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Malaga Airport AGP airports Granada
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Malaga Airport AGP
Málaga Airport,
Avenida García Morato,s/n
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Malaga airport is located 8km southwest of the city centre. The airport is the fourth busiest in Spain with 60 check-in desks and an annual capacity of 12 million passengers. It is a modern well kept airport with excellent facilities.
The airport is essentially tourist focused. It has flights to seventeen different Spanish cities, as well as flights to sixty European capitals including destinations to America, Asia and Africa, and because of the tourist industry along the coastline, the airport has made constant improvements of the facilities for passengers. In 2007, Malaga airport will have a new terminal area which will increase its capacity to twenty million passengers a year.
By car: The airport is next to the main A7 coast road that links to the AP7 Autopista del Sol motorway for Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Marbella and Gibraltar to the west and Malaga, Nerja, Granada the East.
By Bus: There are two bus routes. one to the city centre that runs every 30 minutes between 6.30 am and 11.30pm. The trip costs 1€ and takes 20 minutes. The other goes to Marbella bus station. This costs 3.68€ and takes 45 minutes.
By taxi: The taxi rank is outside the arrivals hall. A trip to the city centre is 12€, Fuengirola 23€, Mijas 28€, Marbella 47€ and Nerja 66€.
By train: There are two train routes connecting Malaga city centre and Fuengirola to the airport. The train stop is opposite terminal 2 accessible by a footbridge.
Airport to/from Malaga is every 30 minutes, trains to the airport run between 5.40am and 10.30pm and from the airport they run between 7am and midnight. Tickets cost 1.05€ (weekdays) and 1.15€ (weekend/holidays)
Airport to/from Fuengirola also run every 30 minutes, trains to the airport run between 6.30am and 23.30 pm and trains to Fuengirola run between 5.54am and 10.45pm. Tickets cost 1.65€ (weekdays) and 1.85€ (weekend/holidays).
A train link to Seville is planned.
Post office, bank( Unicaja), bureau de change, 9 bars/restaurants, cafeterias, 3 VIP lounges, duty free shop, newsagent, pharmacy, gift Sshops, help desks, taxi rank, baby/parent room, children's play area, disabled facilities, chapel and business facilities.
The recent expansion of the shopping area has turned the airport into a large shopping and entertainment centre in which 20 shops of all kinds can be found (food, toys, fashion, accessories, sports, decoration, music, optician, perfumery and cosmetics, etc.),
The ¨Didier Daurat¨ Hall is where you will find temporary exhibitions by Andalusian artists.
The National Museum of Airports and Air Transport, located in the original terminal of the Malaga airport, houses over 1,500 pieces from around Spain related to the history of aviation. 9am- 1pm (Monday to Thursday); 5pm – 8pm (Tuesday); 10am – 2pm (Saturdays).
Car parking: There are 1,600 short term parking spaces, 600 long term parking spaces.
Car hire: There are 10 car hire companies with desks at the airport, Atesa (952 048 506), Avis (952 048 486), Centauro (952 177 450), Coral Rent a Car (952 237 804), Crown (952 176 486), Europa Rent a Car (952 176 527), Europcar (952 048 518), Helle Hollis (952 245 544), Hertz (952 233 086) and Record Rent a Car (902 123 002).
Useful references for Malaga Airport AGP
Malaga Airport AGP Travel & Transport
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Malaga Airport AGP is one of the many airports in the beautiful region of Granada Spain. Discover Costa Tropical history, local information, property for sale and holiday rentals
Airports in Granada, Granada Airports Spain
Malaga Airport AGP airports Granada, Granada Spain
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Xavier Men's Hoops
Quentin Goodin
Thread: Quentin Goodin
xufan2020
I’d like to have a rational discuss about our most polarizing player. I try to defend Q, but he’s been disappointing this year. I’m not going to pretend that’s not true. I think Q’s defenders on here can agree with that.
I understand Naji and Jones have shown improvement, and Scruggs has been incredible.
However I’m not giving up on him. The loss of talent and coaching from last year has taken it’s toll.
But I have reason to believe that with our recruiting class next year, Q will be able to redeem himself with an improved roster (along with a coach that isn’t in his first year).
XUOWNSUC
I’m Team Q. He will get it turned around eventually. His story isn’t finished yet.
GIMMFD
I'm a Q defender as well, he was under a lot of scrutiny when Ed went down and he was trying to figure stuff out as a Freshman, and now I think he's in one of those waves again. The most rational fan understands Q hasn't been good this season, and I'm sure it's taking a toll on his psyche as well. I don't know what we can do to get him in rhythm again, it's a new role basically everybody has taken on, I think Q does best when he can distribute to weapons, especially good outside shooting weapons. We were spoiled with Blueitt, Macura, hell even Kanter because they all required so much attention, but Naji isn't an amazing 3 point shooter, and though Scruggs has improved by miles, I don't know if I'd put him up there with Blueitt and Macura's shooting ability.
I agree next year will be better for him, as he won't have to shoulder as much load with guys who can score at a high clip like Tandy, Bishop, etc. But those guys will be Freshman and will have growing pains as well. If he can play within himself, distribute and cut down the dumb turnovers, Q is a damn good PG. I'm sure he feels much worse than we do right now, I still have faith in Steele and our guys, even with a down season, it's not fun, but it happens from time to time.
MITTENMUSKIE16
East Lansing, MI
He needs to have a bit of come to Jesus moment. Seriously recognize and evaluate what his strengths and weaknesses are, and put himself in the best position to play to his strengths. He can make in rhythm threes. He can’t take it to the rack without a plan and with the lane clogged. He’s just not a good enough finisher or ball handler to get through all that traffic. He needs to make it a goal to maybe shoot 5 FTs a game, and make 4 of them. He needs to make the right play based on the situation, not the flashy play. There’s a lot he can do for the team to help win games. But he’s done a bad job of it this year.
Originally Posted by GIMMFD
Nice post on Q. Started to write something similar after the last game. Probably will add something further after I digest but think you nailed it.
Masterofreality
On America's Great North Coast
Nope. I cannot defend his play. He needs to have his minutes cut and let Scruggs run this team.
Q’s Head is somewhere else than on winning basketball
"I Got CHAMPIONS in that Lockerroom!" -Stanley Burrell
Jumpin_Jamal_Forever
Q should not be our most polarizing player. He is a three year starter and last year, he showed material improvement over his freshman year. He has become polarizing, I suppose, because of heightened expectations. Few on this board would argue against the position that his play has deteriorated this year. I believe his play has deteriorated markedly with a few exceptions. I thought he played better earlier this season. He was one of our top scorers early on and his defense against Strus (DePaul) was awesome. Q is athletic, a good defender, adequate ball handler, a shot creator (although jot a great shooter), dependable at the charity stripe and a decent finisher. He has lots of talent.
But, something seems to have happened to his game. The last six (or so) games don't feel like randomly poor games. The turnovers, poor shooting and seemingly bad decision making have been consistent. Others have posted that something is wrong---injury, off court issues, conflicts with Steele (or others). I'm in that camp although without any basis other than I cannot explain the deterioration in his performance from last year to anything observable.
The leadership mantle landed on his shoulders this year. But, for some reason, he hasn't worn it well. Don't know why but we damn sure need him to step up.
Originally Posted by Jumpin_Jamal_Forever
A serious question, he did have a pretty bad injury, any chance that could be nagging him this year? Because I definitely agree here that most recently his slump has been bad. I think he's trying to really hold on to the leader aspect, which has led him to some hero ball lately, and I just don't think that's his forte. He works better for others as I've said, and when the attention is off of him, that's when he truly shines, but he's been trying to do way too much and it's been showing.
bleedXblue
Q struggles pretty much everywhere on the floor on the offensive end. For the last two years his weaknesses have been masked by having some really good players around him. He is what he is. I wish he would take on the role of play maker and getting his teammates good shots, but that isnt happening consistently either. Hopefully, the light will turn on, but this team has far more issues than just Q.
American X
Originally Posted by Masterofreality
He is contemplating if he is going to kidnap a pug, a different type of dog, or another kind of animal altogether.
"We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm."
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Not The Last
A photographic project based on musical artist Fantastic Negrito over the last 21 months.
A Moment on Stage
Xavier is a passionate performer, constantly moving around the stage and interacting with the audience. I walked into the crowd to show Xavier and his performance style.
The Independent 9/11/15
On Stage OSL
This was Xavier's first time performing at Outside Lands, though his second attempt. Even though it was one of the first shows of the day, he rocked the crowd awake with a lively performance.
Outside Lands Festival 8/6/16
X Backstage Stub Hub Tent
After Xavier's Twin Peaks performance, he had another small show in the Stub Hub tent.
Xavier grabbing his 1/4 inch cable for his guitar as the band plays his intro.
Outside Lands 8/6/16
Killing time Backstage
Between sound check, dinner and the actual show, there is always a bunch of down time. X never eats before shows, and instead harmonizes and sing catchy tunes to warm up and pass the time.
Paramount Theater 11/21/16
Backstage Before Bottle Rock
When I got backstage at Bottle Rock Festival in Napa, and was finally able to meet up with Xavier, I immediately sensed something off with X. More nervous than usual, I wanted to show that uncertainty and self-doubt that passes through everyone's mind before a big event.
Bottle Rock 5/27/16
The Paramount Theater in Seattle was the last stop on the Temple of the Dog Tour. The theater has a storied tradition and is home to the Temple of the Dog, so I was anticipating a big turn out for the night. Therefore, I wanted to show the space empty before it filled with people.
Before the last San Francisco show on tour, X mentioned that he wanted to capture a wide angle of him and the crowd. As soon as the last song was ending, I ran on to the stage, made eye contact with X, and he turned spread his arms for this shot.
Bill Graham 11/12/16
Everything Ya Got
I got a call in the afternoon about a "private" show Xavier was playing in the Mission that night. I scrambled to get my gear ready and met the team at the location. The stage was located in a basement of a retail store. Everyone who made it to the show lucked out. Small venues are the best way to get up close and personal with the artist. I wanted to accentuate that feeling of intimacy.
Basement Show 2/11/16
Xavier, Cornell, Bernie
X was casually warming up in a building guarded by the Secret Service before the Bernie Sanders Rally. The rally was held on the last day of the National Democratic Election, people were excited and feeling the Bern! While preparing for his performance with his usual tunes and harmonies, Cornell West walked in and proceeded to dance and sing along.
Bernie Sanders Rally - Chrissy Fileds 6/6/16
Jumping on Stage
For an older guy, Xavier is surprisingly athletic and still has some killer moves. During sound check and performances Xavier is always dancing around stage, bringing an amazing amount of energy and enthusiasm every night.
Nervous Backstage
This was the first show I photographed for Xavier, I didn't really know what to expect shooting backstage. I tried my best not to be intrusive. Here I got the first glimpse of X's pre-stage jitters and nerves.
New Parish 4/17/15
Performers tent
This was one of the bigger shows I photographed for Xavier. After the show, we hustled around to different tents to shake hands, conduct interviews and network. Following his final interview, Xavier finally had some down time. I noticed the awesome backlighting taking place and directed him for this portrait.
X & The Band That will Kill Ya
When I first arrived at the Twin Peaks Stage, I walked in behind the stage and noticed three huge walls made of screens that were going to be used for Zedd later that night. Inspired by the aesthetic, I felt like it would make a great background, so I directed Xavier and the band to stand in front of it.
When I walked into the Paramount in Seattle, I noticed the astounding architecture on the celling and walls. During sound check, X makes sure the band is playing on tempo and sounding sharp and after almost two months on the road for the Temple of The Dog Tour, everyone had it dialed in.
This was a big turning point in the project. X was playing a free show at the Independent in San Francisco, a month after he was unable to perform at Outside Lands in 2015. I spent about 30 minutes in the green room with X chatting, where I felt like we really got to know each other on a genuine level. After the opener went on, it was Fantastic Negrito's turn and he blew away the crowd. It was that performance when I knew he had to be the main subject of my thesis project.
This Show was held in the basement of a clothing store in the San Francisco neighborhood, the Mission. With low ceilings and about 60 people, the venue got hot and stuffy quickly. I like this moment, because it shows the effort and dedication X puts into his craft.
Private Show 2/11/16
Walking Off
Xaviers performance this night was top notch. He proved to everyone who came out and waited that he the man can play and was well worth the wait.
All NOT THE LAST THE PONIES
NOT THE LAST THE PONIES
© 2017 Max Claus
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More∨
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Xi underlines reform on military policies, institutions
Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-14 23:46:11|Editor: Mu Xuequan
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and head of a CMC leading group for deepening reform on national defense and the armed forces, attends and addresses a CMC meeting on the reform of policies and institutions in Beijing, capital of China. The meeting is held in Beijing on Nov. 13 and 14. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has highlighted the significance and urgency of pushing forward reform on military policies and institutions to build a socialist system of military policy and institution with Chinese characteristics.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and head of a CMC leading group for deepening reform on national defense and the armed forces, addressed a CMC meeting on the reform of policies and institutions held in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Xi called for consensus, firm confidence, concerted action and effective implementation to carry out the reform.
He stressed that a systematic and profound reform is urgently needed to address deeply-rooted problems in military policies and institutions, fully release the efficacy of national defense and military reforms, open a new ground for building strong armed forces, and seize the initiative in military competition and warfare.
The reform should be guided by the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress, ensure the Party's absolute leadership over the military, aim for combat effectiveness, and enhance the motivation, initiative and creativity of service personnel, Xi said.
Xi stressed safeguarding the authority of the CPC Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership and ensuring the Party's absolute leadership over the military, while deepening reform on the institution of Party building in the military.
Xi ordered efforts to innovate the policies and institutions on the application of military strength, adapt to the needs of national security strategy and focus on how to win when it is called on.
He called for restructuring of policies and institutions on military strength building, strengthening institutions and system-designing for military human resources, and focusing on combat, innovation and military-civilian integration.
Xi also called for reform on policies and institutions of military management, including establishing a system to manage military spending and further reform on the military judicial system, in order to enhance the efficiency of the whole military system.
"Implementing the decisions by the CPC Central Committee and the CMC on the reform is a major political responsibility," Xi said, ordering the military to strengthen their sense of duty, as well as carefully and orderly implement the decisions.
They should fully recognize and grasp the significance of the reform, understand, support and comply with the reform, he said.
Noting that pushing forward the reform is the common mission of both military and civilian authorities, Xi asked both central and state organs and local Party committees and governments to support the military reforms.
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A New Appointment to the Indigenous Works Board of Directors
SASKATOON— Indigenous Works Co-Chairs Stephen Lindley, VP Aboriginal and Northern Affairs SNC Lavalin and Patricia Baxter, Indigenous Consultant, along with Indigenous Works President and CEO, Kelly Lendsay, are pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Jack to the Indigenous Works Board of Directors.
“Andrew Jack is a welcomed addition to the Indigenous Works Board of Directors,” says Indigenous Works Co-Chair Stephen Lindley. “Andrew will bring insight and energy to the work we do in supporting Indigenous corporate partnerships that will drive employment, business and community investments. Welcome Andrew!”
Mr. Jack will join the ten-member Board of Directors who represent a variety of sectors from the corporate leadership circle, a group of over fifty corporate and indigenous organizations. In 2017, Indigenous Works has embarked on a new study on the state of partnership in Canada, expanded programs and services that will serve employment equity companies and Indigenous Economic Development Corporations and a rebrand of the organization in response to the Truth & Reconciliation Report’s calls to action.
Indigenous Works was established in 1998 as the Aboriginal Human Resource Council. Over the past 19 years, Indigenous Works has built human resource strategies and inclusive workplaces, including the Inclusion Continuum, a 7-stage roadmap to becoming an employer and partner of choice for Indigenous people.
-|-
Indigenous Works is an ISO certified non-profit organization that helps leading Canadian companies, and Indigenous economic development corporations become employers-of-choice for Indigenous people and companies-of-choice for Indigenous partnership development. An overview of its advisory services and products is available at indigenousworks.ca. For more information please contact Harmony Redsky, Marketing & Communications Director at (807)464-2929.
A New Appointment to the Indigenous Works Board of Directors2017-03-022017-03-15http://www.willbros.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Willbros-Logo.pngWillbroshttp://www.willbros.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Willbros-Andrew-Jack-Announcement.jpg200px200px
Willbros sells its U.S. tank construction and repair and maintenance business
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Harry New presents at Marcellus Utica ConferenceAll, News Releases
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ABOUTTEAMCONTACTCOMMUNICATIONS AGENCY SERVICES
Soil Pollution
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Content Editor - Impact4allApril 30, 2018
VIDEO: How Is Climate Change Affecting Antartica?
Antartica is being seriously affected by sea levels in the Northern Hemisphere. This video explainer from Greenpeace looks south to Antartica – the continent that holds 90 per cent of the world’s ice. What’s the difference between sea ice and land ice? Watch the video to find out more. An ambitious new mapping project has …
VIDEO: Watch The Stones That Could Save The Planet
Watch this stunning interactive story on stones and climate change from the New York Times. These rocks in Oman remove CO2 from the air and turn it to stone – they could in theory store hundreds of years of human carbon emissions. Storing even a fraction of that would not be easy. But it’s not impossible. Some …
BP Backtracks On Green Energy Forecast
Speaking to EURACTIV in Brussels this week, BP’s chief economist, Spencer Dale acknowledged that the company had made a “mistake” in evaluating the speed of the renewable energy transition. “We don’t pretend we haven’t made this mistake – we have made this mistake,” Dale admitted, saying BP has “revised up” its renewable energy growth forecasts …
The Last Laugh? Electric Buses Are Damaging The Oil Industry
Suddenly, buses with battery-powered motors are a serious matter with the potential to revolutionise city transport—and add to the forces reshaping the energy industry. The numbers are staggering. China had about 99 percent of the 385,000 electric buses on the roads worldwide in 2017, accounting for 17 per cent of the country’s entire fleet. Every …
Hans-Josef FellApril 26, 2018
Policy Brief: How Do We Achieve 100% Renewable Energy?
14min2110
In his 11-point manifesto, Hans-Josef Fell, founder of the Energy Watch Group and Impact4All board member, outlines his vision for 100% renewable energy worldwide A global energy transition to 100 percent renewable electricity is no longer a question of technical feasibility or economic viability, but of political will, a study by the Energy Watch Group (EWG) and Lappeenranta …
Energy Watch Group: What’s Behind The European Nuclear Reactor Disaster?
3min1150
What’s behind the European nuclear reactor disaster? New European nuclear reactors, once proclaimed as a new impetus for the renaissance of the European nuclear industry, have proved to be a financial disaster, according to the Germany-based Energy Watch Group (EWG). Read a comprehensive brief from our content partner EWG, documenting the failures of the nuclear …
Content Editor - Impact4allDecember 18, 2017
Clean capacity
The government last published its energy and emissions projections out to 2035 in late 2015. Its latest analysis was published last week, but is described as the “2016 projections”.
Analysis: Dramatic in European outlook for clean energy
The future European electricity mix will have more renewables, batteries and interconnectors than expected, according to long-awaited new government projections.
Rooftop solar deemed best way to supply power to urban poor
Roof-mounted semiconductors that turn solar energy into electricity have the most potential among renewable energies to supply power to the underserved in cities in emerging economies, says the latest World Resources Institute report.
Clean energy ‘miracles’ remain elusive — but here’s why that might not be a problem
Despite high-profile support from President Barack Obama, US funding for low-carbon energy research has stalled in Congress — but current technologies like wind and solar power keep plugging away.
Impact4All is designed to deliver the full spectrum of news, analysis and connectivity that allows all players and audiences to become informed and participate at any level in the new energy sector. It is designed to break down barriers between audiences, activists and investors.
Impact4All.org is currently developing and preparing to deploy a best in class, multi-level, universally accessible tender, transaction and e-commerce facility (I4A.exchange). This has been designed and built for all participants, at all levels within the ecosystem of renewable energy and resource management investments. This platform will allow contacts and connections to be facilitated more efficiently, accelerating climate solution projects globally.
Renewables To Help Stir Up 4.5 Million Christmas Puddings
Production Tech Soars On Solar Power and Storage Boom
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Curious sand tiger shark sneaks up behind scuba diver off NC coast
BEAUFORT, NC -- A scuba diver had a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a shark that swam up behind her, gave her a curious look and then swam away.
Shelley Collett was exploring the Aeolus wreck off the coast of North Carolina when the inquisitive sand tiger shark approached her. Collett wrote on Facebook that she "had the sneaking suspicion that I was being watched" but added that she never felt that she was in danger.
Collett described the shark as "quite stealthy."
The Aeolus was a cargo ship that was sunk in 1998 to create an artificial reef approximately 22 miles off the coast of Beaufort. Sand tiger sharks are a common sight in and around the wreck.
MORE SHARKS: Meet Deep Blue, one of the biggest great white sharks ever filmed
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Tagging sharks for science: Do sea breezes make shark attacks more likely?
800-pound shark continues trip up New Jersey coast
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Academicalism
Canadiana | Copyright | Poetry | Postcolonialism
The copyfight, science fiction, and social media
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On the error-riddled writing of The Hunger Games
Posted on April 11, 2012 | 32 Comments
Amidst the hype over Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, a trilogy of young-adult dystopian novels that one blogger hails as “the future of writing,” a subtle but crucial detail of the novels themselves – the writing – has gone largely unremarked (not just because the novels are now being eclipsed by the movie and the media juggernaut that lumbers around after any and every egg laid by Hollywood, golden or otherwise).
The writing in The Hunger Games isn’t going entirely unremarked: a perceptive Goodreads user has placed the novel on a shelf aptly titled “Gawd get a copy editor.” But given the pervasive extent of the trilogy’s basic composition errors, and the popularity of the books with young readers, more attention to these errors is warranted. They make for an eminently teachable moment.
Reading the trilogy, I first wondered whether maybe the author is deliberately trying to adopt the voice of a teenager. But I’m unsure about this hypothesis; the writing errors are both too technical and too numerous to represent any kind of stylistic strategy or symbolic substance. They’re just mistakes. And lots of them: misplaced or dangling modifiers; singular-plural errors; punctuation errors; awkward or simply misspelled words.
Take this sentence, from early in Chapter 1 of the first novel:
My bow is a rarity, crafted by my father along with a few others that I keep well hidden in the woods.
The sentence means to say that Katniss’ bow, made by her dad, is hidden with other weapons, presumably also bows, in the woods. What the sentence actually says, on account of the modifier error, is that her bow is a rarity, and that she keeps her father with “a few others” in the woods. (Who else is Katniss keeping in the woods?)
Shortly after this, in the same chapter, we read:
Being the mayor’s daughter, you’d expect her to be a snob, but she’s all right.
The sentence means to say that the mayor’s daughter might be expected to be a snob. But what it actually says, via the misplaced modifier, is that the reader – the “you” to whom Katniss addresses her story – is the mayor’s daughter.
In chapter 4, Katniss recounts a previous forest expedition:
But I retrieved the small bow and arrows he’d made me from a hollow tree.
Katniss’ father may have made the archery set from a hollow tree, but the sentence means to say that Katniss had hidden the set in the tree – a meaning lost in the distance between the predicate (retrieved) and its modifier (from a hollow tree).
Returning to chapter 1, in describing the Games, Katniss explains:
The last tribute alive receives a life of ease back home, and their district will be showered with prizes, largely consisting of food.
The use of the plural pronoun their to refer to the singular antecedent tribute arguably reads like everyday speech – but so would using the correct pronoun, her or his.
Similarly, in chapter 2, Katniss reflects:
I couldn’t go home. Because at home was my mother with her dead eyes and my little sister, with her hollow cheeks and cracked lips.
Here the singular verb conjugation was conflicts with its plural subject, the mother and sister. This singular-plural error reads much less like everyday speech than the prior example.
These and other technical but irritating grammar errors pervade the series:
To this day, I can never shake the connection between this boy, Peeta Mellark, and the bread that gave me hope, and the dandelion that reminded me that I was not doomed.
A common enough error, the misuse of between to represent more than two entities needs correcting here (in the first book’s second chapter) as among. This error also recurs throughout the series, as in this sentence in the third book:
For the next sixty minutes, the Capitol feed alternates between the standard afternoon broadcast, Finnick, and attempts to black it all out.
Punctuation is also a pervasive problem. One of my students, a published author herself, points out the trilogy’s pervasive “crimes against commas.” For example:
In some districts, in which winning the reaping is such a great honor, people are eager to risk their lives, the volunteering is complicated.
Were the comma between honor and people replaced with the word that, the long clause that details the opening modifier would read more clearly as one sustained digression. Here’s another example of comma overload, from the start of chapter 4:
Obviously Haymitch isn’t much, but Effie trinket is right about one thing, once we’re in the arena he’s all we’ve got.
This sentence places the second comma where a colon should appear, and it omits a comma after arena, where it could mark a natural pause.
More egregious than comma splices, however, is the use of / in punctuation; the “slash,” as I have discussed in a previous post, almost always marks the spot where a firmer decision about wording needs to be made. It’s not a creative liberty being taken with punctuation; it’s just an occasion for closer editing.
The ride lasts about twenty minutes and ends up at the City Circle, where they will welcome us, play the anthem, and escort us into the Training Center, which will be our home/prison until the Games begin.
The slash returns in the second chapter of Mockingjay:
I linger in the doorway of Command, the high-tech meeting/war council room complete with computerized talking walls, electronic maps showing the troop movements in various districts, and a giant rectangular table with control panels I’m not supposed to touch.
As we read the story told to us by Katniss, how are we supposed to “hear” the slash in her voice? If the abundance of commas is ostensibly a means to simplify punctuation for young readers (whose heads would evidently explode on trying to parse a semicolon), why does the monstrosity of the slash get to stay?
Misused, misspelled, and awkwardly chosen words represent a third major pattern of composition errors.
Katniss calls the container for her arrows a “sheath.” What’s wrong with “quiver” (which is not nearly as often used)? Does she mean to make it sound like her arrows are stored in a condom?
There are a lot of references to microphones in the books, but the text spells the short form incorrectly, as “mike.” The correct abbreviation of “microphone” is “mic.” Four out of four Beastie Boys would agree with me about this (including Mixmaster Mike).
I know this may sound like pedantic nitpicking. But whether The Hunger Games either desperately needed a copy editor before reaching print or – worse – was deliberately edited this way according to assumptions about its young readership, the fact of its consistently error-riddled text is an insult to all readers. And it reflects rather poorly on a publisher that brands itself as an educational publisher for children and young readers, and as a corporate friend of public education. The fact that Scholastic sent The Hunger Games to press with such sloppy copy should concern young readers, and the parents and teachers who nurture their love of reading, as well as aspiring writers, to whom the success of such technically unpolished prose sends decidedly mixed signals. This fact is also a sizeable elephant in the room now rammed with fans, commentators, critics, and others party to the hype machine Hollywood has built up around the books.
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32 responses to “On the error-riddled writing of The Hunger Games”
Mary Pringle | April 11, 2012 at 10:46 | Reply
I think it’s okay for people writing popular novels to write the way ordinary people write and speak–the real test of a modifier is whether the sentence containing it is intelligible and unambiguous. Academic prose is a distinct dialect. If an author wrote to please composition teachers, the prose could end up sounding stilted. ‘Mike’ for ‘mic’, though–that bothers me. What does the OED say?
Jon Doe | September 22, 2016 at 08:42 | Reply
“Proper grammar” is over rated. Most people don’t notice or even care. The book was amazing because it talked like an actual person. You could relate! Proof of what i said is true? The Hunger Games sold OVER 50 million copies. Not to mention a couple BILLION dollars from the movies.
Matt | October 4, 2016 at 08:26 |
Markets are not a judge of quality.
Greg | April 11, 2019 at 16:24 |
Spoken like an apologist for illiteracy.
Well said, Matt. My earlier comment was directed at John Doe.
academicalism | April 11, 2012 at 11:14 | Reply
Thanks Mary.
I don’t mean to suggest the writing should sacrifice everyday speech rhythms for the sake of technical correctness. (I certainly don’t mean to suggest the fiction should read like academic prose.) But I do find that the numerous errors are jarring, and that they often lead to confusion and unclear meaning (as in the first quoted example above).
The OED lists the second definition for “mic” as “microphone.” Its definitions of “mike” do include that of microphone – as its sixth definition, and with cross-reference to “mic.”
dah1023 | April 11, 2012 at 17:16 | Reply
I’m also in favourite of colloquial speech patterns in novels–where appropriate and where they don’t sacrifice clarity. But that isn’t nearly as often as people think. And it bothers me that the advice to “read more so you can write better” is becoming increasingly less useful.
Agreed. You sum up the issue very neatly – well said.
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genna | December 26, 2012 at 06:09 | Reply
I’m not really good at grammar. However, for some reason I’m relatively ok at finding sentences that sound a little odd. I haven’t read the hunger games but saw the movie (and thought it was crap, but that’s a side story) and decided to read the second book of the series since my sister had them.
I’m really not liking her writing style even though it’s a thousand times better than Twilight. She uses ‘but’s and ‘and’s after full stops way too often, uses past and present tense confusingly and uses short sentences way too often. I still have no idea what “No, I can’t tell anyone I’m leaving behind in District 12” means 😦
Adrian Bashford | April 9, 2013 at 21:41 | Reply
“The correct abbreviation of “microphone” is “mic.” Four out of four Beastie Boys would agree with me about this (including Mixmaster Mike).” Awesome!
I, for one, don’t find the commentary pedantic at all. I haven’t read the books, but if those passages cited above are prevalent, I don’t think I could find enjoyment in reading them!
Tony Wicks | April 13, 2013 at 10:55 | Reply
Hi. Someone referred me to this blog in an attempt (probably doomed now) to make me cut down on my use of the comma. Well, I’m really sorry that my comments are going to sound negative, but with the exception of your points about the slash, which I agree with, I think all of your criticisms are not just pedantic to the point of obsessiveness, but are in fact wrong, and would strangle Suzanne Collins’ writing if applied.
A few responses in detail:
The “misplaced modifier”.
“a few others” would never be taken to refer to “father” in this sentence – it obviously refers back to “bow”. The sense is very clear the way it’s written, and I’m struggling to see how your advice would come up with anything better.
Similarly with the Mayor’s daughter example. I don’t think you can necessarily say that a phrase has to refer to another phrase just because it’s next to it – sentences have to be interpreted sometimes, and in this case, since the writer clearly isn’t assuming that I, the reader, am a Mayor’s daughter, there’s no ambiguity.
The bow and arrows. “a meaning lost in the distance…” Good grief, how short do you think my attention span is?
“The last tribute…” The point is, as you surely realise, if the author had used “his” or “her” she would have to choose one, and thereby assign a gender. This would add a meaning that clearly isn’t needed or appropriate. Using “their” to get round the problem is very common, and actually I don’t fully approve of it myself, but what else do you do? And anyway, the preceding sentences presumably were about the tributes – plural, so it’s not difficult to associate “their” back to them, as a group.
“Mother…sister.” Personally I think “was” is better. It certainly reads better than “were” would. More lively. If she’s thinking of the two people individually, in that her attention moves from one to another rather than imagining them as a pair, then “was” is definitely better at conveying the meaning if not strictly better grammar.
“Between” and “among”. Your pedantry is leading you astray here. “Between” is correct if you’re only ever linking pairs of objects, which is what the author is doing in both these examples. Your advice would completely wreck both of them. Did you try reading them to yourself, using “among” instead of “between”? They sound awful that way!
As to the commas, which was what originally brought me here – I’ll just say that I’m not convinced. OK, the “honor…people” example is a bad sentence, and I agree with your correction of it – but I wouldn’t describe it as “comma overload”, I just think it’s a mistake. Or trying to be “stream of consciousness”, or something. (Sorry, I don’t know this author’s work at all so I’m not really qualified to criticise properly). And the second example – I agree that the comma is wrong and a colon would be better, but again, I would argue that wrong use of a comma (where it should be something else) isn’t the same as comma overload, which is just too many commas. You don’t give any examples of where a comma should simply be removed, so I’ve nothing to reply to about that.
Right, I think that’s enough disagreeableness for one post! I’ll just say – thanks for an interesting blog, which I did seriously enjoy reading, even if I didn’t agree with it.
Bill Swan | April 15, 2013 at 09:17 | Reply
There’s s threshold here. Ungrammatical use is fine if it is done for a purpose (and even better if it actually works). But we have here an argument that precise language just doesn’t matter any more. We’re riding on the slippery slope of significant language change; 150 years from now 20th century prose will be as accessible as Chaucer is now.
My 11th book came out last month. But the same month, I was kicked out of a writers’ course for pointing out a website error in the use of ‘however’ — the infamous but all-too-familiar run-on sentence that splices two sentences with ‘however’. The explanation: my attitude was bad (the course had not yet started); and the use of ‘however’ was a matter of choice in this case.
You be the judge:
“We like the Isabel “pure soul” approach and the play with her muse, however, we must disagree with her belief that writers cannot be taught to become great writers.”
If experienced writers, editors and agents accept it, we’re speeding down that slope. Expect to see much more.
Bill Swan
sakuramicheletakehashi | July 20, 2013 at 16:36 | Reply
Thank God for someone who has noticed the absolutely appalling use of language. Suzanne Collins needs to learn basic English.
Katie | August 12, 2013 at 14:58 | Reply
Yes. It was jarring to me. I’m not obsessed with perfect grammar, but if the wording makes a sentence more difficult to understand, it needs an edit.
DB | November 2, 2013 at 06:06 | Reply
You neglected to mention that the few others whom Katniss keeps in the woods helped her father craft her bow.
The obvious response to all this is: if you can figure out what is actually meant, what difference does it make? The answer is that it’s irritating, it trips the reader up unnecessarily. Good writing isn’t any harder to read than bad writing.
You are wrong that the “proper” abbreviation of “microphone” is “mic”. That’s only become common in the last 20 years – before then I never saw it – and “mike” is still common today. Nobody passed a law changing this, and descriptive usage is still mixed. Google Ngram is not a great help, because of homographs, but supplementary Google Books searches make that clear. “Mic” looks like it should be pronounced like “Mick”.
Bill Swan | November 2, 2013 at 12:01 | Reply
And furthermore: we are going down the slippery slope ever since we stopped teaching grammar in grade school. Now, most teachers have never bad such instructions, so they cannot be expected either to teach it — or know an error other than “it doesn’t sound right”. This leads to acceptance of: “…it belongs to you and I…”. Try teaching first year journalism students about the need to avoid the passive voice. When they don’t know what a verb is they are a bit hamstrung to then discover if it is passive or not.
The deletion of grammar studies was based, as far as I can tell, on one single one-year California study that compared two groups: one drilled in grammar and one that was not. At the end of the year, the architect of the study couldn’t find a difference in the writing skills of the group. The conclusion: if you can’t tell, then why study grammar? Besides, baby-boomers didn’t like it; too much effort.
Yes, but this isn’t new. I was taught – in first grade, and in California – that the past tense of “build” was “builded.”
This was in 1962.
academicalism | November 3, 2013 at 00:25 | Reply
It would be well worth retrieving the history of curriculum policy decisions that led to the “deletion of grammar studies” because we see their ramifications everywhere now. I teach a course on academic writing – for graduate (MA) students: http://mais.athabascau.ca/Syllabi/mais606.php
Virtually every student who enrolls in it admits to having no prior knowledge of parts of speech or grammar, on account of never yet having learned these subjects at any level of schooling. (Modifiers are a common challenge for many, but for some it is necessary to explain what a noun or verb is.) While it may seem scandalous to have to offer an academic writing course for graduate students, the students themselves and colleagues at my own and other universities acknowledge the need for a course like this (not to mention similar courses offered at the undergraduate level, and the student writing services now supplied by every university). I see this need in large part as a result of the deletion of study in parts of speech and grammar from primary and secondary school curriculum.
Would we train serious musicians without teaching them the basic scales? But then again, many pop music “composers” do just that. Piet Hein said it best: Writers who can’t write write for readers who can’t read.
MerciBowCoop | December 24, 2013 at 15:44 | Reply
I started reading The Hunger Games a few days ago. All of the grammatical errors have been KILLING me. I don’t understand what all the hype is about.
amo | February 28, 2014 at 10:03 | Reply
Just one comment on the slash: irritating though it may be, it’s an argument in favour of Collins trying to produce the voice of a teenager. My fourteen-year-old actually talks like that – the / is pronounced as “slash”. So he would read the sample sentence as: “our home slash prison”. It wouldn’t slow him down for even a second; it’s a really common grammatical construction.
Now whether the overuse of slashes in print is the cause or the effect of this peculiarity of teen speak is another question.
Cait Drewry | February 28, 2014 at 23:54 | Reply
There are factual/storyline errors that are equally irritating – such as the author’s inability to do simple math.
In the first chapter of Hunger Games, as Katniss explains the reaping system, she states that names are entered once at twelve, twice at thirteen, and so forth.
Then, she explains about tesserae. Each candidate can enter their name once for a “meager year’s supply of grain and oil for one person.” She then states that entries are cumulative, and that now, at sixteen, her name is in the drawing twenty times. Presumably this is because she has entered her name three extra times for each of the five years she has been eligible.
12 years old = 1 entry + 3 tesserae entries.
13 years old = 2 entries + 3 tesserae entries.
I come up with 30, not 20. Soooo… Is it cumulative or not? I can’t come up with any way to make her math work, by making the yearly entries cumulative but the tesserae not (15), or vice versa (still 15). The only way it “works” is if the author got up to get a cup of coffee and forgot what she was writing, and simply multiied Kat’s number of eligible years (5) by one entry and three tesserae (4).
Things like this make me want to throw my Nook across the room. The only thing that makes less sense is how they came up with Gale’s supposed number as stated in the film (42).
Assuming their fathers were killed between the reapings on Gale’s thirteenth and fourteenth birthdays, five years before the story begins (which seems a reasonable assumption as Katniss has been signing up for tesserae all five of her eligible years):
Assuming that Gale did not have to sign up for tesserae when his father was alive –
Age 12 = 1 entry + no tesserae
Age 13 = 2 entries + no tesserae
Age 14 = 3 entries + 5 tesserae entries
53 entries.
If Gale did also have to sign up for tesserae while his father was alive, then –
Age 12 = 1 entry + 5 tesserae entries
(Gale’s father is killed, but his sister is born, leaving the number of family members the same)
The only way I can arrive at 42 is to make the maximum number of Gale’s family members – two of whose lives did not overlap, tragically – at six, then multiply it times seven (his number of eligible years). Which, again, makes neither the standard entries nor the tesserae entries (much less both) cumulative.
I have to go bang my head against a wall now.
Eric | December 29, 2014 at 04:46 | Reply
I’d like to point out that their is gender neutral. It’s useful for dealing with an unknown genderEd body or non cisgendered people. Your article does come off a bit pedantic but you acknowledge it with good reason. Could you explain some of your examples as what would be correct? Obviously I lack some grammar teachings
progratis | January 2, 2015 at 15:33 | Reply
I love the irony of how these books are highly criticized for grammatical problems, yet in the same tirade there is criticism of the movie culture around young people. Let go of your retentive approach and embrace the fact that more young people read because of books such as the hunger game novels. The grammatical problems in the novel make it no less approachable than your average Shakespearean text – and yet perhaps some of the readers of these novels may one day pick up a copy of Twelfth Night in the years ahead, just because they love reading. And yes, I thoroughly enjoyed all four of those books despite the grammar.
academicalism | January 2, 2015 at 17:32 | Reply
I actually think the movies are better than the books, largely by virtue of production values. (My complaint with the films is that the third novel has been turned into two films, a shameless studio cash grab that is not unique to this franchise, of course, as seen in the senselessly overblown Hobbit series.)
As for the encouragement of reading for its own sake, the great British cultural critic Richard Hoggart questioned this received wisdom in The Uses Of Literacy: “there is no virtue in the habit of reading for itself; however unexceptionable its subjects and presentation may be, it can become as much and addiction, as separated from the reality of life, as the reading of some of the more occasional literature [eg tabloids, pulp fiction, etc.]” (271).
So while I take your point about encouraging reading, we need to think about how to guide a young reader from The Hunger Games to Hamlet. What might those six degrees of separation be, whether in the classroom the book club, or some other institution of reading, teaching, or fandom?
Lastly, in the teaching context in particular, the problem of grammar errors can be either a problem (by modelling bad grammar for students trying to master it), or, more hopefully, a teachable moment, by providing opportunities for students to detect and correct grammar, and to challenge the assumption of an author’s infallibility. In this context of teaching grammar, Collins is in fine company, since she is far from the only widely-read author to publish work riddled with grammar errors; another such author is Jane Austen. (But that’s a subject for another post, perhaps.)
lalof | April 12, 2015 at 19:51 | Reply
Well, I found this article because I noticed a lot of grammatical mistakes and typos, things like: a down instead of a gown, and switching between tenses. I didn’t read all your critiques, in fact I’ve only read a few so far, but I need to remind you that it isn’t a technical book. You can’t always look at it from a technical perspective, sometimes being strictly grammatically correct makes it sound boring, and too technical. You can write “His or her”, but it doesn’t always sound good in a casual book.
Also, it’s kinda ironic that you’re being really strict on grammar, when the title of your own blog, academicalism, isn’t really grammatically correct either.
Thanks for your comments. On the word “academicalism” you are incorrect: academicalism is a word that may be old-fashioned but it is still real – you can find it in the dictionary. I prefer the Oxford, but it’s not free online, so here’s the Collins definition of academicalism instead: http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/academicalism
The word can mean either: an adherence to tradition that verges on pedantry, or obsession with trivia; or a stereotypically “academic” writing style (obscure, wordy, full of jargon, etc.). I quite deliberately chose such a word as a title quite befitting the scholarly blog of an English professor.
Raymona Anderson | June 7, 2015 at 11:27 | Reply
Enjoyed the article, but must take exception to this:
The “abbreviation” of microphone may be “mic,” as seen on electronic devices, but the conventional and correctly pronounceable “short form” of microphone is “mike.” The spelling “mic” rhymes with “Bic.”
http://bottomlineenglish.com/open-mic-for-open-mike-is-a-misspelling
Div | March 8, 2016 at 03:42 | Reply
I think a little of Grammar can be sacrificed for the want of the expression an author uses to narrate the story. Grammatical and other errors is an altogether different aspect and the uniqueness of the story is different. I love the books! Afterall Colins must not be a robot for having written that!
James | August 20, 2018 at 22:10 | Reply
I’m reading this out loud to my ,kids right now and the sheer stupidity of the prose, combined with its universally rapturous reception, has left me feeling somewhat depressed. Reading this apt dissection has lifted my spirits a little. Thanks for serving as an example that someone, somewhere, still cares about quality when it comes to popular fiction.
About Academicalism
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Blue Ribbon Brasserie
The original Blue Ribbon in Soho, in which you can eat bone marrow, fried chicken, and oysters from a white table cloth at 3am. What a world.
By Chris Stang on October 12, 2015
Marlow & Sons
Marlow & Sons is one of the original modern Brooklyn restaurants, and it’s still one of the best places to eat in the city.
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Upstate Craft Beer & Oyster Bar
Upstate Craft Beer & Oyster Bar is the ultimate neighborhood restaurant, with fresh seafood, friendly service, and free-flowing craft beer.
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Greenpoint Fish and Lobster
Greenpoint Fish and Lobster is a great place for affordable seafood in Brooklyn.
Maison Premiere
Maison Premiere is the coolest place in Williamsburg to eat oysters and drink cocktails.
By Andrew Steinthal on June 4, 2015
Jeffrey’s Grocery
Jeffrey’s Grocery in the West Village is one of the few restaurants in town we return to regularly. It is Perfect For pretty much everything.
The Clam in the West Village is (you guessed it) a seafood restaurant that's a safe bet for most occassions.
By Chris Stang on April 2, 2014
Pearl Oyster Bar
Almost everything on Pearl Oyster Bar menu is fantastic, but what really keeps us coming back though is the fried oyster sandwich.
By Chris Stang on June 15, 2010
ROKC
ROKC is a restaurant serving ramen and oysters, but this place is all about the cocktails, which get served in lightbulbs and conch shells.
By Hillary Reinsberg on March 9, 2017
Aquagrill
Aquagrill is a West Village raw bar classic. If you're not prepared to eat a dozen oysters on your own, you're not prepared to eat here.
By Chris Stang on September 24, 2012
Flex Mussels
Flex is a restaurant import from Prince Edward Island, which immediately gives it some credibility - "P.E.I" as they call it, is the source of some of the best mussels the world has to offer.
By Chris Stang on August 12, 2009
Mermaid Inn
Another location of Mermaid Inn, another perfect first date spot.
By Marisa Dunn on November 3, 2016
It is no understatement to say that Catch is the most over-the-top, ridiculous dining operation the Meatpacking District has ever seen. Thankfully though, the service is fantastic, and the food is ...
By Andrew Steinthal on November 14, 2011
Grand Central Oyster Bar is a legendary, Classic NYC Establishment located inside Grand Central Station. There ain’t another place like this in the world, and unless you commute from Westchester ev...
By Andrew Steinthal on January 10, 2011
The Mermaid Inn
A staple in the Infatuation playbook since back in 2003 when we were standing in line outside of terrible Manhattan night clubs and listening to nothing but Brand New and 50 Cent. The fish here is ...
By Chris Stang on June 3, 2009
More... Find Restaurants
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What is packrafting? Inflatable, lightweight kayaks | packraft origins
Home » Stories » What’s the deal with packrafting?
What’s the deal with packrafting?
Everything you ever wanted to know about packrafting—but were afraid to ask
By Boreal River Guide – Ty Smith
Going to the frontier is always worth the effort. It’s where the unique places and experiences are found.
In the case of packrafting, we’re at the junction of 2 frontiers of wilderness travel: backpacking and paddling. Technology has finally caught up with the ambition to hike to remote locations, and get to a lake or river. Instead of turning around and going home, roll-out a boat and keep on cruising (The reverse operation is also true when you get back to land).
Packrafting is the minimalist counter to a busy lifestyle. It’s the ability to thrive in the backcountry while embracing the ultra-light ethos and the freedom therein that has lead to packrafting’s popularity. There’s room for everything you need, except your worries – which you don’t need anyway.
Packraft – the boat that fits in your bag
In essence, a packraft is a small inflatable kayak. It is lightweight (6-11lbs), packs down tiny, is stable enough to run whitewater, and is large enough to accommodate you and your water-proofed gear.
Because your boat fits in your bag, along with all your other stuff, it’s an ideal way to explore previously inaccessible terrain. And since modern packraft designs are relatively stable, even a novice paddler, with great instruction can be paddling Class 3 whitewater in a short period of time – often on their first day!
However, if a rapid looks a little too big for comfort, or if we need to walk around an impassable section, portaging a packraft is a cinch.
A post shared by Adventure Travel Expeditions (@borealriveradventures) on Dec 10, 2018 at 6:44pm PST
Origins of Packrafting Myth
It’s said that after Leonardo DaVinci sketched the flying machine and the aerial-screw – precursors to modern airplanes and helicopters, respectively, he then moseyed down to his favourite lazy river. He spent two days constructing a bulky wooden raft, then lay back to casually float downstream sipping sangrias. Just as he was dozing off, his raft bumped into the bloated body of a dead cow that was trapped, floating and swirling in an eddy.
With his incredible powers of deduction, Leonardo realized how he could have had that victory sangria much earlier. Thus, he abruptly poled back upstream…. strode to his work desk… and added one more design to his sketchpad. Although gruesome by modern standards, his new boat, was a revelation. It consisted of several inflated and watertight animal organs sewn together. This boat was portable, easily deployable, and initially edible.
The packraft, as it would eventually be called, was conceived! … (see corroborating evidence below).
Unfortunately, like many of Leonardo’s ideas, the packraft was ahead of its time and so wooden boats had their day. Eventually, the rubber inner tube was invented leading to smoother riding vehicles. When turned horizontal, they were a great way to float downstream with your friends and a couple of brewskies.
The age of inflatables had begun!
Watercraft Origins Closer to Fact
Just like the tree of life, designs of inflatable watercraft began to branch out — behemoth rafts were tried on the largest rivers in the world. Smaller rafts, inflatable kayaks and catarafts were the stuff of narrow creeks and rivers.
Floor designs went from non-bailing “bucket boats” to self-bailing, and propulsion involved 1 and 2-bladed paddles, oars, and even motors. In time, the right inflatable boat combinations were found for the right rivers… to maximize fun and safety.
However, in almost every scenario, the boats needed a mode of transport, beyond just human, to get to the action.
The First True Packraft
There was a single exception. On one of the smallest twigs of the tree, somewhere between inflatable kayaks and those pool-toy dolphins from Marineland, emerged the packraft.
