International (Montpellier, France) An international meeting dedicated to sharing knowledge and practices among local governments of cities and urban regions from sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, along with research and development actors.
Just out : The new Montpellier Panel report "The Farms of Change: African Smallholders Responding to an Uncertain Climate Future"
In the latest report presented on Friday 25th September 2015, the Panel of Montpellier experts in agriculture and development warn of difficulties that might hamper development in Africa related to poor investment in climate change adaptation strategies dedicated to African small farm holders.
A cooperation agreement has been signed on 26 June 2015 between the Brazilian organizations supporting a cluster in Campinas
Agropolis International and Kyoto University (Japan) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding
Kyoto University (Japan) and Agropolis International in Montpellier (France) have signed in December 2014 a Memorandum of Understanding to promote academic cooperation and student exchange which includes joint research projects and publications as well as short term programs and visits. This MOU is valid for 5 years.
On the occasion of the International Forum of Civil society fighting against land degradation Desertif’Actions 2015 which took place in Montpellier (France) from 10 to 13 June 2015, an official statement has been issued by the 300 participants coming from 57 countries
The 5th International EcoSummit Congress "Ecological Sustainability: Engineering Change", will take place in Montpellier (France), from 29 August to 2 September 2016
This event is jointly organized by IRD and Inra. A call for communications will be published in October 2015
ATBC 2016- The Annual meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation will be held in Montpellier (France), from 19 to 23 June 2016
This event is jointly organized by Cirad (Unit Biens et Services des Ecosystèmes Forestiers tropicaux), IRD, CNRS, Inra and the MNHN.
3rd European Agroforestry Conference 'Agroforestry on the main stream? Celebrating 20 years of Agroforestry research in Europe', 25–27 May 2016, in Montpellier, France
This event is organized by the European Agroforestry Federation (EURAF) in partnership with Inra research unit System
Registration now open for the International meeting "Urban food policies : markets, catering, urban/rural connections", 16-18 November 2015 at Agropolis International (Montpellier, France)
An international meeting dedicated to sharing knowledge and practices among local governments of cities and urban regions from sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, along with research and development actors.
To international PhD students and researchers: register for French courses now.The LR Euraxess Centre/Agropolis International sets up French courses, from 12th October to 18th December, 2015
PLEASE READ details about the courses, pre-registration form and schedule related to tests and meetings: http://www.agropolis.org/practical/newfle2.php
Just published : The outcomes from the UNCCD 3rd Scientific Conference on "Climate change and land degradation: Bridging knowledge and stakeholders"; the conference has been jointly organized by Agropolis International, from 9 to 12 March, 2015, in Cancún (Mexico). In French, English, Spanish
Discover the program on line for the international conference ICID 2015 “INNOVATE TO IMPROVE IRRIGATION PERFORMANCE CONFERENCE” To be held from 11 to 16 December 2015, in Montpellier (France)
The event "Innovate to improve irrigation performance", organized by the French Association for Water, Irrigation and Drainage (AFEID) under the auspices of the International Commission of Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), is the fusion of several events mobilizing the wide diversity of experts in irrigation worldwide, to make during one week the city of Montpellier the hotspot of Irrigation
FSD5/Agro2015 - The 5th International Symposium for Farming Systems Design "Multi-functional farming systems in a changing world" , September 7-10, 2015, Montpellier (France)
FSD5 will focus on "Multi-functional farming systems in a changing world" and will be co-organized by the European Society for Agronomy (ESA) and the Agropolis scientific community.
ICCB-ECCB 2015 : 27th International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) and 4th European Congress for Conservation Biology (ECCB) : "Mission Biodiversity: Choosing new paths for conservation" August 2-6, 2015, Montpellier, France
Creation of a European Labex UPM, a Virtual Laboratory of Universiti Putra Malaysia, in Montpellier, at Agropolis International
The European Labex UPM is set along the lines of the two Labex currently hosted in Montpellier: namely the Brazilian Embrapa’s LABEX Europe and the Argentinian Inta’s Labintex. The first researcher will arrive in Montpellier before the end of 2015
Video : Biodiversity, ecosystem function and productivity in tropical agriculture: towards more wildlife-friendly oil palm plantations / William Foster, Ed Turner (University of Cambridge) et Jake L. Snaddon (University of Southampton), & Aude Verwilghen (Cirad, UPR Systèmes de Pérennes) 09.06.2015
Scientific animation on Agroecology - Ecological intensification of cropping systemsin Montpellier
Follow the BFFM2015 Congress on Twitter #bffm2015
Biorefinery for Food, Fuels and Materials 2015 symposium - 15-17 June 2015. Montpellier SupAgro | France
Discover the Climate change: impact and adaptation, Dossiers d'Agropolis International series (n° 20, February 2015, 88 pages)
This Dossier showcases research structures based in Languedoc-Roussillon Region whose activities are focused on addressing challenges encountered in studies on climate change impacts and adaptations
Discover the Proceedings of International encounters "Family Farming & Research" which took place in Montpellier from 1 to 3 June 2014. Trilingual paper (english, french, spanish), 324 pages, April 2015
As part of the International Year of Family Farming (IYFF) declared by the United Nations for 2014, the research institutions of Montpellier’s hub (Agropolis International) have taken the initiative to organize International Encounters on "Family Farming and Research".235 participants from 70 countries, including representatives of farmers, NGO, decision makers from the political and private sectors, and trainers and researchers, gathered in Montpellier on the occasion of these International Encounters.
Discover the Montpellier Statement "Climate-Smart Agriculture: Towards Sustainable Landscapes and Food Systems" issued during the 3rd Global Science Conference on CSA in Montpellier, France, 16-18 March 2015
Montpellier will welcome Désertif'actions 2015 - Civil society International Forum on combating desertification and land degradation (10 - 13 June 2015), which gathers international development stakeholders from over 100 countries: civil society organizations, scientists, local government, farmer organizations, private and public institutions
« MISS-ABMS 2015 - Multi-platform International Summer School on Agent-Based Modelling & Simulation » 17-28 August 2015, Agropolis International, Montpellier This training is organized by CIRAD and IRSTEA with the support of Agropolis International and with the contributions of CNRS and University of Toulouse and Rouen. Extension registration for the training session (before June 30, 2015)
Content: during the morning sessions, the principles, methods and technics of the design, implementation and exploration stages will be collectively taught. Specific points will be addressed according to the expectations and demands of the participants. The afternoon sessions will be devoted to personal applications: the trainers will support the participants in designing, implementing and fine-tuning their own agent-based model.
LIVE : Conference, June 9, 2015, 10:00 Biodiversity, ecosystem function and productivity in tropical agriculture: towards more wildlife-friendly oil palm plantations
William Foster, Ed Turner (University of Cambridge) et Jake L. Snaddon > (University of Southampton), & Aude Verwilghen (Cirad, UPR Systèmes de Pérennes)
May 22, 2015 : Agropolis International, Montpellier (France) : Agropolis plant modeling seminar. "Mathematical model for simulating anthocyanin composition during grape ripening: another way of phenotyping" by Zhanwu Dai, INRA, Villenave d'Ornon
A seminar devoted to plant modeling is organized the first Friday of each month at Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
From May 18th to 22nd 2015 the Montpellier Languedoc Roussillon scientific community is glad to invite you for an exploration of the diversity of forms and functions of the plant root systems.
An exhibition is organized in the frame of the European Plant Science Organization (EPSO) international event "Fascination of Plants day" at Agropolis International, Montpellier.
Agropolis International participates in the II FRENCH-ARGENTINE CONFERENCE ON SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION - May 18-19, 2015, Argentine Embassy in Paris, France.
JUST OUT : Proceedings of International encounters "Family Farming & Research" which took place in Montpellier from 1 to 3 June 2014. Trilingual paper (english, french, spanish), 324 pages, april 2015
3rd Global Science Conference on Climate-Smart Agriculture in Montpellier, France, 16-18 March 2015: Slides and videos are available
Agropolis International and Universiti Putra Malaysia(UPM) have signed a memorandum of understanding Agropolis International and Kyoto University (Japan)
« MISS-ABMS 2015 - Multi-platform International Summer School on Agent-Based Modelling & Simulation » 17-28 August 2015, Agropolis International, Montpellier This training is organized by CIRAD and IRSTEA with the support of Agropolis International and with the contributions of CNRS and University of Toulouse and Rouen. Registration for the training session (before June 15, 2015)
Online registration BFFM 2015. 15-17 June 2015 - Montpellier, France
Event co-organized by Agropolis International
Call for sessions and side events open until 31st July 2015 for: EcoSummit 2016 /Ecological Sustainability: Engineering Change, to be held in Montpellier (France), 29 August-1st September 2015.
A Summit needs to find solutions for today’s problems and the success of EcoSummit 2016 will be due to the creative input of its participants. Therefore, EcoSummit 2016 will be structured not only around sessions, but will rely on workshops, forums, round tables and discussions to unite attendees in finding solutions. From these events we would like to establish concrete deliverables in the form of white papers, scientific essays and new ideas for policy makers and stakeholders.
International symposium mycosylviculture and valorisation of mycological resources 26, 27, 28th March 2015 - Agropolis International, Montpellier, France Co-organised by Agropolis International
This seminar in Montpellier capitalises on the results of two international cooperation projects (INTERREG IVB SUDOE) whose objective is the integration of mycological resources in forestry management and their socio- economic valorisation in rural areas.
"We are all in the same boat: food production and food security under threat by climate change" Download the talk of Prof Sir Gordon Conway, Director, Agriculture for Impact, Imperial College London
In the context of the Global Conference on Climate-Smart Agriculture, 16-18 March 2015 in Montpellier
Take a look at the high points of the 3rd Global Science Conference on Climate-Smart Agriculture in Montpellier, France, 16-18 March 2015 and discover the Montpellier statement
More than 700 participants coming from 75 different countries around the world convened at the 3rd Global Science Conference on Climate-Smart Agriculture in Montpellier, France, 16-18 March 2015 to share their experience and agree on global and specific research agendas. The conference gathered representatives from scientific organizations, national and international governmental organizations, farmers’ associations, industries, NGOs and civil society
Just published: Climate change: impact and adaptation, Dossiers d'Agropolis International series (n° 20, February 2015, 88 pages)
Call for papers until 20 March 2015 for: BFFM 2015 - The international Biorefinery for Food, Fuels and Materials 2015 symposium "Building tomorrow's bioeconomy: meeting Humankind's Food, Fuels and Materials needs using smart systems and technologies", 15-17 June 2015 in Montpellier, France (Campus de la Gaillarde, Montpellier SupAgro)
co-organized by Agropolis International
Pre-schedule on line for the XXIIIth EUCARPIA Maize and Sorghum Conference "Genomics and Phenomics for Model-based Maize and Sorghum Breeding", 10-11 June 2015 in Montpellier (Le Corum)
Save the date : Désertif'actions 2015 - civil society International Forum on combating desertification and land degradation 10-13 June 2015, in Montpellier, France
CARI Association, its networks and partners will bring together international development stakeholders from over 100 countries: civil society organizations, scientists, local government, farmer organizations, private and public institution will work in chorus and speak out together in the fight against desertification
Registration for the Seminar of the FAO-CIHEAM Network on Sheep and Goats, "The value chain in Mediterranean sheep and goats. Industry organisation, marketing strategies, feeding and production systems", 16-18 June 2015 in Montpellier, France (Institut Agronomique Méditerranéen)
The Seminar is organised by INRA/SupAgro/INRA Joint Research Unit, "Tropical and Mediterranean Animal Production Systems" (Systèmes d’élevage méditerranéens et tropicaux, SELMET) and the CIHEAM through the Mediterranean Agronomic Institutes of Zaragoza and Montpellier, with the collaboration of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Agropolis International, the Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragón (CITA), the Spanish National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA) and the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP) through the Mediterranean Working Group.
Call for ideas open until 15 March 2015: FSD5/Agro2015 - The 5th International Symposium for Farming Systems Design "Multi-functional farming systems in a changing world" , September 7-10, 2015, Montpellier (France)
If you missed the call for ideas, you can still submit a 2–page paper on the dedicated website. This event is co-organized by Agropolis International and European Society for Agronomy (ESA)
Registration for the "3rd Global Science Conference on Climate-Smart Agriculture", 16-18 March 2015 in Montpellier, France (Le Corum)
Conference organized by CIRAD, INRA, IRD and Agropolis International with support from the CGIAR, the University of Wageningen (The Netherlands), the Universities of California, Davis and Cornell (USA) and the FAO
Registration until 6 March 2015 for EUCARPIA Conference on drought tolerance "Recent progress in drought tolerance: from genetics to modelling", 8-9 June 2015, in Montpellier, France (Le Corum)
18th International Meeting on Frankia and actinorhizal plants, will be held on 25-27 August 2015 in Montpellier, France (Agropolis International)
Registration for the 17th European Weed Research Society Symposium/Weed management in changing environments, 23-26 June 2015 in Montpellier, France (Campus de la Gaillarde)
Organizators : European Weed Research Society (EWRS) et l'Association Française de Protection des Plantes (AFPP). Co-organizators : INRA, Montpellier SupAgro
Registration before 30 April 2015 for the 19th GiESCO Meeting (Group of international Experts of vitivinicultural Systems for CoOperation) , 31 May–5 June 2015 in Gruissan, France (Palais des Congrès)
Registration for ICCB-ECCB 2015 27th International Congress for Conservation Biology - 4th European Congress for Conservation Biology, 2-6 August 2015 in Montpellier, France (Le Corum)
Call for papers for: CfP 2015 Open Science "Training and Higher Education". Deadline for the submission of Proposals:17 July 2015
It aims to support projects dedicated to training and higher education in the domain of "agronomy for sustainable development"
Call for papers until 31 March 2015 for : 8th International Workshop on Anthocyanins, 16-18 September 2015 in Montpellier, France (Campus de la Gaillarde)
IWA 2015 is an opportunity for academics and industrials to establish contacts with other scientists working with anthocyanins worldwide
Call for papers until 01 March 2015 for : ESVV2015 10th International Congress of Veterinary Virology, 31 August-03 September 2015, in Montpellier, France (Le Corum)
Organized by the CIRAD,the ESVV and EPIZONE
Call for papers until 28 February 2015 for: ICID 2015 – Euromediterranean Conference "Innovate to improve irrigation performances", 11-17 October 2015 in Montpellier, France (Le Corum)
The conference is organised by the French Association for Water, Irrigation and Drainage (AFEID) and held in the cycle of the International Commission of Irrigatin and Drainage (ICID)
3rd international scientific conference of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), March 9-12, 2015, Cancùn
Scientific conference co-organized by Agropolis International and CSFD
Members of Agropolis International scientific community are involved in the issues related to agriculture facing climate change on the occasion of the Paris International Agricultural Show, from 21 February to 1 March 2015 – Paris (France)
The Paris International Agricultural Show is taking place from 21 February to 1 March 2015 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
PRESS RELEASE "Third Global Science Conference on Climate-Smart Agriculture" March 16-18, 2015 - Montpellier, France
CfP 2015 Open Science "Training and Higher Education" launched by Agropolis Fondation Deadline for the submission of Proposals:17 July 2015 (12 noon, French time)
Deadline for the submission of Proposals:17 July 2015 (12 noon, French time)
January 30, 2015 : Agropolis International, Montpellier (France) : Agropolis plant modeling seminar Multi-scale modeling of tomato fruit growth: integration of cell division and expansion processes under fluctuating environment by Valentina Baldazzi, INRA, Avignon
Launching of the Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize for Agriculture and Food, prize created by Agropolis Fondation APPLICATION DEADLINE for both Prizes: EXTENDED until 15 January 2015, 12:00 (Paris time)
Awarded once every two years, the Prize aims to recognize individuals, or a group of individuals, for their exemplary and promising contribution in promoting innovation through research, development and/or capacity building in the North, South or in the Mediterranean in order to improve food and agricultural systems sustainability as well as to address food security and poverty reduction. The Prize recognizes individuals whose scientific works not only made an important contribution to the production of knowledge but are also actively promoting the use of knowledge in addressing current development challenges, and are involved in fomenting collective action across stakeholders.
Agropolis International wishes you a Happy New Year
The Association Agropolis International was founded in Montpellier in 1986 by the research and higher education institutes working in the field of agriculture, food, biodiversity and environment, with the support of government and local authorities.
January 9, 2015 : Agropolis International, Montpellier (France) : Agropolis plant modeling seminar "Mechanical feedbacks add robustness to plant morphogenesis", Olivier Hamant, CNRS/ENS-Lyon/INRA/Université Lyon 1
BFFM 2015 - 2nd edition of Biorefining for Food Fuel and Materials Congress 15-17 June, 2015, Montpellier, France. Call for contributions until March 1st, 2015
This event is co-organized by Agropolis International and INRA (UMRs IATE & SPO, LBE), Montpellier SupAgro, CIRAD (UR Biowooeb), UM2 (UMR ICGM), ENSCM, Chaire UNESCO Alimentation du Monde
"Third Global Science Conference on Climate-Smart Agriculture" March 16-18, 2015 - Montpellier, France Late abstracts can be submitted until Friday, December 5
Agro2015/FSD5 - 5th International Symposium for Farming Systems Design Multi-functional farming systems in a changing world September 7-10, 2015, Montpellier. Abstract submission deadline is extended to January 8th, 2015
Abstract submission deadline is extended to January 8th, 2015. Event co-organized by Agropolis International and the European Society
27th International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) and 4th European Congress for Conservation Biology (ECCB) Theme : Mission Biodiversity: Choosing new paths for conservation August 2-6, 2015, Montpellier
Congress hosted by the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), Agropolis International and the French Foundation for Research on Biodiversity (FRB)
Agro2015/FSD5 - 5th International Symposium for Farming Systems Design Multi-functional farming systems in a changing world September 7-10, 2015, Montpellier
Event co-organized by Agropolis International and the European Society for Agronomy (ESA)
Call for abstracts extended until November 30, 2014. Third Global Science Conference on Climate-Smart Agriculture March 16-18, 2015 - Montpellier, France Conference organized by CIRAD, INRA, IRD and Agropolis International with support from the CGIAR, the University of Wageningen (The Netherlands), the Universities of California, Davis and Cornell (USA) and the FAO.
Following the Wageningen (2011) and Davis (2013) conferences, the 3rd Global Science Conference on Climate Smart Agriculture will bring 500 participants from all world regions in a major event leading up to COP21. Distinguished keynote speakers and up to 500 delegates are expected at the conference venue, downtown Montpellier
Bernard Hubert, Presidente de Agropolis International, en misión en Argentina participa en dos eventos sobre las agriculturas familiares 18-19 de Noviembre del 2014
Bernard Hubert, Presidente de Agropolis International, invitado por la Embajada de Francia en Argentina y el Instituto Francés de Argentina para hablar de las agriculturas familiares
ICCB-ECCB 2015 : EXTENSION of the call for Symposia, courses, workshops Deadline: 7th November 2014
27th International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) and 4th European Congress for Conservation Biology (ECCB) : Mission Biodiversity: Choosing new paths for conservation -August 2-6, 2015, Montpellier, France
Agro2015/FSD5 - 5th International Symposium for Farming Systems Design Multi-functional farming systems in a changing world September 7-10, 2015, Montpellier. Call for contributions until December 15, 2014
The pre-registration to attend the conference is still open until January 12, 2015 3rd international scientific conference of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), March 9-12, 2015, Cancùn
Metrics of sustainable diets and food systems – Symposium : 4th november 2014, Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
Co-organized by Bioversity International and CIHEAM–IAMM
March 16-18, 2015, Montpellier, France Third Global Science Conference on Climate Smart Agriculture Deadline for early bird registration: January 31, 2015
International Encounters "FAMILY FARMING AND RESEARCH" : "Contributing to a global research agenda Agropolis International, CGIAR, GFAR, WRF", Offprint taken from the proceedings (December, 2014)
Extract from the proceedings of the conference held from 1 to 3 June 2014 in Montpellier by research organizations Agropolis International Pole. The conference brought together 235 participants from 70 countries, farmer representatives, NGO representatives, policy makers and the private sector, researchers and teachers met in Montpellier during these international meetings. The full proceedings will be available in late 2014 in French, English and Spanish
A European World Class Cluster (WCC): Final seminar of the European project Feeding The Planet – European Bio Food Clusters on the world stage (2012-2014) – 28 & 29 October 2014, Milan (Italy)
Feeding The Planet: EU Bio Food Clusters on The World Stage is a project co-financed by European Commission and coordinated by Region of Lombardy, that links 3 main World-Class Biotech and Agro-Food Clusters in Europe: Parco Tecnologico Padano (Lombardy - Italy), Agropolis International (Languedoc-Roussillon - France) and Oost NV (East Netherlands - The Netherlands).
Conference "Agricultural expansion and the future of tropical forests and savannas in Brazil", Friday 24th October 2014, 10 to 12am Agropolis International, Montpellier By Arnaldo Carneiro Filho A Brazilian researcher in the Amazonian conservation programme, a coordinator of Tapajós programme at The Nature Conservancy
Inscriptions : villemejeanne@agropolis.fr
Just published: Agropolis International leaflet in Spanish (October 2014)
The scientific community of Montpellier and Languedoc-Roussillon region in the fields of agriculture-food-biodiversity-environment
MERMED project final report – The Mediterranean sea: Research and Partnerships (2013-2014) MERMED Forward-thinking Workshop supported by the French National Research Agency (ANR) on "Adapting to global changes in the Mediterranean Sea"
A project coordinated by Agropolis International
Final Inprofood Conference : Food Research Stakeholder Involvement and Public Health, 14-15 October, 2014 – Copenhagen (Denmark) A European project with 18 partners from 13 countries including Agropolis International (France)
The aim of this conference is not only to present the results from three years of intensive research in INPROFOOD, but also to bring together European stakeholders in an open dialogue under one roof. We will discuss the food and health challenge and strive to find new ways to better include stakeholders and the civil society in future food and health research programmes.
Bernard Hubert, President of Agropolis International has been unanimously re-appointed President of the CRAI (French Commission for International Agricultural Research) for four years. CRAI is the interface between the French research institutions and the international agricultural research system.
The French Commission for international agricultural research (CRAI) is a consultative organ between the French research institutions (CIRAD, INRA, IRD, IRSTEA, Agreenium) and the Ministry for Agriculture, Food, Fischeries, Rural Affairs and Land Use Planning, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
Launching of the Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize for Agriculture and Food, prize created by Agropolis Fondation Deadline for submission :04 December 2014
French courses for foreign PhD students and researchers; from 13th October to 19th December 2014. Euraxess Centre/Agropolis International organizes evening courses (all levels). Placement tests: 6th October
Pre-inscription are open
Agroecology for Food Security and Nutrition, International Symposium,from 18th to 19th September, Rome (Italy) to explore recent scientific research and knowledge and promote open dialogue while showcasing existing experiences and programs on Agroecology
The event brings together international experts in the field of Agroecology and within the new FAO Strategic Framework and Strategic Objective 2 to Increase and improve provision of Goods and Services from Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in a sustainable manner.
International Encounters "FAMILY FARMING AND RESEARCH", Montpellier, June 1-3, 2014 - Synthesis, videos and presentations
ICCB-ECCB 2015 : 27th International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) and 4th European Congress for Conservation Biology (ECCB) : Mission Biodiversity: Choosing new paths for conservation -August 2-6, 2015, Montpellier - Open Call for Symposia, courses, workshops - Deadline: 31st October 2014
3rd international scientific conference of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), March 9-12, 2015, Mexico Scientific conference co-organized by Agropolis International and CSFD .Call for abstracts extended until September 28, 2014
combating desertification, land degradation and drought for poverty reduction and sustainable development – the contribution of science, technology, traditional knowledge and practices
Agropolis Fondation : 2014 Call for Ideas "Flagship Projects" in the fields of agronomy and sustainable development - Deadline for the submission of Concept Notes: 06 October 2014, 12:00 noon, French time
One of the priority activities of the Foundation is to stimulate the emergence of highly visible and structuring projects, capable of generating a sustained interaction and collaboration among scientists and relevant stakeholders in the thematic research domains covered by the Foundation and the Labex Agro scientific community.
Exploratory mission to the USA The consortium Feeding the Planet will conduct an exploratory mission to the USA during the second week of September 2014 in order to gain an overview of innovation ecosystem within the USA.
To enhance the European exposure: organization of an exploratory mission to the USA to develop partnerships in agriculture, agro-food and agro-biotechnologies
September 05, 2014, 11:00, Agropolis International, Montpellier (France) : Agropolis plant modeling seminar A computational framework for 3D mechanical modeling of plant morphogenesis by Olivier Ali Laboratoire de Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, CNRS/ENS-Lyon/INRA/Université Lyon 1, Lyon & Virtual Plants, Inria
Call for abstracts is open until September 15, 2014
3rd international scientific conference of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), March 9-12, 2015, Mexico
Seminar FAO-CIHEAM Network on Sheep and Goats "The value chain in Mediterranean sheep and goats. Industry organisation, marketing strategies, feeding and production systems" 16/18 June 2015, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier, France Call for proposals open until October 31, 2014
The value chain in Mediterranean sheep and goats. Industry organisation, marketing strategies, feeding and production systems
Agro2015/FSD5 - Call for contributions 5th International Symposium for Farming Systems Design “Multi-functional farming systems in a changing world” September 7-10, 2015, Montpellier
Registrations for the 13th congress of European Society for Agronomy, University of Debrecen, Hungary August 25th -28th, 2014.
The congress will be hosted by the Centre for Agricultural and Applied Economic Sciences of the University of Debrecen, Hungary from August 25th-28th, 2014. The 13th ESA congress will highlight and focus the most important issues and challenges in crop sciences: Crop production and agroecology, Competitive and sustainable crop production, Crop modeling, Innovation in crop production (interaction between public and private sectors), New challenges in farm systems design, Legumes in farming systems, Crop science for changing environments (climate, soil, hydrology, economy), Crop science - crop quality - human health and nutrition.
Video Rachel Bezner Kerr @Cornell in #Montpellier Using #agroecological & particip. meth. to improve #foodsecurity 4 smallholder farming Malawi
Séminaire Sécurité Alimentaire de l'UMR MOISA à Montpellier le 13.06.2014.
CfP Open Science Research launched by Agropolis Fondation is now open - Deadline for the submission of Proposals: 15 September 2014 (12 noon, French time)
The CfP “Open Science” is aimed at promoting new ways of doing research by favoring a collaborative enquiry on scientific topics involving a range of actors. Proposals submitted under this Call are expected to employ transformative approaches and foster innovative partnership modalities. Up to €2M are available for this Call which will fund full projects, twin post-docs in collaboration with the CGIAR, small initiatives (e.g., small exploratory, proof-of-concept studies,…) and proposal development for submission to international Calls.
Videos and presentations of International Encounters "FAMILY FARMING AND RESEARCH",Montpellier, June 1-3, 2014
Save the date : March 16-18, 2015, Montpellier, France
Third Global Science Conference on Climate Smart Agriculture
Call for communications: June 15, 2014 Deadline for early bird registration: December 15, 2014
Follow by streaming the Seminar: Research, development and innovation for family farming in the South: Argentina and Brazil as example
June 4th, Agropolis International, Montpellier, France -Streaming
Seminar organized by Embrapa Labex Europe, INTA Labintex and Agropolis International- Objective of this event: Discuss the situation of Family Farming (AF) in Brazil and Argentina, share the actions performed by these institutions and consider future lines of research cooperation between Brazil, Argentina and the French research institutions.
Listen Hans Herren @millenniumminst tonigh 19.30 :Family agriculture an option given the challenges the planet faces? #agrifammpl http://tinyurl.com/kp9g6w6
International Encounters Family Farming & Resarch will open in Montpellier tonight #agrifammpl
Listen Hans Herren @millenniumminst :Family agriculture an option given the challenges the planet faces? #agrifammpl
Available in French, English and Spanish. [En savoir plus...]">
Available in French, English and Spanish. [En savoir plus...]">"Dossiers d’Agropolis International" series dedicated to agricultural farming. (n° 19, february 2014, 64 p.)
Available in French, English and Spanish
The French agricultural research community is rallying around the International Year of family farming
May 15. 2014, Agropolis International, Montpellier (France)
Sustainable Agriculture in the United States – Combining Environmental Preservation, Innovation,and Profitability
Jeffrey STEINER, Deputy Director of the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Agricultural Sciences
June 1-3, 2014, Montpellier (France) : International Encounters FAMILY FARMING AND RESEARCH
Jointly organized by Agropolis International, within the framework of the year of family farming
As part of the International Year of Family Farming (IYFF) declared by the United Nations for 2014, the research institutions of Montpellier’s hub (Agropolis International) have taken the initiative to organize International Encounters on Family Farming and Research.
The third International Science and Policy Conference on the Resilience of Social and Ecological Systems - Resilience2014 will take place in Montpellier, France, on May 4-8, 2014
This conference is organized by the "French node" of the Resilience Alliance network (CIRAD - CNRS - IRSTEA- INRA), Agropolis International and their partners of the campus of Montpellier
10th Conference on Ecology & Behaviour – 12th to 16th May 2014 – Montpellier (France)
Ever since its inception in Chizé in 2005, the "Ecology & Behaviour" conference has never ceased to be a success. This year, we are pleased to announce that the 10th edition will be held in Montpellier.
4th International Symposium on Weeds and Invasive Plants (Agricultural Weeds and Plant Invaders) in Montpellier, France, May 18-23, 2014
The international symposium « Agricultural Weeds and Plant Invaders » was initiated in 2006 and takes place once every three years in a European country. This event brings together over 100 scientists and managers who share a strong interest in the Biology, Ecology and methods of controlling invasive plants in cultivated and natural habitats as well as urban areas.
Register online for the International Statistical Ecology Conference 2014, to be held from 1st to 4th July 2014 – Montpellier (France)
This conference will convene experts from around the world to present and discuss issues of interest to ecological statisticians and biologists. We will hold sessions focused upon mark-recapture methods, distance sampling methods, other abundance estimation techniques, monitoring of biodiversity, survey design and analysis for estimating population trends, modelling of spatial trends in animal density, integrated population modelling, stochastic population dynamics modelling, stochastic multispecies modelling, individual-based model fitting, and stochastic modelling of animal movement.
Call for Proposals 2014 Agropolis Fondation-CAPES-Embrapa - Deadline: 28 April 2014
For research and/or scientific mobility projects focusing on: Genetics and genomics, plant breeding, eco-physiology; Plant pests and diseases, integrated crop protection, population ecology; Agri-environmental innovations, agri-ecosystems and resources management; Agri-food innovations, food and non-food uses of crops; Innovation processes, social management of innovations. Deadline: 28 April 2014
Early registration deadline : 30th May 2014
Save the date - PHOPHORUS week 2014 PSP5 2014 - 5th International Symposium Phosphorus in Soils and Plants –26th to 29th August 2014 – Montpellier (France)
On behalf of the international scientific committee and local organizing committee it is a pleasure for me to welcome you to this event in Montpellier, Southern France, as part of the PHOSPHORUS week 2014.
Save the date - PHOPHORUS week 2014 SPS 2014 - Sustainable Phosphorus Summit - 1-3 September 2014 – Montpellier (France)
Just published: Food - Nutrition – Health in the Dossiers d’Agropolis International series (n°18 December 2013, 76 p., available in French)
Languedoc-Roussillon and Avignon research skills concerning food, nutrition, health Eight years after the first Dossiers d’Agropolis International dedicated to the Food, Nutrition, Health theme, a review is necessary to show the evolution of research works led by the regional scientific community and to provide updated information to people interested in this theme.
Call for papers for the 11th International Symposium on Aeromonas and Plesiomonas (ISAP): tapping into bacterial adaptation – 25th to 27th June 2014 – Montpellier (France) Deadline for abstracts: 11 April 2014
Opportunities for scientific, technical and commercial collaborations with Brazil
Half-day information meeting open to the scientific community within the framework of the European project Feeding the Planet, 09 April 2014 (10 to 12am), at Agropolis International – Montpellier (France)
The bootcamp will be held in parallel in the three clusters of Milan, Montpellier and Wageningen.
May 5-8, 2014 - Le Corum, Montpellier, France Resilience 2014 - Adaptation, Transformation & Development
It is organized by the 'French node' of the Resilience Alliance network (CIRAD - CNRS - IRSTEA- INRA), Agropolis International and their partners of the campus of Montpellier. Building on the highly successful first two conferences (in Stockholm & in Phoenix), Resilience 2014 will create an arena for scientific exchange and discussion on three key themes: Adaptation, Transformation and Development.
10 April 2014, 14:00, Agropolis International, Montpellier (France) : Agropolis plant modeling seminar
Functional-structural plant and crop models by Baogui Zhang Root architecture and allometric relationship between shoot and root system affected by phosphorus deficiency in rice plants
EU funding for ARCAD (Agropolis Resource Center for Crop Conservation, Adaptation and Diversity) project (Montpellier-France)
Arcad (Agropolis Resource Center for Crop Conservation, Adaptation and Diversity) project involving CIRAD, INRA, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro and Agropolis Fondation has just been awarded 3.5 million euros of EU funds. This EU support will allow the development of the technology platforms required to analyse and conserve plant biological resources, notably including the creation of a DNA bank. At the heart of global issues, ARCAD's ambition is to become an international reference in terms of Mediterranean and tropical crop genetic resources.
Agropolis plant modeling seminar 2014/03/27 and 2014/03/28, Agropolis International, Montpellier (France) Modeling plant development from the cellular to the organ scale
A seminar devoted to plant modeling is organized the first Friday of each month at 11h at the Agropolis amphitheatre
Call for abstract -deadline 16.05.2014 - Advances in Food Processing - Brazil 5-7 November 2014. Submit your abstract here – deadline 16 May 2014 topics : Sustainability – efficient use of resources and energy / Innovative products, ingredients and packaging / Food safety and quality
Within the framework of Feeding The Planet project, Agropolis International is working with ITAL and will meet them on May, 2014. Find below information on an international congress to be held in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil from 5-7 November 2014 : Advances in Food Processing: Challenges for the Future Organized by Elsevier, the world's leading provider of science and health information and with the technical and scientific coordination of the Brazilian Institute of Food Technology (Instituto de Tecnologia de Alimentos, ITAL) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging (Fraunhofer IVV, Germany), this international congress will address the unique challenges faced by food processing industries and researchers.
10-11 April 2014, organized by Agreenium at Agropolis International, Montpellier (France) : 1st MEETING OF THE TAP GLOBAL TASK FORCE (Tropical Agriculture Platform). The TAP (a G20 initiative) objective is to enhance Capacity Development (CD) for Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS). One of the first tasks of TAP is therefore to facilitate the emergence of a common language and a shared understanding of the scope of the challenge.
In developing countries, most of the challenges facing agriculture and natural resources management can be addressed through innovation. But many developing countries don’t have sufficient resources or capacities to develop their innovation systems effectively. The capacity gap is worse in the tropics, where poverty is pervasive. In an effort to address this problem, the G20 Agriculture Ministers requested that FAO lead the development of TAP. The G8 leadership also endorsed the development of TAP.
Focus on Eco&Sols Joint Research Unit (UMR)(Functional Ecology & Biochemistry of Soils and Agroecosystems)
From “Agropolis International Newsletter”, January 2014
Call for Proposals Agropolis Fondation 2014 Open Science - “Training and Higher Education” supporting projects dedicated to training and higher education in the domain of "agronomy for sustainable development."
Recognizing that one of the driving forces of the Labex Agro scientific community is the synergy between higher education and research, this CfP aims to support projects dedicated to training and higher education in the domain of "agronomy for sustainable development.”
Deadline for the submission of proposals : 26 march 2014, noon (French time)
Just out : A new website for Medivercities network: www.medivercities.org
Agropolis International is a partner of MediverCities network for the preservation of biodiversity in the Mediterranean area
Agropolis International wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Download the INTA bibliometric survey (2007-2012) - Cartography of international collaborations involving INTA, Instituto nacional de tecnologia agropecuaria (Argentina)
Realised by Odile Bedu, Agreenium, Dominique Fournier, INRA and Chantal Salson, Agropolis International
Download the LABINTEX presentation leaflet (2012, November)
The setting up of this LABINTEX aims at reinforcing cooperation between Argentina and the Scientific community in Europe on the following issues: emergent technologies (biotechnology, nanotechnology, ICTs, etc.) ; Agro-food and agro-business technologies; Technologies for environmental conservation and sustainable management ;Organizational innovations (rural development, family agriculture, extension).
See videos of the interviews presented to illustrate Labintex cooperation at the "French-Argentinean Days of Cooperation for the Innovation: Agriculture, Territories and Environment" on November 2013, 26th -28th, in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Interviews of Roberto Cittadini, INTA , Christophe Soulard, UMR INNOVATION, Cecilia Vazquez Rovere, INTA, Bertrand Muller and Christine Granier UMR LEPSE from agropolis International on Vimeo.
The " France - Argentina Days of the Cooperation for Innovation: Agriculture, Territories and Environment " took place on November 26th and 27th, 2013 in Buenos Aires, Argentina
This meeting organized by the Argentinian National Institute for Agricultural Technology (INTA) with the support of the French Embassy in Buenos Aires, aims at, on the one hand, showing the rich history of the cooperation developed between both countries in the scientific and technological domain, and on the other hand, evaluating the future perspectives for the interinstitutional cooperation.
Just out in the series "Les dossiers d’Agropolis International": "Collections taxonomiques, collections vivantes et ressources génétiques pour la biodiversité" (In French) Number 17 - October 2013 - 75 pages
The series "Les dossiers d’Agropolis International" is a deliverable of Agropolis International, produced within the scope of its mission to promote expertise of the scientific community. English and Spanish Versions will be published shortly.
Call for paper until January 15th, 2014 for the 10th conference " Ecology and Behaviour " which will take place on 12th – 16th May 2014 in Montpellier
In the context of the rapid degradation of ecosystems, developing a fundamental research of quality in ecology and evolutionary biology is essential . Therefore, throughout this project, we propose a coordinated meeting around ecology, evolutionary biology, and animal behaviour designed for young researchers (phD students, post-doctoral researchers).
Agropolis International is leading the STK4SD consortium for the organization in 2015 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) 3rd Scientific Conference (CNULCD)
Combating drought, land degradation and desertification for poverty reduction and sustainable development: the contribution of science, technology, traditional knowledge and practices: this is the theme of the next Scientific Conference organized at the beginning of 2015 by a consortium led by Agropolis International, within the framework of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Third International Science and policy Conference on the resilience of social and ecological systems. The conference "Resilience 2014" will take place in Montpellier, France, on May 4-8, 2014
This conference is organized by the "French node" of the Resilience Alliance network (CIRAD - CNRS - IRSTEA- INRA), Agropolis International and their partners of the campus of Montpellier Early-bird registration is extended until 10 March 2014
Download the book of abstracts of the 5th AESOP Conference on Sustainable Food Planning/"Innovations in urban food systems which took place on October, 28th-29th, 2013, in Agropolis International, Montpellier
This event has been organised by the two research labs UMR Innovation and UMR Moisa (that are joint research units from INRA, CIRAD and Supagro) in connection with the UNESCO Chair on World Food Systems and the research program SURFOOD (Sustainable Urban Food) funded by the Agropolis Foundation.
The Water and Environment Institute of Montpellier (IM2E) has been launched on November 2013, 21st-22nd, at Agropolis International, Montpellier
The objective is to propose a scientific animation for 14 laboratories / teams involved in the IM2E Institute and to strengthen partnerships with companies
They take place from 5.30 to 7.30 pm (2 hours per week for 10 weeks = 20 hours of training) - Fee: 100 euros.
ALL CANDIDATES are kindly requested to fill in the pre-registration form online; confirmation message with details about the course will be sent by email AFTER 13th January.
Download the press release about the visit of the "Feeding the Planet" board in Chile.
Eurochile organized a seminar that supports the strategic alliance between Chile and Europe in the food production area.
5th Qualiméditerranée's meetings took place on November 13th and 14th, in Montpellier : Food Safety: what are the innovations that can control contaminants and check the authentication of agricultural and food products?
The Euraxess Centre Languedoc-Roussillon -Researchers in Motion assistance-is now on Facebook
The EURAXESS Services Centre of Montpellier Languedoc Roussillon assists mobile researchers and their family in every step of their move; it is dedicated to PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, visiting researchers and professors hosted in higher education and research institutions.
The European project "Feeding the Planet" aims at developing international partnerships for companies and laboratories in the field of agro-food and agro-biotechnologies
After an exploratory mission to Punjab and to the wine-producing region of Nazik in India in May, 2013 in order to identify potential clusters or structures with whom to collaborate, another mission to Brazil, in the States of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais is planned at the end of October 2013. A mission to Chile followed in Santiago de Chile with 2 companies from Languedoc-Roussillon area.
Horizon 2020 : information meetings on the new European program for research and innovation Horizon 2020 and first calls for proposals for 2014.
Review of "Stakes and perspectives of transmediterranean scientific research"(in french): Seminary organized by the French National Research Agency (ANR) and Agropolis international within the framework of TRANSMED program on September, 19th and 20th, 2013 at Agropolis International, Montpellier
Articulated around the launching of research projects selected within the 2012 Transmed program, this seminary will give a wide range of opportunities to different categories of stakeholders- scientists, representatives of institutions and decision-makers - to share their vision of interdisciplinary research at stake in the Mediterranean area.
Eric Fargeas, new Director of Agropolis International Association
This decision has been approved during the Association Bureau on September 12th, 2013 and Eric Fargeas took up his office immediately
See Sir G. Conway’s presentation of the Montpellier Panel report "Sustainable Intensification: A new paradigm for African Agriculture" in Montpellier, on September 10th , 2013
Gordon Conway is a Professor of International Development at Imperial College, London and Director of Agriculture for Impact.
See the video of Philippe PETITHUGUENIN's interview : What is IntensAfrica ? on the occasion of the conference day "New orientations for the agronomic research" on September, 10th, 2013 at Agropolis International, Montpellier
Philippe PETITHUGUENIN is the CIRAD Deputy Director General in charge of Research and Strategy
Save the date: 14th Meeting HélioSPIR on Wednesday, November 13th at Agropolis International, Montpellier on infrared Spectrometry and heterogeneousness theme (spatial heterogeneousness, population heterogeneousness, sample heterogeneousness)
October 18th : Steering Committee Meeting of the Feeding the Planet project (European Bio Food Clusters on the World Stage), at Agropolis International, Montpellier
Three European clusters in the field of agriculture, agro-food and agro-biotechnologies - Milan, Montpellier, Wageningen - gather their skills to set up a European World Class Cluster, to generate a joint offer of expertise on international level for clusters in Brazil, Chile, the USA and India. Next missions scheduled: Brazil (Sao Paolo and Minas Gerais States) and Chile : End October and 1st week November 2013.
See presentations and videos about the ´New orientations for the agronomic research´-September, 10th, 2013 (in french)
This conference day took place at Agropolis International, in Montpellier.
AFRESH European project Joint Action Plan (JAP) is on-line. The project is coordinated by Agropolis International with the support of numerous regional partners.
AFRESH European project –Activities and food for regional economies supporting health: mobilize 8 clusters skills to strengthen innovation and develop common research priorities.
Adriana Maria Descalzo, a senior researcher at the INTA Food Technology Institute (Argentina), is posted at CIRAD (Qualisud joint research unit – Montpellier SupAgro, CIRAD, UM1, UM2) since July 2013 for a joint research project on 'tools for designing new foods containing natural functional ingredients’.
The Agropolis International mobile site is now available in English version
m.agropolis.org
October, 24th: Warm up workshop ‘Agroecological Transitions and Resilience’ at Agropolis International, Montpellier
It is part of a workshop series in preparation of the 2014 Resilience Conference to be held in Montpellier, France.
5th AESOP Sustainable Food Planning Conference "Innovation in urban food systems" took place on October, 28th-29th, 2013 at Agropolis International, Montpellier.
Agropolis International is a partner of the 5th AESOP Sustainable Food Planning Conference
November, 6-8th : Live streaming video - Capitalisation Workshop multi-country agroecology support program (PAMPA) in Montpellier
RIME PAMPA project is an International Agroecology Support Program. The aim of the RIME PAMPA project is to characterize and assess the impact and likely effects of no-till farming in developing countries.The workshop is open to all stakeholders involved in the promotion of an environmentally sustainable intensive agriculture in developing countries.
Forward-thinking workshop on the Mediterranean Sea: Agropolis International is coordinating the MER-MED project
MER-MED project: 'adaptation to environmental changes in the Mediterranean sea: which research priorities and partnerships ?' an initiative of the French National Research Agency (ANR)
The Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Commission of Agropolis International will present a poster during the XIVth World Congress of IAALD (International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists), July 21-24, 2013, Cornell University,
download the poster of the IST Committee >>
Agropolis International becomes a partner of MediverCities network for the preservation of biodiversity in the Mediterranean area
Ms. Mandroux, Mayor of Montpellier (France) was elected President of the new MediverCities network, officially launched in Sarajevo, Bosnia-and-Herzegovina (17th May, 2013). The Languedoc-Roussillon is also a founding member. Set up under the aegis of the UNCBD, Medivercities is an open network for Mediterranean national and subnational governments, local authorities, cities and their partners (academia or scientific institutions) dedicated to the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and related multilateral regional agreements.
See the video of Agroecology Seminar Montpellier 04.06.2013 : Challenges for sustaining soil functions in oil palm plantings
By Paul Nelson (James Cook Univ., Australia /senior fellowship sabbatical at CIRAD UR34-Performances of Perennial Cropping Systems)
United in the combat against desertification: Agropolis International has been appointed by the UNCCD Secretariat as the leader of consortium set up for the organization of its next scientific conference to be held in late 2014
Five key research institutions, working in the field of desertification and land degradation, are joining their efforts under the umbrella of the "Scientific & Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Development" consortium, to support the UNCCD Secretariat in the organization of the 3rd UNCCD scientific conference on 'Combating drought, land degradation and desertification for poverty reduction and sustainable development: the contribution of science, technology, traditional knowledge and practices'. The consortium brings together: Agropolis International, DesertNet International, the CGIAR Consortium, the Sahel and Sahara Observatory, the Argentinian Research Institute for Dry areas (IADIZA), Contact: sc.unccd@agropolis.org
Save the date for the 5th « Qualiméditerranée’s meetings » November 13-14,2013, Montpellier
The purpose of the 5th « Qualiméditerranée’s meetings » is to is to favorise exchanges between companies, research laboratories and technical centers, to encourage innovative and collaborative projects.
The " France - Argentina Days of the Cooperation for Innovation: Agriculture, Territories and Environment " are taking place on November 26th and 27th, 2013 in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Publication of the English version of the "French Scientific Committee on Desertification (CSFD)" website : 17 June,2013
The World Day to Combat Desertification is Monday, 17 June On this occasion, the French Scientific Committee on Desertification (CSFD), hosted and managed by Agropolis International, launches the English version of its website devoted to knowledge dissemination to the general public.
English version of CSFD website
Conference:The inside story of the Food Valley Cluster concept. A lecture about attracting International food companies for clusters and science parks - July 1, 2013, 14:30-16:30 - Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
Conference speakers :Bernold Kempering (Director foreign investments agro food & biobased industries) and Linze Rijswijk (senior Project manager regional development and innovation), Oost NV (East Netherlands Development Agency),involved in the setup of the Food Valley cluster. Conference in English. Interested by this experience, register ...
Agropolis International Newsletter, Issue number 14, June 2013
Table of contents : Focus on the activities of international organizations located on the Agropolis Campus, just published, Feeding the planet european project, Inprofood european project, ARP MER-MED, Just published, training AgroParisTech, Focus on MIVEGEC
www.foodtech-portal.eu, « Open-innovation » in agro-food: launching of Food TIP, a European portal for innovation in agro-food sector.
Food TIP has been developped in the framework of the European project HighTech Europe (2009-2013) which associates 22 European public and private partners including Agropolis International
Next seminar (Scientific animation on Agroecology - Ecological intensification of cropping systems)in Montpellier on June 04,2013:Challenges for sustaining soil functions in oil palm plantings
Date:June 04,2013
Topic :Challenges for sustaining soil functions in oil palm plantings
The International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) will take place in Montpellier, at Corum Conference Centre, in August 2015
The French candidacy jointly supported by the Foundation for Research on Biodiversity and Agropolis International has been accepted by the Society for Conservation Biology. This event which is recognized as the most important international meeting for conservation professionals (last held in Europe in 2002 will gather between 1500 and 2000 participants interested in conservation science and practice: researchers, students, educators, managers of protected areas, decision makers, NGO, representatives of the civil society. This success results from the fruitful collaboration between the stakeholders involved in biodiversity: the French State, local authorities, the national and regional scientific community and their partners.
Next Icra francophone programme "Ingénierie et Gestion de Programmes d'Apprentissage Interactif pour l'Innovation Rurale" will take place from 27th January to 14th February 2014, in Wageningen, The Netherlands
Deadline for applications : 30th April 2013
LABINTEX Argentina : a new researcher has arrived in Montpellier
The LABINTEX /External Laboratory of INTA (Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuária, Argentina) was set up in November 2012 at Agropolis International after the arrival of the first coordinator of the project Daniel REARTE. A second researcher has come to Europe this week in the framework of the LABINTEX: Roberto Cittadini will be hosted at UMR INNOVATION (Innovation and development in Agriculture and agro-food), on Inra Campus La Gaillarde.
Collaboration between three European Bio Food Clusters to promote their skills and set up partnerships with clusters (WCC) in Brazil, Chile, the USA and India
In this project, 3 European clusters in the field of agriculture, agro-food and agro-biotechnologies –Milan, Montpellier, Wageningen- gather their skills to set up a European World Class Cluster. The objective is to promote a joint offer at the international level for clusters in Brazil, Chile, the USA and India
Les Dossiers d'Agropolis International 'Green technologies' (Number 16 - February 2013 - 48 pages)
The series 'Les dossiers d’Agropolis International' is a deliverable of Agropolis International, produced within the scope of its mission to promote expertise of the scientific community. English and Spanish Versions will be published shortly.
Conference 'Health Connect 2013', may 7-8, 2013 (Stuttgart, Germany).
They are joined by public health policy-makers on national, regional and local level as well as by Members of the European Parliament, including top experts and practitioners in innovation, social sciences and communication. Their common topic: Better lifestyle and improved health management at work, in school and families
Call for abstracts International conference "5th AESOP Conference on Sustainable Food Planning" Innovations in urban food systems,October 28-29, 2013, Montpellier - Dead line : June 30, 2013
The 5th AESOP Conference on Sustainable Food Planning will be held in Montpellier, France, on October 28-29, 2013. This conference will focus on Innovations in urban food systems, with specific sessions on flows, land and governance.
Embrapa’s President Director General (Brazil) will make a visit to France
On the occasion of the arrival of the new coordinator of Labex-Europe in Montpellier, President Director General of Embrapa (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Brazil) Mauricio A. Lopes, will come to France from 11th to 13th March, 2013. A series of meetings are scheduled, first in Paris and then in Montpellier with different institutions (Cirad, Inra, Montpellier SupAgro, Agreenium, IRD, CNRS, Irstea, UM2, CGIAR Consortium, Ministry of agriculture-DGER, Agropolis International) leading to the signing or renewing of several cooperation agreements.
A new coordinator for Brazilian "Labex Europe" of Embrapa (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária). Claudio REIS DE CARVALHO succeeds Pedro BRAGA ARCURI as the new coordinator of Labex Europe" (Embrapa's external laboratory) in March 2013.
His office will be located at Agropolis International, the Headquarters of LABEX-Europe since 2002.
14th March 2013, 10h30-12h, Agropolis International, Montpellier Cirad and Agropolis International co-organise a public conference on International Strategy, Horizon 2020 with John Claxton, Deputy Head of unit Policy coordination
Cirad and Agropolis International co-organise this public conference
Bernard Hubert re-elected to the presidency of Agropolis International
Bernard Hubert was unanimously re-elected by the Association Board of Trustees, on 14th February, 2013 (Montpellier).
February, 21 & 22, 2013 - SESAME: Seminar on Water and Food Security in the Mediterranean, Agropolis International, Montpellier (France)
This seminary is organized within the framework of '2013, International Year of Water Cooperation'. It will gather, upon invitation only, an assembly of 150 experts and decision-makers from all over the Mediterranean rim. A policy brief will be published as an output of this seminar. In addition, plenary speakers and organisers will be invited to form a think-tank about the links between water and food security in the Mediterranean.
Meeting of the International Society for History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Biology (ISHPSSB), Montpellier, France, July 7-12, 2013.
The International Society for History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Biology (ISHPSSB) brings together scholars from diverse disciplines, including the life sciences as well as history, philosophy, and social studies of science. ISHPSSB summer meetings are known for innovative, transdisciplinary sessions, and for fostering informal, co-operative exchanges and on-going collaborations
See the video of Bernard Hubert –President of Agropolis International– introducing Round table organized on the occasion of the book release " Renewing Innovation Systems in Agriculture and Food: How to go towards more sustainability? January, 21st, 2013
Round table organized on the occasion of the book release 'Renewing Innovation Systems in Agriculture and Food: How to go towards more sustainability?' from ISDA 2010 symposium /Innovation and Sustainable Development in Agriculture (June 28th - July 1st, 2010, Montpellier)
See the video of Harriet Friedmann (University of Toronto): comments on the book "Renewing Innovation Systems in Agriculture and Food" January, 21st, 2013 - Agropolis International, Montpellier
Round table organized on the occasion of the book release ‘Renewing Innovation Systems in Agriculture and Food: How to go towards more sustainability?’ from ISDA 2010 symposium /Innovation and Sustainable Development in Agriculture (June 28th - July 1st, 2010, Montpellier)
31st January, 2014 – 11am to 1pm Agropolis International - Montpellier (France) - Take part in the Symposium organized by the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) - Section Europe ‘Bridging the gap:From global conservation policy to European research’
The International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) to be held in Montpellier (France) in August 2015 will be jointly organized by the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), the French Foundation for Research on Biodiversity (FRB) and Agropolis International. To prepare this event, the Executive Board of SCB Europe has decided to meet in Montpellier (France) and to organize a symposium aiming at exchanging viewpoints and concerns about biodiversity conservation issues.
Just out: a new website on CIRAD’s activities in the Mediterranean area is now available : www.mediterranee.cirad.fr
Priority area of scientific investment for Cirad, Mediterranean area has now a dedicated Web site. Discover, on www.mediterranee.cirad.fr, activities in which the establishment leads for the world agronomic research.
See the seminar video of E. Somarriba du CATIE - Agroecology seminar - January 15,2013 : Trading-off cacao yields, carbon stocks and biodiversity in cocoa agroforestry
Global changes have immense impacts on human societies. For instance, the livelihoods of poor rural families and the sustainable management of their natural resources have been shown to be severely impacted by economic globalization and climate change. To tackle these adverse effects in tropical regions, global society and national governments seek to enhance the sustainability of the rural livelihoods, generate wealth and reduce both poverty and the vulnerability of rural economies, increase the resilience and adaptive capacity of households to climate change, and promote the shift to green economies with low carbon emissions and high carbon storage.
Just out: CIRAD's new online photo library
Some 14 000 photos on agronomy in warm regions are now freely accessible on the Internet thanks to Ciradimages, CIRAD's new online photo library
'Valorisation Sud' Consortium: for the emergence of a technology market in the South :The funding agreement for the CVT was signed with the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) on 17 December 2012
The French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), the Institut Pasteur, the Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) and the four universities in the French overseas regions have joined forces to promote French research in favour of development in the South, in the form of a thematic promotion consortium (CVT): "Valorisation Sud"
Just out : A new web site for the Host-Vector-Parasite Interactions in Infections by Trypanosomatidae
Joint Research Unit (UMR InterTryp - CIRAD, IRD) which develops prevention and control methods against infections by Trypanosomatidae, tailored to the constraints in developing countries.
See the seminar video of Fabrice DeClerck, Bioversity International
Seminar on December 12th, 2012 : Putting biodiversity to work for sustainable agriculture: A multi scalar and multifunctional approach to managing ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes
February 5, 2013 – (10-12 Am) Agropolis International, Montpellier: Agroecological alternatives to fight against dry and salty stress in agriculture: association between quinoa and other plants species in arid conditions of Chile - Didier Bazile (UPR Gree
Several joint agricultural research units in Montpellier from CIRAD, INRA, IRD and SupAgro have initiated a monthy cycle of seminars and debates, in partnership with Agropolis International, around ecological intensification of cropping systems.
February 1, 2013: 2nd international symposium : Water, energy, land and jobs: What resources are needed to feed towns sustainably? - Montpellier SupAgro (France)
This international symposium fits in with the knowledge-sharing objective of the UNESCO Chair. In particular, it is aimed at fostering debate between teachers, researchers, public- and private-sector managers, professional organisations, associations, and civil society as a whole.
Download posters of the French delegation at the Second Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD) which took place from October 29th till November 1st, 2012 in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
The CRAI (French Commission for international agricultural research) coordinated the French participation to this event.
Interview of Pamela Ronald (University of Davis, USA) realized during the November 19th Inaugural Lesson on the theme "Vegetable genetics and the future of food"
Pamela C. Ronald is a Professor at the University of California, Davis, in the Department of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center, and also serves as Director of Grass Genetics at the Joint BioEnergy Institute. She is currently on sabbatical leave at IRD in Montpellier (France).
October 29th, 2012 : Doctors Pamela Ronald and Matty Demont were awarded the Agropolis Fondation's Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize Distinguished Scientist and Young Promising Scientist during GCARD2 Ceremony, in Punta del Este, Uruguay
Doctors Pamela Ronald and Matty Demont were awarded the Agropolis Fondation's Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize Distinguished Scientist and Young Promising Scientist, respectively in a ceremony held during the 2nd Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD2) on 29 October in Punta del Este, Uruguay. The two winners each received 20000 euros and a certificate. This year's Prize is also supported by the Languedoc Roussillon Region.
The Labex-Europe program of EMBRAPA (Brazil) celebrated its 10 years of presence in Montpellier (October 2012)
Since 2002, Agropolis International is hosting Embrapa Labex Europe and plays the role of a portal of access and facilitator for Embrapa and its local partners. The LABEX Europe aims to post Senior scientists in cutting-edge teams located in France and Europe where they work on the issues they have selected.
See videos realized during the Firstnd production systems - Montpellier - August 2012, 27th-30th
January 15th, 2013 : Scientific animation on Agroecology, 10h - 12h, Agropolis International, Montpellier (France)
Trading-off cacao yields, carbon stocks and biodiversity in cocoa agroforestry / E. Somarriba du CATIE, O. Deheuvels, R. Cerda
Within the project framework, two colleagues of the ENSA administration (Mrs Eski and Saadoune) are doing a one-month internship at Montpelier SupAgro, since the beginning of November 2012
Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy to improve the environment - A Statement from the 12th Congress of the European Society for Agronomy
At the University of Helsinki, leading crop scientists attending the 12th Congress of the European Society for Agronomy confirmed that agronomic measures such as support for greater crop diversity can be used in CAP reform to improve the environmental performance of cropping systems
Call for papers for the 11th International Water Association Conference on instrumentation control and automation (ICA 2013), 18-20 September 2013, Narbonne,France. Deadline : 20th of December 2012
Call for abstract for the First International Conference on Global Food Security - 29 September - 2 October 2013, Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands. Deadline: 10 May 2013
The First International Conference on Global Food Security aims to deliver state-of-the-art analysis, inspiring visions and innovative research methods arising from interdisciplinary research.
The 2nd "Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development" (GCARD) took place on 29th October-1st November in Punta del Este (Uruguay)
The CRAI (French Commission for international agricultural research) coordinated the French participation to the Second Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development
Thematic school " membrane transport in plant ", in the Master's degree framework " Functional Biology of Plants / biotechnologies of tropical Plants ", on November 26-30th, 2012, Institute for Integrative Plant Biology (IBIP)
FREE - Registration required
Campus de la Gaillarde, Montpellier
Over one hundred international researchers have registered in the French courses set up by LR Euraxess Centre, from October to December, 2012.