Peter Halkett (1820-1885) – National Maritime Museum, London
The first recognizable packraft was built by Lt. Peter Halkett in the 1840’s. It was made of cotton impregnated with Indian rubber. His boat was created in London, England but designed for carrying across the rugged terrain between rivers in the Canadian Arctic, where his father worked for The Hudson’s Bay Company.
The “Halkett boat” was later deemed invaluable to several early European Arctic Explorers. It had the added benefits of transforming into a raincoat or groundsheet, depending on the design. Accessories also included a walking stick, which became a breakdown paddle, and an umbrella, which remained an umbrella while in the boat, but could be used for downwind sailing.
Whitewater Packrafting
The first whitewater-capable packraft is traced to 1952 where it was paddled on the Urique River in Chihuahua, Mexico by Dick Griffith. He later brought the packraft to Alaska where its portability over the difficult terrain between watersheds was extremely practical, much like Halkett’s boat in the Canadian Arctic over a century earlier.
The packraft was introduced 3 decades later to the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic adventure race and has been a mainstay in the competition ever since.
Alaska, is generally regarded as the incubator of contemporary packrafting and the source of its current spread to some of the far reaches of the world including: Western US, Mexico, Central America, Patagonia, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia and other pockets of Europe.
Materials have also improved over time, from impractical cheap vinyl boats (floats?) originally designed for placid pools (look at them the wrong way and they’d pop), to much more robust designs using polyurethane-coated ballistic vinyl.
This generation of boats could finally bump a rock and not immediately sink; they were portable, robust, and river- and sea-worthy. At Boreal River Adventures, we use self-bailing rafts with a Dyneema® outer shell and a urethane internal air-bladder. With thigh straps and a comfy inflatable seat, you’re secure in the boat, which leads to greater control and maneuverability.
Take the tightly rolled packraft out of your backpack
Unfurl it on a flat and soft surface
Place in shallow water, step in and go paddling!
Once you’re back to shore:· Step out while in shallow water
Place your packraft on a flat and soft surface
Deflate and roll tightly
Secure (with a cam-strap or rope) and store in your pack
Hike off like it was “no big deal”
How To Deploy
Packrafting 411
How practical are packrafts, really?
Really practical! As mentioned, the new generation of packraft is more durable than their predecessors. They pack up small, weigh 6-10 lbs and are stable enough to run the bigger stuff – even on your first day.
Are they cool or will I play the fool?
Packrafting is niche, and granted, not all niches are cool (e.g. dancing the polka outside of October). This niche allows the amphibious merger of backcountry hiking and whitewater paddling – both “cool” in their own right – so you tell me.
If you have any further misgivings, all of our guides like to “nerd-out” about something (fishin’, paddling gear, permaculture, The Habs, etc.). We’ll happily stand or paddle beside you in every photograph and you’ll look super-cool by comparison.
What if I’m no good at Tetris?
Not a strong backpack-space economizer? Our guides have developed finely-tuned packrafting systems for travelling in remote backcountry. Everything from bringing the right (light) gear, to packing your bag, to making sure everything fits in your deployed raft (including yourself). We’ll show you what works for us and you’ll be a nimble packraft-loading-ninja in no time.
So, I can bring everything I need on my back (boat, food, sleeping bag, Teddy)?
Yup!
We help you pack light… so your balance is “just right”.
Well that was probably more info than you could fit in a packraft. Hopefully we covered what you wanted to know, but if not, give us a call. Clearly we’re excited about the possibilities these boats allow and we’d love to chat about them or even take you paddling.
Closing statement (feel free to use it on your future packrafter friends):
So go ahead, cut your adult-sized toothbrush in half (keep the bristly end), buy a spork and find a helium-infused trip shirt (that last one is fictional) – because “packrafting” is a your direct ticket to adventure!
Now that we have packrafts in our adventuring quiver, we’ve come up with 3 great destinations ideal for the intrepid (or prospective) outdoor traveler. Whether you seek:
the cornucopia of exotic wildlife in the Costa Rican jungle
the breathtaking vistas of the Andean slopes in Patagonia
or the pine-scented beauty of the Labrador Plateau from the Magpie River in Quebec
Boreal River can help you explore each frontier in style.
« Quebec’s Côte Nord (North Shore) Region
The Pacuare River and Hydroelectric Peril »
Categories of Stories
Magpie River
Packrafting
Protecting our Rivers
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Commonplace Book: Dinu Lipatti’s last concert
Today, an excerpt From Paul Bailey’s quiet, moving and beautifully controlled novel Uncle Rudolf. The narrator recollects being taken to a life-changing concert the pianist Dinu Lipatti. (The uncle in question, a fellow Romanian, is a successful tenor in light music, and rueful for an operatic career that never quite arrived.)
It was no spectre who began to play Bach’s First Partita. The apparition became on the instant radiantly animated. Were we aware of the perseverance, and superhuman fortitude, that propelled him that September afternoon? If we were, that would have been our sentimental illusion, since his undoubted fortitude was kept hidden by the pianist behind a necessary mask of civility. It was afterwards – after we had listened in coughless silence to the Mozart Sonata in A minor, two Schubert sonatas and a captivating string of Chopin waltzes – that we realized what an Olympian event we had been privileged to attend. We had not been watching a showman display his skills, nothing so predictable or commonplace. Lipatti was above display and superficial cleverness. He had played for us exactly what the composers had intended us to hear.
Uncle Rudolf was too moved to speak, and so was I. In the years to come, he would often refer to the miracle that had taken place in Besançon, for Lipatti never performed again in public, and died on the second of December that same year.
Lipatti is, at least to music lovers of a certain age, a cult figure of the piano–a transcendent talent, who died young, and left recordings that like Callas’s are instantly recognizable, The word NYTimes critic Harold Schonberg used to sum up his playing was virility, but an aristocratic virility, not brawn rather a strength in reserve inbued with sovereign elegance.
Uncle Rudolf and his nephew are not wrong…and Paul Bailey has written an unusual thing, a novel about a life in music that has a sotto voce ring of truth. (Perhaps because it is shot through with regret…)
The Trump Docs
Not that I am going to get political–but I do think most would agree that, if nothing else, the present moment is a rich one for satire. The Onion has topped its already fine record with their release of the “The Trump Documents.”
http://www.theonion.com/trumpdocuments
Don’t miss Kushner’s recusing himself, or the daily security briefing…
The Case Against Little Free Libraries
I always thought they were kind of cute, but a Toronto librarian makes a strong case to the contrary.
https://www.citylab.com/navigator/2017/05/the-case-against-little-free-libraries/523533/
“[Little Free Libraries] are a highly visible form of self-gratification cleverly disguised as book aid, and the effects of this visibility can be better understood through a consideration of their role in a landscape . . .”
This kind of “branded philanthropy” serves as a vehicle for virtue-signaling by the homeowners who install Little Free Libraries in their front yards, Schmidt and Hale say. They’re particularly ubiquitous in hyper-educated, affluent, crunchy blue enclaves across the country—your Ithacas, Berkeleys, and Takoma Parks, where residents tend to wear their shabby progressivism on their sleeves. But the Little Librariest neighborhoods may be tucked away in the Midwest, where the movement got its start.
As pointed out earlier in the piece,
““There was something that kind of irked me about the title,” says Jane Schmidt, librarian at Ryerson University in Toronto. “As a librarian, my gut reaction to that was, ‘You know what else is a free library? A regular library.’”
The big free library in Somerville, MA
Mahler and Diva Recitals
Nosing around the Washington Performing Arts site, I noticed that classical vocalists are almost completely absent from the 2017-18 line up. (There is a master class with Denyce Graves, and some singers in orchestral programs, but the solo recital by a big star is nowhere on the ground.)
Whether this is lack of audience in DC or supply of name brand talent is unclear–opera singers are rarely public figures no, and except for Renée Fleming and Placido Domingo, I doubt any classical singer could sell out a large D.C. venue. And Domingo is past his solo recital days by decades.
This is probably the way of things, and perhaps just a change and not a lamentable one–there is still a lot of wonderful singing in D.C. just not this particular dimension. Still it was reassuring to me to see that NYC still has a robust series of big names and up and commers at Carnegie Hall (three cycles in fact). Most of the names are familiar (many having bowed on Vocal Arts DC stages in previous seasons). Ruby Hughes’ name was new to me so I checked her out on YouTube. Here she is singing Mahler’s ‘Ich bin der weld abhanden angekommen’ Radiant, and jaw-dropping in its poise. (Doesn’t hurt that it’s one of the most gorgeous of Mahler’s stunning songs.)
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Arkebe Oqubay: “Manufacturing must lead the economy”
Interview: Zenith Bank chairman Jim Ovia discusses Nigeria’s economy
Adesina: Africa must look beyond raw materials
Exclusive: Interview with Nhlanhla Nene, SA’s Minister of Finance
“We were able to substitute paternalism with partnership”, says Rosa Whitaker
Africa’s Richest 5
Nigeria: Return of the banking czars
MasterCard’s masterstroke
Empower unbanked Nigerians through tech, says Uzoma Dozie
Gambia: Barrow shifts economy out of doldrums
In On Africa
The African Youth Agripreneurs Forum
Gebeya
4G Capital
Cameroon Country File
Ethiopia to allow privatisation of Ethiopian Airlines, telecoms
African Business Magazine
Ethiopia will open its national carrier Ethiopian Airlines and state-owned telecom company to investors for the first time by selling minority stakes in the two firms.
The move is part of a wider effort by Ethiopia’s new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to reform East Africa’s fastest growing economy, which is dominated by the state. Ahmed, in power since March 2018, has already reduced the role of Ethiopia’s powerful military in construction and similar projects, and lifted a state of emergency introduced after anti-government protests threatened to engulf the nation.
The news will excite private domestic and foreign investors who have long targeted the East African country of more than 100m people for major investment. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest and most profitable large-scale airline serving almost 70 cities worldwide from the capital, Addis Ababa, and it recently reached a fleet of 100 aircraft.
The government will also dispose of equity in the carrier, along with Ethio Telecom, Ethiopian Electric Power, and the Ethiopian Shipping & Logistics Services Enterprise.
The ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition, in power since 1991, has long supported deep state involvement in the economy, but the EPRDF said that Ethiopia needed economic reforms to sustain rapid growth and boost its exports. The changes in the East African country have come following nearly four years of political unrest triggered by government plans to expand the boundaries of Addis Ababa into the Oromia region, which is home to the Oromo, Ethiopia’s largest ethno-national group.
The Oromo protesters expanded into calls for greater political reforms including the release of political prisoners and socioeconomic rights for the Oromo, who make up more than 34% of the population, and the Amhara, Ethiopia’s second-largest ethnic group. Both ethnic groups have long complained that they have been marginalised by the Tigrayans who, despite only accounting for 6% of the population, hold most influential positions in the government, economy and security.
The protests eventually led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. Ahmed, who belongs to the Oromo ethnic group, has vowed to enact reforms to make the economy more inclusive and he has also released some political prisoners. The opening up of the airline and telecoms industry is another step towards achieving his stated goals.
Ethio Telecom
Written by African Business Magazine
Ethiopia PM’s reform agenda undeterred by attacks
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has vowed to continue opening up the economy and country, despite a recent coup attempt triggered by his ambitious reform …
Nigeria will sign African free-trade deal
The announcement removes an obstacle to implementation, yet many remain.
Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore dies of cancer
The CEO of Kenya’s largest telecoms company, Safaricom, has died aged 61.
Safaricom: Bob Collymore’s last magazine interview
Hot on the heels of announcing a record dividend to shareholders, Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore reveals what lies behind the company’s success.
Zimbabwe resurrects local currency
Zimbabwe makes the new RTGS dollar the country’s sole legal tender, abolishing foreign currency after a decade.
Investment grows in Lesotho’s marijuana market
Foreign investors are ramping up investment in Lesotho’s cannabis industry with the aim of making the southern African country a major exporter of medicinal cannabis.
Join our mailing list to receive a sharp, curated weekly round-up of African business news.
Help us deliver better content
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Sudan’s gold: Hemedti’s untold power
Nigeria woos private investors to improve road infrastructure
Fall of Abraaj jolts African private equity
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For over 45 years New African provides unparalleled insights and analysis on African politics and economics, via an African perspective. With our in-depth monthly reports, New African brings Africa closer to the world and is ideal reading for those looking to gain a better understanding of the most important issues affecting Africa.
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Established in 2009, New African Woman has been covering stories that empower, inspire, and celebrate the African woman’s diverse accomplishment in all spheres. It is a colourful lifestyle magazine dedicated to providing in-depth coverage of fashion and beauty, health and wellbeing, parenting and family, and much more
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Kavya, Pratha are cadet champs
Ahmedabad Mirror | Updated: Aug 25, 2018, 22:22 IST
Kaavya Panjabi and Pratha Pawar were crowned cadet champions in their respective boys’ and girls’ categories at the 1st Open Ahmedabad Table Tennis Tournament held at a city club. Kaavya needed five games to overcome Himansh Dahiya for an 11-8, 12- 10, 4-11, 11-9, 11-5 win in the boys’ final.
On the adjoining table, cadet girls’ title round encounter went down to the wire when Pratha came from two games down to beat Namya Shah 5-11, 8-11, 15-13, 12-10, 7-11, 12-10, 11-8 in a thriller. Meanwhile, Anuj Joshi was crowned sub junior boys’ champion.
He defeated Abhimanyu Dahiya 10-12, 11-7, 11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 11-13, 11-5 in the final. Angel Parkar won the sub junior girls title beating Jaanya Parikh 9-11, 11-7, 11-9, 13-11, 11-9.
Kavya Panjabi(L) and Pratha Parmar
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umberto grati [ Illustrator, Fine Artist ]
<< Use your arrows keys to navigate this portfolio >>
Artist Message
As a versatile painter and illustrator, I've collaborated with art directors on editorial projects for weekly, monthly and daily magazines. My different styles can find solutions for every type of assignment. I work quickly and can always meet my deadlines. Click here to see my full portfolio:
http://www.umbertograti.it/
Please consider me for any of your future projects.
Sincerely, Umberto Grati
Umberto Grati was born in Ancona, on Italy’s East coast, in 1964. His education was completely devoted to Art.
He was awarded a High School Diploma from Ancona’s National Institute of Art in 1982 and a Degree from the Fine Arts and Restoration Institute in Florence in 1984, with specialisation in Graphic Design for Advertising.
He has since worked as an independent graphic designer and illustrator for a range of clients, including:
EMI Italy and Virgin in the music business;
Feltrinelli, Sperling & Kupfer, Rizzoli and Mondadori among book publishers;
La Stampa and Il Sole24ore, two leading Italian national daily newspapers;
ARCI, the Province of Milan and the Municipality of Ancona among institutional clients;
J.W. Thompson, Pirella, and Saatchi advertising agencies; and,
RAI radiotelevisione italiana, Italy’s national broadcasting corporation.
Parallel to his commissioned designs and illustrations, Umberto has produced a number of paintings on paper, canvas and wood. His media include oil, acrylic, and watercolor paint, tempera, and mixed-media.
From his Ancona studio, Umberto follows his own artistic path exploring the power of images, the harmony of essential forms, and the transparency of colours.
His original works have been exhibited in Milan and Ancona since 1987. His latest oil-on-canvas production has reached a critical mass and is ripe for his next exhibition.
my website :www.umbertograti.it
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+39 071204620 (Office)
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Grati Illustrates the Brights Prospects of A Forward-Thinking Family
Umberto Grati Depicts How to “Cut” Out Smoking
“And to finish… a classic.”
Grati Depicts Slow Interval for Post-Graduates
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The power of the cloud delivers a new experience at Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport
11 Mar 2016 Press release
Laura Cobbold
Manager Corporate Communications
Amadeus revolutionizes check-in with ACUS technology and self-service kiosks.
Cofely renews long-standing relationship as airport site manager.
A traditional airport departures hall during a peak travel period may bring to mind long check-in queues, stressed staff and unhappy passengers. Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is moving beyond that scene by implementing next-generation Amadeus technology, managed by Cofely, which will provide a more efficient passenger departure experience.
Amadeus’ cloud-based solution, the Amadeus Airport Common Use Service (ACUS), revolutionizes check-in technology by using application virtualization to allow passenger processing services to be accessed and deployed via any web browser, from any laptop or mobile device. This technology gives airport staff, including airlines and ground handlers, operational flexibility to respond to peak demand, even being able to remotely check in passengers in the case of irregular operations.
In addition, Amadeus and Cofely will deploy self-service kiosks throughout the airport, enabling a smoother experience for passengers – and an end to those lengthy queues.
Our focus is on the traveler experience ... That’s why we are investing in Amadeus’ cloud technology and working with Cofely as our site manager to deliver a personalized experience for each traveler.
Marc-Andr B dard Vice-President Information Technology at A roport de Qu bec inc. (AQi).
“Our focus is on the traveler experience. An airport has to be flexible to respond to the constant flux in passenger volumes, and the difference is in the service we provide. That’s why we are investing in Amadeus’ cloud technology and working with Cofely as our site manager to deliver a personalized experience for each traveler,” says Marc-Andr Bdard, Vice-President Information Technology at Aroport de Qubec inc. (AQi).
“Cofely has worked with the Quebec City airport for a number of years, providing baggage system software and managing the operations of the baggage system,” comments Cofely Vice President Pierre Loyer. “The cloud-based Amadeus approach makes a lot of sense, and is completely manageable with Cofely’s existing airport personnel."
ACUS will also deliver a number of other benefits to YQB airport including substantial cost and energy savings by removing the need for costly on-site servers and their associated maintenance and by reducing the operational costs associated with traditional airport IT systems. The remotely hosted platform means that YQB can make the most of its infrastructure and use resources more efficiently.
“ACUS dramatically increases operational efficiencies for airports, airlines and ground handlers, while improving the airport experience for the traveler. Airports around the world are increasingly harnessing the power of the cloud to deliver benefits for all their stakeholders,” says John Jarrell, Head of Airport IT at Amadeus. “We are very pleased to be working with the airport and Cofely to see its successful implementation.”
“We are providing local support not only for the implementation and technical support of the shared infrastructure check-in solution but throughout the life cycle of the airport’s journey to global passenger self-service,” highlights Loyer. “This support will allow us to work closely with all the stakeholders and address their concerns and needs proactively, providing a quick transition. We will provide a world-class solution combining the efficiency of a cloud-based solution and the proximity of our support team.”
North America, Cloud Technology
North America Cloud Technology
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Exchanges Roundup: Coinbase Volumes Hit 1-Year Low, UK Exchange to Fire Most Staff
On Oct 9, 2018 0
Recent updates show that with the cryptocurrency markets performing far from how they did a year ago, some exchanges have failed to adapt to the current situation. For example, one U.K. firm is reportedly set to fire most of its employees. Yet other exchanges are still going strong, breaking into new territories and adding new trading instruments.
Weak Quarterly Trading Volumes
Diar, an analysis service for the global digital currency industry, has issued a report highlighting the extremely weak performance of popular crypto exchanges during the third quarter of the year. For example, total USD trading volumes on Coinbase reached their lowest point in a year and total USDT trading volumes on Binance fell from $235 billion in the first quarter to just $106 billion.
As the report shows, one way the exchanges are looking to secure growth for the future is by moving toward tokenized securities.
“Having made bank on the trading bonanza in the past year, cryptocurrency exchanges are also acutely aware that, for the most part, the tokens they list don’t currently satisfy a utility purpose,” Diar explained. “Diving into deep pockets, exchanges are diversifying their portfolio by investing in various parts of the ecosystem to support the long-term growth of an industry stuck in development. But most notably, exchanges have amped up their investment interest for the possible issuing and trading of tokenized securities.”
Coinfloor to Fire Over Half its Employees
Coinfloor is in the process of firing most of its staff, according to a report by the Financial News, citing two people familiar with the matter. Founded in 2013 with backing from Transfer Wise founder Taavet Hinrikus, venture capital firm Passion Capital and Adam Knight, Coinfloor was estimated to employ about 40 people before the newly planned cuts.
Coinfloor CEO Obi Nwosu told the London-based newspaper that the company has “seen significant change in trade volume across the market.” He also stated that: “Coinfloor is currently undergoing a business restructure to focus on our competitive advantages in the marketplace and to best serve our clients. As part of this restructure, we are making some staff changes and redundancies.”
Israeli Exchange Looks Abroad
According to Israeli media reports, Tel Aviv-based exchange Bit2c is looking to offer its services into foreign markets. The exchange has reportedly acquired a Gibraltar-based firm, Eyos, that is said to be in advanced phases of receiving a distributed ledger technology (DLT) license from the local regulatory authorities that can be used to accept clients from across the EU.
“This is a significant breakthrough in making unique Israeli technology more accessible while providing a professional and experienced service to the whole of Europe, and all in the framework of a license that will enable a range of trading activities, payment options and cooperations with traditional financial institutions such as banks, credit companies and insurance companies,” Bit2c CEO Eli Bejerano said. “We continue to examine other markets, and in the future we will act to get additional licenses around the world.”
Bequant Launches EUR Stablecoin
Bequant, a London-based global exchange, has announced the launch of Stasis’ stablecoin EURS. The company explains that the launch of the token, meant to be backed 1-for-1 by the euro, will allow safe investing for its European institutional investors in a reliable asset.
“The cryptocurrency sector is constantly striving for ways to encourage transparency, reliability and trust from investors — both institutional and individuals. Doing so not only builds trust within the industry, but also establishes clear regulation and controls that make crypto-assets a desirable choice for any investor’s portfolio. Stablecoins hold huge advantages in making this goal possible, tying themselves to a more traditional asset,” said CEO George Zarya.
“STASIS EUR’s work in creating a more reliable asset will help build the credibility of cryptocurrency in the wider financial market through its improved processes aimed at providing a more secure asset for investment. Its listing on BeQuant presents a huge opportunity for investors to get involved with a currency that is already giving previously cautious investors access to the world of crypto.”
Source: news.bitcoin
Forbes Partners With Civil to Publish Content on a Blockchain
MGO Wins a Listing on Bitfinex!
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Posts tagged ‘Pittsburg State University’
On Being Asked for a Political Poem – by Christopher Todd Anderson
My eyes drift across Kansas, its drab winter fields
and bird-churned skies, its highways like frozen
gray rivers, its oak trees clutching brown shawls
of dead unfallen leaves, a rough threadbare comfort.
I could stand at my window all day and watch clouds
grazing sky like white bison in a blue meadow. I could
stand at my window all day drinking hot tea. Gazing
is the only thing I’m really good at. I could do it all day.
Yesterday I had lunch with Laura, who keeps quoting
Rukeyser on poets of outrage and poets of possibility.
Honestly, I never know where I stand with my poems
full of raptors and wine, empty fields, black morning
coffee, and barn cats gagging up something killed
for hunger. Lunch was good, and my belly’s full
of sunshine, but the new year’s colder than ever
as statesmen swear their oaths with their left palms
flat atop piles of money and raised right hands poised
to bitch-slap America. I’ve got nothing to say to make
things better. Tomorrow, trees will still march through
poems like buckskin priests praising the sun, and gods
will roost on power lines, then glory in flight. But now
every word is on fire, every blackbird and maple leaf is
a red ember. Sing your children to sleep, sing, for worlds
are burning as we stir anger like sour milk into our coffee.
Christopher Todd Anderson is Associate Professor of English at Pittsburg State University in Kansas, where he teaches courses in American literature, creative writing, environmental literature, and popular culture. His poetry has appeared in journals such as River Styx, Tar River Poetry, Ellipsis, Chicago Quarterly Review, Tipton Poetry Journal, and The Midwest Quarterly.
Guest Editor Laura Lee Washburn is the Director of Creative Writing at Pittsburg State University in Kansas, and the author of This Good Warm Place: 10th Anniversary Expanded Edition (March Street) and Watching the Contortionists (Palanquin Chapbook Prize). Her poetry has appeared in such journals as TheNewVerse.News, Cavalier Literary Couture, Carolina Quarterly, Ninth Letter, The Sun, Red Rock Review, and Valparaiso Review. Born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, she has also lived and worked in Arizona and in Missouri. She is married to the writer Roland Sodowsky and is one of the founders and the Co-President of the Board of SEK Women Helping Women
Heartland, Poetry
The Apocalypse Will Not Be Televised – by Christopher Todd Anderson
Stealthily it will come like termites weakening floorboards.
It will come under darkness, clouds kidnapping the moon
while everyone sleeps. It will slow burn and smolder, no flame
waving the flag of crisis when well-built walls crumble to ash.
We in the mined lands know something about collapse. It’s not
always explosions and smoke plumes visible seventeen miles away.
Hollow tunnels, machine-carved then eroded by seepage, run beneath
neighborhoods, beneath playgrounds, schools, homes and highways.
Here, the ground could swallow the workaday surface into its jagged
stony mouth any moment. You’ll wake to cracking beams in the house
frame, roaring asphalt or stop signs tumbling in. The news will show
the doll’s head, the tricycle, the mangled Toyota dirty at pit bottom.
Don’t believe the half-truth litany of tragedy the TV chants night
and day. Usually suffering is quiet as mice, unseen, hidden in shadows
like a basement cricket behind the furnace. It’s there, it sings, but we
sleep too well, hear nothing except in fitful rest and dark dreams.
Christopher Todd Anderson is
Associate Professor of English at Pittsburg State University in Kansas, where he teaches courses in American literature, creative writing, environmental literature, and popular culture. His poetry has appeared in journals such as River Styx, Tar River Poetry, Ellipsis, Chicago Quarterly Review, Tipton Poetry Journal, and The Midwest Quarterly.
Guest Editor Laura Lee Washburn is the Director of Creative Writing at Pittsburg State University in Kansas, and the author of This Good Warm Place: 10th Anniversary Expanded Edition (March Street) and Watching the Contortionists (Palanquin Chapbook Prize). Her poetry has appeared in such journals as TheNewVerse.News, Cavalier Literary Couture, Carolina Quarterly, Ninth Letter, The Sun, Red Rock Review, and Valparaiso Review. Born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, she has also lived and worked in Arizona and in Missouri. She is married to the writer Roland Sodowsky and is one of the founders and the Co-President of the Board of SEK Women Helping Women.
New Year’s Eve, 2016 Sinking – by Morgan O.H. McCune
After all this time, each star still marks a question.
Why would a God need so many bright eyes
To witness this? How far is that star
That it should be unreachable?
What shall I use as a measure?
We could have drawn a legend,
Collapsing the abyss into thin ripples over sand,
Where only the tiniest tragedy could occur,
Or expanding the Atlantic into a bowl so immense
That planets drift like plankton,
Calamities muted by sheer space.
We could have steered to port,
Had we kept a better lookout.
To change the future, change a word.
Yes. No. Iceberg.
To change the future, watch.
We are standing on a deck, the tilt of which
Grows extreme. There is not a heartbeat
Between us and the sea.
At the end (perhaps the beginning?),
See how the brain fires all its flares?
We were not made to go down
Without an offering, and who knows
Which flashing string of instinct may be enough.
What pearls will slip through your fingers
Into the hungry sea?
You’ll see them fall or,
From another viewpoint, rise
Through miracles of latitude.
Two billion years to that star,
Two miles to the ocean floor,
Two inches and the shell
Of the nautilus begins
To curve into an
Trap.
All ahead dead slow;
Set the watch.
~ Morgan O. H. McCune
Morgan O.H. McCune was born and raised in Topeka. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Poetry from Washington University in St. Louis (1991) and a Master of Library Science from Emporia State University (2002). She is currently working as a Cataloging Librarian, Associate Professor, at Pittsburg State University.
Re: Brock Turner – by J. E. Macy
Gee whiz, All-American boy.
Blue-eyed crystal
Toothpaste grin
Bleached Chiclet teeth
Hair, golden waves of grain.
Cover of Boy’s Life:
“Explore Your Future!”
Cover of Sports Illustrated:
“Kid Dynamite: Mike Tyson, the Next Great
Heavyweight—and He’s Only 19!”
Cover of GQ: “Sean Connery
On Politics & Power”
Oh you, Cover boy,
Strike a pose.
Lantern-jawed
Long-limbed
Barrel-chested
Nipples like rosy pennies.
Wonder Bread
Old Spice.
High school hero:
Chewing gum,
Speedos, jock straps
Stanford Cardinals bleed.
Mama spit-cleans
Daddy grills
Red Solo cups
Steaks medium-well
Never bleeding
—Since those 10 minutes of action,
meat hasn’t tasted the same—
Summer-browned skin
Docks, cattails, skimming bare feet
Skipping smooth stones
his stroke has slackened—
Little crimson briefs
Hot-blooded competition.
The Dane saw our All-American
behind a dumpster, called, and
vomited on the ground.
J.E. Macy grew up in the suburbs of Kansas City, and since graduating high school in 2009 has lived quite nomadically. She left Pittsburg State University with a degree in English, gallivanted across Europe, returned home, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in English with an Emphasis in Creative Writing at her alma mater.
Guest editor Laura Lee Washburn is the Director of Creative Writing at Pittsburg State University in Kansas, and the author of This Good Warm Place: 10th Anniversary Expanded Edition (March Street) and Watching the Contortionists (Palanquin Chapbook Prize). Her poetry has appeared in such journals as The New Verse News, Cavalier Literary Couture, Carolina Quarterly, Ninth Letter, The Sun, Red Rock Review, and Valparaiso Review. Born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, she has also lived and worked in Arizona and in Missouri. She is married to the writer Roland Sodowsky and is one of the founders and the Co-President of the Board of SEK Women Helping Women.
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Boom Days art exhibit opening reception is set for January 25
ALAMOSA – Adams State University Art Professor and Art Department Chair Claire van der Plas will exhibit her paintings, Boom Days, from January 22 through February 22, in the Cloyde Snook Gallery. An artist lecture begins at 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, in the Art Building room 227 and will be followed by an opening reception.
Over the last several years van der Plas has painted images of rocks and water relating to the history of mining in Colorado. These works contrast the orderliness of the grid with the organic patterns of rock and water. Some of these paintings are exacting representations of rocks used in Leadville’s ‘Boom Days’ celebrations during which miners compete to demonstrate their drilling skills. “Several of these overlay a regular taped grid from my painting process on the rougher grid of numbered squares painted on the actual rocks as part of the drilling competition,” van der Plas said. The double grids can be read as alluding to topography, the gridding out of surveyed land, numbered claims, and mined and un-mined sections of the landscape.
“The paintings of water in rivers and containment ponds allude to our long history of attempts to contain and control leachate released by mining from the rocks into the water, and its subsequent unpredictable and uncontainable migration through the environment,” van der Plas added. The overlaid grids reference our attempts to control our world, both in how we think about it and how we physically alter it. These grids allude to order, mapping, dividing, and the structuring of knowledge into distinct areas.”
These works are about mining, but they are also about looking, paying close attention, and the labor of painting realism. There is a meditative aspect to the slow work of painting the grain of wood, flaking paint on rough textured rocks, bent timbers in a collapsed building. It is a challenge to depict complex surfaces and spaces in the world and what is on them and beneath them, on the surface of a canvas. “This is a challenge that excites and absorbs me, it is work that I find fulfilling,” van der Plas said. “I hope that the viewer, in doing their part of the meaning-making work that is art, is absorbed and excited, and is prompted to think about paying attention – to the surface of the painting, but also to the surface and depths of our world, and the effects we have on it.”
An exhibit, Fractalrefinery Inspaceonline, by Adams State art alumni Nora McBride and Matthew Capell, will be on display in the Hatfield Gallery from January 22 through February 22 with an opening reception from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, in the Art Building.
Caption: Pictured, Oregon Gulch, Leadville, oil on canvas by Claire van der Plas, will be included in her sabbatical show, Boom Days, opening January 22 in the Adams State Cloyde Snook Gallery,/Photo courtesy of Claire van der Plas
ALAMOSA – Adams State University Art Professor and Art Department Chair Claire van der Plas will exhibit her paintings, Boom Days, from January 22 through February 22, in the Cloyde Snook Gallery.
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Still Image[remove]545
Community Development and Conservation collection[remove]545
Greene, P. H. 145
Soule, Murphy and Hastings13
Edwards, Plunkett & Howell11
Pries, Lionel H., 1897-196810
Collinge, J. Walter8
Financial facilities20
Furniture stores19
Banks18
Medical offices17
Real estate business16
Transportation facilities14
Dry goods stores12
Cleaning establishments11
Alleys10
Clothing stores10
Yards10
photographs[remove]545
postcards24
aerial photographs23
negatives (photographs)10
contact sheets1
drawings (visual works)1
You searched for: Collection Community Development and Conservation collection Remove constraint Collection: Community Development and Conservation collection Genre photographs Remove constraint Genre: photographs Format Still Image Remove constraint Format: Still Image
Elks Building, 1000 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Hitchcock Building, 1200 block of State Street, Santa Barbara
Manhattan Delicatessen and Granada Market, 1205-1207 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Unidentified buildings, 1100 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
San Marcos Building, 1129 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Janz, J. T.
La Arcada, 1100 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
La Arcada, 1108 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Sear's, 1100 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
San Marcos Building, 1100 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara Clinic, 1421 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Winslow, Carleton M., 1919-, Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara (Calif.). Plans and Planting Committee, and Faulding's Photography
Blake Building, 1330-1340 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Automobile Club Southern California, 1425 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Winslow, Carleton M., 1919-
Redwood Court, 1519 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Dr. Lewis' office, 1534 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Sign, Santa Barbara, California
Unidentified building, 411 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Unidentified building, 500 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Rogers Furniture Company, State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Military personnel in garden, Santa Barbara, California
Westens Corner Store, State Street, Santa Barbara, California
E.F. Rogers & Son, 900 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Soule and Murphy and Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara (Calif.). Plans and Planting Committee
Interior of Osuna Grocery, 626 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
[circa 1924]
La Placita, 700 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara (Calif.). Plans and Planting Committee
Faulding's Photography
Paseo De Las Flores, 818 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Craig, Mary, 1889-1964, Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara (Calif.). Plans and Planting Committee, and Collinge, J. Walter
Carrillo Building, 937 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Eaton, Charles Frederick, 1843-1930 and Greene, P. H.
Johnston Cafeteria, 916 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Soule, Murphy and Hastings and Greene, P. H.
County National Bank and Trust Company, 1000 block of State Street, Santa Barbara
Anderson, F. G.
McKay Building, 700 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara (Calif.). Plans and Planting Committee and Faulding's Photography
Craig, Mary, 1889-1964 and Greene, P. H.
Las Tiendas, 801 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Unidentified buildings, 1536 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Edwards, Plunkett & Howell, Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara (Calif.). Plans and Planting Committee, and Obert's Photoshop
Santa Barbara Drug Co., 609 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Western Union, 800 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
[circa late 1920s]
Carrillo Building, 900 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Cornwall's, 929 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Consolidated Title Insurance Company, 920 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara Mutual Building and Loan, 1010 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Santa Fe Railroad Office, 915 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Soule, Murphy and Hastings
Granada Building, 1212-1216 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Rosenthal, L. A. and Greene, P. H.
Dreyfus Building, 1225 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Hitchcock Building, 100 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Avery Garden Court, 1628 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Star Motor Company of California, 325 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Central Outfitting Co., 714 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Street view, 716-720 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Edmondson, A. R.
Street view, 800 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
The Morning Press, 800 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Edwards, Plunkett & Howell and Greene, P. H.
Western Union, 826 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Rogers Furniture Company, 900 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Tucker Shops, 919 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Eisenberg Building, 1001 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara (Calif.). Plans and Planting Committee and Collinge, J. Walter
Granada Market, 1207 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Bates Building, 500 block of State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Eisenberg's White House Inc., 701 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Sullivan, J. P. (Contractor) and Greene, P. H.
The Red Cross Drug Store, 828 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Edwards, Plunkett & Howell and Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara (Calif.). Plans and Planting Committee
Holiday Hardware Co., 810 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Osborne's Bookstore, 923 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Wass, H. L. and Faulding, Dwight
Security Building, 1014 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Soule, Murphy and Hastings, Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara (Calif.). Plans and Planting Committee, and Greene, P. H.
Kerr's Building, 1235 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Pacific Laundry, 110 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Architectural Advisory Committee (Santa Barbara, Calif.) and Greene, P. H.
Hotel Californian, 35 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Architectural Advisory Committee (Santa Barbara, Calif.), Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara (Calif.). Plans and Planting Committee, and Greene, P. H.
Enterprise Launderers, 225 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Pries, Lionel H., 1897-1968 and Greene, P. H.
Orena Building, 722 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
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Daibinbou
Country: Japanese
The supporting cast lineup of FujiTV Winter 2017 drama "Daibinbou" starring Koyuki has been announced. The human comedy drama which is an original story and begins its run from 8 January 2017 in the Sundays 9pm timeslot, features Koyuki as a single mother Nanakusa Yuzuko who struggles against the irrationalities regarding money, power and love happening around her while Ito Atsushi plays her "buddy" Kakihara Shinichi who is an elite lawyer. Narita Ryo will play Kase Haruki, a capable salesman who has been working for three years in the human resources company Dimensions Of Humanity (DOH) which is also where Yuzuko works at. Despite being young, Kase is street-smart and knows about the dark sides of human nature. He joins forces with Yuzuko and Kakihara to find out the truth behind DOH's bankruptcy. Johnny's WEST member Kamiyama Tomohiro plays a newbie lawyer Kogure Yuuto who works at Kakihara's law firm and is hardworking and serious. His interaction with Kakihara will provide comedic relief in the story. Takito Kenichi will play DOH's accounting department's manager Asaoka Reiji who is quiet and even uses honoriffics with his subordinates thus has the reputation of being a gentleman in the company. He knows everything about the company since it was established and has an unknown side to others. Okuda Eiji plays Tenma Toshiaki who is the president of DOH and is the benefactor of Yuzuko since he was the one who made it easier for her to work, given her single mother status. However, with the declaration of DOH's bankruptcy which is due to an incident, he becomes despondent about life.
Country: Japanese
Genre: Drama;
Ep 10 Ep 9 Ep 8 Ep 7 Ep 6 Ep 5 Ep 4 Ep 3 Ep 2 Ep 1
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Movie Pas Son Genre (Not My Type) – Lucas Belvaux
13/03/201603:33 Judith Prescott
This movie will be broadcasted on TV5MONDE Asia on March 15th, 20th and 25th.
Judging by his portfolio of films to date, Belgian director Lucas Belvaux is more at home with edgy, tense thrillers than a love story between a Paris-based intellectual and a fizzy, blonde provincial hairdresser, but Pas Son Genre is not without its darker moments. Based on the novel by Philippe Vilain, Belvaux carefully dissects the chemistry between two people at opposite ends of the intellectual and social scale to demonstrate the unpredictable nature of love and sexual attraction. And asks in the end, does love conquer all?
La Comédie Français is currently providing a rich source of talented young actors transferring their talent from the stage to the big screen – Pierre Niney in Yves Saint Laurent, Guillaume Galllienne in Les Garcons et Guillaume á Table. And now Loic Corbery as Clément, a philosophy teacher and writer who is forced to leave his beloved Paris to take up a teaching job in the northern provincial town of Arras. Time passes slowly for Clément and after a chance meeting with Jennifer (Emilie Dequenne), he decides to asks her out on a date. Clément loves reading Kant, Jennifer reads gossip magazines, pouring over the lives of movies stars like Jennifer Aniston; Clément spends his time in Paris at the opera or the opening of trendy art galleries; Jennifer likes to sing karaoke with her gal pals in a local nightclub. Yet the two find themselves in a relationship which initially seems to work for both of them.
Fortunately, Belvaux avoids Jennifer’s classic Pygmalion-style transformation. She is no academic, but is far from stupid and when Clément tellingly gives her a copy of Dostoyevsky’s The Idiot as a gift she diligently reads it from cover to cover. She is not intimidated by his intellect merely indifferent to its purpose. The real obstacle to their happiness is Clément’s attitude to love itself and his academic’s reluctance to dirty his hands with anything as messy as emotions. He views relationships with a clinical, cold detachment and it is this, rather than any intellectual or social inequality, that sounds the death knell for the relationship. Poking into the dark corners of relationships, Belvaux shows it’s not what we are, but who we are that determines our fate.
Corbery and Dequenne are faultless as Clément and Jennifer. Dequenne in particular exudes a charming vulnerability and the scenes with Corbery towards the end of the film are immensley touching. If only Belvaux could have trimmed some of the overly long scenes in the nightclub and elsewhere, Pas Son Genre would be a real jewel of a film.
Judith Prescott
I have worked as a journalist for 24 years both in London, England and now in Paris, France. I was a broadcast journalist for the English service of Radio France Internationale in Paris for 17 years before leaving to set up a blog for French cinema fans everywhere. I also worked as a reviewer of French films for The Hollywood Reporter and was a jury member for the Prix Michel d'Ornano at the Festival of American Films at Deauville. I am passionate about French films, both old and new, and want to share this passion with filmgoers around the globe.
http://frenchcinemareview.com
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Daisy Pulls It Off at the Park Theatre review ***
Daisy Pulls It Off
Park Theatre 200, 16th December 2017
Funny thing the memory. Even more curious is consciousness itself. It used to be that clever folk conceptualised consciousness as a kind of “theatre of the mind”. Apparently now the cutting edge of neuroscience, psychology and philosophy says this dualism is claptrap and tends towards a more functionalist explanation. As the bard said “there are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy”. A very clever man, and great admirer of Mr Shakespeare, a certain Mr Tom Stoppard even had a crack at writing a play about The Hard Problem.
Anyway the point is that I distinctly remember really enjoying Denise Deegan’s play Daisy Pulls It Off at the Globe Theatre, (now the Gielgud), when it was such a smash hit in the mid 1980s. As did the SO. It was very funny. Or so I thought.
This latest revival at the Park Theatre was OK. Occasionally funny, but quite often a bit of a chore. Daisy Drags It Out. Now as I understand it this production, directed by Paulette Randall, presents pretty much the original script. It reverts to the original seven strong cast, which means some doubling or trebling up for all but two of them. Which, in my view, led to some of the more amusing moments in the play. Ms Randall and her creative colleagues have chosen to cast the production in a largely age, colour and gender blind way. Anna Shaffer, who debuts as Daisy, was most age appropriate. In contrast, Freddie Hutchins doubled up as Belinda alongside his Mr Scoblowski, Pauline McLynn was a plucky Trixie and Claire Perkins revelled in her roles as Monica, Mr Thompson and Mademoiselle. The rest of the cast, Lucy Eaton, Melanie Fulbrook, Shobna Gulati, are all excellent actors, based on other stage and TV performances I have seen, and it was hard to fault their industry or execution here. The production was played moreorless “straight”, as intended, with any hamming up emerging largely from character or costume changes and not from an overly arch, or slapstick, delivery. Libby Watson’s set and costumes were on the money and, in the hockey match and the rescue scene on the cliff-top, the cast conjured up some fine visual drama from inventive movement, using only minimal props.
So why was this such a disappointment, for me, and for LD, who gamely agreed to come along, despite being somewhat suspicious about Dad’s big build up. Well, as I say, I don’t think it was the production, or the cast. I see that some, though by no means all, other proper reviewers got a real buzz out of this. Three possible explanations then. Either it wasn’t as good as I though it was first time around, (though, with the magnificent Lia Williams, alongside Samantha Bond and Kate Buffery, this production did launch some extraordinary acting talent). Or I, and the world around me, has moved on, such that reverent spoofs such as this are no longer novel. Finally it may be that my memory has, to coin the vernacular, “played tricks on me”. This third explanation is likely scientific fact, and not just doddery middle age, the second explanation probably has a great deal to do with it, but I worry that the first may actually bear the bulk of the responsibility. It just may not be as good a play as I thought it was.
I wouldn’t put you off from seeing this if you are new it. There are laughs, (though apparently, to my surprise, there is nothing amusing about the words “frightful muff”), some spirited performances and some fine stagecraft. It does warm up in the second half but never really takes off. The underlying message, snobbery can and will be routed, is so gentle as to be barely perceptible and, it turns out, the whole thing is just a little too in thrall to its sources. An A for effort, a C for achievement, I am afraid to say.
Author At Home He Feels Like A TouristPosted on December 31, 2017 Categories Comedy, Culture, London, TheatreTags Anna Shaffer, Clare Perkins, Daisy Pulls It Off, Denise Deegan, Freddie Hutchins, Libby Watson, Lucy Eaton, Melanie Fulbrook, Park Theatre, Paulette Randall, Pauline McLynn, Shobna Gulati
Previous Previous post: Titus Andronicus at the Barbican Theatre review ****
Next Next post: Dali/Duchamp at the Royal Academy review ***
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Dear Ford: When you bring back the Ranger, don’t forget this Raptor version
For those times you need to drive anywhere, but in a smaller truck than an F-150.
Mitlov
Dear Ford, please DON'T bring a Ranger Raptor to market, or else my wife's redneck side will take over and she'll have to have one and we'll be broke.
sd70mac
Tribus: Illinois
Let's not forget the Ford Ranger EV. Practical and low operating costs.
MiggityMikeB
Tribus: Portland, OR
Can we reevaluate the CAFE standards and bring back reasonably sized trucks?
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/1 ... on-wagons/
IntellectualThug
I'd rather they put their efforts into selling a pickup that isn't so ridiculously fuckhuge and has a reasonable bed level so I can load shit in the back without doing a god damn power clean. I feel like if I got one nowadays I'd need to take it to a Hispanic body shop just to put it in the realm of reasonable.
jbode
Tribus: Central TX
I sold my '96 Ranger several years ago and still regret it. It's not often I need that open bed, but when I do I really miss it.
I don't want a full-size truck - I don't have the space for it, and I don't like driving anything that big. The Ranger was pretty perfect for my needs, and worked well as a daily driver for a long time.
It's the only Ford product I'd ever consider buying again.
MiggityMikeB wrote:
There's not a meaningful fuel economy difference between a true compact truck like the old Ranger and S-10 and a midsize truck like the current Tacoma and Colorado.
BrightPage
As long as they don't make it look like the current F-150's midget brother, I'd be down for it.
(please god don't use that fugly front end design again)
In all seriousness, if Chevy can sell a Colorado ZR-2 in the USA and Toyota can sell a Tacoma TRD Pro, I don't see why this couldn't work.
Alphadark
A Ranger raptor would look good next to my 2018 Focus RS.
To think I used to be a Toyota/Subaru guy
Rookie_MIB
jbode wrote:
I have an 01 Ranger that Picked up SUPER cheap. Perfect body condition, trans rebuilt, great tires, $800.00 USD. Apparently the guy who owned it drove it through a deep puddle at speed, sucked water into the engine, hydrolocked it and blew a rod through the side of the block.
$450.00 for a used 2.5L engine and 5 days later and it's been a very reliable and fun truck to drive. I should have picked up a 2.3L Turbo coupe / SVO motor for it. That would have been an utter blast to have. Still - I can't complain. Awesome little truck.
Just make Kei trucks legal to drive here in the states and be done with it. If GM/FMC/Fiat can't / refuse to make trucks that weigh under 4000lbs and with wheelbases under 100" f em.
Mitlov wrote:
Fuel economy isn't the problem. It's their physical size / weight. You can't fit/drive a corrado where you can an S10.
BulkyZ wrote:
Yep, the CAFE standards have affected vehicle size. He didn't read the link so I'll post the pertinent bits here:
In 2006, CAFE altered the formula for its 2011 fuel economy targets, by calculating a vehicle’s “footprint”, which is the vehicle’s wheelbase multiplied by its wheel track. The footprint is expressed in square feet, and calculating this value is probably the most transparent part of the regulations. Fuel economy targets are a function of a vehicle’s footprint; the smaller the footprint, the tougher the standards are.
Unfortunately, the footprint method has the opposite effect; rather than encouraging auto makers to strive for unprecedented fuel economy in their passenger car offerings, it has incentivized auto makers to build larger cars, in particular, more car-based crossovers that can be classified as “trucks” as used to skew fleet average figures, much the same way the PT Cruiser did. Full-size trucks have become a “protected class”, safe from the most aggressive targets, while compact trucks have become nearly extinct as a result.
CAFE’s other victim is the compact truck segment. Many consumers don’t need a full-size truck (whether they acknowledge it or not), and the Ford Ranger, along with GM’s own compact pickups, had respectable followings among consumers looking for a smaller fuel-efficient pickup.
But the Ranger happens to fall into the “dead zone” of the CAFE footprint formula. Both curve graphs show a flat line at 55 square feet; in practical terms, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class carries this footprint. The Ranger, even in SuperCab configuration, has a footprint of 50 square feet, just short of the magic number. The best Ranger, fuel economy-wise, was a 4-cylinder manual truck, returning 22/27 mpg IRL; a respectable number, but one only available in a configuration that a minority of buyers would opt for. Equipped with a V6 and an automatic transmission, it would only return 14/18 mpg IRL, a figure that can be equalled by certain version of Ford’s V6 and V8 F-150 full-size pickups. By 2025, a theoretical Ranger with a footprint of 50 square feet would have to achieve fuel economy somewhere approaching 50 mpg CAFE. The 75 square foot F-150 would only have to reach in the high 30s CAFE.
Uxorious
Wonder if Ford is targeting the "mid sized" truck market with the new (bloated) Ranger.
My perception is that recent truck sizing has taken the lead from McDonalds, with everything "super-sized", as the Chevy Colorado of today looks very similar to Chevy's full-size pickup from 20 years ago (but with better engine performance from the new midsize trucks as compared to the rediculously anemic 5.7L V8s of the 90's.)
Uxorious wrote:
Trucks getting bigger is directly related to the flawed CAFE standards.
And that's a fair complaint, even though most buyers prefer the interior space of a midsize. But I just hate the TTAC "it's all the guvmint regulators' fault!!!11" tone for an issue that's really an issue of customer preference and the silent majority outvoting a vocal minority with their purchasing dollars. It's the same issue with manual transmissions versus slushboxes and CVTs, RWD versus FWD, etc.
Everything is getting bigger. My Civic has more space than Accords did when I was younger. The RAV4 is twice the size it used to be and it's always been a car-based crossover. Can't blame that on CAFE...why isn't the same true with trucks?
The best Ranger, fuel economy-wise, was a 4-cylinder manual truck, returning 22/27 mpg IRL; a respectable number, but one only available in a configuration that a minority of buyers would opt for.
That's the configuration I had - a bit underpowered (had to drop to 3rd to go up a hill whether I was hauling anything or not), but good enough mileage to serve as a daily driver, at least in the late '90s/early '00s.
Interesting point about CAFE standards driving increase in vehicle size - that's something I never would have considered, but it makes perfect sense. Law of unintended consequences strikes again.
Quick599
The Nissan Frontier sounds perfect for you.
BeowulfSchaeffer
I want an updated version of the Ford Ranger EV.
Ford Wiki
Last edited by BeowulfSchaeffer on Thu Sep 07, 2017 11:52 am
PenGun
I have a Sammy. Possibly the best 4x4 ever built and I can use the quad trails. Some education is in order.
The various lessors, owners etc, are the problem us backroads guys have. In my part of the world the logging companies try to keep us off their leases. It's my mountain dammit! Anyhoo the first guys to create a work around are the quad guys and my Sammy fits their silly trails.
I am often the only truck on the mountain.
Crapwonk
I had a '96 extended cab Ranger. Probably the worst vehicle I ever had. It had the V6 and was still very underpowered, had bad gas mileage for its size and weight, endless electrical system problems, 1st brakes wore out at 15,000 miles, but not covered under warranty because they are a wear item, clutch wore out around 85000 miles, and, as a bonus the worst handling in rain or snow - the only vehicle in 45 years of driving I have ever spun out with. I grew up on a farm driving pickups, so this was not my 1st pickup experience. I do not miss that vehicle in any way, would never consider another one.
Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2017 12:00 pm
Not all "da gubment" but a lot of the fault for vehicles in general getting porky is their fault. Regulations for making a car "safe against an impact from an SUV" raised door lines. (Instead of limiting truck /suv bumper height.) And the regulations requiring a vehicles roof to he able to withstand a rollover without the hood crumpling lead to weight gain and raised the CG of all vehicles.
As for the other argument... F CVTs. They wear out quickly. I've seen many CVT equipped vehicles go in for a repair that ended up getting the car sold and another bought because of the cost. These were friends, co workers and family members all lured in with the promise of better MPG. I think the longest lasting one was 95k give or take. Still way too soon for a modern vehicle to need what amounted to a rebuild.
Ishkabibbel
Tribus: Giggity
I have to say I'm impressed with the Raptor. I'm not a Ford guy, but anything that consistently commands such astronomical prices (new and used) for capabilities that virtually no owners will ever use much less need is truly amazing.
The truck's capabilities are pretty awesome too.
CVTs are fucking garbage. I have the last Forester that came with the 4EAT designed in 1988, and it will probably last 250K+ without major issues. My mom got the 2015 Forester and the CVT is already shifting weirdly and making discomforting noises.
sporkinum
Tribus: Stati Uniti d'America
I have a 4cyl 98. It's rusty and crusty, 200k+ miles, looks like hell, but runs great. The old Ranger is the right size, not this new beast. It blows my mind when I see some massive 4-door 4wd pickup that has a bed the same size or smaller than my Ranger. Oh well, I'll keep driving it, until I can't.
LOL nonsense. Kei cars and trucks would have no hope of meeting NHTSA safety standards. And the IIHS testing would destroy them.
sporkinum wrote:
I parked my PN150 (North American) Ranger supercab next to a 2016 P375 (global) Ranger Wildtrak crew cab. The new Ranger was about a couple of inches longer and hardly any wider. The big difference was in height; the P375 is about 8-10" taller. Most of that comes from the fact that its ride height is higher.
The global Ranger just looks big because it's taller, the bed sides/door sills are higher, and the most popular body style is the crew cab which the PN150 Ranger was never offered in. The closest we had to a crew cab Ranger was the Explorer Sport Trac.
So 2" longer wheelbase (largely due to the crew cab body) a few more inches OAL (greater overhangs.)
not really a hill of beans IMO.
Last edited by Jim Z on Thu Sep 07, 2017 12:25 pm
Rene Gollent
Tribus: SC, USA
I must admit, my first thought upon reading that article headline was a truck powered by SpaceX's Raptor. Sadly, the reality of it is not quite that awesome.
isparavanje
For everyone else, imagine a Focus RS, but it's a truck, and it's for driving in the desert.
I can't really imagine this, but I also had trouble imagining a steak, except it's dessert, and it tastes like tiramisu. Maybe it's just me
Tribus: greater NYC area
Registered: Jan 7, 2008
This looks great. I will be in the market for a "small" (that is, large, but built for humans less than 10 feet tall) truck, but Tacomas are impossible to find.
But, there's a factor that keeps putting me off: 4 doors & short bed.
4 doors is important, since what's the point of pulling the boat/camper/bikes/whatever if you can't carry the people who use it.
But, a short bed is useless. If I can't put 8-ft lumber in it when doing projects, it's a waste.
I'd rather have the whole back fully enclosed, with fold-down seats for hauling long items.
OK, so you think "dummy, that's an SUV", but no. I'm not looking for third-row seats and an entertainment center. The back should still be durable bedliner, with tie-downs and no plastic pillar coverings to break when you are throwing lumber in the back. It's just that the roof goes all the way back, without a stupid barrier behind the seats.
This is how the old 1970s and 1980s Broncos were made, and it is a really convenient layout (not accounting for the old crappy bench seats, etc) It just needs to be updated to the 21st century.
YodaMcFly
ads2 wrote:
I love my 2005 Tacoma, even though its mileage sucks compared to more modern engines...
jobyonek
My first car was a 95 Ranger with that weak-ass little inline 4. Not fast. Not 4-wheel drive. Questionable interior build quality. HOWEVER. It was nigh invulnerable. My younger stepbrother has it now, and it's approaching 300K miles. It's survived years of a brutally uphill daily commute, followed by TWO 18-24 boys driving it around the desert like maniacs and not taking proper care of it, and the only major work it's ever needed was a new clutch at around 100K miles.
Now that I'm an adult who commutes by motorcycle and need not concern myself too much with my weekend adventure-mobile's gas mileage, my 4-wheeled vehicle is a much more awesome Ranger. A couple years ago I picked up a 2003 with the peak off-road package of its time (FX4 Level II). Still not especially fast. Not especially good gas mileage. BUT. Outstanding 4wd (. Highly adequate torque. 31" tires. Full skid factory skid plates. Flat-out ridiculous towing capacity for its size. Hopefully also nigh-invulnerable. So far it seems just as bulletproof as my old Ranger, but with the added bonus of being actually fun to drive.
I love my 2003 Ranger. I'm going to drive it until the wheels fall off. If it lasts 300K miles like my old 95 did ... with me driving it as little as I do it might be the last truck I ever own (and I'm only 31).
Although if I had a little more disposable income I admit I'd probably be sorely tempted by a brand new Raptor Ranger.
WrittenDescription
You mean a Honda Ridgeline?
IntellectualThug wrote:
It's not that I didn't read it. I've seen that article before. I agree with the article that CAFE creates, on paper, some degree of disincentive for a certain size truck. What I disagree with is that that disincentive, instead of other market forces, is the predominant reason why small trucks have disappeared from the market. I disagree with that conclusion because:
(1) American consumers really, really, really like interior space. We've seen it repeatedly in every single auto segment. Anyone who sells cars for a living knows that interior spaciousness is a selling point.
(2). Compact trucks are not more fuel efficient than midsizers. A modern Colorado 4x2 gets basically exactly the same fuel economy as the old Ranger 4x2, despite being much more powerful and much roomier.
(3) Compact trucks are not cheaper than midsizers. At least not when built to the same safety standards.
(4) Most American truck buyers, when offered the choice between a $20k compact truck and $20k midsize truck that offer the same fuel economy, are gonna buy the midsizers. The vast majority. People who want the compact truck to maneuver up fire roads have valid desires, but they're a statistical minority of buyers by a wide margin. And so the companies are going to cater to the majority of buyers.
Again, it's not that I disagree with what CAFE says. It's that I don't think it's the driving force. For example, if the federal government said you couldn't hunt grizzly bears with a Bowie knife without at $200 permit, and nobody chose to hunt grizzly bears with a Bowie knife in 2018, I think an article blaming the lack of bear-knife-hunting primarily on that $200 fee would be wrong, even though the fee exists. There's other reasons driving people away from bear-knife-hunting (like a desire to not die).
I would do terrible things for a modern vehicle built on the old Bronco paradigm. Fully enclosed is OK, but I'd love to see the removable rear hard top come back too. While we're at it, I'd also love the entire interior waterproof to the point you could just pressure-wash the inside to clean it.
Edit: they ARE legal! In some states.
https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/jap ... tes-264689
Wouldn't take much to get them in compliance for everything but pedestrian safety. Higher door sills. Heavier pillars to support the vehicle in a rollover. It'd still weigh under 3000lbs and have a sub 9' length. Kais are great little vehicles and are the gold standard for "appliance on wheels". Beating out the Toyota Corolla for that title.
To Mitlov's point, smaller trucks started disappearing before the new CAFE "footprint" rules were implemented. The Dakota was gone by 2011 (nevermind that it was one which actually did get too big) and the PN150 Ranger had been on life support since at least 2006. Seriously, pretty much every year after that there were "will they kill it or not" rumors.
Also, the real, #1 reason small pickups disappeared while full-sizers took over is because:
- Gas is (still) incredibly cheap in the US, and
- CAFE punishes the manufacturers, consumers don't have to worry about it.
But there's an exception: 21 states allow kei trucks (also known as "mini-trucks") of any age to be imported as off-road vehicles and registered as ATVs,
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Orbán unveils Renoir nude at OMRRK inauguration
Thursday, May 16, 2019, 08:30
The state of Hungary has purchased a painting by the French Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir for USD 12.3 million for the Museum of Fine Arts, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on Tuesday at a ceremony to inaugurate the new National Museum Restoration and Storage Center (OMRRK).
László Baán (left), ministerial commissioner for the Liget Budapest project, unveils the Renoir together with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (photo: Zoltán Máthé / MTI / kormany.hu).
The painting, entitled simply "Reclining Female Nude," will go on public display at the museum on May 24, according to official government website kormany.hu.
The National Museum Restoration and Storage Center was created within the framework of the Liget Budapest development project in Városliget (City Park).
László Baán, ministerial commissioner for the Liget Budapest project and director general of the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hungarian National Gallery, said the OMRRK will provide modern storage space for tens of thousands of works of art from both museums, as well as for objects from the Museum of Ethnography, and is at the cutting edge in terms of both scale and quality.
He added that the HUF 20 billion brownfield investment will solve storage problems for the museumsʼ collections for decades to come.
Located on the site of a former hospital on Szabolcs utca, the 37,000 square-meter central OMRRK building offers world-class museum storage space on four underground levels, while three above-ground floors will house restorersʼ workshops and laboratories. The building will also host the Central European Art History Research Institute (KEMKI), including an extensive archive of books and documents.
The site also features a new 13,000 sqm park, visitor center, exhibition space and restaurant. The architectural designs were drawn up by the Narmer Architecture Studio, aimed at creating harmony between old and new buildings, according to the OMRRK website. The main contractor for the project was Strabag-MML Kft.
Orbán
OMRRK
Mészáros Group buys minority stake in Tigáz from MET Group
Status Energy Private Equity Fund, a holding of the investor Lőrinc Mészáros, has acquired a 49.57% stake in regional gas distributor Tigáz from MET Group, an energy trader headquartered in Switzerland, a PR agent for listed holding Opus Global, which Mészáros controls, said on Tuesday.
Wed, July 17, 2019, 09:30
Mészáros
Tigáz
MET Group
Opus Global
E.ON set to win EU approval for Innogy deal
German electric utility giant E.ON is expected to win EU antitrust approval to buy rival Innogy’s network and retail assets, sources have told international news wire Reuters.
Tue, July 16, 2019, 09:30
Orbán to spend billions of public money on home railway
The Vál Valley Light Railway, a 6-kilometer vintage railway line passing through Prime Minister Viktor Orbánʼs hometown of Felcsút, is set to be extended at a cost of billions of forints, despite low passenger numbers and questions about the misuse of EU funds for the initial stage of the project, news site hvg.hu reports.
narrow-gauge
Felcsút
Magyar Telekom agrees to sell T-Systems Hungary to 4iG
Magyar Telekom (MTel) has agreed to sell its IT unit T-Systems Hungary Zrt. to 4iG Nyrt., the listed companies said in disclosures on the website of the Budapest Stock Exchange (BÉT) on Tuesday. The deal is expected to be closed by the end of 2019, subject to due diligence and regulatory approval.
Tue, July 9, 2019, 14:30
4iG
Rékasi
Jászai
OTP completes SocGen Montenegro acquisition
Hungarian lender OTP Bank has officially acquired the Montenegrin unit of Société Générale (SocGen), business site tozsdeforum.hu reported. Crnogorska komercijalna banka, the Montenegrin unit of OTP, purchased SocGen Banka Montenegro for EUR 35.6 million.
Booking site Szallas.hu acquires Czech peer
Hungarian booking site Szallas.hu said on Monday it has acquired Czech peer Hotel.cz. The acquisition could boost Szallas.huʼs revenue by two-thirds, and raises the headcount at the company to 275, according to local media reports.
Hotel.cz
PortfoLion
Orbán to nominate Judit Varga as Minister of Justice
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will nominate Judit Varga, Minister of State for European Union Relations at the Prime Minister’s Office, as the new Minister of Justice after the incumbent, László Trócsányi, takes up his position as an MEP, according to official government website kormany.hu.
Thu, June 27, 2019, 11:30
Trócsányi
The largest hotel group in Hungary, Danubius Hotels Group, has sold the Hotel Gellért to property developer Indotek Group, which plans to restore the Budapest landmark to its former glory, the two parties have announced, as reported by business news site uzletem.hu.
Mon, June 24, 2019, 09:30
Indotek
Gellért
Danubius
Orbán sets terms for supporting EU leaders, strategy
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said respect for economic sovereignty is among the conditions for Hungaryʼs support of incoming European Union leaders and EU strategy, speaking in his regular weekly interview on public radio on Friday, state news wire MTI reported.
Fri, June 14, 2019, 10:00
Orbán draws criticism for meeting Myanmar leader
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán received State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, the head of Myanmar’s government, in his office in Budapest on Wednesday. The talks focused on illegal immigration and bilateral economic, educational and cultural relations, according to official government website kormany.hu.
Fri, June 7, 2019, 15:00
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Tagged: Walker Stalker
[New Press] BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING World Premiere New Track, “JULIET (YOU’RE MINE)”, On Bloody-Disgusting.com
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING: “JULIET” Album Artwork – ©2014 Beauty In The Suffering
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING World Premiere New Track, “JULIET” (YOU’RE MINE), On Bloody-Disgusting.com
CHICAGO, IL (DLSP) — BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING, the newly launched electro-metal studio project from producer Dietrich Thrall (MARAZENE), have released the bands third single “JULIET,” and popular horror site Bloody-Disgusting.com have posted the bands lyric video.
http://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3310781/beauty-suffering-juliet-youre-mine-lyric-video-premiere-exclusive/
The track was written, programmed, arranged, performed, and produced by DieTrich Thrall and features drums from Chris Emery (American Head Charge). The track is available on the bands Bandcamp page as well as iTunes and other digital outlets.
Said DieTrich about the track:
“Excited to be able to introduce everybody to our new single ‘JULIET’ (You’re Mine)’! Particularly enamored by the artwork for this one (though I’ve been pretty taken by all of the covers to date) and the concept of unrequited love as a general concept. So many of you on social media fill my news feed with tales of being misunderstood, un-appreciated – and some of you just go bat-shit cRaZy (which is totally understandable and which we have addressed to a degree in a previous song)!
But a lot of you have inspired me through all of your experiences, confessions, and modern day S.O.S. messages in bottles – and sometimes when I get a spare moment to think about it I just have to ask why the hell we do it all in the first place.. WHY put ourselves through this soul-crushing crucible – that we could somehow find that ONE person to fill ALL of the many holes in our heart. i pity our potential significant others – their telepathic inability be damned..
But then, if it had been too easy – would it have mattered as much..?
Broken pieces of the mess that you left behind you..
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING, who just completed their first leg of National tour dates at the end of July, continue to move forward with their introductory phase to fans and industry alike with a multi-media experience highlighting producer Dietrich Thrall’s unique visionary approach. In addition to new music, “Phase 1′” as the band has referred to their ongoing campaign, has included original artwork as well as zombie themed music videos which began to surface late last year with the release of “The Crazies.” The three songs also represent the first new material released by DieTrich since MARAZENE‘s 2011′s critically hailed cover of MOTLEY CRUE‘s “LIVE WIRE.” and subsequent final single “WELCOME TO YOUR HOLIDAY.”
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING – whose featured studio and media special guests include AARON “MONTY” MONTGOMERY (TRAPT), CHRIS EMERY (AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE), ANGEL BARTOLOTTA (DOPE, TEAM CYBERGEIST), CHRIS TELKES (NOCTURNE, THE RAZORBLADE DOLLS), COREY HENDERSON (ANTI-MORTEM), LEVI DICKERSON (ANTI-MORTEM), and PROVO PROVENZANO (SKINLAB, RIKETS) – will announce the release date for a full production zombie themed video version of “JULIET” in the coming weeks and months.
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING presents: “JULIET” – Track details
“JULIET written, programmed, arranged, performed, and produced by DieTrich Thrall (MARAZENE).
Mixed and mastered by Provo Provenzano (RIKETS, SKINLAB) and DieTrich Thrall at Pirated Sounds Studios in Oklahoma City, OK.
Drums: Chris Emery (AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE).
Album artwork: Xàos
Written by beautyinthesuffering Leave a comment Posted in about last night, Announcements, Beauty In The Suffering, In the studio, new music, pictures, press, stuffs, Uncategorized, video Tagged with Aaron Montgomery, album artwork, album cover, American Head Charge, Angel Bartolotta, Anti-Mortem, bass, Beauty In The Suffering, BITS, BITSuffering, Chris Emery, Chris Telkes, Dawn Of The Dead, Dead Island, Dietrich, Dietrich Thrall, Dope, drum session, electro, emo, gothic, guitar, industrial, Juliet, Levi Dickerson, Live Wire, Marazene, Marazene Machine, metal, Motley Crue, movie, music, Night Of The Living Dead, Nocturne, Nu Goth, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, press, Provo Provenzano, release date, Resident Evil, Reveille, Rikets, Skinlab, Team Cybergeist, The Crazies, The Walking Dead, The Zombie Song, Thrall, Thrall World, Trapt, video, video shoot, Walker Stalker, World War Z, Xàos, You Are Mine, You're Mine, zombie, zombies
DieTrich Thrall’s Birthday Fest 2014 – Details!
Happy Birthday DieTrich Thrall (09/03)!!
Hello! Wanted to give a quick heads up to everybody. Been roadtripping throughout the Midwest and clearing my head of impurities. Lots of exciting things going on in Camp BITS and this Fall there will be a TON of updates as we pick up the pace on studio, video, and new music. 2015 will be an even BIGGER year than the amazing year 2014 has already been.
Also, I have a birthday coming up and some of you have already begun asking me what’s going on! So here’s the scoop:
1) If you are NEAR Oklahoma and want to join in the celebration, we have put together several BITS shows beginning with our Oklahoma City debut @ Chameleon Room on August 29. Here is the full itinerary and where to get further info:
8/29 – OKC, OK @ The Chameleon Room – OKC – https://www.facebook.com/events/641886629233688/
8/30 – Tulsa, OK @ Undercurrent
9/6 – Wewoka, OK @ The MudPit for the The Metal Malice Festival – https://www.facebook.com/events/1472616096317671/
How about something more traditional or what if I’m further away?
2) I recently made an Amazon Wish List for those of you interested in sending something special from afar. The list is mostly made up of comic book graphic novels (please no digital copies such as Kindle) but a Game Of Thrones novel set found its way on to the list as well as a couple DVD sets. I sort of picked out a batch of stories that I have been jones-ing to read and which will very likely fuel new ideas of my own for future music and multi-media. Here’s the list: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/18FM0TSNG5SET/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_o?
3) You could always grab one of our songs on our Bandcamp page – http://beautyinthesuffering.bandcamp.com/. They’re available for FREE download or you can make a donation.
4) Merchandise your thing? Grab a piece of Official BITS gear at our store – http://www.beautyinthesuffering.storenvy.com . Every single penny goes back into the band to help with whatever project we happen to be working on at the time.
5) You could also go and “LIKE” one or more of our social media pages or help spread the word by posting a link. They’re all listed on the default page of http://www.BeautyInTheSuffering.com . Every little bit helps and we thank everyone who has gotten the word out to date! \m/
In any case, SUPER THANKS in advance for any route you might choose! Whatever’s clever ya know? I feel as though I had a pretty cool year releasing the first ever material from my new band. Can’t wait to see how everything turns out next year at this time 😉
Anyways – back to work I go! Thanks as always! xox
Written by beautyinthesuffering Leave a comment Posted in about last night, Announcements, Beauty In The Suffering, on the road, pictures, stuffs, Uncategorized Tagged with Aaron Montgomery, album artwork, album cover, American Head Charge, Angel Bartolotta, Anti-Mortem, bass, Beauty In The Suffering, birthday, BITS, BITSuffering, Chris Emery, Chris Telkes, Dawn Of The Dead, Dead Island, Dietrich, Dietrich Thrall, Dope, drum session, electro, emo, gothic, guitar, happy birthday, industrial, Juliet, Levi Dickerson, Live Wire, Marazene, Marazene Machine, metal, Motley Crue, movie, music, Night Of The Living Dead, Nocturne, Nu Goth, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, press, Provo Provenzano, release date, Resident Evil, Reveille, Rikets, Skinlab, Team Cybergeist, The Crazies, The Walking Dead, The Zombie Song, Thrall, Thrall World, Trapt, video, video shoot, Walker Stalker, World War Z, Xàos, You Are Mine, zombie, zombies
(New Press) BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING Announce Release Date For “JULIET,” Album Artwork, Track Details
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING Announce Release Date For “JULIET,” Album Artwork, Track Details
CHICAGO, IL (DLSP) — BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING, the newly launched electro-metal studio project from producer Dietrich Thrall (MARAZENE), will release the bands third single “JULIET,” on September 2, 2014.
Written by beautyinthesuffering Leave a comment Posted in Announcements, Beauty In The Suffering, In the studio, new music, pictures, press, stuffs, video Tagged with Aaron Montgomery, album artwork, album cover, American Head Charge, Angel Bartolotta, Anti-Mortem, bass, Beauty In The Suffering, BITS, BITSuffering, Chris Emery, Chris Telkes, Dawn Of The Dead, Dead Island, Dietrich, Dietrich Thrall, Dope, drum session, electro, emo, gothic, guitar, industrial, Juliet, Levi Dickerson, Live Wire, Marazene, Marazene Machine, metal, Motley Crue, movie, music, Night Of The Living Dead, Nocturne, Nu Goth, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, press, Provo Provenzano, release date, Resident Evil, Reveille, Rikets, Skinlab, Team Cybergeist, The Crazies, The Walking Dead, The Zombie Song, Thrall, Thrall World, Trapt, video, video shoot, Walker Stalker, World War Z, Xàos, You Are Mine, zombie, zombies
[PRESS] BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING: New Song “REVEILLE” (The Zombie Charge) Lyric Video Posted
“REVEILLE” (The Zombie Charge) is available NOW (04.22.14) – iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify search: Beauty In The Suffering
©2013 Beauty In The Suffering
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING Post New Single “REVEILLE,” With Lyric Video:
FIrst Song To Feature AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE Drummer
CHICAGO, IL (DLSP) — BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING, the newly launched electronic-rock studio project from producer DieTrich Thrall (MARAZENE), have released a new lyric video for their track “Reveille (The Zombie Charge),” and the track is also available for free download on their Bandcamp page.
The lyric video originally premiered with Bloody Disgusting, and is a follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut single and video, “The Crazies (The Zombie Song).” A full production zombie video is expected in the coming weeks.
“Excited to add to the craziness that kicked off our official introduction to Beauty In The Suffering music a few months ago – The new track is called ‘REVEILLE’ (The Zombie Charge) – we’re coming for YOU!” – DieTrich Thrall
A little over 2 years in the making, “Reveille (The Zombie Charge)” is the first Beauty In The Suffering track to feature Chris Emery of American Head Charge on drums and marks the second song DieTrich has released for his new project.
About BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING:
Tracking for BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING to date has taken place at PIRATED SOUNDS STUDIO and BELL LABS RECORDING in OLAHOMA CITY, OK with SKINLAB guitarist PROVO PROVENZANO (RIKETS) handling engineering.
Said Provo: “BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING is one of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on lately. DieTrich is insanely precise in the studio and has a great vision for where his songs need to be and the DIY ability and attitude to get it done right. DieTrich has also brought in some amazing studio musicians to help round out a unique and catchy collection of gritty and electronic based songs. I can’t wait to get them out there for the world to here!“
Using a unique DIY studio approach to songwriting which includes writing, programming, arranging, performing every instrument (except live drums, which are first programmed before bringing in a live drummer), and vocalizing, Dietrich’s fulfills the creative roles most bands use a full lineup to accomplish; which also draws immediate comparisons to such artists as TRENT REZNOR (NINE INCH NAILS) and KLAYTON (CELLDWELLER) who use a similar studio approach.
Members of TRAPT, American Head Charge, DOPE, Team Cybergeist, The Genitorturers, Rikets, Skinlab, Nocturne, The Razorblade Dolls, and Anti-Mortem are special guests in various studio and visual roles under the direction of DieTrich as he puts into place a multi-media experience introducing the band’s initial songs with original artwork, multiple full production zombie videos, and a self-titled short zombie film.
“Very few indie bands ever attempt the scope of a project such as this,” commented Yvonne Loveland of Voodoo Queen Management, “which makes BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING one of the most exciting new bands to keep an eye out for.“
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING presents: “REVEILLE” (The Zombie Charge)
“REVEILLE” (The Zombie Charge) written, programmed, arranged, performed, and produced by DieTrich Thrall (MARAZENE).
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING on 08.03.13. From left to right – Cory Ford, Levi Dickerson, DieTrich Thrall, Corey Henderson, Provo Provenzano.
Written by beautyinthesuffering Leave a comment Posted in Announcements, Beauty In The Suffering, new music, pictures, press, stuffs, video Tagged with Aaron Montgomery, album artwork, album cover, American Head Charge, Angel Bartolotta, Anti-Mortem, bass, Beauty In The Suffering, behind the scenes, BITS, BITSuffering, Chris Emery, Chris Telkes, Cory Ford, Dawn Of The Dead, Dead Island, Dietrich, Dietrich Thrall, Dope, drum session, electro, emo, Everybody Panic!, gothic, guitar, industrial, interview, Jade Coker, Jason Schmidt, Jonathan Shahan, Juliet, Justin Hogan, Levi Dickerson, Live Wire, Marazene, Marazene Machine, metal, Motley Crue, movie, music, Night Of The Living Dead, Nocturne, Nu Goth, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, on the set, Pirated Sounds Studio, press, Provo Provenzano, quote, Redline Recording Studio, release date, Resident Evil, Reveille, Rikets, Skinlab, Team Cybergeist, The Crazies, The Walking Dead, The Zombie Song, Thrall, Thrall World, Trapt, video, video shoot, Walker Stalker, World War Z, Xàos, You Are Mine, zombie, zombies
(New Press) BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING Announce Release Date For “REVEILLE,” Album Artwork, Track Details
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING: “REVEILLE” (The Zombie Charge) Album Artwork – ©2014 Beauty In The Suffering
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING Announce Release Date For “REVEILLE,” Album Artwork, Track Details
CHICAGO, IL (DLSP) — BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING, the newly launched electro-metal studio project from producer Dietrich Thrall (MARAZENE), will release the bands follow up single “REVEILLE,” on April 22, 2014.
“REVEILLE” (The Zombie Charge) marks the second chapter in the bands planned zombie themed trilogy introduction to fans which began late last year with “The Crazies.” The two songs are also the first new material released by DieTrich since MARAZENE‘s 2011′s critically hailed cover of MOTLEY CRUE‘s “LIVE WIRE.” and subsequent final single “WELCOME TO YOUR HOLIDAY.” In a recent interview with NATALIE PEREZ of NATALIE’S WORLD DieTrich comented that “‘THE CRAZIES’ and ‘REVEILLE’ would have been Marazene [songs] had things worked out.”
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING – whose featured studio and media special guests include AARON “MONTY” MONTGOMERY (TRAPT), CHRIS EMERY (AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE), ANGEL BARTOLOTTA (DOPE, TEAM CYBERGEIST), CHRIS TELKES (NOCTURNE, THE RAZORBLADE DOLLS), COREY HENDERSON (ANTI-MORTEM), LEVI DICKERSON (ANTI-MORTEM), and PROVO PROVENZANO (SKINLAB, RIKETS) – will announce the release date for a full production video version of “REVEILLE” (The Zombie Charge) as well as multi-media for “JULIET” that the band plans to drop in the coming weeks and months.
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING presents: “REVEILLE” (The Zombie Charge) – Track details
Written by beautyinthesuffering Leave a comment Posted in Announcements, Beauty In The Suffering, interview, new music, pictures, press, stuffs, video Tagged with Aaron Montgomery, album artwork, album cover, American Head Charge, Angel Bartolotta, Anti-Mortem, bass, Beauty In The Suffering, behind the scenes, BITS, BITSuffering, Chris Emery, Chris Telkes, Cory Ford, Dawn Of The Dead, Dead Island, Dietrich, Dietrich Thrall, Dope, drum session, electro, emo, Everybody Panic!, gothic, guitar, industrial, interview, Jade Coker, Jason Schmidt, Jonathan Shahan, Juliet, Justin Hogan, Levi Dickerson, Live Wire, Marazene, Marazene Machine, metal, Motley Crue, movie, music, Night Of The Living Dead, Nocturne, Nu Goth, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, on the set, Pirated Sounds Studio, press, Provo Provenzano, quote, Redline Recording Studio, release date, Resident Evil, Reveille, Rikets, Skinlab, Team Cybergeist, The Crazies, The Walking Dead, The Zombie Song, Thrall, Thrall World, Trapt, video, video shoot, Walker Stalker, World War Z, Xàos, You Are Mine, zombie, zombies
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING Confirmed For WALKER STALKER CON 2014 In CHICAGO
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING Confirmed For WALKER STALKER Con 2014 – March 14-16 in Chicago!
CHICAGO, IL (DLSP) — BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING, the newly launched electronic-rock studio project from producer DieTrich Thrall (MARAZENE), will bring its message in the form of zombie apocalypse themed electronic rock to Chicago for WALKER STALKER CON 2014.
Walker Stalker Con, to be held on March 14-16 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, marks a landmark, if somewhat inevitable, path-crossing of “The Crazies” – the kickoff single and name given to the bands emerging fanbase – and THE WALKING DEAD‘s “Walker’s” – the name given to the zombies in the number one rated television series on AMC.
Said DieTrich, “Very excited to be attending the convention and the incredibly awesome opportunity to cross paths with thousands of fans of zombie culture. We will be sneak-peeking our new music and zombie video trilogy at our booth so make sure you stop by and say ‘hello’.”
From the Official Walker Stalker Con website:
Walker Stalker Con is the fruit of The Walker Stalkers Podcast with James & Eric. The podcast began with an amazing trip to Senoia, GA where James & Eric were able to view the set of The Walking Dead and meet the incredible actors from the show. As a result of this experience, a podcast began and then the idea of a convention focused around recreating that same experience with the cast and crew of the show, along with talented actors and artists from other zombie shows, movies and art.
Walker Stalker Con is not just a convention. It is a fan meet-up and an opportunity for each guest to come away feeling like they’ve had an amazing experience and became part of a greater community of zombie lovers! Walker Stalker Con is three days of events, panels, and experiences that zombie fans won’t find anywhere else!
BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING world premiered their debut song and zombie music video, “THE CRAZIES,” in November and December 2013 on the popular horror sites FEARnet.com and BloodyDisgusting.com respectively.
The band features studio and performance contributions from members of TRAPT, AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE, DOPE, ANTI-MORTEM, RIKETS, NOCTURNE, SKINLAB, THE GENITORTURERS, and THE RAZORBLADE DOLLS with more guests TBA.
A follow-up single and zombie video to “The Crazies” is expected at any time.
For more information visit: http://walkerstalkercon.com/chicago/
http://www.beautyinthesuffering.com
Written by beautyinthesuffering Leave a comment Posted in Announcements, Beauty In The Suffering, new music, on the road, press, stuffs, video Tagged with Aaron Montgomery, album artwork, album cover, American Head Charge, Angel Bartolotta, Anti-Mortem, bass, Beauty In The Suffering, behind the scenes, Bell Labs Recording, BITS, BITSuffering, Bloody Disgusting, Celldweller, Chris Emery, Chris Telkes, convention, Cory Ford, Dietrich, Dietrich Thrall, Dope, drum session, electro, emo, Everybody Panic!, gothic, guitar, industrial, interview, Jade Coker, Jason Schmidt, Jonathan Shahan, Juliet, Justin Hogan, Klayton, Levi Dickerson, Live Wire, Marazene, Marazene Machine, metal, Motley Crue, movie, music, music video, NIN, Nine Inch Nails, Nocturne, Nu Goth, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, on the set, Pirated Sounds Studio, press, Provo Provenzano, quote, Redline Recording Studio, release date, Reveille, review, Rikets, Skinlab, Team Cybergeist, The Crazies, The Walking Dead, The Zombie Song, Thrall, Thrall World, Trapt, Trent Reznor, video, video shoot, Voodoo Queen Management, walker, Walker Stalker, world premiere, World War Z, Xàos, You Are Mine, Yvonne Loveland, zombie, zombie apocalypse, zombies
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BHC Press Signs Multi-Award-Winning YA Author Caytlyn Brooke to Publishing Deal
BHC Press announced today they have entered into a five-book publishing agreement with multi-award-winning YA author Caytlyn Brooke. Wired, a futuristic novel addressing the dangers of social media addiction, will be released under their H2O imprint in 2018.
“I’ve dreamt about being an author since I was in third grade. Now, the fact that my debut novel has won two awards of distinction is just too amazing to comprehend! I am so thankful to have found BHC Press! They believed in me and my scribbled stories and gave me the confidence to reach the highest point I can,” said Ms. Brooke. “I have so many stories to tell, and I can’t wait to share them with everyone.”
BHC Press made the announcement saying, “Caytlyn Brooke is a hot, fresh voice in the world of YA and teen fiction. Her evocative writing immerses readers into beautifully terrifying worlds. We’re thrilled she’s joining us at BHC Press, and we can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeves.”
Caytlyn Brooke’s debut novel, Dark Flowers, also published by BHC Press, earned a silver medal from Literary Classics as well as their literary seal of approval, a rare achievement. The novel also took the gold in the Readers’ Favorite 2017 awards. Dark Flowers is currently nominated for a Moonbeam award.
Caytlyn will be signing copies of Dark Flowers at Barnes & Noble (Big Flats Consumer Square, 821 County Rd 64, Elmira, NY 14903) on Saturday, September 30th from 12PM until 4PM. Fans of Dark Flowers will also be thrilled to learn the audiobook is currently in production. Talented narrator Molly MacDonald-Foster is bringing the dark horror to life and it will release late 2017.
All future titles will be mutually agreed upon by both author and publisher, and BHC Press retains World English rights.
Caytlyn lives in Elmira, NY with her husband Daniel, her infant son, Jack, and her orange tabby cat, Ana who is only slightly overweight. She can quote any Disney movie and believes that everyone should wear polka dots.
BHC Press is an alternative-hybrid publisher of general fiction and nonfiction hardcover, trade, and ebooks for both YA and adults.
To learn more about Caytlyn Brooke and BHC Press, visit the publisher’s website.
Tagged as: Caytlyn Brooke, publishing deal, publishing news, YA
BHC Press and Mackenzie Flohr Announce Multi-book Publishing Deal
Thriller Author Jason Stadtlander Book Launch at Barnes & Noble Saturday, October 6th
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bestdownloadJune 25, 2019 Deadwood 2019 Free Download2019-07-05T23:43:05+04:30 Pop MoviesNo Comment
Deadwood: The Movie 2019 Free Download From Pop Movies in Direct Link.
Year: 2019| Country: USA | Genre: Western | Quality: HD 720p | Size: 1 GB
In this original movie based on David Milch’s acclaimed, Emmy (R)-winning HBO series of the same name which debuted 15 years ago today, the indelible characters of the show are reunited after a decade to celebrate South Dakota’s statehood. Former rivalries are reignited, alliances are tested and old wounds reopened as all are left to navigate the inevitable changes that modernity and time have wrought.
As the residents of Deadwood gather to commemorate Dakota’s statehood in 1889, saloon owner Al Swearengen and Marshal Seth Bullock clash with Senator George Hearst.
“All bleeding stops eventually.”
“Deadwood: The Movie,” a project that’s been rumored and hoped for over the last decade, finally pulls into the station this Friday, May 31st, amidst revelations that creator David Milch is suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Even if one wasn’t aware of the tragic state of the film’s creator, there’s an unexpected poignancy in every frame of “Deadwood,” but the miracle of this production is how deftly Milch and company avoid emotional manipulation as they bring closure to an iconic TV show.
Befitting one of the most complex television shows of all time, it’s a rich 110 minutes of filmmaking that rewards fans without pandering to them. It is the product of someone who has been living with these characters since the show went off the air in 2006. You get the feeling that he knows everything that’s happened to them since then, and we drop in on their lives now as if they have gone on while we’ve been away. As much as fans have desperately wanted another season or movie before now, there’s something so perfect and beautiful about how this movie came out that almost makes one feel like it couldn’t have happened any other way.
Drama, Western
David Milch
Deadwood: The Movie 2019 Free Download *** To follow the DMCA, the download link will be emailed to the address you specify immediately. ***
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Bitch Planet: Triple Feature #4 ...
Generations: Ms. Marvel and Ms. ...
Comics Comic Reviews The Week of 9/20/2017
Bitch Planet: Triple Feature #4 Review
Writers: Marc Deschamps, Sara Woolley, Vita Ayala / Artists: Mindy Lee, Rossi Gifford, Sara Woolley / Image Comics
Another round of Bitch Planet Triple Features, another web of stories to get lost in!
Our first story titled “Life of a Sportsman” written by Marc Deschamps, illustrated by Mindy Lee and colored by Leonardo Olea is a colorful affair that takes place surrounding an athlete and the heavy hitting sport of Megaton. In the Bitch Planet universe our group of inmates that we’ve come to know and love up take part in a version of Megaton but here at home, on Earth, it is a sport of the men and it is ever popular. From the first panels in we’re presented with the player to watch, Mitch Herman, as he’s followed throughout the years — the sports coverage spanning his professional and personal life. It’s a vivid tale on sports culture and toxic masculinity that may have some readers blink as they may think about certain individuals from recent news stories. The art produces big, hulking figures and lots of great panels in time skips with the commentators meshing it all together.
“Body Mods” by Sara Woolley presents a society that focuses on the female body and cosmetic surgery and of course it becomes body modification to the EXTREME. First panel in we’re shown our main character as she gets ready for a day out to meet with a ‘friend’ for a spa day. It quickly evolves into a trip to a building filled with more and more outlandishly fashioned mods of the body: wings, clinched waists, cat ears, breast lifts — you name it. We see how the cosmetic surgery industry is aligned with the beauty standards of the time and women keep pushing the envelope further and further. With each page we see more and more bizarre ideas, yet it’s normalized. Female friendships are shaped around body mods too: the main character and her former good friend’s relationship is revealed to be one where they cared about each other greatly and marked the passing of time with their surgeries. They bonded over them until they had a falling out. On the final pages we see an advertisement that serves as a possible warning but also pokes fun “Body Mods: Be Extraordinary” — how far do we push women to near impossible standards of beauty and how do we ostracize and inconvenience them for participating, or refusing to??
Womenfolk who rebel is not a new theme in the Bitch Planet series nor the Triple Feature stories. Here our main character in “To Be Free,” written by Vita Ayla and illustrated by Rossi Gifford, is a dancer, a ballerina, probably classically trained. She dazzles and is very talented. Her talents have caught the attention of a group and that is how the story transitions to her masked, clad in black, and vaulting with the grace of an assassin into a well guarded facility to steal something. As the story progresses and our heroine ventures deeper and deeper we start to get an idea of what’s held in this building: censored items and blacklisted objects of all kinds. We see everything from artwork showcasing the female body to some of my favorite panels of the short where our timely thief uncovers some of the greatest speeches and written pieces from American history. This is a superb comic on what censorship looks like and what happens when what’s needed the most is desperately sought out.
While I’ve enjoyed many of the Triple Feature stories and think it’s been a great way to showcase other creatives in the comics industry, I look forward to getting back to the main story back with Kam and the crew.
7.9 of 10
Fancy yourself Non-Compliant too? Find BNP’s other reviews of Bitch Planet here.
bitch planet
bitch planet triple feature
Carrie McClain
Carrie McClain is writer, editor, social media maven and media scholar. Other times she's known as a Starfleet Communications Officer, Comics Auntie and Golden Saucer Frequenter. Shuri is her favorite Disney Princess. Nowadays you can usually find her buried under a pile of Josei manga. She/Her
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Apex One: the peak of enterprise endpoint security? Judge for yourself!
‘Apex One’ – it’s difficult to think of a more confident, self-assured name for a new brand!
And it’s a brand on a mission, too – to take the burdensome management out of security. As the Apex One developers put it in their blog, this is about “detecting and blocking as many endpoint threats as possible, without manual intervention.”
This, in turn, translates into less pressure on security teams, lighter workload for security service providers, and less costly time and effort involved overall.
But is this a solution the channel will want to sell? Is it easy and profitable to deploy and manage? And what makes it different from (and better than) what went before?
You can read the full solution brief on our website, but meanwhile here’s our take on it.
Single agent: a game-changer?
Trend’s existing XGen technology already automates threat detection across security layers and endpoints, including PC, Mac and VDI.
But where even the most automated threat detection capability stumbles is the need to use multiple agents to deliver across different kinds of customer deployment – like cloud, on-premise, and hybrid.
Here, Apex One plays a blinder. It has a single agent that is consistent across all customer deployment types, significantly diminishing deployment and ongoing management overheads, and reducing the risk of automation being devalued by interruption.
Given the high proportion of enterprise clients who have complex hybrid environments, this has to be a winner!
Detection and remediation: all done for you!
But security channel partners and in-house security teams alike also need to be sure that what is being automated is the most effective way for dealing with the broadest possible range of threats. Inadequate protection delivered automatically is not a value-add!
Apex One appears to be well ahead of the curve here, however, because it focuses its automation not on preventing threats (an impossible aim), but instead on detecting and removing them.
Unknown or fileless threat? Machine learning and behavioural analysis will spot its threatening characteristics and take action.
Operating system vulnerability? Apex One creates its own virtual patches to prevent zero-day exploits from making it onto any endpoint.
And if you’re hearing echoes of EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) at this point, it’s true that Apex One offers upsell potential into both Trend’s full EDR and MDR (Managed Detection and Response) solutions - but it’s also important to understand that what Trend have built here is in fact something quite distinct.
Whereas EDR tends fundamentally be a noisy and manual process to manage (as we explained in this earlier post) automated detection and response - which is what Trend call it - neatly does much of it for you.
Manage, visualise, investigate – all in one place
The more you can understand about a threat, the more effective the measures you can take against it.
But the challenge is in corralling all the threat information – including user-based visibility, policy management, and log aggregation - into one place, in a way that makes sense of it.
Apex One has created a centralised console that enables exactly this, so although for some more detailed analysis a connection to an optional EDR dashboard is necessary, visualisation, investigation and reporting are already built into its standard configuration, adding an inbuilt layer of insight that other solutions don’t have.
Conclusions: is Apex One the peak of security for channel partners?
Everyone likes a great name and a strong story, and Apex One has got both in spades – not least because it is in fact essentially the new brand name for the existing Trend endpoint security solution within its Smart Protection Suites solutions family.
But this is not some kind of rebadging exercise to revive a flagging solution – because Trend’s endpoint solution isn’t flagging. Just the opposite, in fact: it has received high praise from industry analysts like Gartner year after year, including in 2018.
But coupling it with a single agent shows that there’s a strategic endgame in mind: to make Trend’s endpoint security solutions as effortless as possible to use across every client environment – and therefore very hard to displace.
For end-clients and channel partners alike – and particularly existing Trend Micro Office Scan users, who will receive Apex One as a regular update at no additional cost - that’s a rebrand that will deliver far more than just a new name and a shiny logo.
Posted in EDR, Endpoint Security, Security, Trend Micro. Tags: Security on 31/10/2018 by Mark Charleton.
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Tag Archives: Backup
Email backup vs. email archiving: Why businesses need both
Email backup, email archiving: what’s the difference, and why shouldn’t businesses just rely on one or the other? We explain.
Email is alive and well – and growing!
The daily business email volume worldwide will increase from 112.5 billion in 2015 to 128.8 billion in 2019, according to this downloadable report from The Radicati Group.
So there’s an enormous challenge involved in ensuring copies of emails are retained in a manner that both enables them to be quickly accessed in order to support ‘business as usual’ activities, but delivers more extensive and detailed transparency for the purposes of regulatory compliance.
This is the essential difference between email backup and email archiving. Email backup is largely about business continuity, whereas email archiving is largely about protecting a business’s ‘licence to operate’.
Email archiving: a matter of legal record
Email archiving and email backup are two very different beasts – and here’s why.
Email archiving focuses on retaining emails and associated data to ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
Archiving solutions can therefore hold many years’ worth of data demanded by compliance requirements, even for heavily regulated industries like healthcare, banking and finance, pharma, and so on. Email backup does not retain data this long.
Also, email archiving can hold a 100% faithful copy of the email that has been received or sent, because it retains even deleted mails, which backup does not.
Lastly, email backup typically has very granular tools to satisfy compliance requirements around considerations like access control, audit trails, content integrity, and so on – not something you’d typically find in a backup solution.
As an example, take a look at the features in the Libraesva Email Archiver. You’ll see a whole host of refinements that email backup doesn’t offer, including, amongst others:
80 separate permissions to create finely differentiated user roles and restrict access to sensitive information (important for GDPR compliance!)
Trusted time-stamping of each email, to securely keep track of creation and modification times
Legal hold, to freeze email and data pending litigation or investigation
Anti-tampering, to prevent retrospective adulteration of email content and data
Email backup: copy, restore, recover
The objective of email backup, on the other hand, is to easily recover and restore email that is essential to business activity, when that email has either been deleted or made inaccessible in some other way (e.g. by file corruption, deactivation of a leaver’s account, or even a ransomware attack.)
It can be tempting for businesses to convince themselves they don’t really need this service. After all, with cloud services like Office 365, G-Suite and others, isn’t email already backed up - and in some of the most robust data centres in the world?
Actually, no. Once the recycle bin is manually or automatically purged (and that can be after as little as 30 days) the data is gone…forever.
It follows, then, that cloud services still need backup sitting behind them somewhere, and the most readily accessible place to put it is elsewhere in the cloud (cloud-to-cloud backup).