Colloquium «Circulations and appropriations of standards and models of local action", organized by the UMR ART-Dev, 20 - 23 March, 2013, Agropolis International, Montpellier
INTA (Argentina) settles down in Montpellier to develop scientific cooperations in Europe
The LABINTEX programme of INTA in France is a strategic action because it allows Argentina to be positioned on cutting-edge research by cooperating with European partners
See in the series Les dossiers d’Agropolis International - Special partnership: From Brazil to Europe: 10 years of the Labex Program, model of laboratory without walls of Embrapa (Number 15 - October, 2012 - 48 pages)
The series "Les dossiers d’Agropolis International" is a deliverable of Agropolis International, produced within the scope of its mission to promote expertise of the scientific community.
Daniel Horacio REARTE, has taken his functions as the first coordinator of the Labintex/External Laboratory of INTA which has been set up along the lines of the Brazilian Embrapa-Laboratory at Agropolis International
INTA : Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Argentina
November 15th, 2012 - First workshop, to gather stakeholders of the food-health issue at national level, Paris
Agropolis International participates in the European project INPROFOOD (2011-2013): "Towards inclusive research programming for sustainable food innovations".
15th & 16th November 2012, Rencontres Qualiméditerranée 2012 - Scientific and business meeting - "Plant nutrition : innovating for a competitive and sustainable agriculture", Montpellier, France
The purpose of the « Qualiméditerranée’s meetings 2012 » is to create an opportunity for exchange and bring together industry, research laboratories and technical centers, to encourage partnerships and innovative and collaborative projects: put forward your skills while creating national, European, Mediterranean and international synergies.
Official launching of LABINTEX programme of INTA (Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria – Argentina) took place on November 29th and 30th 2012 at Agropolis International - Montpellier (France)
October 8th, 2013 : Which mathematical formalizations of resilience and what for ? Warm up workshop organized in Montpellier in the framework of 2014 Resilience Conference
It is part of a workshop series in preparation for the 2014 Resilience Conference to be held in Montpellier, France. This specific workshop focuses on the different trends of research on mathematical formalizations of resilience and on their practical use.
16th October, 2012 - At Maison des Syndicats (room Fernand Pelloutier), Place Zeus - 6.30 pm to 8 pm Conference for the general public on (free) link"Amazonia, the cradle of sustainable agriculture", by Doyle Mc Key (Cnrs researcher)
10th anniversary of Brazilian "Labex Europe" (Embrapa's external laboratory) at Agropolis International (2002-2012)
Interview with PedroArcuri, coordinator of Labex Europe since 2009 'LabEx Europe—an External Laboratory of Embrapa—has been hosted by Agropolis International for 10 years'
The Agropolis International Newsletter interviewed Pedro Arcuri, Coordinator of LabEx Europe since 2009.
17th October, 2012 : Sciencific event of the Biological Society of Montpellier
"France-Brazil 2012: scientific research dedicated to agronomy, biodiversity and health" organized by the Biological Society of Montpellier, Embrapa’s Labex Europe and Agropolis International
Agropolis International supported the 12th ESA Congress (European Society of Agronomy) -August 20-24, 2012. Helsinki, Finland
As an outcome of ESA12, a Statement on the Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy to improve the environment has been issued and publicised in EU policy circles
Montpellier is hosting the 18th European Society for Vector Ecology (E-SOVE) Conference from 8 to 11 October 2012, on the topic of "From biology to integrated control in a changing world"
Montpellier network on Vectors and Emerging Diseases (VME), is pleased to invite you to participate in the 18th E-SOVE Conference Montpellier 2012, organised in the “Palais des Congrès” of the Corum, Montpellier, France, from 8th to 11th October 2012. Approximatly 300 participants are expected, mainly from Europe but also from America, Africa and Middle East.
Just out : 2nd edition 2012 "Agronomy - Crops and cropping systems" Les dossiers d'Agropolis International
The information presented in this Dossier was valid on 30/05/2010. The date related to the research units have been updated on 07/12
Call for abstracts and sessions : Resilience 2014 (may 4-8, 2013)
The deadline for session as well as abstract submission is September 8, 2013.
Call for papers for the 6th International Water Association Conference on sustainable viticulture (Winery 2013), 26-30 May 2013, Narbonne,France
Deadline: October 31th 2012
A new website for École des Mines (French engineering school) of Alès, an Agropolis International member institution
Discover this portal of information with an entrance for each type of public using Web 2.0 resources
November 20th, 2012 : Workshop by Hightech Europe, side-event of the Effost Conference – Montpellier, France
The workshop will take up the aspects of knowledge and technology transfer in the food domain, and will debate about the most efficient ways to match research results with industrial requirements in a changing European context.
The 2013 "Agropolis Fondation - Cariplo" Joint Call for Proposals (CfP) is now open. The current CfP shall cover all cereals other than rice. Deadline for the submission of proposals : 13 September 2013
Referred to as Ceres Initiative, this second Joint Call for Proposals (CfP) is being made within the framework of the Partnership Agreement between Agropolis Fondation and Fondazione Cariplo.
Call for paper for the 11th International Conference ICA 2013 (Instrumentation, Control and Automation) organized by Environmental biotechnology laboratory (LBE) of Inra, under IWA aegis (International Water Association) - September 18-20th, 2013, Narbonn
Closing date: December 20th, 2012
See the new video about Refuge (The RicE FUnctional GEnomics platform), an international platform funded by Agropolis Fondation and set up by the AGAP and DIADE research units
REFUGE (The RicE FUnctional GEnomics platform), an international hosting platform using rice as a model system to elucidate gene function through functional genomics strategies, opens to the international plant science community.
Call for papers for ESEE 2013, the 10th International conference of the European Society for Ecological Economics, which will be held in June 18-21, 2013, Lille, France
ESEE 2013 is organized by the European Society for Ecological Economics in collaboration with CLERSE (Université Lille1 - CNRS, France) and REGARDS (Université de Reims Champagne - Ardenne, France).
The banana genome has been sequenced
Two French research organizations, CIRAD and CEA-Genoscope, with funding from the National Research Agency (ANR), have just finished, in two years, sequencing the species Musa acuminata which is a component in every edible variety (dessert and cooking bananas).
The Production and Conservation in Partnership Research Platform (RP-PCP), which associates two universities in Zimbabwe, CIRAD and the CNRS, now has its own website
The site provides a wealth of information on the activities of this research platform in partnership .
The Research Platform « Production and Conservation in Partnership » (RP-PCP) was formally established in 2007 and renewed in 2010 after an external evaluation conducted by an external experts' panel.
CIRAD, a member of Agropolis International, has inaugurated, its new Biomass & Energy Platform, in June 2012, in Montpellier, France
Michel Salas, CIRAD Regional Director for Languedoc-Roussillon, inaugurated the new Biomass & Energy Platform in Montpellier on Monday 25 June 2012, in the presence of Jacques Moret, Regional Commissioner for Research and Technology, and the whole of the scientific community concerned.
Agropolis International hosts the headquarters of the International Network in rural and agricultural training (FAR)
Founded in 2005 at French initiative, the international network FAR assembles stakeholders involved in vocational training systems aimed at rural development in Southern countries. Its issues are related to professional training of rural population in order to fight against poverty and hunger.
13th Congress of the International Society of Ethnobiology (20-25 May 2012, Montpellier -France-). See the review in french of the congress. Organised by IRD with the support of Agropolis International
Page in french
Remembering Elinor Ostrom (1933-2012). Agropolis International pays tribute to Elinor Ostrom, the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences, who passed away at the age of 78
An Indiana University Distinguished Professor, Elinor Ostrom honored the regional and national scientific community on the occasion of her visit to Montpellier and Paris last year (20th to 24th June 2011)
A new website for the CGIAR
CGIAR is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food secure future. The new website is also available in French and Spanish.
1st International Conference "Organic Rice Farming and Production Systems". Aug. 27-30, 2012. Montpellier, France
The main objective of the conference is to stimulate and favour exchanges between researchers, between stakeholders in the rice production chain and between researchers and stakeholders. The conference is organised into an introductory session followed by six theme based sessions. Each session is based on presentations combined with exchanges between scientists, ricegrowers and other stakeholders in the organic rice production and commercialisation chain.
The 2012 Agropolis Fondation "Open Science" Call for Proposals (CfP) is open. The deadline for the submission of Proposals is on 14 September 2012 (noon, French time)
This CfP "Open Science" is aimed at promoting new ways of doing research, by favoring transformative approaches and innovative partnerships. The deadline for submission is September 14, 2012
French agricultural research community participates to the conference Rio+20. June 20-22, 2012. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Link to the video (in French and English) of the round table organized by CIRAD and INRA : Rio+20: agroscience takes up the challenge (with the contribution of Bernard Hubert (INRA, Agropolis International), Patrick Caron (CIRAD),Robert Habib (INRA),Étienne Hainzelin (CIRAD))
As part of the upcoming United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development RIO+20, CIRAD, Agreenium and Agropolis International will contribute to the debate by proposing global orchestration of agricultural research. Within the French delegation, they will be acting on behalf of other research organizations, and will also be involved in preparatory conferences and meetings.
Download the flyer of the Euraxess Services Centre in Languedoc-Roussillon
Download the flyer of the "Euraxess Services Centre in Languedoc-Roussillon", a tool to facilitate the stay of visiting international researchers
Call for papers for CANAL 2013, the International conference "Circulation and adoption of local action standards and models", which will be held in March 20-23, 2013, Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
Deadline for abstract submission: 15 September 2012
Call for participants in the International Federation of Operational Research Societies ICORD Workshop (Theme: Problem Structuring Methods) which will be held in October 12-13, 2012, Djerba Island, Tunisia
Theme: Problem Structuring Methods
Submit your curriculum vitae together with a letter explaining how you feel that the workshop could be useful to your teaching and/or practice no later than July 30, 2012
AGRI-CULTURES: Summer School 2012, from 2nd July to 30th August 2012, in Montpellier, organized by Montpellier SupAgro. Open to non-French-speaking Master and PhD students who wants to perfect their French and discover the French farming community
The Summer School is an intensive two-month programme that offers both French language courses and a discovery of French culture and agriculture. An exclusive experience taking place in July and August, in Montpellier, well-known as a lively university town in South of France, rich for its cultural and historical heritage.
Graduation Ceremony honouring the Executive Masters OpT Dennis Mwanza Class of 2012, International Executive Master in Water Utility Management delivered by AgroParis Tech, Monday 10th September 2012, Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
An AgroParisTech and Mines ParisTech Executive Master’s programme, created within the framework of the “Water for All” Chair (ParisTech and Suez-Environment - Water for All Foundation)
A new President for Montpellier University 2
On May 31, 2012, the Board of Trustees of Montpellier 2 University has elected Michel Robert as his new President.
Save the date: September, 10th, 2013 at Agropolis International, Montpellier : Conferences and debates : New orientations for the agronomic research
Invited by Agropolis International, Sir Gordon Conway, Professor of International Development, Imperial College of London and Chairman of Montpellier Panel (initiated in 2010 with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on the occasion of the first GCARD and composed of 12 experts of international reputation) presents the new report ´Sustainable Intensification: A new paradigm for African Agriculture´ published in May 2013.
Daniel Horacio REARTE, an Agricultural Engineer at INTA will be the first coordinator of the Labintex/External Laboratory of INTA which has been set up along the lines of the Brazilian Embrapa-Laboratory at Agropolis International
He is expected to arrive in Montpellier by the end of September 2012. INTA : Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Argentina
The call for submission is open for the mobility program AgreenSkills
AgreenSkills is an open international mobility programme offering young researchers of all nationalities and all disciplinary fields, incoming and outcoming fellowships to develop challenging research projects in the fields of agriculture, food and nutrition, environment, animal health and veterinary public health. 142 fellowships with attractive recruitment conditions will be offered over four years.
A new website for Agreenium
Agreenium is a legal entity bringing together the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (Inra), the French Agricultural Research Center for Development (Cirad), the Paris Institute of Technology for Life, Food, and Environmental Sciences (AgroParisTech), the Institute for Higher Education in Agricultural, Agrifood, Horticultural and Landscape Sciences (Agrocampus Ouest), the International Centre for Higher Education in Agricultural Sciences (Montpellier SupAgro), and the National Veterinary School of Toulouse (ENVT) which has been replaced by the National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse (INPT).
Just out: Eportal Agronomy Research Expertise in Montpellier and Languedoc-Roussillon - Agronomy: crops and cropping systems
Electronic portal on the research on crops and cropping systems, a key area of excellence of the Agropolis International scientific community.
Agropolis International is associate partner in the Averroes programme (European programme Erasmus Mundus) piloted by Montpellier University 2.
The Averroès programme is a programme of University scholarships organised by 20 prestigious universities between Europe (Belgium, Spain, France and Italy) and the Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia) and more than 40 partners from both sides of the Mediterranean basin: associating universities and local, national and international socio-economic partners. Its objectives are to offer the best possible chances of success to the most brilliant students, academics and university personnel as well as to promote university and scientific excellence on both sides of the Mediterranean basin.
A new website for the Institute of Evolutionary Sciences (ISEM)
The researches at ISEM focuses on the patterns and mechanisms of evolution in the living world. It aims to better understand the processes involved in the origins and dynamics of biodiversity.
"Dr Robert J. Carsky Award 2012" goes to Dr. Marie-Noelle Ndjiondjop, a Molecular Biologist and a graduate of the University of Montpellier 2
Dr. Marie-Noelle Ndjiondjop, a Cameroun national, Molecular Biologist and Head of the Biotechnology Unit at AfricaRice, Benin, has received the Dr Robert J. Carsky Award for Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) due to her very important contributions to rice international science. Dr Robert J. Carsky Award is given by AfricaRice, a CGIAR international research center on rice.
Launching of the Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize for Agriculture and Food. Dead line for nominations : 16 July 2012, 14:00 (french time)
Agropolis Fondation created the Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize for Agriculture and Food which aims to recognize individuals for their exemplary and promising contribution in promoting agricultural innovation through research, development and capacity building in the North, South or in the Mediterranean in order to improve food and agricultural systems sustainability as well as contribute to addressing food security and poverty reduction. Deadline for nominations is July 16,2012.
Agropolis International has signed a partnership agreement with INTA (Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria - Argentina) to set up in Montpellier (France) a LABINTEX/Virtual Laboratories of Inta Abroad, (23rd March, 2012, Buenos Aires)
The aim of this agreement is to formalize the setting up in Montpellier of a LABINTEX/Virtual Laboratories of Inta Abroad, on the Embrapa’s European LABEX model, an original tool for international cooperation which was established at Agropolis International 10 years ago.
The CGIAR Consortium appoints a new Chief Executive Officer
The CGIAR Consortium announces the appointment of Dr. Frank Rijsberman as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Agropolis International at the 6th World Water Forum. March 12-17, 2012. Marseille, France
Upon invitation of the association VERSeau Développement, member of Agropolis International, and the World Water Council, Agropolis International has participated to the 6th World Water Forum, held in Marseille from March 12 to 17, 2012. On this occasion, Agropolis International has presented on March 14, at the World Water Council's booth, its special issue n° 14 of the "Dossier d'Agropolis International" on “Water resources: preservation and management” (also published in French and Spanish).
Visit of a delegation of IICA - Procisur "El Programa Cooperativo para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Agroalimentario y Agroindustrial del Cono Sur". Feb 6-9, 2012. Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
The PROCISUR program associates several agricultural centers: INTA (Argentina), INIAF (Bolivia),EMBRAPA (Brazil),INIA (Chile),DIA (Paraguay),INIA (Uruguay). In the context of the Cooperation Agreement signed in December 2010 between Agropolis International and PROCISUR, a PROCISUR delegation came to Montpellier in order to study scientific collaborations on water resources, prospective studies, innovation in agro-industry.
INRA at the 48th Paris International Agricultural Show. Feb. 25 - March 4, 2012. Paris, France
INRA's stand will present activities concerning its research on water, a vital resource. It will also be a venue for professional meetings and detailed information will be available on job offers and recruitment at INRA.
CIRAD at the 48th Paris International Agricultural Show. Feb. 25 - March 4, 2012. Paris, France
CIRAD will be at the 48th Paris International Agricultural Show with a stand on "Animal production, at the heart of global issues". On the stand, CIRAD will have an exhibit on "Animal production for development", including a zebu, two aquariums, tsetse flies, ticks and other animal disease vectors. It will offer also a tasting station with various animal products (dried bushmeat, smoked tilapia, camel's milk, buffalo milk cheese, etc). Coffee-talks, mini-conference-debates for the general public will be organized every morning and live broadcasted on CIRAD website
A new website for the European Research Group SYAL
The SYAL ERG (European Research Group) was created in January 2008 after the decision adopted during the SYAL Workshop in Collecchio-Italy (12-14 November, 2007 – Parma Declaration) to promote research on LOCALISED AGRIFOOD SYSTEMS at the European level.
Just out in the series Les dossiers d’Agropolis International "ECOTECHNOLOGIES" (Number 16 - December 2012 - 48 pages)
Recruitment of Master and Doctoral Candidates in Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development, Tongji University, PR China
In 2012, IESD will keep running the following programs: Master and doctoral programs in Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, International Master’s Program in Environmental Engineering,in Environmental Laws, in International Politics and Environmental Governance, in Green Environment and Energy Economics. To promote and encourage excellence in higher education in developing countries, Tongji University will provide limited scholarships (deadline for application is mid-March)
A new website for the research unit Recycling and Risk
The overall objective of the research conducted within the unit is to provide solutions to recycle organic materials and waste (manure, biosolids from the treatment of wastewater, effluents of agro-industry, green waste and household waste) by agricultural practices within controlled agro-environmental risks.
A Spanish website for Agropolis International
Made by the Agropolis International web team, this light Spanish version offers 15 pages. Projects including Hispanic partners are highlighted and news of possible interest for Hispanic net surfers are translated.
A new Master’s programme on Water
This Master’s programme on Water pools six Montpellier institutions that are involved in water research: UM1, UM2, UM3, Montpellier SupAgro, AgroParisTech- ENGREF and CIHEAM-IAM.M.
Agropolis International is member of the Bioenergiesud network
BIOENERGIESUD is a network that promotes innovation in the field of bioenergy. It brings together more than 100 structures, high-tech companies of all size, well-known research laboratories and innovation clusters of the Languedoc-Roussillon Region.
The 2011 «Agropolis Fondation - Capes» Joint Call for Proposals (CfP) is open.
This call is launched within the framework of the Partnership Agreement between Agropolis Fondation and the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (CAPES) signed on 01 July 2010. Deadline for submission: 10 February 2012.
Cemagref becomes Irstea, the National Research Institute of Science and Technology for Environment and Agriculture
Since November 2011, the Cemagref becomes IRSTEA (Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies pour l'environnement et l'agriculture). Users can discover a new version of the website where content and presentation have been reviewed and improved.
December 2012,10th and 11th: Spanish, Portuguese and French partners of the Red-Itaa project meet in Montpellier
Agropolis International participates together with the regional federation of agricultural cooperation (Coop de France Languedoc-Roussillon) to the European project RED-ITAA (European Network of Innovation and Technology in the Agricultural and Food Sectors).
Visit of a delegation of agrofood companies from Valparaiso, Chile. Nov.28, 2011
In the context of the “Project Management Program-Gore Valparaiso” with the Regional Government of Valparaiso managed by the International Cooperation Agency of Chile, AGCI y supported by the European Union, a delegation of 12 business managers from the agrofood sector came to Agropolis International on Nov.28, 2011.
Cooperation project with the National Advanced School of Agronomy (ENSA) of Algiers
Agropolis International scientific community participates to the reform process of the National Advanced School of Agronomy of Algiers (Algeria). In this context, a delegation of 8 professors-researchers from ENSA came to Montpellier from dec. 6 to 9, 2011.
The City of Montpellier, has been chosen as France’s “Biodiversity Capital” for 2011
The City of Montpellier has been chosen as France’s “Biodiversity Capital” for 2011 in a competition offering rewards for local authorities committed to preserving biodiversity. The competition is held under the auspices of the French environment ministry and is supported by numerous partner associations (LPO, OPIE, ONF, UNAF, WWF) and networks. Read the article in Agropolis International newsletter # 11, October 2011.
Creation of a new expertise cluster aimed at controlling infectious diseases: National Centre of Expertise for Vectors (CNEV)
The CNEV has been established for an initial five-year period, under the authority of the Ministries of Health and of Agriculture, in liaison with the Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail (ANSES). It is a multidisciplinary structure, and has been set the task, with a view to providing decision support, of rapidly and efficiently mobilizing the available French expertise and skills in terms of medical and veterinary entomology, vector control, and the human and social sciences applied to public health. The CNEV associates a large number of French research organizations and operational surveillance and control structures involved in disease vector control.
Download the flyer "French International Agricultural Research System" - February 2012
This document, prepared by the French Commission for International Agricultural Research (CRAI) aims to present the French agricultural and research and training system and the tools implemented to benefit the global agricultural research system.
French courses organized by Euraxess services. Next session from January to April 2012.
French courses are offered to: PhD students, post-docs, researchers and professors registered as «Guest-researchers» who stay over 3 months in Montpellier.
Inauguration of the LabEx AGRO "Agronomy and Sustainable Development", coordinated by Agropolis Fondation. October 20, 2011. Montpellier, France
The LabEx "Agronomy and Sustainable Development", coordinated by Agropolis Fondation, is one of the 7 "Laboratoires d'excellence" selected in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. It aims to make Montpellier "the place to go" in the field of research in plants of agronomic interest given the capacity of the Montpellier scientific community to generate high-level scientific knowledge and use such knowledge to meet critical challenges related to plant adaptation to climate change, increasing demand for plants and plant by-products for food and non-food uses, as well as the prevention and management of risks.
HighTech Europe partners will participate in the International Food Exhibition (IPA/SIAL), on October 21st to 25th, 2012 in Paris; they will present an online tool to support innovation process which has been developed in the framework of the project.
A leading event for all those involved in the food industry, this food exhibition will take place in Paris, from 21st to 25th October 2012. , it is an essential event, which focuses on the major challenges faced by the global food industry.
Visit of a delegation of the Presidents of 7 Brazilian foundations. October 27, 2011. Montpellier, France
The French Embassy in Brazil organises, in partnership with the CONFAP (Conselho Nacional das Fundações Estaduais de Amparo à Pesquisa) a mission in France for 7 Brazilian foundations from October 23 to 29, 2011. In this context, Cemagref and Agropolis International will welcome this delegation on October 27.
In the context of the G20 conference held in Montpellier, the CGIAR Consortium has signed with the French government the agreement establishing its statute of International Organization
In the context of the G20 conference held in Montpellier on September 12-13, 2011, the French Minister of Cooperation has signed, together with the Hungarian Ambassador in Paris, the Agreement establishing the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers as an International Organization. The CGIAR consortium has also signed a declaration of intent with the research institutions involved in the French Commission for international agricultural research (CIRAD, INRA, IRD, Cemagref, Agreenium) which aims to ensure more effective coordination of the efforts made by the different organizations concerned in terms of research and partnerships.
October, 21th: Warm up workshop “Resilience of Social and Ecological Systems and Territorial Approaches” at University Montpellier 3
Higher education and research institutions of the Languedoc-Roussillon region have bid for the public tender IDEX
IDEX, Initiative d'Excellence, is a public tender to create in France 5 to 10 pluridisciplinar campuses of excellence. The goal of the Languedoc-Roussillon proposal(Idex Sud de France) is to create synergy within the region’s remarkable base of institutes of higher education as well as an unprecedented merger of national research bodies that seeks the emergence of a great internationally visible Research University.
Agropolis Fondation and Fondazione Cariplo sign Partnership Agreement
The Agreement heralds the start of international collaboration in the field of agriculture and food between the two European foundations. The first joint action focuses on rice research.
Visit of a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan - Sep. 16, 2011 - Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
In the context of a European project supporting the sustainable development of the agricultural and rural sector, a delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan is visiting Agropolis International scientific community and local authorities in charge of agriculure.
Agropolis International joins the Consortium of Scientific Partners of the Convention on Biological Diversity
The purpose of this consortium is to leverage the expertise and experience of these institutions in order to implement education and training activities to support developing countries that are building scientific, technical and policy skills in the area of biodiversity.
Medina project 'Promotion of sustainable food systems in the Mediterranean' (2013-2017)
Funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), in the framework of the TRANSMED program (Transdisciplinary studies on the future of the Mediterranean). Agropolis International brings support for the project coordi-nation and to the spread and sharing of the results to various stakeholders.
The "Grand Narbonne" has joined Agropolis International members
The Grand Narbonne, Narbonne urban community, and Agropolis International have signed a partnership agreement on July 6, 2011. This partnership aims to promote the "Parc Méditerranéen de l’Innovation" cluster on environmental and renewable technologies, agriculture and wine growing.
Agropolis International celebrates its 25th anniversary (1986-2011)
Over the past 25 years, Agropolis International has gained a recognized broad experience and know-how in terms of promotion of competences, interinstitutional go-between and coordination, collective project management or partnership building.
The CG34 and the Coquimbo region (Chile) renew their cooperation
On June 2011, the cooperation agreement between the Coquimbo region and the Hérault Général Council has been renewed and signed by André Vézinhet, President of the Hérault Général Council (CG34), and Sergio Gahona Salazar, Intendant of the Coquimbo region.
ARIMNet joint call for transnational research proposals (Agricultural Research In the Mediterranean Network)
The ARIMNet Project (Agricultural Research In the Mediterranean Network), funded by the European Union, aims at coordinating National Agricultural Research Programmes to strengthen the capacities of its members to address in a coordinated way the major challenges that the Mediterranean agriculture is facing. In this perspective, ARIMNet is lauching a call for joint transnational research, based on funds from 12 participating countries from the northern, eastern and southern part of the Mediterranean Basin. The deadline for submission is September 25, 2011
New 2012-2014 President for the European Society for Agronomy
The European Society for Agronomy (ESA) has elected Pr Andras Nabradi President for 2012-2014. He will be in charge of the XIII Congress in Debrecen (Hungary) in 2014.
Kyoto University Hakubi Project to Foster and Support Young Researchers
Kyoto University has launched the 3rd call for "Hakubi Project to Foster and Support Young Researchers". Deadline for application is May 26. In the "Hakubi Project to Foster and Support Young Researchers", the university will appoint promising young researchers as program-specific faculty members (associate professor/assistant with an annual salary) and support their research activities on Research programs in every range of basic and applied studies in all academic fields, from the humanities, to social and natural sciences.
Paul Luu is Agropolis International's new director
Paul Luu became the new Director of Agropolis International on May 2nd, 2011and replaces the former Director Michel Salas, who was nominated as Regional Director at CIRAD.
Thematic School 'Biophysical principles, molecular mechanisms and prospective applications for crop improvement'. October 03-07, 2011. Montpellier, France
Organised by the joint research unit BPMP (Biochemistry and Plant Molecular Physiology).This event will provide theoretical and hands-on training to young researchers (PhD students and post-docs) interested in plant water relations and more specifically transmembrane water transport. Application are open until June 15, 2011.
See the list of the new 2011 research units of Agropolis International scientific community
Due to the reorganization which took place in early 2011, there are now 80 research units corresponding to Agropolis International issues related to "agriculture-food-biodiversity-environment"
Montpellier scientific community is gearing up for the International Year of Forests
Throughout the year, in France and overseas, Montpellier scientific community participates to events, organizes international workshops and exhibitions.
Agropolis International/Centre EURAXESS LR organises French courses for researchers (october 2011)
Public: PhD Students, post-docs, researchers and professors hosted in higher education and research institutes of Montpellier area.
Several Montpellier's research units are associated to the new European project EDENext
Several Montpellier's research units are associated to the new European project EDENext (2011-2014 – 7ème PCRDT) "Biology and control of vector-borne infections in Europe". This research project bringing together 46 partners in 22 countries is dedicated to investigating the biological, ecological and epidemiological components of vector-borne disease introduction, emergence and spread, and the creation of new tools to control them.
The five plant clusters Qualiméditerranée, Céréales Vallée, PEIFL, Qualitropic and Végépolys have joined their strengths to expand their international strategy by creating the «Plant InterCluster»
The purpose of this network is to set up a common strategy to facilitate the international development of the clusters and their members (companies, training and research centers), to build strong partnerships with clusters around those sectors: cider, cereals, fruit and vegetables, ornamental horticulture, medicinal plants, mushrooms, seeds and winegrowing.
Bilingual Master 2 in "Comparative politics and public policy" and Professional Master 2 in "Operational Activities for International Cooperation and Development". Montpellier, France
These masters are co-sponsored by the University of Montpelier and the South European Centre for Political Research (CEPEL) a research unit of the French National Center for Scientific Research.
Call for Research Proposals launched by CESAB - French Foundation for Research on Biodiversity (FRB)
This call for proposals is launched by the CESAB (CEnter for Synthesis and Analysis on Biodiversity), run by the French Foundation for Research on Biodiversity (FRB) to promote high level research activities devoted to syntheses of ideas and or data analyses in the field of biodiversity. Deadline for submission is July 1st, 2011.
Results of the Systerra call for proposals - French National Research Agency
Upon 57 proposals received for the Systerra call for proposals (Ecosystems, territories, living resources and agricultures), the French National Research Agency (ANR) has selected 11 projects; Agropolis scientific community is involved in 7 projects. The ANR and the French Inter-Agency on Research for Development (AIRD) are organizing a kick-off meeting with project coordinators at Agropolis International on March 11, 2011. Download the program
Agropolis Fondation and CAPES to support 5 new projects
Five projects involving French, Brazilian and African scientists were selected under the 2010 Agropolis Fondation-CAPES (Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education) Joint Call for Proposals (CfP).
World Veterinary Year 2011
The world’s first veterinary school was founded in Lyon, France, in 1761, shortly followed by the Alfort veterinary school, near Paris, in 1764, both of them at the initiative of French veterinarian Claude BOURGELAT. This means that 2011 will mark the 250th world anniversary of veterinary education and profession.
Heliospir has a new website
This scientific network aims at promoting the NIR spectroscopy and structuring the NIR research network in France and French-speaking countries.
The International Year of Chemistry 2011: several events organized in the Languedoc-Roussillon region
The International Year of Chemistry 2011(IYC 2011) is a worldwide celebration of the achievements of chemistry and its contributions to the well-being of humankind. Under the unifying theme “Chemistry—our life, our future,” IYC 2011 will offer a range of interactive, entertaining, and educational activities for all ages. to increase the public appreciation of chemistry in meeting world needs, to encourage interest in chemistry among young people, and to generate enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry.
New project: European Network of Innovation and Technology in the Agricultural and Food Sectors (RED-ITAA project)
Agropolis International participates with the regional federation of agricultural cooperation (Fédération régionale de la Coopération Agricole - FRCA-LR) to the European project RED-ITAA (European Network of Innovation and Technology in the Agricultural and Food Sectors ). This project will last 30 months and is coordinated by the Technical University of Madrid. It is funded by the Interreg SUDOE program (cooperation between Southwest European countries); it gathers Spanish and Portuguese partners around a transnational portal of knowledge on: agriculture -rural development and agrofood.
Results of the call for projects "Equipex" of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research: three projects of the regional scientific community selected
The objective of the call for projects "Equipex", funded by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, is to allocate funds to French laboratories to buy cutting edge scientific equipments to be able to carry on researches at the higher world level.
Launching of the 3rd stage of the Workshop on Mediterranean Foresight analysis (ARP-PARME 2010-2011)/Which researches and partnerships for the Mediterranean?
ANR project (French National Research Agency ) coordinated by Agropolis International
Creation of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
During a plenary meeting held on December 21, 2010 in New-York, the United Nations 65th General Assembly (UNGA) approved the creation of an Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). The new body will bridge the gulf between the wealth of scientific knowledge on the accelerating declines and degradation of the natural world, with knowledge on effective solutions and decisive government action required to reverse these damaging trends.
Agropolis International will welcome a delegation from Campinas (Brazil) on April 14-15, 2011
This delegation will be welcome by Montpellier Agglomération and Agropolis International. This visit aims to foster cooperation between research and business and to support the innovation process, especially in the field of agrofood and information technologies.
Agri-cultures, Summer course 2011
This course aims to provide students whose native language is not French with high quality French intensive courses and to discover French agriculture, including through an individual internship in a family farm.
Applications for European School on New Institutional Economics. May 15-21, 2011. Cargèse, France
The goal of ESNIE is to make PhDs and Post-doc aware of the recent development in NIE and to train them in using rigorous methods. In addition, they will benefit of intensive networking aimed at stimulating future exchanges and co-operation among participants and to favour the integration of young researchers in the research community. Deadline for applications at the 10th ESNIE session is March 7, 2011.
CIRAD and IRD are partners of the Global Rice Scientific Partnership (GRISP), a CGIAR research program on rice
CIRAD and IRD participate to the Global Rice Scientific Partnership (GRISP), the first CGIAR Research Program (CRP), led by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) along with AfricaRice and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). GRiSP was launched in Hanoi today at the 3rd International Rice Congress.
BiodivERsA Pan-European call for international research proposals on biodiversity and ecosystem services (deadline Feb 17, 2011)
BiodivERsA is a network composed of national organisations funding or managing research programmes on biodiversity across Europe. The objectives of this ERA-Net are to promote the cooperation between funding agencies in the field of biodiversity research and to coordinate research programmes at strategic and management levels to eventually develop and implement joint activities. The call will address the following themes, across all ecosystems and organisms: a) Relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem services; b) Valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services (monetary and non monetary), and better incorporation of biodiversity and ecosystem services into society and policy.
AFRESH project (Activity and Food for Regional Economies Supporting Health)
Agropolis International represents the regional partners in the European project AFRESH titled "Countering diet related diseases through competitive regional food and physical activities clusters", funded through the FP7 programme "Regions of Knowledge"
MSc programme in Sustainable Tropical Forestry (SUTROFOR)
Next deadline - 1 December 2010 The MSc programme in Sustainable Tropical Forestry (SUTROFOR) is a top-level programme aimedat preparing qualified graduates to deal with contemporary tropical forestry. It providesstudents with direct access to the best tropical forestry teaching in Europe. The programme is offered by a five university consortium from Denmark (University of Copenhagen), France (AgroParisTech Montpellier), Germany (Technical University of Dresden), Italy (University of Padova) and Wales (Bangor University).
LRI /Languedoc-Roussillon Incubation has ten years
The regional incubator aims to promote the creation of start-up companies, issued from researches carried out in public higher education institutions and research centers on high-potential technologies. In ten years, more than 162 projects have been incubated, 123 companies and 700 jobs created.
Agropolis International becomes a member of the IASP - International Association of Science Parks
Agropolis International has just become a new associate member of the International Association of Science Parks (as an organisation closely related to the Science Parks activities). This network gathers 400 members throughout 70 countries (including 20 French organisations) in all fields and allows exchanges between professionals involved in the international science and technology parks.
Agropolis Fondation - CAPES Joint Call for Proposals 2010
Agropolis Fondation launches its 2010 Joint Call for Proposals (CfP) together with CAPES (Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education). This 2010 Joint CfP targets interdisciplinary and integrated approach to plants that address development issues concerning the North and the South.
New website for the international competitiveness cluster on water Pôle EAU
The international competitiveness cluster on water has been approved by the CIADT (Inter-ministerial Committee for Regional Planning and Development) on May 11th, 2010. It is based in Montpellier and focuses on water resources (location, rational management, decontamination, etc…).
IWRA (International Water Resources Association) executive office is now settled in Montpellier
IWRA has strived to improve water management worldwide through dialogue, education, and research for over 35 years. Since its official formation in 1972, the organization has actively promoted the sustainable management of water resources around the globe. After the success of the XIII World Water Congress in Montpellier, IWRA has appointed Association VERSeau Développement to host the IWRA Executive Office from April 2010.
Mr Laurent Bruckler is the new President of Montpellier INRA centre, since May 1st, 2010, he replaces Philippe Vissac
More informations in the press kit
New International Executive Masters in Water Utility Management
AgroParisTech and Mines ParisTech have created within the framework of the “Water for All” Chair (ParisTech and Suez-Environment - Water for All Foundation) a new international executive masters titled "Water for All". The objective is to train leaders and reinforce the skills of executive managers in water and sanitation urban utilities in developing and transitional countries.
Call for participation : Photo Exhibition European food cultures: lives, flavours and horizons.
This call is addressed to professional and amateur photographers. Photos must be related to different aspects of the European food cultures. The exhibition opening will held in Parma (Italy) in occasion of the International EAAE-SYAL Seminar “Spatial Dynamics in Agrifood Systems: implication of sustainability and consumer welfare”, 27-30 October 2010.
6 top agricultural research and educational institutions launch Agreenium
In forming AGREENIUM, the National Consortium for agriculture, food, animal health and the environment, founding members INRA, CIRAD, AgroParisTech, Agrocampus Ouest, Montpellier SupAgro and ENV Toulouse have forged an organisation that is more than capable of facing the global challenges imposed by new requirements in these four fields. Several priority areas have already been singled out:Acting in the Mediterranean ; eighing in on France's approach to international agricultural research ;Establishing an international doctoral college.
Food security in the Mediterranean: launching of SAMAQQ prospective study
Following Agropolis International Scientific and Technical committee’s initiative, a prospective study on Food security in the Mediterranean: qualitative and quantitative aspects - forecast 2030» has been launched to identify priorities for research, higher education and key partnerships on economical as well as cultural aspects. The study will especially focus on the consequences of global change on all the agricultural production systems of the Mediterranean basin.
Workshop on Mediterranean prospective analysis
French National Research Agency has selected Agropolis International to coordinate a foresight workshop, from mid-January 2010, on the theme «Which research and which partnerships for the Mediterranean ?»
EURAXESS Services Centre of Montpellier Languedoc Roussillon organises French courses
French courses (20h) from 25th January to 2nd April 2010 for PhD students, post-docs, researchers and professors hosted in higher education institutions and research centres in Montpellier and local area. 5 levels are available : beginner, elementary, intermediate, average, advanced. Courses take place from 5.30 to 7.30, at Institut Agronomique Méditerranéen, route de Mende, in Montpellier.
Save the date: Tuesday, September 10, 2013, Agropolis International, Montpellier: presentation of the new report 'Sustainable Intensification : A new paradigm for African Agriculture' launched by the Montpellier Panel, chaired by Sir Gordon Conway, Professor of International Development,Imperial College London
12th Congress of the European Society for Agronomy. August 20-24, 2012. Helsinki, Finland
This 12th conference of the European Society for Agronomy takes a number of themes from “agriculture at the extremes”, including tolerance to stresses, pushing the margins of sustainability, and extending models of crop growth to include responses to long days and cool droughts.
7th Plant Biomechanics International Conference. August 20-24, 2012. Clermont-Ferrand, France
Plant biomechanics is an expanding interdisciplinary field, at the interfaces of biology, mechanics, physics and engineering. Over the years, the Plant Biomechanics International Conference has become the central event of the Plant Biomechanics research community, as well as a unique place for interdisciplinary exchanges around the amazing features that Plants have evolved to sense, acclimate and adapt to the mechanical challenges they have been submitted to. This event is organized by INRA, AgroParisTech and Université Blaise Pascal.
International Conference "Natural products and biocontrol 2012". Sep. 19-21, 2012. Perpignan, France
This Congress is organized by the French-speaking group on natural origine organic pesticide, International Biocontrol Manufacturers' Association (IBMA), Université de Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD) and the pôle de compétitivité Qualiméditerranée.
Conference "BioRubber for Europe in Global Perspective". September 24-25, 2012. Wageningen, The Netherlands
The 2012 congress: BioRubber for Europe in Global Perspective, is organized organized by the EU-PEARLS consortium to mark the end of the FP7 EU-PEARLS research project ‘EU-based Production and Exploitation of Alternative Rubber and Latex Sources. This conference will bring together researchers, industry representatives and policymakers from Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, interested in the development of alternative sources of natural rubber.
18th E-SOVE: European Society for Vector Ecology congress: " "From biology to integrated control in a changing world".. October 8-11, 2012.
Scientific sessions (oral presentations and poster sessions) will deal with: vector status (taxonomy, systematics, phylogeny),vector behaviour(life-history traits, fitness, intra- and inter-species competition, biology of populations, invasive species), vector-pathogen interactions(vector competence, immunity of vector, vector manipulation by parasites, eco-epidemiology of vector borne diseases(spatiotemporal dynamics of the transmission, geomatics, modelling), vector control (biocides, repellents, traps, integrated vector management, personal protection, human and social sciences, SIT, irradiation, Wolbachia, genetic control), impacts of the vector control: ecotoxicity in the food chain, politic and societal perceptions.
Meeting "When Development meets Cell Biology ". October 16-19, 2012. Montpellier, France
The French Societies for Cell Biology (SBCF) and for Developmental Biology (SFBD) organize their 1st joint meeting entitled " When Development meets Cell Biology ".
Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development 2012 (GCARD). Oct. 29 - Nov. 1, 2012. Punta del Este, Uruguay
The GCARD II is organized by the Global Forum on Agricultural Research. The objective of this conference is to take stock of progress and lessons from experiences in developing and strengthening collaborative actions to transform innovation processes towards achieving large scale development impacts, in particular on the livelihoods of resource poor smallholder farmers. The first GCARD took place in Montpellier in March 2010.
2012 IEEE 4th International Symposium on Plant Growth Modeling, Simulation, Visualization and Applications. October 31 - Nov 3, 2012. ShangHai, China
Topics include: - Concepts and Hypotheses in Plant Modeling. - Plant System Modeling. - Plant-Environment Interaction/Feedback Modeling. - Data Acquisition and Application of Plant Models in Agronomy, Forestry, and Horticulture. - Mathematical Plant Modeling and Computational Methods. - Plant and Landscape Visualization. - System Simulation and Implementation.
2012 EFFoST Annual Meeting: A Lunch Box for Tomorrow : An interactive combination of integrated analysis and specialized,knowledge of food - Author Registration Deadline: 1st September 2012 - - Event which will be held in November 20-23, 2012, Montpellier
This event is organized by the European Federation of Food Science & Technology (EFFoST) in partnership with IUFOST (International Union of Food Science and Technology. The conference will focus on connecting the integrated (broad) and the specialized (focused) views on food to promote health, food security and sustainability for all.
3rd International Conference on Conservation Agriculture in Southeast Asia. December 10-15, 2012. Hanoi, Vietnam
Focusing on “Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Upland Livelihoods”, the objective of the Conference is to share lessons and experiences by assessing opportunities to leverage conservation agriculture in promoting sustainable land use in Southeast Asia The Conference will serve as a forum for researchers, practitioners and policy makers from around the world to share new findings, explore new opportunities, strengthen partnerships and engage with communities of practice.
6th SEST 2012 - 'International Symposium on Seed, Transplant and Stand Establishment of Horticultural Crops: Sowing the Future of Tropical Horticulture'. July 1-5, 2012. Brasilia, Brazil
This event is organized by Embrapa under the umbrella of International Society of Horticultural Science (ISHS).
Agropolis plant modelling seminar: "Development rooted in emergent properties of regulatory network". May 21, 2012. Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
The theme of the next seminar is "Development rooted in emergent properties of regulatory network" presented by Philip N. Benfey (Biology Department and Duke Center for Systems Biology, Duke University and GrassRoots Biotechnology, Durham, NC USA)
13th Congress of the International Society of Ethnobiology. May 21-25, 2012. Montpellier, France
The objective of the congress is to question the history of human-induced changes for a better understanding of the components and dynamics of current global biodiversity. Congress participants would be encouraged to focus on their understanding of past human activities as a means to develop more sustainable patterns of natural resource management in the near future.
Conference "Past and Current Policy Responses to Agricultural Price Variability: Lessons from the US Experience". May 25, 2012. CIRAD, Montpellier
This conference is organized by the research unit MOISA It will be given by Dr. Daniel De La Torre Ugarte, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Co-Director of the Agricultural Policy Analysis Center, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.
8th congress of the French Phytopathological Society. June 5-8, 2012. Paris, France
The 8th congress of the French Phytopathological Society (Société Française de Phytopathologie, SFP) will take place in Paris in 2012 at AgroParisTech (Paris Institute of Technology for Life, Food and Environmental Sciences). The data presented will concern different aspects of plant disease including plant disease control methods. Several topics will be developped: mecanisms of plant-microbe interactions, plant defense, virulence and symbiotic processes, epidemiology of plant disease, plant pathogen detection and disease control.
Conference Web of Life in a changing world 2012. June 5, 2012. Montpellier France
The aim of this conference is to bring together experts on ecological networks to synthesize existing approaches of ecological complexity in the context of global changes.
International Water Exhibition Hydrogaïa. June 06-08, 2012. Montpellier, France
Hydrogaïa is organised by ENJOY Montpellier with support from an Organisation Committee made of water industry professionals and researchers involved in the Global Water Competitiveness Cluster.
International Symposium on Emissions of Gas and Dust from Livestock. June 10-13, 2012. St Malo, France
This event is organized by the French partnership network on Livestock and Environment. It will be an opportunity to present the latest scientific advances from research on gas and dust emissions in animal agriculture and will contribute to providing information that industry and governments need in order to achieve cost-effective gas and dust mitigation outcomes.
Scientific animation on Agroecology: "Agronomy and the challenges of food production". May 3, 2012. Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
In the context of the monthly seminars on "Agroecology - Ecological intensification of cropping systems", Agropolis International and the research unit System have invited John Porter, Professor at the University of Copenhagen Denmark. During this conference, John Porter will present his ideas on agronomy as the ecological science of food production.
Conference "Ecosystem services in agricultural systems". May 9, 2012. Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
Agropolis International, in charge of ESA secretariat, has invited John R. Porter, Professor of Agricultural Systems Ecology at the University of Copenhagen Denmark, Associate Editor-in-Chief EJA and Coordinating Lead Author for IPCC. The lecture will discuss the ways in which agricultural systems may deliver ecosystem services and will examine two complementary ways in which services can be valued.
10th International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography. April 23-27, 2012. Noumea, New Caledonia
This 10th International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography is run under the auspices of the American Meteorological Society (AMS), in collaboration with the Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) and Météo-France. The objective of the 2012 conference, the 10th of the series, is to provide an interdisciplinary forum for presentations of our current state of knowledge, as well as motivating new research and applications within the variety of disciplines related to weather and climate of the ocean and atmosphere.
InterGI 2012 : 7th international training 'Geographical Indications: a way forward for local development'. April 16-27, 2012. Montpellier, France
Following the successful trainings held yearly since 2007, in Switzerland and in France, UMR Innovation and REDD are cooperating again to propose the 7th edition of this international training module. Labeling food and artisan products with Geographical Indications (GIs) contributes to regional development, by facilitating the participation of local entrepreneurs in the regional, national or international markets, with their specific skills and know-how. The course will include theoretical inputs, individual and group works, exchange between participants and field case studies. The course will be held in English.
Plant Biology Seminar: "Unraveling clock-work in the simple eukaryotic unicellular system: Ostreococcus". May 3, 2012. Montpellier, France
This seminar is organized by the Biochemistry and Plant Molecular Physiology (IBIP) research team and will take place in Agropolis International auditorium. It will be presented by Florence Corellou from the Microbial Oceanography Laboratory (LOMIC), Banyuls/Mer, France)
Genetrop seminar: "Mechanisms of the Brassinosteroid receptor activation". April 27, 2012. IRD, Montpellier
This conference will be given by Yvon Jaillais (ENS Lyon, France).
PhD course on International Forestry and Global Issues. April 16-20, 2012. Champenoux, France
"Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique" (INRA), AgroParisTech and the European Forest Institute (EFI), represented by its Central European Regional Office and the Observatory for European Forests (EFICENT-OEF), will conduct their 2nd PhD course on “International Forestry and Global Issues" from April 16th to 20th, 2012 in Champenoux, France. The course will address a wide range of forest issues, topics which rank high on the international and national forest and environmental research and policy agendas.
Séminaires d’Ecologie et Evolution de Montpellier (SEEM): "On the evolutionary origins of the egalitarian syndrome". March 2, 2012. CNRS, Montpellier, France
This conference is presented by Sergey Gavrilets, from the University of Tennessee Knoxville(USA). It is organized in the context of the LABEx CeMEB cycle of seminars on Ecology and Evolution.
Conference "Agroecology: foundations for the design of biodiverse, resilient and productive farming systems". Jan 30, 2012. Agropolis International. Montpellier, France
This conference, organized by the research unit AGIR at INRA Toulouse, will be live broadcasted at Agropolis International from 10 to 12. It will be given by the Pr Miguel Altieri (Berkeley University, USA)
Seminar Ecological Intensification through systems design – concepts and methods. Jan. 31, 2012. CIRAD, Montpellier, France
The paradigm of ecological intensification as proposed by Cassman (1999) and redefined later on by several French scholars (cf. Dore et al., 2011) calls for integrative methods for systems analysis, design and evaluation. The objective of this seminar is to examine the state of the art in terms of concepts and methods for integrated agroecosystem assessment
UNESCO Chair in World Food Systems inaugural conference "Alimentation durable: un bien partagé ?". January 27, 2012. Montpellier, France.
Montpellier SupAgro has created a chair in “World Food Systems” which has been labelled in May 2011 by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as part of the international program UNITWIN / UNESCO Chairs. This is in partnership with Agropolis international institutions, stakeholders involved in agricultural and food systems in France and worldwide, along with the support of Agropolis Foundation.
Seminar "Biological invasions and management: useful, harmful, or futile ?". Jan. 13, 2012. Montpellier, France
The CEFE, Centre of Evolutionary and Functional Ecology, organizes a two-day workshop bringing together researchers from Europe, North America, and New Zealand who focus on biological invasions or on social or ethical questions related to them.
2nd French-Chilean Workshop on Bioprocess Modeling. January 16-17, 2012. Pucón, Chile
This workshop is the product of a fruitful cooperation between chilean and french researchers from different areas of engineering, including applied mathematics, biochemical engineering and automatic. This activity gathers research in science, technology and engineering interested in the mathematical modelling, control and optimization of biological processes. The program includes presentations and discussion sessions on water resources, bacterial population growth and competition.
International conference "Water resource issues in the Mediterranean basin". March 7-8, 2012. Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
On the occasion of the 6th World Water Forum (March 12-17 2012, Marseille, France), Agropolis International will hold, in its place, an international conference on March 7 and 8, 2012, on «Water resources issues in the Mediterranean basin», co-organized with the SICMED program, initiative aiming at a better understanding of the Mediterranean anthropo-ecosystems and their evolutions, in partnership with VerSeau Développement.
EIARD Annual General Meeting. December 6-8, 2011. Montpellier, France
Agropolis International is in charge of the organization of the next Annual General Meeting of the European Initiative for Agricultural Research for Development (EIARD), a permanent informal ARD policy coordination platform between the European Commission, Member States of the European Union, Switzerland and Norway (created in 1997).
International renewable energies exhibition Energaïa. Dec. 7-9, 2011. Montpellier, France
Energaïa gathers the biggest national and international players of the renewable energies and green building sectors. All areas of renewable energies will be represented: solar, thermal, photovoltaic, wind energy, wood energy, geothermal, hydraulic… A whole pavilion will be dedicated to “Research & Development”: technologies,applications, systems, innovations, process, license exchanges...
Conference Alg’n’ Chem 2011: "Algae, new resources for Industry?". Nov. 7-10, 2011. Montpellier, France
This international scientific conference aims at promoting public and private research and development for the valuation of algae (macro and micro). It addresses key themes through a multidisciplinary and multisectorial approach, from their culture to various potential opportunities. It is a unique chance for world leaders in this field, as well as chemists and biologists, to exchange ideas.
Kick-off meeting Ecohort project "Designing ecologically innovative horticultural systems". Nov. 8-9, 2011. Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
This project is being conducted by INRA, CIRAD, Agrocampus Ouest and Montpellier SupAgro. The project reflects the thinking that we need to promote sustainable horticulture and, more generally, manage biodiversity, which should be accompanied by intelligent management of plants in order to provide food in sufficient quantity and of sufficient quality for populations in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
IUFRO Eucalyptus meeting: "Joining silvicultural and genetic strategies to minimize Eucalyptus environmental stresses: from research to practice". Nov. 14-18, 2011. Port Seguro, Bahia State, Brazil
This conference is organized by the Iufro working group 2.08.03: "Improvement and Culture of Eucalyptus". Its central goal of this Conference will be to highlight how silviculture and genetic knowledge can be used in a predictive way to guarantee the yield of the plantations, and health of the ecosystems in the long run, with extra challenges due to the future climate and economic uncertainties. Deadline for abstracts submission is June 14, 2011.
Seminars on Food Security in Cuba. Nov 14-16-17, 2011. Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
These seminars are organized by the association Montpellier Cuba Solidarité, with the support of Agropolis International and local authorities.
International seminar “Uso Eficiente de Plaguicidas en Viticultura y Calidad de Agua”. Nov. 15, 2011. La Serena, Chile
This seminar is organized in the context of the decentralised cooperation between the Hérault General Council and the Coquimbo regional government and the 6th World Water Forum to be held in March 2012 at Marseille (France).
Scientific and business meeting: "Agro-food innovation and competitiveness.Which strategy for the mediterranean agro-chains?". Nov. 17-18, 2011. Montpellier, France
This meeting is organized by the competitiveness cluster Qualiméditerranée. It is organized around conferences with guests speakers and experts ; workshops and discussions in order to debate and propose solutions ; matchmaking events to meet potential partners from all over Europe : B2B, B2Labs and B2banks meetings.
International Conference GRIPAVI: "Avian influenza dynamic and management". Nov. 22, 2011. Montpellier, France
Three years after the international conference “Regards croisés sur la Grippe aviaire”, this 2011 meeting aims to present the Gripavi project (2006-2011) results to a wider audience and identify key challenges and perspective to improve avian born diseases understanding and management in tropical countries.
International fair SITEVI 2011. Nov. 29 to Dec. 2nd, 2011. Montpellier France
SITEVI is the standard-setting exhibition for materials, equipment and services in the Wine-Vine & Fruit-Vegetable industries. It gathers 716 exhibitors from 22 countries; a common booth (INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, Cemagref and the French institute of vineyards and wine - IFV) will present the regional scientific offer related to these fields.
3rd African conference on irrigation and drainage: "Food Security and Climate Change: how to improve the contribution of irrigation”. Nov 29- dec. 5, 2011. Bamako, Mali
This conference is organized by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage and will be coupled with the 3rd African Exhibition of Irrigation and Drainage (SAFID) organized by the African Regional Association of Irrigation and Drainage (ARID).
International conference ECO-TECH & -TOOLS 'Environmental & social assessment of Complex Systems - Biosystems- Water- Land Management'. Nov. 30 - Dec. 02, 2011. Montpellier, France
This meeting is held at the conjunction of research directions of three research networks and consortia endeavouring to develop innovative tools and methodologies for a better monitoring and control of the sustainability of agro-biosystems (including agriculture, forestry, water management, waste management, land management). The research networks which join their efforts to organize this seminar are: PEER (Partnership for European Environmental Research) ; ECOTOOL consortium (Ecotool is an IRSES European project) ; Ecotech-Sudoe consortium (Ecotech-Sudoe is an Interreg IV project).
2011 ISHS-ProMusa symposium: Bananas and Plantains: Toward sustainable global production and improved uses. October 10-14, 2011. Salvador, Brazil
This symposium is organized by ProMusa, the Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA), the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) and Bioversity’s Plantain and Banana Research and Development Network for Latin America and the Caribbean (MUSALAC). The symposium will be organised around four major themes: crop management, crop diversity and improvement, post-harvest issues (marketing and commercialization), alternative uses. Deadline for abstract submission is April 30, 2011.
9th International Conference on Pests in Agriculture. October 26 -27, 2011. Montpellier, France
The AFPP Pests Conferences are organised every three years and are now recognised as the leading event for all those involved in crop protection : technical managers, researchers, advisors, pesticide company delegates, growers, etc.. The Conference will address the main current issues related to plant protection : locusts, pollinators, beneficials, new pests, resistance, methods of control, integrated pest management, biological control, side effects of pesticides, new active substances, reglementation.
Conference "Scale insects: main or secondary pest". October 25, 2011. Montpellier, France
The AFPP commission "Pests and Beneficials" organizes every three years an international conference on pests in agriculture, and aims to focus in special technical meetings on topical pests. After the conferences "Mites in crops" (2005) and "Biodiversity and climatic changes" (2008), a full-day conference will be held in October 2011 on the scale insects in crops.
Euraqua-PEER Scientific Conference:"Innovative management of plant protection products". October 26-28, 2011. Montpellier, France
This conference is organized at Agropolis International by the European Network of Freshwater Research Organizations in partnership with PEER (Partnership for European Environmental Research. EurAqua aims to influence the formulation and development of European freshwater research programmes and policy development.
7th European Social Simulation Association Conference. September 22-23, 2011. Montpellier, France
The European Social Simulation Association was formed in 2003 in order to promote the development of social simulation research, education and application in Europe. Papers and presentations will focus on a wide range of actual research from very abstract artificial societies to empirical models, from methodological advances to simulation results and their comparison with evidence, from theoretical developments on decisions, networks, collective action, and policies to the lessons of simulations for decision-makers.
XIVth IWRA World Water Congress. September 25-29, 2011. Porto de Galinhas / Recife, PE, Brazil
The World Water Congress will highlight emerging drivers of water resources management including climate change; population growth, urban expansion and demographic changes; economic development; water quality degradation, and ecosystem water requirements including to mantain biodiversity. Each of these will alter the way water is managed; together, they will require fundamentally new priorities for technology and infrastructure, management and policy, allocation and pricing, laws and institutions, and above all a new future outlook for water resources professionals
Seminar "Evolutionary history of transposable elements". Sep. 27-28, 2011. Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
This seminar is organized by the research team DIADE with the support of Agropolis International. Main scientific areas covered are bioinformatics, molecular genetics applied to tropical and Mediterranean plants.
Conference "Les orientations stratégiques du Brésil en matière de recherche, d’enseignement supérieur et de mobilité : un enjeu de coopération". Sep. 7, 2011. Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
This conference is organized by the IHEST (Institut des Hautes Etudes pour la Science et la Technologie) and Agropolis International at the occasion of the visit in France of Mr M. Luiz Davidovich, general secretary of the 4th national conference on science, technology and innovation held in Brazil in May 2011 and professor at the Instituto de Física de la Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
23rd annual conference of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society. June 29th to July 3rd, 2011. Montpellier, France
HBES is an international society that was founded to provide a forum for the dissemination of research on the evolution of human behavior. Its two main activities are the highly-rated journal, Evolution and Human Behavior, and an annual conference. The HBES Annual Meeting regularly attracts a diverse group of researchers, including, anthropologists, economists, legal scholars, psychologists, primatologists, political scientists, biologists, behavioral ecologists, physicians, and humanities scholars.
6th ISMOM (International Symposium on Interactions of Soil Minerals with Organic Components and Microorganisms). Jun 26 -July 1, 2011. Montpellier France
ISMOM (International Symposium on Interactions of Soil Minerals with Organic Components and Microorganisms) is a series of international symposia organised by Commission 2.5 (Soil chemical, physical and biological interfacial reactions) of the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS). The aim of the symposia is to create a forum for exchange and discussion between scientists from different fields of soil science: chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physics, ecology and environmental science.
Seminar "Rice research and policy issues for food security". June 29, 2011. Montpellier, France
This seminar will be held at CIRAD at 2 pm. It is presented by Sushil Pandey, agro-économist at the International Rice Research Institute. As part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of IRRI’s founding, a book titled Rice in the global economy: strategic research and policy issues for food security was published. The presentation will highlight the keys messages contained in various chapters of the book that provides a new vision for the future of rice farming. It includes the 5 major challenges facing the global rice economy: meeting the food security needs of poor consumers in the future; successfully managing structural change in the agricultural economy; enhancing efficiency of input use; reducing the environmental footprint of rice production; and addressing the problems in lagging regions, including Africa.
Seminar "Politiques, programmes et projets de lutte contre la désertification: quelles évaluations ?". June 29-30, 2011. Montpellier, France
This seminar is organized by the French Scientific Committee on Desertification (CSFD) in partnership with the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier (IAM.M). It comes within the scope of the activities carried out by the CSFD since 2005: assessment of the costs of desertification and the benefits ot the investments made in the fight against desertification, land sustainable management and valorization of natural resources in arid regions.