So, for example, a solution like Cloud Ally will back up all the emails (and other data) contained in cloud services like Office 365 Exchange, Sharepoint Online, OneDrive, SalesForce, G-Suite, Box and others) to a cloud-based AWS S3 data centre that is ISO 27001-certified - and indeed to other user-owned storage too.
This process is automated, enabling a business to easily recover backed-up email long after the cloud service providers would have junked it.
So why do businesses need both email backup and email archiving?
Clearly, email backup and email archiving share some DNA.
But neither is a substitute for the other. In fact both, used incorrectly, are risky, and can put the brakes on businesses’ productivity.
Email archiving boasts powerful storage, search and retrieval powers, but for most everyday users - whose emphasis is simply on being able to find and restore email content and attachments, rather than delivering them as legal records in an approved regulatory format – it’s unnecessarily sophisticated to learn and use.
By the same token, the snapshots generated by email backup solutions, whilst typically simple for users to navigate and restore, do not offer the same historical completeness as email archiving – and any attempt to make them do so in answer to a regulatory investigation or similar would entail many hours’ work manually stitching the snapshots together.
Two sides of the same coin? Perhaps. But businesses need both in the bag, or they could end up paying a hefty price - operationally, reputationally, and in the law courts!
Posted in Archiving, Backup, Email Security, Security. Tags: Backup, email, Security on 18/06/2019 by Mark Charleton.
Security solutions to look out for in 2017 – 1. Business continuity
2017 will see greater demand for security products than ever before. Backup and recovery are predicted to be big business for security channel partners!
Security predictions for 2017 are coming thick and fast – and there’s little for businesses to be cheery about.
“A major bank will fall as a result of cyber-attack,” the BBC relates in this article, whilst, at the other end of the scale, a solicitor has found itself embroiled in an email fraud scam that has, to date, left a homeowner £67,000 out of pocket.
But it’s perhaps ransomware, explored in a previous post, that will see the most noticeable growth in 2017, and it’s a major factor driving businesses’ and security partners’ interest in business continuity solutions like backup and recovery.
After all, if a business can reinstate critical backed-up data at will, ransomware loses much of its bite, and therefore its attractiveness to those who perpetrate it!
So what does an effective business continuity solution look like?
Business continuity solutions – what to look for
True business continuity is about more than just security applications – there’s a whole host of cultural and organisational requirements too, as this basic guide from CSO Online explains.
But from the solutions point of view, business continuity is basically about two things: reliable and bomb-proof (perhaps literally!) data backup, and rapid data recovery.
Two metrics are critical, here: Recovery Point Objective (RPO) and Recovery Time Objective (RTO).
The former dictates how much data a business could afford to lose before it caused any real and lasting damage – and therefore reflects considerations like how often backups need to be performed, what volumes and formats of data need to be involved, and how robust the backup environment is.
The latter dictates how rapidly that backed-up data can not only be accessed (hint: off-site tapes just don’t cut it any more!) but actually redeployed in a form that the business’s hungry systems can once again get to work on – not just files and folders, but settings, too - to get the business back on its feet post-incident.
Between them, these two metrics hinge on a host of solution capabilities that can be problematic.
For example, one oft-cited issue is that when backup and recovery data is being streamed back into a stricken business, the data can’t be accessed or used until the recovery process is complete – and that can take many precious hours, days, or even longer. Unhelpful.
Reliance on recovery via hardware is also a sticking point, since it may be impaired by the very hack that caused the data incident in the first place (ransomware is a very good example of this!)
What’s the appetite for business continuity solutions in 2017?
Nonetheless, business continuity has been a problem crying out for a solution for a long time before 2017; ransomware has simply put an especially shrill edge on it!
Scary statistics abound; did you know, for example, that according to a study by Onyx Group, 71% of UK SMEs only ever manage to back up part of their data?
Or that 75% of SMBs have no disaster recovery plans in place at all?
But even more terrifying, when considered in the light of the ransomware issue, is that, according to one estimate, 58% of small businesses could not withstand any amount of data loss whatsoever!
Think about that for a moment. It means the hackers’ job is made much, much easier. Even holding the slightest amount of a business’s data to ransom could easily provoke a payout. Minimum effort, maximum return – which means more hackers getting involved in this kind of activity in the future, of course!
Not for nothing is the Business Continuity Institute’s agenda focused “overwhelmingly” on cyber-resilience in 2017.
(And in case you’re wondering, the disaster recovery-as-a-service market, in which backup will play a key role, is estimated to be worth $11.11 billion - £8.83 billion - by 2021. Ripe for the picking!)
Where can I check out the latest business continuity solutions?
Clearly, what we’ve said above also means that the competitive landscape for security partners in this space is going to become challenging.
But for an insight into how one backup and recovery solution is evolving to deliver both strengthened protection to end-users and a more compelling proposition to the security partners who sell to them, take a look at this data backup and recovery features update.
And keep watching this series of blogs – we’ll be looking at a whole range of security solutions for 2017, covering email, web, cloud, data centre, and Office 365.
Posted in Backup, Business continuity, Disaster Recovery, Security. Tags: Backup, Business Continuity, Security on 06/02/2017 by Mark Charleton.
Have you got a sticky revenue stream?
For Resellers and Solution Providers looking to spread their wings with sticky services, Cloud Backup has to be a logical place to start if you haven't already. The sales process won't differ that much from selling tin and a licence but once the order is signed you will remain closer to your customer for the duration of the contract. Your customer can sleep peacefully at night knowing their data is securely backed up offsite and mirrored in case of a disaster. Whilst you have a guaranteed revenue stream coming in each month. As you add more customers you benefit from the aggregated purchasing of the storage. More options are now available with partners being able to choose from fully hosted and managed cloud backup solutions to hybrid cloud models with either you or your end user hosting a storage platform. This can obviously reduce costs utilising existing hardware and provide faster data recovery for large files.
DataFortress is a multi-tenanted solution that can be white-labelled. Data is secured and transmitted with AES 256bit encryption and is FIPS compliant. The DataFortress service is now available in a variety of new deployment offerings. Depending on the size of the backup requirement, available hardware, your technical expertise and the recovery objectives of the end user. Fully Managed, Self Hosted, Hyrbrid, End user hosted and mirror service are now all available.
Posted in Backup, Cloud, Data Protection, MSP, Recovery, Uncategorized. Tags: Backup, Cloud, DataFortress, Hybrid on 02/07/2013 by MarkCharleton.
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All you need to know about the new iPhone SE
by Junk Mail Staff Writer · May 30, 2016
Interested in buying the new iPhone SE but want to learn a little bit more about it first? You have most definitely come to the right place! The iPhone SE is compact, stylish and packed full of technology. For everything that you need to know about the latest iPhone for sale, keep reading.
Image Source: Apple Website.
Background on the Apple iPhone SE
The Apple iPhone SE was announced in March this year. While its features resemble those of the 6S its body is similar to that of the 5S. The compact 4-inch frame is just one of the reasons that you should find an SE model for sale. When compared to the 5.5-inch iPhone 6S Plus’ screen the SE is significantly smaller. Apple reported that the latest release was in response to the popularity of smaller phones among their clients.
For people who love small phones this new iPhone offers the best of both worlds. It has a small body while still offering the favourite 6S features. One highlight of this model is its 12-megapixel camera which lives up to the 6S’s high standards while offering major improvements to the camera of the 5S. Its 4K video is even better than HD.
While it resembles the iPhone 5S the latest model is also available in an attractive rose gold. Its stylish design is complemented by the SE logo. The logo design has been improved and it offers better scratch resistance. The matte finish edges accentuate the attractive elements of its design.
The hardware that makes the iPhone SE tick
This iPhone for sale is equipped with the same processor which means that the SE is great for gaming enthusiasts. You can operate the device in one hand which feels significantly smaller after you have gotten used to using a bigger phone. What is great about finding an SE for sale is that it has all the advantages of the 6S for a more affordable price. If you enjoy using a compact phone, the SE is perfect for you.
At the heart of the SE is its A9 chip which delivers a responsive performance. The high quality graphics add to the appeal of this phone. The M9 motion coprocessor enables the phone to offer you a variety of fitness tracking features. The SE makes it easy to record how many steps you take each day as well as the distance that you cover. Using the iPhone SE you can activate Siri with a voice command.
The new iPhone’s awesome features
Packed with technology the new iPhone SE makes anything possible. With Live Photos you can bring your most treasured moments to life with audio and movement. Not only does the FaceTime HD camera take great photos, it also has Retina Flash.
This iPhone for sale features the custom display chip enabling the display to enhance your selfies when you are taking a photo in low lighting. You can look more attractive than ever by using True Tone flash which offers more natural colours.
Make sure that you keep your special memories with you always by storing them on the iCloud Photo Library. Any changes that you make will immediately be stored so that you can access your photos anytime anywhere.
With Touch ID your private information is safer than ever. Using your fingerprint as a password is both convenient and highly effective. Touch ID combined with Apple Pay offers a fast, easy and safe way for you to make payments.
Other highlights of this model are LTE and Wi-Fi. The hardware and software of the iPhone SE complement each other to offer a device that is simple to use, secure and powerful. The state-of-the-art iOS 9 operating system is at the core of this phone’s success.
The apps that are available for this Apple iPhone are designed to make your everyday life easier. There are over five hundred thousand apps to choose from so it is easy to customise your phone. If you are looking for a new iPhone, here is an overview of the SE model’s specs.
The great news is that the iPhone SE recently became available at iStores in South Africa. The price of the phone is R8 499 and there are some great contract and trade-in deals available.
Technical Specifications of the new iPhone SE
Display 4” Retina
Processor A9
Camera 12 MP iSight
Videos 4 K
Memory 16 / 64GB
Love the Apple iPhone and associated Apple products? Why not browse for stunning deals on an iPhone for sale by visiting www.JunkMail.co.za? Selling your phone or accessories? Place your free ad on Junk Mail now!
The iPhone SE is compact, stylish and packed full of technology. For everything that you need to know about the latest iPhone for sale, read our blog.
Junk Mail Staff Writer
Have you heard about the new Samsung Gear S3?
10 insanely creative inventions you need in your life right now
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Riot Roundup: The Best Books We Read In October 2018
Simone Jung 11-01-18
We asked our contributors to share the best book they read last month, so reinforce your TBR shelves because we’ve got literary with a dog, a food critic’s memoir (yum!), romance, sci-fi, and so much more! There’s backlist, new releases, and not-even-out-yet reads. And remember to tell us in the comments what your favorite read of October was!
After the Winter by Guadalupe Nettel, translated by Rosalind Harvey
I took my time with this sharp and stunning novel and I absolutely loved it. In parallel and entwining narratives that move from Havana to Paris to New York City, After the Winter is a novel ultimately about the human impulse to love, and yet it’s unlike any other love story. The writing, in Rosalind Harvey’s brilliant translation, is nothing short of transcendent—subtle and dark but also surprisingly funny. Going forward, I want all of my love stories to have this many cemeteries in them.
—Pierce Alquist
Aftercare Instructions by Bonnie Pipkin
With everything surrounding the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, I read a few books recently that focused on women’s right to choose. This book follows Genesis, a seventeen-year-old student who makes the decision to terminate her unwanted pregnancy. When she leaves the operating room she discovers that her loving boyfriend, Peter, has abandoned her at the Planned Parenthood. Not only does Genesis have to move on from their relationship, but with her feelings surrounding her abortion and the pursuit of her dreams in the aftermath.
—Kate Krug
The Book of Delights: Es says by Ross Gay (Algonquin, February 12, 2019)
I’d never read Ross Gay before, and Algonquin sent me an ARC of this book. The premise immediately drew me in: on his birthday, he set out to write short essays about delights. He goes further into what constitutes something delightful, and quickly realizes it won’t be a daily undertaking as he originally planned. But what he does come up with is something beautiful and much needed right now. Short essays that are full of observations on humanity, beauty, the mundane, the obscure, and the unexpected. His warm, rich prose was a balm for my soul.
—Jaime Herndon
Band Sinister by K.J. Charles
I could read queer historical romance all day long, and K.J. Charles is one of my favorite romance writers, so this book was pretty much tailor-made for me. It still exceeded even my wildest dreams. This m/m story takes a whole heap of Regency romance tropes (a virgin hero, rakes galore, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity in a manor house…) and gently subverts/teases/pokes fun at them, but in a loving, good-natured way. There’s a female character (the sister of one of the MCs) who gets to be her own person and doesn’t exist solely for the betterment of the hero. There’s a swoon-worth queer family and a beautifully diverse cast, including black, Jewish, gay, bi, and trans characters. There are richly drawn non-traditional relationships, witty banter, and so much sexy consent. There’s an HEA in which the MCs do not have to give up any parts of themselves. In a month full of seemingly endless misogyny, sexism, and transphobia in the news, this was the book I didn’t know I needed. It’s everything I love about romance rolled into one beautiful queer package.
—Laura Sackton
I had never read Sigrid Nunez before The Friend, but I kept seeing it recommended all over the place and I loved the cover, so I picked it up. I was hesitant, because I sometimes find pet stories too sentimental. This is not a cutesy pet story. It’s a story about friendship, writing, grief, and what can be found in loss. It’s about remembering a real person and not a perfect obituary version of a person. It’s about the boring, inconvenient details that come with death. Nunez’s prose is original, sharp, and will smack you right in the feelings.
—Vivienne Woodward
The Gallery of Unfinished Girls by Lauren Karcz
It is difficult to find a good YA about art, having a crush on your best friend, and family troubles. The main character here is a talented artist, who is worried because she has a crush on her best friend and her grandmother is in a coma in Puerto Rico. Mercedes has the potential to go to art school, but she feels like her art has been inadequate for a year. She frets as she receives an invitation to a mysterious estate, where for some reason outsiders cannot see the work. Mercedes has to reconcile her grief, love, and battle with maturity to keep her sister safe and recover her creative spirit.
—Priya Sridhar
Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl
I read this immediately after reading Delicious!, the novel by Reichl published in 2014. I loved that book and needed more so searched out her backlist. Garlic and Sapphires is her memoir of her time as the restaurant critic for the New York Times and it was just as delightful and wonderful. I loved stepping into New York of the ‘90s, seeing the behind-the-scenes life of a restaurant critic, and best of all, Reichl’s writing about food. Her writing in general is a pleasure to read but her writing about food is even better. I now need to go and read everything else she has ever written.
—Jen Sherman
Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger by Rebecca Traister
I can’t even properly explain how much this book means to me right now. I was shedding proud, angry, righteous tears while listening to the audiobook in my car. Rebecca Traister tracks the abundance of rage and anger that a lot of us are feeling in this political moment by looking back at past feminist movements, exploring intersectionalism, and comparing representations and interpretations of male vs female anger. I feel like I’m better equipped to interpret the world around me and how we’ve gotten to this moment and I also feel part of a much bigger picture. There’s so much to learn here and it’s presented in such an accessible way that I hope tons of people pick up this book as a way to help them interpret this extraordinary time. I could definitely talk about Good and Mad all day, but mostly what I’m hearing between my ears is Traister’s parting message for this moment: “Don’t forget how this feels.”
Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
After reading 2016’s Another Brooklyn, I knew I would follow this woman anywhere—even to middle grade fiction, which I don’t typically dip into. As dazzlingly lyrical as ever, Woodson’s latest tells the story of a group of students in an alternative classroom who are given the opportunity to spend one hour each day just…chatting. No adults listening in. At the beginning of the book, they don’t know each other well, and are slow to open up. But by the end—after having shared stories of family heartbreak and various feelings and fears—they consider themselves a harbor for each other. Just beautiful. Woodson skillfully tackles a variety of tough topics without being heavy-handed.
—Steph Auteri
How Long ‘Til Black Future Month? by N.K. Jemisin (Orbit Books, November 27, 2018)
Jemisin’s collection of 22 stories about destruction, rebirth, and redemption blew me away. In one story, Death and other deities struggle to find fulfillment after humanity has been destroyed. In another, a black girl refuses to underachieve even though becoming valedictorian will have dire consequences. A man fights for post-Katrina New Orleans alongside dragons; a woman keeps glimpsing subway lines that don’t exist. I couldn’t get enough of Jemisin’s superb tales—I want to read everything she’s ever written, everything she will write. How Long ‘Til Black Future Month? is a stunning short story collection from one of the best science fiction/fantasy writers of all times, let alone ours.
—Leah Rachel von Essen
If You Leave Me by Crystal Hana Kim
This novel’s details, both the emotional ones and the historical ones, are astonishing. It’s set during and after the Korean War, as three friends grapple with the compromises they had to make to endure. Alternating chapters are told from the perspectives of those three core characters, as well as the younger generation dependent on them. While at least one of the plot’s tragedies feels unnecessary, If You Leave Me is luminous and heartbreaking.
—Christine Ro
Intercepted by Alexa Martin
Months ago I saw this debut romance novel on a “If you liked The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory, then read…” list, and I instantly booked marked the book. It was worth the wait and lived up to the hype, with equal parts swoons and laughter. Marlee Harper vows never to date an athlete after a humiliating break up with an NFL player. But all-star quarterback Gavin Pope will do anything to change Marlee’s mind and win back an old fling. Sports romance novels aren’t always my jam, but this was delicious from beginning to end.
—Alison Doherty
I Think I Love You by Allison Pearson
I picked up this book about a Welsh girl’s David Cassidy obsession because I wanted a light, funny read. I should have known the author of I Don’t Know How She Does It would give me more than that. She portrays main character Petra and her friends with affectionate respect, which is also how she treats Cassidy (with whom there is a real interview after the novel’s conclusion). I learned much more about Welsh culture and language from this novel than I expected, and I was satisfied by the surprising second half. This is a fun book to read, but it’s also a meaningful exploration of art, friendship, and culture.
—Stacy Pratt
My Squirrel Days by Ellie Kemper
Ellie Kemper’s memoir My Squirrel Days is quirky and vivacious and not unlike the Ellie Kemper we see on TV and IRL. She writes about growing up in St. Louis, MO, trying to befriend squirrels, and pursuing comedy. In between those chapters, she smatters anecdotes about her competitive side (which resonated with me!), days on The Office, her nerve-wracking audition for Saturday Night Live, and the meeting with Tina Fey that landed her a role on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. When I say My Squirrel Days is laugh-out-funny, I literally mean it made me burst out in sudden laughter on crowded trains. Feel-good, warm, and inspirational, Kemper’s memoir shows her taking life by the horns, smiling through the pain, embarrassment, and obstacles, and seizing every day with passion. If you’re trying to tune out the difficult news cycle, tune into this book instead.
—Kamrun Nesa
The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon
In what can best be described as one of those slapstick auction scenes from film and television, brothers Caleb and Bobby Gene accidentally trade their baby sister for a bag of fireworks. (One of them lifts her up to check if her diaper is dirty during the bidding, and she is instead thought to be an offer.) Punished with chores for the rest of the summer break, and still upset their father wouldn’t sign permission slips to visit the museum in the city, things turn around when they meet Styx Malone, a cool, smooth-talking teen a few years older than the brothers. He talks the boys into a plan to bring fortune and wealth their way, and the brothers eagerly go along, wanting to impress the older, cooler kid. This is a wonderful story about trying to belong, but it also deals with more important issues, such as race (you get the impression the boys father won’t let them leave their small town for fear of something happening in the city) and foster care (Styx has lived in several homes.) It’s equally parts funny and heartbreaking, and wholly original.
—Liberty Hardy
The Secrets Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
This was a pick for my book club and probably the best book I read over the whole of October (and I read a lot). It’s a sequel, but honestly this book can stand up on its own. It’s about two women, Bhima and Parvati, who meet in the strangest circumstances and slowly become friends. Both Bhima and Parvati are from a poverty-stricken neighborhood of Mumbai and everyday is another day for survival. Will they have enough food for themselves and their family? Will they make the daily rent payments? Will anyone give them a helping hand in a world where your caste dictates otherwise? You get to see all of this unfold, but also see them coming to terms with the modernization of their city. When these two women meet, you know that they will eventually become friends and you get to see that happen throughout the story. It’s such a moving and beautiful story of two women supporting each other during their most difficult times. If you’re a fan of female friendships, empowerment for women, and learning more about the life of two older Mumbai women trying to make it in a new and slowly modernizing world, then this is the book for you.
—Simone Jung
The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta
The girl in a power stance on top of a snake’s head on the cover was definitely one of things that caught my eye about this book. The story starts with Kiranmala’s parents disappearing from their home in New Jersey, being replaced by two princes (one surly, one fanciful) and a murderous drooling rakshasa demon. I loved the humor, the themes of family, and the way that DasGupta introduces the breadth of Hindu cosmology in a way that blew the doors off my ideas about fantasy settings. The pacing is perfect, the adventure is utterly delightful and satisfying. I listened to the audiobook read by DasGupta herself and I highly recommend it. I am SO ready for next year’s Game of Stars.
—Aimee Miles
Swing Time by Zadie Smith
The cover of this book (yellow background with large, bold, red and black letters for the title and author) caught my eye time and time again at the bookstore and library. I finally picked it up and the story is just as enticing as the cover. Tracy and the unnamed narrator grow up together in North West London. Both girls attend a dancing school, where one shows promise as a dancer and the other merely a passion for all things associated with dance. As the novel progresses, the girls develop a complex friendship that finally ends when the girls are in their 20s. There is so much more I could share about this book—the beautiful writing, the focus on the relationships between parents, children, and women in general, and the way that Smith transports the read effortlessly from tower blocks in London to a West African village. I have giant, dark circles under my eyes from staying up way too late reading this book!
—Katherine Willoughby
Thick: And Other Essays by Tressie McMillan Cottom (The New Press, January 8, 2019)
This book is essential for anyone who wants to think deeply about race, feminism, and culture. Anyone who loved Brittney Cooper’s Eloquent Rage needs to get this book ASAP. McMillan Cottom draws on personal experience and her academic work in sociology to look closely at the fraught place of black women in American culture. She moves from healthcare to beauty to social networking to who gets to write opinion pieces, and is devastatingly smart every step of the way.
Unholy Land by Lavie Tidhar
Because it starts out with a murder and a disappearance set an alternate history (Palestina is a nation in Africa, with familiar colonialist issues but in a world that evaded the Holocaust), I didn’t immediately know what to expect from this one. Its intriguing and atmospheric beginning blooms into a magnificent trip through the multiverse—or through efforts to repair rifts in the multiverse, basically, since pulp writer Tirosh’s presence in Palestina bespeaks significant tension between worlds. This is fantastic science fiction. I hadn’t read Tidhar’s work before, and immediately picked up Central Station when Unholy Land concluded. New fan. Major kudos.
—Michelle Anne Schingler
A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi
I had been waiting for this young adult book to come out (earlier this month, on my birthday as a matter of fact!) since Tahereh Mafi had announced it months ago. The moment I read it, I knew this would stay with me for years to come. Set a year after the 9/11 attacks, it follows the painful—at times horrific—ordeal of Muslim American life that Shirin, a 16-year old girl who wears hijab, goes through. Mafi’s prose is blunt, unapologetic, and heartbreaking. The love that Shirin discovers is as powerful and poignant as the hateful prejudice she faces is devastating. This book is revelatory for those unaware of how traumatic American life can be for demonized minorities. But it also features breakdancing! So that makes the book, Shirin, and Mafi (who really does breakdance) unabashedly awesome too.
—Alya Hameed
The Weight Of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf (Salaam Reads, February 2019)
I will be the first to say that I know nothing about 1969 race riots in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia. This book, though, lays it out bare—unflinchingly and honestly. It centers around Melati, a young schoolgirl with OCD who believes that there is a djinn inside of her. She thinks that doing what the djinn tells her will keep her mother safe. But when violence breaks out all around her, Melati has no way of protecting her mother—she doesn’t even know where her mother is! What follows is Melati trying to survive, to understand herself and this sudden violent world around her, all while searching for her mother. It’s a brilliant novel that not only introduced me to a period of history and tension that I had little knowledge of, but did so with nuance and depth, through a character who is both vulnerable and tough.
—Adiba Jaigirdar
The Witch Elm by Tana French
Toby Hennessy is a regular dude living a regular life until a violent burglary changes his life for good. Frustrated by the physical limitations and memory gaps caused by his injuries, he agrees to his cousin’s suggestion that he keep his dying uncle company in their beloved family home. Everything’s dandy until someone goes and finds a skull in the garden at Sunday lunch, kicking off a murder investigation that kept me gripped until the very actual last page. Some readers have taken issue with the pacing of French’s first standalone mystery, but I found the revelations about each character perfectly timed. You may think you’ve figured it out, but keep going—it explodes right when you’ve settled in for the denouement. This book raises the question and flays it bare & bloody: do you ever really know a person, including yourself?
Zero Sum Game by S.L. Huang
First off, let’s start with what a total badass S.L. Huang is. She has a math degree from MIT (whoa, ok), she’s a weapons expert (what??), and she’s a professional stuntwoman (SERIOUSLY???). And in this case, she’s channeled her own badassery into Cas Russell, the protagonist I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life to read about. Cas doesn’t have a superpower, she’s just really good at math. Like, predicting the trajectory of bullets and using physics to run up walls good at math. When she encounters a secret organization with the ability to control minds, though, it gets a lot harder to keep her numbers straight. Full of amazing characters and edge-of-your-seat moments, Zero Sum Game had me totally hooked.
—Susie Dumond
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The Best Bookish Halloween Costumes of 2018
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Events, Exhibits, New at the Rubenstein Library, Readings and Talks
Unveiling the Haitian Declaration of Independence
January 14, 2014 Will Hansen 4 Comments
The first page of the manuscript copy of the Haitian Declaration of Independence now at the Rubenstein Library.
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Location: John Hope Franklin Center for International and Interdisciplinary Studies, 2204 Erwin Road, Room 240
Contact Information: Will Hansen, william.hansen(at)duke.edu
The Rubenstein Library has acquired a very rare manuscript copy of the Haitian Declaration of Independence. This declaration by the army of black Haitians, of liberty from French colonial rule or death, made on 1 January 1804, carries strong echoes of the rhetoric of the American Revolution some thirty years earlier. It established the first black republic in the world, and is the first declaration of independence written after the American version of 1776.
The scribal copy of the Declaration now at the Rubenstein was found in the papers of Jean Baptiste Pierre Aime Colheux de Longpré, a French colonizer of Saint-Domingue (Haiti) who fled the country during its revolution and settled in New Orleans. The copy was very likely made shortly after the Declaration took effect on 1 January, 1804. It is one of only a few contemporary or near-contemporary manuscript copies known to scholars, joining copies at the British Library, the French National Archives, and the National Library of Jamaica.
A celebration of the Haitian Declaration of Independence will be held on 21 January at the John Hope Franklin Center for International and Interdisciplinary Studies, in collaboration with faculty and staff from Duke’s Haiti Lab. A round table of scholars of the Haitian Declaration, including Duke Professors Laurent Dubois and Deborah Jenson, Assistant Prof. (and Duke PhD) Julia Gaffield of Georgia State University, and Prof. Richard Rabinowitz and Lynda Kaplan of the American History Workshop, will discuss its history and creation. The Rubenstein Library’s manuscript copy of the Declaration will be on display in the Center’s gallery. Haitian specialties will be served.
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4 thoughts on “Unveiling the Haitian Declaration of Independence”
Nicole Gaujean McCandless says:
Could you please tell me if the unveiling willbe open to all. My Nane is Nicole and I am originally from Haiti and leave in Florida.
Thanks, Nicole
Will Hansen says:
Hello, Nicole! Yes, the event is free and open to all.
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Does the creation of Bangladesh prove the two-nation theory wrong?
By Raza Habib Raja Published: October 14, 2016
Those who claim that the two-nation theory has proven to be a failure cite the creation of Bangladesh as an example. PHOTO: PINTEREST.
This article is not a “defence” or repudiation of the two-nation theory (TNT). Rather it tries to critically evaluate the argument that the creation of Bangladesh in fact proved that the two-nation theory was not valid. Those who claim that the two-nation theory has proven to be a failure cite the creation of Bangladesh as an example. It is claimed that ethnic nationalism trumped religion and therefore the two-nation theory has proven to be a failure. I do not intend to prove that the two-nation theory is wrong or right but just evaluate it with reference to the creation of Bangladesh.
Frankly speaking, I am not a history expert and do not claim any command on minute details of partition and its various narratives. However, as a student of political thought and comparative politics, I have often been fascinated by the two-nation theory. Now for someone who calls himself a “Pakistani Indian”, it may appear that I will be a staunch opponent of the “two-nation” theory. The way, it is often interpreted is that Hindus and Muslims are two distinct nations who would have found it impossible to live together and therefore Muslims, who were the minority at that time, would need a separate politically autonomous state. I do oppose this version and I think that it is highly debatable. If being a Muslim is the criteria of a separate state then why stop at India? Why not also include all the Muslims of the world and merge them into one nation state?
We know such a thing is not possible and is in fact laughable. The two-nation theory would start making sense if only we understand the fleeting concept of identity. We are not just Muslims, but also have ethno linguistic identities which at times may be competing with each other and at times complimenting each other. Everything revolves around a complex phenomenon known as identity and in politics that is often the most important factor in mobilisation. Identity itself may be constructed or at times may simply be something you are born with. Moreover, identity may be dormant and can become active. It is when an identity becomes active that political expression follows.
How a particular identity becomes active often depends on the perceived benefits as well as drawbacks associated with it. It also becomes active, if there is a perception that you are being victimised on the basis of that particular identity. Once an identity is activated, it can form various political expressions which range from political mobilisation to asking for greater rights, to outright demands for a separate nation state. What determines the exact form of political expression depends on many things. For example, gender identity can form a political expression but it is not possible (at least, it has not happened) for women to demand a separate country! Demands for equal pay and improved civil rights are expressed largely through civil society and do not aim to change the geographical and administrative structure of a particular country.
On the other hand, ethnic identity can form various political expressions ranging from the formation of political parties on ethnic lines, to demands for a separate state. Ethnic nationalists can demand a separate state particularly when an ethnicity views that it is possible to secede and the secession will lead to a better standard of living and greater rights. The demand for a separate nation state is also hugely dependent on actual geographical dispersion of the population belonging to that ethnicity. If there are geographical concentrations then the demand for secession is more likely compared to a situation where the ethnicity is evenly dispersed all over the country.
Religion, like ethnicity, is an identity though compared to ethnic identity is less “rigid”. It is generally said that religion is merely set of beliefs, but at least in political literature, it has always been considered more than that. In fact, some have gone to the extent of calling religion of birth a form of ethnic identity. Yes, theoretically speaking, it could be changed, but religious identity is powerful, particularly in circumstances where discrimination or perceived discrimination is conducted on religious lines.
Put simply religion can also be an effective political identity, provided certain conditions are there. And like other identities, it can form a political expression of demanding a separate state.
The demand for Pakistan (whether we consider it as an actual demand or a bargaining ploy by Jinnah) was a consequence of an activated political identity. There were incidences which activated the Muslim identity and the Congress is equally responsible for that, as much as the Muslim elites are.
Like ethnicity, religion can be a politically potent factor leading to possible demands of a nation state. In Pakistan’s case Muslims were also concentrated in two geographical zones (present day Pakistan and Bangladesh). While a substantial number was also dispersed all over the country there is no denying of the fact that areas forming West Pakistan (Present day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (Bangladesh) were Muslim majority areas.
It is true that ethnic identity, on its own, is often a stronger motivating factor though at the time of independence there were no mass movements demanding independence on ethnic lines. In fact, if demand for a nation state is only justified on ethnic lines then India itself should have been divided into many parts as there are so many languages spoken there.
Moreover, the term “partition” is misleading because India has rarely been politically a single unit. Throughout its history, there was a loose geographical continuity which has always enabled this land to be called India. Within this geographical unit, there have been various political configurations. The right question is not whether there should have been a “partition” but rather whether the areas coming under present day Pakistan and Bangladesh should have joined Indian federation (as visualised by Congress) or not.
So there were in reality various identities emerging out of the Indian subcontinent. There was a broader Indian identity, religious identities, and ethnic linguistic identities. In other words there have always been nations within a nation. And then there is a concept of hybrid identity. It is not important for many to be just Muslims; relatively they want their religious freedom as well as their ethnic and cultural independence. So I may be Muslim but at the same time I would prefer that my Punjabi cultural freedom is also safeguarded.
When Bengali and Sindhi Muslims voted for Pakistan (after all let’s not forget that these two provinces clearly voted for Pakistan), the idea was not merely preservation of their religious freedom but a combination of both religious as well ethnic/cultural freedoms. Thus when Bengali Muslims (who were also geographically concentrated) voted for the creation of Pakistan, it was also for the preservation of their Bengali identity along with religious identity.
The choice was to join the Indian federation or join Pakistan. Those who voted for Pakistan joined Pakistan with the view that perhaps their ethnic and cultural freedom would be better safeguarded in Pakistan rather than India.
The reason why Bangladesh came into being is less to do with fallacy of the two-nation theory and more with how actually West Pakistan treated East Pakistanis. It is not the idea itself but the way Pakistan tried to over centralise and negate Bengali culture and their ethnic identity. Pakistan superimposed Urdu over Bengali and adopted a policy of sustained repression. Bengalis seceded mainly because of the way we treated them. The discrimination activated the Bengali nationalism and led to secession. But once again it was the hybrid identity of both Islam and Bengali ethnicity which dictated the choice of independence rather than merger with India. What had earlier prompted them to opt for Pakistan, once again led them to become an independent state.
The two-nation theory would have been discarded IF Bengalis had opted to join India in 1971 rather than opting for an independent state.
Personally, I think history is yet to give its verdict about the two-nation theory. We cannot just say that just because Bangladesh came into being therefore it is wrong.
390 Comments Print Email
Raza Habib Raja
The author is a recent Cornell graduate and currently pursuing his PhD in political science at Maxwell School, Syracuse University. He has also worked for a leading development finance institution in Pakistan. He is a freelance journalist whose works have been published at Huffington Post, Dawn (Pakistan), Express Tribune (Pakistan) and Pak Tea House. He tweets @razaraja (twitter.com/razaraja?lang=en)
As a Muslim husband, I do not agree with Farhat Hashmi and her view on marital rape
Not finding oil reserves was expected, but PTI had to save face so it gave false hope
A tale of two speeches: Why Bilawal has proved to be a better leader than Imran
When will people like Khateeb stop using a peaceful religion as a tool for violence?
People those who fought, voted and created Pakistan never moved, they stayed in India. Subcontinent Muslims during British period were no way minorities. Dalits (15%), Sikhs(2%), Jains (0.5%), Christians (2.5%), Tribals (10%), OBC (22.5%) UC (22.5%) etc were minorities. Partition was between Muslims and non-Muslims. Existence of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Kashmir Valley unrest support TNT. India was united culturally throughout history not politically, Battle of Rajasthan proves that.
Similarly Bengali were majority in pre 1971 Pakistan.Recommend
Vish
70 years and still stuck on the same record. Get over it. Move on.Recommend
No the creation of Bangladesh does not mean that the two nation theory is wrong, it also means that Baluchistan should be separated from Pakistan as they are a different nation.Recommend
it would be better to create a big confederation of all south asian states- 1.6 billion people- with pakistan, bangladesh and india ruling as a troika- the capital can shift between the three countries every year- or one new capital built in the center— this way all the people can travel all over the union- work anywhere- and have a suitable name united states of south asia – ussa- or something acceptable to all- the kashmir problem will disappear- because all the entities will have their own state – why are we fighting like cats and dogs- let us live in peace – in a confederation – there will be about 600 million muslims- enough to form a majority party and rule as a PM- think friends- no one will dominate any one- china , japan , usa all can be our friends- no defence budget- whom to fight???- all the money saved can be spent on social causes like education and employment generating schemes- we should have a referendum on this subject all over south asiaRecommend
All these convoluted arguments might have been valid many centuries ago. In the 21st century, with the world shrinking rapidly, it is sheer madness to even consider theories like TNT. It is now time to abandon such nonsense.
Not just Bangladesh, existence of 22 Arab countries and scorers of Christian and Buddhist countries proves that a nation can not be built on the basis of religion alone.
I never tire of reiterating that Partition of India was never the wish of the people of the subcontinent, both Muslim and non-Muslim. It was the Anglo-American agenda for the Cold War – to secure their Middle Eastern oil interests and to prevent the Soviets from reaching the Indian Ocean. If Indian National Congress had agreed to join the American led alliance and offered bases and allowed military presence on the Indian soil, India would not have been partitioned. Needless to remind you that India became non-aligned and Pakistan went on to join CENTO, SEATO, fought the Soviets and lately fought the War on Terror (though half-heartedly).
Whatever be the arguments, the irony is that the man who created the country, neither his ancestors nor his descendants were nationals of the country. In his family tree, only he belonged to a different nation. Talk about identity!Recommend
Lahori By Birth, Muslim By Chance, Pakistani By Nationality, Hindustani By Soul!Recommend
Arsha
It’s shameful if we believe in such a divisive theory. Before being of any religion we are humans first. I cannot believe in anything which makes such a generalization about millions of people not being able to coexist. That’s undermining humanity and undermining the Creator. I would rather that we try to make this theory irrelevant.Recommend
http://peddarowdy.wordpress.com/ Anoop
So a Malayalee Muslim who knows no other language than Malayalam and who is used to eating Rice everyday and wears lungi belongs to a separate nation than his neighbors who do the exact same thing. TNT says that he feels at home living with a Punjabi or a Bengali Muslim, than another Malayalee.
Well, I am a supporter of TNT, but a slightly modified theory. Muslims are a separate nation because its hard for them to live with Hindus or any other community peacefully. Today South Asia contains 37% Muslim population. Imagine what a mess it would have been. There would be 2 laws – one for Muslims and another for the Rest. There would be demand for special treatment in every sector! Reservations in education, jobs. Freebies would be demanded! We already see it in play in many states where Muslim numbers are high. By 2050, Muslims in South Asia exceed the number of Hindus.
We see such things all over the world, especially in European countries where Muslim numbers are increasing. In UK, there are Sharia enforcers roaming the streets!
Because of TNT and Nehru’s masterstroke, Muslims were divided into 3 equal parts and they now think it was a good thing! Hindus and other indigenous nations of India got their own country, where they can practice secularism. Hindus got their nation back. All thanks to Jinnah and his theory.
Today nobody debates the founding principles of India because it is clear as day what it was – Secular, Democratic, Republic with a strong center. Exactly how Nehru imagined it to be. But, you often see articles like “What did Jinnah want?”, “Is this Jinnah’s Pakistan?”, “What is TNT?”, “Is TNT Relevant?”
Jinnah’s ideas were so confusing and he said so many contrasting things and there was so much mismatch with what he said and what he did, such things are still debated today.
As MJ Akbar said: “Pakistanis are stronger than the idea of Pakistan; the idea of India is stronger than Indians”.Recommend
Ram Dargad
The real question is, was TNT right at the time of independence. Has it helped Muslims, in the long run.
In an optimistic scenario, without partition, India would have been even more secular, weakening religious fundamentalists, empowering Minorities, (both Muslims & Hindus in various states). South Asia, (particularly East Bengal), would have been in a far better economical condition than what they are. North West of the country (Pakistan) would not have been in such a mess, no ‘war on terror’ would be required. Kashmir & Balochistan would have been peaceful, without any wars over Kashmir or secession of East Bengal. Russians would not have faced Taliban backed by US, Afghanistan would have been like any central Asian nation. Chinese would have hesitated before annexing Aksai Chin part of Kashmir.
Having come so far, there is no possibility of undoing it. Maybe some day SAARC will be a confederation like EU of many states, with or without Pakistan. InshallahRecommend
Purna Tripathy
This theory has more or less been discussed for a very long time in India. if religion in itself was such a strong force why are there so many Arab countries, where islam was borne.Recommend
Allah Hafiz
Two Nation theory is still intact..thats why may be brave pakistani army raped 3 lakh bangladeshis and killed 30 million of them..Recommend
The apologist tone of this piece is a bit mind boggling. A leftist in Pakistan is ashamed of being a Muslim and a Pakistani. Bengal was NOT partitioned BY MUSLIMS in 1947. It was partitioned by a SINGLE HINDU VOTE. Ask the Hindus why they wanted to partitioned Bengal in 1947 and you will realize that the two-nation theory is championed by Hindus.Recommend
The apologist tone of this piece is a bit mind boggling. A leftist in Pakistan is ashamed of being a Muslim and a Pakistani. Bengal was NOT partitioned BY MUSLIMS in 1947. It was partitioned by a SINGLE HINDU VOTE. Ask the Hindus why they wanted to partition Bengal in 1947 and you will realize that the two-nation theory is championed by Hindus.Recommend
If you want to read something both interesting and educational on this subject suggest you read an article on this by Nadeem F. Paracha in DAWN dated 9th Oct. ’16.Recommend
Chinmay Nagarkar
Wow. This man lives in the west, calls himself a Pakistani Indian and simultaneously defends the division of India on the basis of Islamic fascism. He fails to mention that Bangladesh was bigger in population and better educated when it separated from its fascist, racist oppressors. General Tikka khan famously warned that the Pak army would rape bangla women to change their genes. The current Pakistan is a rump state, a banana state, selling terrorism and nuclear blackmail as its last significant exports. Just read Pakistani newspapers. And dont get me started on the shoddy writing from a “phd” candidate. What a complete tragedy of humanity, this Pakistan. With this state of confusion of the so-called Pakistani educated class, there is no doubt the country will be relegated to the dustbin of history.Recommend
Linux Novice
Baluch also want to protect their national identity which is now oppressed by occupying Pak Army. Recommend
Lalit
One of the worst defence of TNT.Recommend
TNT is based on religious community. The vast majority of the former British India’s Muslims live outside India today (and Kashmiris want out, too). Whether the Muslims live in one state or many is not the issue. Nation and state are not the same thing. Ask any political scientist.Recommend
Today India has population of Muslims which is equal to that in Pakistan and third largest in the whole World. Given a choice, how many will like to relocate to Pakistan now? I think hardly anyone. Is it not a proof that all the extreme agony, torture and misery faced by innocent people during partition was futile and the concept of teligion based nation was a medieval, outdated concept? I hope Editor publishes it and I recieve some enlightened comments!!!Recommend
Does Pakistan belongs to Mars?Recommend
Partition of 1947 or 1971 indicates that the two identities (by religion, tribes or language) having different paths and interests can’t be bound by force for long unless one is fool. We have example of south India, Karachi, California and Saraiki belt as examplesRecommend
I hope Hindustan will love you when you would have been found eating beef steakRecommend
Alann
It’s funny, isn’t it? Every 6 months, Every year, there is an article questioning partition and Pakistan’s existence on multiple Pakistani news portals.Recommend
Seems jingoistic and is laden with insults.Recommend
Apparently, it’s skip on other minorities has mental fascination with Muslims.Recommend
It is better to read the article first and till the end before coming up with a diatribe. Article does not defend TNT but tries to evaluate the claim that creation of Bangladesh has proven it wrong.
The article also clearly states that Pakistan mistreated Bengalis which led to break up of Pakistan. Now whether Pakistan is a banana state is another debate and nothing to do with this articleRecommend
Purna Triputhy
Arabs and Indians are two different cultures.Recommend
No India does.Recommend
Seems biased and skewed, cherry picked hyperbole logic and ignorant on India’s failure as a nation.Recommend
Ok judging form the comments of some Indians, it seems clear that they have not read the article but started to comment after seeing the words TNT or two nation theory. This article does not even defend TNT bur evaluates the claim whether Bangladesh’s creation proves it wrong. I argue that Bangladesh became separate because of the way Bengalis were mistreated and not due to TNT.
Anyways, it is better to read and then commentRecommend
Haresh
Quantitative vs hate drivel nonsense. i chose PHD candidate over someone who’s greatest point “Just read Pakistani newspaper” which isn’t say much.Recommend
You’re argument doesn’t make most sense, mostly it’s personal driven with Hindu bias. Apparently, Muslims would only demand reservation with no explanation but personal justification. The only thing meaningful, I can get from delusional hate driven post is how delusional Hindu community is on their own criticism.Recommend
Mass migration wasn’t noted by the British. Are we’re trying to re-write history?Recommend
So the tone should be antagonistic? Talk about biased.Recommend
Good point.Recommend
Priya Patel
A few people on street in London makes it entire UK? Please. I guess we should ignore the Hindu burning churches and Dalits in the name of god and call them peaceful? Sure, lol. I assume dalits, christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jain don’t need freebies either? The fact your post is rather crass, vulgar and generalising is already sick. I don’t know why mods allow comments like this come though.Recommend
*community in IndiaRecommend
Not simple question when you have waiver personal relationship and family. False dichotomy.Recommend
Talking about secularism while hiding undertones of theocracy, missing details and using hysterical arguments like Sharia enforces in the UK. Personal admission is validated is considered factual argument, How odd. Missing violence on Christians and Sikh community seems lacking. Of course like most poster you can hide behind polemics.Recommend
Raj UK
This is the funniest thing I have read, how brainwashed our kids in India. Half of truths and hypocrisy galore. At one point this man gloating about Hindus being livable with other communities, apparently skipping on attack on churches. Magically, the entire Muslim community is below poverty line, rich people like Yousaf Ali not existing. There’s oddly contradiction of Dalits, Jatts and other unprivileged communities not existing. Of course, this is freebies, apparently this is moral outlook of Hindus when it comes charitable work. Now with this fundamentalist mindset with marginalising on basis of religion how is India secular. One would wonder how on earth this is secular, when someone reeks of theocracy. I have heard of Pakistanis moving back home, for me I haven’t heard the same for Indians.Recommend
I think hardly anyone? That was be an assumption, not an answer. A better question, would be how many would like another partition in India away from Hindu-centric government? Many would.Recommend
Put your argument in perspective, cheap insults means you don’t really have point as opposed to thorough argument. If Pakistan is this bad, how would India tout itself? Corrupt, poor, rape..here’s a few ques.Recommend
No idea, i neither support or oppose either. Are Indians, arabs? No. So why compare?Recommend
And atrocities in Kashmir and immunity of Indian army. If the Indian needs protection, what’s the point of the army then? Especially when they’re scared of terrorists. Sympathy of Jawans is laughable and contradictory.Recommend
Muhammad Zeshan Akram
I personally respect your views Ajay, but unfortunately in both separated wings of subcontinents today, no minority (Hindus and Muslims) is protected practically by law; this reluctantly validates the narrative of separate nations based on religion, ethnicity etc.Recommend
Western Scholar
I’m surprised in Pakistan Newspaper, there’s very little Pakistanis. I can understand why though, but Mods need to start censoring, it’s leading to abusive from desperate Hinduvta trolls.
Correct me, if I’m wrong. TNT says dividing communities into communal lines, doesn’t specifically mention geography though. I suppose Malayalee never migrated outside their community then?
I’m sure Christian community would thrilled at this, consider large surplus of Hindus are converting to their faith. Despite unprivileged class of Hindu such as Dalits who live on these freebies aren’t existing in head. Maybe the largest community under poverty are Hindu should ring few.
I have never heard of separation of laws, if 7-8 roaming streets in the London is the ENTIRE UK and Muslim community, I wonder about your intelligence here?
So Christians, Buddhists, Baha’i, Jews need not apply because their not indigenous? How on earth is this secular?
Jinnah’s confusing is subjective, especially when you’re vague here.
Pakistanis are better off than Indians? No idea why this quoted on TNT, since Indians can be annotated with any religions.Recommend
Is Bangladesh not predominate muslim country? I don’t see the logic here.Recommend
Monkey God
I forget do hindus not fight with anyone? You could have real point instead of hiding behind pseudo-intellectual and populist hinduvta approach. I guess Statues aren’t talking eh?Recommend
I almost chocked when you thought your insult ridden post has more merits than PHD candidate. Ignorance, polemics and deniability. 3 qualities of Hindu troll.
Ignore India, insert Pakistan criticism and when refuted play dumb and try again.Recommend
I’m sure Christians would be happy, now RSS and VHP would have bigger free pass to attack churches. No mention of common law of beef ban being applicable to all religious, despite grunts of secularism. Let’s see if his response is subjective or objective?Recommend
M.Saeed
Two nation theory as explained by Quaid to the British simply stated that, if a large portion of population worshipped cow while a second large portion devoured it especially on their religious festival, they cannot be taken as one nation and must be divided for peace.