Open Innovation in Food Processing Workshop by HighTech Europe. May 26, 2011. Athens, Greece
The workshop will discuss the opportunities and possibilities of different open innovation models for research and development in the food processing sector. The workshop will also be the first official meeting of the Associated Membership Platform (AMP) which has been launched by HighTech Europe to involve further stakeholder from industry, associations and science in the first European food processing Network of Excellence.
4th International Workshop of the Plant Virus Ecology Network (PVEN). May 30th - June 1st, 2011. Montpellier, France
This event is organised by CIRAD and IRD. The Plant Virus Ecology Network brings together researchers (virological through ecological) currently working on aspects of plant virus ecology. Througn a series of annual meetings, workshops and mediated discussions, the PVEN evaluates infrastrutural needs, prioritizes a research agenda, and takes steps to expand the emerging community and build long-terme support needed for the field.
MEDPINE4 - 4th International Conference on Mediterranean Pines. June 6-10, 2011. Avignon, France
The general theme of the 4th Conference is: Conservation, Ecology, Restoration and Management of Mediterranean Pines and their Ecosystems: Challenges under global change
Evolutionary Rescue conference. June 7, 2011. Montpellier, France
The aim of this conference is to synthesize recent advances improving our understanding of the role of evolutionary mechanisms in species responses to global change and of how these mechanisms may affect biodiversity patterns.
Fondation 2iE’s Science Week. April 4-8, 2011. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
The Science Week of the Fondation 2iE, International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering, aims at promoting and disseminating findings of research designed for the South but conducted all over the world and particularly at 2iE. The theme of this 6th edition is the analysis and adaptation to climate change in water and environment areas.
CGIAR Fund Council and Funders Forum meetings. April 5-7, 2011. Montpellier, France
The Fund Council, the strategic and financial component of the new CGIAR, will hold its next meeting on April 5-6, 2011 at Agropolis International, Montpellier. It will be immediately followed on April 7 by the 2nd Funders Forum meeting.
Kick Off Meeting of the European project AQUAEXCEL (AQUAculture infrastructures for EXCELLence in European Fish Research). April 5-7, 2011. Montpellier France
AQUAEXCEL (AQUAculture infrastructures for EXCELLence in European Fish Research) is an infrastructure project funded by the 7th Framework Programme of the European Union. With 17 partner institutions in the field of Aquaculture research, the project, coordinated by INRA with a budget of 9.2 M€, aims to integrate, on a European scale, key aquaculture research infrastructures, in order to promote their coordinated use and development. The project will last 4 years, starting from March 1st 2011.
The II Mediterranean Forest Week. April 5-8, 2011. Avignon, France
The Mediterranean Forests Week will bring together relevant stakeholders working on/for Mediterranean forests and forestry: EFIMED, FAO and its Silva Mediterranea Committee, AIFM, PlanBleu, CTFC, ARCMED, MFMN, GTZ, COFOR, USSE. The Ministry of Agriculture of France, the PACA region and INRA will host such initiative aiming at providing a dynamic platform where the scientific community, the policy-makers and key stakeholders meet to network and debate around strategic policy-relevant questions.
Doctoral Meeting of Montpellier (D.M.M.) 4th edition. May 3-5, 2011. Montpellier, France
The Fourth International Doctoral Meeting on economics and management will be held at the University of Montpellier, south of France, on May 3 - 5, 2011. The purpose of the Meeting is to provide an international discussion forum where Ph.D. students and young researchers could stimulate exchange about their ideas and results in a wide range of topics related to Economics, Management and Finance.
Symposium "Transformation of the role of the State and new instruments of public action". May 5-6, 2011. Pretoria, South Africa
This international seminar organized by The Public Policy and Governance Platform (PP&G) with the support of CIRAD and the University of Pretoria which aims to concretely analyze policy transformations by detailing the changes in policy instruments developed within this governance framework. deadline for paper submission is April 20, 2011.
6th DERBI International Conference. May 16-18, 2011. Perpignan, France
The DERBI Competitiveness Cluster – Development of Renewable Energies in Building and Industry – is organising the sixth edition of the DERBI International Conference. Since 2006, the DERBI International Conference has established a large audience: over 4,000participants, some 45 nationalities, over 500 speakers, around 840 business meetings organised and is currently acknowledged by leaders as being THE key meeting place worldwide for professionals in the renewable energies sector.
International Conference on Animal Health Surveillance - ICAHS. May 17-20, 2011. Lyon, France
This first edition of the International Conference on Animal Health Surveillance (ICAHS) is part of the Vet2011 World Veterinary Year. It will bring together stakeholders from around the world who are working in the field of animal health surveillance
Workshop on developing a global rice phenotyping and multienvironment. March 28-30, 2011. Montpellier, France
Three centers of the CGIAR (IRRI, AfricaRice, and CIAT), in partnership with CIRAD and IRD in France and JIRCAS in Japan, have developed a global research agenda for rice that will be implemented within a Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP). This workshop seeks to establish a global scientific, technical, and partnership strategy for rice phenotyping and characterization in the context of research on genetic improvement.
International conference: GroundWater 2011. March 14-16, 2011. Orléans, France
This conference is the 24th European Regional Conference of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). The Conference is open to a wide public of researchers, water basin or managers of irrigation schemes, SME, users’ representatives and stakeholders.
Kick-off meeting of the European project "EcoBioCAP (Eco-efficient Biodegradable Composite Advanced Packaging). March 16, 2011. Montpellier
This project coordinated by the IATE research team, aims to provide the EU food industry with customizable, ecoefficient, biodegradable packaging solutions with direct benefits both for the environment and EU consumers in terms of food quality and safety.
First MISTRALS International workshop: "Mediterraneean Integrated Studies at Regional and Local Scales". March 30-April 01, 2011. Malta
MISTRALS is a decennial program for systematic observations and research dedicated to the understanding of the Mediterranean Basin environmental process under the global change. The underlined ultimate goal of this program is to predict the evolution of habitable conditions in this large ecosystem and to propose policies and adaptative measures.This event will gather 200 invited participants :project leaders, potential project developers, policy makers and stakeholders, totalizing more than 25 nationalities. Agropolis International will participate within the framework of its project ARP PARME.
Workshop "Livestock farming embedded in local development: a functional perspective to alleviate vulnerability of farming communities". April 2-3, 2011. Rosario, Argentina
This workshop is organized by the Livestock farming and local Development (Liflod) Network”, an international initiative aiming to bring together groups from different countries in order to contribute to the debate on the future of livestock farming by focusing on the interactions between livestock farming and local development. It is a side event of the IX International Rangeland Congress (IRC2011).
Paris International Agricultural Show. Feb 19-27, 2011. Paris, France
Paris International Agricultural Show is one of the world’s largest and most important agricultural shows. CIRAD and INRA will be present. Further information on CIRAD and INRA programs.
International conference on crop improvement, ideotyping, and modeling for African cropping systems under climate change (CIMAC). Feb. 7-9, 2011. Stuttgart, Germany
This International Conference on crop improvement, ideotyping and modeling for African cropping systems under climate change is organized by the Department of Plant Production and Agro-ecology of the Tropics and Subtropics, Sub-institution Waterstress Management of the University of Hohenheim.
International meeting on the Global Strategy for the conservation and use of banana and plantain genetic resources. Feb. 28 - March 3, 2011. Montpellier, France
This event is organised by Bioversity International. MusaNet Workshop Objectives: - To critically review the Global Strategy for the Conservation and Use of Banana Genetic Resources, its implementation to date and incentives for participation - To promote a coordinated approach for detailed characterization of Musa genetic resources - To strengthen the component of the strategy related to increasing the use of Musa genetic resources - To agree on the mechanism and its functions to ensure the efficient coordination and implementation of the Global Strategy and stimulate the involvement of partners, i.e. establishment of MusaNet
Workshop «Resilience, Water and Foresight». January 18-19, 2011. Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
The French node of the Resilience Alliance organizes on behalf of the Ministry of Ecology a workshop on Resilience, Water, Aquatic Environment and Foresight. This workshop aims at opening a debate within the French community working on water and aquatic ecosystems about the concepts of resilience of socio-ecosystems and those associated with viability, vulnerability and adaptive management. This workshop is a side event of the AQUA2030 program.
First meeting on the Implementation of the Plan of Action on Sub-National Governments, Cities and Other Local Authorities for Biodiversity 2011-2020. January 17-19, 2011. Montpellier, France
The meeting is being co-organized by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the City of Montpellier at the invitation of the Government of France. Around 40 participants from all over the world will give advises on the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and Plan of Action on Sub-National Governments, Cities and Other Local Authorities on Biodiversity and on the preparation of the second summit on local authorities and biodiversity to be held in conjunction with the high level segment of the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties, in India in October 2012.
International conference: Microbes in Wastewater & Waste Treatment, Bioremediation and Energy Production. January 24-27, 2011. Goa, India
This event is organised by the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS, India) and Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA, France, Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology /LBE). This conference is being organized within the framework of the IWA’s specialized groups Microbial Ecology and Water Engineering (MEWE) and Assessment and Control of Hazardous Substances in Water (ACHSW). It aims to bring together researchers, scientists and professionals working in the field of microbes and microbial ecology.
Quatrièmes Journées de recherches en sciences sociales INRA SFER CIRAD. December 9-10, 2010. AgroCampus Ouest, Rennes, France
This conference is organized by INRA, SFER and CIRAD. It aims to gather researchers in economical, social and human sciences in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, food, forest, environment and land management.
International Seminar "Geographical indications, socio-economic mobility and bio-cultural diversity: the case of Turkey and other Mediterranean countries". Dec. 16-19, 2010. Antalya, Turkey
This scientific event is a continuation of the First International Seminar of Antalya organized in April by CIHEAM-IAMM and Akdeniz University on “Local Products, Geographical Indications and Sustainable Development in the Mediterranean Countries”. It is organized by CERMC-Akdeniz University, CIHEAM-IAMM and Turkish Patent Institute, and involves the representatives of academia, professionals and associative spheres.
Training course ‘Extreme environments and deep-sea ecosystems’. Nov 29-Dec 12, 2010. Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
This course is part of the Chair on "Extreme marine environment, biodiversity and global change" supported by the Total foundation in partnership with the UPMC (Sorbonne Universités). This course participate to the Master ERASMUS Mundus ‘Marine Biodiversity and conservation'.
Conferences on genomic selection. December 1-2, 2010. Montpellier
Jean-Luc Jannink, plant geneticist at the USDA and associate professor at Cornell University, NY, will present two conferences in Montpellier: December 1st at 10.30 at CIRAD auditorium: "Breeding schemes to take advantage of genomic selection." December 2nd at 14.30 at INRA: "Population genetic research for genomic selection."
Conference "Agir en situation d'incertitude - Quelles constructions individuelles et collectives des régimes de protection et d'adaptation en agriculture ?". Nov. 22-24, 2010. Montpellier
What individual and collective methods are required to build agricultural protection and adaptation regimes? A conference organized by CIRAD and INRA, with the support of the ANR, Agropolis International, the University of Paris-Sud and the International Farming Systems Association.
International workshop “Organisations professionnelles et formation des populations rurales”. Nov. 25-27 2010, Bamako (Mali).
This workshop aims at fostering exchanges between the international network for agricultural and rural training(FAR) and agricultural and rural professional organizations in more than 20 African countries
Expert panel report launch and public debate: "How to make European support for agricultural development in Africa more effective?". Nov.30, 2010. Agropolis International
A number of panel discussants from the scientific community, university, civil society, and students will share their views on the analysis of the Expert Panel. The audience will also have the opportunity to debate with the speakers. This event is organized by Agropolis Fondation and Imperial College London in collaboration with Agropolis International.
Conférence: "Date palm genome". November 23, 2010. IRD Montpellier
Joel Malek, from Weil Cornell Medical College (Qatar) will present his research on the data palm genome at the IRD auditorium, Tuesday Nov.23 at 2pm.
Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD)
Montpellier will welcome the first Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD) from March 28 to 31, 2010.
Workshop on Knowledge engineering. November 19, 2010. Agropolis International
Organized buy the FEDAP, the aim of this workshop is to realize a prospective analysis of possible applications of Knowledge Engineering for Food Science, especially in some computer science domains including databases, data mining, expert systems, and decision support systems.
SAPT 2010 conference on "Sustainable animal production in the tropics". Nov. 15-18, 2010. Guadeloupe
Organized by Inra Antilles, the SAPT Conference will hold 3 sessions on the following subjects: 1) adaptation capacities of livestock to a changing environment; 2) local feeds, their value and strategic use, 3) sustainable and integrated livestock farming systems.
European workshop on mesocosm experiments and implications in aquatic ecology research. November 9, 2010. Montpellier
Within the frame of the MESOAQUA European project, the second workshop will be held in Montpellier and Sète with presentations from world-class leading researchers in mesocosms studies followed by group discussions and a visit of the Medimeer infrastructure in Séte as an example of mesocosms facilities available in Europe.
International Conference on Congo Basin Hunter-Gatherers. September 22-24, 2010. Montpellier
The international conference is being held to share and evaluate recent research on Congo Basin hunter-gatherers. It has been almost ten years since international researchers have convened to discuss research and development issues facing Congo Basin hunter-gatherers.
ESC2010: European Seismological Commission - 32nd General Assembly - September 06 -10, 2010 - Montpellier
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre will organize the ESC 32nd General Assembly on behalf of the European Seismological Commission. The ESC 2010 will focus on the Mediterranean dimension of seismology as well as on the study area at the interface between science and society, a field which includes risk management, sociology, educational initiatives but also the application of Citizen Science in seismology.
AGRO2010 - XI European Society of Agronomy international congress. August 29 - September 3, 2010. Montpellier
Agro2010 is co-organized by Agropolis International, Montpellier Supagro, Cirad and Inra, in partnership with the French Association of Agronomy (AFA). This international event is organized jointly with the XI ESA congress (European Society of Agronomy), whose President is Jacques Wery, Director of the research unit System.
GPS workshop 2010. October 11-13, 2010. Montpellier
The aim of this workshop is to have open and constructive exchanges about the practical use Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) devices in the frame of the of the Common Agriculture Policy (control activities, management of the Land Parcel Identification Systems).
7th SER European Conference on Ecological Restoration - August 23 to 27, 2010 - Avignon
7th SER European Conference on Ecological Restoration: "Ecological Restoration and Sustainable Development - Establishing Links Across Frontiers". This meeting offers an outstanding opportunity for transboundary contacts and exchange of knowledge, experiences and good practices in ecological restoration for scientists and practitioners who work on biodiversity and habitat restoration
IIFET 2010, International Conference: 'The Economics of Fish Resources and Aquatic Ecosystems:Balancing Uses, Balancing Costs'. July 13-16, 2010. Corum, Montpellier
The general theme of the conference will deal with the multi-functionality of fisheries and aquatic ecosystems, with particular emphasis on the developing world. It is promoted by IRD IFREMER, UMR Amure (University Brest/Ifremer), University Montpellier I, University Nantes.
FSD 2010 - 5th International Symposium-Workshop on Frugivores and Seed Dispersal. June 13 - 18, 2010.Corum, Montpellier
The 5th International Symposium-Workshop on Frugivores and Seed Dispersal (1985-2010) in Montpellier will celebrate 40 years of studies on seed dispersal. The main thema is Frugivores and Seed Dispersal: Mechanisms and Consequences of a Key Interaction for Biodiversity. Is is organized by par the Museum national d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN) with the support of the Institute of Evolution Sciences of Montpellier (ISEM) and the Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Ecology (CEFE).
12th International Conference on Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. June 07-11, 2010. Palais des Congres, St Denis, La Réunion
Organized by the Plant Protection pole and the joint research unit PVBMT, this conference supported by Cirad, Inra, Ird and International Society for Plant Pathology will gather around 300 researchers. Special emphasis will be placed on emerging diseases, especially the amazing development of biotechnology and massive data flux from genomics as contributions to provide new clues to old problems: evolutionary history, genomic rearrangements and speciation.
EDEN International Conference: Emerging Diseases in a changing European eNvironment. May 10 - 12, 2010. Corum, Montpellier
From 2004 to 2010, the EDEN project has operated in 24 countries with 49 partner institutions and 80 scientific teams. This represents more than 200 research years of work on the effects of environmental changes on the emergence of vector-borne diseases in Europe. EDEN is organising an International Conference in Montpellier, 10-12 May 2010, to present its most exciting scientific results to the international community, and to stimulate debates with prominent world scientists in this critical area. To ensure a wider debate the conference is not restricted to contributions from EDEN partners only but is opened to any interested scientist or research team working on similar topics in Europe or at its fringes.
PALMS 2010 - International Symposium on the Biology of the Palm Family. May 5-7, 2010. Corum, Montpellier.
Organized by IRD and Cirad, with the support of the Languedoc-Roussillon Regional Council, Agropolis Fondation, Montpellier Agglomeration and the EUNOPS network, this symposium aims to gather scientists involved in researches on palms biology.
International Workshop 'Cultivating Crisis' - 'Pesticides et Suds : des problématiques pour les sciences sociales' - May 4th. Cirad, Montpellier
This workshop is organized by Cirad, Inra, the joint research units "Innovation" and Ritme.
Science in Montpellier April 1st, 2010
Complementary to GCARD, a special day on April 1st will be dedicated to showcase the activities of the Agropolis scientific community. Do not miss the opportunity to discover the expertise available at the Agropolis scientific community in the main areas of agriculture, food, environment, biodiversity and rural societies which are of global significance.
Workshop "Taking stock of smallholder and community forestry: Where do we go from here?"
Date: March 24-26, 2010 Venue: Agropolis International, Montpellier CIFOR, the French research institute for development (IRD) and the French international research center for agricultural development (CIRAD) are organising an international conference on smallholder and community forest management in Montpellier, France, in March 2010. This workshop, bringing together researchers, policy makers and practitioners, is a forum for sharing and evaluating global patterns in forest resource use and management by smallholders and community groups to outline the current state of knowledge and identify a course for future research.
Information session ‘Gender in research as a mark of excellence’
12th March 2010, Agropolis International, Montpellier. Organised by Agropolis International in partnership with Yellow Window Consultants, this session is funded by the European Commission. Programme in french.
LandMod2010 - 2010 Conference on Integrative Landscape Modeling
The conference will be held at SupAgro, Montpellier, France From February 3rd to 5th, 2010
2015 events involving the Agropolis International scientific community
From Agropolis International Newsletter, Issue 16 - November 2014
Focus on : AIDA Research Unit Agro-ecology and Sustainable Intensification of Annual Crops
Cooperation : The European meta-cluster "Feeding the Planet" pursues its internationalisation strategy
What's on in Languedoc-Roussillon Region : Inauguration of the CGIAR Consortium headquarters in Montpellier
What's on in Languedoc-Roussillon Region : International Encounters "Family Farming and Research", Publication "Dossiers d'Agropolis International, n°19 "Family Farming
Just out: Agropolis International Newsletter, Issue number 13, May 2012
Number 13 - May 2012
Read the 14th thematic directory published by Agropolis International: "Water resources: preservation and management"
The re-edition of this Dossier in early 2012 is an opportunity to demonstrate the dynamism of the regional water scientific community on the occasion of the 6th World Water Forum held in Marseille, France (12-17 March 2012) and of the international water exhibition Hydrogaia. 18 research units are working on water issues in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and Avignon, gathering more than 800 scientists, 10 organizations involved in international cooperation,43 training courses.
Synthesis of the PARME Forward-thinking Workshop "PArtnerships and Research in the MEditerranean"
The French National Research Agency (ANR) has selected Agropolis International to coordinate, from January 2010, a forward-thinking workshop (Atelier de Réflexion Prospective) on the theme ‘Which researches and which partnerships for the Mediterranean?’ This study aimed at identifying research and innovation fields requiring cooperations between Mediterranean countries and defining related operating modes with a forward-thinking view for 2030
Read the final report of the SAMAQQ study "Sécurité alimentaire en Méditerranée à l’horizon 2030 : aspects qualitatifs et quantitatifs" - June 2011
SAMAQQ study, initiated by the Agropolis International scientific committee is a foresight study which aims to give recommendations in terms of training, research and partnership in order to contribute to guarantee the food security in the Mediterranean area by 2030.
Download the proceedings of the symposium Innovation and Sustainable Development in Agriculture and Food. June 28 - July 1, 2010. Corum, Montpellier
This symposium was organized by CIRAD, INRA and Montpellier SupAgro. It has gathered 500 participants, from 65 countries bringing their experiences together, sharing their ideas, discussing new perspectives.
IAALD2010 Congress: electronic proceedings and publication open access
The final papers of IAALD2010 Congress held in Montpellier, 26-29 April 2010 are available on Agricultural Information Worldwide v. 3, no. 2 , (IAALD Journal).
This issue contains papers selected by the XIIIth IAALD conference organizers for publication along with some organizational news. An another special issue will be published. Conference Proceedings are available on IAALD2010 website
Just out: "A land degradation assessment and mapping method. A standard guideline proposal". CSFD dossier thématique. Issue 8. November 2010
This dossier presents a method to determine and map land degradation. The author, Pierre Brabant is Honorary Director of Research at the Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD)
Just Published 12th thematic issue published by Agropolis International: ‘Agronomy: Crops and cropping systems'
Read the article in the Agropolis International Newsletter, Issue number 7, November 2010
N° 7 - November 2010
Just Published 11th thematic issue published by Agropolis International: ‘DURAS project : Innovative partnerships for sustainable development’
Read the 10th thematic issue published by Agropolis International: ‘A Model laboratory without walls : the Brazilian Labex’
This special publication devoted to ‘Partnership’ describes the teachings of seven years of functioning of Labex-Europe, a laboratory without walls set up in Montpellier by Embrapa, a Brazilian research institute.
Read the 9th thematic issue: 'Geoinformation and Earth Observation for environment and territories'
Access to airborne and satellite technology for Earth Observation is a major methodological boon for researchers. This ‘altitude gain’ for monitoring has led to the development of a new approach to assessing territories, providing an overview of the target area and clarifying the distribution of elements within this area.
Flyer of STI activities and skills within the Agropolis scientific community in the South of France(Montpellier and the Languedoc-Roussillon Region)
Scientific and Technical Information (STI) facing the issues of a high-level research and training.
Download the Book of Abstracts of the IUFRO International conference: "Research priorities in tropical silviculture: towards new paradigms?". Nov. 15-18, 2011. Montpellier, France
| After more than 50 years of tropical silviculture research carried out in the major forested regions of the world, and in the framework of the International Year of Forests, Cirad, CIFOR and Ecofor organized this international conference under the auspices of IUFRO (Division 1.02.00 Tropical and Subtropical Silviculture; Division 3.07.00 Forest operations in the tropics ; Division 8.02.00 Forest Biodiversity).
Review of the 1st G20 Conference on Agriculture Research for Development - "Promoting Scientific Partnerships for Food Security". September 12-13, 2011. Montpellier, France
| Organized on September 12-13 2011 in Montpellier (France) at the initiative of the G20 French Presidency and in the framework of the pillar on Food Security of the action plan for development, the 1st meeting of the G20 development on Agriculture Research for Development was devoted to promoting scientific partnerships for Food Security.
Review of the conferences of Mrs Elinor Ostrom, 2009 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. June 20-24. Montpellier and Paris, France
| E.Ostrom's works are one of the main reference for those who, in the scientific and politic worlds, are building their speeches and actions on the one hand only on state management, and on the other hand, on the promotion of private property as a universal tool for the management of resources and environment management. E. Ostrom's analysis presents the collective action and the auto-organization as a third alternative between privatization and state management.
Review of the presentation and discussion "Expanding the AWARD Programme in Francophone Africa". June 9, 2011. Agropolis International, Montpellier, France
| See the highlights of the event "CGIAR Gender & Diversity Program launched African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD).
Download presentations of the International seminar «Development in social Life Cycle Assessment». May 5-6, 2011. Montpellier France
| The seminar social LCA of Montpellier, is an extension to that which was held May 31, 2010 at DTU (Denmark) by Dr. Louise Camilla Dreyer. Its purpose is to review recent developments in some approaches to social LCA. This seminar is organized by CIRAD, CEMAGREF, Montpellier 1 University and the ELSA research group .
Report on GlobalHort 5th anniversary at Agropolis International on April 8, 2011
| On the occasion of its five years of activity, GlobalHort presented to the scientific community in Montpellier and to its partners, the history, action plan and some current accomplishments of GlobalHort, before opening a debate on its perspectives for the future.
See video about the conference "Africa and Europe: Partnerships for Agricultural Development", 30/11/10, Agropolis International, Montpellier, France, event jointly organised by Agropolis Fondation and Imperial College London, in collaboration with Agropo
| During this event, the recent report of the Montpellier Panel, headed by Sir Gordon Conway, was presented ; Financed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the report urges Europe to scale up its efforts to develop agriculture to spur economic growth in Africa.
Review of EU-PEARLS European project mid-term international seminar. October 14-15, 2010. Montpellier
| Download presentations of the European mid-term seminar EU-PEARLS. This meeting aimed to bring together researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers, interested in the development of alternative sources of natural rubber.
Review of the final scientific seminar of the ARCUS project. October 7th, 2010. Shanghai
| The final scientific seminar of the ARCUS project 2007-2010 (Ecology and sustainable development, Languedoc-Roussillon/China), was held on October 7th 2010 at the Auditorium of the French Pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai (China). The ARCUS project, managed by Agropolis International, aimed at promoting scientific cooperation between French and Chinese stakeholders in ecology and sustainable development.
Download presentations from AGRO 2010 - XI European Society of Agronomy international congress. August 29 - September 3, 2010. Montpellier
| Oral presentations and final documents are online
See reports and multimedia on the 13th IAALD World Congress ‘Scientific and Technical Information and Rural Development’ organized by IAALD and Agropolis International, 26-29 April 2010, Montpellier
| See reports and multimedia on the 13th IAALD World Congress ‘Scientific and Technical Information and Rural Development’ organized by IAALD and Agropolis International, 26-29 April 2010, Montpellier
Review of the Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD). March 28-31, 2010. Montpellier, France
| The first Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD) was organized by GFAR in collaboration with the Consortium and Independent Science and Partnership Council of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and Agropolis International. The Conference replaced the GFAR Triennial Conferences and the Annual General Meetings of the CGIAR.
Review of the information session held at Agropolis International (September, 17th), about the national contact point of the European Research Council
| Organised by the Europe Committee Agropolis
Proceedings of TDWG 2009
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Urgent & Exclusive: Ahmed Dwidar Joins the Red Devils for 5,500,000 PoundsAl Ahly Starts Negotiations with Waleed Soliman and Ahmed DwidarDominic Arrives on Tuesday…Al Wedad Arrives on ThursdayOfficial: No Contracts Renewal for Ahmed Hassan and Osama Hosni AbouTrika Earns the Red Devils a Draw in Their Final Encounter AbouTrika and Shawky Reappear in the Squad…16 Players Chosen to Represent Meteb Refuses the Rest and Insists on Participating in the Final RoundExclusive: The Eagle’s Relationship with the Red Devils Comes to an EndThe Administration: Moawad Stays with the TeamThe Red Devils Achieve Their 7th Consecutive Title with a Huge Victory
Next Match League Table previous Match
Tuesday 24 August
Al Ahly 1 1 Al Masry
Egyptian Premier League
Sunday29 August
Al Ahly S. Al Kabael
Points Matches Played Team Rank
9 3 Al Entag Al Harby 1
9 3 Ismaily 2
6 3 Enppi 3
5 3 The Police 4
The Red Devils Achieve Their 7th Consecutive Title with a Huge Victory
Last Update inWed 30, Nov -0001 , 00:00
Written By : Omar ElFar , in Fri 02, Dec 2011 , 10:45
Al Ahly managed to achieve their 7th consecutive Egyptian Premier League Title by achieving a huge 5-1 victory over The Arab Contractors to increase the lead with Zamalek, the runner up, to 7 points one match before the end of the season.
The Military Stadium was filled with an enormous number of supporters who were eager to celebrate the Egyptian Premier League title number 36 for their favorite side Al Ahly.
The players performed brilliantly throughout the entire match in all lines; defensive and offensive especially for the midfield that controlled the game and gained possession.
Al Ahly’s players tried a lot to break the silence in the first half but the opposition’s keeper and defense were capable of keeping the clean sheet.
However, in the 19th minute Al Ahly’s gunner Motaz Eno cannoned one from distance which the keeper failed to grip and fell in front of Emad Meteb who was tripped by the goalkeeper inside the box and the referee signaled a penalty.
Wael Gomaa, the defensive rock, took the penalty brilliantly after fooling the keeper and putting it in the other side to give the Red Devils the lead in the 20th minute.
In the 29th minute, Mohamed Barakat managed to double the lead by breaking through from the right side and placing the ball towards the far post past the goalkeeper scoring Al Ahly’s second goal of the match.
In the 36th minute, Sherif Abdel Fadeel managed to increase the lead to three goals after receiving Ahmed Fathi’s corner kick cross with a great header that hit the target.
The first half ended with a three goal lead for the Red Devils over the already relegated side The Arab Contractors.
Just three minutes after the start of the second half, Mohamed Adel managed to decrease the lead to two goals again after diverting the corner kick cross into the target.
However, Al Ahly’s midfield managed to control the game again preventing any chances to decrease the lead further.
The best moment in the match came in the 61st minute where Mohamed Barakat received a wonderful through ball on the right side and crossed from one touch to Geddo whose positioning was great and jumped between two defenders to increase the lead again to 3 goals scoring Al Ahly’s fourth goal.
In the 91st minute, Hossam Ghaly managed to score the fifth goal from a strong shot that hit the keeper’s hand before sailing into the back of the net.
The referee gave the final whistle announcing the Red Devils as the champions of the Egyptian Premier League for the 7th consecutive time and the 36th time in the Egyptian football history.
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Palm OS SmartPhone Articles
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by Cardinal70 on October 9, 2015
This afternoon, at 5:45 PM (or thereabouts), John Lackey will throw a pitch to a Chicago Cubs batter and the postseason will be underway. Odds are, if you look at it just purely from the numbers, this journey doesn’t end well. After all, 90% of all postseason teams lose their final game.
But if you are that 10%, it’s magical. Something that you’ll cherish for a long, long time. We mark these teams, we keep them in our hearts. We just celebrated the 30th anniversary of the 1985 team and they just made the World Series. Next year we’ll probably have a big focus on the 10th anniversary of that 2006 team that perhaps defined #CardinalDevilMagic for some. even before hashtags became a thing. There’s a line in the trailer for the mid-season CW superhero spinoff of Arrow and The Flash that resonates. The time-traveler Rip Hunter says, “In the future, none of you are heroes. You’re legends.” That’s what the members of a team that brings home the title are. Legends.
However, Joseph Campbell could tell you that you’ve got to take a journey to become a hero and the same holds true being a legend. The journey starts this afternoon against a team that, frankly, many of us would possibly never get over losing to, especially if they went on to be that 10%.
You can find many different places breaking down the series, lining the two teams up by position and seeing which is stronger. That’s more work than I want to do and, frankly, those folks would do it better anyway. (They should, since for most of them it’s their day job.) All I can tell you is what I’m thinking, whether it’s backed up by realism or not.
–We discussed this on Gateway to Baseball Heaven Sunday night, and while I can’t disagree with Bill Ivie when he says a split will do fine in the first two games, my gut feeling is still I want to see a sweep. Jake Arrieta goes in Game 3 and while the Cardinals actually have done OK against him this year at times, he’s still 2-1 with a 2.42 ERA against them and he’s pitching like Bob Gibson is giving him tips. I’d much rather have Arrieta going in an elimination game for the Cubs, desperate to stay alive, than a chance to put Chicago ahead in the series. The Game 4 matchup should favor the Cards, but even then, you get to a Game 5 winner-take-all, which is really something to be avoided if possible. The Cardinals can win both of the first two games. They don’t have to, but I really, really hope they do.
–If it comes down to a battle of the bullpens–and there’s every reason to think many games will–you have to believe that the Cardinals have the advantage. How many games were won against the Cubs late this season? We know of so many comebacks, like Jhonny Peralta‘s homer or Stephen Piscotty‘s double, but even in some of the losses, the Cardinals rallied to at least have a shot against the ‘pen. Which means the hitters really need to work on the starters. Make Joe Maddon have some tough decisions. Get the pitch count up. I think that works for the Cubs more than any other team still in the playoffs, even more than Los Angeles. (BTW, there’s a look at every Cardinal/Cub game this season over at Bleed Cubbie Blue, if you want to risk heading there.)
–Dan Buffa and I talked about this when we recorded Best Dans in Baseball last night (hopefully to be available soon) and we agreed that the hitter that worries us the most is Anthony Rizzo. Some of the younger Cub hitters, while still dangerous, you feel like you can get out if you make your pitches. Kris Bryant struck out almost 200 times this year, after all. If he gets into one, it could hit the Arch, but you can get him if you do it right. Rizzo, though, seems to have the Cardinals’ number at times and might become the successor to Aramis Ramirez. The Cardinals need to do their best to make sure he’s not coming up with the game hanging in the balance if at all possible.
–If folks are healthy, we could see more offense than we have come to expect out of this Cardinal team. It’s going to depend on Matt Holliday and Randal Grichuk, of course, and if they can be at 75% or more of their ability, but if you can run out a lineup like this–
Piscotty
Grichuk
Kolten Wong
Yadier Molina
you have to feel pretty good about that potential, right? There’s a lot of pop there and a lot of generally good offensive history. Now, that’s not what we’ve seen much of the year due to injuries and Peralta’s been slumping in the second half, but they have a week’s worth of rest (basically) and another week to get better. I’m starting to think we’ll see some offense this series. I’m surely hoping so, at least.
All right, let’s look at today’s starters. John Lackey goes for the Cardinals and Jon Lester for the Cubs. They faced each other on July 6 in Wrigley, where Lackey got the better of the deal with a 6-0 win. That was actually the last time the Cubs saw Lackey, though the Cubs dealt with Lester twice in September, winning both of the games. (Lester got a loss and a no-decision.) For the year, Lackey is 2-0 with a 1.25 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP against the Cubs in three starts, while Lester is 1-3 in five starts against the Cards, though with a 2.59 ERA.
We know how good Lackey has been at home and in the daytime this season, so you have to like the chances of a low-scoring game. That seemed to be all the Cardinals played in 2015, so they should have an advantage in dealing with those, especially on the big stage. The young Cubs didn’t seem to have a problem in Pittsburgh with the crowd and the pressure, though, so expecting them to wilt in the spotlight seems naive.
Let’s look at the charts! Lackey first:
Chris Coghlan 18 17 8 1 0 0 2 1 2 .471 .500 .529 1.029 0 0 0 0 0
Austin Jackson 17 16 5 2 0 0 0 1 5 .313 .353 .438 .790 0 0 0 0 0
Miguel Montero 16 15 4 2 0 0 2 1 2 .267 .313 .400 .713 0 0 0 0 0
Anthony Rizzo 15 12 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 .083 .267 .083 .350 0 0 0 2 0
Starlin Castro 13 12 3 0 0 0 1 0 2 .250 .308 .250 .558 0 0 0 1 1
Kris Bryant 11 9 2 0 0 0 1 1 5 .222 .273 .222 .495 0 1 0 0 0
Jorge Soler 9 8 4 3 0 0 0 1 0 .500 .556 .875 1.431 0 0 0 0 0
Javier Baez 8 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 .000 .000 .000 .000 0 0 0 0 1
Dexter Fowler 8 7 2 1 0 0 0 1 2 .286 .375 .429 .804 0 0 0 0 0
Addison Russell 8 7 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 .286 .375 .286 .661 0 0 0 0 1
Jake Arrieta 7 6 2 0 1 0 2 0 2 .333 .333 .667 1.000 1 0 0 0 0
Chris Denorfia 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 .000 .250 .000 .250 0 0 0 0 0
Tommy La Stella 3 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .667 .667 .667 1.333 0 0 0 0 0
David Ross 3 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333 .333 .333 .667 0 0 0 0 0
Jon Lester 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .500 .500 .500 1.000 0 0 0 0 0
Travis Wood 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 1 0 0 0 0
Justin Grimm 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .000 .000 .000 .000 0 0 0 0 0
Total 145 130 37 9 1 0 8 9 30 .285 .343 .369 .712 2 1 0 3 3
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Play Index Tool Used
Generated 10/9/2015.
Then Lester:
missG
Jhonny Peralta 53 48 14 3 0 3 8 5 13 .292 .358 .542 .900 0 0 0 0 2
Mark Reynolds 43 36 8 3 0 1 4 5 8 .222 .349 .389 .738 0 0 0 2 1
Jason Heyward 24 24 10 4 0 1 2 0 4 .417 .417 .708 1.125 0 0 0 0 0
Matt Carpenter 23 21 5 1 1 0 1 2 6 .238 .304 .381 .685 0 0 0 0 0
Yadier Molina 22 19 4 1 0 0 3 2 3 .211 .273 .263 .536 0 1 0 0 0
Matt Holliday 19 18 7 1 0 1 4 1 4 .389 .421 .611 1.032 0 0 0 0 0
Peter Bourjos 10 10 3 1 0 0 0 0 3 .300 .300 .400 .700 0 0 0 0 0
Pete Kozma 9 8 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 .125 .125 .125 .250 1 0 0 0 0
Brandon Moss 9 9 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 .222 .222 .222 .444 0 0 0 0 0
Kolten Wong 8 7 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 .143 .250 .143 .393 0 0 0 0 0
Tommy Pham 7 6 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 .167 .286 .667 .952 0 0 0 0 0
Matt Adams 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 .000 .000 .000 .000 0 0 0 0 0
Randal Grichuk 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 .000 .000 .000 .000 0 0 0 0 0
Stephen Piscotty 6 4 1 0 0 1 2 2 1 .250 .500 1.000 1.500 0 0 0 0 0
Jon Jay 4 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .333 .500 .333 .833 0 0 0 0 0
Adam Wainwright 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 .000 .000 .000 .000 0 0 0 0 0
John Lackey 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0 0 0 0 0
Lance Lynn 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .000 .000 .000 .000 0 0 0 0 0
Total 257 233 58 14 1 8 27 20 59 .249 .313 .421 .733 1 1 0 2 3
Obviously, this series is no cakewalk. It’s probably going to be a tough, agonizing, send-you-to-the-hospital week of games. You’ve got everyone in America, basically, cheering against you. Yet there’s still plenty of reason for optimism. Three more wins and the Cardinals are in yet another NLCS with a chance for the World Series. This is what they play for, right? Let’s hope they can get it done!
Oh, and by the way, the United Cardinal Bloggers are planning special episodes of UCB Radio at 10 PM each night there’s a game. Tonight, Mr. Buffa and Kevin Reynolds will break down Game 1 if you want to give it a listen!
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Speak Up wins Advocacy Award
Congratulations to Speak Up for winning the Advocacy Award from the Governor's Council on People with Disabilities! Pictured: Superintendent Lisa Guliano, Self Advocates Nick Sopiwnik, Elizabeth Crehan and Morgan Gattermeyer, and Community Connections Coordinator Connie Mehlman.
Speak Up is a group of self-advocates from Butler County. In 2016, the group began creating videos called “Just Right.” Each two-minute video highlights one of the 24 rights of people with disabilities and helps people to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The videos are a fun way to learn about rights.
The group has produced four videos: The Right to Vote, The Right to Personal Finances, The Right to Timely Medical Care, and The Right to Privacy. In each video, members of Speak Up portray characters and act out the basics of the right.
For example, in the Right to Timely Medical Care, a patient has been waiting for medical care for years. In comes Mr. Right to save the day, explaining that the patient has the right to go to the doctor when she needs to. Miss Responsibility comes in and reminds the patient to tell someone when she is not feeling well.
The videos are written, directed and produced by members of Speak Up, with assistance from staff at Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Not only do the videos teach about rights, but also raise public awareness about disabilities. Many of the videos have included members of the community and are filmed in the community.
The videos could be utilized by other groups as a teaching tool and are available on YouTube. The group plans to eventually make videos for all 24 rights.
Morgan Gattermeyer, Co-Leader of Speak Up, said, “Our Just Right videos not only teach us but remind us of the things we are capable of doing.”
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Intergovernmental Conflict Resolution Resources Available from ILG
Post December 23, 2009 Local Agency Associations
The Institute for Local Government recently announced the release of A Local Official’s Guide to Selecting a Conflict Resolution Professional for Inter-Agency Disputes with an invitation to spread the word to local agencies about the pamphlet’s availability (an electronic version of this pamplet is available at www.ca-ilg.org/mediatorselection).
To make spreading the word as convenient as possible, we have provided sample newsletter articles at www.ca-ilg.org/adrnewsletter.
The selecting mediators pamphlet is the latest in the Institute’s series of pamphlets that help local agencies consider alternatives to litigation to resolve intergovernmental disputes. It follows the previous release of pamphlets describing 1) alternative dispute resolution for local agencies in general and 2) special legal issues relating to local agencies’ use of alternative dispute resolution as resources for local officials.
Anything you can do to help your membership be aware of our resources would be most appreciated.
Please also feel encouraged to check out the resources available for local officials from all Institute program areas and resources, including climate change, land use, public service ethics and more at www.ca-ilg.org.
About the Institute for Local Government
The Institute for Local Government is the nonprofit research and education affiliate of the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties. The Institute promotes good government at the local level through it publications and web-based resources.
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FITs cut “unlawful” says Judge
22nd December 2011 Zoe Forbes
In a dramatic judgement yesterday at the High Court, Mr Justice Mitting found Government Ministers had acted unlawfully in cutting feed-in tariffs from the 12th December. After a two day hearing closely examining the law, he decided that Ministers were not following the correct legal process, and were wrong to reduce tariff rates without first laying regulations before Parliament.
Mr Justice Mittings finding was so emphatic that he went on to refuse the Government the right to appeal, saying they stood little chance of overturning it. This does not stop the Government asking the Appeal Court to hear their case – but in an unusual move Mr Justice Mitting even reduced the time available for them to make this request, saying they must file legal arguments with the Appeal Court by 4th January.
As things now stand therefore, the “eligibility date” of 12th December is unlawful, and Government will have to table new proposals. A new date is likely to be around the end of February – this would give time for the 40 day period of consideration the law requires which Ministers ignored this time around. However if the Government do appeal the finding – as they have said they will – and successfully overturn it, they will be able to re-impose the 12th December date. This means that while there is a good chance of a later eligibility date, it will not be possible to guarantee the higher rates to customers until the legal process has finished.
Clearly this adds to the uncertainty for the next few weeks – but the longer-term effect of holding the Government to account and insisting on due process ought to reinforce the demands that Government must never again throw the solar industry – or indeed any part of the new environmental industries – into the kind of turmoil solar has faced in the last couple of months. The finding is also intensely embarassing for Ministers, as it once again throws the spotlight on their botched handling of the entire policy.
What is now needed is for Ministers to take the criticism on the chin, and start afresh from here, drawing up a sensible path forward that takes solar from current levels of subsidy to grid parity in a predictable way that allows the industry to develop. It is time for Ministers to recognise that the fact solar prices have fallen faster than expected is a good news story, not a reason to shrink the industry. It is disappointing that despite the Judge warning they are unlikely to succeed, Ministers are still proposing to drag the process out further – but it is worth keeping fingers crossed that a break over Christmas, and some fresh legal advice will cause them to think again. They can be assured that if they take the sensible path, the solar industry will be with them.
Joint Select Committee report slams Government handling of FITs
Two cross-party committees of MPs have added to the bad news for Ministers, publishing a damning report into the handling of FITs the morning after the court found their actions were unlawful. The Environmental Audit Committee and Energy and Climate Change Committees came together to hold joint hearings into the FITs proposals shortly after Ministers announced them. Their report is available here
The report says Ministers should have seen problems coming much earlier, and made more timely, and less dramatic cuts. It accuses Minister of being “panicky” and “clumsy” and says the actions undermine confidence in energy policy across the board – not just in the solar sector. The report also makes powerful recommendations that over-zealously linking solar installation to energy efficiency requirements could prove “fatal” to the industry by making it impossible for many homes to fit solar at all.
It will be extremely important for these findings to be widely distributed to MPs. It is arguable whether it is best to send them to your MP now (when they are probably just about to pack up for Christmas) or first thing in the New Year – but please make sure you send a letter to them pointing out the strength of the finding and asking what your MP can do to persuade Ministers to think again.
Final chance for consultation responses
Amongst all the excitement, it would be easy to forget the consultation is still open – the closing day for submissions is tomorrow. If you have not submitted a form yet, the page with links to documents and the online response form is here.
Finally, I wanted to say a big thank you to all of you who have helped with the lobbying effort. Whether it was writing to MPs, visiting Parliament, holding banners for your local papers or any of the the many, many other things you have done in the last six weeks, you have been unstinting in your support. That you have managed to all that while also installing record volumes of solar panels is little short of incredible.
But it was absolutely essential – however good the arguments for solar are, MPs only really notice them when they are coming from their constituencies and voters – not from pressure groups and industry bodies.
The fight must of course go on in the New Year, but there is no question that we have transformed the way in which the solar industry has been seen in the last few months, and put ourselves in a position where it is taken much more seriously as a creator of jobs and generators of zero carbon power.
So pat yourselves on the back, enjoy a seasonal glass of whatever you most prefer, and have a very good holiday. We’ll be back in the New Year.
Martyn Williams
Our Solar Future
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Double delight for Lancashire’s top young carers
Chantel was also recently crowned the best home care coordinator in the North West at the Great British Care Awards and will join eight other regional winners at the national ceremony in June.
Hosted by Lancashire Business View, the Young ‘Uns Awards recognise those aged 36 and under that are raising the bar in business.
A total of 13 trophies will be handed out on Friday 12 June during a gala dinner at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
Community Life Choices specialises in the provision of five-star home care to adults and children in need of personalised health and social care services.
The double award shortlist follows a phenomenal year for the company, with turnover increasing by 150 per cent – during what was its fourth year of business – and is now on track to surpass its £2 million growth target for 2015.
Alan Frew, managing director of Community Life Choices, said: “We’ve worked extremely hard over the past four years to develop an enviable reputation for providing personalised care and support for children and adults not just in Lancashire, but across the UK and it’s great that our hard work and high standards have been recognised by the judges.
“Chantel has been part of the team since June 2013 and has made a significant impact in this time. She’s quickly established herself as a well-respected, highly-valued manager, always going above and beyond her call of duty.
“The entire Community Life Choices team has a real passion and love for what we do and winning all three awards would top off a superb 12 months, which recently included two major contract wins with Warrington Borough Council and Cumbria County Council.â€
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Mitchell Syrop at Midway Contemporary Art
Artist: Mitchell Syrop
Venue: Midway Contemporary Art, Minneapolis
Exhibition Title: It is better to shine than to reflect
Date: September 20 – October 25, 2014
Click here to view slideshow
Full gallery of video, images, press release and link available after the jump.
Mitchell Syrop, excerpt from Watch it. Think it, 1976. 16mm film transferred to DVD, 56 seconds. Courtesy of the artist and Midway Contemporary Art, Minneapolis.
Video and images courtesy of the artist and Midway Contemporary Art, Minneapolis
Midway Contemporary Art is pleased to present a new exhibition of work by Mitchell Syrop following his previous Midway exhibition – Hidden. Whereas Hidden focused on his more recent sculptural work, this exhibition, It is better to shine than to reflect, brings together a new installation of his high school yearbook series from the 1970s with his photographic work from the early 1980s that was influenced by the advertising strategies and mechanisms of that period.
Syrop began combining text and image in the mid-1970s following his move from New York to Los Angeles. His interest in public advertising developed as a young student in New York, and became an explicit focus in his work once he started graduate school at CalArts where he gained access to film and image reproduction technology. The availability of such technology, combined with the scale and breadth of LA’s advertising and television industries, was of particular importance to Syrop. In 1976 he created a short film, Watch It, Think It, that was 6 seconds long and was eventually edited for commercial broadcast on a local television station. The short sequence portrays a woman smiling and drinking from a glass of water within rapidly shifting graphic transitions. A voiceover repeats, “Watch it… Think It… Watch it… Think it”. Like some of the other works on view, the ambiguous nature of this pseudo commercial allows for numerous readings. Disconnected from any product, this work links itself to presentational modes at use in advertising.
In the early 1980s, Syrop continued using the language of advertising but began working more extensively with photography. He selected images from trade magazines, advertisements, and news sources. Often interspersed with photos that he himself had taken, Syrop had a particular interest in combining – in an indexical manner – the most generic style of images with charged and reductive clichés, advertising slogans, and biblical references. The psychologically subjective nature of this work lacked the coolness of critique found in other work at the time.
A new iteration of Syrop’s ongoing yearbook series is installed in the adjacent gallery. He began this collection in 1974 as an undergraduate art student in New York, picked it up again in the early 1990s, and continues to add to the archive of images today. Photographing and scanning portraits from high school yearbooks, he then enlarges and reprints new images to be included in groupings that range from three images to much larger installations such as those on view at Midway. Using grids of aluminum and monofilament as structures to
arrange these images, the various constellations of faces have been reconfigured over the years in each subsequent installation. These works can be accessed vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or taken in in their entirety. Through these photographic arrangements, fluid patterns that are both visual and psycho-social emerge and dissolve. In addition, time has accentuated these images’ distance from their original sources and use. The work leaves us with a sense of discomfort about the unstable nature of that displacement and our relationship to it.
Link: Mitchell Syrop at Midway Contemporary Art
Tags: Midway Contemporary Art, Minneapolis, Mitchell Syrop, United States
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Ryan Hurst Joining THE WALKING DEAD
News on the street is that Ryan Hurst is joining the cast of The Walking Dead for their ninth season. For fans of Sons of Anarchy, this is a nice bit of news becuase the last time fans of SoA say Hurst, he played the ill-fated and loyal character of Opie on the series.
But rather than being a good guy in TWD, this time around, he's on the other end of the spectrum and playing Beta, a bad guy.
"Beta is the strong and silent type, a brute force of nature. What he lacks in expressiveness, he makes up for with intense physicality, as well as intense loyalty"
The character is an interesting one... a truly silent and brooding type who, in the comics, wears the skin of a human as a cowl of some kind.
Of course with Hurst coming in, is also the season that Grimes is leaving the story, since Andrew Lincoln is leaving the series.
I guess we'll see.
casting news ryan hurst the walking dead
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Cars > Kia > Kia Sportage 2009
Image Copyright: Kia
The Kia Sportage 2009 is updated with exterior and interior changes. The compact SUV has new headlights, a reshaped grille, and a restyled bumper.
Kia Sportage Turns Heads While Remaining a Great Value
· Refreshed vehicle reveals an exciting new look and features
· Value-laden compact SUV offers competitive power
IRVINE , Calif. , November 17, 2008 � As Kia further emphasizes design while integrating exceptional value and quality, the award-winning Sportage receives a face lift for 2009. In its second generation, Sportage features a fresh, new exterior look and new contemporary technological features on the interior. Not only does the 2009 Sportage offer exciting design and technological advancements, but fuel economy also has improved. The 2009 Sportage builds off of the award-winning 2008 Sportage, named Cars.com's �Best Bang for the Buck.�
Improved Fuel Economy and Drivability
Two engines are offered with Sportage, a five-speed manual or four-speed Sportmatic� transmission, and the choice of either two-wheel or full-time four-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine uses Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to boost performance, enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions at low- and mid-range rpm. The engine generates 140 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm, giving Sportage competitive power for its class.
For more enhanced performance, a more powerful V6 engine is available for LX, standard for EX models, which is mated to a four-speed Sportmatic transmission. The lightweight and compact DOHC 24-valve, all-aluminum 2.7-liter engine generates 173 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 178 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Fully independent suspension systems in the front and rear are designed to deliver responsive on-road handling and a comfortable ride on a variety of road surfaces, while retaining long wheel travel and a genuine talent to perform with true off-road ability.
Sleek and Fresh Exterior
With its new face lift, Sportage's exterior represents elements of Kia Motors' new design direction. The attractive new grille design along with newly conceived headlamps and fog lights create a more modern appearance. Front and rear bumpers matching the body color add to the sleek, new look. Rounding out the new design are all-new alloy wheel features. These redesigned wheels have slick and fun styling and are found under a newly designed sweeping wheel arch. The 16-inch 215/65R16 alloy wheels come standard on all four-cylinder models, while V6 models receive new 16-inch 235/60R16 alloy wheels. For a more rugged look and for the first time ever, new 17-inch 235/55R17 alloy wheels are available with the Sport Package on LX V6 models.
The 2009 Sportage has a smooth demeanor with its exterior styling that includes multi-reflector headlamps, roof rails, front and rear towing hooks and a front-end skid plate, standard on all LX models. In addition to receiving the V6 engine with automatic transmission, upgrading to the EX model includes a power-operated, one-touch sunroof, fog lights and heated outside mirrors.
Opting for a Sport Package, available on LX V6 models, adds distinctive features including fog lights, leather steering wheel and shift knob, rear spoiler, rear cargo cover and the brand-new 17-inch alloy wheels.
Spacious and Entertaining on the Inside
The interior of the 2009 Sportage offers new features for the tech-savvy driver. Along with nearly all 2009 Kia vehicles, Sportage comes equipped with standard SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months of complimentary service . Further extending its audio appeal, auxiliary and USB jacks come standard with MP3 playback capabilities while iPod� integration through the head unit is available with an optional iPod cable. Not only has the audio platform advanced, but those looking for a little help getting from here to there can find solace with an optional navigational system, also new for Sportage this year. The newly appointed center fascia helps deliver an entertaining and stylish driving experience.
Sportage still boasts an incredibly roomy ride, comfortably fitting up to five adults and a wide variety of cargo with its innovative easy-to-use �Drop & Fold� rear seat. Utilizing a 60/40-split cushion and backrest that allows the bottom cushion to move forward and down into the rear footwell area, it also allows the seat backrest to be folded completely flat and onto the same level as the trunk floor. This easy-to-perform operation can even be executed without removing the rear head restraints.
The �Drop & Fold� rear seat gives Sportage users a large number of seating and luggage carrying combinations. With all seats occupied, Sportage can carry three sets of golf clubs in the load area, with a maximum cargo volume of 66.6 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded flat.
Access to Sportage's cabin is particularly easy, with large, wide-opening doors and generous legroom � 42.1 inches in the front and 37.2 inches in the rear. Front headroom is 40.7 inches, while rear headroom is 39.4 inches. In addition to its sheer volume, convenience benefits offered by the load area include: a rear-cargo under-floor tray (above the spare wheel), four tie-down anchors in the floor, side-wall storage with net, and a two-position rear cargo cover (only on Sport and EX models).
Sportage also offers a wide range of storage compartments, including a large center console, large lockable glove box, overhead sunglasses holder, map and cup holders in all four doors and rear seat central armrest with cup holders.
The LX model is loaded with standard equipment, offering power windows with a driver's one-touch down feature, power mirrors, rear privacy glass, roof rails, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system. Cruise control also comes standard on all models. Upgrading to an EX model will add a leather-covered shift knob and steering wheel, sunroof, floor mats, a cargo cover and upgraded seat fabric.
The EX also offers a Luxury Package, which includes leather seats and interior trim, heated front seats, automatic headlamps, electrochromatic interior mirror with HomeLink® and an upgraded audio system complete with subwoofer and external amplifier. The leather seats and trim also are available as a stand-alone option for the EX model.
Safety Remains Solid
Appealing to those looking for a sleek, value-laden vehicle that time after time exceeds safety expectations, Sportage earned a five-star crash safety rating in frontal and side impact crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2007 and 2008 . Its long list of standard safety features includes: six standard airbags (two advanced front airbags, two front-seat-mounted side airbags, and two full-length side-curtain airbags); traction control system (TCS); electronic stability control (ESC); and four-wheel disc brakes with a four-channel, four-sensor antilock brake system (ABS).
The ABS incorporates electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), which helps distribute braking force evenly to all four wheels as weight shifts during cornering. The standard traction control is a fully automatic, dual-mode system that either reduces engine power or applies the vehicle's brakes � or both � when appropriate.
Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Sportage is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
Kia Sportage 2009 Pictures
Kia Sportage 2009 Videos
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Kia Sportage SX 2011
Kia Sportage KX 4 2013
Kia Forte Koup 2011
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Building genuine, connected, safe relationships by strengthening personal
self-discovery, authenticity, & boundaries
Marriage/Couples Counseling
Biblically Informed Counseling
Lessons learned from the Life of David Concerning Abusive Relationships
Several months ago, I was reading the story of David in the Bible, and found myself noticing a biblical principle in how David handled an unsafe relationship. In the realm of Christian relationships, I have seen many Christian women putting up with risky, harmful situations under the guise of being submissive wives to husbands asserting their authority as “head of the house”.
The following is the story of how one who was under the authority of another, reacted when he was put in harm’s way by that authority figure.
When King Saul was disobedient to the Lord, the Bible says that the Lord’s Spirit departed from Saul, and he felt tormented. Saul took his servant’s suggestion to have David come into his palace and play his harp for him, finding that the music that David played eased his troubled soul. Because David met such a valuable need and Saul liked him, David became a “regular” in the palace.
After David killed Goliath and established his reputation as a warrior, King Saul’s jealousy toward David became unmanageable and added to the torment he had already been feeling. Though he was a successful warrior, David continued to play the harp for the king. King Saul, obsessed with jealousy, became filled with anger toward the warrior-musician and was no longer calmed by the music. So much, that he hurled his spear at David twice while he was playing the harp. Because Saul knew that the Israelite people loved David, he sent him away on many war campaigns, hoping the Philistines would kill him. Over and over again, Saul recognized that the Lord was with David, but because of his uncontrollable emotions, he hated David and treated him as an enemy.
King Saul’s son, Jonathan who was also David’s best friend, tried to act as a mediator between the two and convinced David to come back to the king’s palace as before. Strike 2—once again Saul’s jealousy got the best of him and David became spear target practice again. Understandably, David decided it best to stay away from the king’s presence, when the whole family was accustomed to David sitting down to dinner with them every night. Meanwhile, Jonathan as an optimistic family member, continued to hope that his dad had no ill intentions toward David.
David decided to give Saul another chance from afar. He had a special signal arranged with Jonathan, regarding Saul’s response when the king found David missing from the family meal. David was highly suspicious that the vacancy would spark the king’s hot temper. When King Saul noticed that David was missing, and Jonathan explained his absence, Jonathan became the new target for his father’s spear. Now, convinced by personal experience, Jonathan gave the signal that began David’s tenure of running from King Saul.
During the years that followed, much of Saul’s focus was fueled by his obsession with killing David, not on the ruling of the nation of Israel. But the Lord continued to be with David during this huge relational conflict. David even had the opportunity to kill King Saul twice, the first time cutting off a section of the king’s robe, the second time taking his spear. Both times with the king’s possessions in hand, he confronted the king respectfully, asking the king to consider his innocence, desiring the longstanding wearisome “hide and seek game” be over. Both times, the king confessed his sin and proclaimed David’s virtue. The second time he asked David to come back and called him his son. Because David had experience with Saul’s words not ringing true with his actions, he refused to trust his words and continued to flee. Sure enough, the chase continued until King Saul died.
I see many parallels with this story and those in abusive relationships.
1. There was a pattern of abuse from King Saul toward David. Abusive relationships also involve patterns of abuse, not usually one-time events.
2. Saul came from position as king, an authority figure over David, who was in the king’s service. The abuse was from one in an authoritative role over one in a deferent role.
3. At times, the relationship between Saul and David was pleasant. There are times in abusive relationships when the abuser is nice to the victim, which serves to give hope to victim.
4. Jonathan, King Saul’s son, had a hard time believing that his father meant harm to David. Those who are not privy to the relationship may not believe the victim of abuse, and may defend the abuser.
5. Saul revealed his anger to his own son with the same action of thrusting his spear at him as he had with David. The abuser will often show his emotional reactivity to others around him.
6. David came to a time when he recognized he needed to separate from Saul to save his life. An abuse victim needs to recognize that she needs to separate from the abuser to save her life.
7. David continued to honor the authority of the king while living in separation from him. Those who consider themselves under the authority of their husbands can continue to honor their spouses while being separated from them.
8. The Lord continued to be with David when he separated from Saul. God’s favor will still rest upon the abused even if the victim feels the need to separate.