Now, Bangladesh was separated on linguistic basis but still, its large population of Hindu population migrated to India on their natural instinct. There were 27% Hindus there, which are now only 9% left.Recommend
Bhavin
Unfortunately, in the UK there’s no such but muslims do make the largest graduates after whites.Recommend
REgal Legions are political construct. Dharma or spirituality is native and organic. Romans created first legion after hijacking Abrahamic Jewish theology. They enticed the cowards, crooks and criminals among the natives by offering plum darbari posts and share of loot of natives. Jesus whom they used as prophet, was persecuted by Romans a century back. Low consciousness this legion cultivated by imbibing hate for others who had not joined their legion and license to loot them and enslave them, created a fanatic cannon fodder and was used effectively to expand their empire In Europe by brutalizing the native Pagans (meant civil in old Latin). These Europen converts who lost their native roots, ancestral history went on spreading brutalization al over the world. Slavery, colonization and even today’s terrorism are different strains of this original WMD virus. Koresh and Ummaid perfected this Roman technique by giving license to converts rape and kill the native Kufr. Progeny of these native converts hate everything native – language, culture, ancestral history. Christianity is disappearing tin the West but Anglos are promoting Islam in the ME & subcontinent. They used Islam to destroy Soviets and to contain progress of India. In last 20 years they used Islam as WMD to lynch the progressive among the Arabs. Since Christianity is disappearing in the west, Church is focusing on conversions in Asia, especially India and Nepal. Common enemy of the natives of the world is these legions. They are tools for en-mass enslavement. If Dharma is gone from India then it will be barren barbaric land and killing fields of AfPak, Iraq, Syria, Yemen.. or at best utterly depressed and in-confident banana republics of south-central Americas.Recommend
A Hinduvta troll using a muslim username delusional crazed fantasies, suggesting all religions are evil with except Dharma. Thanks for proving people here are trolling. I’m not posting now, until Tribune starts censoring trolls.Recommend
You may not be a Muslim since you do not have Bedouinized Semitic name. But who am I to label you?
Even Maulwis are ignorant by design. In the very beginning of Koran, at the top, are three letters, alif (A), lam (L) and mim (M). Can you oryour Maulwi explain what these three letters mean?’ You might say that this was a secret which Allah had kept to himself. Then please tell me when God has revealed the entire Koran for the benefit of mankind, as the you claim, it is very strange that he has kept its very heading a secret. No. It is not so. They signify. Alif, lam and mim are nothing but alif (A), wao (O) and mim (M), that is, AOM or OM.
In Arabic grammar L is pronounced O when it falls between a vowel and a consonant, as in the names Shamsuddin, which is written Shamsaldin, or Nizamuddin, which is written Nizamaldin. The letter lam (L) becomes silent and gives the sound of the Arabic letter pesh (O or U). Therefore ALM is no secret; it is clearly and unambiguously OM and nothing but OM. It is Kufra, heretical or a sin, to blame God for keeping it a secret.Recommend
Phd from a third rate university, paid for by the writers parents, doesn’t count. Look up who this guy is, before defending him.Recommend
Yes, I definitely recommend you read it.Recommend
Nothing cheap about a countr with less forex reserves than Bangladesh, a falling foreign investment rate, constitutionally defined financial bankruptcy, a revolving debt that will make your head spin, and a finance minister who falsely touts an “IMF award” purchased from a third rate publication.Recommend
Refute one thing I said with facts instead of desperately throwing words at me. Tell me one way in which Pakistan shows it culture or industry to the world. Besides a fat army eating the people’s sandwich, and throwing empty nuclear and terrorist blackmail at the world, what else does Pakistan have. Pakistanis in the west pretend to be the dirty Indians Pakistani trolls talk about.Recommend
Sure, and why don’t you stop hiding behind your presumed Indian name and tell us patriotically about Pakistans achievements?Recommend
Only Pakistanis and Muslim nawabs and their mullah Chamchas ate cows. Indian, Arab and Persian Muslims didnt eat cows before modern agrifarming made it affordable. I eat beef myself and don’t care for stupid dietary restrictions. Does that mean I can’t live with my vegetarian Hindu mother? This is the type of irrational uneducated argument that has turned Pakistan slowly into hell for its people. Recommend
Bangladesh became a reality because religious affinity is not as strong as cultural and linguistic affinity. Your nawabs and jagirdars fed you the lie that religion was enough of a binding force so they could could continue looting people and sell their services to the British (Nehru was going to bring land reforms in India). Wake up and turn yourself into a secular state before you tear each other apart and your leaders have to sell your famous N assets for their retirement fund.Recommend
Why do you think Hindus in Pak and Bangladesh keep reducing in numbers while Muslims in India keep increasing in numbers? Could the reason for this genocide in Islamic countries have to do with the oppression of Hindus or the baby making and woman hating mullah funded by Saudi money who frown on women’s rights and contraception?Recommend
No, it is a churning hell. That’s why Pak has a higher suicide rate than any of its neighbors and its people long to immigrate western countries. Just wAtch, Pakistani intellectuals and artists will immigrate to India in droves within the next 10 years. India will change its laws to accommodate them.Recommend
Why you use fake name. Also tell how much you are paid for each comment.Recommend
Why don’t you go ahead and expose my pseudo intellectualism and cite one instance where Hindus occupied alien lands and converted the local population by force? I challenge you..
I can cite several examples of Muslims doing the same. Just look at the Zoarastrians. We have seen how several holy temples have been desecrated in Islam’s name.Recommend
There are more Indians online than the entire population of Pakistan. We are democratic and read newspapers. Only in Pakistan reading other countries newspapers is seen as a bad thing.
You don’t have to look far to see a Malayalee living and conversing with a non-Malayalee. Such things happen in India all the time. Jinnah’s TNT said that a Muslim is a different nation, regardless of his ethnicity and linguistic links and Muslims cannot live with Hindus and vice versa. Which is why I gave that example. India celebrated the diversity. How is what you said in support of TNT? How does a Malayalee migrating prove TNT was right? What are you trying to prove?
Hindu culture has a 5000 year old history. It has dozens of Religions under its umbrella for thousands of years. All you can cite is a handful of communal incidences for a nation which is 1/6th of the Humanity. 1.3 Billion Indians. 1.4 Billion Muslims. In comparison, India as a nation is far more peaceful and tolerant than the latter group. Just take the last 50 years where all major events have been documented. Muslim world has been more volatile, more violent and far more intolerant of its minority communities. Wouldn’t you agree?
You talk about Dalits, when a man from backward caste is the present Prime Minister. How bloody ironical.
Can you explain why intolerant Indians and maniacal Hindus elected a Sikh, who form about 3% of our population as PM for 2 terms, meaning an entire decade?
Secular is not discriminating with the existing populations and not to have any Religion specific laws;To treat every Indian citizen as equal. I want India to implement this to the spirit.Recommend
Dog meat is banned in banned in many states of US. Dog meat is consumed by many communities around the world, who have migrated to the US and have been staying in the US for many generations. This is because Dog is dear to Americans and they can’t see it being culled for meat or any other material purpose.
This is very similar to India. Cows are very special. Cows are our Dogs. You don’t have to eat Beef to be a Muslim or a Christian. I dare you to quote from the Quran or Bible where it is mentioned its mandatory to eat Beef to be a Muslim or a Christian. Hence, there is no question of Secularism being at harm.
Is this objective enough for you?
Since, you are so concerned about fairness and Secularism, I’m sure you won’t have any problems in giving up Beef in your personal capacity. Recommend
In 5000 year history, India or any of its indigenous Religions has never attacked an alien territory and converted its population by the sword. You talk of some isolated incidents with such a large population, equivalent to 1/6th of the population.
Take for instance you hinting I am pro-freebies with respect to Dalits, Jats. Where have I said that? Do you want me to digress and talk of how our Politicians give out freebies in return for votes? What a guy!
Now, that I have clarified my anti-freebie stance, will you change my opinion of me and apologize? Of course you wont!
Again, you accuse me of being against Secularism.
. To say Religion is man made and hence subject to criticism, to say Science is the only truth, all Religions are faulty is perfectly alright. I don’t ascribe to Political Correctness, sorry.
I am first and foremost in criticizing Hindus and our culture. Why should I it on these pages? I will do it when the time is right in my opinion.
You have no solid point than accusing me of things.
Can you tell me why a Sikh was elected PM for 10 years if there is such entrenched intolerance against minorities in India?
You talk of instances of intolerance, but fail to provide sufficient perspective. India is 1/6th of Humanity. Compared to any group of comparative size India does well.
For example, 1.4 Billion Muslims vs 1.3 Billion Indians. Can you tell me any nation, regardless of size, which has elected a person from non-majority community to the highest office?
When you have 1/6th of the population, all sorts of things happen. But, such large populations should be compared with other nations with comparable size. India is a beacon of peace and tolerance.
So you claim, but like I said who trust you?Recommend
Passing buck? Usual conduct to runaway from argument and then derail the argument to another topic. Been there done that.
Apparently, insults and namecalling is highest point of someone maturity. So far nothing of argument.Recommend
Oh look, someone skipped India again and again.Recommend
Refute, you missed India. The only thing out of your mouth is Pakistan which isn’t saying much either.Recommend
Says the person who avoided IndiaRecommend
No mention IndiaRecommend
In the first line you say I shouldn’t generalize about Muslims and do exactly that with Hindus when you talk about a few criminals burning Churches. I shouldn’t generalize about Muslims, but you can with Hindus?
You assume right. No community should get freebies. You have judged me to be something and have assumed that I would be pro-freebies when I have not mentioned it anywhere. You are one smart girl!
How judgmental! Go through my previous comments, lady. I am pro-Science and Rationalism and am the foremost critic of Indian regressive traditions. When talking about Muslims, I am brutal in my opinions. You have a problem of judging.Recommend
Someone’s avoiding criticism on India, really shouldn’t talk. Refute? what’s the point, you derailed the argument on Raj’s comment.Recommend
My point still stands. Derailed the argument.Recommend
Convincing coming from someone who dislikes Pakistan.Recommend
Let’s try this, can you prove the writer paid for his PHd, I want evidence, picture of paychecks. If you can prove it, then I might agree. If not, anything you blurt is just a lie.Recommend
Proof, provide us proof. Remember your opinion isn’t fact.Recommend
Sorry, bhai. We in the UK, have moved on from backward idealogy.Recommend
Haha, India is so much betterRecommend
“Apparently, Muslims would only demand reservation with no explanation but personal justification.”
I don’t think you have read a lot of History. Or, any history for that matter. Jinnah wanted special privileges and reserved seats for Muslims in Parliament. Not just in Parliament, but in Administrative services and other Government jobs. Nehru and Congress refused. This drove Jinnah, whom Muslims voted for in the elections, to for Partition.
I am not claiming Muslims will ask for special treatment. Its part of History! Please refrain from commenting on topics you haven’t read up on. Else, prove me wrong. This is the Internet, my friend! Nobody responds to names.
Why should there be different laws for Indians?
Please understand my points because saying I’m wrong. I don’t mind correcting you, but you guys hardly correct yourself and apologize for calling me names.
If you think the instances I’ve citied is wrong, please feel free to correct me. Recommend
So everyone has hate Pakistan to be Indian? Please, go comment elsewhere.Recommend
Just leave it. I’ve been accused of being Pakistani, despite not being one. Recommend
Great argument, neither relevant on the topic nor does argue anything I said. Still waiting why you’re having muslim name and claiming to be hindu?Recommend
Indians and Arabs are Human Beings. We can compare.Recommend
Is there any point refuting someone with facts when he doesn’t have any himself neither can stay on topic.Recommend
Normo
Nice save, where is the India comment?Recommend
Is this your “facts” now? Recommend
Thanks for proving, you don’t have a point.Recommend
Is there censor system? It’s pointless debating. It’s nice way to distract topics like he’s done about India but it’s not much merit.Recommend
Refute me where you said anything factual?Recommend
India is stated where?Recommend
I’d take him.Recommend
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Acyl-CoA-binding and self-associating properties of a recombinant 13.3 kDa N-terminal fragment of diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 from oilseed rape
Randall J Weselake1,
Milan Madhavji2,
Steve J Szarka3,5 nAff5,
Nii A Patterson3,6 nAff6,
William B Wiehler2,
Cory L Nykiforuk2,5 nAff5,
Tracy L Burton2,
Parveen S Boora2,
Steven C Mosimann2,
Nora A Foroud2,
Benjamin J Thibault2,
Maurice M Moloney3,
André Laroche4 &
Tara L Furukawa-Stoffer2
BMC Biochemistryvolume 7, Article number: 24 (2006) | Download Citation
Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT, EC 2.3.1.20) catalyzes the acyl-CoA-dependent acylation of sn-1, 2-diacylglycerol to generate triacylglycerol and CoA. The deduced amino acid sequence of cDNAs encoding DGAT1 from plants and mammals exhibit a hydrophilic N-terminal region followed by a number of potential membrane-spanning segments, which is consistent with the membrane-bound nature of this enzyme family. In order to gain insight into the structure/function properties of DGAT1 from Brassica napus (BnDGAT1), we produced and partially characterized a recombinant polyHis-tagged N-terminal fragment of the enzyme, BnDGAT1(1–116)His6, with calculated molecular mass of 13,278 Da.
BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 was highly purified from bacterial lysate and plate-like monoclinic crystals were grown using this preparation. Lipidex-1000 binding assays and gel electrophoresis indicated that BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 interacts with long chain acyl-CoA. The enzyme fragment displayed enhanced affinity for erucoyl (22:1cisΔ13)-CoA over oleoyl (18:1cisΔ9)-CoA, and the binding process displayed positive cooperativity. Gel filtration chromatography and cross-linking studies indicated that BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 self-associated to form a tetramer. Polyclonal antibodies raised against a peptide of 15 amino acid residues representing a segment of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 failed to react with protein in microsomal vesicles following treatment with proteinase K, suggesting that the N-terminal fragment of BnDGAT1 was localized to the cytosolic side of the ER.
Collectively, these results suggest that BnDGAT1 may be allosterically modulated by acyl-CoA through the N-terminal region and that the enzyme self-associates via interactions on the cytosolic side of the ER.
In eukaryotes, triacylglycerol (TAG) is synthesized through both acyl-CoA-dependent and acyl-CoA-independent processes [1]. Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT, EC 2.3.1.20) catalyzes the acylation of sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) to generate TAG and CoA. Various acyl donors have also been identified in the acyl-CoA independent acylation of DAG including a second DAG molecule [2, 3], phosphatidylcholine [4, 5]and free fatty acid [6]. Studies on the acyl-CoA-dependent acylation of TAG, however, have been more extensive since this pathway has been recognized for several years. Two families of DGAT, designated DGAT1 and DGAT2, have been identified with homologues in animals, plants and various microorganisms [7]. DGAT1 cDNA was first cloned from Mus musculus liver [8] and shortly thereafter from developing seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana [9–12] and microspore-derived cell suspension cultures of Brassica napus [13–15]. Recently, DGAT1 cDNA has been cloned from other plant sources including developing castor bean (Ricinus communis) [16] and seeds of burning bush (Euonymus alatus) [17]. Deduced amino acid sequences of members of the DGAT2 gene family, however, have been shown to share no homology with the DGAT1 family [7]. It is important to note that a second cDNA encoding a B. napus DGAT, which represented a truncated form of DGAT1, has been previously designated DGAT2 [13–15]. The hydropathy plots of DGAT1 from various species are very similar in that the polypeptides all display a hydrophilic N-terminal segment followed by a number of potential transmembrane intrapolypeptide segments [9, 13, 16, 18]. The general characteristic of the DGAT1 hydropathy plot is also very similar to that of type 1 acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT, EC 2.3.1.26), which uses cholesterol as an acyl acceptor instead of DAG [18]. Structure/function relationships in ACATs have been more fully elucidated than for DGATs. For example, the topologies of ACAT1 and ACAT2 have been determined and have provided valuable insights into the operation of this enzyme [19, 20].
The current study was undertaken to gain insight into the structure and function properties of B. napus DGAT1 (BnDGAT1) using a poly-His tagged recombinant hydrophilic N-terminal region of the enzyme which is designated BnDGAT1(1–116)His6. The recombinant enzyme fragment interacted with acyl-CoA displaying positive cooperativity and self-associated to form a dimer and tetramer, which was consistent with recent reports on the self-association of human DGAT1 [21] and mammalian ACAT1 [22].
Expression, purification and crystallization of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6
A very brief description of the procedure for generating BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 was presented previously in a conference proceeding document [23]. A hydropathy plot [24] of the deduced amino acid sequence of BnDGAT1 [13] indicated that the N-terminal region of the enzyme was relatively hydrophilic compared to the rest of the protein. Based on this information, we designed a construct which would result in the production of a gene product consisting of the first 116 amino acid residues of BnDGAT1 followed by a four amino acid residue (AALE) linker and 6 His residues. Automated DNA sequencing was performed across the cloning junctions and for the entire coding region, to verify there was no shift in the open reading frame. Induction of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 synthesis by isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) treatment of bacteria is shown in Figure 1A. Analysis of lysates from induced Escherichia coli (lanes 3 and 4) clearly showed the appearance of an abundant polypeptide with an apparent molecular mass of about 23 kDa, which was considerably larger than the calculated molecular mass of 13,278 Da for BnDGAT1(1–116)His6. The 23 kDa band was barely perceptible in the pellet protein (lane 5), indicating that the expressed gene product was soluble in the extraction buffer. The poly-His tag on BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 facilitated effective purification of the recombinant N-terminal fragment by immobilized nickel ion chromatography. Analysis of different elution fractions of the Ni2+-NTA-agarose column by SDS-PAGE is depicted in Figure 1B. The protein fraction that was eluted with 40 mM imidazole was highly purified based on SDS-PAGE (lane 4) and thus was used for subsequent characterization work. Analysis of purified BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry indicated a molecular mass of about 13.2 kDa, which was in close agreement with the calculated molecular mass (Figure 1C). Analysis of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 by dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicated that the protein preparation was largely monodisperse and potentially suitable for crystallization. Small plate-like monoclinic crystals were grown from preparations of purified BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 (Figure 1D). The largest microcrystals, however, were too small (0.07 × 0.07 × 0.01 mm) for x-ray diffraction studies using a rotating anode x-ray source.
Expression, purification and crystallization of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6. Panel A: Induction of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 expression in bacteria monitored by SDS-PAGE. From left to right: molecular mass markers (lane 1), clarified lysate from non-induced bacteria (lane 2), clarified lysate from two independent incubations of bacteria treated with IPTG (lanes 3 and 4), pellet obtained from clarified lysate of bacteria induced with IPTG (lane 5). Experiments to demonstrate induction of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 synthesis were conducted using an incubation medium of 5 ml (instead of the 500 mL used for preparative work). Harvested E. coli were resuspended in 100 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) containing 150 mM NaCl. The suspension was passed through a French pressure cell at 20,000 p.s.i. three times and the ruptured bacteria were centrifuged at 13,000 g for 15 min to obtain a clarified lysate. The 13,000 g pellet obtained from ruptured bacteria that had been induced with IPTG was resuspended in extraction buffer. Equal volumes of each sample were applied to the SDS gel. Panel B: Analysis by SDS-PAGE of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 purified by immobilized nickel ion chromatography. From left to right: molecular mass markers (lane 1), pass-through fraction (lane 2), fraction eluted with equilibration buffer (lane 3), and fractions eluted with 4 ml portions of equilibration buffer containing 40, 60 and 80 mM imidazole, respectively (lanes 4–6). The protein load for lane 4 was about 10 μg. Ten microliter aliquots of each of the eluents were applied to the gel. Panel C: MALDI-TOF spectrum of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6. The spectrum was acquired using a Voyager DE-Pro TOF MS (Applied Biosystems, Foster, CA, USA) using a 2-layer spotting technique. Matrix layer 1 was approximately 15 mg/mL α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid dissolved in 1:2 (v/v) methanol:acetone. Matrix layer 2 was saturated α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid in 1:2 (v/v) methanol/water. One microliter of layer 1 solution was spotted and allowed to dry. Protein sample (450 μg/mL) was mixed with layer 2 solution in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:4 (sample:matrix). One microliter of layer 2 solution was spotted on the dried layer 1 spot, and allowed to dry. The dried spot was washed 2–3 times with a drop of cold distilled water to remove salts prior to analysis by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Panel D: Microcrystals of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6. To begin preparation of microcrystals, a 12 mg/mL solution of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 was dialyzed against 10 mM glycine-NaOH (pH 9.0) containing 20 mM NaCl and 1 mM EDTA. Initial screening for crystallization conditions using vapor diffusion and hanging drops resulted in several instances of microcrystals, which grew as plates, within 1–2 weeks. Microcrystals were obtained from ammonium sulfate and ammonium phosphate solutions over a wide pH range.
BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 interacts with long chain acyl-CoAs in a cooperative fashion
In a previous study, we demonstrated that [1-14C]oleoyl-CoA interacted with BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 using a low concentration range (0–5 μM) of thioester [23]. In the current study, the range of thioester concentrations used in Lipidex-1000 binding assays was extended up to near 30 μM for [1-14C]oleoyl-CoA (Figure 2A). As well, binding studies were conducted with [1-14C]erucoyl-CoA for comparative purposes. Binding experiments with BSA, which is known to interact with acyl-CoAs [25], demonstrated that the Lipidex-1000 assay was effective and thus served as a positive control (data not shown). In contrast, we have previously shown that ovalbumin does not bind acyl-CoA using this assay [23]. The binding of both acyl-CoA species to BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 occurred in a sigmoidal fashion. The binding ratio of thioester: BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 was based on the molecular mass of 13,278 Da calculated from the amino acid sequence of the N-terminal fragment. BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 bound more erucoyl-CoA than oleoyl-CoA at considerably lower concentrations of acyl-CoA indicating that the N-terminal fragment had a greater affinity for erucoyl-CoA than oleoyl-CoA. Analysis of the binding data using Scatchard plots [26] is depicted in Figures 2C and 2D. Both plots rose to a maximum and then decreased suggesting that the interaction between acyl-CoA and BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 involved positive cooperativity. Dissociation constants of about 17 μM and 2 μM were determined for the binding of oleoyl-CoA and erucoyl-CoA, respectively, to the high affinity state of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6. The dissociation constants were determined using the data points constituting the negative slopes of the Scatchard plots.
Binding of acyl-CoAs to BnDGAT1(1–116)His6. Panels A and B: Binding of oleoyl-CoA or erucoyl-CoA to BnDGAT1(1–116)His6. Lipidex-1000 binding assays were conducted in duplicate in 10 mM potassium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, at 30°C with [1-14C]acyl-CoAs and 0.2 μM protein. Incubations were set up without protein to correct for acyl-CoA that was not adsorbed by the Lipidex-1000. Data points represent mean values. Panels C and D: Scatchard plot [26] analysis of the binding of 18:1-CoA or 22:1-CoA to BnDGAT1(1–116)His6.
A Lipidex-1000 competition binding study was conducted by introducing unlabeled compounds into a binding medium containing 19 μM [1-14C]oleoyl-CoA. Test compounds included 8 μM free CoA and 8 μM oleoyl-CoA. A previous study indicated that micromolar concentrations of CoA were effective in stimulating microsomal DGAT activity from microspore-derived cell suspension cultures of oilseed rape [27], so it seemed logical to test the possible effect of these compounds on the binding of thioester. The presence of either free CoA or oleoyl-CoA was effective in displacing a similar quantity of radiolabeled ligand from BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 (Figure 3A).
Effect of CoA on binding of acyl-CoA to BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 and demonstration of acyl-CoA binding using electrophoresis. Panel A: Effect of non-radiolabeled CoA (8 μM) or oleoyl-CoA (8 μM) on the binding of [1-14C]oleoyl-CoA to BnDGAT1(1–116)His6. Each incubation mixture contained 0.2 μM protein and 19 μM radiolabeled acyl-CoA. Following sedimentation of Lipidex-1000, equal aliquots of the supernatants were assayed for radioactivity. Each incubation was performed in triplicate and each data point represents the mean ± SD. Panel B: Binding of acyl-CoA to BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 demonstrated using non-denaturing gel electrophoresis and phosphorimaging. Phosphorimage obtained using radiolabeled erucoyl-CoA (lane 1) and BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 incubated with radiolabeled erucoyl-CoA (lane 2). Protein stain of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 incubated with radiolabeled erucoyl-CoA is shown in lane 3.
Additional evidence for the interaction of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 with acyl-CoA was obtained using non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. When the fragment was preincubated with an equimolar concentration of radiolabeled erucoyl-CoA followed by non-denaturing gel electrophoresis and phosphorimaging, radiolabel was extended to the position of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 in the gel (Figure 3B). The rather broad band seen in the protein stain (lane 3) suggested the presence of at least two closely associated polypeptides, which probably represent different association states of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 (see next section).
BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 self-associates
Analysis of the molecular mass of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 under non-denaturing conditions was conducted using gel filtration chromatography of clarified lysate of ruptured bacteria expressing the N-terminal fragment (Figure 4A). Analysis of protein in the fractions eluting from the column by SDS-PAGE indicated that BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 eluted between the elution positions of carbonic anhydrase (29 kDa) and BSA (66 kDa).
Analysis of self-associating properties of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 using gel filtration chromatography and chemical cross-linking. Panel A: Gel filtration chromatography of clarified lysate of bacteria overexpressing BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 E. coli producing BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 and SDS-PAGE of protein in fractions eluted from the column. IPTG-induced bacteria were resuspended in 30 ml of 100 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) containing 150 mM NaCl. The suspension was passed through a French press three times at 20,000 p.s.i.. The suspension of ruptured bacteria was centrifuged at 13,000 g for 15 min to obtain a clarified lysate. The Superdex 75 HR 10/30 column was equilibrated with extraction buffer (100 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.4 containing 150 mM NaCl) and operated at room temperature with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min using an FPLC system. One hundred microliters of extract were applied to the column and 1 ml fractions were collected during elution. Ten microliter aliquots were analyzed by SDS-PAGE using a separating gel prepared with a concentration of 15% monomer and 1.1% cross-linker. The column and SDS gel were calibrated with molecular mass markers. Panel B: Chemical cross-linking of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 monitored by Western blotting of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 before (lane 1) and after (lane 2) treatment with DMS. BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 (500 μg/mL) was cross-linked in the presence of 4 mg DMS per ml in 0.2 M triethanolamine-HCl at pH 8.5. Cross-linking reactions were allowed to proceed at room temperature for 3 h. The reactions were quenched with 2 × SDS loading buffer and boiled for 5 min prior to application of 10 μL samples to an SDS-PAGE gel, which was prepared using a concentration of 10% total monomer and 1.1% cross-linker.
Chemical cross-linking of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 was conducted using dimethylsuberimidate (DMS) to further probe the self-associating properties of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6. Species generated by chemical cross-linking were resolved by SDS-PAGE and visualized by Western blotting using polyclonal antibodies which recognized an epitope in residues 21–35 in the N-terminal region of the polypeptide (Figure 4B). The control lane (lane 1) of the Western blot exhibited immunoreactive proteins with apparent molecular masses of 44 and 23 kDa, respectively. The putative 44 kDa dimer could not be visualized by Coomassie Blue staining suggesting that the immunoreactivity of the dimer was considerably greater than that of the monomer. Treatment of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 with chemical cross-linking agent, however, resulted in the clear visualization of an additional band with molecular mass of 72 kDa (lane 2), which may represent tetramer, and an enhancement in the amount of putative 44 kDa dimer. The tetramer was also not visible in Coomassie Blue-stained gels. A very faint immunoreactive band of 72 kDa was also present at this position in lane 1.
The N-terminal region of BnDGAT1 is localized to the cytosolic side of the ER
Four different computer programs (HMMTOP, TMHMM, TOPPRED and TMPRED) for assessing the topology of membrane-bound proteins indicated that the hydrophilic N-terminal segment of BnDGAT1 resided on the cytosolic face of the ER. An immunochemical approach was used to provide experimental evidence for the location of the hydrophilic N-terminal segment of BnDGAT1 in microsomal vesicles. Polyclonal antibodies raised against a chemically synthesized amino acid sequence representing the peptide segment 21-LDRLHRRKSSSDSSN-35 within BnDGAT1 recognized a 56 kDa polypeptide in SDS-solubilized microsomes (Figure 5, lane 1). This molecular mass was in close agreement with the molecular mass of 56.9 kDa calculated from the deduced amino acid sequence of BnDGAT1 [14]. Pre-treatment of microsomes with Proteinase K, however, resulted in the loss of signal for BnDGAT1 on the Western blot (Figure 5, lane 2) suggesting that the N-terminal segment of the enzyme was digested by the proteinase in microsomal vesicles. This experiment confirmed the cytosolic location of the N-terminal segment of BnDGAT1.
Western blot of microsomal BnDGAT1 before (lane 1) and after Proteinase K treatment (lane 2). Microsomes were prepared from microspore-derived cell suspension cultures of B. napus L. cv Jet Neuf according to Byers et al. [27]. Microsomes containing 1 mg protein were treated for 30 min on ice with 10 μg Proteinase K. The hydrolytic reaction was terminated with 0.1 mg phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride per mg Proteinase K and incubated on ice for a further 5 min according to Moromoto et al. [51]. Samples were diluted to 1 mL with 10 mM HEPES-NaOH (pH 7.4) and centrifuged for 20 min at 220,000 g at 4°C. The pellet was treated with 150 μl SDS-PAGE sample buffer and boiled for 2 min, and 25 μL were subjected to SDS-PAGE (12% total monomer and 1.1% cross-linker concentration).
Most of the information about the relationship between structure and function in type 1 DGAT is based on inferences made about proposed functional regions in the enzyme that have been defined by molecular signatures in the sequence data. A detailed 3-dimensional picture of DGAT1 is, however, dependent on the availability of purified enzyme for either crystallization/x-ray diffraction and/or NMR evaluation of structure. Although the type 1 enzyme has been cloned from several sources, the multiple transmembrane segments probably imparted hydrophobicity problems which have impeded purification of the enzyme [1]. In order to gain some insight into structure/function in DGAT1, we generated a poly-His-tagged fragment representing the hydrophilic N-terminal segment of the enzyme from B. napus. Attempts to induce the synthesis of the entire poly-His-tagged enzyme in E. coli were unsuccessful. The fact that BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 displayed an anomalously high molecular mass during SDS-PAGE might be related to an unusual conformation for the polypeptide and/or deviation in the degree of SDS-binding by the polypeptide following thermal denaturation in the presence of SDS. Anomalous behavior during SDS-PAGE has been reported for many other proteins [28–31] The ability to crystallize BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 has set the foundation for future studies of the structure of this fragment. The very fact that a portion of DGAT1 was crystallized represents a major advance in the study of this enzyme.
The binding of acyl-CoA to BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 is consistent with the presence of an acyl-CoA binding signature (residues 99–116) in the N-terminal region of BnDGAT1 [13]. This signature is also present in other type 1 plant DGATs [10, 17] suggesting that this region may have a common role. The sigmoidal response observed for the binding of acyl-CoAs was not likely an artifact of polyHis-tagging because studies with polyHis-tagged acyl-CoA binding proteins from Arabidopsis have demonstrated typical hyperbolic saturation in binding studies with radiolabeled acyl-CoAs [32, 33]. The hydrophilic N-terminal region of BnDGAT1 would likely interact with the cytosolic acyl-CoA pool because both transmembrane prediction programs and Proteinase K-protection experiments determined that this region was located to the cytosolic side of the ER. The acyl-CoA binding site in the N-terminal region of BnDGAT1 is probably not the active site of the enzyme. BnDGAT2 does not contain the hydrophilic N-terminus present in BnDGAT1 [13, 14]. Thus, the absence of the acyl-CoA binding site in BnDGAT2 suggests that amino residues involved in catalysis are common to both BnDGAT1 and BnDGAT2 because cDNAs encoding both of these enzymes were functionally expressed in yeast [13]. The acyl-CoA binding site in the N-terminal segment of BnDGAT1 might represent a regulatory motif on the enzyme or, conversely, a site for trapping cytosolic acyl-CoA for eventual use by the catalytic site. Substantial binding of thioester occurred in the range of 3 – 6 μM acyl-CoA, which is the estimated physiological concentration range of the acyl-CoA pool in developing zygotic embryos of B. napus [34]. The binding of acyl-CoA by BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 occurs over similar concentrations of thioester observed in substrate saturation curves for microsomal DGAT activity from microspore-derived embryos [35] and cell suspension cultures [27] of B. napus. As well, the affinity (based on dissociation constant) of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 for acyl-CoA is in the same order of magnitude as has been reported for a soluble recombinant acyl-CoA binding protein from developing seeds of B. napus [36]. It has been proposed that acyl-CoA binding proteins might modulate acyltransferase activity, perhaps by affecting the delivery of thioester to the enzyme [1].
The competition study involving the introduction of unlabeled CoA or oleoyl-CoA into a mixture containing radiolabeled oleoyl-CoA suggests that the CoA component of the thioester has a major role in determining binding. CoA has previously been shown to enhance DGAT activity in microsomes from microspore-derived cell suspension cultures of B. napus [27]. The effect of free CoA in displacing oleoyl-CoA suggests that CoA might act as a negative effector of acyl-CoA action within the N-terminal region of BnDGAT1. Although the thioester interacted with the BnDGAT1 fragment in a cooperative fashion, this study has not linked the binding process to the status of BnDGAT1 activity. Therefore, the relative roles of acyl-CoA and free CoA, potentially regulating BnDGAT1 activity, remain to be elucidated. Furthermore, it is important to note that the effects of CoA on DGAT activity in B. napus cultures observed by Byers et al. [27] were based on experiments with microsomes, which may have contained a mixture of type-1 and type-2 DGAT activity, making it difficult to ascribe the stimulatory effect of CoA solely to BnDGAT1 activity. The difference in the binding affinity of oleoyl-CoA versus erucoyl-CoA shown in Figures 2A and 2B indicates that the nature of the fatty acyl moiety is also very important in determining the extent and affinity of binding. Different species of cytosolic acyl-CoA, at various concentrations, might differentially affect the performance of BnDGAT1 in the ER, and this may be further complicated by endogenous CoA concentration. A direct link between the binding events observed for BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 and catalysis within the functionally active full-length BnDGAT1 will require modification of the putative regulatory site through site-directed mutagenesis.
Collectively, gel filtration chromatography and chemical cross-linking data indicated that BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 self-associated under non-denaturing conditions. The calculated molecular mass of about 56 kDa for the tetrameric form of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 was in agreement with the fragment eluting between 26 and 68 kDa during gel filtration chromatography under non-denaturing conditions. The fact that some putative dimer could be readily detected following SDS-PAGE suggests that a proportion of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 retains some native conformation following thermal denaturation in the presence of SDS and reducing agent. Indeed, persistent residual structure in the monomer of human papillomavirus E7 oncoprotein following thermal denaturation in the presence of SDS has been shown to result in anomalous electrophoretic behavior for this protein during SDS-PAGE [31]. The self-association of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 is particularly revealing in the light of recent findings which have indicated that both human DGAT1 [21] and mammalian ACAT1 [22] are tetrameric proteins. The N-terminal regions of these mammalian acyltransferases have been shown to play a critical role in the formation of tetramers. Mutations of human DGAT1 devoid of the last 101 amino acid residues from the C-terminus (designated DGATsv) were shown to be catalytically inactive [21]. DGATsv, however, formed dimers and tetramers in chemical cross-linking experiments indicating that the ability to form tetramers resided in the N-terminal region. Mutagenesis studies of an ACAT-related enzyme in yeast, known as Are2p, have provided valuable insights into the structure/function properties of this enzyme [37]. Deletion, truncation and missense mutations implicated a regulatory role for the N-terminal domain of Are2p. The self-associating properties of BnDGAT1 also support the cooperative binding behavior observed in the acyl-CoA binding studies; typically, communication between subunits is required to achieve cooperativity. Thus, the effect of acyl-CoA concentration and species on the self-association of BnDGAT1 would represent an important line of investigation for the future.
As a first step in deciphering the structure/function relationships in DGAT1, we have examined the properties of a soluble N-terminal fragment of the enzyme from oilseed rape. We have demonstrated experimentally that the recombinant 13.3 kDa N-terminal fragment binds acyl-CoA in a cooperative fashion. In addition, we have shown that this fragment is capable of self-associating to form a putative dimer and tetramer. The ability to crystallize this fragment represents a major advance in the further characterization of this important membrane-bound enzyme.
Materials and services
Restriction enzymes were purchased from Invitrogen Canada Inc. (Mississauga, ON, Canada). PCR buffer and Taq polymerase were from Life Technologies (Burlington, ON, Canada). DNA sequencing was conducted at the University Core DNA Services of the University of Calgary (Calgary, AB, Canada). The vector pET26b(+) was from Novagen (Madison, WI, USA) and BL21 (DE3) E. coli (Stratagene, La Jolla, CA, USA). Other molecular reagents were of the highest quality and obtained from Fisher Scientific (Nepean, ON, Canada). Ni2+-nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)-agarose was from Qiagen (Mississauga, ON, Canada). MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for analysis of polypeptide molecular mass was conducted at the Institute for Biomolecular Design at the University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB, Canada). Radiolabeled oleic acid (18:1cisΔ9; 51 mCi/mmol) and erucic acid (22:1cisΔ13; 57 mCi/mmol) were from Amersham Canada, Oakville, ON, Canada. Acyl-CoAs were synthesized from radiolabeled fatty acids using acyl-CoA synthetase [38]. Lipidex-1000 was from the Packard Instrument Company (Meriden, CT, U.S.A.). Ecolite™ (+) biodegradable scintillant was from ICN Biomedicals (Irvine, CA, U.S.A.). The Superdex 75 HR 10/30 column was from GE Healthcare, (Baie D'Urfe, QC, Canada). Proteinase K was obtained from Invitrogen Canada Inc. All other biochemicals were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Canada (Oakville, ON, Canada).
Cloning of the cDNA fragment encoding BnDGAT1(1–116)His6
Most molecular genetic procedures used were adapted from Ausubel et al. [39]. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of BnDGAT1 indicated that residues 1–116 formed a relatively hydrophilic N-terminus [13, 14]. The plasmid pGEM containing BnDGAT1 cDNA (GenBank accession no. AF164434) was amplified, via PCR, in the region encoding amino acid residues 1–116 using the forward and reverse primers 5'-TCATATGGCGATTTTGGATTCTGGAG-3' and 5'-GCGGCCGCATGGCTTTGTTTGAAGAT-3', respectively. The blunt ended PCR product was purified by agarose gel electrophoresis [40] and ligated into a pUC vector that had been linearized with Sma I. The ligated product was used to transform competent DH5α Escherichia coli, which were subsequently grown on β-D-thiogalactosidel/LBamp plates. Putative transformed colonies were transferred to patch plates and after further growth, the resultant colonies were tested for the presence of the insert via restriction analysis with Nde I and Not I. A colony that tested positive for the insert via restriction analysis was sequenced to confirm the construct. The colony was grown overnight in LBamp broth, and plasmid DNA was isolated and digested with Nde I and Not I. The products of the restriction reaction were run on an agarose gel and the band corresponding to the insert was purified from the agarose gel. The expression vector pET26b(+) was also digested and cleaned in the same manner. The insert and treated vector were ligated to each other and used to transform competent BL21 (DE3) E. coli. Selection was performed using LBkan plates. A patch plate was generated and colony PCR was performed to test for the presence of the insert. A positive colony was isolated and propagated overnight in LBkan broth, and the plasmid DNA was isolated and sequenced.
Expression and purification of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6
BL21 (DE3) cells capable of synthesizing BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 were grown as streak plates for 16 h at 37°C followed by inoculation into 5 mL of LBkan. The starter liquid culture was allowed to grow for 3 h at 37°C. Five hundred milliliters of LBkan were inoculated with the entire starter culture and the resulting mixture was incubated with vigorous shaking for 5 h at 37°C. The culture was induced with 2 mM (final concentration) IPTG and then incubated overnight at room temperature with shaking. The cells were harvested and centrifuged at 22,100 g for 10 min. After this step, all subsequent operations were conducted at 0–4°C. The supernatant was discarded, and the sediment of cells was resuspended in 10 mL of 10 mM HEPES-NaOH buffer (pH 8.0) containing 1 mM 2-mercaptoethanol and 100 mM NaCl. The suspension was passed through a French pressure cell three times at 20,000 p.s.i.. The suspension of ruptured bacteria was centrifuged at 107,000 g for 1 h to obtain the soluble subcellular fraction. The supernatant was combined with 1 mL of sedimented Ni2+-NTA-agarose, which was pre-equilibrated with 10 mM HEPES-NaOH (pH 8.0). The resulting suspension was incubated with constant shaking, for 30 min. The suspension was then applied to a 0.5 cm diameter polyethylene column with a porous disc at the bottom. After the immobilized nickel ion affinity gel sedimented, the column was washed with equilibration buffer and then eluted sequentially with increasing concentrations of imidazole in equilibration buffer. The column was stripped with 400 mM imidazole in equilibration buffer. Protein concentrations were determined via the Bradford [41] method using BioRad's microassay with BSA as a standard. Eluates were analyzed by SDS-PAGE [42]. The separating gel was prepared using 15% monomer and 1.1% cross-linker concentration, and electrophoresis was conducted for 1.5 h at 100 V. The gel was stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250. Purified BnDGAT1(1–116)His6, eluted with 40 mM imidazole, was dialyzed overnight 4°C in 10 mM potassium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 using #1 Spectra/Por Molecular porous membrane with 6,000–8,000 mol. wt. cut-off (Rancho Dominguez, CA, USA). The dialyzed BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 solution (~1 mg/mL) was frozen with liquid nitrogen in small aliquots in microcentrifuge tubes and stored at -80°C.
DLS of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6
DLS was conducted using a Protein Solutions Light Scattering Instrument (DynaPro International Ltd., Crownhill, Milton Keynes, England, UK). The enzyme fragment was concentrated to about 5 mg/mL using a centrifuge-driven ultrafiltration cell equipped with 3000 mol. wt. cut-off membrane (Filtron Technology Corporation, Clinton, MA, USA). The concentrated protein solution was dialyzed overnight against 10 mM HEPES-NaOH, pH 7.4. Immediately prior to DLS, 60 μL of the protein solution was centrifuged at 12,000 g for 5 min followed by filtration through a 0.1 μm membrane. DLS was conducted at 20°C using a 12 μL cell.
Crystallization of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6
Purified BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 was concentrated to 12 mg/mL by ultrafiltration and dialyzed overnight into various buffered environments. Initial screening for crystallization conditions was conducted using vapor diffusion and hanging drops.
Lipidex-1000 binding assays
Binding of radiolabeled acyl-CoA to BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 was conducted using a Lipidex-1000 binding assay [43]. Binding assays were conducted in duplicate in 10 mM potassium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, at 30°C with [1-14C]acyl-CoAs (oleoyl- and erucoyl-CoA) and 0.2 μM protein. Incubations were set up without protein to correct for acyl-CoA that was not adsorbed to the Lipidex-1000.
Analysis of acyl-CoA-BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 interaction by gel electrophoresis
Binding of radiolabeled erucoyl-CoA to BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 was also analyzed using gel electrophoresis in combination with phosphorimaging based on an approach described by Engeseth et al. [44]. Five microliters of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 (7.5 μg) were combined with 3.3 μL of 180 μM [1-14C]erucoyl-CoA (57 mCi/mMol) in a final volume of 15 μL in a buffer environment of 10 mM potassium phosphate (pH 7.4). This incubation was set up in duplicate and included a control incubation prepared without protein. The mixture was incubated for 30 min at room temperature and then subjected to electrophoresis on a 12% separating gel (1.1% cross-linker) using Laemmli buffers [42] without SDS and without a spacer gel. Prior to sample application, 10 μL of a modified loading buffer were added to the 15 μL incubation mixture and the entire sample was subjected to gel electrophoresis. The modified loading buffer consisted of 150 μL glycerol, 40 μL of 0.5% bromophenol blue and 660 μL of 10 mM potassium phosphate buffer. Samples were not boiled prior to application to the gel. Electrophoresis was conducted at 100 V (constant voltage) until the dye front reached the bottom of the gel. One gel section containing lanes for the control and one interaction test was subjected to phosphorimaging using a Cyclone Storage Phosphor System (PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Woodbridge, ON, Canada). The remaining gel segment was stained with Coomassie Blue R-250. The resulting phosphorimage was aligned with the gel stained for protein.
Gel filtration chromatography of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6
Superdex 75 HR 10/30 gel filtration chromatography was used to evaluate the native molecular mass of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 in an extract prepared from E. coli overexpressing the N-terminal fragment. In this case, the E. coli producing BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 were resuspended in 30 mL of 100 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) containing 150 mM NaCl. The suspension was passed three times through a French pressure cell at 20,000 p.s.i.. The suspension of ruptured bacteria was centrifuged at 13,000 g for 15 min to obtain a clarified lysate. The column was eluted at room temperature with extraction buffer at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min using a Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) system (GE Healthcare Canada Inc.). One hundred microliters of extract were applied to the column. One milliliter fractions were collected and 10 μL aliquots were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. The column and SDS gel were calibrated with molecular mass markers.
Cross-linking of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6
BnDGAT1(1–116)His6 was dialyzed into 0.2 M triethanolamine-HCl, pH 8.5. Cross-linking [45] was conducted at a protein concentration of 500 μg/mL using 4 mg DMS (dihydrochloride)/mL in 0.2 M triethanolamine-HCl buffer (pH 8.5) for 3 h at room temperature. DMS was dissolved in buffer immediately before use. Cross-linking reactions were quenched with 2 × SDS loading buffer and boiled for 5 min prior to SDS-PAGE. Western blotting was conducted according to Nykiforuk et al. [13] using polyclonal antibodies raised against a peptide of 15 of amino acid residues (21-LDRLHRRKSSSDSSN-35) representing a segment within the N-terminal region of BnDGAT1.
Predicting membrane topology for BnDGAT1
Four programs from the Expasy Molecular Biology Server [46] were used for topology predictions of the deduced BnDGAT1 amino acid sequence: HMMTOP [47], TMHMM [48], TOPPRED [49] and TMPRED [50].
Preparation of microsomes from cell suspension cultures of B. napus
Microspore-derived cell suspension cultures of B. napus L. cv Jet Neuf were maintained according to Orr et al. [51]. Microsomes sedimenting at 10,000–100,000 g were prepared from 1 g of frozen cultured cells according to Byers et al. [27]. Microsomes were resuspended in 10 mM HEPES-NaOH buffer (pH 7.4) and homogenized with a Potter Elvehjem homogenizer, and then centrifuged for 20 min at 220,000 g at 4°C. The pellet was resuspended in 1 mL HEPES-NaOH buffer (pH 7.4) and the protein content was determined.
Proteinase K treatment of microsomes and western blotting for BnDGAT1
Microsomes containing 1 mg protein were treated with 0.01 mg Proteinase K for 30 min on ice according to Morimoto et al. [52]. The reaction was terminated by adding 0.1 mg phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride per mg Proteinase K followed by 5 min of additional incubation on ice. Samples were diluted to 1 ml with 10 mM HEPES-NaOH buffer (pH 7.4) and centrifuged at 220,000 g for 20 min at 4°C. The resulting pellets were resuspended in 150 μl SDS loading buffer, boiled for 5 min and 25 μL were subjected to SDS-PAGE (12% total monomer and 1.1% cross-linker concentration). Western blotting was performed according to Nykiforuk et al. [13].
ACAT – acyl-CoA:
cholesterol acyltransferase
BnDGAT1:
–Brassica napus diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1
BnDGAT1(1–116)His6:
– poly-His tagged recombinant hydrophilic N-terminal fragment of Brassica napus diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1
DAG –sn-1:
2-diacylglycerol
DGAT – acyl-CoA:
diacylglycerol acyltransferase
DLS:
– dynamic light scattering
– dimethyl suberimidate
FPLC:
– Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography
IPTG:
– isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside
NTA:
– nitrilotriacetic acid
– triacylglycerol
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This research was supported by a Discovery Grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada to RJW, a grant from the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute to RJW and AL, the Canada Research Chairs Program, the Alberta Network for Proteomics Innovation, Genome Prairie and Genome Canada, and Western Economic Diversification Canada. WBW was the recipient of a Post-Graduate Scholarship from NSERC. MM and TLB were recipients of studentships from the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. The authors thank Chris Kazala and Crystal Snyder for proof reading and their critical evaluation of the manuscript.
Steve J Szarka
& Cory L Nykiforuk
Present address: SemBioSys Genetics Inc., 110, 2985 23 Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB, T1Y 7L3, Canada
Nii A Patterson
Present address: Metabolix Inc., 21 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-10 Agriculture/Forestry Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2P5, Canada
Randall J Weselake
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada
Milan Madhavji
, William B Wiehler
, Cory L Nykiforuk
, Tracy L Burton
, Parveen S Boora
, Steven C Mosimann
, Nora A Foroud
, Benjamin J Thibault
& Tara L Furukawa-Stoffer
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
, Nii A Patterson
& Maurice M Moloney
Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, Alberta, P.O. Box 3000, Main, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4B1, Canada
André Laroche
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Correspondence to Randall J Weselake.
RJW designed the overall study, conducted initial experiments on the cloning and expression of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6, performed Lipidex-1000 binding assays and prepared most of the initial draft of the manuscript. MM was in involved in the preparation of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6, conducted binding assays and contributed to some of the writing. SJS provided guidance on protein expression in bacteria and assisted with presentation of the data. NAP, WBW, CLN, MMM, and AL provided valuable expertise in molecular genetic methods and input into the development of the manuscript. TLB assisted in the design of cross-linking studies and also performed these studies. PSB was involved in the cloning and expression of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6. SCM developed conditions for crystallizing BnDGAT1(1–116)His6. NAF conducted computer-based analysis of the topology of BnDGAT1 and conducted immunochemical studies on the localization of the N-terminus. BJT and TLF-S were involved in the design and execution of gel electrophoresis experiments to assess the acyl-CoA binding capability of BnDGAT1(1–116)His6.
Dynamic Light Scattering
Thioester
DGAT Activity
Microsomal Vesicle
Mammalian ACAT1
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Exclusive: Venezuela skirts U.S. sanctions by funneling oil sales via Russia
By Marianna Parraga
A view shows a helmet with the logo of Rosneft company in Vung Tau
FILE PHOTO - A view shows a helmet with the logo of Rosneft company in Vung Tau, Vietnam April 27, 2018. Picture taken April 27, 2018. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - President Nicolas Maduro is funneling cashflow from Venezuelan oil sales through Russian state energy giant Rosneft as he seeks to evade U.S. sanctions designed to oust him from power, according to sources and documents reviewed by Reuters.
The sales are the latest sign of the growing dependence of Venezuela's cash-strapped government on Russia as the United States tightens a financial noose around Maduro, who it describes as a dictator.
With its economy reeling from years of recession and a sharp decline in oil production, Venezuela was already struggling to finance imports and government spending before Washington imposed tough restrictions on state oil company PDVSA in January.
Oil accounts for more than 90 percent of exports from the OPEC nation and the lion's share of government revenues. Maduro has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of waging economic war against Venezuela.
Since January, Maduro's administration has been in talks with allies in Moscow about ways to circumvent a ban on clients paying PDVSA in dollars, the sources said. Russia has publicly said the U.S. sanctions are illegal and it would work with Venezuela to weather them.
Under the scheme uncovered by Reuters, Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA has started passing invoices from its oil sales to Rosneft.
The Russian energy giant pays PDVSA immediately at a discount to the sale price – avoiding the usual 30-to-90 day timeframe for completing oil transactions – and collects the full amount later from the buyer, according to the documents and sources.
Major energy companies such as India's Reliance Industries Ltd - PDVSA's largest cash-paying client - have been asked to participate in the scheme by paying Rosneft for Venezuelan oil, the documents show.
Rosneft, which has heavily invested in Venezuela under President Vladimir Putin, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Venezuela's oil ministry, its information ministry - which handles media for the government - and PDVSA did not respond to questions.
Russia has loaned Venezuela almost $16 billion since 2006, which is being repaid in oil shipments, and has also taken significant stakes in petroleum projects, meaning it already controls a large slice of the South American country's production.
PDVSA's unusual payment agreement with Rosneft is part of a series of schemes by Maduro's government to gain access to cash, including selling Central Bank gold reserves. The schemes have frustrated Washington officials, who have in recent days questioned why sanctions have not had a more dramatic impact on Venezuela's finances.
"PDVSA is delivering its accounts receivable to Rosneft," said a source at the Venezuelan state firm with knowledge of the deals, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.
"The cash ends up in Russian banks or is used for settling pending payments such as marine services or freight so that oil exports are not interrupted."
The sources said some of the money was flowing via Russian-Venezuelan bank Evrofinance Mosnarbank, which was placed under U.S. sanctions last month. A spokesperson for Evrofinance denied such transactions had passed through the bank.
It was not immediately clear exactly how much of Venezuela's oil exports of around 900,000 barrels per day was being paid for using the sale of PDVSA's accounts receivable, because deals are being arranged on a case-by-case basis, sources said.
An internal PDVSA document reviewed by Reuters, however, indicated shipments in April to Reliance - owner of the world's biggest refining complex – would be settled via Rosneft.
Reliance imported 390,500 barrels per day of Venezuelan crude in March, equivalent to almost 40 percent of Venezuela’s exports that month, according to shipping data compiled by Reuters.
The internal document showed that PDVSA and Reliance would pay a fee equivalent to around 3 percent of the sale price, split between them. Rosneft's fees are negotiated on a case by case basis, the sources said.
Industry sources familiar with the matter said the Reliance transactions were going ahead but some banks were reluctant to provide financing for the purchases as the invoices stated that the oil came from Venezuela.
Srikanth Venkatachari, Reliance's joint chief financial officer, told reporters on Thursday it was buying Venezuelan oil via Russian and also Chinese companies. He did not provide further details.
"We are in active dialogue with the U.S. Department of State on our dealings on Venezuelan oil to remain compliant with U.S. sanctions," he said.
A Reliance spokesman said the payments to Russian and Chinese companies were then deducted from the money owed to those countries by Venezuela.
While most Western countries have joined Washington in recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate president, Russia - together with China and Cuba - has stood by Maduro, defending him at the United Nations and providing military assistance, angering Washington.
Even before January's sanctions, Venezuela's oil exports had halved from 2.8 million bpd when the late President Hugo Chavez, Maduro's predecessor, launched his Socialist revolution two decades ago.
Rosneft, run by close Putin ally Igor Sechin, has capitalized on the crisis to take an ever-bigger share of the oil industry in Venezuela, which sits on the world's largest crude reserves.
In February, Rosneft estimated the book value of stakes in Venezuelan projects at $2.11 billion.
Now Rosneft is providing the cash to help keep PDVSA operational, using its large trading division to give it flexibility to collect payment for Venezuelan oil from clients.
In one transaction, an executive from Rosneft's Geneva unit offered to take a PDVSA invoice owed by trading firm BB Energy for the purchase of 525,000-barrels of fuel oil in January, according to an offer letter reviewed by Reuters.
Rosneft paid a portion of the $26-million bill directly to PDVSA and started talks with BB Energy to collect payment in cash or by receiving an oil cargo, according to the letter and a PDVSA source.
A spokesman for BB Energy said that under guidance from legal counsel the company had not yet made any payment for the cargo. He declined to provide further details.
Some within PDVSA are concerned Rosneft's trading arm now has been given too significant a role in decisions over cargo destinations in order to facilitate payment to the Russian company, according to one source.
They are also frustrated that Venezuela is paying a heavy premium to Rosneft for imported fuel - needed because of the poor condition of domestic refineries - because only a handful of sellers were willing to skirt U.S. sanctions.
"Rosneft is buying our oil for cheap and selling us very expensive fuel in exchange," the source said. “We always owe them money."
(This story was refiled to fix garble in 22nd paragraph)
(Reporting by Marianna Parraga in Mexico City; Additional reporting by Luc Cohen in Caracas, Nidhi Verma in New Delhi, Julia Payne in London; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Simon Webb, David Gaffen and Marguerita Choy)
Canadian households spent an average of $101 per month on mobile bills: CRTC
CannTrust scandal 'hasn't really come up' in U.S. federal legalization push: Cowen
US fears Iran seized UAE-based tanker in Strait of Hormuz
Yield-Hungry Foreigners Snap Up Indian Bonds. Local Banks Sell
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Club Cowboy
DayWeather Blog
AM 1400 The CowboyAM 1400 The Cowboy
Casper Man Accused of Kidnapping Waives Probable Cause Hearing
Zach Spadt
Zach Spadt, Townsquare Media
A Casper man who police say kidnapped and sexually abused a young girl last week waived his probable cause hearing Thursday.
Joshua T. Hicks is charged with aggravated kidnapping, second-degree sexual abuse of a child and third-degree sexual abuse of a child. He could face 20 years to life in prison if convicted on all charges.
Circuit Court Judge Steven Brown did not address Hicks's bond, which is currently set at $500,000 cash-only.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, a child born in 2014 was outside playing in the area of SW Wyoming Boulevard and South Coffman Avenue when Hicks allegedly took her. She was returned to an area near her home about 13 minutes later.
After police notified the public Wednesday and urged people to be on the lookout for Hicks's black GMC pickup truck seen on surveillance video.
Friday morning, a police officer noticed the vehicle parked at an undisclosed location. An hour later, the officer saw the vehicle leave and stop at a stop sign, according to court documents. The officer stopped Hicks and took him to the Casper Police Department for questioning.
There, Hicks allegedly told investigators that he had been on his way home from work Wednesday when he saw the girl outside playing. He turned around, parked his truck and watched her. He later waved the girl over, grabbed her and put him in the back seat of his pickup truck, according to the affidavit.
Hicks then allegedly drove the girl around and exposed himself to her and forced her to touch his genitals for "about three seconds," he told investigators.
According to the affidavit, Hicks said he fantasizes about young girls. He reportedly admitted that he watched young girls play on playgrounds at schools on over 30 separate occasions.
"Hicks admitted that over the course of the last six years, he frequently, over thirty separate occasions, watched young juvenile girls play on playgrounds at schools, in their yards and anywhere he could find them," the affidavit states. "On occasion, he would masturbate while watching the girls, and on two separate occasions, Hicks said that he was able to call girls who were five or six years old over to his truck and masturbate in their presence."
The next step in the case is an arraignment in Natrona County District Court where Hicks would enter a plea to the charges. That hearing has not yet been scheduled.
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Filed Under: Crime, kidnapping, Sexual Abuse
Categories: Casper News, News
2019 AM 1400 The Cowboy, Townsquare Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Little Gods (Stella Shortlist 2019)
Author(s): Jenny Ackland
Olive had reached for happiness as a child not yet knowing that the memories she was concocting would become deceptive. That memories get you where they want you, not the other way around.
The setting is the Mallee: wide, flat scrubland in north-western Victoria, country where men are bred quiet, women stoic and the gothic is never far away.
Olive Lovelock has just turned 12. She is smart, fanciful and brave, and on the cusp of something darker than the small world she has known her entire life. When she learns she had a baby sister who died, Olive becomes convinced it was murder. Her obsession with the mystery, and quest to find out what happened, have seismic repercussions for the rest of her family and their community.
Little Gods is a novel about the mess of family, about secrets, vengeance and innocence lost. It explores resilience and girlhood, and questions how families live with all of their complexities and contradictions.
Resonating with echoes of great Australian novels like Seven Little Australians, Cloudstreet and Jasper Jones, Little Gods is told with similar idiosyncrasy, insight and style.
Funny and heartbreaking, this is a rare and original novel about a remarkable girl who learns the hard way that the truth doesn't always set you free.
Jenny Ackland is a writer and teacher from Melbourne. She has worked in offices, sold textbooks in a university bookshop, taught English overseas and worked as a proof-reader and freelance editor. Her short fiction has been published in literary magazines and listed in prizes and awards. Her debut novel The Secret Son - a "Ned Kelly-Gallipoli mash-up" about truth and history - was published in 2015. Little Gods is her second novel.
Publisher : Allen & Unwin
Imprint : Allen & Unwin
Author : Jenny Ackland
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Bloody Roar Extreme Review - Nintendo Gamecube
The N64 had a minute library of fighting games and the handful that were available generally failed to impress. With that in mind, owners of the Gamecube will be pleased to see signs of some decent support in that genre within the early stage of its life. First up is the latest edition to the Bloody Roar series. Its origins date back to the Playstation, with a number of sequels on both of Sony's machines. Now the PS2 game, Bloody Roar 3, has received a major overhaul and has been released onto the Gamecube in "Extreme" form.
These days a fighting game is going to need a decent gimmick to really set itself apart from the rest of the field, and in Bloody Roar's case it comes in the form of its Beast transformations whereby each of the games characters can transform into 2 other forms. Firstly there is the basic beast mode. This can be accessed once a meter at the base of the screen has sufficiently built up. Beast mode opens up a variety of new moves using the Beast button, plus some varying grapples. More importantly this also allows Beast drives to be performed. These special moves or combos are capable of significantly depleting your opponent's energy. Alternatively Hyper Beast Mode is available. This mode is available at all times and allows the same additional moves as Beast mode but is capable of inflicting more damage.
Without a catch, players would stay in this powerful form permanently. Thankfully there is one. When transforming into Hyper Beast your own energy bar is partially drained. Sounds obvious and simple but it adds a great deal of strategy to a bout. A scenario could develop where the only chance of getting back into a match would be to use the Beast Drives. Without the power meter lit Hyper Beast mode would be the only option. But this brings the dilemma of self-damage and the danger of being left on the very brink of defeat. Split second decisions are quite common in this game. An additional gimmick is the fairly interactive fighting arenas. Hidden areas can be opened up and walls knocked down to make way for Ring Outs depending on the moves carried out. As with the Hyper Beast Mode, this adds to the games strategic standpoint.
A good gimmick would be wasted on a poor cast of characters. Luckily that isn't too much of a problem. The cast of 14 characters, 2 of them Gamecube exclusive, is pretty varied in fighting style, looks and backgrounds. The only slight shame is the large amount of Cats. No less than 5 of the roster have Big Cat Beast forms. It would be nice to see a wider variety of Beasts in future, but as it is there is a pretty varied selection anyway including an Elephant, A Rabbit and a Bat.
The game boasts various Anime cut scenes that are a welcome inclusion. In fact, on booting the disc you are treated to a brief introduction Anime showing each of the characters and their backgrounds. At the beginning of the Story mode you are shown a lower key Anime accompanied by Japanese Scrolling Text, detailing the history of the beasts and the tournament they are all entered into. Sadly that is the final Anime section you will see until you have won through the 8 stages and been awarded with that characters end sequence. The big plus point of the story mode, apart from being the main single player challenge, is the fact that you are rewarded with a bonus mode, arena or character each time you complete it. The learning curve is slightly uneven, but the final few stages can get slightly tougher the more times you win.
The best news of all with Bloody Roar Extreme is that the Gamecube controller handles all the action remarkably well. Kicks are carried out using the A Button with the punch being set to the B button. Y is utilised as a Grapple with the all-important Beast Mode metamorphism being assigned to the X. The Z Trigger activates Hyper Beast mode, with L and R carrying out a sidestepping movement. Both the Analog stick and the D Pad are available to control the movement of your character. In truth, only a small amount of people will find the small and fiddly D Pad useful, most will find the Analog stick more than adequate.
The games various moves, specials and combos use the classic direction and button combination. Most Beast drives can be carried out using a half circle and the Beast Button, but the timing has to be there in order to make contact, and either way you will be turned back into human form after the attempt.
The gameplay becomes a lot more rewarding if the effort is put in to master each character. Sadly the control system isn't quite sophisticated enough to prevent button bashers from winning through the single player modes, but a dedicated and skilled gamer would soon tear them to pieces in a 2 player battle. Plus of course there is a sense of achievement in winning through a tournament in style.
As for other play options, Time Attack, Survival and Training can all be found, with a couple of 2 player versus modes thrown in for good measure. All are fairly adequate, and performances throughout the entire game can be tracked via play data charts.
The Graphics are nice and fluent, running at a steady 60 frames per second. It is certainly the best looking in the series. At some points the visuals are extremely pleasing, such as during some Beast Drives, and with the heat effect while in Hyper Beast mode. Replays are shown using a variety of faultless swooping camera angles. The Anime cut scenes are very nice and the presentation is decent too. On the other hand, some sections can be pretty rough. Some debris created during the fights appear to be sprites or, at the least, extremely low in polygons. The characters are well modelled and move around very well, but when falling to the ground they look pretty wooden.
Despite the name of the game, there is no gore to be found in Bloody Roar. For whatever reason, the fighters emanate sparks and flashes of light. This effect looks very nice and suits certain moves, but when Yugo the Wolf plunges his claws into a human chest you don't expect electricity. These moves are somewhat lacking due to the absence of blood.
One of the all round weaker areas is the sound. The opening theme tune is so brilliant at setting the atmosphere for the game ahead that the in game tracks are dull and irritating in comparison. In game speech is sparse but sufficient. The cut scenes use subtitles, probably for the best rather than having a group of wooden actors and actresses.
Sadly Bloody Roar has always found itself slightly overshadowed by the big guns of the genre and this isn't entirely fair. However, the series does need to further distinguish itself in its own light. Judging by the Anime theme that the developers seem to enjoy placing upon the games characters, it would be nice to see the series head further down that path and become a fully fledged, cel shaded Anime fighter. With that and a more compelling story mode and its existing Beast gimmick, it would certainly make for a classic single player romp, and the multiplayer aspect is already top notch.
Bloody Roar Extreme will certainly tide hungry Gamecube fighting fans over until one of the big guns arrives on the scene. The more effort you put in, the more enjoyment you'll get out.
A review by Bob Compton
Buy this at PlayAsia
Gamecube Reviews
Asura - 04-06-2019, 09:00 AM
I loved the first Bloody Roar, but I when I remember it, I kinda file it with games like Monkey Ball or Crazy Taxi, which kinda came out of the gate pretty much perfect, and while the sequels were fun, they never really improved on the formula that much.
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Ba Degree In Business Administration
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Novels and irony go together, in the sense that many of the literary techniques that work best with novels involve some kind of irony, namely, laying down a limit while also transcending it. This always creates some difficulty in adapting a novel to cinema, because cinema does not do irony very well. It's not that you can't have ironic cinema, but there are fewer ways to express it, because the irony of novels arises from suggesting; but in film, suggesting is easily lost in showing.
This problem is intensified when it comes to adapting an epistolary novel, because epistolary novels are even more suggestive in character than ordinary novels. In addition, an epistolary novel by its very structure is related to a dialogue, and dialogues do not easily translate into the spectacle required by cinema.
Thus an adaptation of Austen's epistolary Lady Susan, as Whit Stillman's Love and Friendship is, faces a very large number of problems at the outset. All in all, they are masterfully handled, though. One of the things Stillman certainly did right was to keep the pace fairly swift; the movie is only 91 minutes long. Stillman also makes excellent use of the snippet, that is, the brief scene letting us know something is happening without spending a lot of time dwelling on it, just allowing the snippets to interact by juxtaposition and contrast. Since much of the action of Lady Susan is either suggested or briefly described, this is almost certainly the best way to handle the problem.
Humor is more difficult. Austen's humor is very ironic and sometimes very dry and subtle, as well; there's no way to represent it adequately on the screen, which is why Austen adaptations always run the risk of being too serious. Stillman mostly cuts the Gordian knot with this problem; despite the fact that Stillman manages to be relatively faithful, a lot of the humor in the movie is Stillman's rather than Austen's, and it is inevitably less subtle, since we at times are simply told the punchline, which is then flagged by all the arts of cinema. (Cinema inevitably has more ways of directing our attention to something than any book could possibly have.) This is most obvious at the end of the movie. Austen can simply leave open a spectrum of possibilities; the movie has to show us something definite.
But the humor largely works as well. The Fourth/Fifth Commandment joke running throughout works surprisingly well, and does double duty as an example both of Lady Susan's manipulativeness and as a proof of her power to affect people. Sir James Martin's simpleness is almost absurdly exaggerated, but since everyone else mostly plays the humor straight, it's nice to have a contrast. A goof gets the laugh going, and that gives people a running start on chuckling at the witticisms. In essence, Austen's humor is being blended with British sketch comedy. And the result is, I think, the funniest Austen adaptation ever made.
The chief difficulty with adapting Lady Susan is that Lady Susan is actually quite malicious, and we can see it because we are getting her candid comments along with the reactions of other people. But this is easily lost, and inevitably much of it is lost here, because film, again, cannot so easily build a wall to hide something and then just give us clues about what's on the other side. We need Lady Susan's perspective here -- but we only get it on screen through pretty Kate Beckinsale sweetly saying things that we know would be shocking but which mostly come across as charming and funny -- as indeed they would have to, if Lady Susan actually said them.
But perhaps this works well in its own way; Lady Susan is a liar and manipulator, a villainess to the core, and yet in some fashion she shows up here as better -- certainly more competent and charming -- than many of the heroes and heroines Hollywood throws at us and somehow expects us to admire.
Tolstoy on Baumgarten's Trinity
So I saw Love and Friendship today, which was good; more on it at some point. But one of the minor scenes that Stillman adds is one of Frederica talking to the local curate. During the conversation, the curate mentions "the divine Baumgarten", which caught my ear. It's a curious twist in the conversation, which is about the commandment to honor one's parents. The curate summarizes Baumgarten's position as a trinity, and, he explains (more or less), "Beauty is the Perfect recognized through the senses; Truth is the Perfect perceived through reason; Goodness is the Perfect reached by moral will."
Alexander Gottlieb Baumgarten is in many ways the founder of modern aesthetics; it was he who first used the word 'aesthetica' to describe matters concerned with beauty (the word actually means 'matters concerned with the senses'). Baumgarten took aesthetics to be the art of thinking beautifully. The curate, however, is ahead of his time; he is actually closely paraphrasing Tolstoy writing some ninety years later in What is Art?. Tolstoy arguably doesn't get Baumgarten quite right; the idea that beauty is sensible apprehension of perfection is Wolffian, and Baumgarten, it can be argued, actually switches this up a bit, holding that beauty is the perfection of the apprehension itself (which may, of course, partly depend on perfection in the object). But Tolstoy also has an axe to grind; in great measure What is Art? is an attack on any high-flying metaphysics of beauty (he thinks that people talk a lot about beauty but give the terms they use no serious content). It is in this context that Tolstoy specifically talks about the "Trinity" of Baumgarten:
If a theory justifies the false position in which a certain part of a society is living, then, however unfounded or even obviously false the theory may be, it is accepted, and becomes an article of faith to that section of society....However unfounded such theories are, however contrary to all that is known and confessed by humanity, and however obviously immoral they may be, they are accepted with credulity, pass uncriticized, and are preached, perchance for centuries, until the conditions are destroyed which they served to justify, or until their absurdity has become too evident. To this class belongs this astonishing theory of the Baumgartenian Trinity, — Goodness, Beauty, and Truth, — according to which it appears that the very best that can be done by the art of nations after 1900 years of Christian teaching, is to choose as the ideal of their life the ideal that was held by a small, semi-savage, slave-holding people who lived 2000 years ago, who imitated the nude human body extremely well, and erected buildings pleasant to look at.
Tolstoy is not an admirer of the Classical and, unlike the curate, not an admirer of Baumgarten.
Rough Timeline of Northern Italy in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries
1494 First Italian War (1494-1498) begins as France under Charles VIII invades Italy at the urging of Ludovico Sforza of Milan
1495 Leonardo da Vinci's plans for the Gran Cavallo statue come to an end as the bronze instead is used to make Milanese weapons
1499 Second Italian War (1499-1504) begins as France under Louis XII seizes Milan
1503 Pope Julius II succeeds Pius III as Pope
1508 Pope Julius II forms the League of Cambrai (including the Papal States, France, Spain, and the Duchy of Ferrara) against the Republic of Venice, and the War of the League of Cambrai begins
1509 Battle of Agnadello: the Venetians receive a crushing defeat and only extricate themselves by intense diplomatic work
1510 Due to a quarrel with Louis XII, Pope Julius II changes sides in the War of the League of Cambrai and negotiates a deal with the Swiss cantons for military assistance
1511 Facing the prospect of defeat by France, Pope Julius II forms the Holy League
1512 Massimiliano Sforza becomes Duke of Milan; Fifth Lateran Council opens
1513 Due to a quarrel over division of loot, Venice switches sides in the War of the League of Cambrai and joins forces with France; Pope Julius II dies in February, leaving the Holy League without a clear leader, although it will later go on to win victories against France at Guinegate, Scotland at Flodden Field, and Venice at La Motta; Leo X becomes Pope; Macchiavelli publishes The Prince
1516 Leonardo da Vinci happens to meet Francis I of France after the Battle of Marignano and goes back with him to France, taking the Mona Lisa
1517 Fifth Lateran Council closes
1521 The Italian War of 1521 (1521-1526) begins, and Francesco Maria Sforza becomes Duke of Milan with the help of Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor
1522 Adrian VI becomes Pope
1523 Clement VII becomes Pope
1525 Battle of Pavia: Charles V defeats the French and seizes control of northern Italy
1526 Pope Clement VII forms the League of Cognac (with England, Milan, Venice, Florence, and France) against the Holy Roman Empire, and the War of the League of Cognac begins
1527 Charles V sacks Rome
1529 The Treaty of Cambrai ends the War of the League of Cognac
1534 Paul III becomes Pope
1536 The death of Francesco Sforza without any clear inheritors sparks the Italian War of 1536 (1536-1538) between Spain (and the Holy Roman Empire) and France as each attempts to consolidate control over Milan
1537 An ecumenical council decreed by Pope Paul III to take place at Mantua has to be moved to Vicenza due to the Italian War; the Third Ottoman-Venetian War (1537-1540) begins
1538 St. Carlo Borromeo is born; the Truce of Nice, negotiated with difficulty by Pope Paul III, ends the Italian War
1539 Due to an inability to get sufficient participation, the ecumenical council at Vicenza is suspended indefinitely
1542 France and the Ottoman Empire begin the Italian War of 1542 (1542-1546) against the Holy Roman Empire in order to re-establish French influence over Milan
1545 Council of Trent opens at Trento
1547 The Council of Trent is transferred to Bologna; however, in fact, it is never opened there
1551 Henry II of France begins the Italian War of 1551 (1551-1559) against the Holy Roman Empire; Pope Julius III reopens the Council of Trent at Trento, but it will be suspended again the next year due to the political situation
1555 Paul IV becomes Pope
1558 Construction of the Lazzaretto of Milan begins
1559 Giovanni Angelo Medici, uncle of St. Carlo Borromeo, becomes Pope Pius IV; the Peace of Cateau Cambresis ends the Italian War
1561 St. Carlo Borromeo founds the Almo Collegio Borromeo in Pavia
1562 Pope Pius IV reopens the Council of Trent
1563 The Council of Trent closes
1564 St. Carlo Borromeo is appointed Archbishop of Milan by Pope Pius IV; Federico Borromeo, his cousin, is born
1566 Pope Pius IV dies; St. Pius V becomes Pope
1570 After years of raids and small conquests, the Ottoman Empire invades the Republic of Venice and the Fourth Ottoman-Venetian War (1570-1573) begins
1571 Pope St. Pius V organizes the Holy League, which defeats the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Lepanto
1575 Venice is struck by the plague
1576 Crop failures lead to famine in Milan; St. Carlo Borromeo goes into debt feeding thousands of starving Milanese
1577 Andrea Palladio begins building the church of Santissimo Redentore in Venice as a votive offering for deliverance from the plague
1584 St. Carlo Borromeo dies
1585 Sixtus V becomes Pope
1590 Urban VII becomes Pope and dies twelve days later; Gregory XIV becomes Pope
1591 Innocent IX becomes Pope and dies two months later
1592 Clement VIII becomes Pope
1595 Pope Clement VIII appoints Federico Borromeo Archbishop of Milan
1605 Leo XI becomes Pope and dies three weeks later; Paul V becomes Pope
1609 Federico Borromeo founds the Ambrosian Library in Milan
1610 Pope Paul V canonizes Carlo Borromeo; Galileo Galilei publishes the Sidereus Nuncius
1618 The Thirty Years' War begins
1621 Gregory XV becomes Pope
1623 Urban VIII becomes Pope
1627 A Milanese edict is passed that makes it illegal for priests to refuse to perform marriages where no legal impediment exists -- it is discovering this edict that will inspire the story of The Betrothed
1628 The events of The Betrothed begin; the War of the Mantuan Succession begins as rival claimants receive support from the opposing sides in the Thirty Years' War
1629 The Great Plague begins first in Mantua (due to foreign armies) but spreading to Milan by October; it is initially kept in check, but not eliminated, by careful procedures
1630 The Great Plague flares up in March, and spreads to Venice, where it will kill nearly a third of the population
1631 The Great Plague flares up yet again in Milan; the Venetians begin building the church of Santa Maria della Salute as a votive offering for deliverance from the plague; the Treaty of Cherasco ends the War of the Mantuan Succession; Federico Borromeo dies
1642 Galileo Galilei dies
1644 Innocent X becomes Pope
1645 The Fifth Ottoman-Venetian War (1645-1669) begins
1655 Alexander VII becomes Pope
1656 The Great Plague reaches Genoa and Naples
1667 Clement IX becomes Pope
1669 Clement X becomes Pope
1676 Bl. Innocent XI becomes Pope and begins an intensive reform of the Papal Curia
1684 Siege of Vienna by the Ottoman Empire; Pope Bl. Innocent XI organizes the Holy League against the Ottoman Empire, thus beginning the Great Turkish War, also known as the Sixth Ottoman-Venetian War (1684-1699), which will free Hungary from Ottoman rule
1685 Milan erects a statue of Federico Borromeo by the Ambrosian Library
1687 Il Sancarlone, a giant statue commemorating St. Carlo Borromeo, is erected in Arona, Italy
1689 Alexander VIII becomes Pope
1691 Innocent XII becomes Pope
1699 The Great Turkish War ends
A General, after gaining a great victory, was encamping with his army for the night. He ordered sentinels to be stationed all round the camp as usual. One of the sentinels, as he went to his station, grumbled to himself, and said, "Why could not the General let us have a quiet night's rest for once, after beating the enemy? I'm sure there's nothing to be afraid of."
The man then went to his station, and stood for some time looking about him. It was a bright summer's night, with a harvest moon, but he could see nothing anywhere: so he said, "I am terribly tired. I shall sleep for just five minutes, out of the moonlight, under the shadow of this tree." So he lay down.
Presently he started up, dreaming that some one had pushed a lantern before his eyes, and he found that the moon was shining brightly down on him through a hole in the branches of the tree above him. The next minute an arrow whizzed past his ear, and the whole field before him seemed alive with soldiers in darkgreen coats, who sprang up from the ground where they had been silently creeping onward, and rushed towards him.
Fortunately the arrow had missed him; so he shouted aloud to give the alarm, and ran back to some other sentinels. The army was thus saved; and the soldier said, "I shall never forget, as long as I live, that when one is at war one must watch."
Edwin Abbott Abbott, Parables for Children.
Maronite Year XLIX
Thursday of the Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 10:14-21; John 6:47-53
May your Body and blood, O Lord, sanctify,
making holy both the body and the soul,
cleansing all our thoughts, purifying our hearts,
preparing us for new life in Your kingdom.
Before Your life-giving passion, You took bread,
blessed it, sanctified it, broke it, and gave it,
as You were blessed, sanctified, broken, given,
for forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
You truly are the living bread from heaven
that those who believe may have eternal life,
Your flesh a manna that gives life forever,
for those who eat are made part of Your Body.
You blessed the cup of wine mixed with the water,
sanctified and gave it to your disciples,
as the blood shed and handed over for us,
You are our pleasing oblation, offered up,
the forgiving sacrifice to the Father;
unless we eat of Your flesh and drink Your blood,
no life do we have, for life comes from Your grace.
Our humanity with Your divinity,
Your divinity with our humanity,
are united, for You assumed our nature;
thus through You we have salvation for our souls.
Pentad
The Express Moral Principles of which I have spoken, as the basis of Duties, are those which express, in an imperative form, the five Cardinal Virtues: namely, the Principle of Humanity, that Man is to be loved as Man : the Principle of Justice, that Each Man is to have his own: the Principle of Truth, that We must conform to the universal Understanding which the use of Language among men implies: the Principle of Purity, that the Lower Parts of our nature are to be governed by the Higher: and the Principle of Order, that We must obey positive Laws as the necessary conditions of Morality. I have, in a former Lecture, spoken of the degree and kind of the evidence of the first of these Express Principles; and the like remarks might be made upon the others. They commend themselves to our assent, in proportion as our moral nature is cultivated and educed: they become evident to us when we think and feel as really moral creatures. The perception of them may be obscured by the influence of the ferine part of our nature ;—by savage rudeness, passion, partiality: but in proportion as the ferine element is subdued, and the human element brought out in its proper force, these Principles are accepted. When man judges as man and for man, he is enabled to see their full meaning; and with their meaning, their truth.
William Whewell, Lectures on Systematic Morality, Lecture V.
The Nicole Ensing Band, "The Mystery".
It is, of course, an adaptation of a poem by Chesterton. The original:
The Mystery
by G. K. Chesterton
If sunset clouds could grow on trees
It would but match the May in flower;
And skies be underneath the seas
No topsyturvier than a shower.
If mountains rose on wings to wander
They were no wilder than a cloud;
Yet all my praise is mean as slander,
Mean as these mean words spoken aloud.
And never more than now I know
That man's first heaven is far behind;
Unless the blazing seraph's blow
Has left him in the garden blind.
Witness, O Sun that blinds our eyes,
Unthinkable and unthankable King,
That though all other wonder dies
I wonder at not wondering.
Tender & Liberal Spirit
If I am vain of anything, it is of my eloquence. Consideration & Esteem as surely follow command of Language, as Admiration waits on Beauty. And here I have opportunity enough for the exercise of my Talent, as the cheif of my time is spent in Conversation. Reginald is never easy unless we are by ourselves, & when the weather is tolerable, we pace the shrubbery for hours together. I like him on the whole very well; he is clever & has a good deal to say, but he is sometimes impertinent & troublesome. There is a sort of ridiculous delicacy about him which requires the fullest explanation of whatever he may have heard to my disadvantage, & is never satisfied till he thinks he has ascertained the beginning & end of everything.
This is one sort of Love, but I confess it does not particularly recommend itself to me. I infinitely prefer the tender & liberal spirit of Manwaring, which, impressed with the deepest conviction of my merit, is satisfied that whatever I do must be right; & look with a degree of contempt on the inquisitive & doubtful Fancies of that Heart which seems always debating on the reasonableness of its Emotions.
Jane Austen, Lady Susan, Letter 16. It's not surprising, of course, that Lady Susan prefers it to be assumed that whatever she does is right; nor that reasonable restraint of the passions is the chief impediment to being manipulated by someone who tells a good story. I have mentioned before that Lady Susan reminds me of Milton's Satan or Tolkien's Saruman, with their treatment of language as a means of power rather than a service of truth; this is one of the letters in which the parallels become very clear on this point.
Saadia Gaon on Christology
An interesting passage from Saadia Gaon's Book of Beliefs and Opinions:
Now these advocates of the doctrine of the trinity, may God have mercy on thee, are divided into four sects, three of which are the older while the fourth appeared only recently. The first of these is of the opinion that the body, as well as the spirit of their Messiah, is derived from the Creator, exalted be He. The second holds the view that his body was created, his spirit alone having emanated from the Creator. The third, again, believes that both his body and his spirit were created, but that he also possessed another spirit that was derived from the Creator. As for the fourth group, it assigns to him the position of the prophets only, interpreting the sonship of which they make mention when they speak of him just as we interpret the Biblical expression: Israel is My first-born son (Exod. 4:22), which is merely an expression of esteem and high regard, or, as others interpret the meaning of the phrase: "Abraham, the friend of God."
[Saadia Gaon, The Book of Beliefs and Opinions, Rosenblatt, tr. Yale University Press (New Haven: 1976) p. 109]
It's unclear whether and to what extent this is supposed to be a somewhat idealized classification -- the chronological remark in the first sentence suggests that it is intended to identify real groups, but the cleanness of the classification suggests that he might be partly just considering the logical possibilities. The second position seems to be Apollinarianism. I'm fairly sure that the third group is the Christology of the Church of the East -- it admits of both orthodox and Nestorian interpretation.
I don't know who would fall into the first and fourth groups, although the first position could be the kind of statement of Monophysitism that one might find in its critics. What is interesting about the fourth position is the comment that it is recent. Rosenblatt claims that Saadia means Muslims by the fourth group, which would account for the position. But Saadia clearly says he is talking about advocates of the doctrine of the Trinity (and reaffirms it at the end of the chapter), and it is impossible to imagine that Saadia, of all people, born in Egypt and writing in Baghdad in the tenth century, could possibly be ignorant of the Muslim rejection of the Trinity. Since Saadia is Jewish (albeit the greatest Jewish mind of the tenth century), one can allow for a bit of an outsider's perspective, so perhaps he is just approximating Christian positions he has only heard about. On the other hand, a look at the whole section in which Saadia criticizes Christian theology shows a clear familiarity with actual Christian arguments.
Saadia rejects the fourth position on the basis of arguments that Torah admits of no abrogation and that Christians have a false account of Messianic prophecy. (The latter is another reason to take him not to be discussing Muslims here.) Both of these arguments would apply to all the groups of Christians, of course. The first he argues against on the basis of the fact that a creature cannot be a portion or natural emanation of the Creator. With regard to the third, he argues that creatures cannot become God merely by association with the divine. And all of these arguments would apply against the second group.
One of the interesting things is the analogy he attributes later in the chapter to the third group (the fact that he is so much more precise about the third group is another reason to think that he explicitly has in mind the Church of the East): "They cite as an analogy the descent of the glory of God on Mount Sinai and its appearance in the Burning Bush and the Tent of Meeting." It's unlikely that the Assyrian Christians were actually arguing for the Incarnation on the basis of such an analogy (although Saadia does seem to take them to be doing so), but it's possible that it was brought up in arguments for clarification purposes, or may be the kind of imagery associated with the Incarnation in the liturgy and devotional life of Assyrian Christians in Saadia's day.
Radio Greats: The Discovery of Morniel Mathaway (X Minus One)
The 1950s in radio saw a slow, cautious exploration of the genre of science fiction. One thread of the genre that tended to work especially well with radio was comic science fiction. Science fiction, of course, has always been recognized as having some satirical potential, but this can be quite dry or acidic; what worked especially well on radio was the use of science fiction for genuinely humorous twists. X Minus One, the most important and impressive science fiction series ever to air on radio, had a number of classics of this kind -- "Skulking Permit" and "Bad Medicine" (both by Robert Sheckley, the latter satirizing psychoanalysis) are obvious examples. Another great example of comic science fiction at its best is "The Discovery of Morniel Mathaway", which aired in April of 1957.
As is always the case with X Minus One, it is based on a short story of the same name from Galaxy magazine; that story, by William Tenn, was published in 1955. William Tenn (the pen name of Philip Klass) is often considered the greatest writer of science fiction satire in the Golden Age of science fiction, a period in which a great deal of science fiction satire was done. He has a knack for skewering on more levels than one, and not just skewering but stimulating thought in new direction. "The Discovery of Morniel Mathaway", which satirizes the art world, is an excellent example of this, raising fascinating questions about creativity and evaluation of art.
You can listen to "The Discovery of Morniel Mathaway" at Old Time Radio Downloads or at The Theatre of the Mind on YouTube or at Relic Radio or at the Internet Archive (episode 95). You can read the radio script at Generic Radio Workshop.
If you prefer to read the original, you can read it here.
Maronite Year XLVIII
The Season of Pentecost is the longest season of the Maronite liturgical year; depending on the rest of the year, it can last up to eighteen weeks. As with the Latin liturgical year, the first Sunday after Pentecost is Trinity Sunday.
Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity
Romans 11:25-36; Matthew 28:16-20
Inscrutable Father, infinite Son,
ineffable Holy Spirit, Three and One,
begetting, begotten, proceeding,
glory and thanks and exaltation to You!
As word comes from mind, and voice comes from both,
three names are given where there is but one will,
known by faith undivided of the Church,
which is taught by angels in hymns of glory:
Holy, Holy, Holy is the one Lord.
Can any comprehend God as Trinity?
A truth it is no study can exhaust.
The Father before all time begot the Son;
the Word took flesh from holy Virgin's womb;
the Spirit was sent to strengthen and perfect.
Thus from Him, through Him, and for Him is all,
with perfection, purity, and sanctity.
This is the faith of the Church and her saints:
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord our God.
O God of Love and Peace, one only God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three and One,
we take refuge and find comfort in You,
undivided and inapprehensible,
who shows mercy to the guilty and lost,
who purifies sinners and perfects the just,
who is known by the faith of the one Church,
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Apostle to the English
Today is the feast for St. Augustine of Canterbury. Augustine, born in the sixth century, was the prior of the monastery of St. Andrew (St. Gregory himself was the abbot) in Rome when St. Gregory chose him to be the leader of a band of thirty missionaries to preach the faith in Kent. They were given a letter of introduction for the queen of Kent, St. Aldeberge, also known as St. Bertha, who was a Frankish princess and thus already Christian, as a way of getting their first foot in the door. They were welcomed, and it is because of St. Aldeberge that the primary see of England is Canterbury (Augustine was later instructed to make London his archiepiscopal see, probably because of its Roman roots, but this turned out to be infeasible until long after Canterbury's traditional place had been established). St. Aldeberge gave her private chapel to be a church dedicated to St. Martin of Tours -- and St. Martin's at Canterbury is still there, although, of course, only parts of the church go back to the original after all this time. The missionaries arrived in Kent in 597; King Æthelberht of Kent was converted shortly after. There began to be a significant pagan backlash in the 610s after Æthelberht's death, but by the death of the last missionary in 635, Kent was heavily Christian, and the conversion of the Anglo-Saxon territories had begun. St. Augustine only had time to start the whole thing off; he probably died around 604.
Dashed Off XI
apologetics as the origin of systematization (Santayana)
kinds of responses to paradoxes:
(1) impossibilist: The paradoxical situation is not in fact possible.
(2) illusionist: The paradoxical situation is not problematic, but only apparently so.
(3) logical revisionist: The paradoxical situation is not problematic in a more appropriate logical system or scheme.
(4) metaphysical postulationist: The paradoxical situation is not problematic if a substantive metaphysical position is true.
moving from argument to argument through the hyperargument
three stimuli to sobriety in philosophy: the Church, marriage, professorship
Peter feeds the sheep through his successors.
Apostle : intellectus :: bishop : ratio
"The man of genius who founds a science, an art, or a civilisation, imparts to his work an impetus that often carries it on for centuries. Christ did not do less for His Church." Journet
Reason especially concerns itself with the hidden, the absent, the not yet.
"In rational prayer the soul may be said to accomplish three things important to its welfare: it withdraws within itself and defines its good, it accommodates itself to destiny, and it grows like the ideal which it conceives." Santayana
The full life of charity requires a canonical organization of divine character.
The life of reason, committed to love of truth, is committed to half at least of the convertibility of the good and the true: all that is true is to that extent good.
accident -> substance --> hierarchy of substances -->first substance
principle -> hierarchy of principles --> first principle
generable --> ingenerable --> necessary --> first necessary
for the sake of another --> for its own sake --> hierarchy of ends -->ultimate end
potential --> actual --> hierarchy of actualities --> pure act
composite --> simple --> hierarchy of simplicity --> most simple
mutable --> immutable --> hierarchy of immutability --> first immutable
superinduction of the world as posterior, from another, relative, for the sake of another, participating, caused, conditioned, having sufficient reason, sign, ordered, dependent
civilization --> common good --> good itself
order of society to unity, truth, goodness, beauty, wisdom, nobility, sublimity, virtue
order of intellect to true, order of intellect to intelligible, order of intellect to sublime
order of will to good, order of will to perfect, order of will to pure
order of intellect and will to beautiful, order of intellect and will to wise, order of intellect and will to integral
order of intellect/will qua power, in habit, in act
ordered properties of being --> ordering being
retracing arguments for God' existence, expressing arguments for God's existence, tending arguments for God's existence
civic order --> marriage --> divine providence
civic order --> funerals --> divine providence
civic order --> law --> eternal law
Sometimes the reordering of thought is the hardest work of reason
unity of Church // transcendental unity; apostolicity // truth; holiness // good; catholicity // ?infinite?beautiful?
inappropriateness-blocking arguments for God's existence (global skepticism, victory of evil, collapse of practice)
Bellarmine's Note of Extent & the transmarine argument against Donatism (and to a lesser extent Arianism)
If you do not have time to do it justly, you do not have time to do it.
The sublimities of the life of Christ arise from the humilities of the life of Christ.
yield, accuracy, and penetration of arguments:
suggestive - probable - demonstrative
loosely (associatively) relevant - generically relevant - specifically relevant
cosmetic - problematizing - fatal
take, bless, break, give
Feeding of the 5000: Mk 6:41; Mt 14:19; Lki 9:16; Jn 6:11
Feeding of the 4000: Mk 8:6; Mt 15:36
Last Supper: Mk 14:22-24; Mt 26:26-28; Lk 22:17-19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26
Supper at Emmaus: Lk 24:30-35
Truth is that from which reason derives. Being from truth is part of the notion of reason.
the universal obligation to believe with right faith
What every society strives for in an arbitration/judiciary system is a means of achieving results that are consistently clear and generally reasonably appropriate; any ritual system capable of achieving this to some degree, to that extent can function as a court.
state of custody as a ritual state
particles as measurable dislocations
Mathematical description becomes physical explanation when it is used to describe coherence and resistance.
Ought not becomes cannot with a relevant comprehensive search.
Thinking that a multicosm in itself terminates the notion of finetuning is like thinking that the multiplicity of environments in a universe terminates the notion of fine-tuning: it is sleight of hand.
"fairness is only an appropriate way of dividing up something which is actually good" (Brendan Hodge)
flicker of freedom // flicker of insight
A man is the better for occasionally rambling.
energy as a physical capacity for having an end
energy as capacity to be a moved mover
intuition // visual inspection
the notes of the Church and the standard of doctrine and belief:
Our faith must not be individual but one in Christ, not according to our preferences but under the tutelage and in light of the example of the saints, not partial but universal for all, not by our will but through apostolic succession. In short, appropriate to Christ's Church as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
Box: by essence; Diamond: by participation
The sensualist consistently attempts to excuse his sensual actiosn by hyperintellectualizing them. One sees this especially, although not exclusively, with sex -- note how pedophiles consistently hide behind education, as if pedophilia were an intellectual endeavor of cooperation and mentorship. But this is just a more egregious example of something rather common.
preservatory scholarship
ends of scholarship: discovery, explanation, preservation, development
We use propositions to inquire, to assert, and to conclude.
doubt : suspicion :: disbelief : belief
love as converting notional to real assent
metaphors that are useful for coming to understand & metaphors that are useful for expressing an understanding already had
To love moral law is to love it as subsisting, real, and active.
moral law --> obligation to love moral law --> love of moral law --> moral law as person --> God
the moral obligation to treat moral law as not less than personal
rhetoric as requiring understanding of the professions of one's audience (in Newman's sense of 'professions')
An account of heresy and orthodoxy that does not allow for theological economies is flawed.
the Bible as icon of providence, as icon of Christ, as icon of Holy Spirit
real assent as a principle of social coherence
"Our image of Him never is one, but broken into numberless partial aspects, independent each of each." Newman
Implicit faith is genuine faith because the Church does not merely speak the faith but displays it sacramentally and lives it morally.
external world known:
evidently - Berkeley
instinctively - Newman
assumptively - Hume
inferentially - Shepherd
assessing the modal status of an objection relative to that to which it objects
Note Saadia's argument for reward in the world to come, from the reward of Moses.
Intercession is a natural expression of charity.
Circumcision : Jewish genealogy :: Baptism : Christian Tradition
martyrdom as its own extreme unction
personal succession as sign of doctrinal succession
The world is greater than a city, but the world is not greater than the Chair of Peter.
the subtle similarities between hope and temperance
"Errors in reasoning are lessons and warnings, not to give up reasoning, but to reason with greater caution." Newman
prudence as the structuring principle of reasonable inquiry
We must always strive to render our charity more consistent in practice, more pure in intensity, more universal in scope, and more apostolic in expression.
analysis of arguments in terms of the modal judgments required for them (assertive, judgment of possibility, counterfactual conditional, judgment of necessity)
cp. Williamson's account of the structure of Gettier cases
rituals symbolizing and assisting virtue (etiquette, courts, etc.)
the virtue of religion and classification of sacramentals
general ends (different sacramentals focus more on one or the other)
(1) for stimulating the interior act of devotion
(2) for assisting the interior act of prayer
specific kinds
(1) corporeal adorations
(2) offerings to God
(3) reverences of the Name
(4) impediments to irreligion
(5) imepdiments to superstition
the conditions under which antiquity, long duration, and widespreadness serve as extrinsic marks of truth
allusion as quasi-reference
The reference of names can be fixed not only by description but by pointing, inclining one's head, making marks on a map, attaching a label, or deferring to someone else's use, and can be carried by historical custom received from an original fixing whose nature is unknown, estimation of who or what someone else means, explicit description, and more.
possibility as pre-overlap
mereological interpretations of strict implication systems
All allegorical interpretations of the Resurrection at least strongly suggest that the literal interpretation of the Resurrection is true -- either (as in all orthodox allegorical interpretations) because their truth would be good reason to regard teh latter as true, or (as in more Modernist interpretations) because they suppose phenomena for which the latter would be the simpler interpretation. The strength of the suggestion will vary as evidence strength and simplicity vary, but some kind of case the suggestion can be made in each case.