9. Saul admitted his fault and expressed his sorrow over his evil actions. Abusers commonly apologize for their wrongful actions.
10. David learned not to trust Saul’s words but instead observed his action when it came to reconciliation. Abuse victims should pay attention to consistent behavioral changes rather than the apologies and words of their abusive partner before considering reconciliation.
I believe the New Testament also emphasizes the importance of actions matching words. The words, “I’m sorry” are relatively easy to say. Saying “I’m sorry. I was wrong.” is a little harder. John the Baptist admonished his followers to “bear fruit in keeping with repentance”. Repentance is turning away from a sinful direction and going the opposite direction. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people to be fruit observers in order to judge whether or not the tree (or person’s character) is a good or bad one. Galatians 5:22-23 reveals the fruit of the Spirit as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”. Each of these qualities are incorporated with actions in order to demonstrate these fruits.
If you are in a relationship in which you are beginning to wonder if it’s abusive,
Is this a pattern of behavior? Does the person in question place himself in a position of ‘one-upmanship’? Am I and those I love in harm’s way? Does the person “lose it” with others in his life as well as with me? Does the person continue in the same behavior despite frequent apologies and periods of “niceness”? Do I really trust this person’s word?
Consider the response of David, one often referred to as a “man after God’s own heart, as to how he handled the abusive situation in which he found himself.
The abused need this message. Thanks for sharing the powerful example of David and Saul. You are making a difference in the lives of the hurting. Jim
Thanks for the encouragement, Jim. I appreciate the feedback
Elaine Barron is a Christian psychotherapist in practice under direction at Jordan Stones Counseling Center in Roswell, GA.
The Significance of Jordan Stones
Thumbtack Best of 2016
Elaine Barron Counseling
12700 Century Drive Suite E
elainebarronlmsw@gmail.com
"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"
N.D. Walsch
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Reservations Find a Park
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Skagit Bluffs Trail
Rating: moderate
Length: 5.6 km one way
Elevation Change: 225 m
Time: 2 hours
Best Time to Go: June to October (red rhododendrons bloom mid-June)
Start of Trail: Cascade Recreation Area parking lot (12 km east of the west portal to the park or Cayuse Flats parking lot (17 km east of the west portal or 25 km west of the Visitor Centre).
The Skagit Bluffs Trail parallels the Hope-Princeton Highway between the Cascade Recreation Area parking lot and Cayuse Flats parking lot. As the trail rises above the road the hiker is rewarded with occasional good views. Little traffic noise is heard as the trail climbs and heads deeper into the forest on a trail that is often softly padded with needles from the trees towering overhead.
For a good stretch of this trail you will actually be hiking along the old Dewdney Trail which is part of, or parallel to, todays Hope Princeton Highway. The Dewdney is a heritage trail that was constructed in 1860 by Edgar Dewdney on the request of Governor Douglas. This trail was originally called “Mule Road to the Similkameen” and later known as the “Canyon Trail”.
Cascade Recreation Area parking lot start: The trail commences within 50 m of the entrance to the parking lot. You will need to drive into the parking area and backtrack along the driveway to the posted trail head. The elevation gain begins almost immediately. For the first 10 minutes the trail skirts along and gradually rises above the highway. You will soon begin to notice an abundance of red rhododendrons. These shrubs put on a spectacular display around mid-June. The trail levels out for about 100 m and then starts to climb. A further 15 minutes of uphill will bring you to a rock slide area. This scree area continues for a few hundred metres. After this the trail descends for a brief minute break and then starts a brief and easy uphill climb (30-35 minutes from the trail head).
Continuing along, the trail starts to descent and reaches the first creek crossing which is dry in summer and even into early September. The next creek is reached about 2 minutes later and generally has plenty of water. A further 200m brings you to the 3rd creek crossing, which while not as full, will probably have water in the summer and early fall providing the summer has not been too hot and dry. You then begin a slight ascent which gradually becomes more strenuous but only for a short time and then begins to descend to a fairly strong large creek which is a good supply of water (about 45-50 minutes along the trail). This creek is not bridged so caution must be used in crossing it. At this point the trail is rolling along up and down, and then ascends for a short distance (1 minute) and for the next 10-15 minutes you can enjoy a more or less downhill journey.
About 1 hour into the trail you will notice it widens. You are now hiking along the historic Dewdney Trail section which is part of the Skagit Bluffs Trail. Within 5 minutes you will reach a viewpoint which is a good spot to take a break or stop for lunch. A further 5 minutes along the trail will bring you to a second viewpoint, much like the first. In the autumn this trail provides a wonderful blend of colours from golds and greens to orange and crimson with vine maple scattered along most of it.
After leaving the second viewpoint the trail gradually descends for about 12-15 minutes. Here you reach the 4th creek (1 m across) and it also should have plenty of water throughout the summer. There is no bridge here so step across carefully. A bit further along the trail, on the south side, is an old cabin. You will have to look closely to see it as there are only the bottom walls remaining. Part of the floor is visible but rotting away. This cabin was built in the 1930s by Ole Johansen and some other miners. This cabin along with other cabins which no longer exist and a horse barn were built for those who were involved with claims and mining in the Can Am vicinity.
Continuing along, (95-100 minutes from the trail head) the trail ascends briefly and the 5th creek is reached within a few minutes. It is a large, dry creek bed in summer but full in the spring. There is no difficulty crossing it later in the season. A section of creek and mud (2 m across) is reached about 6-7 minutes later. This is a naturally damp area and can be expected to be moist, wet or muddy year-round. You will notice different plant life along this portion of the trail which is due to the more damp nature of the geography and presents a good opportunity to look at mosses, ferns and lichen. A second small creek/mud stretch is broached 50 m further. From here the trail rolls up and down gently to end on the north side of the highway across from the Cayuse Flats parking are (1 3/4 – 2 hours from the trail head). The parking area is on the south side of the highway.
E.C. Manning Provincial Park: Driving Tour
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NDIS helps the common good
Moira Byrne Garton
Last week, Eureka Street editor Michael Mullins commented on the Prime Minister's Business Advisory Council chairman's address to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia, and cautioned the Government against listening to certain interests at the expense of the common good.
Indeed, Dr Maurice Newman's criticism of the former Government for establishing and funding programs such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme reveals an upsetting indifference toward those who shoulder the true cost of disability in Australia. Newman described the decision to commit to the NDIS as 'reckless' and implied a preference to implement a scheme such as the NDIS during a more prosperous era.
Paradoxically, those to whom Newman eventually gave his political support, the Coalition, had an opportunity during years of economic growth but chose instead to spend money elsewhere. Whatever its reasons and motivations, when the former Labor Government took on disability reform, people with disability and caregivers across the nation were relieved that their issues were finally acknowledged and addressed.
Waiting for a putative golden opportunity — which, in any case, may not have materialised — would not have addressed the problems, but would only have further entrenched the difficulties of those affected by disability.
At the moment, a small number of Australians disproportionately bear the cost of disability support. Working opportunities and income is foregone when workplaces are not inclusive, accommodating or flexible, both for people with disability and those who care for them. Therapies and equipment are frequently paid for by those with a disability and their families, when they might have preferred to spend money on other goods and services many others take for granted.
There are health costs for people not receiving the right equipment or early intervention services which may prevent problems later, and for the mental and physical health of unsupported caregivers. There are economic costs in the significantly higher marriage breakdown rates for parents of children with disability. There is personal detriment when the rights of people with disability to participate in society are overlooked. Opportunity costs for individuals with disability and caregivers are manifold.
Australia is also paying, in foregone revenue from taxes of those currently prevented from working and subsequent increased social security support expenses, as well as lost participation and productivity in the workforce and the economy. In addition, Australia assumes a reputational loss and Australians bear personal and opportunity costs the longer it takes to become a more inclusive community.
One of the most compelling reasons for the bipartisan support of the NDIS was the argument that disability support would be prioritised and properly funded if our society's legislation and economy were being initiated today. Few would argue against providing a safety net for people whose disability may stymie or prevent efforts to participate fully in the workforce or in society.
In A Theory of Justice, John Rawls explains the concept of 'original position': in a scenario where the rules of a society are a blank slate, those offered the opportunity to create rules for that society who do not know their own status in that society (the 'veil of ignorance') are likely to develop justice principles on which to base laws and the economy. This hypothetical situation requires the 'veil of ignorance' to operate, otherwise those who are more assertive or capable may choose laws which dominate and disadvantage those who may be incapacitated.
Instead of complaining about policies aimed at addressing disadvantage and building productivity in the long-term, Newman could have proposed other ideas which would have supported these objectives and had benefits for the wider community and the economy. Workplace plasticity, alternative education and training pathways, micro businesses, and micro finance are all initiatives which seek to improve disability and education, but which also have benefits for business and the economic growth.
Perhaps these could be considered for a future speech which recognises that addressing social disadvantage need not require policies which are burdensome to the economy, and does not infer that beneficiaries of such policies should have to continue to tolerate a broken policy environment.
Moira Byrne is a policy analyst and disability advocate. She holds a PhD in political science from the ANU, and was recently named as a finalist in the 2013 Human Rights Awards.
Wheelchair image from Shutterstock
Recent articles by Moira Byrne Garton.
Best of 2013: NDIS helps the common good
Declaring war on the r-word
Labor stops short on migration and disability reform
Fifty shades of rape culture
Hope beyond disability support flip-flopping
Topic tags: Moira Byrne Garton, disability, NDIS, John Rawls
The NDIS is not 'burdensome to the economy', rather it's a way of sharing an existing burden more equitably.
Ginger Meggs | 19 November 2013
I have a beautiful four year old granddaughter who has a disability. Chloe has taught our family about the deepest love. Her mother and father were happy to see the NDIS come into existence. They are active in their community in supporting Chloe and others with disabilities. It would be a very stunted government which did not recognise the immeasurable value to society of people who have disabilities.
Pam | 19 November 2013
A great article, Moira. I like your explanation of the 'original position' philosophy too. Thanks.
Donna McDonald | 20 November 2013
I am a bit concerned that the current government may water down the NDIS to something which will be woefully in adequate and won't be of much assistance to people with disabilities at all
Michael Gofton | 20 November 2013
Frightening that here, as well as in recent comments by John Della Bosca and others, the emphasis is on moving people living with disability off welfare and into paid employment. Is the real aim of NDIS then to reverse the cost blow out caused by the ever growing number of DSP recipients? Further, it is tragic that the NDIS does not provide funding for counselling and other therapeutic support for people who are mentally unwell, when such people cannot access that support elsewhere. The evidence is compelling that counselling provides the best opportunity for recovery from mental ill health. Look, for one, at the recent therapeutic guidelines for treating borderline personality disorder, put out by the NHMRC. Why does the NDIS maintain that odious distinction between people living with mental ill health and other forms of disability? Should I point out the paradox that most of the cost blow out associated with the DSP relates to people who are mentally unwell?
Stephen | 20 November 2013
Everyone has a right to question NDIS. Bill Shorten did a great thing by bringing it to our attention but there are short comings particularly for people over 65. Even little things like taxi transport to get to appointments is an issue with the Victorian Government recently rejecting a proposal for a taxi service just for people with disabilities run by people with disabilities. Now the TAC and WORKCOVER are changing peoples rights. These two organisations, which have thousands of people on their books with hundreds of different disabilities, are paying specialists little more than the medicare rebate and wonder why there are so few doctors and medical people willing to be service providers. So we all need to look at this program wisely because Shortens idea was terrific- now we need governments and agencies to make it work. Being handicapped or disabled all of a sudden usually leads to a form of depression which is not well recognised by the TAC or WORKCOVER who are NOT non profit making organisations
PHIL | 20 November 2013
'Disability' needs to be clearly defined, along with a correllation of that disability with age and circumstances: eg, a family with a number of other children including a baby with cerebral palsy will require greater assistance than an 83yr old widower in a nursing home who acquires cerebral palsy from a stroke.
john frawley | 20 November 2013
Thank you Moira for these words of wisdom. I agree that early intervention is an important issue with disabled children. I have a 2 year old grand-son who was born with a tumor that crushed his spinal cord. Chemo has got rid of the tumor but he is paralysed from the chest down. Early intervention locomotive therapy is important to his development and future health. He needs this now, not just in 2018 when the NDIS expands to all groups in NSW. Friends and relatives of his family are helping as best they can right now. His parents are doing all they can for their son. It is made more difficult because they have two older children , aged 4 and 6. The NDIS, when it comes, will be of great assistance.
Alan Hamilton | 20 November 2013
Stephen, I would like to offer my strongest support to your comments. I am very concerned at the lack of recognition for the plight of people who are are too sick to work, especially people with chronic, severe mental illnesses.
Sheelah Egan | 20 November 2013
Great article Moira - thank you for tackling the inaccurate and offensive description of the NDIS as reckless and a drain on the economy. You might like to reread a similar article from the Every Australian Counts Campaign http://bit.ly/1ctF5JS
Geraldine Mellet | 20 November 2013
Moira's is the ethical viewpoint in a country that prides itself on its delivery of a fair go. If Australia expects to stand alongside other first world countries and hold its head high then it will shoulder the responsibility of supporting its disabled citizens.
Harriet | 20 November 2013
Spot on Moira. I want to particularly confirm the truth of the following (the only thing that doesn't apply to my own family's circumstances is that we have a strong marriage which by the Grace of God has not broken down): "At the moment, a small number of Australians disproportionately bear the cost of disability support. Working opportunities and income is foregone when workplaces are not inclusive, accommodating or flexible, both for people with disability and those who care for them. Therapies and equipment are frequently paid for by those with a disability and their families, when they might have preferred to spend money on other goods and services many others take for granted. There are health costs for people not receiving the right equipment or early intervention services which may prevent problems later, and for the mental and physical health of unsupported caregivers. There are economic costs in the significantly higher marriage breakdown rates for parents of children with disability. There is personal detriment when the rights of people with disability to participate in society are overlooked. Opportunity costs for individuals with disability and caregivers are manifold." There was a study done not so long ago in USA, which concluded that conservatives are less capable of grasping and integrating the nuances and complexities of issues, in arriving at a balanced solution and here is an example of a man who has concluded that "the common good" has only one dimension: avoiding the government's immediate outlay for the NDIS. As the above quoted extract implies, there are many beneficial effects of outlaying funds for a NDIS that have the potential to return a financial dividend not just to the government/ taxpayer, but more broadly to Australian society in other ways: mental and physical health, social cohesion, crime levels, and a more compassionate society: God knows we need that.
Frank S | 20 November 2013
Newman should bother to read the Productivity Commission's report on the NDIS if he is so concerned about 'reckless spending'.
Ian | 21 November 2013
I myself have been having to rely on a rental wheelchair, (manual) as being on a Disability Support Pension, and not having much left over from paying bills and such, I am not sure as to where I can obtain a wheelchair for myself, that I can own, instead of paying dead money in renting, as with my back spasms, and the pressure in my lower back, (when I used to be able to walk around) getting worse, I am almost certain, that I will be in the wheelchair for the rest of my days. If anyone can help me, or knows of anywhere that might be able to help me out, I'd love to hear from you. Replies welcomed to KittyPryde.1978 at yahoo.com.
Kristy | 25 November 2013
Phil's comment about suddenly acquired disability reminds us that 'disability' is not a homogeneous category, as discussions of the NDIS sometimes imply. Disability can come suddenly, or have always been there. Some kinds can be recovered from or improve, others can't. My sister, who had a progressive congenital disability, was frustrated at having to undergo periodic assessments, in case she had 'got better' and didn't need support any more.
Jan Pinder | 03 December 2013
The ethics of spying
A minor diversion in the disruption of Australia's relations with Indonesia has been the entanglement of political commentators. Many have wriggled on the hook of their conviction that international relations are an ethics free zone in which the only guiding star is national self interest. But that does not stop them from launching a raft of ethical judgments. It is worth considering on what ethical principles international and national politics might rest.
Aboriginal victims of Tennant Creek's addiction
Mike Bowden
Jordan Jenkins, owner of the Tennant Creek Hotel, let the cat out of the bag: Tennant Creek is addicted. 'I mean, we are not going to go bankrupt so police can present stats to people,' he said. It seems the police are doing their job too well. Alcohol sales are declining. Profits are at risk. And so the liquor licensees of this remote town with a large Aboriginal population are pulling out of an alliance designed to reduce alcohol related harm.
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Big Trouble in Little Chinatown
Cassandra Landry
Chefs, late night, and their crush on dim sum
It’s midnight in Boston’s Chinatown; a heavy, late-spring mist has been steadily blanketing the city all evening, and the streets are empty except for a few giggling clusters of people on their way to the next bar. The only light comes from bare bulbs strung up on some scaffolding and a warm glow from a few bustling restaurants.
Somewhere in this maze of run-down apartment buildings, hole-in-the-wall eateries, and comforting grunge, seven chefs have come together in an attempt to nail down exactly what fuels their fervent love affair with the cuisine of this handful of blocks. And, of course, to chow down like a group of hungry maniacs.
After a couple of rounds and a ceremonial shot of Fernet Branca, the group (a mischievous bunch that includes Jamie Bissonnette of Toro and Coppa, Tracy Chang of Guchi’s Midnight Ramen, Louis DiBiccari of Tavern Road, Seth Yaffe from The Gallows, Puritan & Co.’s Will Gilson, Michael Scelfo of Alden & Harlow, and Matt Jennings of Providence’s Farmstead, Inc.) heads around the corner to industry standby Peach Farm, where we are seated at a round table in the middle of the dining room. DiBiccari holds up a towering stack of napkins that’s been left in the middle of the table.
Matt Jennings, Will Gilson, Louis DiBiccari, Michael Scelfo, Seth Yaffe, Tracy Chang, and Jamie Bissonnette.
How did they pick us out as the people here who were going to make a giant mess tonight?” he asks. Someone laughs and says, “Wouldn’t you? I definitely would.
After bottles of Tsing Tao appear, Chang starts pouring tea while Bissonnette (the seasoned Chinatown vet with a major soft spot for chicken feet) immediately begins ordering for the table. With every choice he rattles off, be it clams in black bean sauce, spicy soft-shell crab, or frog with garlic, everyone nods in approval.
The appeal of the Chinatown smorgasbord is, first and foremost, that it’s available at an hour in Boston when almost nothing else is. Most places in Chinatown are open until 4 a.m. — giving chefs and industry vets a place to unwind after work. The fact that it’s Chinese food, something they can’t ever get enough of, is a very close second.
“It’s everything we as cooks like: it’s salty, has big flavor, and lots of different textures,” Jennings says, as Bissonnette continues to rattle off menu items in the background. “You come here and you’re going to get offal, great seafood, and a little bit of off-the-wall stuff. It’s all things we like to eat in general, and probably what a lot of us would like to cook but can’t always get away with.”
This elicits nods of agreement, which is surprising, considering it’s seven of the most adventurous culinary minds of New England — with fans who would eat anything they were served — doing the nodding.
“It’s also the opposite of what you’re around every day,” Yaffe adds. “If you’re cooking pasta, or French cuisine, or New American, or farm-to-table whatever, you’re picking off the cold station all day long. It’s refreshing to be around something completely different than how you spent your day, texture- and flavor-wise.”
Dim sum, like most culinary traditions, is rooted in travelers seeking rest on trade routes. You could stop in, enjoy yum cha, or a tea tasting at its very basic level, and continue on your way. Over the centuries, yum cha morphed from a quiet ceremony of repose into the rambunctious dining experience that is dim sum — one of the best parts about it, according to the chefs at our table.
“Good dim sum is flavorful, juicy, hot, technical, and above all, full of texture,” Chang tells me later. “For chefs, contrast is the key to evading palate fatigue. And when you eat dim sum it should be audible. Slurping is a nod to the chef.”
There’s certainly no shortage of slurping and crunching and clanging at our table. A busser standing in the corner of the room nods in approval as the table tears into the dishes.
“It’s super carnal,” Gilson says. “It’s a big pile of things that you’re all just going to dig into because you’re hungry and you know it’ll be delicious. There are very few things that we get here that I end up regretting. Intestine, jellyfish, whatever it is, I know it’s going to rock.”
“It’s the definition of soul food,” Scelfo says from across the table. “There’s no pretension to it. You just break bread, and dive in. It’s all amazing because they’re cooking it with heart.”
“I will say, though, when you do dim sum at night after you’ve been drinking, instead of first thing in the morning, your tendency to think that the person in the kitchen is an Iron Chef is far greater,” Gilson says. “You’re like, ‘What the fuck did he use in this? Garlic and pepper?? That man is a goddamn genius!’”
“Right, and sometimes it is genius,” Bissonnette says, digging into a dish of sea conch. “The difference between Japanese and Chinese food, in that respect, is that Japanese food will be technically perfect, and it’s always the simplest things. Chinese food will blow your mouth out of the water every time.”
“Chinese food has some of the simplest and some of the most complex dishes and flavors. It’s the dichotomy that makes it stand out,” Chang says. “Take, for instance, the preparation of green vegetables like pea pod stems, napa cabbage, bok choy and Chinese water spinach. In a Chinese restaurant, when asked how you’d like the veggie prepared, you’re given options of stir-fried with or without garlic and occasionally with or without dried baby shrimp. That’s it.
“On the other end of the spectrum, dishes like Taiwanese beef noodle soup require a touch more expertise and concentration. The chef’s background comes into play — the secret family recipe, where you happen to be in the world, the spices, the cut of meat, the cooking vessel — and results vary wildly.”
Yaffe’s fascination with Chinatown began at a young age; it was the only place his Jewish parents would take him out to eat. “[My sister and I] were disasters,” he says. “They never took us out where they might know someone. That meant Chinatown, where we could tear the restaurant apart and no one would mind.”
Ironically, the “Chinatown-as-last-resort” mindset spawned Yaffe’s love for the neighborhood.
DiBiccari, Scelfo, and Yaffe reaching with chopsticks
“I’ve always loved that you could bring someone here who’s six years old or 82 years old. I’ve taken kids here to have their first head-on shrimp,” he says, plucking up one such thumb-sized shrimp with his chopsticks as an example. “And they love it. I feel like culinary Chinatown is this scary area for so many people, this city within a city that’s completely unknown to your daily life, and they’re just missing out.”
The rest agree that it’s a certain sense of casual freedom that the masses are missing out on — where the waiters might silently ridicule you later for using your chopsticks wrong, but is essentially a judgment-free zone. Chinatown is full of people eating joyously with wild abandon and talking with their mouths full. It’s thrilling to shed some uptight dining niceties now and then.
“And yet,” Jennings says, looking up at the waiter standing over him, “For them, this is the equivalent of us going to an old-school steakhouse. I mean, look at him! Bow tie, the whole deal. He takes it very seriously.”
“Very sharp!” Gilson chirps approvingly. The waiter keeps doling out soup, each ladle a perfect serving, oblivious to the fact that a whole table of chefs is now staring up at him thoughtfully.
“It’s an event when they come here. I like that,” Jennings continues.
“I like this soup more than I like anyone in my family,” Bissonnette cracks. He passes around the scalding hot bowls, and casually asks the server for white pepper.
“Check out this Wasian over here,” Chang says, laughing. “We have several here if you haven’t noticed.” She gestures to Yaffe, who’s already grinning. “A Jasian! Welcome. ”
Chang, who is Taiwanese-American, honed her professional cooking chops at Martín Berasategui in San Sebastián and Boston’s O Ya, but developed an intimate understanding of Chinese food in its many incarnations around her childhood dinner table. Since both of her parents worked full-time, Chang and her two older brothers always found themselves under the watchful eye of a Chinese nanny. “One nanny was from the North and taught me how to make scallion pancakes, mantou bread, and dumplings before I could see above the kitchen counter,” she says.
The Mandarin translation of dim sum (which is Cantonese), as Chang grew up knowing it, is dian xin. Dian means a little bit. Xin means heart. “So when you go out to eat dim sum or dian xin, you are having a little bit of this and a little bit of that, to please your heart,” she says.
When it comes to what “good dim sum” even means, Chang explains that it’s a myriad of factors, but usually comes down to technique. The perfect xiao long bao (soup dumpling), for example, does not break easily, allowing for the success of the nibble-slurp-devour technique. If it dissolves away too quickly, she says, then you have an example of shoddy dough-making, a hallmark of bad dim sum. The renowned Taiwanese Xiaolongbao chain, Din Tai Fung, on the other hand, requires that its soup dumplings have 18 folds each. Plus, the skin and meat of each dumpling are weighed to the exact gram.
“It should be steaming hot, plump with juice, and the skin and meat should have a toothsome bite, which we Taiwanese like to call ‘QQ’,” she says. “It’s a term used for describing anything texturally delicious, from noodles to dumpling skin to cartilage. Braised chicken feet? QQ cartilage and skin. Spare ribs? QQ cartilage. Soup dumpling? QQ skin, QQ meat.”
It doesn’t take long for the communal aspect to come into the equation as something that satisfies on both a social and sensory level.
“Lazy Susans!” Chang says. “As you can imagine, plating and presentation are based on sharing, which is why you get large platters with colorful, dynamic food.”
Wasian, Jasian, or just plain Asian, the chaos, ceremony, and dedication to old-world recipes and techniques is something they all feel a strong affinity for.
“I think a lot of us are locked into the whole model of sending food out in courses,” Jennings posits. “That’s what people seem to want in this country. They want their appetizers to themselves, the entr
About: Cassandra Landry
Cassandra Landry was most recently the food editor of The Boston Phoenix magazine, specializing in chef profiles, industry trend pieces, and the high art of taking coherent notes while deep in a food coma. Her work has appeared in The Boston Phoenix, The Improper Bostonian, Metro Boston, Boston Magazine, Modern Farmer, and Drink Me Magazine.
James Beard | Taste America
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Armbruster named associate VP for communications and marketing
Home|PRESS RELEASES|Armbruster named associate VP for communications and marketing
Shirley Melikian Armbruster was named associate vice president for University Communications and Integrated Marketing following a national search, announced Dr. Peter N. Smits, vice president for University Advancement. Armbruster had served in the position on an interim basis since 2008 and became permanent on Aug. 1. A Fresno State alumna, Armbruster joined the university in 2000 after working in the newspaper industry as a reporter and editor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Fresno State and twice was awarded fellowships from the National Press Foundation. INFO: 559.278.5292 or shirleya@csufresno.edu.
By Tom Uribes|August 27th, 2013|Categories: PRESS RELEASES|0 Comments on "Armbruster named associate VP for communications and marketing" 0 Comments
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Ten + One = Eleven
27 Aug 2010 Posted by Frost Global
The multichannel picture is nearly complete with the Ten Network joining the ABC and Seven Network in announcing and beginning to implement their digital strategy ahead of the analogue switch-off in 2013. Ten’s plan is Eleven a new digital-only SD channel to complement Ten’s primary channel and their soon-to-be HD only channel, One HD.
Ten Network Holdings have described the new channel (to launch in early 2011) as one that will “broadcast bold, fun and entertaining content targeting the 13-29 demographic. Its format and offering will be highly engaging and fresh, creating a community that advertisers can interact with on a daily basis in a deep and creative manner.”
The program will draw on the vast catalogue of CBS Studios International (though not exclusively) to fill airtime on the station. This will be executed through a new JV between Network Ten/CBS Studios International called ElevenCo Pty Ltd, where Ten will hold a 66.66% stake and CBS will hold a 33.33% stake. This JV is subject to FIRB approval. As part of the JV announcement CBS has agreed to extend its existing long-term output deal with Network Ten. This follows a similar JV entered into by CBS with India’s Reliance earlier in the year.
The biggest change for current Ten viewers will be the shake up that will occur on the main channel from early next year. The Simpsons at 6:00pm and Neighbours at 6:30pm are out of the schedule in favour of another hour of news. The Simpsons and Neighbours from 2011 will be seen instead exclusively on Eleven. This strategy is similar to what Ten employed with OneHD by placing medium to high value product such as Formula 1 racing and MotoGP as first-run and live on OneHD and then a delayed late night replay on Ten. No doubt Ten would like to run more high value sporting content only on OneHD but is prevented from doing such in some instances due to the Anti-siphoning legislation. The legislation looks unlikely to change in the near future due to the current political limbo that the Commonwealth is facing.
Some quarters of the media have criticised Ten for shifting Neighbours to Eleven as a sign that Neighbours is no longer a high value asset. Whilst not pulling as large figures as it has over its 25 year lifespan the show still generates solid ratings with a loyal base as with The Simpsons. Ten will be hoping these new marquee shows will not only boost viewership on Eleven but also give these programs a new lease on life. Ten can have some hope this strategic move will come to fruition as seen by strong ratings for Formula 1 on OneHD which have this year often outrated the replay later on Ten.
In terms of Ten’s replacements between 6pm and 7pm, Ten has announced at 6pm there will be a new half-hour national bulletin “targeting viewers seeking a smarter, more informed, considered and insightful approach to the stories, issues, events and news stories of the day.” Then at 6:30pm “TEN will present a half-hour locally-presented and produced news service in all markets, focussing on the key issues in each State, whilst continuing to break news and further develop the leading national and international news stories of the day.”
Ten can no longer be criticised as taking news seriously. They will invest some $20 million and hire up to 100 new staff to implement their new news strategy along with launching Eleven. Ten will now have news bulletins at 6am, 9am, between 5pm-7pm, the 7pm Project and the Late News with Toyota Sports Tonight. Given that around 3 million Australians watched some form of election coverage last Saturday night there is a clear interest in news within the marketplace that Ten will be hoping to capture. The test will be whether the news content can be fresh enough over two-half hours each night to engage the viewer and therefore become a pattern of behaviour, such as 6pm bulletins for viewers of Seven and Nine are .
Ten has certainly puts its front foot forward in developing a fresh strategy and new brands across its broadcast portfolio. Unlike Seven’s 7Two and 7Mate channels and Nine’s Go there will be almost no content cross-over between Ten’s main channel, OneHD and Eleven (keeping in mind that some sporting content is seen on One and Ten due to Anti-siphoning legislation). The channels therefore are promoting a unique target demographic for advertisers and fresh product offering for viewers.
Ten has identified an opportunity gap within the market and will be hoping their new strategy will strike gold! If not, as Crikey noted this could be disastrous for Ten’s CEO Grant Buckley and Chairman Nick Falloon. With a new brand in Eleven (the logo looks however remarkably similar to Britain’s Channel 4 logo) and a mix of new Australian content and overseas buy-ins only time will tell whether the channel can generate solid ratings in the 74% of households that now have digital-TV.
The strategy Ten has adopted is brave but distinctive and in a cluttered market including challenges from other mulitchannels, pay-TV and online, this is what is required.
For the record Ten Network shares ended the week down 6.44% at $1.38.
What do you think of Ten’s strategy? Too risky? Or required in today’s marketplace?
For more information check out www.tencorporate.com.au
Seven’s Olympic coverage
AFL announces record broadcast rights deal
Seven to broadcast Easter Monday tradition
Cale Davis
Several things sprung to my mind whilst reading this:
1. Channel 11 plans on �targeting viewers seeking a smarter, more informed, considered and insightful approach to the stories, issues, events and news stories of the day” – what does this say about Ten’s current approach to news? It seems to me that it’s a recognition that they currently broadcast ‘newsertainment’… in other words, it isn’t smart, it isn’t informed, it isn’t considered, and it isn’t insightful. Or, at least, not as much as it should be.
2. Is there anything preventing networks from broadcasting ONLY HD or ONLY SD signals through their frequencies? For instance, can ABC News 24 be changed to an SD signal while remaining on Channel 24? Or could the ABC decide one day to switch 21, 22 and 23 over to HD signals?
3. Are there any restrictions on these new digital channels regarding the percentage of programmes broadcast that have to include local or Australian content, or could a network fill a new station with entirely foreign programming?
andrea kennedy
I think it is a brave & innovative move on the part of channel 10..
I would rather sit & watch news for a few hours than having to switch channels watching the horrid “so called Current affairs” programmes on the other two channels..
I think that may cause them to look at their content & how tacky it is…
Bring back TRUE current affairs mid week…NOT soap opera stories on those two networks..
I commend channel 10 for doing something different…
aussie tv deserves better at this peak time & I think channel 10 is addressing that…
how many “neighbours” can ONE bear??!!~~~~
love your website…very informative…current & right on THE MARK.
cheers andrea
Hi Cale,
Thanks for your comment, very insightful.
In response to your first observation I would suggest that Ten’s current commitment to news is more than just newstainment. As noted in the article ten already have around 3.5 hrs of news a day. It is probably the fact that their news bulletins are outside the traditional timeslots that their brand isn’t as strong as Seven’s or Nine’s is.
In terms of the allocation of channels, each network is limited by spectrum allocated to it by ACMA, the government regulator. Therefore ABC only had its HD spectrum left for its News 24 channel (each network is allowed one HD channel, one “main” SD channel and a secondary SD channel), this is also why 7mate is going to be only an HD channel as well. Each network could potentially swap their stations around however they are unlikely to do so. More spectrum will come free when the analogue switch off occurs in 2013.
In terms of Aussie content on digital multichannel, there is no quota at the moment for Aussie content, unlike on the main station where 55% of primetime content must be Aussie made. Neighbours on Eleven will at the moment not count towards Aussie drama content requirements but an article in the Aus today pointed towards reform that would allow Aussie drama points to be gained from Aussie drama shown on digital multichannel. I think once the stations have traction or at the digital switchover occurs, that Aussie content requirements will apply as it does to main stations not only to drive local production but also create a further point of difference with pay tv.
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Albums Club #38: Black Midi, Pip Blom, Two Door Cinema Club, Cate LeBon, Yeasayer, Madonna
By Banjo on 1st July 2019 Albums
Getintothis’ Albums Club for July 2019
As the temperature rockets, Getintothis brings you the hottest albums of the month.
At the time of writing, Glastonbury is in full swing.
Now, Glastonbury is big enough to be many things to many people. It can be mainstream, it can be leftfield, it can be pop, it can be rock, it can be…well you get the picture.
But it can also still be controversial.
This is, of course, a peculiar British type of controversy; the kind of thing that John Peel described as ‘an occasional fit of irrational morality‘ that sees tabloids jump on something, seemingly at random, and then proceed to fill column inches with faux outrage.
One example of this year was with the previously little known outfit called Killdren. The band, who describe themselves as ‘a two-bit rave-punk band with a smelly attitude‘ feature in their set a song called Kill Tory Scum (Before They Kill You), which features, as you might expect, some fairly violent lyrics, stating ‘Murder them all to the beat of a drum, kill Tory scum, kill Tory scum‘.
Such was the media outcry that the band were removed from Glastonbury‘s lineup.
Had they played this ‘inflammatory’ song with no media attention, it would likely have been heard by around 0.1% of the audience and received zero television or radio coverage. But once the papers get a whiff of some lite scandal, they like to run with it.
The overall effect of this was that Killdren had their name in the major papers, on TV and radio and have, you would imagine, never been so popular. Such is the way with publicity of even this ‘negative’ type.
Was it right for Stormzy to publicly shame Snowbombing Festival?
Friday at Glastonbury saw more controversy in the form of Stormzy‘s headline set.
There were of course the usual cries of whether a rap star (this time with just one album out) should be headlining Glastonbury. So far so yawnsome, we’ve been here before.
But when performing Vossi Bop, Stormzy got the vast crowd to sing ‘Fuck the government and fuck Boris‘.
In fact, he seemed to enjoy this so much, he repeated the process all the while wearing a Union Jack stab vest. Live on the BBC.
And what has the media reaction been? Well, nothing really. It has been mentioned in reviews, but only in passing.
Call me cynical, but it’s almost as if the media is up for a spot of pretend outrage when it suits them (and when it garners a few hits on their websites), but only if their target is an unknown band who do not have huge amounts of support behind them.
But when faced with one of the country’s biggest stars. backed up by 100,000 people shouting anti government slogans they would rather not be seen to be going against the grain.
This is the media equivalent of a bully who only picks on little kids it knows can’t put up a fight. Which sadly sums up our media in too many situations these days.
I suppose it is still good to know that, despite some pandering to media hysteria, Glastonbury still has some teeth and for that, this year, we can thank Stormzy.
This was a deserved headline slot from Grime’s number one star and saved the headline slots from being too safe and too old.
Anyway, enough of that. Let us delve into the best albums that the month of July can offer us. – Banjo, Getintothis features editor.
Rough Trade Records
You either love them or you hate them.
St Vincent loves them.
Walking down 1st ave at 2 am RAGING to new black midi record.
— St. Vincent (@st_vincent) June 26, 2019
And Laura Snapes hates them.
Black Midi have just been given 11 minutes to caterwaul freely on 6Music. It is absolutely fucking diabolical. Never trust the myth of the “great” “live” “band”!!!
— Laura Snapes (@laurasnapes) June 19, 2019
Either way, it’s good to have a band that elicits such strong opinions. The Black Midi sound is uncompromising and distinctly noncommercial, and won’t be to everyone’s taste. Their UK tour is currently sorting each camp from the other.
The dismissive stand on one side, while the band may have some fans for life on the other.
They’ve been given a platform rare to most groups in the current climate, and exposure unheard of for a band playing such experimental music.
The question now is: how will they use it?
After having had time to reflect on their live show, and to live with the album for a week, it’s clear that the band are already beginning to move away from the album. The songs are starting to mutate and metastasise.
We can see from recordings of gigs in 2018 that the album is a fairly faithful rendering of the songs as they stood then; that each riff, each line, each note has been carefully considered. The superlative drumming of Morgan Simpson notwithstanding, the songs are set in stone.
This much is clear from the detail on their recorded offerings: the fuzzy rattle haunting Of Schlagenheim, like a lost phone vibrating on your head; the anxiety-inducing feedback that introduces bmbmbm; the heartbeat electronics and Tibetian percussion of Years Ago.
For all its complexity, this is a very well thought-out, clear-headed record.
It’s been built from the sustained analysis of hours of improvisation. It’s this, along with the spontaneity of Simpson’s drumming (even he doesn’t know what he’s going to play until it happens, we’d wager) that gives Black Midi their sense of lawlessness.
But while Of Schlagenheim isn’t quite like anything else you’ve heard before, there are still touchstones.
The stop-start breakdown of the main riff in 953 recalls yourcodenameis:milo.
Speedway, with its flat, simmering groove, recalls Slint and CODY-era Mogwai.
Near DT, MI, has echoes of Fugazi at their most anguished and unsettled.
Years Ago sounds like Shellac and Boredoms having a bees-eating competition. Western, meanwhile, has echoes of Led Zeppelin’s Over The Hills and Far Away.
That the band should have their own, distinctive sound while all these influences are present is no mean feat. This is the main strength of their debut album.
Schlagenheim is an exhilarating listen, a breath of fresh air when every “next big thing” you hear is rehashed landfill indie, or well-rehearsed PR drama.
That said, there’s a sense that Black Midi are only just coming to terms with their powers; that they need to make more of their anchors – like Ducter, with its simple, shock-and-awe breakdown – to help stabilise their more improvisational proclivities.
The future is going to be interesting. There are already some interesting lyrical conflicts of style, which could pull the band in different directions; the politics of Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin (Near DT, MI: poisoning of Flint, Michigan’s water supply) versus the Georgie Greep flights of fancy (Western: a pink caterpillar with six anorexic children make an appearance here).
For now though, there’s Of Schlagenheim; an imperfect, chaotic listen, one that’s been a shot in the arm for those who are so inclined.
Virtuosity and creativity combined with some of the best drumming you’re likely to hear, along with a little bit of craziness. – Matthew Eland
Black Mountain: Destroyer
There’s something quite magical about entering the Swan Pub in town. Barely touched in how many decades it positively roars ’70s Marquee era hard rock.
Going down those stairs is like entering the bowels of hell while simultaneously accompanied by the best darts walk on music ever.
Or ring walk. Whatever sport you like, the clattering percussion and throwback riffing makes you feel alive. Just don’t pinch a regular’s bar stool or you may expect trouble.
Black Mountain‘s Destroyer evokes similar feelings – a 38 minute rollicker complete with duelling harmonised guitars and huge tub thumping beats – it positively radiates leather wastejackets, denim patches and dodgy moustaches.
Yet, this is no throwback of an album – quite the opposite. With founding members Amber Webber and Joshua Wells now departed, a new line up boasts singer Rachel Fannan of Sleepy Sun (who sounds FANTASTIC), and three drummers: Adam Bulgasem of Dommengang, Kliph Scurlock formerly of the Flaming Lips, and Kid Millions from Oneida.
The result is a band reborn: gone are the Drugganaut stoner boogies replaced by a progressive soar with an epic feel – see Licensed to Drive‘s symphonic Black Sabbath meets Yes prog euphoria, while High Rise is six minutes of careering rock and roll before mainstay and keyboard player Jeremy Schmidt sends the song into the stratosphere with frentic organ wig-outs. It’s truly terrific stuff.
Of course, chief songwriter Stephen McBean is all over the record layering textures and guitar motifs in every direction, so long time fans will find much to revel in (see opener Future Shade‘s blazing motorik guitar frenzy) but elsewhere it’s Schmidt who’s front and centre with his ’70s synth theatrics – Pretty Little Lazies coming off like Pink Floyd‘s Rick Wright jamming with a Canterbury prog outfit.
The album was conceived as a road-trip – and it’s ideally suited to be blasted out while driving down a dusty freeway with no line on the horizon.
However, we’ll settle for a dimly lit local with it cranking out the jukebox. Make mine a Guinness. Horns up! – Peter Guy
Pip Blom: Boat
Heavenly Recordings
Recent Heavenly signee Pip Blom seems to have always had a somewhat unique approach to songwriting.
She began using a Loog (a three stringed guitar system aimed at children) to construct her first twenty minute sets before graduating to the regular six string version.
Her current preffered method is to play whilst watching documentaries.
She says “if what I am playing becomes more engaging than what I am watching I know I am on to something.” It is a methodology that seems to have served her well if her debut full length release is anything to go by.
Boat begins in the strongest way possible with lead single Daddy Issues and continues the pace with the pounding bass riff of Don’t Make it Difficult.
Fans of their earlier singles and last years well received EP Paycheck will be happy to learn that Pip and her band (which includes her brother Tender) have not lost any of their rawness and that they have not had their immediacy and post-punk attitude tamed or suppressed, as perhaps might have been the case if they had signed with a bigger label who would want to see the profits roll in.
This is a very enjoyable piece of work that seamlessly blends fuzzed out indie rock with some damn catchy choruses.
And it gets better the more you listen to it. You will be singing along. That is a rule. – Andy Sunley
New Irish Noise, a journey to the gritty side of the Emerald Isle
Drag City
‘Personal’ albums can walk a tightrope.
‘Confessional’ or ‘break-up’ albums can either be fascinating glimpse into the psyche of a tortured artist that touches upon universal themes we can all relate to, or they can end up a bit too close to the bone, with us listeners left feeling maybe some of this stuff is best left for the therapy room or the pub with pals.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is a line that is even trickier to walk; the ‘I got happy’ album. It is a rare thing to master and more often than not, they end up rather saccharine, overly sentimental and –worst of all – dull.
It takes a skilled craftsman to avoid falling into this ditch; someone like Bill Callahan.
His first album in six years, Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest, sees him detail, in typical part-cryptic, part-disarmingly-blunt style, the birth of his son and marriage to filmmaker Hanly Banks.
It would probably be safe to say few saw this coming, least of all Callahan himself – who muses at one point “I never thought I’d make it this far/ little old house, recent-model car/ and I got the woman of my dreams” and the wonder at a new life opening up to him is tangible throughout.
747 for instance finds Bill on a plane, high above the clouds, rhetorically asking his new-born son if “this is the light you saw” right before he was thrust into the world, while Watch Me Get Married contains the gleeful line “let’s spend a light year together, oh I know it’s a distance”.
Songs like Writing and Call Me Anything also find Callahan falling back in love with his art again – “it sure feels good to be writing again” he reveals on the former.
In lesser hands, lines such as “I got married… to my wife… she’s lovely” would rightly be disregarded as utter tripe, yet in the hands of Callahan, it is a heart-warming, semi-humourous gem of a line that sits comfortably within this sprawling double album.
A buyer’s guide to the brilliance of Bill Callahan
It would be wrong to write this album off as being consistently as simple as this however, as another theme permeates throughout, namely the death of Callahan’s mother.
Yet, rather than let this dominate the psyche and allow Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest to become a grief-focussed album (a la Panda Bear’s Young Prayer), this event is set within the context of the flow of life with lines such as “death is beautiful, we say goodbye to many friends who have no equal”.
Songs such as Circles and When We Let Go are wonderful reflections and ponderings on the mysteries of life, death and rebirth; it’s stunning.
Stylistically, things are much more bare-boned than recent offerings.
At 20 songs and reduced to mainly acoustic instruments with only hints of the chaos and ethereal ambience of Apocalypse and Dream River, some songs do inevitably pass by or bleed into another, but such is the focus of Callahan as an artist – this is an album that will clearly give back as much as the listener puts in and promises to be one we can cherish throughout life – and death. – Matty Loughlin
Enablers: Zones
Lancashire and Somerset
Following up from their jaw-dropping masterpiece – 2015’s The Rightful Pivot – San Francisco quartet, Enablers, return with Zones.
Consisting of guitar interplay between Joe Goldring (formerly of Swans) and Kevin Thompson and cannon ball drum fills from Sam Ospovat, this undercurrent of razor-wired instrumentation provides a spiky foil for poet/vocalist Pete Simonelli.
Simonelli is an unhinged hell-cat on heat – a product who breathes a unique vitality into the most sordid and marginalised aspects of every day life.
He is a whiskey-addled knuckle-in-dirt street brawler from the dingy nursery once shared by the likes of Tom Waits and Charles Bukowski.
Whether people know it or not, since Enablers‘ inception, Simonelli has found himself entrenched in this broad-church of meat-raw wordsmiths that American has conceived over the years. His poeticism is persuasive and pure and these abilities are once again showcased on Zones.
Enablers have always been a proficiently gifted collective of musicians and with Zones, they sound at their most comfortable.
Musically, there’s an organic telepathy between all members. There will always be comparisons with post-hardcore touchstones, Slint, Rodan, and June Of 44, but Simonelli’s involvement should be enough to shake off this comparison.
Zones could almost be split in two parts. While Enablers have always been a band to inherit the quite loud builds-ups championed by the likes of Steve Albini, for the most part during these nine songs, this aspect seems segregated.
On one side of the fence, Enablers crank it up and get abrasive with Squint and Bill, In Consideration providing the loudest moments, filled with feral sound scapes and Ospovat‘s tumbling drums that tower over everything, including Simonelli‘s poignant yarns.
Where Zones thrives is when things are toned down.
Opening track, Even it Lies, the atmospheric textures during Furthermore and the overarching gloom in Goon Seat are as tender as Enablers will ever get, demonstrating a sheer intent on exploring the darkest quiet corners this world has to offer.
While quiet and loud appear on either side of the fence, there is one moment where both aspects meet in the middle and that’s during the elusive offering that is In McCullin‘s Photography, which builds through rolling drums and Simonelli‘s harrowing tale of a dying child.
The album’s climax is the closing title track. Thinly barbed instrumentation gently rattles behind Simonelli who unleashes yet another spoken-word gem.
The last five minutes of this number consists of sparse guitars and freezer-cold feedback that allows us to reflect on the thirty-nine minutes that has just passed.
The Rightful Pivot was head and shoulders the finest record released in 2015 so coming into Zones and Enablers were was always going to be at long odds to better their career-defining oeuvre.
Zones is what you would class as a typical Enablers album. Make of that what you will but as long as Enablers keep on releasing new music, then the world isn’t all bad.
That’s how important this band is and should be to others. So unique is their standing in the landscape of artistic endeavour, the tangled mess of beauty that is Zones is yet another string to this band’s bow. – Simon Kirk
Exit Music (For a Film) #3: High Life, Madeline’s Madeline, Birds of Passage
Aldous Harding: Designer
Aldous Harding’s third outing sees her tone down the weird and bring a sinuous piece of folk to the n there’s some of her lyrics ‘I know you have the dove, I’m not getting wet, looks like a date is set, show the ferret to the egg, I’m not getting led along’, but it’s par for the course when it comes to Harding.
On Designer we find her in a more upbeat mood than on previous album, Party, the songs feel lighter and gone is the anguish of her voice instead it’s softer and smoother.
Album opener Fixture Picture has a classic folk feel as the instruments gently lilt along with Harding’s guitar and the harmonising vocals lift the chorus while the accompanying string in the final third adds an extra touch of class to the song.
The first half of the album carries on in a similar vein. Title track Designer, is an intriguing piece as the song’s rhythm is interrupted by small interludes pocketed in-between verses before a piano melody then takes over, while Zoo Eyes has an ethereal feel and Treasures is more contemplative, but lyrically still hard to decipher meaning ‘I made it again to the Amazon, I’ve got to erase the same as the others’.
When the album arrives at the piano led Damn, there is a shift in tone, where as the first half was lighter and playful the final four songs feel more introspective.
‘Sorry I was late and you didn’t get your weekend’ Harding repeats on Damn, while Heaven is Empty feels very mournful as a lightly strummed guitar backs up Harding’s vocals which feel full of pain.
As with her previous albums Designer will require multiple listenings as you try to decipher Harding’s lyrics and interpret their meaning but taken at face value Designer is an album packed with intelligent and beautiful crafted folk songs. – Michael Maloney
Hatchie: Keepsake
After a string of singles (Without A Blush, Stay With Me and Obsessed) now comes the full hit from Brisbane’s Harriette Pilbeam aka Hatchie.
You may have heard a track or two shimmering across the airwaves over the last few months- this is the sound of summer in a speaker.
This is shoegaze indie-pop or as it’s more commonly filed these days, dreampop. Brimming over with flawless melodies and luscious synth-layers the hooks themselves brand it firmly in a style that’s not short of peers these days.
Saying that, these tracks are a pure slice of radio-friendly pleasure-pop.
Twinkly layered guitars and washed out reverbed vocals make it one of the finest revisits of 90’s gangly pop. All neatly placed over the white-noise hum and propelling rhythms.
Even with the sweetness strong enough to dissolve your molars there’s a fair whack of emotionally-tangled terrain covered here. On lead single Without A Blush jagged guitar riffs and woozy rhythms meet in a sprawling piece of industrial-pop with Hatchie’s airy voice channeling loss and longing, regret and self-doubt.
One of the albums highlights When I Get Out is psychedelic pop perfection. With harmonies abound, chiming guitars and Marr inspired riffs.
Those of us luckily enough to catch her at Primavera this year will already know the live experience is where these tracks soar. Don’t worry if you missed the brief UK tour in June.
No doubt you’ll be seeing more of Hatchie over the forthcoming months- ready for every prime time TV show with a token ‘music slot’ at the end. – Howard Doupé
Cate LeBon: Reward
Mexican Summer
Cate Le Bon’s fifth long player is easily her best yet.
Unusually, it’s both immediately appealing, with some very memorable melodies that’ll have you humming along before the first catchy chorus is over, and yet also something of a grower. Each spin reveals further hidden depths.
The overall sound of the album is noticeably different from previous outings – less reliant on the guitar, with greater emphasis on keyboards and saxophone, and deceptively sparse production and arrangements.
It’s a neat trick because a closer listen reveals subtle and intricate layers.
Le Bon’s trademark idiosyncratic lyrics are as mystifyingly intriguing as ever.
One theme clearly emerging however, solitude or loneliness, is partly inspired by the circumstances under which these songs were written, as Le Bon ensconced herself in a remote cottage in the Lake District.
A rural retreat has long been a way musicians seek inspiration, with somewhat mixed results, but pastoral clichés are avoided here. Much of the record was composed at the piano rather than the guitar, which also partly explains its distance from previous releases.
The theme of loneliness is contradicted by the numerous collaborators who assisted in the recording (in Los Angeles), including stalwarts Tim Presley and H Hawkline, as well as Kurt Vile, Warpaint’s Stella Mozgawa and Red Hot Chilli Pepper‘s Josh Klinghoffer, but despite this stellar crew it remains every bit Le Bon’s record.
Hints of post-punk, krautrock and oft-kilter pop can all be detected here, but are re-assembled in surprising, fresh new ways.
If you’re unfamiliar with her music, then this is a good stepping-on point.
Given the overwhelmingly positive reviews it has already garnered, it’s likely to be highly and deservedly placed on many ‘best of the year’ lists, and is certainly one of mine so far. – Gary Aster
Madonna: Madame X
Live Nation/Interscope
There’s a huge difference between ‘liking’ an album and admiring it.
Madonna’s latest studio effort Madame X is a truly perplexing listen, bursting with the eclectic eccentricity she is famed for.
Madame X is certainly not an easy listen, with catchy, singalong hooks few and far between on the record.
However, Madame X somehow leaves me coming back for more every time, trying to desperately decide whether I actually ‘like’ this album, or simply admire the illogical, upside-down world the album forces you into.
The LP opens with the sensational track Medellín, one of the catchier tracks on the album. The infectious groove of this track is irresistible, and will undoubtedly leave you tapping your foot and nodding along in no time.
Immediately after this track, the album quickly derails into the fascinating Dark Ballet, which bizarrely fuses booming synthetic drum beats with a ballad-like piano song, and incorporates a heavily vocoded voice singing along to Tchaikovsky.
The initially similarly natured God Control begins as a haunting piano ballad at times reminiscent of the singer’s 80s works, detailing the controversial issue of gun control – yet at the 01:24 mark decides to veer off into Nile Rogers-esque funk.
In defence of Madonna
Of course, Madame X is anything but predictable. And I’d be disappointed if it were.
Madame X is so illogical, so bizzare, and so downright absurd that it’s impossible not to admire it’s tenacity.
Personally, I absolutely love it. It’s perhaps not a particularly pleasant listen at times, but the theatrical nature of the album and the unpredictable nature of the record keep the listener on their toes, and will undoubtedly transfer perfectly to a live setting.
The ever-shifting nature of Madame X ensures that it refuses to be confined to the background. This isn’t an album to put on in the background and forget about – there’s simply so much going on that you can’t help but notice what’s going on in the dense sonic soup prepared by chef Madonna.
Due to the diverse and illogical nature, it’s undoubtedly a divisive record already, splitting the opinion of fans and critics.
Think of Madame X as Madonnna’s Yeezus, an absolute Marmite album that you’ll either love or loathe.
Whether or not you like the record, it’s undoubtedly worth a listen, so if you haven’t already checked it out, be sure to take a listen to Madame X.
Just be prepared, in these waters anything can happen. – Max Richardson
Glastonbury: Back to the Garden?
Pelican: Nighttime Stories
The pioneers of B-flat tuning, Pelican, return with their first long-player in six years, Nighttime Stories.
The follow-up to the very underrated Forever Becoming, Nighttime Stories was inspired by the sudden passing of Tusk frontman, Jody Minnoch – a band Pelican guitarist Trevor Shelley de Brauw and former Pelican member Laurent Lebec were both a part of.
Nighttime Stories unravels with death being its central theme. Guitarist Dallas Thomas‘ father also passed during the recording of this album and the frayed acoustic drone of opening track, W.S.T. pays him tribute.
Following the gentle meanderings of W.S.T., things become heated. Midnight & Mescaline sounds like rubber-on-asphalt highway metal.
Abyssal Plain is a ferocious collision of psychedelic sludge rock and pure post-metal while Cold Hope and the album’s title track brim with face burning chords that could only have been conceived from the bottom of a swamp.
You won’t hear a better representation of sludge metal all year with Cold Hope in particular.
If Cold Hope wasn’t enough to sit listeners on their backsides, then the vice crushing cauldron of noise during Arteries of Blacktop certainly will.
It just about feels like vintage Pelican, however the closing track, Full Moon, Black Water, is probably closer to that very mark, containing an eye-watering groove that forms the track’s spine.
It’s a number that could have easily nestled into Pelican‘s world circa The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw. It’s an unmistakable roaring hell-fire of sonic glory.
While the sounds of dark psychedelic undercurrents are prevalent throughout Nighttime Stories, its essence still holds that signature Pelican sound.
Arguably the greatest triumph is located behind the drum kit in Larry Herweg.
Sharply critiqued in the past (see City of Echoes), Herweg delivers his greatest performance on Nighttime Stories, riding the skins in machine-like fashion, underpinning Pelican‘s overall aesthetic.
Nighttime Stories holds a similar aroma to 2009’s What We All Come to Need. Even the artwork between the two albums holds a striking similarity with hazy post-apocalyptic reds and blacks dominating the canvass.
With Nighttime Stories though, you get the sense that there’s more of an emotional framework. The B-flat tunings still shudder bones and tickle rib-cages, but the aggression here seems more focused and less haphazard. There’s a new found maturity at play here.
Pelican have always been immune from producing substandard music and with Nighttime Stories that notion still remains.
Here, they sound as majestic and dangerous as ever. – Simon Kirk
The Rhythm Method: How Would You Know I Was Lonely
We first came across London duo The Rhythm Method two years ago in 2017.
Supporting Shame, they brought quite a following who already knew the words to half the set and left after the band finished, leaving Shame to play in front of a handful of people. Our reaction was wtf did we just see?
Skip forward to 2019 and they’re just releasing their debut album.
Maybe they were waiting for the right moment in our country’s history. Wait until things are looking incredibly bleak and then hit us with an album full of puns on our mundane everyday lives.
This what you need to listen to as the country silently disappears. It’s just what we needed.
So it’s like a budget 90s boyband backed only by a Casio keyboard but sung by Ian Dury, mixed by The Streets and every lyric is a pun.
Stand out tracks include the wonderfully honky-tonk Salad Cream and Wandsworth Plain and summer pop bop Something For The Weekend.
Other tracks to look out for include the ode to all inclusive holidaying Continental Breakfast, the post night out reality of Sex And The Suburbs and, the gets stuck in your head for days, Local, Girl.
The UK is a sinking ship and The Rhythm Method are the band playing as the boat goes down. – Lucy McLachlan
Two Door Cinema Club: False Alarm
I first saw Two Door Cinema Club in McHughs Bar in Belfast in 2007.
A few of us took on the running of a fundraiser for Oxfam and turned it up, Oxjam Festival was born and Two Door Cinema Club were front and centre.
I hadn’t seen them, but one of our crew booked them and if memory serves, two were underage and their parents drove them down in family hatchbacks.
They packed the place. It didn’t take more than 100 people, but this was their second gig, their set would become Tourist History and bother the charts.
They won the Choice Music Prize in Ireland and promptly gave the 10,000 € to charity. Tourist History sold 350,000 units.
We were around for a few of the early gigs. We were there the night an emergency gig was thrown together in the Ohyeah Music Centre in Belfast.
There were A&R men in town to see them and the support slot they were due to play vanished as the headliner cancelled.
The next time we saw them was in a warehouse in Toronto, there were thousands there and I blagged our way in, we stood at the back of the room in awe at what were witnessing.
Thousands came out to see three kids from Bangor. Their team was fresh out of the box, lights, sound, the lot, all kids from home.
The energy was infectious, the place bounced from the first note to the last, politely, it was Canada after all. I’d never seen anything like that, either.
Their second long player, Beacon, wowed audiences and they toured the world on it, to the point where it almost ruined them.
Addiction and conflict followed, lots of conflict. Come 2013 they were ready to quit, 200 shows a year, radio, TV, press and relentless travel took its toll. Health issues, depression and anxiety crept in, they grew to hate each other.
Kevin Baird collapsed on a flight to London and was hospitalised for two weeks. Gigs were cancelled, they spent eighteen months getting as far away from each other as possible.
Baird moved to LA, quit drugs, and watched the world for a while. Halliday stayed in London, got hitched, played football and learned how to cook. Trimble went to Portland and found a drug habit that would pull him apart as he hid in a rented pad. His saving grace was a camera and the need to create.
He delivered a few fascinating exhibitions, displaying a unique eye and a casual joy in voyeurism, finding peace and sobriety in work and calmness in Yoga.
The band found the drive to talk again in 2015, they wrote Gameshow via Skype, it was still difficult to be in the same room.
When they had the bones of Gameshow they headed into the dessert with Jacknife Lee and dropped the self-imposed noose of the TDCC sound.
One of their final shows for Beacon had been a headliner at London’s O2 Arena. Their return couldn’t have been more different.
They played in Whelans in Dublin as Tudor Cinema Club, a TDCC ‘cover band’. It didn’t take long for the joke to be outed, it was a sell-out and they were back, in some form.
While Gameshow had glitz and glam and while it was different from previous work it didn’t set the world ablaze. It’s been three years since and a lot has changed for Two Door Cinema Club.
This time nothing has been left to chance. The scale of their PR machine, the change of tempo and image, and the attention to detail in their live shows gives off a whole new Two Door vibe that has split the critics.
They appear relaxed, in interviews and on stage, with a camaraderie that is good to see.
As for the album, its a very different beast. False Alarm takes Two Door in a whole other direction, it is perhaps their bravest release yet, they’ve certainly cut away with that noose that has bothered them for so long.
This is a record that will sit well with the previous three but there is no mistaking the intent, this thing will do serious damage during the Summer at festivals just about everywhere.
It’s almost designed for dancing like a loon in a muddy field, Dirty Air is a brilliant party tune complete with screaming, ranting samples and a old school disco beat.
Satisfaction Guaranteed is a synth heavy pop tune that looks at our reliance on social media, likes and love and questions whether we’ve all gone mad.
Nice To See You is a wonderful slice of the 80’s,with bleeps, synth and a snippet of what the future should have been. Where are our jetpacks anyhow?
False Alarm is a creative, bold, eccentric statement that cuts across a dozen genres with ease, it is pop, rock, disco, funk, dance and a whole lot of soul.
This is not the Two Door Cinema Club of McHughs, but God it would be a joy to book them again, in McHugh’s obviously. – Chris Flack
Yeasayer: Erotic Reruns
Yeasayer Records
Bringing 2019 some sought-after sunshine is the latest release since their 2016 slightly surreal and psychedelic worldie Amen & Goodbye, we now take a look down the wrong end of the kaleidoscope in Yeasayer’s Erotic Reruns, the fifth of five albums that characteristically diverges off-road from what we’ve heard and loved before.
This is the band’s very first album to be self-released on Yeasayer Records, and what better way to celebrate their newfound independence than with a fun-size party-mix of auditory bangers.
From bubblegum pop tracks from the opener such as People I Loved and Ecstatic Baby to the politically charged sax-driven 24-Hour Hateful Live!, Erotic Reruns is like a Dominos Half ‘n’ Half of first world struggles and addictively upbeat melodies, coming in at thirty-minutes or less.
Vocalist Chris Keating has described how one track, Let Me Listen In On You, was born from the vision of ex-US Attorney General Jeff Sessions as a homeless schizophrenic, which encapsulates a sense of the Brooklyn trio’s left-field absurdities, and sums up the album’s entire vibe.
While some moments are a candid, almost intimate comment on society, others are akin to a drama club comedy sketch.
Perhaps longstanding fans would regard this as cautious or non-committal, but Yeasayer have never claimed to be profound, stunningly deep lyricists.
The music they create is colourful, erratic and consistently inconsistent which, paradoxically, is part of what makes Erotic Reruns hang together so well.
From what I have taken from it, Erotic Reruns (both title and tracks) is Yeasayer’s idea of just a bit of fun.
A twenty-nine minute dalliance with love, politics, and everything else middle of the road for anyone who is interested, and a big fat va te faire foutre for the ‘stay in your lane’ers’ who aren’t.
Or…naysayers…? I’ll see myself out. – Susie Harrison
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Truck Festival returns with Foals, Two Door Cinema Club and more, here’s our 5 Ones To Watch Two Door Cinema Club, Sundara Karma, Anteros: Mountford Hall, Liverpool Two Door Cinema Club announce Liverpool Guild of Students date in support of new album NME Radar Tour: Two Door Cinema Club, Metronomy, Tribes and Azealia Banks: Academy, Manchester Tramlines returns this July with Two Door Cinema Club, Courteeners and Nile Rodgers and Chic Liverpool music gig guide – Deep Cuts, Two Door Cinema Club, Exmagician and much more Black Midi, Rattle: Phase One, Liverpool Black midi, Cassia and Sorry add Liverpool gigs plus listen to new POZI track
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"The Struggle" is real, says TheHackerCIO as he attempts to do "Agile" development in yet another pathological Behemoth corporation.
Central to the idea of the Agile development approach is to drive everything from "User Stories." The point of this is to get Users driving development. To get Users needs, desires, and requirements into the forefront of developer's attention.
Supposedly, TheHackerCIO has been working in "Agile" environments for several years. But he would love to actually use Agile! Just once. Is that asking too much?
Although they claim to be agile environments, the Pathological Behemoth corporation just forces the round-peg of Waterfall into the square-hole of Agile and let's the chips fall where they may.
For instance, I've seen "User Stories" in the Product Backlog which contained references to the project phase! There are no "phases" in an Agile development. But such is the state of the industry.
The latest outrage is User Stories where there is no actual user! These user stories start off "As a developer I want to ..." and end with so much BS about what non-functional requirement needs to be attained. For example, "As a perfomance engineer, I want to make sure that cache access is less than 10 milliseconds per request."
"As a developer ..."
"As a tester ..."
"As a deployment coordinator ..."
"As a production support resource ..."
Where the hell is the user?
If anyone doubts the stupidity of this kind of approach, I have a challenge for them! Take up this "user story" from my product backlog and start a sprint on it. Hell, I'll give you two weeks. Then we can look at your code.
On this same subject I ran across another blogger who objects. I'm not surprised, since anyone sane would object. But I point my readers to it here.
This is spot on
Reviewing the agile manifesto (http://agilemanifesto.org/principles.html) there is no mention of user stories. Whoever told you that they were central to agile sold you a bill of goods.
TheHackerCIO May 23, 2015 at 4:51 PM
Sorry, TheHackerCIO doesn't agree with you! There are a lot of things that aren't mentioned in the "principles," and that doesn't make them non-central. For instance, TDD is not in the principles. But I'd suggest that a shop with no product-backlog of user stories, no test-driven development, and with an occasional visit to the business is hardly following the Agile manifesto. User Stories have been central to the Agile way for quite some time.
Zero to One
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Home » What's On » Event » The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, adapted by John Osborne
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, adapted by John Osborne
HK English Speaking Union
Tue 18-09-2018 7:15 PM - 2 h
Room B
Refreshments are available at the Fringe Club.
ESU/ Fringe Club Play-Reading for September 2018
Date, time and place: Tuesday 18 September @ 7.30 in Colette’s (upstairs at HK Fringe Club)
The play this month:
by Oscar Wilde, adapted by John Osborne
This was Wilde's first novel ,which went through various versions, but we will read it as a drama version created by John Osborne, himself a well-established playwright and author of Look Back in Anger, The Entertainer and Luther among other important 20th century British plays. Osborne’s play-text - shorter than the original novel - concentrates on the dialogues and Wilde's witty epigrams, while retaining the essential plot elements. The play tells a story of murder, intrigue, and decay of the body and soul - a long way removed from the popular view of Oscar Wilde as a writer of witty social comedy in his own plays. It is also difficult to avoid the view that Dorian Gray is heavily autobiographical in a metaphorical, if not literal, sense in view of what we know about Wilde’s relatively short life.
Dorian Gray himself, is the subject of a portrait in oils by Basil Hallward, an artist who is impressed and infatuated by Dorian's (male) beauty. He believes Dorian's beauty is responsible for the new mood in his art as a painter.Through Basil Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, and he soon is infatuated by the aristocrat's sensual worldview that beauty and sensual fulfillment are the only things worth pursuing in life. Suddenly conscious that his beauty will fade, Dorian expresses the desire to sell his soul to ensure that the picture, rather than he, will age and fade. His outrageous wish is granted and Dorian pursues a sensual life of varied and amoral experiences, while staying young and beautiful as, all the while, his portrait ages and records every ethical transgression he commits.
The main idea for the story came from an actual episode in 1884. Wilde used often to drop in at the studio of a painter named Basil Ward, one of whose sitters was a young man of exceptional beauty. Wilde happened to say, "what a pity that such a glorious creature should ever grow old." The artist agreed, adding, "how delightful it would be if he could remain exactly as he is, while the portrait aged and withered in his stead." Subsequently Wilde named the painter of the portrait in his story, Basil Hallward. Hallward is portrayed as a deeply moral man in stark contrast to the other two main characters in the story, Dorian Gray, a beautiful narcissistic young man, enthralled by the new hedonism and Lord Henry Wotton, imperious aristocrat and decadent dandy, who espouses a philosophy of self indulgent hedonism. The Picture of Dorian Gray was written as both a gothic and philosophical story in 1890 and proved extremely controversial in its day with its compelling atmosphere of mystery and horror and its shocking Faustian pact theme. In a subsequent version Wilde added a preface in defence of the rights of the artist to create “art for arts sake”, concluding with the famous statement, "All art is quite useless."
Please do join us at 7.30 at The Fringe Club for the September play-reading. We look forward to seeing you again or meeting you if you are a new play-reader and wish to participate. You will be very welcome.
Facilitators: Julian Quail; Mike Ingham
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GIRLS YOUTH PROGRAMS
HTI TRAINING FACILITIES
GIRLS SUMMER CAMP 2016
Life At HTI
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Teagan Marion of Saskatoon, SK joins HTI for 2015/2016 Season!
From ringette to hockey, we meet up with a girl who comes from a big hockey family. She is using the sport to her advantage, and she hopes it will take her goals to another level. Seventeen-year-old Teagon Marion is from James Smith Cree Nation. She has been playing ringette for most of her earlier years before switching to hockey. “I switched from ringette to hockey because I felt that if I played hockey instead, there will be a chance I could play at the elite level, like attending the Hockey Training Institute,” said Marion.
Last time she was interviewed with Eagle Feather News, she was 14-years-old and was training for the 2015 winter games. “I am not training for the 2015 Canada Winter Games anymore as the event has passed in the spring. I had made Top 50, then was cut,” said Marion. She plans to attend a Hockey Training Institute (HTI) in Ontario. This will be the start of her elite hockey career with HTI. Her goal is not just about playing hockey, it’s about her future.
"I played at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Montreal in 2014 with Team Saskatchewan and that is how I heard about HTI,” said Marion. Marion had plans to attend university for kinesiology but had changed her mind after an exciting experience.
“I changed my major from kinesiology to nursing because I attended a career day in my health science class this previous semester that consisted of nursing and I so happened to really enjoy it. I feel that I see myself working in a hospital,” said Marion.
HTI has offered her a spot on the team already, and the private hockey school allows players to study online and do their school work at their own pace through the virtual high school. She is not worried as she enters grade 12 this fall and the HTI: she will only need 6 credits to graduate. Jenya Feldman, President of HTI, says he first saw Marion play at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship (NAHC) in Montreal.
“We started that conversation a couple of years ago and this year she was ready to make a commitment. I think she saw some of her peers come through our program and saw they were successful, and this year she’s ready to make the big step,” said Feldman.
The program starts on September 1, so Marion has a month to get ready. Feldman says that they have had some really good experience in getting players from the NAHC join their program and be very successful. “A few of them have moved on to play collegiate hockey and have had successful careers,” said Feldman.
Marion hopes that attending the HTI will give her the opportunity to commit to a Nations Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or Canadian Inter-university Sport (CIS) team as HTI gives their players a lot of exposure from coaches. “If the GoFund me page doesn't raise enough money, my family and I will have to fundraise a lot more. We are currently looking into having a steak night & some bingos to help with the cost,” said Marion.
With a big family of eight and her being the oldest of six children, she has three brothers who are still playing hockey, each in their own division, so hockey becomes quite expensive but it has its rewards in the end.
Eagle Feather News (SPORTS)
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Email : info@htistars.com
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Prominent Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi missing in Turkey
Prominent Saudi critic and Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi is missing in Turkey after entering Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul, Turkish-Arab Media Association said in a written statement on Oct. 2.
Khashoggi, a former general manager and editor-in-chief of Al Arab Media Group, was last seen entering the consulate at 1 p.m. on Oct. 2, according to the statement.
“We are watching with concern that Khashoggi still did not leave the building,” the statement added, stressing “deep concerns in Turkish and international media about recent human rights violations in Saudi Arabia.”
Khashoggi’s fiancee told Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency that the prominent pundit visited the consulate to receive some documents he needed.
“When I speak of the fear, intimidation, arrests and public shaming of intellectuals and religious leaders who dare to speak their minds, and then I tell you that I’m from Saudi Arabia, are you surprised?” Khashoggi wrote in his first piece for Washington Post.
“With every supposed reform comes a wave of fresh arrests, prison sentences and increasingly repressive behavior. At each turning point, though, Jamal has offered readers of The Post insightful commentary and sharp criticism about the seemingly impenetrable country,” Washington Post Global Opinions editor Jason Rezaian wrote on Oct. 2.
Jamal Khashoggi, missing people, Turkey
Kayseri’s tourism players aim to bring Iranian tourists to province
Private university tuition fees increased 20 percent
Shisha, barbecuing banned by sea in Erdemli
Abandoned fishing nets removed in five years
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Name: Robert W Walker
Pen Name:
Born: 1948 in Corinth, Mississippi
-- Website -- http://robertwalkerbooks.com/
-- Robert W Walker on WorldCat -- http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=robert+w+walker
E-Mail: -- Contact through Available
Walker grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He is a graduate of Chicago's Wells High School, Northwestern University, and the NU's Graduate Masters in English Education program.
Walker currently resides in Charleston, West Virginia where he teaches and writes.
Absolute instinct
Berkley Books,. .
Forensic pathologist Jessica Coran discovers that her latest homicide victim has had her spine removed from her body, and her subsequent investigation reveals that a man has already been convicted of a similar crime years earlier.
Aftershock /
St. Martin's Press,. .
Bitter instinct
Jove Books,. .
FBI Medical Examiner Dr. Jessica Coran has an international reputation for her brilliant work in forensic medicine. It's matched only by her cunning in tracking down the world's most ingenious serial killers. Her talents have been requested in Philadelphia by Detective Eriq Santiva, director of the behavioral science unit. A series of bizarre deaths, attributed to a killer known only as the Poet, has rocked the City of Brotherly Love. His calling card is a scroll of human parchment engraved with toxic, blood-chilling pieces of verse. But for Jessica the most baffling aspect of the crimes is that no victim shows signs of submission, or resistance, or even fear.
A series of bizarre deaths, attributed to a killer known only as the Poet, has rocked the City of Brotherly Love. His calling card is a scroll of human parchment engraved with toxic, blood-chilling pieces of verse. ... Only Jessica [FBI Medical Examiner] has the insight to read between the Poet's lines, to decipher his unfathomable goal--and to discover why his young victims offered, so willingly, their dying flesh to a madman.--Jacket.
Blind instinct /
FBI Medical Examiner Dr. Jessica Coran and Scotland Yard Inspector Richard Sharpe have been enlisted to spearhead the investigation of a series of crucifixion murders--a bizarre rash of ritual killings in London's underground. The madman has left a trail of carnage unequalled in the history of serial crime. But he has also left no clues to his identity, or to his unfathomable motive.
Brain watch
Dorchester Pub. Co.,. .
Windsor Pub.,. .
City for ransom
HarperCollins e-Books,. .
Welcome to Chicago, 1893 -- where new wonders are being unveiled ... and a monster feeds on the unsuspecting. Tens of thousands are flocking to a bustling, wind-swept metropolis in the middle of America for the great Exposition of 1893 -- to seethe future and to ride Mr. Ferris's remarkable wheel. A city of hope and hardship has caught the attention of the world -- and a maniacal killer has made it his hunting ground. Inspector Alastair Ransom carries the burden of the dead on his shoulders. But a demon far worse than Ransom's own is loose -- a bloodthirsty killer who preys on Chicago's most vulnerable citizens, his grisly handiwork masked by the glitter and frenzy of the World's Fair. But a haunted detective doesn't realize how desperate his search has become -- for each passing hour brings the slayer closer to his next intended victim: Alastair Ransom.
City for ransom /
Avon,. .
With thousands flocking to Chicago for the Great Exposition of 1893, the city is confronting an onslaught of visitors, just when a maniacal killer sets out to turn the streets into his own personal hunting ground, and it is up to Inspector Alastair Ransom to find the bloodthirsty murderer amid the glitter and turmoil of the World's Fair, before he becomes the next victim.
City of the absent
Chicago's magnificent White City will soon be fading into memory. As the grand Exposition of 1893 reaches its final day, the metropolis is rocked by the public assassination of its popular mayor. In the chaos that ensues, another murder'the savage slaughter of a Pinkerton agent posing as a prostitute in a seedy slum alleyway'goes virtually unnoticed ... except by police inspector Alastair Ransom.
City of the absent /
Avon ;. .
As the grand Exposiition of 1893 reaches its final day, the metropolis is rocked by the public assassination of its popular mayor. In the chaos that ensues, another murder goes virtually unnoticed ... except by police inspector Alastair Ransom.
Cold edge
Houston police detective Lucas Stonecoat and psychiatrist Dr. Meredyth Sanger track a savage killer known as the Scalper, who is responsible for the brutal murders and mutilations of a number of the city's prostitutes.
Daniel Webster Jackson & the wrongway railway
Royal Fireworks Press,. .
A teenage boy decides to leave his foster home in Missouri rather then become involved in Judge Hatcher's scheme to break up the Underground Railroad that is operating in his territory.
Darkest instinct
Dead man's float
Pinnacle Books,. .
Dead on :
Gale/Cengage Learning,. .
Marcus Rydell, a disgraced Atlanta police officer turned private investigator, is preparing to eat his gun when he hears screams from a downstairs apartment. He rushes to the rescue and meets Kat Holley, a resident at the local hospital. She pulls him out of his depression and gets him to help her seek revenge on the psychopath who ruined both of their lives. Along with a black dog named Paco, they search for a cave-dwelling former marine, Iden Cantu, who uses his training to elude both the Atlanta police and the feds. Kat and Marcus hunt him deep in the forests along the Georgia-Tennessee border. The country may be beautiful, but Cantu turns it into a death trap with his night-vision equipment and high-powered rifle.
Disembodied /
Double edge /
Robert W. Walker has probed the deepest recesses of the criminal mind, bringing us face-to-face with killers as brilliant as they are vicious. Now Walker returns to the gritty streets of Houston he first explored in Cutting Edge, where Detective Lucas Stonecoat and police ssychiatrist Meredyth Sanger face a new predator: the Snatch. He preys on young teens - outcasts of society like himself. Outcats whose sole reason for existence is satisfying a psychopaths' horrifying needs.
Dr. O
Kensington Pub. Corp.,. .
Dr. Maurice Ovierto was proud of his handiwork. He removed his little trophies with great care from his victims, wrapped them in surgical gauze and sent them by Express Mail only. Human flesh was much too delicate for regular mail. He wanted them to arrive in good condition for FBI Inspector Donna Thorpe. She alone understood his special talents, despite the pigs she worked with. He'd killed her partner to make her notice his genius. Now, it was time for her family. Soon Dr. O would have his greatest triumph. Her Pain. (Taken from back of the book.).
Dying breath /
Windsor Pub. Corp.,. .
Extreme instinct
FBI pathologist Jessica Coran has probed the deepest recesses of the criminal mind. Coming face-to-face with killers as brilliant as they are vicious. Now Jessica must face a deadly new foe. A murderer terrorizing the American West from Arizona to Montana who ties his victims down, drowns their sins in gasoline, and cleanses them with flame. He is on a Satanic mission-and only by stepping into the fire can Jessica stop him.
Gideon Tell and the siege of Vicksburg
Fourteen-year-old Gideon Tell, a photography spy for the Union Army, infiltrates Confederate-held Vicksburg to gather intelligence for General Grant while trying to evade suspicious Confederates, civilian refugees, war profiteers, and other shady characters and learns, in the process, about the complexity of human nature.
Handbook of moiré measurement
Institute of Physics,. .
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE.
ISBN: 0545791421. OCLC Number: 1083224392
ARTHUR A LEVINE,. .
Inquiry :
Pearson,. .
Instinto depredador
Plaza & Janés,. .
Dr. Jessica Coran is a brilliant and determined FBI medical examiner, an expert student of the criminal mind who thought she could face anything. That was before Wisconsin. Before she saw one of his victims ... the Vampire-Killer.
Perspectives on the world Christian movement :
William Carey Library,. .
Poniżej zera
Kazimierz Uchmański i S-ka,. .
Primal instinct
PSI psychic sensory investigation blue /
Echelon Press,. .
An FBI psychic detective is brought into Phoenix, AZ to investigate the disappearance of young boys.
Pure instinct
A new horror is stalking New Orleans. He is the Queen of Hearts killer, removing the hearts of his young male victims. He is savage. He is unstoppable. And the New Orleans Police Commissioner has requested-by name-the aid of Dr. Jessica Coran. But another horror is stalking Jessica. The man known as The Vampire Killer has escaped from prison, leaving a trail of blood-drained bodies in his wake. No one knows where he is-but they do know he's coming for Jessica, the woman who put him behind bars. Now Jessica faces double jeopardy.
Headline Feature,. .
Rhetoric, religion and the civil rights movement, 1954-1965
Baylor University Press,. .
The Civil Rights Movement succeeded in large measure because of rhetorical appeals grounded in the Judeo-Christian religion. While movement leaders often used America's founding documents and ideals to depict Jim Crow's contradictory ways, the language and lessons of both the Old and New Testaments were often brought to bear on many civil rights events and issues-from local desegregation to national policy matters. This volume chronicles how national movement leaders and local activists moved a nation to live up to the Biblical ideals it often professed but infrequently practiced.
Salem's child
Shadows in the white city
The nation and the world gaze in awe at Chicago's magnificent White City in this summer of 1893. But Inspector Alastair Ransom sees the rot beneath the splendor of the great Exposition'and he is consumed with an over-powering need for vengeance. The Phantom of the Fair, a blood-thirsty fiend who nearly added Ransom to his ever-growing list of slaughtered victims, is still lurking somewhere in the shadows of Ferris's gargantuan Wheel. And to end the maniac's reign, Ransom refuses to play by the rules established by the police brass and the corrupt politicians'appointing himself judge, jury ... and executioner. But white-hot hatred and zealous fury can blind a determined manhunter to a more terrible truth. And dangerous missteps may lead to even greater bloodshed ...
Shadows in the white city /
Harper,. .
During the glitter of Chicago's 1893 Exposition, a bloodthirsty monster known as the Leather Apron Killer stalks the streets of the city, preying on Chicago's most innocent inhabitants, and a vengeful Inspector Alastair Ransom risks everything, including conflict with his superiors and the corrupt politicians, to bring his own justice to the murderer.
Unnatural instinct
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We are the Ingatestone Musical & Operetta Group and one of the most innovative amateur musical theatre groups in Essex. Why not take a look around our site to find out about our rich history, as well as information about our next show, past shows, how you can get involved and much, much more. Come and experience the passion, power and movement of musical theatre.
The Ingatestone Musical and Operetta Group (IMOG) is based in the picturesque village of Ingatestone in Essex, between Chelmsford and Brentwood. Though not large, we are one of the best and friendliest musical and operetta groups in the County.
IMOG has been around for more than 40 years and during this time we have staged over 80 musicals and operettas. We have about 30 members of all ages in our Group and we perform two musicals each year as well as a number of other concerts, social events and fundraisers.
Our Musicals
We've recently staged some fabulous shows including; Hello Dolly, HMS Pinafore, Mack & Mabel, Pajama Game, Annie Get Your Gun, High Society, Half a Sixpence and Guys & Dolls just to name a few. Why not have a look at some of the pictures taken of our fab cast onstage and backstage as well as find out more about the shows. Take a look.
We're always on the lookout for new members, whether you're a singer, dancer, actor or you want to help out back-stage or "front-of-house" we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Name: Membership Secretary
Website: http://www.imog.org.uk/
Update on High Street closures 16/07/19
Last week at the parish council 1 July - 5 July
Last week at the parish council- 24 June- 28 June
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Score One for Science
Pat Robertson Warns Pa. Town of Disaster because they've removed every school board member who advocated the teaching of the farcical theory of Intelligent Design in schools when ID is a faith based theory that has absolutely no business in a science classroom.
Sure, it can be discussed in an ethics class and used an example of religious nutfucks trying to stupid up America with their nonsense theories (and it should be noted the chasm between the validity of a widely held scientific theory and Joe Blow's theory about why girls wear thongs, a scientific theory is much more concrete and provable than some guy's pet theory). From the Wiki link above: In scientific usage, theory is not the opposite of fact. Theories are typically ways of explaining why things happen, usually after the fact that they happen is no longer in scientific dispute. In referring to the "theory of global warming", for example, there is no implication that global warming is not occurring; world temperatures have been measured and are increasing. The "theory of global warming" refers instead to scientific work that explains how and why this has been happening.
So, the theory of evolution isn't open to dispute about its validity as a method of explaining how life came to be in the current state it is on this planet. Its intellectually dishonest to try and dismantly evolution as false because its called a theory, scientific theories are already held as true and the theory refers to explaining the mechanisms by which the phenemenon function, not that there is room to dispute the underlying science.
And lastly, Pat Robertson, shut up. Just shut your stupid-making pie-hole up. Quit talking about assassinations, quit talking about Intelligent Design like it has any business being mentioned in the same frame as evolution. Just shut up. Or go back to your 700 Club echo chamber.
Tags: evolution, science, theory, intelligent design is a lie, religiouscience, STFU Pat Robertson
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By the end of 2017, we completed a multi-year capital campaign to raise an estimated $2.97M to be spent in the following ways:
Theatre Design, Renovations, & Construction = $2,123,900
Lighting, audio & other theatrical equipment = $458,100
Marketing, Fundraising, & Administrative Support = $90,096
Reserve Fund for Fiscal Responsibility = $300,000
Unlike many theater facility projects, InterAct has a long-term lease (as opposed to owning its venue). The total financial commitment, including the capital campaign and the 15-year lease at The Drake, is less than $5 million dollars.
Thank you to all who contributed to InterAct’s long-term sustainability at The Drake!
STILL WANT TO CONTRIBUTE?
Become an InterAct donor!
If you would like more information on the Campaign for the Drake, contact Managing Director, Ann Garner at agarner@interacttheatre.org, or by phone at 215-568-8077 x102.
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Ipswich 1-0 Leicester- Match Report
McGoldrick magic for Town
David McGoldrick's 85th-minute goal secured a vital 1-0 victory for relegation-threatened Ipswich and dealt a blow to Leicester's promotion aspirations.
A finely balanced game, which contained some neat play but very little in the way of clear-cut chances, could have gone either way and appeared set for stalemate until McGoldrick converted well the second goal of his loan spell from Nottingham Forest.
Only time will tell how valuable that late goal could be with Town now six points clear of the npower Championship drop zone and the Foxes still riding high in the play-off places.
The best of very few chances had previously fallen to Leicester striker Harry Kane, on loan from Tottenham, just before the hour mark but he could only send his shot wide when latching on to Luke Chambers' under-hit back pass.
For Leicester, it was a disappointing end to a day which started with the announcement of a significant loss of #29.7million for the financial year ending 31 May 2012, an increase of #14.5m on the previous 12 months.
A goalless draw appeared on the cards pre-match with Ipswich the lowest scorers in the second tier and Leicester boasting the meanest defence, and it was clear very early on there was very little prospect of the 6-0 victory City recorded in the reverse fixture in November.
Both sides, each unchanged from their last outing, immediately set a pattern for the game with plenty of passing football on show albeit with very little in the way of goalmouth action.
The first chance of any note finally arrived in the 22nd minutes, Kane seeing his effort deflected harmlessly wide.
Despite the lack of excitement in the final third, Town boss Mick McCarthy will have been delighted with what he was seeing against the promotion-chasing visitors amid a very even first half.
It was Kane who created a clear-cut opening just before the half-hour mark but, having turned Town's defence inside out, could only drill wide from 10 yards.
Paul Konchesky fired just over as Leicester continued to fashion the better chances although Kasper Schmeichel was called upon to keep out Chambers and McGoldrick.
And as the half-time whistle blew it was down to McCarthy and Foxes counterpart Nigel Pearson to conjure up a plan to strike the single blow which was likely to settle matters.
Leicester boasted the best second-half record in the Championship going into the game but it was Town who flew out of the blocks, Schmeichel saving well from McGoldrick.
Yet the hosts gifted City a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 57th minute.
A terrible back pass from Chambers put Kane clean through but he could only send his effort the wrong side of a post.
The miss looked set to prove costly with the second period following a similar pattern to the first, easy to watch but containing very little to get excited about.
Yet all that changed in the 85th minute as McGoldrick punished Foxes defender Wes Morgan for his sloppy defensive play to convert left-footed from 12 yards.
Leicester threw plenty forward in search of a leveller but it failed to come.
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Isegoria
From the ancient Greek for equality in freedom of speech; an eclectic mix of thoughts, large and small
Stalin’s half-man, half-ape super-warriors
I’m not sure what to say about Stalin’s half-man, half-ape super-warriors:
Moscow archives show that in the mid-1920s Russia’s top animal breeding scientist, Ilya Ivanov, was ordered to turn his skills from horse and animal work to the quest for a super-warrior.
According to Moscow newspapers, Stalin told the scientist: ‘I want a new invincible human being, insensitive to pain, resistant and indifferent about the quality of food they eat.’
Mr Ivanov was highly regarded. He had established his reputation under the Tsar when in 1901 he established the world’s first centre for the artificial insemination of racehorses.
Mr Ivanov’s ideas were music to the ears of Soviet planners and in 1926 he was dispatched to West Africa with $200,000 to conduct his first experiment in impregnating chimpanzees.
Meanwhile, a centre for the experiments was set up in Georgia — Stalin’s birthplace — for the apes to be raised.
Mr Ivanov’s experiments, unsurprisingly from what we now know, were a total failure. He returned to the Soviet Union, only to see experiments in Georgia to use monkey sperm in human volunteers similarly fail.
A final attempt to persuade a Cuban heiress to lend some of her monkeys for further experiments reached American ears, with the New York Times reporting on the story, and she dropped the idea amid the uproar.
Posted in Animals, Science, War | 2 Comments »
Adar says:
You would have to mate a human with a female gorilla. A chimp crossed with a human the offspring would kill the chimp during birth.
Isegoria says:
Adar, I’d prefer not to imagine such things, especially not too vividly, but you have reminded me of a story I wish I could forget.
CVLR: Open source (meaning Linux and its ecosystem) works to the extent that it does because of a unique and largely accidental confluence of historical events which produced an open, industry-standard hardware platform (the IBM PC), and an open suite of software which could run atop it (GNU/Linux). We look back and see this situation as predestined, but I suspect that things could have happened very differently. Maybe we got the right fate; maybe we didn’t. Certainly, smartphones are a scourge, and I’d...
CVLR: Musk goes full vertical integration, decides to grow his own. There’s something profoundly perverse about the outcomes from intense competition for schooling. The striving terminally suffocates high-variance activities and their practitioners. If you want a really great school you need to somehow simultaneously a) have the most desirable thing going, b) it not be especially appealing to the strivers, and c) select for the classically educated and well bred at the expense of the abominable...
Wang Wei Lin: Stopped reading at the mention of Musk.
Wang Wei Lin: Given feedback? Is that the same as leading the witness? What kind of ‘survey’ gives feedback? Seems you could ‘feedback’ you way to the desired outcome. Trash study.
Ross: Sounds similar to parts of the analytic section of the GRE.
TRX: “not clear how many of those are semi-automatic” They shouldn’t wouldn’t worry about the semi-automatics. The shop where I bought my first machine gun was also a manufacturer; back in the early ’80s exported most of their production to New Zealand. At the time, the restrictions on full auto in NZ were nominal by comparison to US hassles. Just from that one gun shop, there are hundreds of Uzis, MACs, and M-16s in New Zealand…
Graham: At least these elites are ostensibly willing to put their kids to the test under a new approach, whatever it is, rather than just the tiresome rote of traditional elite preschool, elite prep school, buy your way into an Ivy credential. Come out with a Harvard Law degree and enter the parasite classes of the next generation, with the hope of making enough to graduate to predator. Alternatively, it’s just Musk’s answer to the Sea Org.
Wolfe Easton, MD: Really this sort of think goes to what we are really thinking about current day mainstream education. None of the widespread policy initiatives are particularly effective at “improving” really anything meaningful, criteria wise with regards to childhood importance. With all the parents believing their children are special, we have eroded even moreso any effort to screen out the gifted and accelerate them at a younger age. I look at something like Ad Astra, and I see rich families...
Graham: Went back and looked over that older piece. Educational. I’m not as comprehensively down on turn of the last century radicals as some folks. I’m with Chesterton and others in defending the ordered civilization and condemning the radicals’ worldviews, as I have been in comparable situations all my life and still am. But one needs to keep in mind that sooner or later anyone might find themselves alienated from dominant values. Or under foreign occupation, or some mix of the two....
Graham: Wait a minute. Hugo Drax. Elon Musk. What is it about 4+4 names? At least Carl Stromberg liked fish and wanted to save them. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=vcqrGANcaIQ Drax’s master plan. Sound level is low. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=VEhcTnoa1xA Drax’s one, true, immortal moment- the greatest Bond villain dismissive remark ever made: “James Bond. You appear with the tedious inevitability of an unloved season.” My fave car bomb scene begins at 1:39...
Isegoria: Hugo Drax got me to look up the origin of the car bomb, by the way. (Oh, and it looks like Moonraker is just $0.99 on Kindle right now.)
Graham: Sounds like the selection process for the future is well underway, and it resembles in many if not all ways the one used by Hugo Drax.
Bruce: I think guilds were the root of both unions and corporations. I don’t know which path you suggest for open source.
CVLR: Eric S. Raymond is a fundamentalist libertarian who by virtue of his fundamentalist libertarianism doesn’t understand why this is happening or what to do about it, and still less does he understand what has led us to this point. I’ll do my best to describe the situation in a few sentences. The economics of open source are archetypally communistic; the economics of SaaS are archetypally capitalistic. Open source is communistic because it is inherently the process by which very highly skilled men...
CVLR: Coupl’a things: 1) LOL. 2) Per Kirk, in the final fleeting moments before the Fucking Algorithmic Globalist Scum complete their ascension to absolute world order, compile lists of worthy works, collect digital copies from Archive.org and LibGen, OCR them, print in paper books (multiple copies), and hoard. Richard Stallman’s hysterics are getting less and less funny with each passing day.
CVLR: Yeah, attack is probably a more likely mode of catastrophe than solar flare. Graham mentions the prescience of Battlestar Galactica, and the construction of our indispensable, life-sustaining infrastructure with all of the robustitude and survivability of tissue paper, strung together by Rube Goldberg. The first I’m inclined to agree with more every day, and the second is just a wonderful way to put it. The irony is that all of these changes are pitched as unalloyed improvements. For example, and...
Harry Jones: Sane society interprets social justice as damage and routes around it. Find – or found – other middleman platforms to market wares. And those businesses dumb enough to outsource core functions? Hand them over to Darwin that they may be taught not to waste our oxygen. You can’t fix those who are stupid and/or evil. You can only protect yourself from them until they get deleted from existence. Outlast them. Survive now, inherit the earth later.
Kirk: Y’know… I was actually thinking along the same lines Faze is, absent it being Isegoria himself. Then, after consideration, I decided that it’s not at all the same. Your most likely Stalin or Mussolini isn’t the guy writing the blogs. It’s the asshole like Zuckerf**k, who’s writing the algorithms that serve the stories up. You want to know the most likely candidates for the next series of totalitarian dictators, look among the ranks of the folks running FakeBuch,...
Faze: That means that the next totalitarian dictator is probably writing and editing on the internet this very moment. Probably on a blog. Who is this future monster, now simply running a website, who’s merest whim will someday rule over the lives and fates of millions? Perhaps … it will be … Isegoria … himself.
Isegoria: I think everyone else should have Tullock’s spike installed.
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Netflix Released ‘Stranger Things’ Special Newscast On Barb’s Disappearance
By Shor M , Nov 01, 2016 04:30 AM EDT
Netflix has just released a special Halloween newscast for the hit sci-fi horror series, “Stranger Things” reporting on the disappearance of Barbara Holland and the shoplifting adventure of Eleven.
Fans have just been treated to “Stranger Things” warping into the “Peanuts” universe for a Charlie Brown Christmas special and now Netflix has dropped another surprise for Halloween to add to the upcoming second season’s hype. The special newscast, which looked like it came out from one of the television sets from “Stranger Things” reported on the disappearance of Barb, one of the cast in the said series. The special newscast was donned in the old Technicolor and 480 pixels dimensions, or probably even lower, just how it was in the 1980s.
The newscast was cleverly disguised as 5WIYZ, a fictional news segment from Hawkins, Indiana, which is anchored by news reporter Brenda Wood. On one October night, the news reported a case of another missing teen who happens to be Barb. It normally introduced Barb’s case until it candidly reported on the insignificant things of the case such as her taste in fashion. Apparently, according to the fake news, it tried to reach out to Barb’s best friend, Nancy Wheeler, but sadly she could not be reached.
Before the fictional news ended, it briefly reported on another “Stranger Things” matter. It reported on Eleven’s shoplifting incident at Bradley’s Big Buy mart. The new segment showed a CCTV footage of Eleven taking boxes of Eggo Waffles from the chiller while the reporter advised viewers to contact Hawkins Police Chief Jim Hopper if anyone knew the identity or the whereabouts of the unidentified young thief. Brenda Wood reported, “Eye witnesses at the shopping scene said they saw shopping carts flying down aisles and the electronic doors malfunctioned putting owner Bradley at risk.”
The Halloween Special newscast of “Stranger Things” is evidently a tease for the upcoming Season 2 of the series, hinting most likely that Barb will return for the new installment. Hopefully fans will see Barb’s disappearance being explained especially when Season 1 left her presumably dead in the upside down world. Netflix has renewed the series for another season and “Stranger Things” Season 2 is set to release nine episodes in 2017.
TAG Stranger Things, Stranger Things News, Stranger Things Season 2, Stranger Things Season 2 Update, stranger things eleven, stranger things barb, Stranger Things Special Newscast
‘Stranger Things’ Season 2 Will Not Resurrect Barb, Showrunner Confirms
Executive producer Shawn Levy of "Stranger Things" has revealed that Barb won't be coming back to the Netflix show and explained why.
'Stranger Things' Season 2 Set To Be Darker And Disturbing
It has been revealed that new season of Netflix series, "Stranger Things" will be bigger, darker, and scarier.
'Stranger Things' Guarantees Third Installment Before Season 2 Release; EP Gives Details About Two New Seasons
"Stranger Things" season 2 was promised to deliver a crazier story and the overflow of ideas might lead the series to its third installment. The new season will see Will Byers' adventures and countless theories are already out there with most claiming that he is turning into the dark side.
‘Stranger Things' Season 2 Update: Eleven Is Still Alive But She Is In Deep Trouble
'Stranger Things' just took the world by storm last year. Right now, they are in the perfect position to riase bar even higher especially that fans are very eager to know on what happened to Eleven.
'Stranger Things' Season 2: Will Suffers Trauma, Sheriff Hooper Discloses Upside Down
“Stranger Things” Season 2 seems to be more terrifying than ever as cast members unfold mysteries upon mysteries for the upcoming installment.
'Stranger Things' Season 2 Spoilers: Will Byers Returns; Character Faces Post-Traumatic Stress?
“Stranger Things” Season 2 seems to excite fans with their latest trailer. Is Will Byers really back?
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cx nationals
Cyclocross is Still My Favorite Bourbon
Over 15 years ago, my now father-in-law discovered his favorite bourbon from a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Kentucky (bear with me, this IS an article about cyclocross). At the time, it was practically a no-name brand. He was able to buy it cheap, and almost everyone he could find above the legal drinking age, he talked to about it. He displayed it in his favorite cabinets, and poured a glass of the 23-year-old bottle for whisky-loving guests during the holidays.
About seven years later, some host on the Food Network raved about Pappy Van Winkles, and the Pappy scene exploded across the country. Every hipster bar in the country stocked it, and even empty bottles of the best aged vintage were selling for thousands of dollars on Amazon. Today, my father-in-law may still pull a Pappy from the cabinet on special occasions, but he never raves about it much anymore. The lure and excitement of being in “the know” has faded.
For me, this is a relatable metaphor for cyclocross. For those who are not up to speed: three days ago, Cyclocross Magazine asked Colin Reuter of Cross Results on twitter about the participation of unique cyclocross racers over the last few years. He crunched the numbers, and discovered that with his data set, cyclocross participation has plateaued over the last few years, with 2016 numbers looking a little leaner than 2015 across the nation.
I’m not going to delve too much into the data breakdown. Jls.cx already did an impressive job deciphering some of the state data to find the major trends: cyclocross out west and in the southwest is rapidly deteriorating, and participation is only on the slight rise most everywhere else. (For a quick side note, I think other, smaller factors could be considered. For instance, as I already stated online, I wonder if there are new promoters out there who don’t see the value in sending their race data to cross results. In any case, on the whole, I do think we are not seeing the growth in the sport like we were in 2012.)
Crowds are still big, and Women's participation continues to grow in areas like New England
Two years ago, I interviewed Derek Bouchard Hall, president of USA Cycling, who told me that his goal was to stay hands-off of cyclocross because it was growing at such an astounding rate and that he didn’t want USAC to interfere with that. This approach didn’t exactly pan out. So what’s going on here?
Perhaps we need to step back to the larger picture, to a time beyond Cross Result’s data. I’m probably going to piss off loads of the New England guys who were racing in the 80’s and 90’s (who were the savvy cyclists in the know), but America’s love affair with cyclocross in the modern era intensified when a Texas doper tried the sport out and then showed off some cyclocross skills on route to his second Tour de France “win.” The second explosion arrived out of the Grand Prix, whose organizers were able to bring the UCI World Championships to Kentucky.
Life for the American cyclocross scene was easy. The New York Times was calling our sport the cooler superbowl, races were popping up all across the country, and even the adrenaline-junkie promoting Red Bull company was pumping up the sport through athletes and events.
We went from that regionally exclusive, hidden jem of the cycling world to the scene that everyone wanted to be a part of. Our brand was being displayed in hipster bars all across America, and business was booming.
Now the excitement is no longer in the air. The Kentucky hangover is lingering. Participation isn’t hiking, and you have professional teams like Raleigh-Clement who are angry at the lack of increased American coverage and are threatening to just spend their seasons in Europe on Twitter. Things aren’t in apocalypse mode. We’re not like the situation of Mountain Biking that has seen serious decline in numbers.
Having tough courses are one thing, marketing crash reels are another.
I’m not going to fault Derek Bouchard-Hall’s lack of foresight; I too thought we’d be drinking from a firehose in terms of recruitment for a few more years until we plateaued. But I eventually knew we’d be here. After all, this is a cycling discipline in America, and this country’s widespread respect for cycling athletes died out sometime between 1890 and 1925.
Cyclocross is now the County-Fair Orchid instead of the Chia Pet: we’ll have to actually work at making it grow. I have a few ideas, and I’d like this to be a dialogue, since I don’t have the full picture (after all, I’m not even a race promoter).
1) Market cyclocross as a cheap sport to your friends.
This isn’t something that we have to leave to the industry to do. They won’t. Articles, like the one this week in Bike Rumor, about wisely having 15 different types of tubular treads for every condition, makes it seem like the only way to have fun in cyclocross is with either a deep pocket book or great sponsors. I can’t blame Helen Wyman for writing that article; she’s a sponsored rider, and it’s her job to hype up every Challenge tire imaginable. But this need for the perfect equipment isn’t true in the Elite field, let alone the Cat 4/5 field.
Kate and I spent our first year on cheap mountain bikes, and the next few years on a pair of 7$ Kenda clincher tires (Mo Bruno Roy raced in World Cups on clinchers!). I had a blast in the sport on them, and Kate won a few races and took plenty more podiums. Yes, in the last few years we moved to tubulars, but we share wheelsets, and ride on either file treads or mudders. Is it ideal on course? Not always. Is it ideal on our current bank account? You betcha. Cyclocross Magazine used to do these great cheap bike projects, and they still review pretty inexpensive bikes. Cyclocross can be an insanely affordable sport, (especially if you can lend your old pit bike to your non-cycling friend).
2) Market cyclocross as a safe sport.
I think the KMC Cyclo-Cross festival does a lot right. Providence was amazing, but there is room to grow at other venues. However, like Richard Sachs, I am dead set against that crash reel they posted as a promotion video after their event. In the same way, I get upset any time a promoter goes social crazy with how intimidating their course is. I literally had a promoter tell me via Facebook that he didn’t have enough collar bones broken at his event. That's not a way to design a course for all levels.
So what happened after the KMC promo video? Surprise, surprise, dozens of people I’ve been trying to persuade to get in to the sport tag me in that stupid reel and ask me if the sport is this dangerous. No. I have to explain that these are pro-only sections designed for the top level athletes.
Look, I get it. The marketing works to an extent. You get the adrenaline junkies from all across the country to fly to your race to experience that “wall of death.” That type of marketing reminds me of the Red Hook Crit. The biggest difference is that the Red Hook Crit events are in urban areas with heavy spectator crowds, and that series can scoop up plenty of cash from advertisers that see this crowd attendance. I doubt that cyclocross events in America will gain the same traction unless we start using downtown construction zones as are venues. For now, I think we should still build this up as a participation-based sport, and we won’t get many new cyclists to an event if they think they are going to break their arm their first time racing.
I'm not asking to tame EVERYTHING down. But the marketing can have a little less "wall of death" #hype. And courses that Cat. 4 fields shouldn't be designed to be a perfect replica of Namur.
There is the reason why Triathlons are constantly booming. They are thought of to be a (relatively) safe, personal challenge. The funny thing is that most cyclocross courses provide the same type of environment with a much cooler crowd! Getting new riders to a clinic is a great idea (Kate and I have been putting on free skills and drills sessions all season and pre-season), but also showing your non-cycling friends the tamer events is a great start.
3) Influence that sweet-spot age group.
When Mo Bruno Roy first explained to me the target of the Amy D. Foundation, I understood why the scope was narrow, but I loved the age objective. “It’s not the Juniors we have to worry about, many of them who want to race cyclocross have parents,” she told me, “It’s the right-out-of-college woman who doesn’t have any cash for equipment that we are looking to help out.”
A lot of people on Facebook and in person at the Nats venue have been telling me of their great Junior scene in their area. That’s good. But I also think it’s good if you’re just a future Stephen Hyde bumming around in a 7-11 parking lot on your BMX bike doing tricks at 15. I love that cyclocross is an event you can bring the family to and have an event for everyone, but there is still a nicer target that not everyone is hitting.
One of the biggest exceptions to this is DCCX, and if those races have any indication, I think Washington D.C. will be the next major hub of cyclocross. Go to one of those races of the Super8 series. On the sidelines, you’ll see crowds of people, not cyclists, and many in that sweet spot post-college age.
The Amy D. Foundation’s original target athlete age is perfect, for both men and women. Don’t misread my sentiment, I’m not suggesting to ignore the rad 35-55 aged man or woman in your life. But those post-college students who are finding their feet are also looking to grow their roots, and it would be sweet for those roots to grow in cyclocross.
4) Go to growing festivals and limit diverging series:
While Oregon, Colorado, and California’s decline in cyclocross participation also surprised me, the Texas bell curve held my interest this week. After all, it felt like the Texas participants abandoned their UCI series, and all of their local races looked like they have thinned.
I reached out for thoughts, and received plenty. The great part about Texas is that the number of race series is growing. The bad part is that it seems like the series are working against each other. The Dallas crew rarely goes to Austin, and vice versa. The scene sounds like it has diverged into a series of cliques, and each race doesn’t have the same lively group of hecklers and supporters, making the culture quieter and the promotion more difficult.
Look, I’m all for local races you could ride to; that’s pretty sweet, but I don’t like how there is a North New Jersey, South New York, Western Connecticut, and Eastern Pennsylvania race all on the same day in late September and all an hour from one another.
If you are going to take someone new to a cyclocross event, try and target an established series with a crowd that you know they might enjoy. On the East Coast, we are treated to the Vittoria (formerly Verge), the MAC, the Super 8. When these series do compete, they usually do so because the races involved are five to six hours travel apart from one another, and one is usually the bigger UCI race.
Unfortunately, this can compete with my recommendation number two. Again, I said there are a few things that KMC does right. Their move to creating a festival is an incredible move for cyclocross, and one that Gloucester has made without calling it such. An event with great food vendors, a beverage tent, multiple days, big athletes is a combination to success. I know this isn’t something that just happens one year, but cyclocrossers that can share their love to the next generation have a perfect setting in the number of festivals now coming up on the East Coast.
I’m sure new promoters are going to hate my reasoning, but in reality, there are plenty of weekends where a new race makes more sense. My team was really impressed with the quickly-put-together Rainey Park Cyclocross. It offered a late December race where they could get permits within New York City that might have been much harder to get in warmer weather when everyone is using the park. Plenty of folks showed up, and it wasn’t conflicting with any other races like all of those new late-September races do.
I think the takeaway message here is that cyclocross in America has been, and still is, a grassroots sport. We can’t depend on the bike industry to do the vast majority of our sport’s promoting, because they will convince us that we each need to bring three bikes and five deep dish carbon wheelsets, and make the event feel more like a chore rather than the fun time it can be (yes, I do see the irony in that I have been a member of said industry for a decade). I think the big move to keep expanding the sport is by tapping into those people who are not everyday cyclists, looking to give themselves a challenge and a healthy habit. I feel like it is a mission that some media platforms (like Cyclocross Magazine) have been attempting over the years, and even better still, groups like the PHL Devo Team have lately been employing for road racing and now mountain biking.
Again, these points are not some silver bullets that will return us to the spiking growth of 2011-12. There’s always the possibility that Beyoncé will tweet about cyclocross and we’ll see ourselves overcrowded with growth. But until then, it is a simple matter of working at it, and remembering that cyclocross is still the favorite bourbon.
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About Orphan Cancer
FAST FACTS about Orphan Diseases and Cancer
A rare disease is referred to as an orphan disease because it affects a small percentage of population, either geographically or worldwide. Cancer is a disease and falls into the orphan disease category. Globally, there is no standard incidence rate for orphan diseases.
In Canada, one in 12 people are affected by a rare or orphan disease.
Until recently, orphan diseases received limited or negligible funding for research into their diagnosis and treatment as opposed to more prevalent diseases.
Promising Developments
There is a rise in orphan disease research as a result of patient advocacy, venture capital investment, industry collaboration, medical breakthroughs, and legislative incentives. Many countries have adopted an orphan drug act to to clear the drug development path for overlooked, rare diseases.
The Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) is Canada's national network for organizations representing those with rare disorders. CORD serves as an advocate for health policy and a supportive healthcare system for those with rare disorders in Canada, and works to ensure Canada's Clinical Trial Registry works effectively for those with rare disorders.
The Alberta Cancer Foundation has made enormous progress in cancer research. They have launched a scientific review panel to examine the science behind research and to measure results. This has significant impact on orphan cancers as research on more prominent cancers can also be used to treat orphan cancers.
Regardless of where you live in the world, cancer is a global disease. It affects everyone - from those who are afflicted
to family and friends. It is only through your support by way of a donation that a cure can be found.
Take a stand for Together We Pay it Forward. Be part of the cure and JOINour team!
JARRID'S TEAM
Jarrid's Team ©
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Can Speculation Be Defined as News?
By L. Brent Bozell III
Published Jan. 4, 2017
At the dawn of 2017, let us offer a philosophical question for the news media. If the scourge of the new year is "fake news," should we not concede that it's not news to speculate about what will happen after a news event? The problem is, without speculation about the future — whether immediate or distant — cable news channels and radio news outlets would surely enter a crisis about how to fill 24 hours a day, and newspapers would struggle to fill their pages.
Time magazine offered a double issue called "The Year Ahead." Obviously, it cannot be defined as news. Nothing has happened yet. The final page of content in the edition is "The 2017 Quiz on News-to-Be." The concept is clearly borrowed from the late New York Times columnist William Safire, who began many years with a similar crystal ball quiz.
Questions can project the news outlet's obsessions, and these certainly do. The second quiz question is, "When it comes to conflicts of interest, Donald Trump will make no changes to his business practices because?" Options include "His lawyers say the law doesn't require him to" and "Americans don't really care."
How Trump handles the potentially massive conflict of interest that is his global business empire should be a top news story. He'll soon announce how he prefers to resolve that matter. Is it utterly impossible to suggest he will make changes to his business practices? We can predict he will and that whatever he does won't satisfy Time magazine. Also, after summarily ignoring both Clintons' buckraking practices for years, why the sudden concern for financial ethics? Ah, the "news" business.
The second quiz question inquired, "Rex Tillerson's nomination as Secretary of State will?" The choices include "Slip by," "Fail," "Be eclipsed by the hearings for Energy Secretary designate Rick Perry" and "Drag on for weeks because of the constant interruptions by climate-change protesters dressed as sick polar bears." Our option — "be a panicked effort by the left to create controversy, which will fizzle" — didn't make the cut.
Democrats only come up within the milquetoast question "In 2017, the most interesting political figure not named Trump will be?" The choices (in order) are Gov. Jerry Brown, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Chuck Schumer and — at the bottom — President-elect Trump's advisor Kellyanne Conway.
Time magazine itself knows these predictions are barely worth the glossy paper on which they're printed. On the page before the quiz, Time humorist Joel Stein acknowledged that "2016 was a horrible year for predictions," as the liberals and their pollsters predicted the Brexit vote and the Trump vote would never go wrong for them. These are the media organizations that assumed it was ridiculous for liberal analyst Nate Silver to project in the final hours that Trump had a 29 percent chance of winning.
This will not stop liberals from projecting their worst nightmares and using "news" outlets as their megaphones. Before the election, CNN analyst Carl Bernstein insisted Trump was a "neo-fascist sociopath" setting up a "neo-fascist movement." On MSNBC, Rachel Maddow announced: "I've been reading a lot about what it was like when Hitler first became chancellor. ... I think that's possibly where we are."
President Trump could be a disaster. President Trump could be wildly successful. The Republican Congress could pass some impressive conservative reforms. Or we could get more big-government disappointment. But all kinds of pundits should have the humility to recognize that none of our psychic instincts qualify as news.
We now return you to that argument about "fake news."
• 12/30/16 Cultural Winners and Losers of 2016
• 12/28/16 The Newspapers Bully Sen. Sessions
• 12/23/16 The real War on Christmas . . . is a real war
• 12/21/16 Who is advocating for 'banana republicism'?
• 12/16/16 Obama Underlines Failure at 'The Daily Show'
• 12/14/16 Whitewashing the Black President's Legacy
© 2019 Creators Syndicate
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2019| January-April | Volume 6 | Issue 1
Online since April 30, 2019
Is coconut oil good for oral health? A review
Faizal C Peedikayil
January-April 2019, 6(1):1-4
DOI:10.4103/jhrr.jhrr_14_19
Oral health is considered to be of prime importance to all individuals in maintaining good health, and the accepted method of oral hygiene maintenance is mechanical method of tooth cleaning. At present, chemotherapeutic agents are also used as adjutants to reduce plaque formation, but they have their own disadvantage. This has paved the way for the use of natural and plant derivatives as alternatives for chemotherapeutics in dentistry. Coconut oil is considered as a tree of life in ancient literature and is used for any ailments. Coconut oil is edible and is consumed as a part of the staple diet in many countries. It also has medicinal and cosmetic properties. Coconut oil differs from most other dietary oils because of the high content of medium chain fatty acid (MCF), whereas in the majority of other oils, the basic building blocks are almost entirely long chain fatty acids. The MCF in coconut oil such as lauric, caproic, caprylic, myristic, and stearic acid influences the physical and chemical properties. Lauric acid, which is predominant in coconut oil, has proved to have antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory action. Of late, few studies have been conducted by researchers regarding the action of coconut oil on oral health. The review of literature shows excellent results on the use of coconut oil on oral health. This short review discusses the studies conducted on coconut oil on oral microorganisms and anti-inflammatory actions.
A comparative study of the hazards management system associated with laundry operations in secondary and Tertiary Health Facilities in Nigeria
Emmanuel Nosa Omoijiade
January-April 2019, 6(1):11-16
Background: Occupational safety and health hazards in health-care facilities (HCFs) can be grouped according to location or service offered. Contaminated laundry, noise, heat, lifting, sharps, slips, trips, falls, and fire hazards are among those located in the laundry department. Aims: This study sought to assess the measures to reduce workplace hazards, thereby providing information on the hazard management system in various HCFs, as this would prove useful to establish appropriate interventions to further ensure the health and safety of workers in hospital laundries. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in six hospitals with a laundry department in Benin city, composed of one available tertiary HCF and five secondary HCFs. Data were collected through the hazard identification checklist, which was used to determine the safe/unsafe acts and conditions of the workplaces. Results: The percentage rating for the assessment of the hazard management system in the hospital laundry between the health facility types was 39.57% ± 7.12% for the secondary health facilities, while that of the tertiary health facility was 51.85%. A comparison of the means showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the average rating between secondary and tertiary health facility (P = 0.191), (95% confidence interval = −0.339–0.094). Conclusion: Adverse health and safety effects can be avoided or minimized drastically if the associated hazards are properly managed; however, the hazards management system in the health-care laundries was adjudged to be substandard, in both the tertiary and secondary health facilities.
Analysis of drug utilization pattern of antimicrobials used as surgical prophylaxis for general surgical procedures in a Tertiary Care Hospital of North Karnataka: An observational study
Bhagyashree S Patil, Anant Mahaveer Khot, Aravind V Patil, Akram A Naikwadi
Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection presenting within 30 days after the surgical procedure if no prosthetic is placed and up to 1 year if prosthetic is implanted in the patient. Despite standard protocols for preoperative preparation and antimicrobial prophylaxis, the rate of SSI varies from 2.5% to 41.9%. Reasons could be multifactorial, but one among them is lack of adherence to any of the antibiotic policy. To review the drug utilization pattern of antimicrobials in the perioperative period and to study its impact on SSI, the above study has been carried out. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study has been carried out in the Department of General surgery of SBM Patil Medical College Hospital. Patients of either sex who underwent surgical procedures such as appendectomy and hernioplasty have been included in the study. Data were collected using a predesigned pro forma. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Results: A total of 140 patients underwent surgical procedures, of which 70 were male and 70 were female. Open appendectomy was the most common procedure performed, followed by hernioplasty in 18 patients. Ceftriaxone–sulbactam was the frequently prescribed antibiotic and six patients developed SSI. Conclusion: Despite use of antibiotics, six patients developed SSI. Hence, auditing of the antimicrobial usage as surgical prophylaxis is need of the hour. Because prescriber's worldwide running out of antibiotic options, it is mandatory for each hospital to have formulary for antibiotic use depending on the pattern of organisms isolated.
Epidemiology and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy: A cross-sectional study
Narayana Goruntla, Sandhya Jampala, Vijayajyothi Mallela, Vishnuvandana Bandaru, Rajavardhana Thamineni, Pradeepkumar Bhupalam
January-April 2019, 6(1):5-10
Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) during pregnancy is associated with significant maternal and fetal complications. Continuous monitoring of antibiotic sensitivity pattern of bacterial isolates is required for appropriate management of ASB. Aims: The study aims to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antibiotic sensitivity profile of ASB during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted in the pregnant women attending Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of a tertiary care hospital. A suitably designed data collection form was used to collect sociodemographic profile, obstetric history, and illnesses suffering from the participants. Urine specimens of the participants were processed for isolation and identification of bacterial species. Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion test was used to screen antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated bacteria. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics were used to represent the sociodemographic data. Chi-square test was used to associate risk factors for the development of ASB during pregnancy. Results: A total of 1332 women were participated in the study. The prevalence of ASB among pregnant women was 86 (6.4%) and Escherichia coli (58; 67.4%) was the most predominant bacteria. Meropenem, cephalosporin's, and gentamycin were shown higher sensitivity in ASB. Advanced age, illiteracy, rural residency, multigravida, multiparity, history of abortion, and medical illnesses were strongly associated to develop ASB during pregnancy. Conclusion: E. coli were the most predominant isolated uropathogen in ASB. The study observed that there is a wide variation in the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of isolated organisms. Hence, there is a need of routine urine culture sensitivity screening in pregnant women for rational use of antibiotics and to reduce the antibiotic resistance.