Coffey's consensus gentium argument against occasionalism ("the universal belief of mankind, based on the testimony of consciousness as rationally interpreted by human intelligence, that we are the causes of thoguth, imagination, sensation, volition, etc.")
traditionalism (e.g. Bonald) // occasionalism // intelligent design theory // divine command theory
speculative reason (ontologism); speculative effect (traditionalism); practical reason (divine command); practical effect (intelligent design)
existence (pantheism?); what it is (Platonism); what it does (occasionalism)
practical effects: operative (situationism?); productive (intelligent design); social (logical positivism)
consensus gentium as evidence that there is evidence
authority as provisional mover of the mind
semi-traditionalism and the distinction between context of discovery and context of justification
the right of free communication among bishops
The standards for miracles for canonization should be such that they are both wonders and fitting symbols of Catholic truths (salvation, for instance).
"Our hoping is proof that hope, as such, is not an extravagance; and our possession of certitude is a proof that it is not a weakness or an absurdity to be certain." Newman
Note that Newman in effect rejects the unity of the virtues (in his comments on phronesis).
reference to fictional characters // reference to political boundaries
patience as the appropriate response to one's own doubt
By overcoming evil, we learn more about the good.
Beauty in the liturgy is like spiritual consolation; one should be encouraged by it, taking heart for the difficult task ahead. But it is not the point, for the liturgy does not exist for the sake of pleasing on being seen.
Rediscovery of liturgical heritage is like rediscovery of the relics of the saints.
Love of truth is not the same as love of evidence.
Christian teaching is an offering to God.
Let your questions be also prayers.
evidence as truthwardness
evidence as mind suggestion
evidence as splendor of truth
Diffusion of ideas is diffusion of signs.
beachhead arguments, prototype arguments, feeler arguments
the right of voluntary association as intrinsic to the sacramental economy of the Church
Legal fiction is the alteration of the application of law through variation in the classification of facts.
What counts as a resource shifts with human use.
The water of justice becomes the wine of charity.
To think about: Every argument from evil that is not merely conclusion-weakening requires an a priori component to justify the should-not-therefore-does-not move.
Thus every argument from evil requires an a priori understanding of pure good / infinite good.
Swearing at other people is a sign that the swearer feels powerless -- defeasible, but remarkably accurate.
Ramon Llull & fruitful juxtaposition
transcendental vs categorical modalities
Scripture is not separate from the proclamation of the Church.
extrinsic vs intrinsic accounts of the working of faith
extrinsic vs intrinsic accounts of hell and heaven
extrinsic vs intrinsic accounts of liturgy
Elements of Modal Logic, Part VIII
Part VII
We have been classifying modalities by which of the rules -- (1), (2), (3), (4), (D), (M) -- they are assigned. We also looked at squares of oppositions, although, since (3) and (4) make Box and Diamond interdefinable, we only looked at the Box versions. The 1234-Box, you recall had this square of opposition:
And the 1234D-Box looked like this:
So what happens with M? It's not an easy question. If we just add (M) to the 1234 square, we don't have any way yet of putting that on the diagram. Remember (M) just tells us that Box puts something on the Reference Table. We need something to represent 'being on the Reference Table'. This actually is a modal operator; it's often not explicitly noted, but one way to think of (M) is as introducing a new modality. We need to define it more explicitly to use it, though, because we need to be able to represent it. So we introduce a new rule whose purpose is simply to make explicit the modal operator implicitly introduced by (M), and I will call this Rule (T).
(T) T, applied to anything, places that to which it applies on the Reference Table.
We can use the definition in (T) to restate (M) in a different way:
(M) □ includes T.
And with this we have the means of making a square of opposition. This is the square of opposition for 1234M (or, we could equally call it, 1234TM):
T is obviously the contradictory of T-Not. (M) tells us that you can get from Box to T, and of course we have the corresponding arrow from Box-Not to T-Not. Those together give us three new contrariety oppositions.
What will happen if we also add Rule (D) to this? We get something like this:
Basically, as you might expect, this square is the 1234D square combined with the 1234M square; the one new thing is that when they are put together, the combined oppositions make it so that it also has to be true that T also works like ◊.
But here's an interesting question. Our square of opposition has T and T~. But what about ~T~ and ~T? When we think about the oppositions among these, we find something interesting:
If we are using a classical kind of negation (i.e., 'Not' is not being used in a weird way), then both of the left-hand modalities are contradictories of both the right-hand modalities, and our arrows between top and bottom go both ways -- from T you can get ~T~, and from ~T~ you can get T, and so forth. They are equivalent, so you can substitute them for each other whenever you want. Thus we could equally just represent this square of opposition as a line: on the left, T and ~T~; on the right, T~ and ~T; and the left and right are contradictory. This is why it shows up as a line on our squares of opposition above.
There are actually four different kinds of squares of opposition. In a degenerate square, all four corners are equivalent to the others -- they just all can be substituted for each other, and we could represent our square as if it were a single point. A semidegenerate square we can collapse to a line, and our T square of opposition is an example. A square of opposition that looks like our 1234 square above is often called a Boolean square. And a square of opposition that looks like our 1234D square is called a classical square.
What about our 1234M and 1234DM squares? They are actually a combination of squares. This is not surprising -- we've only been looking at the Box side, rules (3) and (4) tell us how to combine two different squares of opposition -- one with Box and one with Diamond. It's just that rules (3) and (4) go in both directions, from Box to Diamond and Diamond to Box, so the Boolean squares fit perfectly on top of each other. (D) and (M) only go in one direction, from Box to Diamond and from Box to T, so they complicate things slightly. Adding (D) to 1234 turns the Boolean squares into classical squares. And adding (M) gives us another square entirely. So 1234M is a Boolean square (Box) linked with a Boolean square (Diamond) and both of those linked with a semidegenerate square (T). And 1234DM is a classical square (Box) linked with a classical square (Diamond), and both of those linked with a semidegenerate square (T).
That we can fit various kinds of squares of opposition together in various ways is immensely important, and there is no limit to it. Every square of opposition is a kind of modality, and you can fit together all kinds of modalities together, if you just have the right rules for them. If you wanted to, you could have a tangle of modalities that would be represented by a thousand distinct Boolean squares combined with a thousand distinct classical squares combined with a thousand distinct semidegenerate squares combined with a thousand distinct degenerate squares. You'd need rules to link them up; but if you had the rules, there is no limit to how complicated you can get.
There is a jungle of different kinds of modal operators out there; and we've hardly begun exploring them. One thing we need to ask is what these squares of opposition have to do with our tables.
Part IX
Today is Ascension Thursday, of course, which takes liturgical precedence unless it is transferred to Sunday (a barbarous practice), but May 25 is the feast of St. Baeda of Northumbria, Doctor of the Church, crown jewel of Anglo-Saxon monasticism. The Venerable Bede (d. 735) lived almost all of his life in and around the monastery at Jarrow, but became one of the most learned men of his century.
One of the surviving Old English poems is a short work known as Bede's Death-Song. There are two extant versions, which just differ by dialect. Wikipedia gives both. Northumbria:
Fore thaem neidfaerae naenig uuiurthit
thoncsnotturra, than him tharf sie
to ymbhycggannae aer his hiniongae
huaet his gastae godaes aeththa yflaes
aefter deothdaege doemid uueorthae.
Wessex:
For þam nedfere næni wyrþeþ
þances snotera, þonne him þearf sy
to gehicgenne ær his heonengange
hwæt his gaste godes oþþe yfeles
æfter deaþe heonon demed weorþe.
We don't actually know for sure that this is Bede's own poem. We know from Cuthbert that Bede on his deathbed recited a poem in Old English, and Cuthbert, who is writing in Latin, gives us a Latin paraphrase of the meaning, which fits this poem very, very well. We do not know for sure if this is actually Bede's original poem or if it is a later attempt to reconstruct it. What we do know is that (1) the person who came up with it had considerable talent, since for all its brevity, this is a very neatly constructed poem, and (2) if it's a reconstruction it is impressive how the author was able both to fit Cuthbert's Latin paraphrase so well and make it work purely on its own terms as an Old English poem. (If it's by Bede himself, of course, there is no surprise on either point.) Michael Burch's (slightly loose, but nice) translation:
Bede's Death-Song
translated by Michael Burch
Facing Death, that inescapable journey,
who can be wiser than he
who reflects, while breath yet remains,
on whether his life brought others happiness, or pains,
since his soul may yet win delight's or night's way
after his death-day.
[ADDED LATER: A Clerk of Oxford notes that St. Bede died on Ascension Thursday, which I had completely forgotten, so a year in which Bede's Day and Ascension fall together is a year in which our commemoration of death links up to what Bede himself was commemorating on his last day of life. She also notes the third possibility for Bede's Death Song, which I did not consider, namely, that it predates Bede and Bede was quoting it.]
Venerable Helm
It occurred to me today that, since I am reading Craig Williamson's translation of the entire Old English poetic corpus, it would fit very nicely to make a special note of Anglo-Saxon saints whose feasts occur during the fortnight. (Particularly since the greatest Anglo-Saxon saint's feast is tomorrow.) So we start with St. Aldhelm (d. 709), whose feast is today or tomorrow. It makes sense to do him today since he gets doubly trumped tomorrow.
When Pope Vitalian sent St. Theodore of Tarsus to become Archbishop of Canterbury, St. Theodore brought with him St. Hadrian, often known today as St. Adrian of Canterbury, a scholar of rather considerable talents. St. Aldhelm was one of St. Hadrian's students until he became sick and had to return to his original home in Malmesbury. There he joined Malmesbury Abbey, where he seems eventually to have become abbot, and from which he would eventually found two more abbeys in Somerset and Wiltshire. He is the first Anglo-Saxon monk we know to have written in Latin verse, at which he became an expert. He also is said to have written many Anglo-Saxon poems, but unfortunately only some of his Latin works have survived. He ended his days as bishop of Sherborne, and was venerated as a saint from shortly after his death. Because of his extensive ingenuity in various riddles and riddle-games, he is sometimes considered the patron saint of cruciverbalists.
Gratitude and Reverence
The supreme Will has determined our existence through our ancestors, and, bowing down before Its action, we cannot be indifferent to its instruments. I know that if I were born among cannibals I should be a cannibal myself, and I cannot help feeling gratitude and reverence to men who by their labor and exploits have raised my people from the savage state and brought them to the level of culture upon which they are standing now. This has been done by Providence through men who have been specially called and who cannot be separated from their providential work....
The providential men who gave us a share in the higher religion and in human enlightenment did not themselves create these in the first instance. What they gave us they had themselves received from the geniuses, heroes, and saints of the former ages, and our grateful memory must include them too. We must reconstruct as completely as possible the whole line of our spiritual ancestors--men through whom Providence has led humanity on the path to perfection.
The pious memory of our ancestors compels us to do service to them actively....
[Vladimir Soloviev, The Justification of the Good, von Peters, ed. Catholic Resources (Chattanooga, TN: 2015), pp. 111-112.]
Wulf, Min Wulf
Michael Drout reads the Old English poem, Wulf & Eadwacer:
The poem is notoriously obscure, so I'm not sure how much of the translation is rigorous and how much of it is speculative.
Spheres of Personal Sovereignty
It seems to me that rights talk has the function of enabling people to claim a sphere of personal sovereignty, in which their choice is law. And spheres of personal sovereignty in turn have a function, namely, that they enable us to undertake obligations freely--in other words to create the realm of institutional facts that Searle emphasizes in his social philosophy. hence they give the advantage to consensual relations. They define the boundaries behind which people can retreat and which cannot be crossed without transgression.
The primary function of the idea of a right, therefore, is to identify something as within the boundary of me and mine.
[Roger Scruton, The Soul of the World, Princeton UP (Princeton: 2014) pp. 85-86.]
Nox Arcana, "Running with Wolves." A little instrumental for your morning.
Evening Note for Monday, May 22
Thought for the Evening: Moral Testimony and Problems with the Asymmetry Thesis
It is often thought that there is an asymmetry between relying on testimony in nonmoral matters and relying on testimony in moral matters, so that you can get knowledge, or be reasonable relying on, the former, while there is something problematic about trying to get knowledge or relying on the latter. Pinning down what this asymmetry is supposed to be turns out to be less than straightforward, in part because in order to make it both clear and plausible everything has to be fine-tuned.
It's easy to see why this would be. In order for the asymmetry thesis to work, we must be comparing comparable kinds of testimony, where the moral testimony is taken under conditions that would not be problematic for nonmoral testimony. For instance, you can't state the thesis in a way in which we assume that your nonmoral testimony is taken from generally honest people and your moral testimony is taken from generally dishonest people, because accepting nonmoral testimony from generally dishonest people is also problematic, and the point is to find a comparison on which only accepting the moral testimony would be problematic. Likewise, people can accept testimony in all sorts of different ways, and this needs to be equalized on both sides. Likewise (and people in the literature are not always careful about this), you need to be comparing expert testimony with expert testimony and non-expert testimony with non-expert testimony, on both sides of the balance. Likewise (and this is actually somewhat difficult), you need a comparison where the stakes are not greatly imbalanced -- when the stakes are high, our standards of testimony go up. Part of the problem is that morality itself can raise the stakes, which means that you have to be quite careful to avoid comparing moral testimony on something that radically affects how one should live one's life with say, testimony about the statistical makeup of the population of Iowa. Reasonable caution in the latter case simply is not the same sort of thing as reasonable caution in the former case, and it has solely to do with the fact that the former will demand a lot more than mere acceptance.
This is a fairly serious set of problems, and one that I do not think proponents of the asymmetry thesis have really done the work to solve. But one of the more precise and careful ideas, based on the work of Sarah McGrath and discussed by Guy Fletcher, takes the asymmetry to be about deference in matters involving thin moral concepts leading directly to moral judgment that is problematic because it is without appropriate understanding.
(1) Deference is an interesting element here; our acceptance of testimony is always quite complicated, and we certainly can accept testimony nondeferentially -- for instance, we can accept it only because it agrees with what we already know. Deference requires that we accept something on authority, and this raises the question of how we are evaluating the authority to which we are deferring.
(2) The distinction between 'thin' and 'thick' moral concepts is somewhat misleading; 'thick' moral concepts are concepts that have both an evaluative and a nonevaluative component, whereas 'thin' are purely evaluative. In practice, though, the distinction is more complicated because it's not clear that there are any purely evaluative concepts, with no nonevaluative component at all, so people usually make the distinction relative, with thin moral concepts being "more purely evaluative". This, of course, makes the distinction next door to useless for the kind of work needed here. Suffice it to say that for our purposes it's really an issue of abstraction and fundamentalness, with thin concepts being more abstract and covering a fundamental portion of the moral field. So what people have in mind when they are talking about thin moral concepts are things like good, bad, right, wrong. This contrasts with what they are thinking about when they talk about thick moral concepts, which are things like generous, gracious, cruel, obscene. Thus the idea is that there's something problematic about deference to moral testimony on fundamental things like right and wrong, good or bad.
This brings us back to the equalization problem, since if we are dealing only with very general and fundamental things on the moral side, we can only compare testimony about them to testimony about very general and fundamental things on the nonmoral side. And what are the corresponding fundamental things? Presumably things like true, false, consistent, inconsistent, and (to avoid getting into the analogues of the 'thick' concepts) these concepts have to be functioning as such -- that is, if we are in a context in which dogs are relevant, the question at hand is not testimony about dogs, but testimony about what counts as truth in matters concerning dogs. If we really are operating at such a level, we are in realm where believing something out of deference to testimony is surely extraordinarily rare on either side. On the other hand, if we try to bring it down, we are getting increasingly less 'thin', and we have to do that on the moral side as well, to make the comparison legitimate.
(3) We could use moral testimony in multiple ways; what the asymmetry proponents want to argue is that we cannot use it to form moral judgments about good or bad, right or wrong. For instance, if you don't know if something is right, but defer to someone else's judgment that it is right. This we can leave as straightforward enough, although, if we are going to be serious about the 'thin moral concepts' part, we have to be careful that we don't accidentally turn our thin moral concepts into indirect ways of talking about thick moral concepts.
(4) If we're going to say that accepting moral testimony is more problematic than accepting nonmoral testimony, we have to have some notion of what 'more problematic' means. There are two ways that one can go here. Either (i) the moral case does not give you the right kind of understanding and the nonmoral does; or (ii) neither the moral case nor the nonmoral case give you understanding, but morality by its nature requires understanding in a way that other things don't. The latter seems to be favored; but obviously it would depend on what your account of morality was.
In reality, I think the asymmetry thesis fails totally, if we understand it in something like this way. Think of how testimony works. I tell you something, witnessing to its truth; on authority of my testimony, you come to believe it to be true. One way to characterize this is to say that I am giving you evidence about what you ought to believe, or at least treat as true, that I am putting it forward as right to believe, or at least good to believe. So:
(A) You are very skeptical of modern biology -- biologists talk so much about everything that it's sometimes difficult to take them entirely seriously. But, I insist, "At least some theories put forward by biologists are very credible." "Well, I couldn't say for myself," you say, "but you know more about it, so I guess I should indeed defer to you on this point and accept that some biological theories are very credible."
(B) You are very skeptical of modern biology -- biologists talk so much about everything that it's sometimes difficult to take them entirely seriously. But, I insist, "At least some theories put forward by biologists are probably true." "Well, I couldn't say for myself," you say, "but you know more about it, so I guess I should indeed defer to you on this point and accept that some biological theories are probably true."
(C) You are very skeptical of modern biology -- biologists talk so much about everything that it's sometimes difficult to take them entirely seriously. But, I insist, "Believing in some of the theories biologists put forward is good ." "Well, I couldn't say for myself," you say, "but you know more about it, so I guess I should indeed defer to you on this point and accept that belief in some of the biological theories is good."
In (A) I explicitly mention a 'thick' moral concept, credibility; in (B) I just mention probable truth; in (C) I explicitly mention a 'thin' moral concept. It is difficult to find cases in which we can't treat (A) and (B) as interchangeable, at least with commonly true assumptions. But there also doesn't seem to be any way in which (C) could possibly be problematic if (A) and (B) aren't; (C) seems interchangeable with (A), at least on commonly true assumptions. But it seems like you can run similar translations in any particular case.
It's possible that one can resolve these problems, but not, I think, at this level of precision. Proponents of the asymmetry thesis need a great deal more clarity than has yet been put forward. (My own view is that testimony is testimony; the cases are symmetrical.)
* Helen Andrews has a sharply critical article on John Stuart Mill and Hariet Taylor (in part talking about Hayek's research into the subject). It seems right enough, although it should be noted that the acid tongues of the Carlyles are not always to be trusted.
* Julie D. notes a podcast currently running on Boethius's Consolation of Philosophy.
* Rebilius Crusoe, Francis William Newman's paraphrase of Robinson Crusoe into Latin. Francis William was the younger brother of John Henry; where J. H. went Catholic, F. W. went very liberal, eventually becoming a sort of religious agnostic. He was an enthusiast for languages, and was professor of Latin at University College, London. [I misstated his university earlier; I think I was muddling him up with someone else.]
* Manuel Vargas, If Free Will Doesn't Exist, Neither Does Water (PDF)
Craig Williamson, The Complete Old English Poems
Vladimir Soloviev, The Justification of the Good
Satischandra Chatterjee, The Nyaya Theory of Knowledge
Roger Scruton, The Soul of the World
St. Romanos the Melodist, On the Life of Christ: Kontakia
I have a stack of books about knee-high on my stairs of things that might become a fortnightly book, as well as Heritage Press editions that I haven't used yet; I still have the third volume of the Arabian Nights, and I intend to get around to some plays by Ibsen. But the fortnightly book is not really done to plan. This past week I splurged a bit and bought, among other things, The Complete Old English Poems, Craig Williamson's recent translation of the entire extant corpus of Old English verse. As one of the introductory notes puts it, the work "contains modern alliterative, strong-stress poetic translations of all the Old English (OE) poems in the six volumes of The Anglo-Saxon Poetic Records..., plus additional OE poems identified or discovered after the publication of ASPR" (p. liii). And that is going to be the fortnightly book.
The work follows the ASPR and so is partly organized by manuscript.
First, we have the Junius Manuscript, with Genesis (A and B), Exodus, Daniel, Christ and Satan.
Then we have the Vercelli Book, with Andreas, The Fates of the Apostles, Soul and Body I, Homiletic Fragment I: On Human Deceit, The Dream of the Rood, Elene.
This is followed by the Exeter Book, which, being devoted to poetry in particular, has a fair number of different poems of different kinds, the most famous of which are probably The Wanderer and The Seafarer.
After this we have Beowulf and Judith, which are the poetic works found in the Nowell Codex.
Then comes the Paris Psalter, which, being a metrical translation from Latin, is paired with the poetry from translations of Boethius's Consolation of Philosophy.
Then there are a lot of minor poems, of which the most famous are probably The Battle of Maldon and Bede's Death Song.
And last there are the additional poems not included in the ASPR.
Tom Shippey in his introduction to the book makes an excellent comment on the whole corpus, which will do well enough to start us off:
The poems we have are also, in their way, almost all "last survivors": only three of them, apart from the Chronicle poems and the poems ascribed to Caedmon and Bede, and found in many manuscripts, duplicate each other. Some of the poems are, furthermore, fragments, including the Maldon and Finnsburg poems and Judith. As for the corpus itself, it is now a ruin. Certainly it exists. But its existence is at least a reminder of what no longer exists, a whole tradition of which we can hear only, here and there, murmurs and echoes....The poems exist, often in fragmentary form, and like the old ruins, they bear testimony to all that they remember, even if it has vanished. (p. l)
Teresa of Avila, The Life; and The Interior Castle
Opening Passages: From the Life:
If I had not been so wicked, the possession of devout and God-fearing parents, together with the favour of God's grace, would have been enough to make me good. My father was fond of reading holy books, and had some in Spanish so that his children might read them too. These, and the pains my mother took in teaching us to pray and educating us in devotion to Our Lady and certain Saints, began to rouse me at the age, I think, of six or seven. It was a help to me that I never saw my parents inclined to anything but virtue, and many virtues they had. (p. 23)
From The Interior Castle:
Not many things that I have been ordered to under obedience have been as difficult for me as is this present task of writing about prayer. First, ti doesn't seem that the Lord is giving me either the spirit or the desire to undertake the work. Second, I have been experiencing now for three months such great noise and weakness in my head that I've found it a hardship even to write concerning necessary business matters. But, knowing that the strength given by obedience usually lessens the difficulty of things that seem impossible, I resolved to carry out the task very willingly, even though my human nature seems greatly distressed. Fro the Lord hasn't given me so much virtue that my nature in the midst of its struggle with continual sickness and duties of so many kinds doesn't feel strong aversion toward such a task. May He, in whose mercy I trust and who has helped me in other more difficult things so as to favor me, do this work for me. (p. 33)
Summary: St. Teresa's Life covers the period from her early years to her founding of the reformed convent, St. Joseph's in Àvila. Two themes intertwine throughout the actual narrative portion, based on two kinds of impediments people may have in the life of prayer.
The first kind of impediment is that which is put in place by oneself. Teresa is frank that she often impeded her own progress; part of the charm of the work is that it is a guidebook by which she warns others not to make the mistakes she made. Coleridge in his notes on St. Teresa was puzzled by her tendency to account herself the "most wicked of sinners", which seemed to him a kind of obvious lie; but, besides the oddity of the poet not grasping the naturalness of the superlative expression in order to express a more forceful condemnation, the more general point is that the things of which she speaks were impediments to union with God. In a like manner, this answers the puzzle people occasionally have about Teresa's forceful condemnations of things that do not seem so very bad, or even bad at all: they are impediments to union, and just as a thing may be minor in itself but serious in troubling a marriage, so a thing minor in itself may be far more grave when considered as an obstacle to a greater good.
The remedy for this kind of impediment is self-knowledge, which, however, is a difficult matter. One of the notable things about Teresa's discussions of self-knowledge is that it is clear that in her view self-knowledge is not something we can fully attain by ourselves; ultimately, of course, we will need the grace of God, but we also need the aid of others. Self-knowledge is social; it requires association with others, in love of God and love of neighbor.
The second kind of impediment is more interesting, storywise, and as interesting psychologically. One of the recurring themes of the Life is that of persecution by good people. Over and over again Teresa's progress is made more difficult by the opposition of good and decent people; and over and over again the most serious and terrible opponents are good and decent, and sometimes holy, people. There is no ironic attribution here; the whole point is that the persecutors are genuinely good and decent, and at times even genuinely holy. The problem arises because while the people in question may be good people acting on good motives, they do not fully understand what is happening. They do not have the experiences Teresa has, and she cannot fully explain them to them in words. Scholars often know about the things Teresa describes, and occasionally more than she does (although her spiritual reading was prodigious, it was not focused on technical and rigorous exposition), but for them it is an abstract conclusion depending on having the right premises, not something known by intimate familiarity. Teresa's experiences strike other people as dangerous -- which they are -- and as possible temptations by the devil -- which is a worry Teresa herself has to think through carefully -- and as forms of spiritual pride -- which is wrong, but understandable given that much of what she does is the sort of thing that could indeed be motivated by spiritual pride, although not always the way in which she does it.
The remedy for this kind of impediment is love of God. The good will persecute the good when they do not know the things they would need to know in order to avoid it; this is not actually abnormal. But this is also not as important, in the greater scheme of things, as it might sound; because goodness, being a work of God, is ultimately consistent, and all of these trials and troubles caused by good people, difficult though they might be, further the progress of Teresa's maturity and insight, and also contribute in the end to the increase of the goodness in what she is able to accomplish. Thus Teresa portrays reliance on the Lord as the primary mainstay throughout such difficulties.
Were we going through Teresa's life, we would have read the Foundations next, which talks of Teresa's trials and troubles and triumphs after the founding of St. Joseph's, and if we were looking at the growth in her spiritual understanding, we would probably look at The Way of Perfection, but there is indeed a special connection between the Life and the Interior Castle that makes it appropriate to fit them together. The entire middle of the Life, from about Chapter 11 to about Chapter 31, the greater portion of the book, is concerned not with telling a story so much as giving an account of the life of prayer. It is narratively a digression, but it is not a gratuitous one, since understanding the complexities of the life of prayer is essential for understanding Teresa's own life, and particularly what is behind her achievement in the founding of St. Joseph's. Interior Castle, written about fourteen years later, sees Teresa considering the same matters from a more mature perspective. The Four Waters, which is the scheme she uses for organizing her account of progress of prayer in the Life, only take us up to the sixth mansion in the Seven Mansions (moradas = apartments or dwelling-places) scheme she uses in the Interior Castle. She has progressed beyond the stage at which she wrote the Life and therefore has a better understanding of the things she talked about in that work, as she explicitly notes at several points. What is more, the work is an attempt to review the same material from that more advanced perspective. The reason why she was required to write the book, was that the Life was still being examined by the Inquisition, so she didn't have a copy of it; and once when in discussion about the spiritual life with her confessor, Father Gratian, she said that she had discussed the matter at greater length in her Life, of which she didn't have the copy. Father Gratian told her to write it down again, without the biographical reflection, and so she did. Thus Interior Castle revisits the self-knowledge theme of the earlier work and puts many of the claims made there in new light.
It is not my purpose here to look in any detail at the schematic of the spiritual life given in these works (a useful summary by Jordan Aumann, O.P, is given here), since I am here concerned more with the books as literary works. They are rich in metaphor, vigorous in language, abundant in insight; the Life, in particular, is a psychologically interesting narrative, and The Interior Castle is practically a prose poem. But they are both written with practical focus, since all of St. Teresa's focus was in some sense practical; they are about a life, one of moral and spiritual progress. Teresa herself is clear enough that the schemes she gives will only be approximated in the lives of other people -- as she says, although she looks at only seven moradas, "in each of these there are many others, below and above and to the sides, with lovely gardens and fountains and labyrinths, such delightful things that you would want to be dissolved in praises of the great God who created the soul in His own image and likeness" (p. 196). The works are not a rigid manual, a scholarly work for scholars. Rather, they are a sharing of experiences by one who has experienced them, a travelogue of the interior life.
Favorite Passages: From the Life, St. Teresa complaining about the difficulty of living a spiritual life and at the same time navigating a culture based on honor and avoiding offense:
...if we take care, as we rightly should, always to please God and hate the world, I do not see how at the same time we can be equally careful to please those who live in the world in matters that are continually changing. If this etiquette could be learnt once and for all, it might be tolerable. But even the correct addressing of letters demands the establishment of a University chair; there ought to be lectures in the art -- or whatever you call it. In one case one corner of the paper has to be left blank, and in another case another; and suddenly a man who was not even a 'Magnificence', has to be described as 'Illustrious'. (p. 282)
You must have already heard about His marvels manifested in the way silk originates, for only He could have invented something like that. The silkworms come from seeds about the size of little grains of pepper. (I have never seen this but have heard of it, and so if something in the explanation gets distorted it won't be my fault.) When the warm weather comes and the leaves begin to appear on the mulberry tree, the seeds start to live, for they are dead until then. The worms nourish themselves on the mulberry leaves until, having grown to full size, they settle on some twigs. There with their little mouths they themselves go about spinning the silk and making some very thick little cocoons in which they enclose themselves. The silkworm, which is fat and ugly, then dies, and a little white butterfly, which is very pretty, comes forth from the cocoon. (p. 91)
Recommendation: The Life is definitely a must-read; it is one of the great autobiographies of Western civilization, and deservedly considered so. The Interior Castle is Teresa's masterpiece, and a very beautiful work; but it's probably the case that you need to be in the right mindset to read it.
Quotations from:
Teresa of Avila, The Life of Saint Teresa of Àila by Herself, Cohen, tr. Penguin Books (New York: 1957).
Teresa of Avila, The Interior Castle, Kavanaugh and Rodriguez, trs. Paulist Press (New York: 1979).
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Dashed Off X
An argument cannot apply itself.
bi: obsession with one aspect in such a way that one cannot accommodate the significance of other aspects; opposed to ming as blindness to clarity
Sustained political violence always depends on accessory enablers and post-hoc enablers.
Human nature is unhoned.
Shameless people will escalate harder against you than you can escalate against them. They need to be sidelined, not the focus of obsessive attrition. One sidelines them by focusing on what is more essential.
Going around actively trying to shame people is usually an injustice. The difficult question to answer is: When is it not? A necessary condition seems to be some kind of stakeholding, and it seems clear that what may be done depends on the kind of stakeholding.
Escalation only works under two conditions: (1) you have overwhelming advantage; (2) the other already doesn't want to be in the conflict either through first-order reluctance (don't want to be fighting this kind of conflict) or through second-order (don't want to be fighting at all), and can see a better alternative.
The most basic principle of government is: Actions in guise of authority must have a specific and appropriate ground of authority.
A problem with deterrence theories of punishment is that deterrence does not answer questions like, "Why not use the same punishments to deter other actions with bad consequences, like over-eating?" The only answer can be that some things are, independently, more punishment-worthy than others.
Reasoned discussion is the first and most basic form of politics. Any political view that does not recognize this is a form of political corruption. In this world, other methods and means may be necessary, but if they are not subordinated to reasoned discussion, they are simply an expression of might-makes-right.
Verecundia in Aquinas's sense should probably be more like a potential part than an integral part - kin to continentia. There is something in Temperance functionally filling that integral part place. (As Justice has doing good & avoiding evil, so Temperance has honoring the beautiful/graceful and avoiding/rejecting the disgraceful.)
convention marches vs protest marches
"The mind is the artisan and the steward of the Way." Xunzi
The sense of novelty is certainly linked to the sense of (im)plausibility, but neither is reducible to the other.
Shaming punishments are either exposures or harassments.
Shunning punishments: boycott, ban, banishment.
shaming punishments & issues of detraction
- actually a great many things pertaining to justice can be seen as restricting this and other kinds of punishment
All reasons for disestablishment of state churches seem to carry over and apply, with minimal change, to disestablishment of state schools.
intrinsic & extrinsic titles to penalty
opinions (properly speaking) vs opinion-like gestures
li as a way things are set in order
Dao is order that sets in order.
normification // classification
artificial normification converges on natural normification
"The noble uses authority; the petty uses force." Xunzi
There is no difference of significance between yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theater and rigging up a machine or pulling a fire alarm to get the same effect; that the one is done by means of speech is incidental to the act and the reasons for prohibiting it.
Civilization in the broad sense is the tradition of reasoned interaction.
We are not structured so that it is easy for us to pursue being pleased; we are instead structured to pursue things, and then be pleased in attaining them.
The purpose of the police is not primarily to make the citizens do right or avoid wrong; it is primarily to be a middleman and buffer between citizens in matters that can lead to violence.
Nothing is worse for politics than trying to use political means to shortcircuit rational discussion.
The Bible itself records a history over centuries of continually reading the texts of previous ages more deeply.
aspects of the literal sense of Scripture
(1) local grammatical
(2) local historical
(3) unity of Scripture
(4) centrality of Christ
(5) ecclesially dispositive character
conjecture refinement processes
title to taxes & risk, loss, and service
(1) truth with authority
(2) objective presumption
--(2.1)inadvertent = madness in a broad sense
----(2.1.1) folly
----(2.1.2) madness proper
--(2.2) deliberate = lying
(underlying structure of "lunatic, liar, Lord arguments")
LLL arguments & defective causes
Apologetics draws on rhetoric rather than demonstration. It thus incorporates concerns of passion and character.
Sabbath rest symbolically teaches the imitation of God.
Paul Guldin's criticism of Cavalieri's proof by superposition of figure (Centrobaryca): 'Who will be the judge -- hand, eye, or intellect?'
Kitcher: "Central to the idea of rigorous reasoning is that it should contain no gaps, that it should proceed by means of elementary steps."
-- This obviously raises questions of what counts as a gap, and what counts as elementary. In fact, both of these can onlyl be determined relative to possible lines of criticism (the relativity of rigor).
experiential arguments based on affinity; based on revelation; based on hypothesis confirmation
"There is hope of the conversion of a nation of unbelievers; of the conversion of a nation of hypocrites none." Brownson
"I am as good as you, does very wll; but, you are as good as I, is quite another affair, and few will accept it, who have not the supernatural virtue of Christian charity." Brownson
"...to a philosopher and historian the madness and imbecility and wickedness of mankind ought to appear ordinary events." Hume to Robertson (27 Nov 1768)
To remain free, a society must be thick with traditions.
Who flees the field will find it difficult to turn suddenly to fight.
mathematical existence proofs as arguments that something is good to be (or at least good to be posited)
Luck and genius are often kin.
'in' as the relation of part to its whole; 'out', of nonpart to whole
Principles of warfare are guards against stupidity, not methods of winning.
Every Mystery of Mary is a sign of a Mystery of Christ.
a quasi-ontological argument
(1) God morally ought to be.
(2) God canont be such that He morally ought to be unless He is such that He must be.
(3) Therefore God must be.
-- As with the atheistic argument from evil, the question of moment is the status of this ought.
If we can distinguish and speak of mathematical existence, axiological existence, metaphysical existence, etc., then divine existence should be something in which, so to speak, these kinds of existence are not divided.
Right to truth accounts of lying do not take into account the importance of fidelity to truth. (Cp. Chastek)
Truth can be said to have a sort of right to manifestation and defense. This seems connected both to our obligations to ourselves and others as rational, and also to divinity (since truth is an appurtenance of divinity).
Today is the feast of St. Beda of Jarrow, Doctor of the Church; he is, of course, most commonly known in English as the Venerable Bede.
Bede's Death Song
tr. by Craig Williamson
Before he departs on that inescapable journey
Down death's road, no man is so wise
That he knows his own end, so clever or unconstrained
That he need not contemplate the coming judgment,
Consider what good or evil resides in his soul,
What rich reward or bounty of unblessings
Will be offered in eternity when his time runs out.
[Craig Williamson, The Complete Old English Poems, University of Pennsylvania Press (Philadelphia: 2017) p. 1051.]
Evening Note for Thursday, May 24
Thought for the Evening: Rosmini on the Definition 'Rational Animal'
In Anthropology as an Aid to Moral Science, Rosmini has some critical things to say about the Aristotelian definition of man as "rational animal". They more or less come down to three.
(1) 'Rational animal' understates the importance of volition to the human being, although the volitive and the intellective aspects of human nature are both important and are not the same. While it is true that the volitive follows on the intellective, "there is no proof that this happens necessarily and that the opposite involves absurdity" (p. 21).
(2) It would be more appropriate to call the human being an 'intellective animal' than a 'rational animal' because the intellect is more fundamental than reason, and all reasoning presupposes intellectual understanding.
(3) 'Man is a rational animal' implies that animal is the subject and rational is an attribute of the animal. The intellectual element in human nature, however, has to form part of the human subject so that it can't simply be abstracted away as a secondary or consequent element.
With regard to (1), I think Rosmini just has a different notion of volition than the Aristotelians do, since I'm quite sure Aquinas would deny Rosmini's claim that there is no proof that the intellectual and volitional are linked necessarily; having a will for Aquinas just means that you have an intellectual appetitus or tendency to act.
With regard to (2), Rosmini himself concedes that the scholastics tended to prefer using 'rational' of human beings to distinguish them from the more purely intellectual angels, and that this is potentially useful. And I suspect a Thomist could also say that using 'rational' here is analogous to saying that the object of the human mind is 'material being'; it's not exclusionary but identifying the primary and principal characteristic of the faculty.
The third is interesting, and I think there is probably something to it. As Rosmini goes on to note, the definition creates some complications for the scholastic in discussing how the soul, i.e., what makes you a living thing, is both a form of the body and the form of the human being; he points to the trouble Aquinas has to take in ST 1.76.1 as an example.
Rosmini gives two of his own proposed definitions:
(A) An intellectual, volitional, animal subject.
(B) "[A]n animal subject endowed with the intuition of indeterminate-ideal being and with the perception of corporeal-fundamental feeling, and acting in accordance with the animality and intelligence it possesses" (p. 26).
A scholastic response to (A) would likely be that it looses any sense of the unity of the human being. (B), although it is supposed to be essentially equivalent, avoids the obvious appearance of disunity by being more explicit about the relations among these. It depends on a number of Rosmini's own positions, though; 'the intuition of indeterminate-ideal being' is how Rosmini thinks of intellect, and 'the perception of corporeal-fundamental feeling' is more or less animal consciousness. Perhaps more seriously for the Aristotelian, Rosmini's definition is definitely dualistic; Rosmini is a much stronger dualist than any Aristotelian would be.
[Antonio Rosmini, Anthropology as an Aid to Moral Science, Rosmini House (Durham: 1991).]
* Ed Simon has a nice, if occasionally florid, look at the French revolutionary calendar, which was, of course, not the worst but one of the most symbolic ways in which people have attempted to erase the Catholic Church.
* Thony Christie looks at the twin histories of astronomy and astrology.
* Kenny Pearce is curating an online exhibition of Berkeley's Manuscript Introduction to PHK.
* On Pierre Hadot at "Knowledge Ecology"
* Philippe Hamou, Marin Mersenne, at the SEP
* The marginalia of John Stuart Mill online
* An interesting story about how DNA can be misleading in criminal forensics.
* Nathan Goldman reviews two books on Gershom Scholem.
* Charles Camosy on Alfie Evans.
* Claire Lehmann, The War on Dignity
* An interesting look at five kinds of Bible cultures in the United States.
* Ben Taub, The Spy Who Came Home
* Ivanoe Privitera, Aristotle and the Papyri: The Direct Tradition. It's always worth remembering how tenuous our hold on the thought of the past is.
* David Graeber, 'I had to guard an empty room': the rise of the pointless job.
* Emily Thomas on Catharine Trotter Cockburn.
* An interactive map of medieval trade route networks.
* David Whidden, The Alleged Feudalism of Anselm's Cur Deus Homo and the Benedictine Concepts of Obedience, Honor, and Order. Quite important, if you ever do anything with Anselm; the suggestion, which you still find, that Anselm's mindset (or his theology) is feudal has been known to be problematic for a while -- Anselm didn't live in a fully feudal society, rarely uses feudal terminology and probably never understands it in a feudal sense even when there is overlap, and is pretty clearly drawing most of his thought from Benedictine thought and practice. Whidden's paper is a nice exploration of some of these points with particular concepts important to Anselm's thought.
* Owen C. King, Pulling Apart Well-Being at a Time and the Goodness of a Life
* Michael Milona and Katie Stockdale, A Perceptual Theory of Hope
Jules Verne, The Self-Propelled Island
Antonio Rosmini, Anthropology as an Aid to Moral Science
Christopher Tollefsen, Lying and Christian Ethics
Neil Oliver, A History of Scotland
Philosophers on the Irish Eighth
Ireland is currently on the verge of a referendum to consider whether the Eighth Amendment to the Irish Constitution, which was originally passed a quarter of a century ago and recognizes the right to life of unborn children, should be repealed. Given how much support for abortion has receded elsewhere, and how much the notion of rights has expanded in that quarter of a century, I'm not sure there's more here than modern Ireland's perpetual characteristic of only arriving at a party when everyone else has begun to get tired and go home, but we'll see what happens.
In any case, I finally got around to looking at the recent statement put out by a number of philosophers on the question, and it is a good example of how completely useless philosophers can be on these kinds of issues. The statement says:
What has not been discussed much is whether a 12-week old foetus is a person entitled to constitutional protection. What makes this particularly problematic is that the issue hinges on a complex philosophical question that has no straightforward answer, namely ‘What is a person and when does a person begin?’
If we accept that personhood is indeed "a complex philosophical question that has no straightforward answer", why would we also think it is even relevant to the question of whether one should retain a constitutional amendment that doesn't even use the word 'person'? The Amendment in question reads, "The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right." I don't see anything explicitly about personhood here. And why anyone should spend one's time on questions that have "no straightforward answer" when discussing constitutional issues is beyond me.
The obvious reason it's brought up (besides its being something the philosophers in question think they can sound clever discussing) is that it is being assumed that that what is not a person is not entitled to constitutional protection. Put precisely that way, it's obviously false -- every constitution provides protections to things that are not persons -- but presumably, by 'entitled to constitutional protection' what they really mean is 'having a right worth acknowledging by a constitution' -- in this case, a right to life. Taken so, the key issue would be what a right to life is (which would tell us, without bare assumption, what kind of thing it could apply to), not what a person is, but in an era in which people discuss whether rivers and ecosystems and chimpanzees and species can be said to have rights, they've decided to stake their whole and entire claim on personhood, as if they all just woke up from having been frozen in the eighties.
In so doing they (unsurprisingly, perhaps) make a further common mistake of philosophers discussing matters like this, namely, they assume that if personhood is relevant it must be a metaphysical rather than a forensic and practical notion of personhood. Here is an argument that gets used, in different variations, in considering animal rights: "Persons have rights; but the assumption that animals with such-and-such characteristics are not persons is a matter that can be controverted; supposing even that we are at an impasse and there is 'no straightforward answer', the law should, to the extent practically possible, play it safe in matters of rights and assume that rights are more rather than less widely spread, particularly given the atrocities in which law can be complicit if it decides to start dictating what is not a person." This is obviously itself going to be a controversial argument in many cases, but as arguments go, it is perfectly sensible, and could be easily adapted to this situation. And while it depends on the notion of personhood, it does not depend on any metaphysics about personhood; what it depends on is a notion of law and its purposes, and is arguing that, given that notion of law and its purposes, we should legally count animals of such-and-such characteristics as persons for those legal purposes.
Or take another line of argument. "There is practical reason to have laws against fetal homicide, namely, that if one doesn't then, even aside from assumptions of fundamental rights, it becomes very difficult to do justice to parents. The easiest legal way to make laws against fetal homicide work, however, is to treat the fetus legally as a person existing under particular conditions." No doubt there would be people who would disagree with such an argument, but it's a perfectly appropriate argument for legal purposes. Law is a practical field. One does not need the finer points of metaphysics to do it. And here we have an argument for attributing personhood that does not require any metaphysics at all; it depends not on the metaphysics of personhood but on the practical question of what the easiest way to do justice to a third party would be. The concept of 'legal person' or 'juridical person' is not a secret; it's widely known. So why would one assume that the metaphysical notion of personhood would be a necessary, and not just a sufficient condition, for treating something as having rights, even if one connected rights directly to personhood in the traditional way?
It gets worse. They go on to say:
Influential figures like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas held that a foetus is not a person until it begins to move, which they took to be 40–80 days after conception.
This is entirely wrong. Neither Augustine nor Aquinas are talking about personhood when they discuss these matters; they are talking about the standard view of what is involved in conception of a human being. The standard biological view in their day regarded human conception as an extended process over time; it was literally a sort of cooking process as the materials developed in the heat of the womb. Quickening, i.e., the point at which the fetus begins to move, plays no role at all in the thought of Aquinas. The only time Aquinas mentions the 40 to 90 day point he is talking about Aristotle's view, not his own (he never, as far as I am aware, commits definitely to any particular timetable at all). Quickening did not begin to have much of a presence in discussions of conception at all until the early modern period, and then it was a purely legal device for deciding how serious the penalties should be in various legal cases (e.g., if someone harmed a pregnant woman and caused her to miscarry). And, again, prior to the egg-and-sperm model, the dominant view of conception was that it was a process lasting several weeks; it shows nothing but historical ignorance to frame the discussion during this period as personhood arriving weeks "after conception". Augustine treats as the key characteristic not movement but sensation. This level of non-research in people trying to pull out their credentials in order to influence a political situation is embarrassing. What good is your status as a "professional philosopher" if you are going around making statements about texts that you've never bothered to read?
It gets even worse:
We grant that the question ‘when does a person begin’ is complex. But because the constitution is the backbone for all law in the state, it should be confined to highly plausible restrictions on the law that more or less everyone can agree with.
This is not how constitutions work. This is not how constitutions have ever worked. There is no serious theory of constitutions that would take this as a reasonable principle. Did not a single philosopher signing this document pause enough to ask, "And what would be the result if this were applied in contexts involving slavery, or mistreatment of minorities?" Is every one of the signatories so ignorant of history that they completely missed the fact that constitutions are built not on "highly plausible restrictions" that "more or less everyone can agree with" but (at most) on compromises that give concessions to as many major groups as possible, because you can't practically build a constitution entirely out of prior agreements? Do they honestly think that most constitutions in the free world are built entirely out of things that are "highly plausible" and that "more or less everyone" originally agreed with? That the purpose of a constitution is just a formality to summarize what practically everyone accepts anyway? Constitutions cannot do one of the things they are morally supposed to do -- protect the rights of the vulnerable -- on the principle given; constitutions are not in fact ever written on the basis of the principle given; and the principle quite obviously shows up here only in order to get the conclusion that they want.
Schopenhauer, I think, says somewhere that arguments are not like cabs; you cannot ride them to your preferred destination and then get off. Apparently none of these philosophers have learned that lesson yet; or else (more likely), they just decided to sign without any regard for the rationality of the argument, because they already agreed with the conclusion. The whole thing is just awful sophistry.
Power, Wisdom, and Goodness
...there must be Power, Wisdom, and Goodness, subsisting in one Degree or other, in every Government worthy to be so called, let the exterior Form of it be whatever it may.
For Example, without Power the very Idea of Government is annihilated; and there are no traces of it left.
Without Wisdom to conduct this Power towards some certain End, or Object, the Thing itself would not be Power, in a moral sense, but blind Impulse, or mechanic Force.
And without Goodness to influence and incline the Operations both of Wisdom and Power towards some benevolent Uses, conducive to public Happiness, the Efforts of Wisdom would in effect be Knavery, Trick, and Cunning; and the Display of Power mere Tyranny and Oppression. There must therefore be a Coalition, or Cooperation of all three, in order to form a Government fit to rule over such a Creature as Man.
Josiah Tucker, A Treatise Concerning Civil Government (1781), Part II, Chapter III.
Incommensurability
Philip Kitcher has a good review of Errol Morris's The Ashtray, in which he makes some important points about the work of Thomas Kuhn.
According to the cartoon — and according to Morris: Kuhn denied the possibility of communication across the revolutionary divide. No — he said that such communication was inevitably partial. The languages of different paradigms are not straightforwardly inter-translatable. Often, no single term in one language will do for a scientifically important term in the other. What one paradigm sees as a “natural” division of the subject matter appears as odd and disjointed to its rival.