Assessment of plasma iron, transferrin alanine, and aspartate transaminase in amoxicillin overdose supplemented with raw cucumber juice
Mathew Folaranmi Olaniyan, Deborah Bukunmi Adepoju
Background: Raw cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit juice contains substances of health-promoting bioactivities. Elevated plasma alanine transaminase (ALT/serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase), aspartate transaminase (AST/serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase), iron, and decreased transferrin could indicate hepatotoxicity, hepatitis, and kidney and liver damage, which could be drug induced. Aim and Objective: This work was designed to determine the benefits of cucumber fruit juice as a natural antidote in amoxicillin-induced hepatotoxicity by assessing the plasma iron, transferrin alanine, and AST in amoxicillin overdose supplemented with raw cucumber juice. Materials and Methods: Fifteen rabbits of the same sex weighing 0.9–1.4 kg divided into three groups of five rabbits each were used for the study. Group A – five control rabbits; Group B – five rabbits given 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h for 7 days which was followed by 30 ml raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days; and Group C – five rabbits given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h and raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days simultaneously. Plasma ALT, AST, iron, and transferrin were determined in the rabbits by spectrophotometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The results obtained showed a significant increase in plasma ALT, AST, and iron and a significant decrease in plasma transferrin when the rabbits in Group B were given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin (B2 samples) compared with the results obtained from their basal samples (B1) and control rabbits (A) and when they were given 30 ml of raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation (B3 samples) (P < 0.05). The results obtained showed a significant decrease in plasma ALT, AST, and iron and a significant increase in plasma transferrin when the Group B rabbits were given 30 ml of raw cucumber fruit juice (B3 sample) than when they were given subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin (B2 samples) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This work revealed significant biochemical alterations in the values of iron, transferrin, AST, and ALT when given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin and supplementation of raw cucumber fruit juice. Cucumber juice is therefore beneficial as a possible antidote to amoxicillin-induced hepatotoxicity.
Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma: A report of four cases from South India
Saravanakumari Vijayakumar, Sajini Elizabeth Jacob, Bhawana Ashok Badhe, Bheemanathi Hanuman Srinivas
Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are rare. Common sites of NETs are the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. In 2010, the World Health Organization classified NETs into mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma and mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC), tumors that have both exocrine and endocrine components of at least 30% each. Since it is relatively a new entity, only case reports and case series are available. In the past 7 years, there were only eight reports from India. We report a further four cases of this nascent disorder from a single institution, obtained retrospectively. The first includes an elderly man with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and underwent subtotal gastrectomy for antropyloric growth, which was a low-grade MANEC. The second was a female patient with chronic pancreatitis and presented with obstructive jaundice due to an ampullary growth. Whipple's specimen showed an intermediate-grade MANEC. The third case was a 40-year-old female with caecal growth and ovarian mass and was found to have a low-grade MANEC. The fourth, also in a female, was a case of abdominal wall abscess with an intraabdominal connection to the intestine and she had omental deposits and high-grade MANEC. The pathological findings are discussed and compared other reports from the country.
Beta-cell function and insulin resistance among First-Degree relatives of persons with type 2 diabetes in a Northwestern Nigerian Population
Yakubu Lawal, Fatima Bello, Felicia Ehusani Anumah, Adamu Girei Bakari
Background and Aims: Pancreatic beta-cell deficit and insulin resistance (IR) form two major factors in the etiopathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to assess beta-cell function and IR among first-degree relatives (FDRs) of persons with type 2 diabetes in a Northwestern Nigerian population. Other objectives include assessing the relationships among HOMA-%B, HOMA-IR, plasma glucose levels, and some obesity indices and to determine whether beta cell function, IR, and some obesity indices are independent determinants of glucose intolerance in the studied population. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 individuals and 200 controls were recruited through cluster sampling from their respective communities after due consent. The relevant biodata was documented and appropriate examinations including anthropometric measurements were carried out. Oral glucose tolerance test was carried out and fasting plasma insulin levels were also measured. IR and beta-cell function were calculated using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) method. Results: Mean HOMA-IR was higher while HOMA-% B lower among FDRs compared to controls. Significant independent determinants of glucose intolerance with odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) included age (OR = 1.9, CI 1.9–2.0, P = 0.002), body mass index (OR = 1.9, CI 1.8–2.0, P = 0.032), waist circumference (OR = 2.0, CI 1.9–2.0, P = 0.043), waist-to-hip ratio (OR = 1.1, CI 1.0–15.7, P = 0.022), HOMA-IR (OR = 3.0, CI 2.3–3.3, P < 0.001), and HOMA-B (OR = 0.43, CI 0.24–0.65, P < 0.001) which means HOMA-%B is protective against glucose intolerance with inverse OR of 1/0.43 = 2.3. Conclusions: IR was higher and beta cell functions lower among FDRs compared to controls. IR (HOMA-IR) and some obesity indices were significant determinants of glucose intolerance while HOMA-%B was protective against glucose intolerance in this study.
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There is No Honor (or Decency) Among Thieves
Movie Review: Trespass (2011)
Summary: As they’re held for ransom, a husband and wife’s predicament grows more dire amid the discovery of betrayal and deception.
The director who brought us Falling Down (1993) and Phone Booth (2002) brings us Trespass, a film about a family of three that becomes victim to a home invasion where they are held for ransom.
This grueling and discomforting film comes with one high-tension message. That message is an old one: There is no honor among thieves. Sometimes, even humdrum clichés like this say a lot. And yes, the
film uses a few of them every once in a while, but doesn’t come to rely on them. It doesn’t rely on star power much, either.
As “Kyle Miller” (Nicholas Cage) and “Sarah Miller” (Nicole Kidman), the financially well-off father and mother of teenage daughter “Avery” (Liana Liberato), our two leads do surprisingly little to add to the likeability of the story.
This movie pulls itself up by its own bootstraps with one shock after another and what could be called a staunch respect for realism running throughout. This story of home invasion is as full of as many surprises and twists as anyone could want.
And it is the setting that gives the plot such room to explore its space, which, to most of us, is new. That is to say, when you’re targeted because you’re rich and never have been held hostage before, you have no idea how you will react when you see your spouse thrown to the walls and floor with a gun to her head; but on the same note, the intruders have no idea how they will react when attempting to handle a man as smart as Kyle Miller.
Cam Gigandet as "Jonah"
When the heat is on and the gang is looking to get into Miller’s safe, everyone is trying to call everyone’s bluff. And then there’s that mark you must cross once you realize your bluff has been called. How you react is crucial. You can’t give up leverage or you’re as good as dead. But Kyle Miller isn’t the focus here. The real focus happens to be the invaders themselves whose efforts to rob a businessman get bogged down more by each other.
“Elias” (Ben Mendelsohn) and his team of outlaws are themselves examples of broken people who are outlaws because of some glaring personality flaw. “Jonah” (Cam Gigandet), one of the more upscale performances in the film, exhibits psychotic tendencies that threaten to jump out of control. His fascination began when he first started tracking Sarah in preparation for the job. The battle inside his head is as big as the job he’s trying to help pull off in real life.
Along with Kidman's, the best performance in the film is that of “Petal” (Jordana Spiro), a self-conscious drug-addict motivated only by the compulsion of being a jealous loser and doing the things jealous, angry losers do. These are bent people and the fact that Elias – supposedly the smart, level head in this bunch – would even think of taking a team like this for a serious job means he himself is a product of some mental flaw, or else a grotesque lack of wisdom.
But most criminals are dumb—dumb and desperate. It seems as though the reason this went so, so horribly wrong is because the wrong people were selected to do the job. And that, surprisingly, gives us such a very entertaining movie. We have tons of room for the script to work and surprise us. Admittedly, some of these surprises do frustrate us, but so does life when ordinary people face circumstances where they only wish they had super powers.
That’s why, despite some sizable problems with the acting and a few lines and segments that do the film no favors, we still have a movie that more or less accurately conveys the out-of-bounds chaos of a robbery gone as wrong as life. We watch and get bit-by-bit more of the story. By the end, we feel like we’ve made a halfway good investment of our time.
Grade: C+ (2 ½ stars)
Rated: R (for violence, terror, pervasive language, and some brief drug use)
Director: Joel Schumacher
Starring: Kyle Miller (Nicolas Cage), “Sarah Miller” (Nicole Kidman), “Elias” (Ben Mendelsohn), “Avery Miller” (Liana Liberato), “Jonah” (Cam Gigandet), “Petal” (Jordana Spiro)
Genre: Crime / Drama / Thriller
2011 ben mendelsohn Cam Gigandet Joel Schumacher jordana spiro liana liberato movie review nicholas cage Nicole Kidman Trespass
Labels: 2011 ben mendelsohn Cam Gigandet Joel Schumacher jordana spiro liana liberato movie review nicholas cage Nicole Kidman Trespass
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Wedding Plans
By Monica Albertson of
Peg Cochran's Cranberry Cove Series
It’s snowing outside and Greg and I are curled up on the couch. Did I tell you what my Christmas present was? If you could see me, you’d see how much I’m smiling. Let me show you. See? The ring finger of my left hand? Isn’t it beautiful? It was Greg’s grandmother’s and he wanted me to have it as an engagement ring.
We’re cuddled here talking about our wedding.
“How do you feel about late September or early October?” Greg said, getting up to peer out the window.
“That would be lovely. The weather is usually gorgeous with the leaves beginning to turn color and the cranberry vines bursting with berries.”
“Since Lauren and Jeff plan to be married at the farm, I wondered how you’d feel about the Cranberry Cove Yacht Club? Your stepmother said she can get us an ‘in’ to use their function room. The view out over Lake Michigan is spectacular.”
“That sounds perfect. We can have the wedding early afternoon and do a champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception.”
“I like that idea.” Greg sat back down and began nibbling on my ear. “And maybe our wedding night at the Cranberry Cove Inn. The Presidential Suite, of course.”
“I could go for that.” I giggled and snuggled closer to Greg.
His kisses trailed down my neck. “Let’s just hope we don’t encounter any dead bodies,” he said.
I laughed. “I think I’ve come across my share of dead bodies already.”
Will there be a dead body?
Monica and Greg request the pleasure of your company at the Cranberry Cove Yacht Club for their wedding reception this spring in book #4.
Meanwhile, enjoy the latest adventures of Lucille and Flo!
The USA Today bestselling author of Unholy Matrimony is back with a new Lucille Mystery! This time Lucille must track down the killer of a diet guru who had a lot more to lose than just a few extra pounds.
With her best friend Flo’s wedding approaching, Lucille is desperate to trim down and joins Weigh to Lose, a weight-loss program led by a clipboard-wielding harridan who’s as unattractively thin as she is shrill. When the bossy woman turns up dead with her throat slashed and a tasty-looking cannoli stuffed in her mouth, Lucille figures she got her just desserts.
But when the local police come up empty-handed, Lucille sinks her teeth into the mystery and narrows the list of suspects to a husband with a wandering eye, a sexy young Swedish au pair, and a gambler deep in debt to the wrong people. Until one of the suspects becomes the victim of another gruesome murder.
Afraid she’s bitten off more than she can chew and worried that she might be next on the killer’s list, Lucille puts her own neck on the line with a wild plan to trap the culprit and tip the scales of justice.
“If you want a very funny murder mystery, then this book is for you. I’ve never laughed so hard while reading before.” —Goodreads, on Unholy Matrimony, Book 2 in the USA Today bestselling Lucille Mystery Series
Submitted by Peg Cochran
Labels: Cranberry Cove Series, Peg Cochran, The Farmer's Daughter Series, The Lucille Series
Kay Garrett December 26, 2017 at 9:48 AM
"Cannoli to Die For" sounds like an amazing read. Thanks for the heads up!
Ellen Jacobson December 26, 2017 at 10:04 AM
This sounds like my kind of book, especially reading the review of Book 2 in the series. I do love a funny murder mystery.
Jana Leah B December 26, 2017 at 10:51 AM
Congrats Monica & Greg!
Sheryl Sens December 26, 2017 at 9:00 PM
So looking forward to this book!!!
Eileen A-W December 26, 2017 at 11:24 PM
Both of these book sound like my kind of read. Thank you for letting us know about them.
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A blog by Richyandrew
Blogs about stuff that involves a really cool table top game called "Magic: The Gathering"
My new years resolutions (with Magic: the Gathering)
By Richyandrew, January 5, 2017
Like the title says, I’ve thought of what I’d like to do in the new year concerning my favorite tabletop game; Magic: the Gathering. Instead of just typing a whole bunch of paragraphs, I figure it’s easier to do it in a list form. Now I’ve mention resolutions, like the billions of other people who have made them (and not keep them past the 5 days of the new year). I’d like to call them goals.
I feel like goals is a better word to use than resolution. With goals you are more tempted to achieve them, as opposed to just wishful thinking. That’s just my opinion. Like the most non-original resolution is to lose weight. But instead if I make it a goal to reach my mark by a certain time of the year, I feel more tempted to do so. We understand each other?
Here are my list, remember this is only concerning Magic: the Gathering.
Get more cards (obvious right?)
Try to go to a tournament event (providing it’s near me) and either:
Keep up on the metagame of tournaments happening elsewhere in the world.
Do more FNM.
Join in on pre-releases.
Support my local game shops more often.
Mention my editor more in my blogs, just because he’s an awesome guy for taking me on and make my articles make sense for you to read. Thanks Marc! [editor: no problems! Sorry I have been kept so busy during the holidays]
Become a Judge
It’s not a very long list but these are my goals for the new year I want to try and achieve.
What’s your resolutions?
Or if you want to call it goals, what are your goals for the new year?
As always, thanks for reading my blog!
[editor: my number one goal is to put back together the mono-red burn deck I made in 1995. There will be Goblin Grenades…]
THE RED STATE WINS WITH RED
By Richyandrew, November 22, 2016
Fort Worth/Dallas Texas held the largest Grand Prix in the history of Magic: The Gathering events; 2,019 players have shown up with their Modern format decks to play their way into one of the top 8 spots.
Corey Burkhart has made a name for himself in the past using his Grixis control deck, which helped him to go undefeated with a 14 win and 0 loss standing: pretty impressive! Corey even took down Michael Mei's Infect deck in the semifinals. One more win and he would have beaten every single deck with no loss in one weekend. He made it to the finals and faced one more player in his attempt to take home the trophy and prizes.
Kevin Mackie, a native Texan, made a surprising appearance in the top 8. He brought with him his mono-red “Skred red” deck, an aggressive powerhouse featuring Infect and Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle.
As the final game drew to a close, Corey Burkhart was left facing a pretty powerful planeswalker: Koth of the Hammer. Corey tried to find a counter spell for Koth but it failed. Next, Corey looked to his “Ancestral Vision”, which also failed and just gave him three lands instead of something useful to keep alive. The only thing left to do was put out Tasigur, the Golden Fang, which was quickly taken out by Skred. Then Kevin made Koth go ultimate. His ultimate ability, if you’re not familiar is:
−5: You get an emblem with "Mountains you control have ‘Tap: This land deals 1 damage to target creature or player.'"
While the judges and players looked around the feature table for an emblem to represent Koths ultimate, Corey Burkhart had a better idea. He grabbed the trophy with a smile on his face and handed it to Kevin saying “Congratulations”.
Here are their decks, in case you are interested in what cards they used.
Kevin Mackie’s deck:
4 Koth of the Hammer
Creature (8)
3 Pia and Kiran Nalaar
3 Stormbreath Dragon
2 Eternal Scourge
3 Anger of the Gods
4 Skred
1 Magma Jet
1 Pyrite Spellbomb
4 Relic of Progenitus
4 Mind Stone
1 Batterskull
3 Blood Moon
20 Snow-Covered Mountain
2 Scrying Sheets
Corey Burkhart’s deck:
4 Ancestral Vision
2 Countersquall
3 Kolaghan's Command
3 Terminate
4 Thought Scour
1 Engineered Explosives
1 Blood Crypt
2 Creeping Tar Pit
3 Island1 Mountain
4 Scalding Tarn
1 Spirebluff Canal
2 Steam Vents
1 Sulfur Falls
1 Swamp
2 Watery Grave
skred
What is standard showdown?
Every Saturday, starting November 26, 2016 until December 17, 2016, there will be a Standard Showdown at local game shops all over the world. You can win special prize promotional booster packs through undefeated play and other prizes determined by the game shop. To showcase the Standard format, the tournaments will be Swiss events and you bring your current Standard legal decks.
Each store will receive 40 booster prizes, each containing a premium card from a currently legal Standard set, including Zendikar Expeditions and Kaladesh Inventions, not including double-faced cards. They will also contain two non-premium cards, that are either a rare or a mythic rare, from Battle for Zendikar on up to Kaladesh.
Talk to your local game shops about hosting a Standard Showdown if they are not doing so themselves. Good luck to all you players attending.
Play on players, play on like it’s your last day on Earth.
COMMANDER 2016, LEGENDARY SHARING?
On november 11, 2016, WOTC released a set of five different 100 cards, 4 color, commander decks with 52 new magic cards that can be used in vintage and legacy, but not allowed in the standard, block constructed, or modern formats.
Like the last set of commander decks they allowed the use of planeswalker as a commander, which in my opinion should’ve been allowed from the start. They did something a little bit different with the commanders this time, the key word is “Partner”
What exactly is “Partner”? I’ll let the card (picture below) explain itself.
Will it be useful in a game like commander?
The answer is very simple, YES. the use of using two commanders in a deck can make it an very interesting game among the other players you play with. In commander if you get hit with 21 total points of combat damage the game is over, and in the new sets of commander with Partner on the card can hit you up to 21 points much quicker than just having one commander out where it can only do a little bit at a time.
Just a warning: you may not have friends anymore after you kill everyone with your two powerful commanders. Just saying.
As always thanks for reading my blog!
PLANECHASE ANTHOLOGY, will it be worth the high price?
By Richyandrew, November 2, 2016
On November 25, 2016, Wizards of the Coast will be releasing PLANECHASE ANTHOLOGY for a msrp price range of $149.00. Is it worth spending that much of your hard earned money? Let see if the contents of the product match the price tag.
Planechase Anthology will have the planar and normal cards from Planechase and Planechase 2012, including the following:
4 ready to play decks from Planechase 2012 edition
Each deck has 8 rare cards
35 double sided tokens
Special edition planar die
4 spin down counters
4 slide deck boxes
Brian Tinsman is the lead designer and concept on this set. He is also known for being the lead designer for the sets of Judgement, Scourge, Champions and Saviors of Kamigawa, Time Spiral, Planechase 2009, Rise of the Eldrazi, and Avacyn Restored.
We don't know exactly what cards are going to be included in the set as of yet. Perhaps if there are spoilers we will get a better idea of whether it is worth $149.00 or not; it's kind of hard to say at this point. For some, it may be a bit much to spend all at once, especially so close to Christmas time. Perhaps if you share the cost with someone else it will make a good gift, or you could split the contents with a friend. The decision is really up to you.
THE STACK, what is it used for?
By Richyandrew, October 21, 2016
The Stack is a game zone area where spells and abilities are played and wait to be resolved. Spells and abilities go to this area as the first step in play and are removed from it as the last step of playing. It’s also an area where other players can ‘respond to’ with their spells and/or abilities while it's still on the stack. The stack is played from the top to the bottom, where the ‘respond to’ spells are played first since it's on the top of the stack. The picture below depicts the stack and is the best representation I have found.
Actions that do not use the stack are as follows:
Paying cost.
Playing mana abilities.
Turning a face down creature face up (Morph).
Playing a land card
I’m sure most experienced players have a good idea of how the stack operates. To a new player, when we mention the stack, they probably think it means this:
Be sure to use the stack as often as you can, as correctly as you can, if you are in a Pro Tour or Grand Prix-like event, where they will have judge’s all over the place. Also, be sure to explain to the new players what the stack is and how to use it. Sure it will be confusing at first, but if they like the game enough they will learn about it quickly.
PRO-TOUR
PUCATRADE SWEEPSTAKES HUB!
The new updated Magic: The Gathering trading website “Pucatrade” has recently announced a new addition to their website: The Sweepstakes Hub. What you can do is use the Pucatrade points that you’ve accumulated to unlock entries to the sweepstakes.
Each 100 puca points you use in the sweepstakes will enter you in the giveaway. You can use as many puca points as you want, to earn entries to get the prize. So far a few winners has been chosen already. One winner won a tropical island card, and the recent winner has won a japanese booster box of kaladesh, and now they are giving away a
Lifetime Member Bundle
You get more entries for spreading the word around on social media, so if you really want this to fancy one of your decks, using your points and spreading the word helps. The cards/products are coming from the Pucatrade staff’s personal collection. You won't be getting any bad cards that are ripped up or damaged in any kind of way. They will make it worth the points you spent in the sweepstakes. To check out the sweepstakes, you can use the website link provided and enter if you want to. Just click on this sweepstakes word and it will take you to the site.
pucatrde
MODERN FLASHBACKS
By Richyandrew, August 19, 2016
I never knew about this before, but there is a flashback Modern tournament for the online community of Magic the Gathering players. The idea behind the year of Modern flashback is to give players, who haven't played Magic as long as some of the most experienced ones, a chance to play with sets they haven't played before. They started off with the oldest Modern legal set (8th edition) and moved forward each week with a different set, except for when pre-release and new standard sets are released.
As of right now they're on break for the Eldritch Moon set and will kick off again on August 17th, 2016 with Zendikar. All of the formats are draft, so event tickets and play points are required to enter. Also note that instead of 14 Event Tickets or 140 Play Points like current drafts, these will allow you to enter with just 10 Event Tickets or 100 Play Points. If you have booster packs in your online collection for the particular set they are doing for that week, they will let you enter with those booster packs and 2 event tickets, only if you have 3 booster packs of that set.
The rounds are single elimination of 3 rounds with a 10 minute deck building time, each round being 50 minutes long. The prizes for each week are as follows: 1st place will get 200 play points, 2nd place will get 100 plays points and 3rd-4th place will get 50 play points.
By Richyandrew, July 14, 2016
As we all know, all of the cards for the new set of Eldritch Moon have now been revealed. Pre-release for this set is the weekend of July 16th-17th, 2016, while the Magic online players get theirs at a later date on, the weekend of July 29th - August 1st, 2016. The official launch date for the paper players is on the weekend of July 22nd-24th, 2016. Magic online players will get their official release date of August 1, 2016.
Eldritch Moon is the second set in the Shadows Over Innistrad block. The new set will have 205 cards available for you to play your heart out. The pro-tour, which is in Sydney (Australia) on August 5-7, 2016, will be playing cards from both sets of the Shadows Over Innistrad block, using the draft format.
Good luck to all you players.
As always, thanks for reading my blog.
Field Researcher from the moon
By Richyandrew, July 8, 2016
As the Eldritch Moon spoilers continue, it is revealed that two Planeswalkers will be making their return to the Magic the Gathering world, as they try to take on the mighty Emrakul, the Promised End. The Planeswalker I want to talk about first is originally from the Avacyn Restored: Tamiyo, Field Researcher. (Pictures below).
Tamiyo costs one less mana to cast, though this time it is with three different colors: Green, White, Blue, and one Colorless, instead of three Colorless and two Blue. The new Tamiyo starts with 4 loyalty counters, just like the original Tamiyo did. Additionally, she has some interesting abilities.
Those abilities are as follows:
+1: Choose up to two target creatures. Until your next turn, whenever either of those creatures deals combat damage, you draw a card.
-2:Tap up to two target nonland permanents. They don't untap during their controller's next untap step.
-7: Draw three cards. You get an emblem with "You may cast nonland cards from your hand without paying their mana costs."
Will this new Tamiyo get a lot of gameplay in the tournaments in the future? I know if I have Tamiyo in my deck I will definitely use her on the tabletop, but that’s just my opinion. As far as seeing this card being used a good amount by pro players, or used in the Grand Prix, we will have to wait for it to be released officially.
How do you feel about the new Tamiyo? What type of deck would you build around her?
mtgemn
planeswalker
Last hope for survival...
Zombies...
Zombies everywhere…
Running towards Emrakul (who has been causing too much trouble in Innistrad), trying to take the beastly creature down and restore peace among the townspeople. Who is this person that is able to raise an army of the dead and attack Emrakul?
It is the return of Lilliana!
Lilliana, the Last Hope's mana cost is pretty low, at only one colorless and two black to cast. Her loyalty counter is three, which is also pretty low; hopefully the other player doesn't get a chance to kill her too quickly. Lilliana's abilities seem to work great when coupled with a Zombie themed deck.
Her abilities are as follows:
[+1]: Up to one target creature gets -2/-1 until your next turn.
[-2]: Put the top two cards of your library into your graveyard, then you may return a creature card from your graveyard to your hand.
[-7]: You get an emblem with "At the beginning of your end step, put X 2/2 black Zombie creature tokens onto the battlefield, where X is two plus the number of Zombies you control."
As I've asked before, will this be seeing play despite some of the bad comments made about this card so far? It’s possible that we will be seeing a lot of Zombie decks being brewed, maybe even with the Pro-Players.
How do you feel about this new Lilliana?
ETERNAL MASTERS!!
By Richyandrew, June 2, 2016
The spoilers has started for eternal masters that will be released on June 10, 2016. While it may not print card from the reserve list but it will have many great modern staples.
Eternal masters was designed to be a unique and fun drafting experience with cards throughout the history of magic to enhance your cube, legacy, and vintage decks. Yes there will be planeswalkers too, Jace the mind sculptor and dack fayden.
You can get your look at the spoilers from MYTHIC SPOILER'S website and see for yourself just how awesome this set of the masters series is going to be!
eternalmasters
Rotation: the new MTG style
By Richyandrew, April 19, 2016
Magic: the Gathering comes out with four sets per year with a different story-line for each set. In some cases they return to one of the more popular sets and continue an existing story-line. Most sets, when they are newly released, enter the Standard format. This doesn’t mean they can only be used for that format; the sets can be used in other formats. Two sets of the block usually stay in Standard for about 18 months (it used to be three sets per block, but Wizards of the Coast have decided to reduce the sets down to only two per block). When it’s time for a new set to be released, one set will be dropped out of the Standard format instead of two, so the rotation out of Standard will happen twice as often in groups half its size.
For example, the Theros block and the 2015 Core Set have recently been rotated out of the Standard format, in accordance with the old rotation pattern. The Khans of Tarkir and the Magic: Origins sets, although released during the old pattern, will drop out according to the new pattern. This will provided a transition between the two patterns of rotation. The Khans of Tarkir block includes the Khans of Tarkir, Fate Reforged and Dragons of Tarkir sets. Khans and Fate are going to rotate out as if they were a two set block, even though it was a three set block. Dragons and Origin will rotate in the same fashion about 6 months later, as if they were a 2 set block, even though they really weren’t. After this transitional phase is complete, subsequent sets will be dropping and rotating out at the same time.
Taking all of this into consideration, here’s what the Standard format will look like for the coming year.
Khans of Tarkir, Fate Reforged, Dragons of Tarkir and Magic: Origins will be rotated out as Shadows Over Innistrad is released
Battle for Zendikar and Oath to the Gatewatch will both drop out of rotation at the same time, following the new rotating pattern, after the set for Shadows Over Innistrad is released.
All cards (unless they are on the banned list) are legal to play in any format you desire, even after it's rotation from Standard, but after the rotation happens those cards cannot be used for Standard unless it's a reprinted copy released in later sets.
Thanks for reading my blog.
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Mr. Wigneswaran does not want Muslims ejected by the LTTE back in their homes?
Bodhi Dhanapala, Quebec, Canada
According to news reports, In his letter addressed to the Northern CM, Minister Bathiudeen had stated that the Muslims who lived in Mullaitivu district abandoned their lands due to the terrorist activities carried out by LTTE. The Minister pointed out 780 such families have been identified, and 1000 acres of land in Mullaitivu district are needed for those families and for the new generation that emerged”.
However, if news reports are to be trusted, Mr. Wigneswaran has turned it down?
If the individuals can identify where they lived, and if the fact that they lived there can be established, exactly why should one consult Mr. Wigneswaran for settling people in their own lands? Why is there a need to ask for land from Mr. Wigneswaran when the crown owns all land? The provincial councils have not yet been given powers over land allocations. Further more, it has also been alleged that the Minister Bathiudeen is at the center of the actions leading to a clearing of 4000 acres of the Wilpattu reserve for settling displaced Muslims. Did some chief minster approve that clearing of a reserved forest sanctuary, and did Mr. Bathiudeen ask? The LTTE drove out the Muslims from their homes in the Jaffna peninsula. So, to settle these Muslims should we drive the elephants, buffaloes, and deer from their homes situated in an animal sanctuary ?
Mr. Wigneswaran tries to justify his own dubious rights to an exclusive Tamil homeland” based on racist programs, even twisting history and going to the extent of tamilizing the well-established names of early kings mentioned in the Mahawamsa (but in no Tamil chronicle) into Anu-rasa-puram kings”. He asserts that Tamils must preserve their racial purity” by not intermarrying with other races” like the Sinhalese. He fails to understand that only a thin cultural conditioning separates him from his low-caste” brothers born from the lower parts of Brahma, or his Sinhala relatives. By rejecting Minister Bathiudeen’s request and not coming forward to resettle the Muslims expelled from Jaffna, Mulative and other locations in the Northern province, he is tacitly enforcing the ethnic cleansing carried out by the LTTE. And what abou the Sinhalese who were expelled by the LTTE from the North? Shouldn’t it be Mr. Wigneswaran who should spearhead the rectification of these wrongs, given his sensitivity to genocide of the Tamils since 1948”?
Perhaps Mr. Wigneswaran should read captain Percival’s book on Ceylon in the early part of the 19th century when Percival spend several years in Jaffna and recorded the life there. According to captain Percival, the majority of the people living in Jaffna were Muslims, then came the Sinhalese and the Malabars in terms of numbers. Mr. Wigneswaran should also consult A genealogy of the residents of Manipey and related inhabitancies (re-edited by P. Tambimuttu, 1991) to check if his kith and kin had any Muslim or Sinhalese relatives! Mr. Wigneswaran should check that some of his ancestors were these Villa-halas (those who shed the Villa – the metal ring around the necks of surfs) who conveniently began to call themselves Vellalars!
Where is the civil society” spokesmen, the human rights” people, the Friday Forum” and others who rise in indignation when the rights of minorities” are subject to the tyranny of the majority”?
Is the tyranny of a minority more acceptable? Let those who are writing constitutions note that devolution of power into the hands of individuals with fanatical ideas would be disastrous.
One Response to “Mr. Wigneswaran does not want Muslims ejected by the LTTE back in their homes?”
Mr. Wigneswaran does not want Muslims ejected by the LTTE back in their homes?- Our PM (Saiva TE) sorry CM (NPC) Viggie is carrying out his Indian boss RSS Mody’s order . Poor agent what else can he do ???
Velu where are you Thalaiva ??? waiting for your order .
This entry was posted on Saturday, January 27th, 2018. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response.
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Dangerous Idea: Becoming a Squeaky Clean Doctor
June 30, 2016 Jessica Otte
Every year as part of the College of Family Physicians of Canada's Family Medicine Forum (FMF), there is a call for abstracts for the Dangerous Ideas Soapbox.
This is the part of the conference during which physicians can share radical ideas for change in primary care. Four abstracts are chosen and presented. The successful ideas are later published in the Canadian Family Physician; see 2015's Dangerous Ideas.
This year, Alan Cassels and I submitted an idea, suggesting physicians completely divorce from pharmaceutical/device industry influence, particularly in medical education.
The idea was quite a dangerous one, particularly surprisingly because the CFP has come under fire (including from Alan) for their own conflict-of interest as far as taking industry money to fund physician continuing education. See: It's time to examine pharma funding of doctors' education - Healthy Debate, and Drug companies wine and dine family physicians - Toronto Star.
Our submission was not successful in the application for the Dangerous Ideas Soapbox, but we share an expanded version of it here for your consideration.
Our idea: We propose that general practitioners should swear off attending any lectures, CME events, workshops or conferences which are funded, even partly, by those companies and organizations with ties to pharmaceutical and device manufacturers. Even events where the presenters have at least one tie to a pharmaceutical company within the last five years, or is supported by an association that receives funding by the pharma or device industry (including patient and disease groups), would be avoided. Clinicians and researchers who are working or consulting for, owning shares or patents in, or carrying out speaking engagements on behalf of industry would not be invited to present content to general practitioners.
How will this work? Physicians’ colleges, professional associations, and university-based continuing education programs would eliminate their dependency on industry-funded speakers, conferences, dinners, workshops and talks. Over time, physicians’ groups would develop their own conference content, invite only independent speakers, and collaborate with organizations that have the capacity for education, without the industry influences. CME credit would not be provided for events in which industry conflict of interest is present. Physicians will have to seek out independent and ‘clean’ sources of information about new drugs and treatments and will more likely rely on independent reviews produced by groups like the Cochrane Collaboration, La Revue Prescrire, and Up-to-Date which all have strict policies around conflict of interest.
Why does this matter? This would drastically change the landscape of prescribing and lead to better and more appropriate treatment, in the best interests of patients and outside the influence of the pharmaceutical industry. Significant harm has been done to patients because of overzealous marketing, off-label endorsement, and the lobbying “machine” of industry which has developed a condition for every medication. Ultimately, with a divorce from industry-tainted education, physicians will increasingly favour treatments that are well-evidenced and most appropriate for the goals of care of their patients. This is likely to be be less costly for patients and the system, and would place increasing emphasis on non-drug alternatives. Also, the image of physicians as “pushers” or “in the pocket of the drug companies” would be reduced over time, enhancing trust from the public.
Why is this dangerous? Physicians have long been part of a system that has allowed the adverse effects of pharmaceutical and device marketing to influence prescribing and patient care. Physician organizations claim they cannot provide education without funding from industry; industry lobbyists argue that interaction with physicians is the only way patients can discover and reap the benefit of new innovations. Some physicians, naive to evidence to the contrary, believe that they are justified in accepting education, meals, and gifts because they (alone) are somehow immune to industry influence. A divorce from industry is not a popular idea, as evinced by the number of physicians and organizations that still feel it is ethical to incorporate this funding into medical education.
The current system is harming patients, but it can be stopped. Those physicians who are concerned that their patients perceive them to be shaped by drug marketing can become “Squeaky Clean” and wear that badge proudly.
In public policy Tags dangerous, ideas, squeaky, clean, pharma, conflict of interest, Otte, Cassels, CFPC, abstract
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Why Blockchain is the Future of Real Estate Investing
Ben Wilkening
There’s a captivating trend taking form in the real estate economies of the United States—and all around the world—which is demolishing long lamented barriers to entry and, instead, injecting creative problem solving into an investment class which was historically available only to certain groups. At the end of the day, “access” is an under-appreciated component which is now missing from the equation, but is also what’s truly needed to empower the real estate market to effectively establish critical appeal amongst a larger audience of those with a smaller “ticket” for investing, but who have the money to willingly spend.
The trend I’m referring to is tokenization of real estate, by way of using blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT), and its utilization is now enabling participation—in just such real estate offerings—to an exponentially wider pool of interested individuals and entities, who have not only gone underserved up until this point but aren’t served at all.
The predominant obstacle standing in the way of bringing these people into the fold has traditionally resided in that there’s never been a feasible way to package a real estate offer presented at a palatable price. For example, one to satiate the desires of participants who cannot afford to put a downpayment of $3 million or so on a $10 million development project. However, companies like Token IQ and Oxygen Hospitality are flipping the script on what is possible in this realm; changing the future of accessibility to a global real estate market that is an order of magnitude larger than the stock markets currently serve.
What Oxygen Hospitality wanted to accomplish was simple. The company discovered a piece of property in Palm Springs, California, which it identified as an ideal opportunity for an acquisition that had a potential to increase in value, but truly desired to let investors co-participate. By these goals, it needed to approach this innovatively. So, it sought out and enlisted Token IQ. Being an asset tokenization platform, capable of compliantly minting digital representations of any form of a security instrument, Token IQ provided the technology backing for the endeavor. The two companies combined forces to tokenize Oxygen’s debt note which resulted in a successful $10 million fractional investment opportunity, allowing interested, qualified US investors to participate at a 10th or 20th of the cost of a typical alike offering.
The results for the partnership let Oxygen expand plans to tokenize two to three more properties, implemented with Token IQ. Not to be outdone by its first foray into tokenization, this time the company is designing these subsequent offers to let foreign investors legally access and outlay a position in them as well. This facilitates for an unprecedented level of access and may provide a blueprint for propagating similarly framed deals to the foreign investment crowd to pour dollars into the United States, long term. It’s a trend that isn’t reversing and only gaining momentum over time; it’s the future of real estate investing.
It wasn’t by chance that Oxygen found value in this deal. There’s a reason why this venture, and other deals like it, will continue to have success in the future (hint, I’ve mentioned it a couple of times already): Access.
Like Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani wrote in The Harvard Business Review, DLT and blockchain are foundational technologies in nature, rather than disruptive. Many get caught up in the Silicon Valley rigmarole of the innovations cycle as it revolves around products. However, to label blockchain and DLT as such is to fundamentally misunderstand the opportunity and value which the use of these technologies offer. The value of DLT is not about the marginal usurping benefit of a final product, but instead about the immutability, efficiency, trust and mitigation of complexity that it allows for in the assembly of automation for services such as underwriting, escrow, research, banking, adjudication and more.
As my colleague, Phillip Silitschanu recently published, “From the first recording of the land title until the last grantor’s possession, the property’s title can be accurately recorded. All the deeds, easements, servitudes, covenants, metes and bounds, surveys, plats, leasehold estates, riparian rights, and even future interests can all be stored in one place, in perpetuity.”
Moving into the future, it is this type of transformational impact that will be felt as a direct result of DLT’s infusion into industries like real estate, unlocking leverage to broader investment categories, and carving paths toward financial sovereignty as we’ve never had before.
Token IQ
1475 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite 373A
bwilkening@tokeniq.io
Residential97
Power Couple Maria & Kenneth Fishel Host Polo Hamptons 2019 Pre-event Soiree
My Face Holds Races for Faces
Simon Wiesenthal Center Tackles Anti-Semitism & BDS
Jean & Martin Shafiroff Host Stony Brook Southampton Hospital Summer Party Kick Off Reception
The 15th Annual Hamptons Happening Benefits The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation
Delivering Good Holds 13th Annual Women Of Inspiration Luncheon
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AgenciesAppointmentsPeople
12/10/2015 Mon 11:13 in Hong Kong by Staff Writer
Publicis CEO Sue McCusker takes key role at Isobar
Sue McCusker, formerly CEO of Publicis Hong Kong, has joined Isobar as global client director for EMEA.
McCusker has returned to the UK and will be based in London, where Isobar’s parent company, the Dentsu Aegis Network, is also headquartered.
Isobar now has more than 70 locations in over 40 markets. Earlier this month, Isobar launched its Nairobi agency, the first global Digital Agency to do so.
The agency also recently acquired global e-commerce company eCommera and a key element of McCusker’s remit will be to drive Isobar’s brand commerce expertise forward across Isobar’s 24 EMEA markets as well as leading management and development of key EMEA clients.
“Sue’s role is pivotal in Isobar’s continued success,” said Isobar Global CEO Jean Lin.
“Her track record in leading agencies and stewarding best in class clients, combined with her world-view, will be brought to bear in ensuring that the best possible service is given to our EMEA clients.
“She will also be a key player in building our business within the Dentsu Aegis Network and in attracting new clients to our agency”.
Prior to her return to the UK, McCusker was based in Asia for some 20 years, the latter three of which were spent leading Publicis Hong Kong, with clients including UBS, AXA and Cartier.
During this time, she was also the Chair of the 4A’s Hong Kong and was on the launch team for the Marketing Society Asia Pacific.
She is expert in leading pitches, and her Client management and business development track record includes multi-national brands such as P&G, UBS and Western Union, where she led the winning pitch and then developed the business across 200+ markets.
McCusker added: “Joining Isobar at a time of such positive momentum under Jean’s leadership presents me with a great opportunity to be front and centre of the next wave of digital communications. Isobar’s commitment to being at the forefront of the Brand Commerce era is testament to that momentum. It’s also a very interesting time for our industry across EMEA. I’m excited to be here.”
National Heritage Board calls for media pitch
Astro personalises TV viewing experiences for Malaysians
10/05/2011 Wed 10:41 AM in Singapore by Elizabeth Low
NTUC Income helps keep medical bills low
NTUC Income has launched its latest campaign demonstrating how its insurance plans take the load off its customers' medical bills...
11/17/2014 Mon 10:48 AM in Global by Staff Writer
IPG and Millennial Media pair up for customised research capabilities
The agreement will last a year and focuses on delivering data-driven mobile solutions. ..
02/15/2018 Thu 09:33 AM in Malaysia by Rezwana Manjur
Netflix gets aggressive with content inking major deal with Ryan Murphy
This comes not too long after Shonda Rhymes left her cushy 15-year relationship with ABC Studios...
08/29/2013 Thu 15:49 PM in Hong Kong by Jennifer Chan
Pharmacists shows crucial role in public health
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Hong Kong has released a three minute movie to raise awareness of the pharmacist's role in ..
08/19/2014 Tue 10:54 AM in Singapore by Staff Writer
LazadaFashion picks PR agency
JP Morgan and Tesco funded e-commerce site Lazada has appointed DFW Creative as its public relations agency after a pitch. ..
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smau
LondonONEradio official radio at SMAU
Video made Londononeradio production about Smau
Innovators, companies and investors of the British capital will get in touch with a selection of 40 Italian startups, incubators and Italian areas of innovation to meet new as well as promising talents within the most innovative “Made in Italy” fields. Fintech, Life Science, Artificial Intelligence, Agrifood, Smart Manufacturing.
Complete interviews with the protagonists of Italian startups
Smau has been the exhibition representing the reference point in terms of innovation for companies and public administrations for 55 years. On 3rd May it will land in London for the first time, with the first stop of SmauLondon| Italy RestartsUp in London. The venue, performed in collaboration with ICE| ItalianTrade Agency, aims at creating new International relations, partnerships and connections between the ecosystem of London innovation and a selection of the most innovative and promising Italian business.
The venue will be inaugurated with a reception at the Italian Embassy in London and will take place at The Old Truman Brewery (85Brick Ln, London) on 3rd May.
Italian and British innovators will confront each other in a conference programme on significant themes such as Fintech, Life Science, Artificial Intelligence, Agrifood, Smart Manufacturing.
individual interviews of the protagoni of Italian startups in London
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First quarter 2012 sales
A promising start to the year
Sales: 5.64 billion euros
+9.4% based on reported figures
+7.1% at constant exchange rates
+6.4% like-for-like
Growth in all branches and divisionsStrong dynamism at L'Oréal LuxeSolid growth in North AmericaContinuing fast growth in the New Markets, particularly in Asia.
Commenting on the figures, Mr Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman and CEO of L'Oréal, said:
"These first months augur well for the year, as all divisions and all geographic zones are expanding. The worldwide cosmetics market remains strong, and trends are favourable for all brands. L'Oréal Luxe is achieving remarkable growth, bolstered in particular by the dynamism of Lancôme, the success of the designer fragrances, and the vitality of Kiehl's.
During the first quarter, the New Markets have become the number one geographic zone for the group, driven by very strong performances in Asia. North America is still achieving sustained growth. In Western Europe, in a sluggish market context, the group is growing and improving its positions. Finally, the new initiatives in Eastern Europe are beginning to pay off.
These performances demonstrate the relevance of our strategic thrusts and the solidity of the L'Oréal business model, based on excellence in research and creativity in marketing.
Although it is not possible to extrapolate from these figures, and despite the economic environment which remains uncertain, the first three months have reinforced our confidence in the group's ability to outperform the market in 2012, to strengthen its global positions, and to achieve another year of growth in both sales and profits."
A - First quarter 2012 sales
Like-for-like, i.e. based on a comparable structure and identical exchange rates, the sales growth of the L'Oréal group was +6.4%.
The net impact of changes in consolidation was +0.7%.
Currency fluctuations had a positive impact of +2.3%.
Growth at constant exchange rates was +7.1%. If current exchange rates (basis €1=$1.33) are extrapolated up to December 31, the impact of currency fluctuations would be +2.5% for the whole of 2012.
Based on reported figures, the group's sales at March 31, 2012 amounted to 5.643 billion euros, an increase of +9.4%.
Sales by operational division and geographic zone
Quarterly sales Growth
€ million 1st quarter 2011 1st quarter 2012 Like-for-like Reported
Professional Products 715.5 755.6 3.1 % 5.6 %
Consumer Products 2,583.8 2,769.5 5.1 % 7.2 %
L'Oréal Luxe 1,116.6 1,315.5 12.2 % 17.8 %
Active Cosmetics 445.2 468.6 4.7 % 5.3 %
Cosmetics total 4,861.0 5,309.1 6.4 % 9.2 %
By geographic zone
Western Europe 1,910.4 1,953.9 1.7 % 2.3 %
North America 1,117.3 1,263.4 6.6 % 13.1 %
New Markets, of which: 1,833.4 2,091.7 11.2 % 14.1 %
- Asia, Pacific 916.9 1,124.3 15.5 % 22.6 %
- Eastern Europe 354.7 360.0 2.1 % 1.5 %
- Latin America 403.6 433.5 8.5 % 7.4 %
- Africa, Middle East 158.2 173.8 11.4 % 9.9 %
The Body Shop 169.6 180.4 3.9 % 6.4 %
Dermatology(1) 129.6 153.5 6.6 % 18.4 %
Group total 5,160.2 5,643.0 6.4 % 9.4 %
(1) Group share, i.e. 50%.
1) Cosmetics sales
The Professional Products Division posted growth of +3.1% like-for-like in the first quarter, and +5.6% based on reported figures, thanks to the dynamism of the New Markets and the success of its launches in hair colourants and haircare.
In hair colourants, the new ODS 2 technology (Oil Delivery System 2) is enabling L'Oréal Professionnel to continue the Inoa roll-out, with a new formula, simplified application for hairdressers and a colour result which is winning customers over. With its new permanent hair colourant Chromatics, Redken is capitalising on the same technological breakthrough and is progressing. Kérastase is accelerating, driven by the global roll-out of Fusio-Dose and Force Architecte. Launched by all the divisions' brands, hair oils are moving into all regions of the world.
In Europe and in North America, the division is consolidating its leadership. The dynamism of the New Markets has been driven by the success of product initiatives in hair colourants and professional haircare. Asia in particular is accelerating strongly, driven by the growth of Matrix in China and in India.
In the first quarter the Consumer Products Division achieved growth of +5.1% like-for-like, and +7.2% based on reported figures. All the division's brands and all geographic zones posted increased sales.
L'Oréal Paris is continuing to launch major initiatives in all categories: in make-up with Lumi Magique foundation and Nude Magique BB cream, in skincare with Youth Code Lumière and in haircare with Nutri Gloss Cristal.
Garnier is accelerating its sales through the geographic expansion of Miracle Skin Perfector (BB cream), and the launch of Nutrisse Mousse, the first-ever nourishing colourant foam.
Maybelline is continuing its growth across all continents, with a non-stop flow of innovations, including Superstay 14hr One Step lipstick, Dream Foam foundation and Illegal Lengths mascara.
In nail make-up, essie has been successfully launched in several European countries.
In Western Europe, in a sluggish market, the division is increasing its sales and improving its market share, particularly in France, Germany, Italy and the Nordic countries. The situation remains more difficult in the Southern countries.
The division made a very good start to the year in North America, bolstered in particular by the success of Garnier skincare initiatives.
In the New Markets, the trend is positive in all regions. Growth in Asia has been driven by the dynamism of L'Oréal Paris and Men Expert skincare in China. The L'Oréal Paris haircare line is proving successful in India.
The division's sales are picking up in Eastern Europe, thanks to the launch of Elsève Triple Resist shampoo enriched in Arginine by L'Oréal Paris, and BB cream and Color Sensation hair colourant from Garnier. In Latin America, the division made a solid start to the year, thanks to success in deodorants and hair colourants. The year started well in the Africa, Middle East zone, thanks in particular to the Gulf countries.
L'OREAL LUXE
In the first quarter of 2012, L'Oréal Luxe sales increased by +12.2% like-for-like and by +17.8% based on reported figures, helped by the positive impact of the Clarisonic® acquisition. Sell-out is accelerating and the division is making market share gains.
Lancôme made an excellent start to the year, thanks in particular to the worldwide success of its two serums Génifique and Visionnaire, and is asserting its modernity in make-up with the launch of Rouge in love lipstick and the long-lasting foundation Teint Idole Ultra 24h.
Yves Saint Laurent is growing strongly thanks to Rouge Pur Couture lip gloss and its brand new technology, and has high expectations following the Asian launch of its Forever Youth Liberator skincare line, which is already a success in Europe.
Giorgio Armani is continuing its luxury-focused strategy with Acqua di Gioia, and is extending its beauty offering with Régénessence High Lift skincare.
Kiehl's has started the year with strong sales growth, driven by the success of facial skincare, and by the launch of Clearly Corrective.
Viktor & Rolf is building up momentum, drawing on the strength of its two flagship products, Flowerbomb and Spicebomb, its new men's fragrance.
Clarisonic®, the latest acquisition by L'Oréal Luxe, is already contributing to the division's good performances.
In Western Europe, in a market with a slightly negative trend, the division is advancing and winning market share, thanks in particular to Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent and Kiehl's. In North America, L'Oréal Luxe is proving very dynamic, thanks to Clarisonic®, Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Kiehl's and Viktor & Rolf.
In the New Markets, the division's growth is still very strong, particularly in Greater China. The Lancôme brand is proving dynamic there, Yves Saint Laurent has been successful with the strategic launch of its skincare line Forever Youth Liberator, Kiehl's is continuing to grow and Yue Sai has also recorded strong growth. Note also the good advances made in the Middle East and in Latin America.
ACTIVE COSMETICS
In the first quarter, the sales of the Active Cosmetics Division grew by +4.7% like-for-like and by +5.3% based on reported figures. The division's growth is clearly accelerating in North America and the New Markets.
La Roche-Posay is continuing to prove dynamic. The brand is winning market share on all continents, driven in particular by the success of daily skincare products and by Cicaplast Baume B5 in the skin repair segment.
Vichy has started the year in Europe with the success of Lift Activ Sérum 10, and the launch of Idealia day skincare.
SkinCeuticals is continuing its growth in the United States and Europe with the extension of the professional channel (prescribing doctors, spas and medi-spas).
In North America, the division's growth has been bolstered by the good results of SkinCeuticals and the extension of the distribution of Vichy and La Roche-Posay, which now includes American drugstores.
Asia has started the year very well and Latin America has also grown strongly, driven by Vichy, La Roche-Posay and Innéov. Europe continues to reflect contrasting trends.
Multi-division summary by geographic zone
In a market with a very slightly negative trend, L'Oréal is at +1.7% like-for-like and +2.3% base on reported figures, with good growth in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Travel Retail. The situation is more difficult in the countries of Southern Europe, particularly in Greece and Portugal.
In North America, L'Oréal achieved growth of +6.6% like-for-like and +13.1% based on reported figures in the first quarter of 2012. L'Oréal Luxe made a good start to the year, thanks in particular to Yves Saint Laurent, the launch of The Big Pony Fragrance Collection for Women by Ralph Lauren and the integration of Clarisonic®. The Consumer Products Division is continuing to make market share gains in all categories.
At end-March 2012, the New Markets have grown by +11.2% like-for-like and +14.1% based on reported figures.
Asia, Pacific: L'Oréal recorded growth of +15.5% like-for-like and +22.6% based on reported figures. All divisions are growing strongly and are winning market share, particularly L'Oréal Luxe, despite the slowdown in the South Korean market. This dynamism reflects the breakthroughs made by Lancôme, Kiehl's, and also Yves Saint Laurent, which is strengthening its positions thanks to the launch of the Forever Youth Liberator facial skincare line. In Consumer Products, L'Oréal Paris and Maybelline are continuing to make market share gains.
Eastern Europe: In the first quarter of 2012, the group is at 2.1% like-for-like. L'Oréal is recording contrasting performances in sales outlets across the divisions. The Professional Products Division is winning new hair salons and in Consumer Products, the programme of adapted initiatives is beginning to pay off, particularly for Garnier.
Latin America: L'Oréal has started the year with an increase in sales of +8.5% like-for-like. The trend in Brazil is slower than at the end of 2011 because of the very high comparison base. All other countries in the zone have strongly positive trends, particularly Mexico and countries in Central America.
Africa, Middle East: In the first quarter, the zone achieved growth of +11.4% like-for-like, thanks to the dynamism of the Middle East. In Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, sales have risen strongly.
2) The Body Shop sales
At end-March, The Body Shop sales recorded like-for-like growth at +3.9%. Retail sales(1) are growing at +4.7%.
The Body Shop achieved strong growth in the New Markets, particularly in the Middle East, and South East Asia. In mature markets performance was solid in the Nordics and North America. The brand continues to accelerate its growth in e-commerce, and now has 17 online stores.
The Body Shop continues to boost its militant approach to innovation, with the launch of Chocomania, a multi-sensorial bodycare range containing 45% of the highest quality Community Fair Trade ingredients, and Drops of Youth, a certified organic skincare serum using the latest plant stem cell technology.
The brand has started the global roll-out of its ground-breaking new Pulse boutique format, following successful trials of the concept in 2011.
At end-March 2012, The Body Shop has a total of 2,753 stores.
(1) Retail sales: total sales to consumers through all channels, including franchisees.
3) Galderma sales
Galderma's sales increased by +6.6%, like-for-like and +18.4% based on reported figures.
Epiduo (acne), Restylane (hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler) and Azzalure (muscle relaxant for frown lines) all recorded strong growth.
The Asia, Pacific zone showed strong growth led by outstanding performance in China. In Europe, solid growth in Germany was partially offset by the increase in sales of Loceryl generics in France. Growth in the United States was impacted by the anticipated entrance of Clobex shampoo and lotion generics, but Oracea (rosacea) et Différine 0.3% (acne) boasted excellent results. Epiduo, Oracea, Restylane and Azzalure showed vigorous market share gains.
B - Important events during the period 01/01/12 - 03/31/12
To the best of the company's knowledge, no events or changes occurred during the period which could significantly modify the group's financial situation.
“This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy L’Oréal shares. If you wish to obtain more comprehensive information about L’Oréal, please refer to the public documents registered in France with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, also available in English on our Internet site www.loreal-finance.com.
This news release may contain some forward-looking statements. Athough the Company considers that these statements are based on reasonable hypotheses at the date of publication of this release, they are by their nature subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated or projected in these statements.”
Contacts at L'ORÉAL
Individual shareholders and market authorities
Mr Jean Régis CAROF
jean-regis.carof@loreal.com
Financial analysts and institutional investors
Mrs Françoise LAUVIN
francoise.lauvin@loreal.com
Mrs Stephanie CARSON-PARKER
stephanie.carsonparker@loreal.com
For more information, please contact your bank, broker or financial institution (I.S.I.N. code: FR0000120321), and consult your usual newspapers, and the Internet site for shareholders and investors, www.loreal-finance.com, or its mobile version on your cell phone, www.loreal-finance.mobi; alternatively, call +33 1 40 14 80 50.
C - Appendix
L'Oréal group sales 2011/2012 (€ millions)
First quarter:
Cosmetics 4,861 5,309
The Body Shop 170 180
Dermatology 130 154
First quarter total 5,160 5,643
Second quarter:
Cosmetics 4,644
The Body Shop 168
Dermatology 177
Second quarter total 4,989
First half:
First half total 10,150
Third quarter:
Third quarter total 4,938
Nine months:
Cosmetics 14,105
Nine months total 15,087
Fourth quarter:
Fourth quarter total 5,256
Full year total 20,343
Read the news release in a pdf file
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MainOur businessProductsPig Iron
PAO Tulachermet is a world leader in supply of merchant pig iron. The enterprise has developed modern technical facilities. Supply is mostly carried out due to intragroup production of quality iron ore and coking coal, which enables the company to steadily produce pig iron grades with low impurity content.
The plant is located in the central region of Russia, which provides easy access to the largest railway junctions. Tulachermet is located relatively not far from Baltic and Black Sea ports. Pig iron of Tulachermet is shipped to ports in large lots, which makes it possible to charter large ships for transportation and significantly cut down clients’ transport costs.
IMH’s pig iron on global markets
Share of export in the total production volume — more than 90%
Main consumers on global markets: USA, Eastern and Western Europe, Middle East countries.
The share of Tulachermet in the Russian market — about 50%
The largest partners of the enterprise: United metallurgical company (OMK), KAMAZ group, as well as Belarusian enterprises — Belarusian Metallurgic Plant and Minsk Tractor Works.
Main competitive advantage of pig iron produced by Tulachermet — low impurities content.
The enterprise produces more than 20 various Russian cast iron grades for steel works and foundries, seven of which are steel-making iron grades, and the rest 13 are foundry iron grades. Tulachermet produces nine cast iron grades for export markets, including steel-making iron for steelworks and foundries, nodular and semi-nodular grades for manufacturers of malleable iron castings and six grades of foundry iron for foundries.
The flexible production process makes it possible to considerably increase the share of foundry and nodular cast iron, depending on consumers’ requirements.
The main advantage of pig iron produced in Tula is low content of impurities, such as manganese, phosphorus, titanium, chrome, copper, vanadium, which is due to using quality iron ore of Kursk Magnetic Anomaly (Kombinat KMAruda) and coking coal (KOKS). The stable quality of raw materials combined with the manufacturing process make it possible to produce cast iron with impurity content as low as Mn, Р up to 0.05%, S — 0.015%, Ti, Cr, Cu, V — up to 0.025%, Al, Ni, Co, Sb, B, Te, As, Sn, Mo, Se, Zn, Bi in total — 0.03%.
At Tulachermet, a quality management system conforming to the international standard ISO 9001:2008 has been implemented and certified.
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Metropia tests powerful app which will make El Paso less congested, more connected
500 drivers will be first to get app giving data to software developers, transportation planners
EL PASO, Texas, Feb. 25, 2016 -- Metropia's powerful next generation transportation app is coming to El Paso.
Unlike other travel transportation apps, Metropia suggests the best routes and the best times to leave so you can avoid congestion. But Metropia goes further — connecting to our community in a way that no other transportation app can. By signing up, you can cut your CO2 emissions, save time and fuel, earn rewards from cool local businesses and even contribute to reforestation efforts.
Metropia's launch in El Paso is a joint project of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA) and the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). But Metropia won't just help drivers who download the...
Avoid Topping Off at the Pump to Save Money and the Environment
Thoom! You’re at the gas pumps and you hear this familiar, sonorous shut-off click signaling that your tank is full. The total reads $20.41 and that odd amount of change due somehow feels like wearing one shoe.
You decide to squeeze the nozzle to get that extra 4 cents for a comfortable multiple of 5, or if you have a great discount from shopper’s rewards you may even try for an extra 50 cents- despite the warning label that advises against topping off. It’s likely that you wait until your car is riding on fumes before you fuel up so you can get that great discount per gallon.
Before you go beyond the pump’s automatic cut off, you should know why topping off your fuel tank is not such a great idea.
Topping off can cause damage to your fuel system
Your car is engineered with a vapor collection system that can be compromised by overfilling...
5 Best Reasons to Bike to Work in Tucson
Accelerate…brake…accelerate…brake…etc... Monotonous, isn’t it?
Great news! You can get around it!
Cycling around Tucson has become easier thanks to the installation of bike lanes in traffic and movements to heighten awareness of bikes as part of the mix. The world looks refreshingly different from the perspective of a bicycle! Riding your bike is liberating as you can feel invigorating wind on your face and notice scenery and other landmarks that just fly past in your car.
You may even notice a cool new local coffee roaster that you usually turn a blind eye to in your travels.
Due to popular demand, the City of Tucson has put forth a commendable effort to reconfigure parts of the city infrastructure to make room for inner city commuter bike lanes and paths. Increasing popularity of biking as an alternative means of transportation has positively...
Optimized Traffic Apps Reward Savvy Drivers
Last Saturday night, my wife and I decided last minute to head to a concert downtown. We jumped on I-40 just before flashing signs forced us to exit because the interstate was closed.
Fair enough. After exiting onto Charlotte Avenue, we drove for about a mile, only to discover part of Charlotte was closed.
No problem. I cut through The Nations, then through a Walgreens parking lot, then made a quick jaunt down an alley to get to Church Street, where we sat for 15 minutes in a line of traffic.
Our next challenge: parking.
What has happened to the small-town conveniences with our big-town growth?
Complaining about Nashville traffic is a birthright. It’s always been in vogue. But over the past year I think all Nashvillians would agree: our traffic problems are legit. Call it the price of progress.
This was a huge topic...
New app rewards drivers for avoiding congestion
AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Central Texas Regional Mobility is sponsoring Metropia, an app that will help you find better ways around the delays.
The app will offer emergency alerts, drive times, and even alternate routes to get to your destination. Drivers can then use that information to know which route is the fastest. Because the app is still in beta testing, it will be 24 hours before the it’s completely downloaded on your phone. Metropia spokesperson, Mia Zmud, explains how the app rewards you for now traveling during peak traffic times.
“Through a system of rewards, to not be part of traffic. We do this using -our icing on the cake- a predictive algorithm, so we actually look ahead using real time traffic in our predictive technology. So, we know what’s traffic going to look like and we help you plan your trip accordingly,” Zmund said..
Metropia is currently being...
App can help patrons avoid traffic to Austin Trail of Lights festival
Patrons heading to the 2015 Austin Trail of Lights on Dec. 8-22 can expect road closures, but a smartphone app can help navigate to Zilker Park.
Metropia Inc., which released its traffic navigation app in May, and the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority announced a partnership with the Trail of Lights Foundation to help visitors navigate their way to the festival.
Metropia customized the app to allow users to input the Trail of Lights as their destination. The app will calculate the best routes and departure times for getting to either the Trail of Lights shuttle lots or prepaid parking lots in the most efficient manner.
[Austin Trail of Lights]
The 1.25-mile-long Trail of Lights features more than 2 million lightbulbs and more than 50 lights displays.COURTESY RON OLFERS
“We are constantly looking for ways to improve the...
How Trail of Lights deals with wet weather
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As thousands look forward to experiencing the Trail of Lights this weekend, there’s a chance wet weather could change those plans Saturday evening.
“We constantly monitor the weather and any storms in and around the area, we work closely with the city,” said Trail of Lights Executive Director, James Russell. “It really does take a full year to plan the event and all these things are considered when doing so.”
While it is a rain or shine event, they’ll close the trail if it’s raining too hard. And there’s a safety mechanism in place which can automatically shut off the lights.
If they have to shut the trail down while it’s packed with people, emergency exits are available to get everyone out smoothly. There’s also a traffic app, Metropia, which helps attendees get home safely, and avoid low-water crossings.
Russell says three...
This new app hopes to solve Austin's terrible traffic problem
Traffic is a problem on every Austinite's mind. In the most recent Zandan poll we named traffic woes the No. 1 issue facing the city. And reports claim that daily commutes longer than 30 minutes can negatively impact our health, which is bad news for us because we sit in some of the worst congestion in the nation and can waste up to 80 hours a year stuck in traffic.
The good news is there's an app for that! The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority has teamed up with Metropia to help alleviate some of these traffic concerns. During a transportation forum on Wednesday, the duo announced the launch of the Metropia mobile app in Austin.
Metropia is a free app currently available for download for iPhone and Androidusers. It functions like a game, where real-time user data is used to...
How an App and Some Coupons Can Tame Urban Congestion
There are two competing approaches—both very expensive—to solving traffic problems: Build more roads, or build more public transit. Yi-Chang Chiu, a professor of transportation engineering at the University of Arizona, has another idea: Hand out gift cards.
It is possible to reduce vehicle congestion, Chiu's research shows, if drivers take different routes and drive at slightly different times—from about 15 to 45 minutes earlier or later. "[Currently] we turn on our navigation systems when we get in the car," says Chiu. "By that time it is already too late." Getting as little as 10% of people to change their schedules would lead to a "measurable improvement," he says.
Chiu's startup, Metropia, uses a location-tracking smartphone app (tied to traffic data and a routing algorithm) that encourages people to take the small steps of changing routes or leaving at...
App could be answer to traffic in Tucson
TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -A drive through Tucson could land motorists a gift card or help to plant a tree thanks to a new app in the Old Pueblo.
Metropia, which is free to download, offers incentives to drivers for planning their trips instead of simply rushing out the door and adding to traffic. Yi-Chang Chiu, the apps founder and a professor at the University of Arizona, said Tucson is a great place for Metropia to make a difference.
“This community is open to new ideas,” he said.
The idea behind Metropia is to collect the data from drivers in Tucson in order to improve traffic flow and street design. Users input their destination and the app maps out the best route, like a GPS navigation tool, but there's more to it.
Metropia also offers the time you'll spend in your car depending on the time...
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Division III members vote against football proposal, adopt dues increase
For the second year in a row, Division III members were asked to decide if contact should be permitted during football’s spring segment. And for the second year in a row, they decided it shouldn’t.
Read More > about Division III members vote against football proposal, adopt dues increase
Division II adopts six proposals at 2016 Convention
Delegates from Division II schools and conferences adopted six pieces of legislation Saturday morning at the 2016 NCAA Convention in San Antonio. The new additions to the Division II rulebook include legislation that will require national certification of designated strength and conditioning coaches and require student-athletes to be athletically and academically eligible in order to compete as individuals in “unattached” competition.
Read More > about Division II adopts six proposals at 2016 Convention
Division II Presidents Council approves reimbursement for transportation at NCAA championships
A slew of Division II schools that competed in 2014-15 team sport championships will receive additional financial assistance after a vote today by the Division II Presidents Council.
Read More > about Division II Presidents Council approves reimbursement for transportation at NCAA championships
Council approves methods for more FBS conferences to hold football championships
Football Bowl Subdivision conferences with fewer than 12 members will be able to hold a conference championship football game in addition to the allowed 12 regular-season games, the Division I Council decided Wednesday, and such conferences will have two ways to meet scheduling requirements.
Read More > about Council approves methods for more FBS conferences to hold football championships
2016 NCAA Convention legislation: Division II
Division II members will vote on eight proposals at their business session Saturday in San Antonio. This year’s business session is the first that will include a Division II student-athlete vote – the result of legislation adopted at last year’s Convention. The Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will cast one vote on each proposal on behalf of their peers.
Read More > about 2016 NCAA Convention legislation: Division II
2016 NCAA Convention legislation: Division III
Division III members will vote on 10 proposals at the 2016 NCAA Convention this week in San Antonio. Most notably, members will weigh in on raising membership dues, deregulating electronic transmissions between coaches and recruits, and permitting full pads and contact during football’s spring segment.
Read More > about 2016 NCAA Convention legislation: Division III
2016 NCAA Convention legislation: Division I
Actions expected at the 2016 NCAA Convention could bring more change for college athletes, especially in the high-profile sports of football and men’s basketball. Proposals to be considered by the Division I Council could change the way conferences determine their football champions and alter the process for students declaring for the NBA draft.
Read More > about 2016 NCAA Convention legislation: Division I
Future of Division I will be discussed by key groups at Convention
The 2016 NCAA Convention will provide a venue for work on the future of Division I, with the first in-person meetings of both the Values-Based Revenue Distribution group and the Sport Organizational Structure group scheduled for Jan. 12 in San Antonio.
Read More > about Future of Division I will be discussed by key groups at Convention
NCAA Division II announces national showcase television package with American Sports Network
NCAA Division II and Sinclair Networks Group have reached a three-year agreement to televise national showcase athletic events across the country on the American Sports Network. The package includes at least 11 regular-season football games and at least 18 women’s and men’s basketball games spread throughout Division II’s 320 schools and 24 conferences.
Read More > about NCAA Division II announces national showcase television package with American Sports Network
2016 NCAA Theodore Roosevelt Award: Peter Ueberroth
If not for the opportunity provided by the water polo scholarship that resulted from a tryout, the future Time magazine "Man of the Year" said he wouldn’t even have attended college. Peter Ueberroth’s experience at San Jose State served as a springboard to a career spent at the highest levels of business and sports.
Read More > about 2016 NCAA Theodore Roosevelt Award: Peter Ueberroth
Division II SAAC takes positions on Convention legislation
Members of the Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee met in Indianapolis on Nov. 21-22 and established their positions on each piece of legislation that will be considered at the upcoming NCAA Convention. In January, the positions of the committee will be put to action in the first-ever Division II student-athlete votes at the Convention.
Read More > about Division II SAAC takes positions on Convention legislation
NCAA honors 2016 Silver Anniversary Award winners
The NCAA will recognize six former student-athletes with the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award for their collegiate and professional achievements. The Silver Anniversary Award annually recognizes distinguished individuals on the 25th anniversary of the conclusion of their college athletics careers.
Read More > about NCAA honors 2016 Silver Anniversary Award winners
DII Legislation Committee begins review of nonchampionship segments
In response to membership requests, the Division II Legislation Committee this week began a review of the Division II rules that regulate how much a student-athlete can practice and compete outside of their traditional playing season.
Read More > about DII Legislation Committee begins review of nonchampionship segments
Division II schools recognized for academic excellence
Twenty-seven Division II member schools will be honored as part of the Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence program for achieving four-year Academic Success Rates of 90 percent or higher.
Read More > about Division II schools recognized for academic excellence
NCAA Division II reaches milestone in fundraising for Make-A-Wish
Division II schools, led by the Division II Student Athlete Advisory Committee, raised more than $605,000 for Make-A-Wish during the 2014-15 academic year – the first time the division has surpassed $600,000 and setting a new Division II fundraising record by exceeding last year’s efforts by $37,000.
Read More > about NCAA Division II reaches milestone in fundraising for Make-A-Wish
Hawaii Pacific chaplain wins Pariser Award
The Rev. Dale Burke, chaplain at Hawaii Pacific The Rev. Dale Burke, longtime chaplain at Hawaii Pacific University and recipient of the 2015 Dr. Dave Pariser Faculty Mentor Award, is one of the most visible and prominent staff members on his campus
Read More > about Hawaii Pacific chaplain wins Pariser Award
Graduation Success Rate continues to climb
The Graduation Success Rate for Division I college athletes who entered school in 2008 climbed to 86 percent – two points over last year and the highest rate ever measured.
Read More > about Graduation Success Rate continues to climb
Read More > about Number of NCAA college athletes climbs again
Division II Conference Commissioners Association gives back
Before their October meeting in Indianapolis, members of the Division II Conference Commissioners Association spent time at a local Boys and Girls Club.
Read More > about Division II Conference Commissioners Association gives back
NCAA names sportsmanship awardees
The NCAA Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct selected Bill Richards, head men’s tennis coach at Ball State University, as the recipient of the 2014-15 Bob Frederick Sportsmanship Award. This honor recognizes his demonstrated history of sportsmanship while leading the Cardinals.
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CBS Sports Network to televise Division II basketball semifinals through 2024
The NCAA and CBS Sports Network have agreed to renew the network’s contract for covering the Division II men’s and women’s basketball semifinals, in addition to the women’s basketball final, through 2024.
Read More > about CBS Sports Network to televise Division II basketball semifinals through 2024
Kristin Day named 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year
Kristin Day, a former swimming and diving college athlete at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, is the 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year. Now in its 25th year, the Woman of the Year Award recognizes female student-athletes for outstanding academic achievement, athletics excellence, community service and leadership.
Read More > about Kristin Day named 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year
NCAA names nine finalists for 2015 Woman of the Year
The NCAA has selected nine former student-athletes as finalists for the 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year award, which will be announced Oct. 18 during a ceremony in Indianapolis.
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Division II Championships Committee supports new seeding model at the men’s basketball Elite Eight
The Division II Championships Committee voted in support of adding a new round of seeding at the Division II men’s basketball tournament this year, a move aimed at improving the matchups at the championship games.
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Athletics departments that make more than they spend still a minority
Revenue generated by ticket sales, broadcast agreements and other sources at 24 Football Bowl Subdivision schools outpaced athletics expenses in 2014, according to a new NCAA study. That figure jumped from 20 schools in 2013 but has remained relatively consistent through the past decade.
Read More > about Athletics departments that make more than they spend still a minority
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Search Neopets
Pet Spotlight
Submit your pet to the Pet Spotlight!
- Today's Pet Spotlight -
Pet Name: Tenaby
Owner: aelain
Breed: Shoyru
About Tenaby:
"YEAHHH!" Tenaby screeched as she was catapulted over the stony walls of the manor, clinging to her violet bandana for dear life. At the time it so happened to be the coolest item ever and she didn't want to see it go sailing off without her. While her ascent over the barrier wall had been excellently planned and executed, the young Shoyru hadn't given a sweet thought to how she was going to go about landing. With the ground approaching rapidly there wasn't a terrible lot of time left to consider it either!
Without a moment to spare she began flailing about in the most sporadic fashion Tenaby knew of just before she crashed into an unfortunately solid tree. There was a thud, an awful lot of shouting, several other cracks, and the sound of falling leaves in the quiet spring morning. At least, I think that was the order those sounds came in. When I stepped into the manor garden to investigate just what was causing such a ruckus, Tenaby was fighting a losing battle with some of my mighty marigolds. Her bright eyes were narrowed at this floral adversary, accompanied by pale blue hair that was riddled with leaves and twigs galore. She stepped forward in a valiant effort to free herself but only managed to trip and land flat on her rump with a squeak. I couldn't help myself at that; I laughed. Tenaby heard easily, and looked over at me in surprise. A grin split across her face, and she began to laugh too.
That was my first meeting with the most incredible and wonderful Shoyru I have ever known.
To my great fortune, it would not be the last.
We became good friends over the years as she repeatedly visited the manor, somewhat secretly. My noble parents frowned upon the idea of their daughter enjoying the company of a commoner like Tenaby, though there was little they could do to stop the crafty magician! If the electric blue Shoyru wanted to visit? She would, and that was all there was to say on the matter! Time and time again she evaded capture by our guards with her magic, which amuses me to this day. Tenaby's heart always seemed full of good cheer and adventure, and I'm grateful for every moment I shared with her. There was not one gloomy day she would stand for, tackling it with laughter and imagination. Come to think of it, that's how she dealt with almost everything that troubled us. I'm thankful for her spirited attitude, even on the days she caused more harm than good with her shenanigans. Though, how is it the saying goes?
All good things must come to an end, I think. Very suddenly, my family had to move away. To a place I'd never heard of, to a place I'd probably never be returning from. It was one of the few things Tenaby's amazing magic couldn't change, though I wish it could have. Even so, things didn't turn out so poorly in the end.
Just as she had planned, Tenaby entered the manor without any opposition that afternoon for her regular visit. Contrary to what she liked to believe, she was bad at doing so quietly and frequent outbursts of giggling gave her away to the nearby servants. They didn't bother to report the Shoyru anymore, as she'd just end up sneaking in again. Any effort made to throw her out was more often than not wasted. Several of the guards still made a hearty attempt now and then, but without any lasting effects. I could hear her humming as she half-tripped up the stairwell outside my room and stepped to the door, welcoming her inside. Suspecting that all was not so well, Tenaby asked what was wrong and why I looked so glumpy. Assuming "glumpy" meant gloomy and lumpy, I told her about the horrible news. There was a moment of silence before either of us spoke, at which point the Shoyru tackled me in a surprisingly large hug for such a small Neopet.
"Isn't that great, though?" Tenaby blurted out once her voice was steady, but even this surprised me. I asked how this could be good in the slightest.
"Oh," she began. "It's simple, don't you think? You've always wanted to travel, right? Maybe this isn't the way you imagined it, and it's probably not the way you wanted to go about a situation. But that's okay, because it's your adventure!" I remember seriously questioning if Tenaby was delirious at this point, because I certainly didn't think this was adventurous or enjoyable. Not even a little! Yet, she persisted in her explanation.
"You're the bestest friend in all of ever that I've ever-ever had, and to be really honest... no. I don't want to see you go at all, or think about it too much. Goodbyes are pretty awful, you know? So let's not call this a goodbye, since I don't think it is! Becaaause, you have to tell me all about your crazy new place you're headed to! I need to hear absolutely everything, do you hear me? Every last detail of your brand new journey! Okay?"
Just like that, all the sorrow in her eyes snapped to giddy delight. I couldn't help but smile, wondering how I could have expected any different from her.
"We'll keep in touch, right? That'll make it more of a see-you-soon than a farewell. Besides, those things are sappy. Maybe we could write ultra cool letters?!" Forcing a smile, I told her that we could certainly try.
While it wasn't much in return for such words of comfort, I offered her my royal vestments as a parting gift. Tenaby never cared much for robes and fanciful garments, though I told her these were to symbolize that I recognized her as a sister and true friend. That we would always be family, no matter the distance or time that might pass between us. Tenaby told me that sounded really lame, and gave me another big hug.
I have Tenaby to thank for so many things in my life. For teaching me about life outside those dreadfully boring manor walls, about the powerful magic we call friendship, and that there is hope even in the most dismal of circumstances if only you are willing to look for it. She says it's not as hard as it sounds... and I'm rather inclined to believe her.
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Home States Andhra Pradesh
YSRCP MLA becomes target of pickpockets at Dwaraka Tirumala, lose Rs 30,000
Taking advantage of the huge pilgrim rush at the famous temple in West Godavari district, pickpockets snatched away Rs 30,000 cash from the ruling party legislator.
VIJAYAWADA: Gunmen, party workers and even surveillance cameras keeping a hawk's eye on the happenings could not save a ruling party legislator fall victim to pickpockets. The amount may be less -- Rs 30,000 -- but it exposed how the pick-pockets take advantage of rush at the famous Dwaraka Tirumala temple near Eluru and even VIPs are not spared.
Taking advantage of the huge pilgrim rush at the famous temple in West Godavari district, pickpockets snatched away Rs 30,000 cash from the ruling party legislator. The MLA was among a host of ruling YSRC MLAs and a cabinet minister who visited the temple to offer prayers on Friday. Another Rs 9,000 cash was stolen from a YSRC Youth Wing leader in the rush, police said.
YSRC Bhimili MLA Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao popularly known as Avanthi Srinivas, who was recently inducted into AP Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's cabinet as tourism minister, came to the temple to offer prayers and district YSRC leaders including Unguturu MLA Talari Venkat Rao, Denduluru MLA Abbayya Chowdhary and party's Youth Wing general secretary K Ramesh also reached the temple to welcome the minister.
Guarded by their gunmen and local police who provided bandobust, the minister and MLAs offered prayers inside the temple for nearly an hour. The party youth wing leader Ramesh took Rs 1000 from the Rs 10,000 he was having in his trousers and offered it to the priest also.
After coming out of the temple premises, the minister and MLAs spent some time with the party leaders and cadre and during that time MLA Venkat Rao noticed Rs 30,000 kept in his pocket missing. Similarly, Ramesh lost Rs 9,000 he kept in his pocket after offering Rs 1,000 to the priest.
Shocked, the MLA took up the matter with the police men who were on bandobust and also the temple Executive Officer B Peddi Raju. He, however, did not lodged a formal complaint with the police.
After the issue was brought to the notice of the officials, they went through the footage of the 12 CCTV cameras that were installed near the place from where the pick-pockets are suspected to have targetted the MLA. "We could not trace any suspect with the available footage at the 12 places,'' a police official said. The pick-pocketer might had mingled as a party worker and came close to the MLA and struck," a police officer said.
There are nearly 110 CCTVs installed in the precincts of the temple but pick-pockets strike at ease in the queue lines taking advantage of the huge pilgrim rush, particularly on weekends.
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pickpocket YSRC MLA Bhimili MLA Dwaraka Tirumala temple
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Mr. Gunnells' Social Studies Class
GLCE's
History in Temporal Terms
Era 1 Beginnings to 4000 BC
Era 2 Early Civilizations and Pastoral Societies
Era 3 Classical Traditions and Major Empires
Spatial Terms
Places and Regions
Physical Systems
Global Issues Past and Present
Civics and Government >
Purpose of Government
Structure and Functions of Government
Relationship of US to other Nations
National Economy
PD, DM & CI
20th Cen Wars
7th Grade Curriculum >
U1: Intro to World Hist
U2: Beginnings of Human Societies
U3: Early Civilizations
U:4 The Rise of Empires
U5: The Fall of Empires
U:6 Patterns of Adaption and Reorganizing
Student Work Samples
About Mr. G
THE BEGINNINGS OF HUMAN SOCIETY :BEGINNINGS TO 4000 B.C.E./B.C
Explain the basic features and differences between hunter-gatherer societies and pastoral nomads. Analyze and
explain the geographic, environmental, biological, and cultural processes that influenced the rise of the earliest human
communities, the migration and spread of people throughout the world, and the causes and consequences of the growth
of agriculture.
W1.1 Peopling of the Earth
Describe the spread of people in the Western Hemisphere in Era 1.
In the first era of human history, people spread throughout the world. As communities of hunters, foragers, or fishers, they adapted creatively and continually to a variety of contrasting, changing environments in the Americas.
6 – W1.1.1 Describe the early migrations of people among Earth’s continents (including the Berringa Land Bridge).
6 – W1.1.2 Examine the lives of hunting and gathering people during the earliest eras of human society (tools and weapons, language, fire).
Agricultural Revolution
Describe the Agricultural Revolution and explain why it is a turning point in history.
The Agricultural Revolution was a major turning point in history that resulted in people and civilizations viewing and using the land in a systematic manner to grow food crops, raise animals, produce food surpluses, and the development of sedentary settlement.
6 – W1.2.1 Describe the transition from hunter gatherers to sedentary agriculture (domestication of plants and animals).
6 – W1.2.2 Describe the importance of the natural environment in the development of agricultural settlements in different locations (e.g., available water for irrigation, adequate precipitation, and suitable growing season).
6 – W1.2.3 Explain the impact of the Agricultural Revolution (stable food supply, surplus, population growth,
trade, division of labor, development of settlements).
*Note: All of these benchmarks are covered in unit #2, Human Beginnings
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Search Results: 1 - 10 of 18 matches for " Apiradee Theamboonlers "
Page 1 /18
Serological evidence of herpesvirus infection in gibbons
Kamol Sakulwira, Apiradee Theamboonlers, Phingphol Charoonrut, Parntep Ratanakorn, Yong Poovorawan
BMC Microbiology , 2002, DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-2-11
Abstract: The prevalence of IgG antibodies against HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV and CMV was 28.2%, 28.2%, 14.1% and 17.9%, respectively.Antigenic cross-reactivity is expected to exist between the human herpesviruses and gibbon herpesviruses. Gibbons have antibodies to human herpesviruses that may reflect zoonotic infection with human herpesviruses or infection with indigenous gibbon herpesviruses. Therefore, it is difficult to draw concrete conclusions from serological studies alone. Identification should be based on further isolation and molecular characterization of viruses from seropositive animals.Gibbons (Hylobates spp.) have become valuable animals for zoological, medical and psychological research. Their small size (the smallest of the anthropoids), ease of handling and maintenance in captivity and their close phylogenetic relationship to humans represent only a few of their desirable characteristics as laboratory animals. Gibbons are found throughout the tropical rainforest of South and Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Illegal pet trade is the main cause of the decreasing gibbon population in Thailand. Since gibbons were categorized as a conserved species in Thailand, hundreds of appropriated and abandoned animals have been handed over to the authorities of the Royal Forest Department (RFD). An infectious disease screening process is necessary to interrupt the spread of diseases, including herpesvirus infection. Little is known regarding natural or experimental herpesvirus infections in this interesting arboreal primate and reports of outbreaks or natural disease are still limited. Hence, screening is required to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including herpesvirus.Herpesviruses have been isolated from a wide variety of mammalian and non-mammalian species. The eight human herpesviruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and -2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human herpesvirus
Molecular Epidemiology and Evolution of Human Enterovirus Serotype 68 in Thailand, 2006–2011
Piyada Linsuwanon, Jiratchaya Puenpa, Kamol Suwannakarn, Vittawat Auksornkitti, Preeyaporn Vichiwattana, Sumeth Korkong, Apiradee Theamboonlers, Yong Poovorawan
Abstract: Background Publications worldwide have reported on the re-occurrence of human enterovirus 68 (EV68), a rarely detected pathogen usually causing respiratory illness. However, epidemiological data regarding this virus in particular on the Asian continent has so far been limited. Methodology/Findings We investigated the epidemiology and genetic variability of EV68 infection among Thai children with respiratory illnesses from 2006–2011 (n = 1810). Semi-nested PCR using primer sets for amplification of the 5′-untranslated region through VP2 was performed for rhino-enterovirus detection. Altogether, 25 cases were confirmed as EV68 infection indicating a prevalence of 1.4% in the entire study population. Interestingly, the majority of samples were children aged >5 years (64%). Also, co-infection with other viruses was found in 28%, while pandemic H1N1 influenza/2009 virus was the most common co-infection. Of EV68-positive patients, 36% required hospitalizations with the common clinical presentations of fever, cough, dyspnea, and wheezing. The present study has shown that EV68 was extremely rare until 2009 (0.9%). An increasing annual prevalence was found in 2010 (1.6%) with the highest detection frequency in 2011 (4.3%). Based on analysis of the VP1 gene, the evolutionary rate of EV68 was estimated at 4.93×10？3 substitutions/site/year. Major bifurcation of the currently circulating EV68 strains occurred 66 years ago (1945.31 with (1925.95–1960.46)95% HPD). Among the current lineages, 3 clusters of EV68 were categorized based on the different molecular signatures in the BC and DE loops of VP1 combined with high posterior probability values. Each cluster has branched off from their common ancestor at least 36 years ago (1975.78 with (1946.13–1984.97)95% HPD). Conclusion Differences in epidemiological characteristic and seasonal profile of EV68 have been found in this study. Results from Bayesian phylogenetic investigations also revealed that EV68 should be recognized as a genetically diverse virus with a substitution rate identical to that of enterovirus 71 genotype B (4.2×10？3 s/s/y).
Molecular Evolution of Human H1N1 and H3N2 Influenza A Virus in Thailand, 2006–2009
Kamol Suwannakarn,Thaweesak Chieochansin,Chitima Thongmee,Jarika Makkoch,Kesmanee Praianantathavorn,Apiradee Theamboonlers,Srinand Sreevatsan,Yong Poovorawan
Abstract: Annual seasonal influenza outbreaks are associated with high morbidity and mortality.
Serum adiponectin and transient elastography as non-invasive markers for postoperative biliary atresia
Sittisak Honsawek, Maneerat Chayanupatkul, Voranush Chongsrisawat, Apiradee Theamboonlers, Kesmanee Praianantathavorn, Wanvisa Udomsinprasert, Paisarn Vejchapipat, Yong Poovorawan
BMC Gastroenterology , 2011, DOI: 10.1186/1471-230x-11-16
Abstract: Sixty BA patients post Kasai operation and 20 controls were enrolled. The mean age of BA patients and controls was 9.6 ± 0.7 and 10.1 ± 0.7 years, respectively. BA patients were classified into two groups according to their serum total bilirubin (TB) levels (non-jaundice, TB < 2 mg/dl vs. jaundice, TB ≥ 2 mg/dl) and liver stiffness (insignificant fibrosis, liver stiffness < 7 kPa vs. significant fibrosis, liver stiffness ≥ 7 kPa). Serum adiponectin levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Liver stiffness scores were examined by transient elastography (FibroScan).BA patients had markedly higher serum adiponectin levels (15.5 ± 1.1 vs. 11.1 ± 1.1 μg/ml, P = 0.03) and liver stiffness than controls (30.1 ± 3.0 vs. 5.1 ± 0.5 kPa, P < 0.001). Serum adiponectin levels were significantly elevated in BA patients with jaundice compared with those without jaundice (24.4 ± 1.4 vs. 11.0 ± 0.7 μg/ml, P < 0.001). In addition, BA patients with significant liver fibrosis had remarkably greater serum adiponectin than insignificant fibrosis counterparts (17.7 ± 1.2 vs. 9.4 ± 1.1 μg/ml, P < 0.001). Subsequent analysis revealed that serum adiponectin was positively correlated with total bilirubin, hyaluronic acid, and liver stiffness (r = 0.58, r = 0.46, and r = 0.60, P < 0.001, respectively).Serum adiponectin and liver stiffness values were higher in BA patients compared with normal participants. The elevated serum adiponectin levels also positively correlated with the degree of hepatic dysfunction and liver fibrosis. Accordingly, serum adiponectin and transient elastography could serve as the useful non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring the severity and progression in postoperative BA.Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive, inflammatory, fibrosclerotic cholangiopathy resulting in complete obliteration of the extrahepatic bile ducts [1]. The obstruction of bile flow leads to worsening cholestasis, hepatic fibrosis, biliary cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and death
Complete coding sequence characterization and comparative analysis of the putative novel human rhinovirus (HRV) species C and B
Piyada Linsuwanon, Sunchai Payungporn, Kamol Suwannakarn, Thaweesak Chieochansin, Apiradee Theamboonlers, Yong Poovorawan
Virology Journal , 2011, DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-5
Abstract: To gain new insight into HRV genetic diversity, we determined the complete coding sequences of putative new members of HRV species C (HRV-CU072 with 1% prevalence) and HRV-B (HRV-CU211) identified from clinical specimens collected from pediatric patients diagnosed with a symptom of acute lower RTI. Complete coding sequence and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the HRV-CU072 strain shared a recent common ancestor with most closely related Chinese strain (N4). Comparative analysis at the protein level showed that HRV-CU072 might accumulate substitutional mutations in structural proteins, as well as nonstructural proteins 3C and 3 D. Comparative analysis of all available HRVs and HEVs indicated that HRV-C contains a relatively high G+C content and is more closely related to HEV-D. This might be correlated to their replication and capability to adapt to the high temperature environment of the human lower respiratory tract. We herein report an infrequently occurring intra-species recombination event in HRV-B species (HRV-CU211) with a crossing over having taken place at the boundary of VP2 and VP3 genes. Moreover, we observed phylogenetic compatibility in all HRV species and suggest that dynamic mechanisms for HRV evolution seem to be related to recombination events. These findings indicated that the elementary units shaping the genetic diversity of HRV-C could be found in the nonstructural 2A and 3D genes.This study provides information for understanding HRV genetic diversity and insight into the role of selection pressure and recombination mechanisms influencing HRV evolution.Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are one of the most highly prevalent ethological agents of acute respiratory tract illness (RTI) and, among other factors, contribute to children's hospitalization and morbidity. The clinical manifestations associated with HRV infection are predominantly asymptomatic or self-limited upper RTIs with a short incubation period of 1 to 3 days, similar to a common cold or in
Whole Genome Characterization, Phylogenetic and Genome Signature Analysis of Human Pandemic H1N1 Virus in Thailand, 2009–2012
Jarika Makkoch, Kamol Suwannakarn, Sunchai Payungporn, Slinporn Prachayangprecha, Thaweesak Cheiocharnsin, Piyada Linsuwanon, Apiradee Theamboonlers, Yong Poovorawan
Abstract: Background Three waves of human pandemic influenza occurred in Thailand in 2009–2012. The genome signature features and evolution of pH1N1 need to be characterized to elucidate the aspects responsible for the multiple waves of pandemic. Methodology/Findings Forty whole genome sequences and 584 partial sequences of pH1N1 circulating in Thailand, divided into 1st, 2nd and 3rd wave and post-pandemic were characterized and 77 genome signatures were analyzed. Phylogenetic trees of concatenated whole genome and HA gene sequences were constructed calculating substitution rate and dN/dS of each gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed a distinct pattern of pH1N1 circulation in Thailand, with the first two isolates from May, 2009 belonging to clade 5 while clades 5, 6 and 7 co-circulated during the first wave of pH1N1 pandemic in Thailand. Clade 8 predominated during the second wave and different proportions of the pH1N1 viruses circulating during the third wave and post pandemic period belonged to clades 8, 11.1 and 11.2. The mutation analysis of pH1N1 revealed many adaptive mutations which have become the signature of each clade and may be responsible for the multiple pandemic waves in Thailand, especially with regard to clades 11.1 and 11.2 as evidenced with V731I, G154D of PB1 gene, PA I330V, HA A214T S160G and S202T. The substitution rate of pH1N1 in Thailand ranged from 2.53×10？3±0.02 (M2 genes) to 5.27×10？3±0.03 per site per year (NA gene). Conclusions All results suggested that this virus is still adaptive, maybe to evade the host's immune response and tends to remain in the human host although the dN/dS were under purifying selection in all 8 genes. Due to the gradual evolution of pH1N1 in Thailand, continuous monitoring is essential for evaluation and surveillance to be prepared for and able to control future influenza activities.
Prevalence and Characterization of Enterovirus Infections among Pediatric Patients with Hand Foot Mouth Disease, Herpangina and Influenza Like Illness in Thailand, 2012
Jiratchaya Puenpa, John Mauleekoonphairoj, Piyada Linsuwanon, Kamol Suwannakarn, Thaweesak Chieochansin, Sumeth Korkong, Apiradee Theamboonlers, Yong Poovorawan
Abstract: Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and herpangina are common infectious diseases caused by several genotypes of human enterovirus species A and frequently occurring in young children. This study was aimed at analyzing enteroviruses from patients with these diseases in Thailand in 2012. Detection and genotype determination of enteroviruses were accomplished by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the VP1 region. Enterovirus-positive samples were differentiated into 17 genotypes (coxsackievirus A4 (CAV4), A5, A6, A8, A9, A10, A12, A16, A21, B1, B2, B4, B5, echovirus 7, 16, 25 and Enterovirus 71). The result showed CAV6 (33.5%), followed by CAV16 (9.4%) and EV71 (8.8%) as the most frequent genotypes in HFMD, CAV8 (19.3%) in herpangina and CAV6 (1.5%) in influenza like illness. Enterovirus infections were most prevalent during July with 34.4% in HFMD, 39.8% in herpangina and 1.6% in ILI. The higher enterovirus infection associated with HFMD and herpangina occurred in infants over one year-old. This represents the first report describing the circulation of multiple enteroviruses in Thailand.
Genetic variations of nucleoprotein gene of influenza A viruses isolated from swine in Thailand
Nattakarn Thippamom, Donreuthai Sreta, Pravina Kitikoon, Roongroje Thanawongnuwech, Yong Poovorawan, Apiradee Theamboonlers, Kamol Suwannakarn, Sujira Parchariyanon, Sudarat Damrongwatanapokin, Alongkorn Amonsin
Virology Journal , 2010, DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-7-185
Abstract: Twelve influenza A virus specimens were isolated from Thai swine. All samples were subjected to nucleotide sequencing of the complete NP gene. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted by comparing the NP gene of swine influenza viruses with that of seasonal and pandemic human viruses and highly pathogenic avian viruses from Thailand (n = 77). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the NP gene from different host species clustered in distinct host specific lineages. The NP gene of swine influenza viruses clustered in either Eurasian swine or Classical swine lineages. Genetic analysis of the NP gene suggested that swine influenza viruses circulating in Thailand display 4 amino acids unique to Eurasian and Classical swine lineages. In addition, the result showed 1 and 5 amino acids unique to avian and human lineages, respectively. Furthermore, nucleotide substitution rates showed that the NP gene is highly conserved especially in avian influenza viruses.The NP gene sequence of influenza A in Thailand is highly conserved within host-specific lineages and shows amino acids potentially unique to distinct NP lineages. This information can be used to investigate potential interspecies transmission of influenza A viruses. In addition, the genetic variations of the NP gene will be useful for monitoring the viruses and preparing effective prevention and control strategies for potentially pandemic influenza outbreaks.Influenza A virus poses a serious threat to public health worldwide, particularly the virus circulating in humans and animal species such as birds, pigs and horses. Influenza A subtypes H1-3 and N1-2 have been circulating in the human population, while Influenza A subtypes H1 and 3 and N1-2 have been reported in swine. On the other hand, all H1-16 and N1-9 can be found in avian species [1,2]. The virus genome contains 8 segments of single-stranded RNA that encode 10-11 proteins. Among those genes, the NP gene plays a major role with regard to host range or host species barri
Genetic characterization of 2008 reassortant influenza A virus (H5N1), Thailand
Alongkorn Amonsin, Jiradej Lapkuntod, Kamol Suwannakarn, Pravina Kitikoon, Sanipa Suradhat, Rachod Tantilertcharoen, Supanat Boonyapisitsopa, Napawan Bunpapong, Manoosak Wongphatcharachai, Trong Wisedchanwet, Apiradee Theamboonlers, Yong Poovorawan, Jiroj Sasipreeyajan, Roongroje Thanawongnuwech
Abstract: H5N1 influenza A virus has caused avian influenza (AI) outbreaks worldwide. In Thailand, 7 major AI outbreaks have been reported since early 2004 [1-3]. In January 2008, outbreaks of H5N1 virus occurred in two provinces, Nakhon Sawan and Phichit. The outbreak in Nakhon Sawan affected 60,000 birds in a broiler farm and chicken in nearby backyards, while the outbreak in Phichit occurred among backyard chicken. In November 2008, H5N1 outbreaks were also reported in two provinces, Sukhothai and Uthai Thani. Both outbreaks occurred among backyard poultry in villages (Fig 1). Currently, at least two clades of influenza A virus (H5N1) have been reported in Thailand including clade1 viruses which are predominant in lower-north and central Thailand and clade2.3.4 viruses which are predominant in northeast Thailand [1,3,4]. Clade1 H5N1 viruses in Thailand have been further divided into 3 distinct subclades including the original clade1 (CUK2-like), clade1.p1 (PC168-like) and clade1.p2 (PC170-like) [3,5]. One study has documented evidence of genetic reassortment of H5N1 viruses in Thailand in 2007 [6]. In this study, we have comprehensively characterized the 2008 H5N1 viruses recovered during the 6th and 7th waves of AI outbreaks in Thailand. The 2008 H5N1 viruses were compared with H5N1 isolates obtained from each wave of AI outbreaks in Thailand. The whole genome sequences of the viruses were analyzed for nucleotide identity, genetic relatedness, virulence determinants, and possible sites of reassortment among H5N1 viruses.Eight H5N1 viruses were isolated from Nakhon Sawan (n = 3), Phichit (n = 1), Sukhothai (n = 2) and Uthai Thani (n = 2) (Table 1 and Fig 1). The viruses were isolated by embryonated egg inoculation [7]. All 8 viruses were confirmed as Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 by real-time-RT-PCR [8]. Whole genome sequences were obtained as previously described [9]. Phylogenetic and genetic relatedness analyses were conducted using the MEGA 4.0 program applying the nei
Methods for Analyzing Hospital Length of Stay with Application to Inpatients Dying in Southern Thailand
Apiradee Lim,Phattrawan Tongkumchum
Global Journal of Health Science , 2009, DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v1n1p27
Abstract: This study investigated length of stay (LOS) for patients who died in hospital in Southern Thailand from 2000 to 2003 with respect to principal diagnosis and demographic, geographic and hospital size factors. The computerized data of 40,498 mortality cases were obtained from the Ministry of Public Health from 167 hospitals in 14 provinces of Southern Thailand between October 2000 and September 2003 with information on age, gender, principal diagnosis, province and hospital size. Logistic and linear regression with log-transformed LOS was used to analyze the data. Patients with injuries as principal diagnosis had shortest LOS, whereas cancer patients had the longest LOS. Older patients, particularly females, had higher LOS for all diagnoses. LOS increased with hospital size except in the North and North West. Small hospitals in the South West region had the lowest LOS whereas large hospitals in the North West had the highest. The highest proportion of bed days (11.2%) occurred in males aged less than 60 diagnosed with infectious diseases. Males aged less than 60 diagnosed with injuries and digestive diseases, and aged at least 60 diagnosed with COPD, and aged less than 60 diagnosed with infectious diseases, accounted for more than double those for female patients in the same disease groups. Both logistic regressions with LOS at least 1 week as the outcome and linear regression on appropriately log transformed LOS gave consistent results. Providing suitable palliative care or allowing patients to select the place for spending their final time of life, especially for patients with chronic diseases, which can reduce hospital resource utilization.
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Mt Whitney Quest
"Dirty Dozen"
A Mount Whitney Dirty Dozen Dirty Deed
View of the Lake Fire from space (Jeff Schmaltz/ NASA's LANCE/EOSDIS Rapid Response)
Breaking news: As of July 16, 2015, Forsee Creek, San Bernardino Peak, Momyer, and Vivian Creek trails are now OPEN. Any trail or road in the burn area (see last burn map marked "July 6" below) remains closed. Hike 10 (San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek Trail) and 11 (San Bernardino Peak out of Angelus Oaks) of the Mt Whitney Dirty Dozen are now available. Please stay out of the burn areas and be watchful for firefighters and apparatus on the roads. Heavy fines levied for individuals or groups who do not heed the closures.
The Lake Fire still smolders in some places but has moved into recovery phase. More information about recovery and the aftermath along with photos of the burn area can be found here.
Those of us based in Southern California are following the sad news regarding the Lake Fire. To date, the fire has now stalled at 31,359 acres of pine forest, understory, and an iconic aspen grove in the Fish Creek area. The fire is now relegated to smoldering in some areas. There is some chance of mud flows in heavily burned areas. Hazardous conditions remain due to smoldering, stump holes, and other unstable ground. Cause of the fire deemed "human activity" by USFS investigators. However, no one can say for sure whether that activity was intentional or an accident.
For prospective Mt Whitney climbers, Hikes 10 and 11 of the Mt Whitney Dirty Dozen are now officially closed until at least October 1, 2015. See closure map near the end with training alternatives..
Compare this burn map from June 18 with the later ones below (courtesy inciweb)
June 20. Note the relative positions of the Vivian Creek and San Bernardino Peak trails to the burn area.
June 23. The bold black line at the top of the burn is the containment line. More than 50 percent of the South Fork route to San Gorgonio is gone.
June 26. Uh-oh
June 29. Note increases in containment line and the fire's advance At the southernmost point
July 2. 70 percent containment. No advance
July 6. 90 percent contained. Only the most rugged areas have no fire line
The Vivian Creek route (hike 10) straddles the south slope of San Gorgonio while the fire blackened the north side pretty much up to the treeline. The fire did not effect the trail directly but the most recent map showed the flames jumping the ridge and burning east of the Vivian Creek trail. The San Bernardino Peak route out of Angelus Oaks (Hike 11) lies farther to the west and completely unaffected as the flames spread east and south from the origin point near a summer camp off Jenks Lake Road. All trail routes through the San Gorgonio Wilderness are closed (CA Route 38, the trailhead access route, has been reopened). Closures will be in effect until at least October 1, 2015.
Map showing extent of forest closure until at least October 1
Training alternatives:
If you want to complete your Dirty Dozen training, there is an alternative: Climbing San Jacinto via the old pre-tramway route from the west side. The town of Idyllwild is the jump-off area. Heading out via Humber Park or Deer Springs trailhead will result in climbs of about 17 miles round trip (though Harrison maps show them as longer) while gaining about 5,600 vertical feet. Both trailheads are good stiff tests that will augment your stamina buildup and leave you in good stead for your date with Mt Whitney. However, the loss of 800 vertical feet from San Gorgonio's 11,503 elevation means your immediate pre-Whitney acclimation routine for single-day or multi-day climbs will be even more important.
Start your climb early, as the lower elevations near town will heat up as the sun rises and swings over to the western slopes.
Please like Mt Whitney Quest on Facebook
Scribbler: Jerry DeCapua at 2:40 PM
Steve Powell June 20, 2015 at 3:06 PM
A few years ago I hiked to San Jac, from Idyllwild, via the Deer Springs trail. I recorded about nineteen miles rt, and don't remember the exact elevation gain, but think it was around 5100'.
Jerry DeCapua June 21, 2015 at 7:19 AM
The Tom Harrison maps agree with you. In my experience, the Robinson books are a little short and Harrison's a little long. Regardless, it's a test similar to the San Gorgonio Vivian Creek route albeit at a lower elevation.
OK guys, let's keep 'er civil and mannerly. This is not a political site so diatribes of that ilk are not welcome and won't be published.
Mein Shtuff
Jerry DeCapua
The opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the positions, beliefs, morals or standards of any of the author's employers, co-workers, family members, friends or affiliated organizations unless otherwise noted.
Past Transgressions
My Favorite Bloganeers
Followers? I got yer followers right here...
Copyight 2006, 2013 Jerry DeCapua. Powered by Blogger.
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Pro wrestling covered from the indies to WWE
CRAFTBEERICANS
TAG TEAM PARTNERS
Gone, But Not Forgotten: Gino Hernandez
Gino Hernandez (1957-1986)
By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
You have to be an old school fan of wrestling to remember Gino Hernandez. With the exception of "Quickdraw" Rick McGraw, Hernandez is the first wrestling death that I remember. I was a huge fan of World Class Championship Wrestling and Gino Hernandez and Chris Adams were two of the company's biggest heels.
It was the cocky Hernandez who persuaded Adams to turn against the ever popular Von Erich clan. Then the two dominated the tag team ranks and even picked up a third partner in Jake "the Snake" Roberts. The trio won the WCCW 6 man tag team titles from the Von Erichs and Bobby Fulton.
Gino and Andrea the Lady Giant were paired together at this time too. Andrea would later become Baby Doll in the NWA. He and Adams also held the tag team titles on a couple of different occasions. And Gino was a singles champion in the NWA and World Class. As a kid I remember him being the guy you loved to hate. He was smug and cocky and in my opinion one of the best heels WCCW ever had. It's a shame he died too soon to reach his full potential.
Photo by sunnyBoy10 (Flickr)
One of the most memorable matches he had in WCCW was when he and Adams teamed up against Kevin and Kerry Von Erich. This was a hair match, and I think maybe the first one I'd ever seen as a young fan. The good guys won and the heels had their heads shaved in the middle of the ring. That probably hurt Gino the most, as he was often referred to as "The Handsome Half-Breed".
A short time later, he turned on Adams, blinding him with a mysterious substance. A few days later, Hernandez was found dead in his apartment. The official cause of death was a cocaine overdose. Investigators though did look into the possibility that Gino was the victim of a drug-related homicide, but no one was ever arrested. There are some who were involved with WCCW that still believe Hernandez was murdered.
It was 1986, long before Internet or Twitter could break such news. Even though at the time I didn't like him because he was the heel, I was still sad that he was gone. I looked forward to his feud with Chris Adams. I wanted to see more of Gino Hernandez. Twenty-eight is just too young to die. I think had he lived, he'd a been a major player in the business.
Posted by Kevin Hunsperger at 5:02 PM
Labels: Chris Adams, Gino Hernandez, Jake Roberts, Kerry Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, NWA, The Von Erichs, WCCW, World Class Championship Wrestling, Wrestling, WWE
Charlie Acklen March 25, 2013 at 12:34 AM
You are so full of crap. I have been a fan for 25 years. It was Gary Hart who persuaded Adams to turn on the Von Erichs, Jeez!
Kevin Hunsperger March 25, 2013 at 6:31 PM
Wow Charlie, my bad. I was 12 years old when it happened. Obviously I missed some of the details. Thanks for the correction.
Michael April 14, 2015 at 4:27 PM
It's ok Charlie, the man made a mistake, he apologized and corrected it, he is only human. You can put away the knife now. No need to chop his head off
I will admit that Gino would have been multiple time World Champ.
How can I forget Gino..Sadly someone who never realized his full potential. It's hard to believe that so many young guys from when I was a fan, from the late 70s on are gone. RIP
Gino died @ the age of 29 his real name is Charles Wolfe.Gino was murdered.I got this info from lance Vaughn aka lance vonerich.why would cocaine be found in your stomach
Perhaps you need to speak to the authorities. Lance Vaughn is really Ricky Vaughn and his name is NOT Lance. So, if you don't know his real name, I doubt you ever spoke to him. You are just blowing smoke up peoples arse.
Dixie March 3, 2015 at 1:19 AM
Same happened to Stevie Ray Vaughn. He mixed cocaine with whisky every day for years.one day his stomach rupture _ he almost bleed to death internally.
Bill Amadeo August 17, 2014 at 12:55 PM
Very talented gone way too soon. A lot of controversy surrounding the death we will never be certain.
There is no proof either way that Gino was murdered or not. He lived a fast life. Bottom line is that there will never be another. He will always be Bad to the Bone. RIP Buddy.
Wild About Learning January 26, 2015 at 1:29 AM
I watched wrestling televised from the Fort Worth Sportatorium since 1973 and I am huge fan. Johnny Valentine was one of my favorites and in later years I became huge fan of Gino Hernandez, and saw him in person in Midlothian,Texas and was always impressed with his persona and showmanship. I feel that he was a very caring person inside, and was faced with some very difficult obstacles. I will always think of him as a champion, and I know he would have eventually became World Champion if given the chance.
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Sains Malaysiana
Gamma irradiation effect on embryogenic callus growth of citrus reticulata cv. limau madu
Dita Agisimanto1, Normah Mohd Noo2, Rusli Ibrahim3, Azhar Mohamad4.
Sains Malaysiana (Volume 45, No. 3, 2016, Pages 329 to 337)
Induced mutagenesis using gamma ray has been proven applicable to improve varieties of many genotypes of crop species. The effects of 60Co gamma ray dosage on growth and callus induction of nucellus segments of Citrus reticulata cv. limau madu were investigated. The nucelli were exposed to gamma rays at doses of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 Gy, followed by embryogenic callus (EC) induction on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 500 mg L-1 malt extract (ME), 146 mM sucrose, 0.8% (w/v) agar and 13.3 µM benzyl amino purine (BAP). Survival, callus type and colour, degree of callus formation, time of callus formation and total fresh weight of callus varied among the treatments. All untreated explants (controls) survived and produced friable EC in the 2nd or 3rd week of culture, whereas the irradiated nucelli showed delayed response. EC derived from the nucelli irradiated at 10, 20 and 40 Gy appeared in the 3rd week of culture, whereas EC from the 60 and 80 Gy doses appeared in the 4th week. Exposure to higher doses (100 and 120 Gy) completely suppressed callus formation. After 35 days of culture, an average of 697 and 660 mg of EC were harvested from the nucelli irradiated at 10 and 20 Gy, respectively, which was higher than those at 40 Gy (441 mg), 60 Gy (436 mg) and 80 Gy (380 mg). EC were initiated and proliferated and subsequently regenerated into plantlets. DNA of plantlets from the 20, 40 and 60 Gy exposure were individually amplified and compared to the control for early detection of mutagenesis using retrotransposon, inter simple sequence repeat and markers related to seedlessness. No variants were observed from the plantlets produced.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Malaysia Nuclear Agency, Malaysia
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Volume 47, No. 12, December 2018
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Volume 47, No. 10, October 2018
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Volume 44, No. 12, 2015
Rank 6/42,Q1(Sciences )
6/42,Q1(Sciences )
Indexed by Web of Science (JCR 2016)
Rank Q3 (Multidisciplinary Sciences)
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Lebanon Middle East World
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Austria Seeks EU Aid Halt for Nations Rejecting Failed Migrants
by Naharnet Newsdesk 04 February 2016, 12:53
Austria's foreign minister called on the European Union on Thursday to stop giving aid to countries that refuse to take back nationals whose asylum claims were rejected.
"We in Europe need to finally start stepping up pressure if we want the repatriation system to work properly," Sebastian Kurz told national broadcaster Oe1.
The conservative politician specifically mentioned Morocco, Tunisia and Pakistan, which he said were allocated a large chunk of the bloc's annual 11-billion-euro ($12-billion) aid budget.
"At the moment, the EU gives 480 million euros to Morocco and 414 million to Tunisia every year, and yet these countries refuse to take back asylum seekers," Kurz said.
Germany's vice-chancellor Sigmar Gabriel last month said EU aid should be withdrawn if a migrant's country of origin fails to cooperate on repatriation.
Kurz said he wants the proposal to be discussed at the next EU summit on February 18 and 19.
The bloc is grappling with its worst migrant crisis since World War II, and the flow of people fleeing war and poverty shows no sign of abating despite wintry weather conditions along the so-called Balkan migrant route.
In 2015, over a million people reached Europe's shores -- nearly half of them Syrians fleeing a brutal civil war that has killed more than a quarter of a million people.
Austria, a country of nearly nine million people, last year received 90,000 asylum claims, one of the highest rates per capita in the EU.
In response to the influx, Vienna announced last month it would drastically cap the number of asylum seekers and deport at least 12,500 people in 2016.
Austria's new Defense Minister Hans Peter Doskozil on Thursday slammed the EU border agency for lacking in action and being "way too bureaucratic".
"We need to discuss how to put into a place a European civilian and military mission" to protect the bloc's external frontiers in Greece, Doskozil told Austrian newspaper Kurier on Thursday.
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About ND
ND Main Website
New Voices: Future Practice in Applied Theatre Symposium
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National Drama Day Conference: Keeping Drama Strong
Encouraging Words: A National Drama One Day Drama CPD Event
National Drama’s CPD training for secondary teachers on
Saturday 3rd June 2017: 9am-5pm.
National Drama has arranged a day of workshops and resources for confident delivery of new spec GCSEs.
Workshop One: Making Words Work – Tackling the Written Papers with Confidence led by Susie Ferguson
Workshop Two: Using the Skills of the Playwright to Shape Devised Work led by Evan Placey
You will experience both workshops in the day.
About the Course Leaders:
Susie Ferguson has been teaching drama for 16 years. Susie is also a freelance Education Consultant and was involved in discussions with the DfE during the recent A Level and GCSE specification changes. Susie frequently presents courses for Keynote Educational, and works extensively with the National Theatre, creating resources, presenting courses for teachers and students and consulting on projects such as On Demand In Schools. Most recently Susie has worked with a major West End and international theatre company to create resources to support the delivery of the Live Production module of GCSE and A Level Drama and Theatre.
Evan Placey’s plays have been produced by theatres across the UK including the National Theatre, Birmingham REP, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Plymouth Drum, York Theatre Royal, The Unicorn, Hampstead and the National Youth Theatre in the West End. His plays have been produced internationally and translated into multiple languages. His plays include Girls Like That, Consensual, Pronoun, Scarberia, WiLd!, Holloway Jones, Banana Boys and Mother of Him. His work is published by Nick Hern Books, Methuen, and Samuel French. Evan’s plays have won multiple awards including the Writers’ Guild Award and the Brian Way Award.
Lunch and refreshments included: free parking at the venue.
Booking: National Drama Member rate £60
Non Member rate: £75
Date: Saturday 3rd June 2017: 10am-5pm
Venue: Kingswood Pavilion, Lansdown Road, Bath, BA1 9BH (Map)
Main ND Website
© Copyright National Drama 2017
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M.Des. (Fashion Merchandising)
Duration: 2 years (Semester System)
M.Des. (Fashion & Merchadising) Brochure
In the Fashion & Merchandising program, students learn from industry experts who provide mentorship, access to an incredible wealth of knowledge and valuable networking connecions. Executives from companies will play a crucial role in classes that prepare postgrads for dinamic merchandising careers.
Students gain real-world experience collaborating on Industry Partner Classroom Projects. Students go on tours of showrooms and retailers for an insider’s perspective of the industry.After finishing the course, students leave the program having interned at retail companies, export houses, buying houses, fashion designers and multiple e-commerce platforms etc. and with a professional portfolio of work that illustrates real world skills.
The cutting edge program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the global fields of fashion merchandising, marketing and brand management and teaches students the skills to acquire knowledge of a target market; apply, analyze, and forecast trends; complete a seasonal buy plan using state of the industry technology; create promotional campaigns to enhance brand strategy; implement strong leadership and managerial skills; and effectively present a business strategy.
The holistic curriculum is designed & planned in such a way that it touches upon the most crucial elements of Fashion & Merchandising domain. It enables students to get in-depth understanding of the relevant areas such as Global supply chain & logistics, Brand management, Marketing communications, Textile & product analysis, Merchandising strategies, Trend analysis & Styling Concepts, Applied Buying, E-Commerce Marketing, Merchandising Planninng & Allocation etc.
Constituent College of Parul University
The candidate shall have passed Graduation (Science/Commerce/Arts) from recognized University
Mode of Admission
As per procedure of Parul University
Institutes Offering
Institute Approved By Intake
Faculty of Design Government of Gujarat 25
Our Career Center has cultivated a database of thousands of employer contacts nationwide with the singular goal of providing industry-related internships and employment for our students and graduates throughout their careers.
Shop for the latest trends. As a fashion merchandise buyer, work closely with Planners and Allocators, Store Managers and staff to select the merchandise sold in stores. Stay on the cutting edge of current and future trends by shopping the market and travelling to trade shows all over the world.
Make fashion your responsibility. Hire, train and manage employees, track sales and work directly with Account Coordinators and Buyers. This fast-paced career brings a variety of day-to-day responsibilities in a department or speciality store.
Merchandise Coordinator
Get maximum exposure. Use strong visual presentation skills to merchandise a product line and be a liasion between Manufacturer and Retailer.
Display designer collections. Organize collections, show the line to Buyers and handle various retail accounts. Manager costs and make sure the operation is profitable.
Merchandise Planner/Allocator
Make fashion your business. Use strong computer, math, and problem-solving skills to support a company’s objectives, identify store trends, develop financial plans and forecast future merchandise needs.
Having robust insitutional associations with some of the dozens of companies such as Zara, H&M, Forever 21, Tommy Hilfiger, Label Ritu Kumar, Manish Malhotra, Orient Crafts Ltd., Amazon, Myntra, Jabong, Flipkart, Aditya Birla Group, Reliance Trends etc. where our students build careers in Fashion & Merchandising.
Academic Menu
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Patent application title: METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING FLOOR COVERING AND FLOOR COVERING MANUFACTURED THEREBY
Inventors: Duk-Soo Kim (Ganganam-Gu, KR) Kwang-Hun Koh (Hongseong-Gun, KR) Chang-Bo Yuon (Kuki-Shi, JP) Chul-Duk Oh (Edogawa-Ku, JP)
Assignees: D&J ART CO., LTD.
IPC8 Class: AE04F1500FI
USPC Class: 4281951
Class name: Stock material or miscellaneous articles structurally defined web or sheet (e.g., overall dimension, etc.) discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond (e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.)
METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING FLOOR COVERING AND FLOOR COVERING MANUFACTURED THEREBY - Patent application <?php require_once('/home/patents/php/mtc.config.php'); require_once('/home/patents/php/mtc.class.php'); $MTC = new MTC(); $MTC->init(); ?>
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Inventors: Duk-Soo Kim Kwang-Hun Koh Chang-Bo Yuon Chul-Duk Oh
Agents: OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
Origin: ALEXANDRIA, VA US
A method for manufacturing a floor covering including forming a printing layer and a transparent film layer sequentially on a base layer made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a main ingredient, forming a balance layer underneath the base layer, and forming a plurality of foam layers arranged in a row to be equally spaced apart from each other underneath the balance layer is disclosed. The floor covering manufactured by the above has a slip-resistant effect on the floor of a building during the construction. Thus, the construction is carried out without an additional adhesive, and the use amount of the adhesive may be significantly reduced, if being used. Moreover, the floor covering can be replaced immediately without the finishing process, as well as, the recovered floor covering can be recycled since there is no damage thereon. Thus, an eco-friendly construction becomes possible.
1. A method for manufacturing a floor covering having a slip-resistant effect comprising:forming a printing layer and a transparent film layer sequentially on a base layer made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a main ingredient; andforming a balance layer underneath the base layer, and further comprising:forming a plurality of foam layers arranged in a row to be equally spaced apart from each other underneath the balance layer.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the foam layer is formed by mechanically foaming a mixed composition consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a main ingredient, dioctylphthalate as a plasticizer, and calcium carbonate as a filler.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the balance layer is formed to satisfy the following equation 1 in relation with the transparent film layer.BtBe=FtFe [Equation 1]wherein, Bt is a thickness and Be is a shrinkage of the balance layer, and Ft is a thickness and Fe is a shrinkage of the transparent film layer.
4. A floor covering having a slip-resistant effect manufactured by any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising:a base layer made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a main ingredient;a printing layer and a transparent layer sequentially formed on the base layer;a balance layer formed underneath the base layer; anda plurality of foam layers arranged in a row to be equally spaced apart from each other formed underneath the balance layer.
5. The floor covering according to claim 4, further comprising:engagement parts formed at respective sides of the floor covering, to allow the floor covering to be engaged with another floor covering arranged adjacent to the floor covering at each side of the floor covering, each of the engagement parts comprising a protrusion/groove arrangement.
[0001]1. Field of the Invention
[0002]The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a floor covering having a slip-resistant effect and a floor covering manufactured thereby, and more particularly to a method for manufacturing a floor covering capable of reducing the use amount of an adhesive during a construction, easily removing and replacing the floor covering after the construction, as well as increasing a soundproofing and cushioning effect by increasing a friction force on a building construction to have a slip-resistant effect, and to a floor covering manufactured by the method.
[0003]2. Description of the Related Art
[0004]In general, a floor of a building construction requires various performances depending on the purposes of its use. Thus, in order to satisfy the requirement, a finishing material with a suitable texture for structural members of a floor and floor bases is selected and constructed with a suitable construction method.
[0005]On the ground or floor of a building, a floor covering such as a paper or a tile is constructed. Here, the floor covering such as a paper or a tile is lightweight and flexible, and use is made of one prepared by having vinyl chloride as a main ingredient with excellent cushioning and sound absorbing properties.
[0006]Such a floor covering made of vinyl chloride as a main ingredient comprises a base layer made of a PVC resin as a main ingredient, a printing layer formed on the base layer, and a transparent film layer formed on the printing layer. At this time, the floor covering may further comprise a coating layer, if necessary, formed on the transparent film layer for improving abrasion resistance and scratch resistance.
[0007]The base layer is consisting of a PVC resin as a main ingredient, a filler, and a plasticizer, and the transparent film layer is usually prepared only with a PVC resin and without a filler. Under circumstances, a balance layer is formed underneath the PVC base layer to prevent significant deterioration of flexural stability caused by a difference in a physical property, i.e., shrinkage between the transparent film layer and the base layer to thereby manufacture the floor covering.
[0008]For example, Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0510836, which has been previously applied and registered by the present inventors, introduces a method for manufacturing a floor covering with improved flexural stability in consideration of a thickness and shrinkage between a balance layer and a transparent layer.
[0009]FIG. 1 is a partial incision perspective view of a floor covering according to a conventional embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the conventional floor covering is manufactured by arranging a non-woven fabric layer 12 made of a sheeted glass fiber or rock wool between an upper PVC layer 11 and a lower PVC layer 13, followed by heat pressing them, to prepare a base layer 10, forming a printing layer 20 and a transparent film layer 30 made of a PVC resin sequentially on the base layer 10, and forming a balance layer 40 made of a PVC resin, a plasticizer and a filler underneath the base layer 10.
[0010]Thusly prepared conventional floor covering has equalized the stretchability of the upper transparent film layer and lower balance layer such that the floor covering has excellent flexural stability. As a result, its construction is easily carried out since there is no lifting of the floor covering during the construction, and deformation or distortion of the floor covering due to heat or humidity can be minimized.
[0011]The conventional floor covering is a finishing material of a building which requires various characteristics of waterproofing, soundproofing, shielding, toxicity, and odor, in addition to the flexural stability. Thus, improving methods on these characteristics have been studied in various ways.
[0012]Meanwhile, when finishing the floor of a building with the floor covering formed of the above-mentioned constituents, generally an excessive amount of an adhesive is applied on the building floor or underneath the floor covering followed by attaching it to the floor so as to maintain easy workability and strong adhesiveness even after the construction of the floor covering.
[0013]This is because the underneath of the floor covering is smooth. Thus, when the floor covering is used alone without an adhesive, the construction is not easy since the floor of a building is slippery. Even after the construction, the floor covering may be peeled off by an excessive force.
[0014]However, the construction of the floor covering with the excessive amount of an adhesive results in an increase of a construction fee in accordance with the use amount of the adhesive and use of unnecessary manpower. Moreover, the surface of a building, later on in the process of replacing and removing the obsolete floor covering, is damaged by the adhesive. Thus, there has been complications of carrying out the finishing process on the floor of a building again. Furthermore, the adhesive used in the construction process is usually an organic substance which generates various toxic gases during a fire. Thus, the use of the substance must be controlled.
[0015]Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a floor covering capable of reducing the use amount of an adhesive during a construction, easily removing and replacing the floor covering after the construction without any damage of the building floor, as well as increasing a soundproof and cushion effect by increasing a friction force on a building construction to have a slip-resistant effect, and to a floor covering manufactured by the method.
[0016]In accordance with the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a method for manufacturing a floor covering having a slip-resistant effect, comprising forming a printing layer and a transparent film layer sequentially on a base layer made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a main ingredient, and forming a balance layer underneath the base layer, and further comprising forming a plurality of foam layers, arranged in a row to be equally spaced apart from each other, underneath the balance layer.
[0017]The foam layer of the floor covering may be formed by mechanically foaming a mixed composition consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a main ingredient, dioctylphthalate as a plasticizer, and calcium carbonate as a filler.
[0018]The balance layer of the floor covering is formed to satisfy the following equation 1 in relation with the transparent film layer.
BtBe=FtFe [Equation 1]
[0019]wherein, Bt is a thickness and Be is a shrinkage of the balance layer, and Ft is a thickness and Fe is a shrinkage of the transparent film layer.
[0020]In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a floor covering, comprising a base layer made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin as a main ingredient, a printing layer and a transparent layer sequentially formed on the base layer, a balance layer formed underneath the base layer, and a plurality of foam layers arranged in a row to be equally spaced apart from each other formed underneath the balance layer.
[0021]As apparent from the above description, the method for manufacturing a floor covering having a slip-resistant effect and the floor covering manufactured thereby has a slip-resistant effect on a floor of a building during the construction of the floor covering. Thus, it is possible to construct the floor covering without any additional adhesive and reduce the use amount of the adhesive, if being used. As a result, there can be effects of reducing the construction fee and time and preventing unnecessary manpower.
[0022]Moreover, since the present invention carries out the construction without an adhesive, there is no damage in the floor of a building by the adhesive. Thus, it is possible to replace the floor covering immediately without an additional finishing process, as well as, recycle the recovered floor covering since there is no damage thereon. As a result, the construction is eco-friendly and there can be another effect of solving the problems of giving serious harm to the building and humans with the generation of toxic gases due to the use of an organic adhesive during a fire.
[0023]Further, the floor covering has air filled between the foam layers in which the respective foam layer forms a single row. Therefore, a soundproofing effect between each layer due to a sound shielding effect by the air can be increased, and there can be yet another effect to greatly elevate the productivity of the floor covering by improving its cushioning property with the foam layers.
[0024]The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0025]FIG. 1 is a partial incision perspective view of a floor covering according to a conventional embodiment;
[0026]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 1;
[0027]FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a floor covering according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028]FIG. 4 is a sectional view of FIG. 3; and
[0029]FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a floor covering according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0030]The present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0031]FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a floor covering according to an embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 4 is a sectional view of FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the floor covering of the present invention includes a base layer 10 made of a PVC resin, a printing layer 20 and a transparent film layer 30 sequentially formed on the base layer 10, and a balance layer 40 and a plurality of foam layers sequentially formed underneath the base layer 10.
[0032]According to the above constitution, the foam layer 50, which corresponds to a major constituent of the present invention, will be firstly described. The plurality of foam layers 50 are formed underneath the balance layer 40, that is, in the lowermost layer of the floor covering, arranged in a row to be uniformly spaced apart from each other. It is preferable that the foam layer 50 is made of the same substance used for the base layer 10 and the balance layer 40. More particularly, the foam layer 50 is formed to have a predetermined shape by mechanically foaming a mixed composition consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a main ingredient, dioctylphthalate as a plasticizer, and calcium carbonate as a filler.
[0033]As described above, the foam layer 50 is not formed underneath the overall surface of the balance layer 40, but a plurality of the foam layers 50 are partially formed in a row to be uniformly spaced apart from each other. As a result of the foam layers 50, flexures are formed underneath the floor covering to increase a friction force such that the foam layers 50 serves an important role in preventing slip of the floor covering on the floor of a building.
[0034]Moreover, after constructing the floor covering, air is filled into a space between adjacent foam layers, in which the respective foam layer forms a row. Thus, the soundproofing effect between each layer due to the noise shielding effect by the air can be increased. In addition, the foam layers 50, by themselves, increase a cushion property of the floor covering, thereby greatly increasing the productivity.
[0035]Although the shape of the foam layer 50 is not particularly limited, it is preferable that the plurality of foam layers 50 are arranged in a curved row rather than a straight row. More preferably, it is preferable that the plurality of foam layers 50 are formed in a wave shape by the continuous curves. When forming the foam layers 50 in a wave shape, the surface area is increased such that significant improvement in the slip-resistant effect can be expected.
[0036]With the formation of the foam layer 50, the floor covering of the present invention has a slip-resistant effect on the floor of a building during the construction. Thus, the construction is carried out without an additional adhesive, and the use amount of the adhesive may be significantly reduced, if being used. As a result, the construction fee and time can be reduced.
[0037]Moreover, since the present invention carries out the construction without an adhesive, removing and replacing of the floor covering later on becomes easy. That is, since there is no damage in the floor of a building caused by the adhesive, it is possible to replace the floor covering immediately without the finishing process, as well as, recycle the recovered floor covering since there is no damage thereon. Thus, an eco-friendly construction becomes possible. Additionally, the problems of giving serious harm to the building and humans with the generation of toxic gases by the use of an organic adhesive in an excessive amount during a fire can be solved.
[0038]Meanwhile, the base layer 10 constituting the floor covering of the present invention is made of a PVC resin as a main ingredient, a filler and a plasticizer, and can be easily prepared by a well known method. A variety of additives may be further included in preparing the base layer 10, if necessary. Moreover, forming the printing layer 20 and the transparent film layer 30 on the base layer 10 can also be carried out by the application of a well known method. Particularly, the transparent film layer 30 is prepared using a PVC resin without adding a filler.
[0039]Forming the base layer 10, and the printing layer 20 and transparent film layer 30 on the base layer 10 can be easily carried out by a person with skills in the art. Moreover, a coating layer (not shown) capable of protecting patterns formed on the transparent film layer 30 and printing layer 20 may be further formed on the transparent film layer 30, if necessary.
[0040]Meanwhile, inside the base layer 10, a non-woven fabric layer may be included. In this case, the PVC base layer can be easily obtained by arranging the non-woven fabric layer between the upper and lower PVC layers followed by heat-press molding. The non-woven fabric layer is formed to improve dimensional stability. Moreover, the non-woven fabric layer inhibits shrinking and stretching of the transparent and balance layers such that the edges of the floor covering during the construction may be smoothly finished, as well as inhibits deformation or distortion of the floor covering by heat or humidity.
[0041]The balance layer 40 is formed underneath the above-mentioned base layer 10. As described in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0510836, which has been previously applied and registered by the present applicant (Dongshin Polymer Co., Ltd), it is preferable that the balance layer 40 is formed to satisfy the following equation 1 in relation with the transparent film layer 30.
[0043]Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0510836 has sufficiently described in that the flexure generation caused by a difference in the shrinkage of the materials constituting the transparent film layer 30 and the balance layer 40 can be inhibited by equalizing the shrinkage of the transparent film layer 30 and the balance layer 40, as can be seen in the equation 1.
[0044]The floor covering manufactured in the above manner that satisfies the equation 1 can inhibit the flexure generation occurred by a difference in the shrinkage of the conventional transparent film layer 30 and the balance layer 40. Thus, the edges can be smoothly engaged by preventing the lifting of the floor covering during the construction, as well as the deformation and distortion of the floor covering caused by heat or humidity can be effectively inhibited.
[0045]FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a floor covering according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the floor covering of the present invention has engagement parts 60 formed at respective sides of the floor covering with a predetermined shape. The engagement parts 60 allow continuous arrangement of the floor coverings to be engaged at a protrusion/groove portion with another floor covering arranged adjacent to the floor covering at each side of the floor covering during the process of constructing the floor covering. Therefore, the engageability between each floor covering is improved, thereby increasing the overall solidity of the construction. Additionally, by outgrowing from the linearized arrangement of the floor coverings, an artistic taste in the design manner can be improved even in its appearance.
[0046]The present invention will be better understood from the following examples. These examples are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1
[0047]To 100 parts by weight of vinyl chloride with a degree of polymerization of 600 to 1200, 40 parts by weight of dioctylphthalate as a plasticizer and 380 parts by weight of calcium carbonate as a filler were mixed, and the mixture was rolled by a calender method to prepare a 2 mm-thick sheet, which was employed as a base layer. A printing layer printed by a typical gravure printing method was formed on the base layer, and a PVC sheet with a thickness of 0.2 mm and a horizontal shrinkage with heating (allow to set for 6 hours at 80° C.) of 1.3% was laminated on the printing layer to form a transparent film layer. Thereafter, a sheet obtained by mixing 100 parts by weight of vinyl chloride with a degree of polymerization of 600 to 1200, 30 parts by weight of dioctylphthalate as a plasticizer, and 130 parts by weight of calcium carbonate as a filler followed by rolling the mixture with a calender method was adhered underneath the base layer to form a balance layer. As a result, a floor covering was manufactured.
[0048]In the same manner as in Comparative Example 1 for manufacturing a floor covering, an additional process of forming a foam layer having a wave shape underneath the balance layer by mechanically foaming a resin composition mixed of 100 parts by weight of vinyl chloride with a degree of polymerization of 1200 to 1700, 120 parts by weight of dioctylphthalate as a plasticizer, and 10 parts by weight of calcium carbonate as a filler was performed to manufacture a floor covering.
EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 1
[0049]The floor coverings manufactured in Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 were placed on a support plate made of a cement mortar, respectively. The maximum tensile load (N) was measured by the resistance when the floor covering was pulled with a tensile load rate of 294 N/s and at an angle of 18°, while applying a vertical load of 294 N. The results are presented in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Slip property (N) Comparative Example 1 532 Example 1 664
[0050]As can be seen from Table 1, in the case of Example 1 which forms a foam layer in the lowermost layer by the manufacturing method of the present invention, it was confirmed that the slip property improved due to its high friction force with respect to the cement mortar compared with the slip type Comparative Example 1.
[0051]--Soundproof Test--
[0052]The floor coverings manufactured in Comparative Example 1 and Example 1, the weighted reduction in impact sound pressure level (ΔLw) was measured based on the test methods of KS F 2865, KS F 2863-1, KS F 2810-2, and KS F 2863-2 at Korea Noise & Vibration Technology Co., Ltd. The results are presented in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 ΔLw Comparative Example 1 6 Example 1 8
[0053]As can be seed from Table 2, in the case of Example 1 which forms a foam layer in the lowermost layer by the manufacturing method of the present invention, the weighted reduction in impact sound pressure level increased compared with the slip type Comparative Example 1. It can be confirmed therefrom that the noise reduced significantly when passed through the floor covering of Example 1.
[0054]Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.
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Patent applications in class Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond (e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.)
Patent applications in all subclasses Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond (e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.)
20160010034 DISHWASHING DETERGENT AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME
20160010033 STRUCTURED PARTICLES COMPRISING AN ALKOXYLATED POLYALKYLENEIMINE, AND GRANULAR LAUNDRY DETERGENT COMPRISING THE SAME
20160010032 STRUCTURED PARTICLES COMPRISING AN AMPHIPHILIC GRAFT COPOLYMER, AND GRANULAR LAUNDRY DETERGENT COMPRISING THE SAME
20160010031 SCALE-INHIBITION COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME
20160010030 COLOR-PROTECTING DETERGENT OR CLEANING AGENT HAVING AN OPTICAL BRIGHTENER
2012-10-04 Method for manufacturing flexographic printing plate and flexographic printing plate
2012-09-27 Method for coating, pole tube and device for carrying out the method
2012-08-23 Method for manufacturing a shell body and corresponding body
2012-09-13 Method for manufacturing an advanced magnetic read sensor
2012-10-04 Stretchable conductive nanofibers, stretchable fiber electrode using the same and method for producing the same
2016-05-26 Pattern formation method, pattern, and etching method, electronic device manufacturing method, and electronic device using same
2016-05-26 Pattern formation method, active-light-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, resist film, method for manufacturing electronic device, and electronic device
2016-05-26 Pattern formation method, active light-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, resist film, production method for electronic device using same, and electronic device
2016-05-26 Block copolymers in laminate manufacturing
Top Inventors for class "Stock material or miscellaneous articles"
1 Cheng-Shi Chen
2 Hsin-Pei Chang
3 Wen-Rong Chen
4 Huann-Wu Chiang
5 Shou-Shan Fan
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Patent application title: PROVIDING KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS MAPPED TO A KEYBOARD
Inventors: Eric Liu (Redwood City, CA, US) Seung Wook Kim (Cupertino, CA, US) Seung Wook Kim (Cupertino, CA, US) Stefan J. Marti (Oakland, CA, US)
Assignees: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
IPC8 Class: AG06F30481FI
Class name: Operator interface (e.g., graphical user interface) on-screen workspace or object instrumentation and component modeling (e.g., interactive control panel, virtual device)
Example embodiments relate to the provision of keyboard shortcuts that are mapped to a physical keyboard. In example embodiments, a user interface including a plurality of selectable UI elements is outputted. A plurality of keyboard shortcuts may then be outputted, such that each keyboard shortcut corresponds to a key on a physical keyboard and the shortcuts are spatially arranged in a layout corresponding to a layout of the keyboard. A selection of a particular key may then be received and, in response, the UI element positioned at the location of the keyboard shortcut corresponding to the selected key may be activated.
1. A computing device for providing keyboard shortcuts, the computing device comprising: a processor to: display a user interface (UI) including a plurality of selectable UI elements, display a plurality of keyboard shortcuts on the user interface, wherein each keyboard shortcut corresponds to a respective key on a physical keyboard and the plurality of keyboard shortcuts are spatially arranged in a layout corresponding to a layout of the physical keyboard, receive a selection of a particular key on the physical keyboard, and activate the selectable UI element positioned at a location of the keyboard shortcut corresponding to the selected key.
2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein: the UI elements are touch interface elements selectable based on receipt of a touch command, and the processor is additionally to trigger a touch event upon receipt of the selection of the particular key.
3. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the processor is additionally to: toggle between a first mode and a second mode in response to user selection of a shortcut toggle key, wherein the keyboard shortcuts are displayed in the first mode and not displayed in the second mode.
4. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the processor is additionally to: identify the plurality of selectable UI elements in the user interface prior to display of the keyboard shortcuts, and assign a keyboard shortcut to each UI element based on a position of the UI element within the user interface.
5. The computing device of claim 1, wherein, to display the plurality of keyboard shortcuts, the processor is configured to: display the keyboard shortcuts in a plurality of rows and columns, wherein the rows and columns of the keyboard shortcuts respectively correspond to rows and columns of the physical keyboard.
6. The computing device of claim 1, wherein, to display the plurality of keyboard shortcuts, the processor is configured to: divide the user interface into a plurality of regions, and display keyboard shortcuts within each of the plurality of regions, wherein the shortcuts in each region are spatially mapped to the layout of the physical keyboard.
7. The computing device of claim 6, wherein the processor is additionally to: receive a selection of a region selection key in addition to the selection of the particular key, the region selection key specifying in which region to activate the keyboard shortcut corresponding to the selected key.
8. The computing device of claim 1, wherein, to display the plurality of keyboard shortcuts, the processor is configured to: perform a touch function on the displayed user interface in response to user selection of a touch interface control key, wherein the touch function comprises zooming, scrolling, or flicking.
9. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by a processor of a computing device for providing keyboard shortcuts, the machine-readable storage medium comprising: instructions for displaying a plurality of keyboard shortcuts overlaid on a user interface including a plurality of selectable UI elements, wherein: each keyboard shortcut corresponds to a respective key on a physical keyboard, and the plurality of keyboard shortcuts are arranged based on a physical arrangement of the keys on the physical keyboard; instructions for receiving a selection of a particular key on the physical keyboard; and instructions for activating the selectable UI element positioned at a location of the keyboard shortcut corresponding to the selected key.
10. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein: an operating system of the computing device comprises the instructions for displaying the keyboard shortcuts, and the operating system further comprises: instructions for generating a touch event identifying a position of the selected keyboard shortcut within the user interface, and instructions for providing the touch event to an application that displays the user interface.
11. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein: the instructions for displaying included in the operating system are configured to display the keyboard shortcuts in a plurality of rows and columns, and the rows and columns of the keyboard shortcuts respectively correspond to rows and columns of the physical keyboard.
12. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein: the instructions for displaying the keyboard shortcuts are included in an application that displays the user interface, each keyboard shortcut is pre-assigned to a corresponding UI element, and the instructions for displaying are configured to display each keyboard shortcut at a position of the corresponding UI element.
13. A method for providing keyboard shortcuts, the method comprising: displaying a touch user interface (UI) including a plurality of UI elements selectable by touch; displaying a plurality of keyboard shortcuts on the touch user interface, wherein each of the plurality of keyboard shortcuts corresponds to a respective key on the physical keyboard and is positioned within the user interface according to a location of the corresponding key on the physical keyboard; receiving a selection of a particular key on the physical keyboard; and performing an action on the UI element positioned at a location of the particular keyboard shortcut corresponding to the selected key.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein displaying the keyboard shortcuts comprises: displaying the keyboard shortcuts in a plurality of rows and columns, wherein the rows and columns of the keyboard shortcuts respectively correspond to rows and columns of the physical keyboard.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein displaying the keyboard shortcuts comprises: dividing the user interface into a plurality of regions, and displaying keyboard shortcuts within each of the plurality of regions, wherein the shortcuts in each region are spatially mapped to a layout of the physical keyboard.
[0001] User interfaces enable a user of a computing device to provide input to the device using various techniques. For example, typical desktop computer interfaces allow a user to select interface elements using a cursor controlled by a mouse, while providing text input using a keyboard. As an alternative, some interfaces enable a user to provide input in the form of touch, such that the user may directly manipulate the user interface objects using his or her fingers.
[0002] The following detailed description references the drawings, wherein:
[0003] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example apparatus for displaying keyboard shortcuts that are spatially mapped to a physical keyboard;
[0004] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example apparatus including a computing device that displays keyboard shortcuts that are spatially mapped to a physical keyboard;
[0005] FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an example apparatus for displaying keyboard shortcuts by an operating system of a computing device;
[0006] FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an example apparatus for displaying keyboard shortcuts by an application executing on a computing device;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example method for providing keyboard shortcuts and responding to user selection of the keyboard shortcuts;
[0008] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example method for providing keyboard shortcuts in multiple regions of an interface and for responding to user selection of the keyboard shortcuts;
[0009] FIG. 6A is a diagram of an example user interface including keyboard shortcuts arranged in rows and columns that correspond to a physical keyboard; and
[0010] FIG. 6B is a diagram of an example user interface including keyboard shortcuts arranged within two regions in rows and columns that correspond to a physical keyboard.
[0011] As detailed above, user interfaces enable a user to provide input to a computer using a mouse, keyboard, touch, or other input technique. As a user gains familiarity with a particular interface, he or she may desire to make the interaction more efficient by utilizing keyboard shortcuts overlaid on the interface. Similarly, the user may desire to use keyboard shortcuts when he or she is away from a touch display and/or mouse, such that the user may fully interact with the interface from a distance.
[0012] Example embodiments disclosed herein allow for highly-efficient interactions with a user interface by providing keyboard shortcuts that are spatially mapped to the layout of the keyboard. For example, in some implementations, a computing device may initially display a user interface (UI) including a plurality of selectable UI elements. The device may then display a plurality of keyboard shortcuts overlaid on the user interface. Each keyboard shortcut may correspond to a respective key on a physical keyboard and, in addition, the plurality of keyboard shortcuts may be spatially arranged in a layout corresponding to a layout of the physical keyboard. The computing device may further receive a selection of a particular key on the physical keyboard. In response, the computing device may activate the selectable UI element positioned at a location of the keyboard shortcut corresponding to the selected key.
[0013] In this manner, example embodiments disclosed herein provide keyboard shortcuts that are mapped to the layout of the keyboard, such that the user can quickly activate shortcuts based on their location on the screen without memorizing shortcuts for each application. Similarly, users familiar with touch typing may quickly activate shortcuts without looking at the keyboard, thereby significantly increasing the efficiency of their interaction. In addition, the user may save time by minimizing the need to switch between typing on the keyboard and interacting with a mouse or touchscreen. Furthermore, in touch-based environments, the user may remotely control the touch interface from a location physically removed from the display (e.g., from a sofa) without the need to actually touch the display. Advantageously, because any keyboard may be used to implement the keyboard shortcuts, each of the described benefits may be obtained without additional hardware.
[0014] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example apparatus 100 for displaying keyboard shortcuts 130 that are spatially mapped to a physical keyboard 140. The following description of FIG. 1 provides an overview of example embodiments. Further implementation details regarding various embodiments are provided below in connection with FIGS. 2 through 6B.
[0015] As depicted in FIG. 1, a display 110 outputs a user interface 120 of an application for displaying posts from a blog. The user interface 120 includes a number of selectable UI elements. For example, as shown in the first column, interface 120 allows a user to view comments, posts, pages, stats, and drafts. Similarly, the second column of interface 120 enables a user to select various posts of the blog. Finally, the third column of interface 120 allows a user to view the currently-selected post.
[0016] To enable a user to quickly select the interface elements and navigate within the blog application, interface 120 displays a number of keyboard shortcuts 130. As illustrated, the keyboard shortcuts 130 are spatially arranged in a layout corresponding to a layout of physical keyboard 140. In other words, the orientation of the shortcuts with respect to one another in interface 120 is generally the same on keyboard 140.
[0017] For example, referring to the first column of UI elements, the keyboard shortcuts are "2", "W", "Q", "A", and "Z". Because these UI elements are positioned on the left-hand side of interface 120, the shortcuts correspond to keys that are positioned on the left-hand side of keyboard 140. In addition, the shortcuts in the first column are also arranged vertically in a manner similar to the vertical arrangement of keyboard 140. Thus, because the "Comments" button is above the "Posts" button, the shortcuts ("2" and "W") correspond to keys that are arranged vertically on keyboard 140. Similarly, because the "Pages", "Stats", and "Drafts" buttons are arranged vertically from top to bottom, the shortcuts ("Q", "A", and "Z") correspond to keys that are also arranged on keyboard 140 vertically with respect to one another.
[0018] A similar arrangement of shortcuts is applied to the remainder of interface 120. For example, the second column of interface 120 includes shortcuts "4", "R", "F", and "V", which are arranged vertically in interface 120 and therefore correspond to a column of keyboard 140 (i.e., the column beginning with "4"). Similarly, shortcuts "E", "D", and "C" are also arranged vertically in interface 120 and therefore correspond to a portion of another column of keyboard 140. Because the "Refresh" button is located to the left of the "Add New" button, shortcut "X" is used for the "Refresh" button, as the "X" key is positioned to the left of the "C" key on keyboard 140. Finally, the "Edit", "View", and "Trash" keys are positioned horizontally with respect to one another and are on the right-hand side of interface 120, so the shortcut keys are the comma key, period key, and forward slash key.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example apparatus 200 including a computing device 205 that displays keyboard shortcuts that are spatially mapped to a physical keyboard 230. As described in further detail below, a computing device 205 may generate and display a number of keyboard shortcuts arranged similarly to the arrangement of keyboard 230. Upon selection of a particular key on keyboard 230 by a user, the computing device 205 may identify the selected shortcut and perform an action on the user interface element located at the position of the selected shortcut.
[0020] Computing device 205 may be, for example, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, an all-in-one system, a tablet computing device, a mobile phone, a set-top box, or any other computing device suitable for display of a user interface on a corresponding display device. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, computing device 205 includes a processor 210 and a machine-readable storage medium 220.
[0021] Processor 210 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs), semiconductor-based microprocessors, and/or other hardware devices suitable for retrieval and execution of instructions stored in machine-readable storage medium 220. Processor 210 may fetch, decode, and execute instructions 222, 224, 226, 228 to display keyboard shortcuts and respond to activation of the keyboard shortcuts. As an alternative or in addition to retrieving and executing instructions, processor 210 may include one or more electronic circuits that include electronic components for performing the functionality of one or more of instructions 222, 224, 226, 228.
[0022] Machine-readable storage medium 220 may be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other non-transitory physical storage device that contains or stores executable instructions. Thus, machine-readable storage medium 220 may be, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a storage device, an optical disc, and the like. As described in detail below, machine-readable storage medium 220 may be encoded with a series of executable instructions 222, 224, 226, 228 for outputting a user interface including keyboard shortcuts, receiving selection of a keyboard shortcut, and triggering an appropriate action within the UI.
[0023] User interface displaying instructions 222 may initially display a user interface including a plurality of selectable UI elements. The user interface may be displayed by the operating system of device 205 or by an application running within the operating system (e.g., a web browser, word processor, photo editor, etc.). Each UI element may be any object capable of receiving input from the user. Thus, to name a few examples, the UI elements may be files, folders, scroll bars, drop-down menus, hyperlinks, or taskbars.
[0024] To simplify the task of interacting with the displayed interface, keyboard shortcut displaying instructions 224 may display a plurality of keyboard shortcuts on the user interface. Each of the displayed shortcuts may correspond to a respective key on physical keyboard 230 and may be labeled with the letter(s), number(s), and/or symbol(s) that are present on the corresponding key. To give a few examples, a shortcut labeled with "! 1" may correspond to the key on keyboard 230 labeled with "1" and an exclamation point. Similarly, the shortcut labeled with "Caps Lock" may correspond to the Caps Lock key on keyboard 230.
[0025] To increase the usability of the shortcuts, displaying instructions 224 may spatially arrange the keyboard shortcuts in a layout corresponding to the layout of physical keyboard 230. In other words, shortcuts may generally correspond in horizontal and vertical position within the user interface to the horizontal and vertical position of the corresponding key on physical keyboard 230. Thus, shortcuts on the left-hand side of the interface may correspond to keys on the left-hand side of keyboard 230, while shortcuts on the right-hand side of the interface may correspond to keys on the right-hand side of keyboard 230. Similarly, shortcuts on the top of the interface may correspond to keys in the upper portion of keyboard 230, while shortcuts on the bottom of the interface may correspond to keys in the bottom portion of keyboard 230.
[0026] In some implementations, displaying instructions 224 may display a single shortcut at the location of each user interface element. FIG. 1, described in detail above, depicts an example of such an interface. In some of these implementations, the shortcuts may be static, such that a UI designer or other individual may assign a shortcut to each user interface element during the design of the user interface. Alternatively, instructions 224 may dynamically assign a shortcut to each UI element prior to display of the shortcuts. In such implementations, instructions 224 may first identify all selectable UI elements within the interface. Displaying instructions 224 may then iterate through each of the UI elements, assigning keyboard shortcuts to each element based on the position of the element within the user interface and further based on the layout of keyboard 230. After obtaining the shortcuts for each UI element, displaying instructions 224 may then output each shortcut on top of or adjacent to the corresponding UI element.
[0027] In other implementations, displaying instructions 224 may output a layout of the entire keyboard 230 or a portion thereof overlaid on the user interface. FIGS. 6A & 6B, described in detail below, depict examples of such interfaces. As an example implementation, displaying instructions 224 may output the keyboard shortcuts in a plurality of rows and columns that respectively correspond to rows and columns of the physical keyboard. By displaying the shortcut keys in a grid overlaid on the user interface, displaying instructions 224 allow the user to activate a touch, click, or other input event at the shortcut's location by simply pressing the key displayed on the shortcut.
[0028] Regardless of the implementation, displaying instructions 224 may display the shortcut using a number of possible formats. Each shortcut may be included in a rectangle, oval, or other shape or, alternatively, the label may simply be overlaid on top of the interface. Furthermore, various levels of transparency may be applied to each shortcut. For example, the fill color of the shortcuts may be opaque or, alternatively, at least partially transparent so that the underlying interface elements are visible. In addition, in implementations in which the display is 3D-capable, the keyboard shortcuts may be positioned in the same plane as the UI elements or in a different plane, such that the keyboard shortcuts appear to be pop-up notes.
[0029] After displaying the keyboard shortcuts, computing device 205 may begin monitoring for keyboard input. Thus, key selection receiving instructions 226 may receive a selection of a particular key on keyboard 230. For example, when the user activates a particular key, receiving instructions 226 may detect a keyboard interrupt and, in response, identify the selected key.
[0030] UI element activating instructions 228 may then activate the selectable UI element positioned at the location of the keyboard shortcut that corresponds to the selected key. For example, when the selected shortcut is located at the position of a particular UI element, activating instructions 228 may trigger an action performed in response to selection of the UI element. This may include, for example, activating a function corresponding to a button, scrolling a window based on movement of a scroll bar, opening a new application, following a hyperlink, or performing any other action assigned to the UI element.
[0031] In implementations in which each UI element is assigned a corresponding shortcut, activating instructions 228 may directly trigger the corresponding action. Alternatively, in implementations in which the shortcuts are overlaid on the interface without being assigned to particular UI elements, activating instructions 228 may trigger a UI event at the coordinates of the selected keyboard shortcut. For example, in touch-based implementations, activating instructions 228 may generate a touch event that identifies the coordinates of the selected shortcut, such that the operating system (OS) or application receives the touch event and responds appropriately.
[0032] Keyboard 230 may be a physical keyboard suitable for receiving typed input from a user and for providing the typed input to computing device 205. Thus, when the user activates a key, such as a key corresponding to a keyboard shortcut, keyboard 230 may provide a signal describing the input to computing device 205. A controller in computing device 205 may then trigger a keyboard interrupt, which, as described above, may be processed by receiving instructions 226. The layout used for keyboard 230 may vary depending on the language and region and, as a result, the shortcuts may also vary depending on these factors. As one specific example, in implementations in which the user interface is presented in English, keyboard 230 may use a conventional QWERTY layout and the shortcuts may be arranged based on the QWERTY layout.
[0033] FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an example apparatus 300 for displaying keyboard shortcuts by an operating system 304 of a computing device 302. Apparatus 300 may include a computing device 302 in communication with a keyboard 330. As described further below, operating system 304 displays keyboard shortcuts overlaid on an interface of a touch application 318 and, in response to selection of the shortcuts, transmits touch events to application 318.
[0034] As with computing device 205 of FIG. 2, computing device 302 may be any computing device suitable for display of a user interface. As illustrated, computing device 302 may include a number of modules 306-316, 320, 322 for providing the keyboard shortcut functionality described herein. Each of the modules may include a series of instructions encoded on a machine-readable storage medium and executable by a processor of computing device 302. In addition or as an alternative, each module may include one or more hardware devices including electronic circuitry for implementing the functionality described below.
[0035] Operating system 304 may include a series of instructions for managing the hardware resources of computing device 302 and providing an interface to the hardware to applications running in OS 304, such as touch application 318. In the implementation of FIG. 3A, OS 304 includes a series of modules 306-316 for displaying keyboard shortcuts and responding to user selection of the shortcuts.
[0036] Keyboard shortcut module 306 may manage the process for generating and displaying keyboard shortcuts that are overlaid on the interfaces of applications executing within OS 304, such as touch application 318. Thus, keyboard shortcut module 306 may include UI dividing module 308, shortcut displaying module 310, and shortcut toggling module 312. As detailed below, because OS 304 is generally unaware of the touch targets within touch application 318, modules 308, 310, 312 may be configured to generate and display a grid of touch shortcuts, such as the grids depicted in FIGS. 6A & 6B.
[0037] UI dividing module 308 may include functionality for determining whether to divide the available display area into multiple regions in which the keyboard shortcuts are separately mapped to keyboard 330. An example of such an arrangement is depicted in FIG. 6B. As one example implementation, UI dividing module 308 may initially determine the number of areas to map to keyboard 330 based on the resolution of the display of computing device 302, the number of touch targets within the interface, or any other information indicating a required level of precision. UI dividing module 308 may then divide the available display area into regions of generally equal size (e.g., two rectangles, four rectangles that form a 2×2 grid, etc.). In some implementations, each of the generated regions may be roughly proportional to the area of keyboard 330 to which the keyboard shortcuts will be mapped. For example, if the entire keyboard will be used, each region may be a rectangle with a length about 2 to 3 times the width.
[0038] Shortcut displaying module 310 may then separately map the shortcuts in each generated region to the layout of keyboard 330. For example, for each region, displaying module 310 may generate a plurality of rows and columns of shortcuts that are arranged to correspond to the rows and columns of keyboard 330. In other words, the shortcuts in each region may be arranged based on the physical arrangement of the keys on keyboard 330.
[0039] After generating the shortcuts in a grid pattern, shortcut displaying module 310 may then output the shortcuts when shortcut toggling module 312 indicates that the user has enabled the display of shortcuts. More specifically, shortcut toggling module 312 may detect user selection of toggle key 336 and communicate the selection to displaying module 310, such that the user may toggle between a first mode in which shortcuts are displayed and a second mode in which shortcuts are not displayed.
[0040] Subsequent to display of the shortcut keys, key selection receiving module 314 may receive a selection of a particular shortcut key 332 from the user. In addition, in implementations in which shortcut displaying module 310 has displayed multiple regions of shortcuts, receiving module 314 may also receive a selection of a region key 334 that specifies in which region to activate the keyboard shortcut. For example, when the interface is divided into two regions of keyboard shortcuts, the user may select one key (e.g., "CTRL") for the first region and a second key (e.g., "ALT") for the second region. In this example, if the user inputs CTRL+A, the selection would apply to the "A" shortcut in the first region. On the other hand, if the user inputs ALT+A, the selection would apply to the "A" shortcut in the second region.
[0041] Finally, touch event module 316 may generate a touch event identifying the position of the selected keyboard shortcut within the user interface and make the event available to touch application 318. For example, OS 304 may define an Application Programming Interface (API) that specifies a set of rules for communicating events to applications. In this instance, touch event module 316 may generate an API message that identifies the coordinates of the selected keyboard shortcut as the location of a touch event, such as a tap or gesture. As one specific example, when OS 304 is Microsoft Windows, the touch event may be a WM_TOUCH message. After generating the touch event, touch event module 316 may provide the touch event to touch application 318.
[0042] Touch application 318 may be any application executing within OS 304 that provides a user interface supporting the receipt of touch events. Thus, touch application 318 may be a web browser, word processor, game, media player, or any other application. Touch application 318 may include a touch UI displaying module 320 and a UI element activating module 322.
[0043] Touch UI displaying module 320 may initially output the touch user interface within OS 304. As detailed above, OS 304 may then output the keyboard shortcuts overlaid on the interface of application 318. In response to receipt of a touch event from OS 304, UI element activating module 322 may process the received touch event. In particular, UI element activating module 322 may determine whether there is a user interface element located at the coordinates described in the touch event and, if so, perform a corresponding action on the UI element. For example, activating module 322 may perform a function triggered by a button, scroll a window controlled by a scroll bar, follow a hyperlink, or perform any other action controlled by the selected UI element.
[0044] Keyboard 330 may be a physical keyboard including a plurality of selectable keys. As detailed above, shortcut keys 332 may be assigned to keyboard shortcuts displayed by displaying module 310. Region keys 334 may allow a user to identify a region in which to activate the keyboard shortcut corresponding to a selected shortcut key 332. Additionally, toggle key 336 may allow the user to toggle the display of the keyboard shortcuts.
[0045] In some implementations, interface control keys 338 may allow a user to perform other touch functions using the keyboard. For example, control keys 338 may be dedicated to scrolling, zooming, flicking, or other functionality for controlling the touch-enabled interface displayed by application 318. For example, the arrow keys, numeric keypad, or other hot keys may be reserved for these functions, such that, in combination with shortcut keys 332, the user may fully control the touch interface using only keyboard 330. The functionality corresponding to each interface control key 338 may be implemented by OS 304 or by touch application 318 depending on the particular implementation.
[0046] FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an example apparatus 350 for displaying keyboard shortcuts by an application 355 executing on a computing device 352. Apparatus 350 may include a computing device 352 in communication with a keyboard 330. As described further below, touch application 355 displays keyboard shortcuts for each UI element and, in response to selection of a shortcut, activates the corresponding UI element.
[0047] As with computing device 302 of FIG. 3A, computing device 352 may be any computing device suitable for display of a user interface. As illustrated, computing device 352 may include a number of modules 356-366 for providing the keyboard shortcut functionality described herein. Each of the modules may include a series of instructions encoded on a machine-readable storage medium and executable by a processor of computing device 352. In addition or as an alternative, each module may include one or more hardware devices including electronic circuitry for implementing the functionality described below.
[0048] As with operating system 304 of FIG. 3A, operating system 354 may include a series of instructions for managing the hardware resources of computing device 352 and providing an interface to the hardware to applications running in OS 354. In the implementation of FIG. 3B, rather than providing touch events to touch application 355, OS 354 provides data describing key input received from keyboard 330. As detailed below, key selection receiving module 364 of touch application 355 may then process the key input accordingly.
[0049] Touch application 355 may be any application executing within OS 354 that provides a user interface supporting the receipt of touch events. In the implementation of FIG. 3B, touch application 355 includes a series of modules 356-366 for displaying keyboard shortcuts and responding to user selection of the shortcuts.
[0050] Touch UI displaying module 356 may initially output the touch user interface within OS 354. The touch user interface may include a number of elements with which the user may interact using touch. For example, the displayed touch UI may include selectable buttons, scroll bars, hyperlinks, or any other elements that receive data or perform an action in response to user input.
[0051] Keyboard shortcut module 358 may then manage the process for generating and displaying keyboard shortcuts overlaid on the user interface. In the implementation of FIG. 3B, touch application 355 may be aware of the various UI elements in the displayed interface and, as a result, modules 360, 362 of keyboard shortcut module 358 may display a single keyboard shortcut for each of the UI elements. In other words, the keyboard shortcuts may have a one-to-one correspondence with the UI elements.
[0052] Shortcut assigning module 360 may manage the process for generating a keyboard shortcut for each UI element in the user interface. In some implementations, shortcut assigning module 360 may obtain shortcuts statically assigned to each user interface element based on the layout of keyboard 330 by an interface designer, software engineer, or other individual. In other implementations, shortcut assigning module 360 may automatically assign keyboard shortcuts to each of the UI elements in the interface. For example, shortcut assigning module 360 may first identify all selectable user interface elements in the interface. Shortcut assigning module 360 may then iterate through each of the identified elements to assign a keyboard shortcut to each element based on the position of the element within the user interface as compared to the layout of keyboard 330. For example, shortcut assigning module 360 may proceed through the UI elements row-by-row and assign keyboard shortcuts within a given row of keys of keyboard 330 based on the horizontal position of each element in the interface. As another example, shortcut assigning module 360 may proceed through the UI elements column-by-column and assign keyboard shortcuts within a given column of keys of keyboard 330 based on the vertical position of each element in the interface.
[0053] As with keyboard shortcut module 306 of FIG. 3A, keyboard shortcut module 358 may divide the UI into regions of keyboard shortcuts, such that the shortcuts of each region are mapped separately to the layout of keyboard 330. For example, shortcut assigning module 360 may identify a number of regions within the displayed interface and separately perform the assigning procedure described above for each region.
[0054] After shortcut assigning module 360 generates the shortcuts, shortcut displaying module 362 may then display each keyboard shortcut at a position of the corresponding UI element. For example, shortcut displaying module 362 may display each shortcut adjacent to or on top of the corresponding UI element. As with keyboard shortcut module 306 of FIG. 3A, displaying module 362 may also toggle display of the shortcuts based on user selection of toggle key 336.
[0055] After display of the keyboard shortcuts, key selection receiving module 364 may then begin monitoring for user input indicating a selection of a particular keyboard shortcut. For example, receiving module 364 may receive data describing a selected key from OS 354 and determine whether the selected key corresponds to a particular shortcut key 332. Key selection receiving module 364 may also receive a selection of a region key 334 when multiple regions of shortcuts are displayed.
[0056] In response to a determination that a particular keyboard shortcut has been activated, UI element activating module 366 may then activate the UI element corresponding to the selected keyboard shortcut. For example, activating module 366 may perform a function triggered by a button, scroll a window controlled by a scroll bar, follow a hyperlink, or perform any other action controlled by the selected UI element.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example method 400 for providing keyboard shortcuts and responding to user selection of the keyboard shortcuts. Although execution of method 400 is described below with reference to apparatus 200 of FIG. 2, other suitable devices for execution of method 400 will be apparent to those of skill in the art (e.g., apparatus 300, 350). Method 400 may be implemented in the form of executable instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium, such as storage medium 220, and/or in the form of electronic circuitry.
[0058] Method 400 may start in block 405 and continue to block 410, where computing device 205 may display a UI including a plurality of selectable UI elements. For example, the UI may be an interface of an application, such as a web browser, word processor, game, media player, and the like. Each UI element may be any object that receives input from a user, which, in some cases, may be touch input.
[0059] After display of the interface, method 400 may continue to block 415, where computing device 205 may display keyboard shortcuts that are spatially mapped to keyboard 230. In other words, to enable fast selection of the shortcuts, computing device 205 may arrange the keyboard shortcuts in a layout corresponding to the layout of the keyboard 230.
[0060] Next, in block 420, computing device 205 may receive a selection of a particular key on the keyboard that corresponds to a displayed keyboard shortcut. Finally, in block 425, computing device 205 may activate the UI element located at the position of the selected shortcut. Method 400 may then continue to block 430, where method 400 may stop.
[0061] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example method 500 for providing keyboard shortcuts in multiple regions of an interface and for responding to user selection of the keyboard shortcuts. Although execution of method 500 is described below with reference to apparatus 300, 350 of FIGS. 3A & 3B, other suitable devices for execution of method 500 will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Method 500 may be implemented in the form of executable instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium and/or in the form of electronic circuitry.
[0062] Method 500 may start in block 505 and continue to block 510, where computing device 302, 352 may display a UI including a plurality of selectable UI elements. Next, in block 515, computing device 302, 352 may determine whether to divide the UI into multiple regions, where each region will include keyboard shortcuts separately mapped to the keyboard 330. In making this determination, computing device 302, 352 may consider, for example, the resolution of the display, the number of UI elements in the interface, or any other factors indicating a level of precision required for the keyboard shortcuts. In block 520, computing device 302, 352 may then generate keyboard shortcuts for each region, such that the shortcuts in each region are spatially mapped to the physical arrangement of the keys on keyboard 330.
[0063] In block 525, computing device 302, 352 may determine whether keyboard shortcuts are currently enabled based on toggle key 336. When keyboard shortcuts are not currently enabled, method 500 may skip to block 550, described in further detail below. Alternatively, if keyboard shortcuts are currently enabled, method 500 may continue to block 530, where computing device 302, 352 may display the keyboard shortcuts overlaid on the interface displayed in block 510. For example, as described in connection with FIG. 3A and depicted in FIGS. 6A & 6B, the operating system 304 of computing device 302 may display the shortcuts in an arrangement of rows and columns. Alternatively, as described in connection with FIG. 3B and depicted in FIG. 1, a touch application 355 executing on computing device 352 may display the shortcuts such that a single shortcut corresponds to each UI element.
[0064] After display of the shortcuts in block 530, method 500 may continue to block 535, where computing device 302, 352 may determine whether key input has been received from keyboard 330. If no input has been received, method 500 may skip to block 550, described below. Otherwise, method 500 may continue to block 540, where computing device 302, 352 may identify the selected shortcut key 332 and, if applicable, a region key 334 specifying the region in which the shortcut is located.
[0065] Next, in block 545, computing device 302, 352 may activate the UI element located at the position of the selected shortcut key. In the implementation of FIG. 3A, operating system 304 may generate a touch event and provide the touch event to touch application 318. Touch application 318 may then activate the UI element located at the coordinates identified in the touch event. Alternatively, in the implementation of FIG. 3B, touch application 318 may directly receive the key input and, in response, activate the UI element corresponding to the selected keyboard shortcut. Method 500 may then continue to block 550.
[0066] In block 550, computing device 302, 352 may determine whether to proceed with execution of the method. For example, provided that computing device 302, 352 remains powered on and the touch software is executing, method 500 may return to block 525, where computing device 302, 352 may continue the process for displaying keyboard shortcuts. Alternatively, method 500 may proceed to block 555, where method 500 may stop.
[0067] FIG. 6A is a diagram of an example user interface 600 including keyboard shortcuts arranged in rows and columns that correspond to a physical keyboard. User interface 600 may correspond, for example, to an arrangement of keyboard shortcuts displayed by operating system 304 of FIG. 3A.
[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, a grid of keyboard shortcuts arranged in a series of rows and columns is overlaid on top of a user interface of a map application. As detailed above, by selecting a key on the keyboard corresponding to the displayed keyboard shortcut, the user may activate a touch event at the position of the displayed shortcut and the operating system may provide details of the touch event to the map application. In response, the map application may respond to the touch event.
[0069] For example, pressing the "ESC" key may trigger a touch event at the location of the magnifying glass icon. In response, the map application may receive the touch event from the operating system, determine that the magnifying glass has been selected, and take an appropriate action, such as displaying a pop-up menu for controlling a zoom level of the map. As another example, pressing the "TAB" key may trigger a touch event at the corresponding coordinates of the map. In response, the map application may receive the touch event, determine that the map has been selected at the coordinates of the "TAB" shortcut, and take an appropriate action, such as zooming in on the map at the position of the "TAB" shortcut.
[0070] FIG. 6B is a diagram of an example user interface 650 including keyboard shortcuts arranged within two regions in rows and columns that correspond to a physical keyboard. User interface 650 may correspond, for example, to an arrangement of keyboard shortcuts displayed by operating system 304 of FIG. 3A.
[0071] In contrast to interface 600 of FIG. 6A, interface 650 includes two regions, each of which includes shortcuts separately mapped to the layout of the keyboard. Thus, in this example, a user may also provide a region key in connection with selection of a particular shortcut. For example, suppose that "CTRL" is used as the region key for the top region of shortcuts, while "ALT" is used as the region key for the bottom region of shortcuts. In this case, user selection of CTRL+ESC would trigger a touch event at the location of the magnifying glass icon. On the other hand, user selection of ALT+ESC would trigger a touch event at the coordinates of the lower ESC shortcut. In either case, the touch application may receive a touch event from the operating system identifying the coordinates of the selected shortcut and trigger an appropriate action in response to the touch event.
[0072] The foregoing disclosure describes a number of example embodiments for displaying keyboard shortcuts that are arranged similarly to the physical layout of the keyboard. In this manner, the embodiments disclosed herein enable a user to efficiently provide input to a user interface, as the user may quickly trigger shortcuts based on their location on the screen. Furthermore, in touch implementations, the user may control a touch interface using the keyboard, thereby minimizing the need to actually touch the display. Additional embodiments and advantages of such embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the foregoing description.
Patent applications by Seung Wook Kim, Cupertino, CA US
Patent applications by QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
Patent applications in class Instrumentation and component modeling (e.g., interactive control panel, virtual device)
Patent applications in all subclasses Instrumentation and component modeling (e.g., interactive control panel, virtual device)
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Top Inventors for class "Data processing: presentation processing of document, operator interface processing, and screen saver display processing"
1 Imran Chaudhri
2 Sanjiv Sirpal
3 Rick A. Hamilton, Ii
4 Bas Ording
5 Clifford A. Pickover
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Paul Enns Wiebe
Komos Books
from: Sacred Books & Sky Hooks
I had been born on a bleak, frigid morning at Massachusetts General Hospital, courtesy of Renée Swift, née Arouet. While we were in the delivery room, my father, J. Ethan Swift II, JD, was pacing the halls hoping for a boy to continue his good name. The gods smiled on him, so to speak, and I was christened J. Ethan Swift III, with a JD to follow.
Father liked to say that he was “of the Dooblin Swifts,” though he had left Ireland and run off to London when he was barely seventeen. He’d been born into a Catholic family but when he turned twenty-one and moved to Boston he became what he liked to call “a staunch, born-again Unitarian.” He’d come to prefer the music of Liszt to that of Palestrina, he’d often say, and a rose supported by a vase on top of a piano to a statue of the Virgin standing in a dusty alcove.
Father’s face advertised his Irish genes. Even at the age of seventy his large, fit body supported a substantial head graced with gray, well-kempt hair, a round, pink face and a broad mustache whose edges extended half an inch beyond his large pink ears, which had been tinged—or so Mother would suggest—by his routine of enjoying a late-afternoon port, a dinner chardonnay, and a bedtime whiskey. His conversation was lively and his learning immense. He always dressed immaculately in the kind of suit one would expect from someone in his position, though where the Brahmins were concerned, he was only an upstart who had made good at the bar.
Mother came from a long line of French atheists. But while she was heavy with my younger brother Jean-Pierre, she took a stroll on a Chestnut Hill green, where she was caught in a thunderstorm; a bolt of lightning knocked her to the ground, causing her to have what she came to call a religious experience. She was quickly carted off to Massachusetts General, where, on waking, she became a Christian for life. But she had trouble settling on a single denomination. Not long after finding a new church that better fit her shifting theological tastes, she would move on to another. This was largely because, as Father would say on those occasions when I accompanied him to his weekly Liszt-and-rose affairs, the church she’d most recently abandoned wasn’t consistent with the social advances he had made and the views that went with them.
Mother had started with the Pentecostals, moved from them to the Baptists, then the Methodists, before settling on the Presbyterians—for two years, after which she considered becoming a Catholic, though because of Father’s disapproval of the religion he had abandoned she settled on the Episcopalians. I don’t recall her other religious experiments, though I believe the Quakers once held her in thrall. At any rate, during her inevitable quarrel with the Episcopalians I quit attending the services of the churches she at times had me grace with my company. This happened after my last Eucharist, where before receiving the Body and after the woman before me had had her portion, I whispered to the man administering the sacrament, “I’ll have what she had.” For this petty sin I received a murderous glare, not the conspiratorial smile I’d hoped for.
Other items concerning Mother included her appearance (tiny, svelte, Gallic nose) the accent of her native tongue, and her dress (elegant, preferring business suits when in the world of charitable causes but long, sparkling gowns while entertaining Father’s crowd). She was lively in motion and ardent in conversation, though her mind, once bright and astute, was prematurely on the wane—because, Father often confided to others, of that damned lightning strike.
Then there was Jean-Pierre, co-victim of that bolt from the skies. Despite being somewhat deficient in matters of the mind, he was Mother’s favorite. He was tiny and slim and had an awkward gait and a nose that advertised his Gallic genes. A difficult birth had been prologue to a difficult life. He was constantly changing his attire, always according to the fleeting fashions favored by the mavericks of his marginal world, and continually in search of his true self, which, when he seemed to have found it, quickly vanished and was followed by another futile quest.
Paul Enns Wiebe perpetually asks himself, "What do I want to write when I grow up?"
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Grief After Suicide Blog
Personal Grief Coaching
Training & Presentations
SURVIVOR OUTLOOK: "Your death is the burden to us, not your life"
"Survivor Outlook" shares the words of survivors of suicide loss whose experiences with grief and recovery have been reported in the news. To learn more about the survivors quoted, follow the links to the complete stories. Also, learn how to suggest a story.
"If you are reading this ... and you are struggling to survive ... do not stop fighting, not only for yourself, but for your parents, children, siblings and friends. None of our lives are better without you ... Your death is the burden to us, not your life." Diane Morrison, Port Caledonia, Nova Scotia, lost her 21-year-old brother to suicide three years ago.
"Every time he's in my dream, he's a little boy, and I'm not sure what that means -- except that Jeffrey will always be my little boy." Steve Boczenowski, Groton, Mass., lost his 21-year-old son to suicide in 2009. (Learn about the foundation created by Steve and his wife, Deb.)
"I have been shocked by some subtle and not-so-subtle comments indicating that perhaps I should be ready to 'move on.'" Kay Warren, California, lost her son Matthew, 27, to suicide almost a year ago. (Kay and her husband, Pastor Rick Warren, are hosts of the Mental Health and the Church Summit later this month.)
"He was the greatest kid in the world, but he would get into these panic spells and deep abysses ... He was wired different than the rest of us." Tommy John, New Jersey, lost his son, Taylor, 28, to suicide in 2010. (Learn about Tommy John's Let's Do It Foundation.)
"When your kid has cancer, you just know what to do. You stop what you're doing, you get them treatment, and -- god willing -- they get better. But it's not like that with many mental illnesses." Victoria Mataragas, Petaluma, Calif., lost her son, Michael, 24, to suicide in January.
"I talked to her two hours before she took her life. Two hours. She was happy. We had plans to go shopping. Two hours later, she was gone ... Sometimes, it's the person you least expect it to be." Veronica Nott, Newark, N.J., lost her 16-year-old sister to suicide in 2012.
"George was my hero and my friend." Michael Ingmire, North Carolina, lost his older brother, George, to suicide in 1996.
"When I hear suicide described as a cowardly act I shake my head. The person who is suffering has been so brave to live with their pain for as long as they have; we have to find them courageous at some level for doing that." Linda Woods, Kelowna, BC, lost her 13-year-old son, Greg, to suicide in 1990.
"His creativity and genius were exterminated but his story will live on for as long as I have breath in my body." Rebecca Caldwell, Michigan, lost her 20-year-old son, Shane, to suicide in 2011.
"You go in cycles -- peaks and valleys of understanding and grief." Rick Selah, Dallas, Texas, lost his 15-year-old daughter, Kebra, to suicide in 2004.
"We're choosing to live life, versus going down the dark side." Larie Hannum, Utah, lost her son Brody, 26, to suicide in 2009. (Learn about the family's Livastride Foundation.)
"After a Suicide" Resources
Directory of Survivor Support Groups
Children's Grief
Death Of A Parent
Death Of A Sibling
Depression & Grief
Experts On Grief
FJC's Journal
Grief And Communities
Health & Grief
Men's Grief
Spirituality & Grief
Survivor Outlook
Survivor Showcase
Grief after Suicide posts are by Franklin Cook (unless noted). Learn more about Franklin's work in suicide grief support.
Blogs on Suicide Grief
Alliance of Hope
Healing Suicide Grief
Lala's Mom
Our Side of Suicide
Mary's Shortcut
Loss of a Child
Bright Shining Star
Speaking of Suicide
Everything But the Cat
Must be read by anyone posting any content on this website.
© 2016 Personal Grief Coaching.
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Director of Pierce Group Limited providing proactive business and strategic advice with guidance and support to SME’s and Owner Managed Businesses helping them achieve their personal and business goals.
Joined Pierce in 2002 and qualified as a Chartered accountant in 2006. Promoted to Associate Director in 2014 and to the Board of Directors in 2015.
Whilst working in all areas of general practice I have extensive experience in audit, specialist assurance assignments and financial reporting.
I work closely with my clients getting to know their business and understand their personal and corporate goals.
Working with SME’s and Owner Managed Businesses is much more than compliance, it is the added value services, tax and strategic planning that really matters and makes a difference.
Qualifications and professional achievements:
BA Hons - Economics
Chartered Accountant (ICAEW)
Unusual Facts:
A former semi-professional footballer, keen sports fan and Burnley FC season ticket holder.
Enjoy spending time with my young family.
Like to travel and enjoy the outdoors.
‘We recently moved to Pierce after being impressed by Jimmy and what he and Pierce could offer. The switch from our previous accountant was made easy and since which time we have benefitted from corporate and personal planning which we have not had previously. Jimmy is currently assisting us with how best to structure our expansion overseas from both a tax and commercial perspective. We have been very impressed with Jimmy’s approach and advice and really look forward to working with him in the future as we look to grow our business further’. Julie Lawrenson, Director, P E Pipe Technologies Limited
‘Jimmy has assisted NLTG for a number of years with our audit services and so much more. He has recently assisted with some strategic planning and has just completed a specialist assurance report for the company. Jimmy has provided invaluable support to the company over the years and is highly regarded by both our operational and non-executive directors. Me and my team enjoy working with Jimmy and highly recommend him and Pierce for your accountancy and business advisory services’. Jim Harkness MBE, Managing Director, North Lancs Training Group Limited
“We made the decision to move to Pierce because we were impressed with the way Jimmy wanted to really understand our business and how he and his team could help. Before we joined Pierce all the focus was about getting the accounts completed. Whilst Jimmy gets this important element of the work done in a very efficient manner, the focus is now much more about how we can build and develop our business; we even have our own ideas challenged in a positive way. Running a business is often difficult which is why it’s great to have this kind of support and help that’s always available to you.” Chris Bardin, Director, Taylor Patterson Group
Email: j.king@pierce.co.uk
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