When I was in undergrad (a time when I read quite extensively in philosophy of science), I remember reading a number of criticisms of Thomas Kuhn and suddenly realizing that the reason they didn't entirely make sense to me was that the critics were assuming that 'X and Y are incommensurable' meant 'X and Y cannot be compared'. Of course, this is not true -- in fact, incommensurability implies that they can be compared. When we say that the legs and the hypotenuse of a right triangle are incommensurable, we don't mean that we can't compare them -- in fact, the Pythagorean Theorem gives you a precise account of such a comparison. Rather, the point is that in such a comparison there is no unit definable wholly in terms of a leg that measures the hypotenuse without anything left over. So to say that two theories are incommensurable in how they use the term 'mass', for instance, is not to say that you can't compare how they use the term, but instead that there is a shift of meaning between the two such that when you do compare them you find that one cannot perfectly translate what is meant by the other. 'Mass' in Newtonian physics and 'mass' in Einsteinian physics are obviously related and obviously comparable; but on comparison they do not fit each other exactly. You can identify precisely ways in which they do not fit each other. First, they are not exact synonyms. Second, if you try to get Einsteinian 'mass' from Newtonian 'mass' by adding qualifications or complications, you still don't get a direct translation until your qualifications have multiplied so much that you are just restating the Einsteinian account of mass. Third, if you try to get Newtonian 'mass' from Einsteinian 'mass' by (say) idealizing and introducing negligibility assumptions, you still don't get a direct translation until you've introduced so many assumptions that you can no longer use it for Einsteinian purposes. They are incommensurable -- you cannot intertranslate without something being lost or gained that the other theory cannot or does not countenance, because the sets of problems considered by each theory are not exactly the same, the methods used by each theory are not exactly the same, and the topics each theory treats as most important are not exactly the same.
Kuhn is hardly the first person to make the point -- Duhem argues the same, and more rigorously -- but Kuhn's version is in a generalized form so that it did not otherwise depend on the exact details of your account of how theory works. People reading him, however, regularly misunderstood what the word 'incommensurability' means, to the complete distortion of everything he says on the subject. This, combined with a dogmatic assumption about what scientific progress would have to mean -- cumulation without break -- and which Kuhn rejects, resulted in the kind of caricature Kitcher is arguing against.
Our next fortnightly books will be lesser-known Jules Verne works from the Voyages extraordinaires: The Self-Propelled Island (L'Île à hélice, #41) and The Castle in Transylvania (Le Château des Carpathes, #37).
In The Self-Propelled Island, a Parisian string quartet touring California is kidnapped and brought aboard a vast artificial island, Standard Island, whose main city is called Milliard City because it is inhabited by billionaires. It is a utopian, if expensive (lunch costs $160 per person), loaded with an endless list of the finest technological luxuries. It has everything you would expect from a Verne tale: amazing technologies, a voyage to exotic places, and -- all too forgotten -- biting social satire. Technological utopia is not a stable utopia, and a society of billionaires is perhaps not as promising a foundation for a healthy life as its endless parade of luxuries and conveniences and gee-whiz advancements might suggest. The original English translations all cut material out; I'll be reading the recent (2015) University of Nebraska Press translation, by Marie-Thérèse Noiset, which is the first unabridged English translation of the original 1895 work.
The Castle in Transylvania, first published in 1892, is thought by some to have been an inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula; it is Verne's attempt to play around with Gothic tropes, including the sometimes-forgotten Gothic trope of science intersecting with superstition. In a village in the Carpathian mountains of Transylvania, rumors are flying about the local castle, which the villagers think is haunted by a devil and the spirits of the dead. Dr. Patak, a freethinker, investigates and discovers more than he had ever imagined. Count Franz de Telek, also freethinking, decides to get to the bottom of it all in order to show these superstitious villagers the light of reason. But the Count is perhaps underestimating the darkness in human nature. And he is also forgetting that the advance of science makes the world weirder and more uncanny: by technological discoveries, the past can last into the future in unexpected ways, and people can be present where they are not, and to deal with this can be as harsh and difficult an adjustment as dealing with ghosts and devils. I know less about the translation history of this work, but I will be reading the most recent translation, the 2010 Melville House translation by Charlotte Mandell.
The works are not particularly long or difficult, but because I have fairly busy schedule the next several weeks, I'm not sure if this will be a normal fortnight or will actually stretch into three weeks.
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Neymar leaves training early complaining of ankle pains, say Brazilian Football Federation
Sophie Foggin
Article Updated: June 19, 2018
Brazil’s star player Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior has limped out of training today complaining of ankle pains, ahead of Brazil’s next group stage match against Costa Rica, which will take place this Friday 22nd June.
After being fouled 10 times in this Sunday’s match against Switzerland, in which Brazil’s selection drew 1-1, medics ruled him out of a full training schedule given his recently operated foot, which he broke in a February match against Marseille whilst playing for Paris Saint-Germain.
BREAKING: Neymar limps out of training three days before Brazil’s match against Costa Rica (? via @Esp_Interativo) pic.twitter.com/tciNSZ9kie
— B/R Football (@brfootball) 19 June 2018
“Neymar complained of ankle pains,” said Brazil medic Rodrigo Lasmar, via Twitter, “as a direct result of the amount of fouls he suffered against Switzerland. As training was restorative for team members, he was sent to physiotherapy. He will stay there today and tomorrow morning, and will train tomorrow afternoon.”
Naturally, his new pains have fans worried, after he missed the second half of the European Cup season recovering from an injury.
Following Sunday’s draw, there seems to be increasing amounts of pressure upon Neymar to ensure a victory for the team this Friday against Costa Rica.
Even ex-President Lula da Silva, who is currently in jail on corruption charges, indirectly criticised the team’s average performance.
“The first week of the World Cup proves Germany is not unbeatable and, among the top players, only Cristiano Ronaldo proved his value,” he wrote, in comments read out by a reporter on the ex-president’s Workers’ Party TV on Monday.
Ahead of Friday’s match against Costa Rica, the former President warned the team, “Be careful, because we all know one day the little David can defeat the giant Goliath.”
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Home/Watch How To Get Away With Murder Online
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The brilliant, charismatic and seductive Professor Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) gets entangled with four law students from her class “How to Get Away with Murder.” Little do they know that they will have to apply what they learned to real life, in this masterful, sexy, suspense-driven legal thriller from Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers, executive producers of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal.”
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Jul 11, 2019: Season 6 will be the last season of How To Get Away With Murder.
s5e15 Please Say No One Else Is Dead
Annalise and her team need to get to the truth before the truth gets them
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A law professor and four of her best students are drawn into a real-life murder conspiracy.
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s5e3 The Baby Was Never Dead
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s5e4 It's Her Kid
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s5e5 It Was the Worst Day of My Life
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s5e6 We Can Find Him
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s5e7 I Got Played
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s5e8 I Want to Love You Until the Day I Die
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s5e9 He Betrayed Us Both
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s5e10 Don't Go Dark on Me
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s5e11 Be the Martyr
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s5e13 Where are Your Parents?
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s5e14 Make Me the Enemy
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Update EDIT (5 Nov 2014): A multifaceted and complex plot with a dark soul that will seduce you with its promise of truth and leave you willing to sell your soul to the devil to get a glimpse of what may be a mere lie. The more I watch it the more I like it. All of the characters are developing as layered and flawed. Also, just as I think I know where a plot thread is going, it surprises me. If you are wanting to watch a courtroom based drama where the main thrust is just each case as it comes up, this may not be for you. **** Shonda has done it again! Gripping, suspenseful and off-beat. All of the characters were interesting, I want to know more about them. Already we have enough twists and turns to keep a country lane happy for several miles. I cannot wait to watch the next episode. This is one of the best pilot episodes I have seen in a long time. There isn't much I can say about the plot without giving spoilers, so I just encourage anyone who likes a twisty thriller to give it a go!
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Tag Archives: #fashionavenuenews
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HARLEM FASHION WEEK OPENING NIGHT GALA HONORS SOFIA DAVIS – EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF FASHION AVENUE NEWS, WED. 9-7-2016, 7-9PM
SOFIA DAVIS – EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF FASHION AVENUE NEWS MAGAZINE
Sofia Davis, Editor-in-Chief of the Global Luxury Brands, Fashion Avenue News, Model World, The FAN Daily, The Editors Council and The Fashion Impire, will receive the Cultural Icon Award at the Harlem Fashion Week Opening Night Gala Black Tie Event.
Ms. Davis has been instrumental in the rise of the independent magazine movement by creating Fashion Avenue News Magazine in 2011 which quickly grew into a global luxury fashion brand. Her focus is the independent and emerging fashion industry talent that has been overlooked by most mainstream publications. “I want to give the independent/emerging fashion talent a platform to grow, a foundation that is global, upscale, and displays their talent in a positive way to the world.”
Ms. Davis has taken Fashion Avenue News from 0-360,000 email & print subscribers. She also writes The FAN Daily – a fashion blog (www.btetv.wordpress.com) that brings you up to the minute fashion industry news from around the world. Building on the need for platforms for the independent talent, she created Model World Magazine, which focuses on emerging models in the fashion industry. She also created The Editors Council, a group of independent magazine publishers/editors that come together to help each other continue and grow their publications. The Editors Council is open to all levels of industry talent, on-line, print and blog publishers.
Ms. Davis has a long history in the Fashion Industry. She worked as Director of Models at the World Famous Apollo Theater for 10 years where she featured 15 models a week, handling hair and make up. While at the Apollo, she developed BTE TV (Beauty Television & Entertainment), which stated out as an public access show and went on to become a full channel of paid advertisements reaching over one million people. As the online media changed the TV environment, she took her fashion focused TV show on line and rebranded it Fashion Avenue News.
Ms. Davis says “I want to thank Yvonne Jewnell for recognizing my hard work in the fashion industry. It means a lot when people appreciate what you have spent a lifetime doing”. Thank you.
About Producer Yvonne Jewnell
Yvonne Jewnell New York is an award winning women’s wear company that creates clothing that promotes women empowerment and celebrates culture from across the globe. Owned by a mother-daughter team, YJNY create garments with an ethnically inspired message of overcoming obstacles and revitalizing strength.
Yvonne Jewnell New York has been worn by Lisa Price owner of Carol’s Daughter, Dixie Nichols, owner of Dixie Bits Bath and Body Products and style contributor for Bella Magazine, Dorcas Meyers, owner of Roc-A-Natural. And Celebrity Stylist J. Bolin has pulled Yvonne Jewnell’s garments for his clients.
Yvonne Jewnell New York has been featured in Fashion Avenue News Magazine, African Prints in Fashion, Zuvaa, Black to Business, Jamaica Gleaner, SHE Caribbean, Inside Outer Beauty and The Network Journal.
HARLEM FASHION WEEK OPENING NIGHT GALA
Harlem Fashion Week Opening Night Gala is a semi-formal invitation only event.
The theme is the 21st century Harlem Renaissance, we are requesting that attendees wear garments inspired by the Harlem Renaissance.
WHEN:Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
WHERE: 467 W 144th St, New York, NY 10031
Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (EDT) – Add to Calendar
Hamilton Landmark Galleries – 467 West 144th Street, New York, NY 10031 – View Map
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Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row is Ready to Kick Off New York Fashion Week™
Macy’s is ready to kick off New York Fashion Week and bring it closer to fans everywhere as Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row, a runway spectacle mixing music, fashion and compassion, hits the stage at The Theater at Madison Square Garden and television screens nationwide with a one-hour entertainment special. On Wednesday, Sep. 7 at 7:30 p.m., live from the capital of American fashion, Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row will open the exclusive doors to fashion’s biggest week with spectacular presentations of the fall season’s hottest looks and musical performances from superstars Ariana Grande and Flo Rida. The show will be hosted by Giuliana Rancic and Brad Goreski and is set to air nationwide on E!, Thursday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. In addition to the theatrical and television presentations, Macy’s will bring the glitz and glamour of fashion week to 25 markets nationwide via special in-store events featuring celebrity appearances, fashion presentations, and more.
Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row Kicks Off New York Fashion Week with Special Presentations of the Hottest Fall Fashions and Performances by Ariana Grande and Flo Rida
“Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row will bring the glamour and exclusivity of New York Fashion Week closer to audiences than ever before,” said Joe Feczko, executive producer of the Macy’s event. “Our national entertainment special on E! will open the doors to the masses, with electrifying musical performances and an incredible theatrical presentation of must-have designer looks. And once again, on the day of the broadcast, fans will be able to shop the show directly from the runway via our newly created website, macys.com/shoptheshow.”
“The excitement will extend to select Macy’s stores nationwide as we transport Fashion’s Front Row to cities across the country, delighting shoppers with an exclusive look at fall’s hottest fashions and special in-store celebrity appearances,” said Holly Thomas, group vice president, Special Events.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Macy’s to join E!’s expert fashion coverage with their incredible event highlighting the cultural importance of Fashion Week,” said Laura Molen, executive vice president, Lifestyle Advertising Sales, NBCUniversal. “Combining the power of the Macy’s brand and some of music’s hottest acts with E!’s social, engaged audience is a natural collaboration.”
Macy’s fashion week theatrical catwalk will feature sensational presentations of designs from I.N.C. International Concepts, Kenneth Cole, RACHEL Rachel Roy, Ryan Seacrest Distinction, Tallia, and Tommy Hilfiger. In addition, Justin Timberlake’s William Rast collection will be presented for the first-time-ever at a New York Fashion Week event. The runway firsts continue with the world-exclusive debut of Betsey Johnson xox Trolls, a special collection inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming feature film “Trolls,” which opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 4. Before the models hit the catwalk, their high-fashion beauty looks will be crafted and applied by the incredible artists of Lancôme, who will highlight the fall season’s must-have cosmetic palettes. Samsung, the global innovation leader in consumer electronics and mobile technology, is the event’s signature technology partner and will also showcase its fashionable line of smartwatches in a special catwalk presentation.
The glamorous spectacle would not be complete without amazing performances from the hottest acts in music. Set to ignite the stage with her smash hits, international pop sensation Ariana Grande will perform a selection of her chart-topping songs. A multi-platinum superstar, Grande’s music has ruled the charts, airwaves and dance floors in countries all over the world. Her latest album, Dangerous Woman, featuring the hit singles, “Dangerous Woman” and “Into You,” was released in late May to critical and commercial acclaim. Keeping the party at full blast, Flo Rida will also hit the stage pumping up the volume and the energy as he unleashes his monster hits on the audience. In just a few years, the Florida-born rapper has amassed an impressive slate of Top 10 hits, selling a remarkable 60 million singles worldwide; his most recent single, “My House,” is his latest No.1 smash.
Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row continues the company’s legacy of charitable giving. Macy’s is set to support the Council of Fashion Designers of America Foundation, Inc. and Ronald McDonald House New York, by contributing 100 percent of the purchase price, minus Ticketmaster and facility fees, of all tickets sold for the Sep. 7 live show at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
Tickets to Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row, priced at $55 and $80, are available at TICKETMASTER (ticketmaster.com or 866-858-0008) or in person at the Madison Square Garden Box Office. Ticketmaster orders are subject to service fees. All tickets include a $5 facility fee. Tickets for people with disabilities may be purchased through Ticketmaster, at the MSG Box Office or by calling MSG’s Disabled Services Department at (212) 465-6034.
Fans tuning in nationwide will receive their own VIP experience when Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row airs on E!, Thursday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. ET (check local listings). The broadcast, hosted by E!’s Giuliana Rancic and Brad Goreski, will include highlights and performances from the live show at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, in addition to behind-the-scenes elements hosted by E!’s Zuri Hall. As the looks come down the catwalk, fashionistas from coast-to-coast will be able to snag the must-have fashions as they shop the show via macys.com/shoptheshow.
Between Sept. 15 and Sept. 17, Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row will also extend to fabulous in-store events nationwide. Macy’s flagship locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City and San Francisco will host in-store celebrations featuring celebrity and designer appearances, special performances and fashion presentations, bringing the Fashion Week experience closer to style mavens. In addition, at 20 select locations, Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row-themed shopping parties will spread the glamour to more cities nationwide.
About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 734 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.
#ArianaGrande#coast-to-coast#E!#fashionavenuenews#FloRida#joefeczko#madisonsquaregarden#modelworldmagazine#nationwide#nationwidefashion#newyorkfashionweek#rapper#shopnow#THEFASHIONIMPIRE#ZuriHallCFDAfabulousmacy'sstylevogue
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Fashion Avenue News Magazine features SuperModel Kim Cornish on September Cover
Fashion Avenue News, Model World Magazine, The FAN Daily (www.btetv.wordpress.com) and The Fashion Impire, are Global Luxury Brands, featuring emerging and established Fashion Industry Talent. This month we have 3 amazing covers, here is the first…..
At Fashion Avenue News, we do not look at size, we look at fabulousity. We place plus size models on the same pages as straight size models, and we do not call them PLUS, we call them MODELS…. Because that is what they are MODELS…… When you attach a label to something you are putting it in a box…….
Check out our Beautiful, Classy, Comfortable In Her Own Skin, COVER MODEL Kim Cornish, shot by the one and only Steve Bennett and team, for our September issue. This Supermodel, works a bold, lively, hot off the shoulder print piece. She is classy, sophisticated and sexy all in one (Darling). She is wrapped in CONFIDENCE, the lady is FLAWLESS…..
If you are a Plus Model in the Fashion Industry, stop by Fashion Avenue News page, and subscribe to our daily fashion blog (The FAN Daily) http://www.btetv.wordpress.com. We are happy to feature you on our pages and coves. You have a home, a place where you are a MODEL, not a Plus Model…..
Editor-in-Chief, Sofia Davis of Fashion Avenue News says “Today, throw away the labels, stop calling yourself Plus, and start referring to yourself as a MODEL, because if you see yourself as a Model, so will everyone else“
We look forward to hearing from you, Models/Photographers, submit your photos by dropbox to EIC@fashionavenuenews.com, you can also email us with any questions at Submission@FashionAvenueNews.com
We are your Fashion Family, we are here for you. Like our page, Fashion Avenue News and subscribe to the FAN Daily www.btetv.wordpress.com
This SuperModel cover can be purchased at http://www.FashionAvenueNews.com
PC: Model: Kim Cornish, Makeup: Kia Rayford, Stylist: Toni Foster @ Critique Boutique, Post Production: Abdel Kebdani, Photographer: Steve Bennett
#fashionavenuenews#fashionweekbeautycatwalkcelebritiesclassycocktail dressentertainmentfabulousfashionFASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYluxuryny fashionstylesupermodelvogue
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My Body First Campaign Sounds a Rallying Cry for a Body Positive Shopping Experience
August 31, 2016 Fashion Avenue News Magazine Leave a comment
Plus size styling service Dia&Co highlights the need for a new approach
Today, plus size fashion start-up Dia&Co launched its debut campaign, My Body First, which explores women’s emotionally-charged shopping experiences — including those of Dia&Co Co-Founder and CEO Nadia Boujarwah. Through a powerful video and the release of new statistics, the campaign calls for an approach to shopping that celebrates and prioritizes women’s actual bodies.
Prior to creating the campaign, Dia&Co conducted new industry research and surveyed hundreds of women, with results revealing:
Only 22% of women reported feeling happy the last time they left a fitting room. 33% reported feeling significantly worse when leaving than when they entered.
On average, nearly 75% of the clothes a woman tries on do not fit her body.
America’s largest clothing retailers only offer 29% of new styles to women above a size 14.
“At Dia&Co, we believe that style can spark self-love,” said Boujarwah. “But currently, many shopping trips create the opposite effect — leaving us disheartened rather than inspired. And too often, these experiences cause us to blame our bodies rather than celebrate them. The system is broken, and it’s time for a radical change.”
Founded in 2014 by Boujarwah and her Harvard Business School classmate Lydia Gilbert, Dia&Co has been building a truly body-positive shopping experience:
Personalization: Each Dia&Co customer receives uniquely curated boxes of clothing selected by a dedicated stylist to fit her body, her budget, and her style. Customers like the approach: Dia&Co has experienced 35x revenue growth over the past 12 months.
Fit Technology: It’s a common frustration that standard sizing varies considerably between brands. Dia&Co has developed a proprietary approach to assessing a garment’s true fit to greatly reduce this pain point.
Accessibility: By working directly with top brands and up-and-coming designers, Dia&Co has built a deep and diverse inventory assortment, ensuring that each customer has access to a variety of high quality, fashion-forward clothing that fits her style, no matter what her size.
To learn more about Dia&Co, visit http://www.dia.co or watch thousands of unboxing videos on YouTube. To join the conversation, use #mybodyfirst and follow Dia&Co on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @diaandco.
Key Findings from Dia&Co Shopping Satisfaction Study:
22% of women reported feeling happy the last time they left a fitting room.
33% of women reported that the last time they left a fitting room, they felt significantly worse when than when they entered the fitting room.
On average, women reported that 74% of the clothing items that they try on in a fitting room do not fit them.
Women who wear sizes 14+ try on 24% fewer items of clothing in fitting rooms (4.97 items) than women who wear sizes 0-12 (6.53 items).
Of the clothing that was tried on, a larger percentage did not fit women who wear sizes 14+ (77% of items) compared to women who wear sizes 0-12 (72% of items).
Women aged 18-24 tried on the most items of clothing of any age group (9.84 items per shopping trip).
Women aged 55-65 tried on the fewest items of clothing of any age group (3.30 items per shopping trip), but also reported the smallest percentage of clothing that fit (21.15%).
The Dia&Co Shopping Satisfaction Study surveyed 675 American women aged 18 to 65 years old between the dates of August 17-25, 2016. As part of the survey, women self-identified as wearing sizes 0-12 (59% of respondents) or sizes 14+ (41% of respondents).
About Dia&Co:
Dia&Co is a body-positive shopping experience exclusively for women who wear sizes 14+. The service connects each customer with a stylist who sends her personalized, curated boxes of clothing selected to fit her body, her budget, and her style. Founded in 2014 by Harvard Business School classmates Nadia Boujarwah and Lydia Gilbert, the company’s mission is to spark radical self-love through style. Based in New York City, Dia&Co has attracted a dedicated and diverse customer base crossing all 50 states. For more information, visit http://www.dia.co.
Nadia Boujarwah is the Co-Founder and CEO of Dia&Co, a body-positive shopping experience for women who wear sizes 14 and up. Dia&Co stylists work with top brands – from industry staples to up-and-coming young designers – to provide each customer with curated looks to suit their unique style and shape.
Two years ago, Nadia was driven to found Dia&Co by the belief that style can act as a catalyst for self-love. Through Dia&Co’s vibrant community this belief is reinforced every day. Nadia is continually inspired by women looking and feeling beautiful in clothes they were told they couldn’t or shouldn’t wear; embracing the body they have today – and dressing for it. Dia&Co was founded to support these women, and to help every woman find clothes that make her feel uniquely her.
Prior to founding Dia&Co, Nadia worked as an investment banker at Perella Weinberg Partners and most recently served as COO and CFO of New York-based jewelry brand Frieda and Nellie. Nadia holds a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School. With a Cuban mother and Kuwaiti father, Nadia hails from both Miami and the Middle East, and is currently based in New York.
#BOUJARWAH#DIA&CO#FABULOUSARLINGFABULOUS#fashionavenuenews#FITTECHNOLOGY#HARVARDBUSINESSCHOOL#MYBODYFIRST#PLUSSIZE#PLUSSIZEMODEL#SHOPPING#START-UP#THEFASHIONIMPIREEMOTIONALLYCHARGEDSHOPPINGfabulous
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30 GLOBAL LEADERS IN FASHION INDUSTRY TO SPEAK OUT IN MOSCOW
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – A model walks the runway at the Julia Dalakian fashion show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Russia FW 16/17 at Manege in Moscow, Russia
Fashion Futurum Conference is to be a platform for both Russian and international industry leaders, visionaries and key fashion players to share their experiences and views on the current state of fashion industry around the world and its role as a driver of creative economy. It could help to revolutionize the Russian fashion economy which should play the significant role on USD 60 billion textile and apparel market in Russia. Alexander Shumsky, founder of the Fashion Futurum and President of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia, is addressing this problem with 9 panel sessions. A separate topic for each panel session will be discussed. Topics include new educational standards, government support of the industry, innovative and sustainable production, new technologies, role of fashion clusters, importance of creative process in fashion business, young talents and independent brands, the future of fashion weeks, etc.
Among the speakers of the Conference:
Mario Boselli (Honorary President of Camera Nazionale Della Moda Italiana), Carlo Capasa (President of Camera Nazionale Della Moda Italiana), Nadya Valeva (President of European Fashion Council), Ignacio Sierra (President of European Branded Clothing Alliance EBCA, Belgium; Director General of Grupo Cortefiel, Spain), Stefan Siegel (Founder & CEO of Not Just A Label, Great Britain), Sara Maino (Head of Vogue Talents, Italy), Mauro Galligari (Founder & CEO of Studiozeta, Italy), Lars Byrresen Petersen (Digital Director of Visionaire, France), Covadonga O’Shea (Founder, ISEM Fashion Business School, best-selling author, Spain), Danit Peleg (Fashion Designer, Israel), Dr. Amanda Parkes (Chief of Technology & Research, Manufacture NY, USA), Filippo Ceroni (CEO of Grazia Bagnaresi, Italy), Danilo Venturi (Dean of Polimoda, Italy), Barbara Trebitsch (Head of Fashion School of Domus Academy, Italy), Sara Azzone (Istituto Europeo Di Design Moda Milan Director, Italy), Eddie Mullon (CEO of Launchmetrics, Founder of Fashion GPS, USA), Craig Arend (Fashion photographer, consultant, Virtual Reality expert, USA), Carl Waldekranz (CEO of Tictail, Sweden), Kaat Debo (Director & curator, Mode Museum Antwerpen, Belgium), Dr. Kate Bethune, (Senior Fashion Researcher, Victoria & Albert Museum, Great Britain), Piia Lehtinen (President of the Board of Design District Helsinki, Finland).
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – A model walks the runway at the Julia Dalakian fashion show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Russia
#FABULOUSARLINGFABULOUS#FACBOOK#fashionavenuenews#fashionweek#FUR#INDEPENDENTMAGAZINE#LIKE#MBFW#MOSCOW#RUSSIA#STORY#WORKDARLINGWORKinstagrammagazinemodelsstylevogue
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Elsa Schiaparelli Couture
The Solar Circus or Heavenly Bodies »
” They have burdens round or square
drums and golden tambourines
Apes and bears wise animals
gather coins as they progress.”
Elsa Schiaparelli marvelled in the art of the oxymoron. A silhouette of pure, sharp contour is transcended by a vision of the ordinary becoming spectacular. It reveals a strong woman with Parisian allure and cosmopolitan fantasy. Today is about defining the essence of a style in fostering the paradoxes of such an eclectic personality.
The famous Circus, collection created for the summer 1938, led this new season’s heavenly parade to focus on the idea of sheen, light and colours enhancing the body. Haute Couture and the circus both crystallize poise, precision and sparkle – add imagination and an enchanting world comes to life. Grace and strength, like the feminine and the masculine, are paired in a subtle balance where women are confident with their seduction.
The Schiaparelli jacket becomes architectural. Graphic shoulder lines refer to the Constructivist aesthetic. Shocking pink, navy or black tuxedos and jumpsuits morph verticality with femininity. Lightness, transparency, draping and fluidity dazzle with tension when the fabric swirls around the body with daring sensuality.
Shiny brocade, silk lamé and iridescent pané velvet refer to a grand attitude where restrained elegance plays with shorts and slits. Bejewelled dress-straps echo Calder’s Circus. The incandescent suns of the place Vendôme shine bright on jackets and gowns. The harlequin motif is reconstructed into a multi-colored embroidered dégradé. Circus’ stars inspire a milky way in which the house codes such as the pierced heart and the padlock are transformed into a new mythological constellation.
#ElsaSchiaparelli#fashionavenuenews#fashionweekCouturemagazinenyfashionweekstyle
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This Magic Moment – Catch My Lash (Darling)
http://www.TheFashionImpire.com
What happens when you get 10 powerful entrepreneurs on a panel in front of an inquisitive audience?
Solutions are found, that’s what happens.
I believe no matter what the problem, there is a solution.
I’m one for Networking. I was invited to “Catch My Lash” Beauty Event in Brooklyn on Saturday by my fellow Editor-in-Chief magazine owner, Ese of Enspire Magazine. The event was held at Brooklyn Exposure, 1401 Bedford Avenue, produced by Blanch. As most of you know, I don’t know Brooklyn and did not know if I would know anyone else there, but I went anyway, Googling my way along.
Upon arrival, I’m surprised by how many people I know and the professional set up. There were vendors and food, my kind of place. The surprise came when the panel started…
Each panelist introduced themselves, Supermodel Angela- of QVC, Boss Lady Wendy Isaac – Style the Wave, Ese of Enspire Magazine, Chefs, Make Up Manufacturers, Fashion Designers and more.
There were questions and answers, and then an audience member asked the critical question “Why Should Someone Patronize Your Businesses?” I had the perfect answer.
Why should someone purchase or read Fashion Avenue News Magazine or read our FAN Daily Fashion Blog.
Fashion Avenue News Magazine was created because years ago a model went to an Agency Open House and they told her she would NEVER MAKE IT IN THE MODELING BUSINESS. The model came to my office in TEARS. I was angry. I don’t feel that anyone should ever tell someone they cannot make it. My anger created Fashion Avenue News Magazine, a foundation for independent fashion industry talent, to have a platform and a place. We welcome everyone, as long as they are FABULOUS. Age, Height, Weight, Size, never determine if you can appear on our pages. We are here for you; we are your fashion family.
More conversation ensured and we came to the conclusion that we need to work harder to support each other businesses. It starts with you. Think of where you spend your money. If you are a small business, really think, because you can help other businesses stay in business by purchasing from them.
Change starts with YOU. If you want something different, you have to do something different.
It was wonderful sitting on the panel with these ladies as they were extremely inspirational. When you have a business and you’re under pressure or stress, it’s good to know there are other businesses owners that feel the same way, you are not in this by yourself, don’t feel alone. We are all working to keep our businesses afloat.
One thing I explained on the panel, I am You, I have no special SuperPower, I’m working hard on my business just like the next magazine, fashion designer or makeup artists. We chose this profession and no one said it would be easy, but nothing brings you happiness like having your own.
We can make it, if we do it together.
“Catch My Lash” is an annual business, beauty event featuring business and fashion. Stop by Brooklyn Exposure 1401 Bedford Avenue and purchase some food or have a drink. These businesses are in your community. They can’t stay if we don’t support them.
Here are some of the businesses that were there:
LMB Haute Couture, Queen Diva, Celebrity Wendy Isaac, Enspire Magazine, Catch My Lash, Fashion Avenue News, TheFashionImpire.com, Crystal Carmen of Pink Stiletto, Johntines Boutique, Nikki Latty Beauty, Top Line Divas presents BeYOUtiful Curves Fashion Show Oct. 2 in Philly, for more info 484-816-6853, Ms. Full figured USA Pageant Auditions MsFullFiguredUSA@gmail.com
Bianca M Williams -Director of B Pretty inc, B Pretty Lashes , B Pretty Glam Factory our physical location and Co-Host of Pretty, Styled and Beautiful
-Angela Perymon- QVC Model, Mua , tld
-Wendy Isaac- international entrepreneur
-Tia Jackson- Johntinesboutique owner
-Chef Danielle Moore- known Chef and apron designer
– Crystal Carmen Pink Stilletos Cosmetics- Cosmetic Line
-Natassia Constantine- fashion designer for LMB Haute
– performance Sonja Freeman- Queen Diva – Singer
-Michelle Lawson- hosts of TV Treasures, model, actress, real Estate agent
-Wanda hall- Mua
-Eddie Jones ( Bobby) – TNOS , entrepreneur, fashion show director, artist
-Jeannie James Co-Host @prettystyledandbeautiful & MUA , jewelry expert
– Brooklyn Exposure- Venue
– Karen – international Mua
(Please like our page, Fashion Avenue News and follow our daily fashion blog, www.btetv.wordpress.com)
#BePrettyLashes#bPrettyGlamFactory#Brooklynexposure#enspiremagazine#fashionavenuenews#lmbHaute#PinkStilletosCosmetics#queendiva#TVTreasuresbeautyfashionmagazineMUA
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Materials by tag Microsoft
Microsoft Excel Integrates Bitcoin Symbol into Spreadsheet
Sooner or later, Microsoft Corporation, a Washington-based multinational technology firm, that develops, produces, licenses, supports and sells PC software, consumer electronics, personal PCs, and other correlated services, will make some changes so that people can use the Bitcoin symbol in Excel spreadsheets when recording information. The technology giant is aware that Bitcoin’s reputation is rapidly growing globally compared to other currencies. However, the company decided to first feature just one leading cryptocurrency by market capitalization, and which is Bitcoin in this case.
Starbucks Partners with Microsoft to Use Blockchain
The Seattle-based giant Starbucks is exploring the Azure Blockchain Cloud Service from Microsoft to track coffee. The partnership will also use other major innovative technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), cryptocurrency, etc., to strengthen its bean-to-cup and further resolve prevailing problems in various sections of services.
Why do You Need Microsoft MCSA SQL Server 2012/2014 Certification and 70-461 Exam?
In the past, individuals, groups and corporations would use books to record and manage data. Depending on the nature of the project or initiative someone, every piece of information could end up being recorded by a pen or a typewriter for future reference.
A Race for Blockchain: IBM, Microsoft, Lenovo explore DLT
Blockchain, cryptocurrency, and other innovative techs have significant disruptive potential. Within the course of time, this fact becomes obvious not only for community enthusiasts but also for traditional industry players. That is probably the major reason for world electronic bulls to explore the innovative possibilities to boost their own progress.
Windows Defender to Block Unauthorized Cryptomining Operations
The fintech statistics show that cryptocurrency mining, though a hit on the financial markets, has started to evolve many concerns. Microsoft has recently published research presenting the fact that cryptocurrency mining has become the top instrument for malware attacks, in particular after the rapid increase of Bitcoin price experienced in 2017.
Microsoft to Use Tech behind Bitcoin in its Decentralized IDs App
Microsoft has announced in an official post that the company will embrace decentralized identity systems built on blockchains such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. One of the main corporations on the financial market will support blockchain-based decentralized IDs (DIDs) via the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Koles Coin News: Cryptocurrency News Videos, Dec 26
This video is brought to you by CoinIdol.com in partnership with Koles Coin News Channel
Nov 29, 2016 at 20:00
Koles Coin News Videos: Daily Digest, Nov 29
IBM, Microsoft and Sberbank At The Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference Russia
Tomorrow, November 10, 2016 Moscow will host annual Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference Russia. Representatives of IBM, Microsoft, Qiwi, Sberbank and two dozens of other brands will present their views on Blockchain development to more than 500 participants.
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Travel > Nearby >
Charlottetown PEI Nearby: Cavendish / Park Corner
This community has been well-described in the works of Lucy Maud Montgomery in "Anne of Green Gables" and "Anne of Avonlea." Montogery came to Cavendish with she was 21 months old to live with her maternal grandparents after her mother died. The author died in Toronto in 1942, but is buried in Cavendish Cemetary.
Park Corner was settled in 1775 by James Townsend and his family, who named it after his former home in Berkshire England. Lucy Maud Montgomery was one of Townsend's descendants.
In the waters off Cavendish lies the wooden sailing shop Marco Polo. She set a world speed record in 1852 from Liverpool, England to Melbourne Australia, only to run aground in an 1883 gale.
Around Stanley Bridge, southwest on Highway 6 is an area with scenic inlets and inland fishing on the Trout and Stanley Rivers. a small picturesque village cradled peacefully at the junction of Stanley River and New London Bay. Called Fyfe's Ferry until 1865, Stanley Bridge enjoyed a closely-knit and self-sufficient community with moderate shipbuilding prosperity from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century. The Stanley Bridge wharf is also a popular stepping-off point for tuna fishing charters. The communities here also are known for their lobster dinners, served in the community halls of New Glasgow and St Ann.
Business listings for Cavendish
Business listings for Park Corner
Here are some of the attractions in and around Cavendish / Park Corner:
Cavendish Flea Market
Route #6, across from Sand Spit
Season: Summer Only
The Enchanted Lands
Highway 6 2 km west of junction with Highway 13
This theme parks includes 50 animated storybook characters in 15 scenes. Also a reproduction of King Tut's tomb and treasures, plus a museum of the strange and unusual. Two mini-gold courses, one indoors under black lights and one outdoors in a forest setting. Open daily from mid-June to Mid-September from 10 am to 10 pm. Admission fee. Golf charges are separate.
The Great Island
Site Of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish Home
Rte 6, at Cavendish
(902) 963-2231;
L. M. M. Homestead, her home from 1876 to 1911, with the beautiful fields, gardens, lanes, old trees surround this hallowed ground where Montgomery was raised by her grandparents, Alexander and Lucy Macneill. This is where she wrote Anne of Green Gables and still captures the essence of the Cavendish she knew and loved. Bookstore/museum on premises houses original desk, scales, crown stamp used in their Cavendish Post Office. Open June 1 to mid-Oct, 10 am-5 pm. July and Aug, 9 am-7 pm. $2 adults, $1 children 16 and under, preschoolers free.
The Great Island Science And Adventure Park
On Rte 6, 3 km west of The Cavendish Boardwalk. (Stanley Bridge)
telephone (902) 886-2252; off-season (902) 836-3883;
Open mid-June to Labour Day, 10 am-6 pm. Adults and teens $6.95, children 6-12 years and adults over 60 years $5.95, preschoolers $2, under 2 free.
Anne Of Green Gables Museum At Silver Bush
Rte 20, Park Corner
telephone (902) 436-7329/886-2884;
These beautiful grounds at the old Campbell homestead overlook the Lake of Shining Waters that inspired L. M. Montgomery. View many artifacts pertaining to L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables.. Open May 20-Oct 20. May, 11 am-4 pm; June and Sept, 9 am-5 pm; July and Aug, 9 am-6 pm; Oct, 10 am-4 pm. Tours available in the off season. $2.35 adults, $0.75 children, $6 family rate.
Green Gables House
Route 13,Cavendish
Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1942)
Author of Anne of Green Gables, this was the first in a series of novels which cast a romantic glow over her native province and gained for her international fame as the creator of "one of the most loveable children in English fiction."
Anne Of Green Gables Society
Box 491, Avonlea, C0B 1M0. (Kensington)
telephone (902) 436-7329; toll-free 1-800-665-2663;
The Anne of Green Gables Society celebrates the spirit of "Anne," and the life of L. M. Montgomery. Benefits include: Kindred Spirits magazine, membership card and Anne of Green Gables products.
Anne Of Green Gables Store
Rte 6. Located in the train station, Avonlea Village,
telephone (902) 963-3307;
Offers a selection of all things "Anne." You'll find dolls, clothing, books, posters, plates, and our line of delicious "Anne" preserves. Open June-Sept.
Lucy Maud Montgomery Heritage Museum
On Rte 20, Park Corner (Blue Heron Drive)
telephone (902) 886-2807/2752;
Guided tours relate history of this site from 1775. Antiques owned by seven generations, including Senator Donald Montgomery, Lucy Maud's grandfather. Many articles here made famous by the author in her "Anne" books. "Magog" (green-and-white china dog), "Rosebud-Spray Tea-Set", Grandfather Clock, China Fruit Basket, Pulpit Stone, etc. L. M. Montgomery-autographed First Editions. "Alpine Path" to lake. Open June-Sept, daily. Adults, $2.50; children free
Rte 6, Cranberry Village, Cavendish
This museum includes an exciting collection of wonders and curiosities, including a 20-ft. section of the Berlin Wall, a Jurassic-sized Stegosaurus skeleton, the 4-ft. jade-carved ship to the painted bat. The newly renovated museum features over 200 exhibits in 12 galleries with 10 video screens and a 23-ft. rock-climbing wall. Fun for all! Bring your camera. Open May 24-Sept 29. June and Sept, 9:30 am-5:30 pm; July-Aug, 9 am-10 pm. Ticket sales close one hour prior to closing time. Special combo rates with adjacent Mariner's Cove Miniature Golf.
The 40-acre amusement park is Atlantic Canada's largest privately owned fun park,. with three boating lakes, six types of boats, many rides, five waterslides, Splash Pad, live and animated shows, gift shops, games room, food outlets, etc. Only mono-rail and dark ride in Eastern Canada. Playport. Kennels available on site. Catering available for groups. Tuesday Evening Frolic Shows, and Fiddlers & Followers the first weekend in August (additional charge). Open June 8-Sept 2, Mon-Sat, 9 am-8 pm; Sun, 11 am-8 pm. Hours will vary in early June and late Aug, and could be affected by weather. $12 adults, $11 seniors, $10 children, children 5 and under free. Tax included in rates.
Sandspit Amusements Ltd
Rte 6, Cavendish.
Various first class rides including the Cyclone roller-coaster , Can-Am racers, 60-ft. ferris wheel, carousel, bumper-boats, tilt-a-whirl, scrambler, train, bumper-cars, Rok' 'n' Roll, miniature golf and seven children's attractions. Canteen and picnic facilities available. Ride restrictions apply. Can-Am racers sold separately. Open mid-June through Labour Day. All-day bracelet packages or pay-as-you-go. No admission charge to grounds.
Use mouse to drag/move map. Click on "+" or "-" to zoom in or out. "Satellite" combines map & photo.
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SJVNL had undertaken construction works of 252 MW Devsari Hydro-power Project
Dehradun:- Chairman & Managing Director of Satluj Jal Vidhyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) RP Singh called on Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna at his residence on Tuesday and presented a cheque of Rs. 50 lakh as donation for Chief Minister Relief Fund. Mr. Singh said that SJVNL would extend all possible help to the State Government in its bid to provide relief to the disaster affected people in the hour of distress.
Chief Minister Bahuguna said that State Government was putting all effort to provide relief to the calamity hit people and all the organizations and every individual coming forward to help them were welcomed. He appreciated SJVNL for its social gesture and hoped that it would work in the field of power to make the state self sufficient. He said that the State Government believed in constructing hydro-power projects balancing both development process and preservation of environment.
Mr. Singh apprised the CM that SJVNL had undertaken construction works of 252 MW Devsari Hydro-power Project, 60 MW Natwar-Mori Hydro-power Project at Uttarkashi and 51 MW Jakhol- Sankhri Hydro-power Project. He said that the Corporation was also engaged in hydro-power projects in Manipur, Himachal Pradesh and foreign countries like Nepal and Bhutan. Also present on the occasion were Director (Civil) RN Mish, Director (Finance) AS Bindra and Director (Personnel) Nandlal Sharma amongst others.
Later, Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited Managing Director GP Patel visited Chief Minister along with Secretary Energy SS Sandhu and discussed about the present condition of power in the State. Mr. Bahuguna stating that there was shortage of power production in the State, laid emphasis on expediting under-construction hydro-power projects. He said that the Centre would be approached for projects delayed due to Forest Act. He said that State Government would extend all possible assistance to agencies working in the field of power production.
UJVNL Managing Director said that owing to natural calamity there was shortage in power production in the state. Nevertheless, he said, UJVNL has produced 5261.825 million unit power as against the set target of 4760 MU in 2011-12 which was highest in Corporation history since inception of the state.
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Car Insurance Alloy Wheels Vauxhall
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Home CAN Exclusives Law-Firm Giants Aim to Silence Judge Roy Moore
Law-Firm Giants Aim to Silence Judge Roy Moore
Judge Roy Moore's 2017 Senate campaign was hit hard by accusations of sexual impropriety. Details of the deep nature of added campaign slander tactics are being exposed, and a fraud investigation by the state of Alabama is possible. (AP file photo)
Judge Roy Moore of Alabama said that the $billion law firm Covington & Burling wages a politically motivated crusade against him that is part of a perpetual, super-funded strategy to advance leftist causes nationally.
Covington represents Leigh Corfman, who accused Moore of sexual molestation incidents that she said took place 40 years ago. The accusations are seen as decisive in causing Moore’s loss to liberal Democrat Doug Jones.
The embattled former candidate for U.S. Senate exposed Covington as proof of the legal empowerment arrayed against him while he seeks to clear his name from sexual misconduct accusations launched to destroy his campaign last year.
The Size of the Giant
Covington, and other politically connected mega-firms, use their charitable and pro-bono (meaning unpaid) legal representation to impact national politics, according to Moore.
“This is certainly a giant law firm,” Moore said in an announcement to his supporters last week. It “is not only wealthy but also very powerful and politically influential.”
Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is a partner at Covington from before the Obama Administration, and he returned to what Moore characterized as an 11th-floor corner office after leaving the Obama Administration in 2015.
Covington employs more than 1,000 attorneys and as many more support personnel in more than a dozen offices, eight of them in foreign countries. Also, if 2017 is typical, it brings in about a $billion revenue annually.
The prestigious international law firm Covington & Burling moved recently to their new location in a strategically positioned complex in the center of Washington DC, with a view of the White House. (Bookmarc photo)
“It was not coincidental that when Leigh Corfman accused me of sexual molestation dating back 40 years, only 32 days before the Alabama special election for the U.S. Senate, that Covington & Burling stepped forward to represent her pro bono,” Moore said.
Legal Tactics
“In fact, one of their New York attorneys briefed her for seven hours for her first appearance on national television after her story appeared in the Washington Post,” he added.
Covington linked up with the Alabama firm, Lightfoot, Franklin & White, a comparatively major firm operating locally, to bring Corfman’s defamation action, suing Moore simply because he denied her accusations.
According to Moore, they proceeded to create a mountain of legal documentation that he has to answer for: a 29-page complaint, an 80-page exhibit document, 15 videos and discovery requests totaling 59 more pages.
“For a half-hour scheduling conference at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Covington flew in lawyers from New York and California who were joined by two lawyers from the Lightfoot firm,” Moore said.
That’s “four high-powered lawyers for a routine hearing!” he added. “In my opinion they are attempting to bury me under a mountain of litigation to ensure that I am never heard from again after my defeat for the office of United States Senator.”
Their True Aims
Lightfoot is familiar to Moore, as the firm that years ago hounded him in pursuit of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s complaint because he opposes same-sex marriage.
The politics that resulted in Moore’s removal from office as Alabama’s Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court continues to hound him now, that much is plain.
These are . . . [an] ORCHESTRATED attempt to silence my opposition to their liberal agenda
The tactics are repeated on a national scale, according to Moore, who noted he is not alone in exposing them.
U.S. Court of Appeals Chief Judge for the Second Circuit Dennis Jacobs questioned if pushing social and political agendas through the courts by mega law firms actually served the public good. He did so in 2008, 10 years ago.
Legal commentator Mark Pulliam pointed to “pro-bono programs” as running parallel to liberal progressive causes, creating an unfair policy of promoting left-wing goals hidden under euphemisms such as “social justice.”
The Center for Reproductive Rights received support help from Covington in their litigation causes for the abortion industry. In California, this included blocking their Proposition 8 definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
Moore said they pretend it is not political, and though criticized for their obvious liberal bias in the use of charitable pro-bono work, press on anyway unchecked.
In his case, this even means a so-called charitable, read: tax sheltered, crusade to permanently silence Moore, a political target.
“These are not mere coincidences, but a well planned and orchestrated attempt to silence my opposition to their liberal agenda,” Moore said.
Alabama senate race
counter-suit
Covington & Burling
Judge Roy Moore
Leigh Corfman
liberal agenda
progressive agenda
Roy Moore campaign
slander suit
standing for truth
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Equality Act Puts Homosexuals, Transgenders, Over Churches
Holy See Grows Blind to LGBTQ Sin, Warns Catholic Leader
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Top 25 Albums of 2019 (So Far)
The inspiring story of 2019 has been musical breakthroughs at every turn
Top 25 Albums So Far, 2019 Mid-Year Report
Page 1Page 2Page 3Page 4Page 5
Half of 2019 is nearly in the bank, and one word screams out to me above all others: breakthrough. In some cases, that can mean a young artist living up to all the hype heaped on them upon arrival. (Um, we’re looking at you in particular, Billie Eilish.) It can also signify a promising artist finally reaching the end of that star-bound trajectory we knew they belonged on all along (Jamila Woods, Lizzo, or Tyler, the Creator, anyone?). However, breakthroughs can also come from veterans — even some of our favorite artists — who achieve new levels of success and artistry after being in the game for a number of years (paging the remarkable Sharon Van Etten).
A slew of breakthroughs can make for one helluva inspiring year. To see so many artists coming into their own and reaching new levels of artistry can inspire all of us to believe that we’re only scratching the surface of our capabilities, only a twist of fate or a few more drops of sweat removed from a truly rich harvest, or only one last epiphany, push, or night’s sleep from realizing our creative visions and dreams. So many of the 25 albums here make us feel that way about music, ourselves, and life. If that’s going to be the legacy of 2019, I can’t wait to hear what happens next.
–Matt Melis
Head to Consequence of Sound Radio on TuneIn to listen to all our favorite music released this year!
25. Better Oblivion Community Center – Better Oblivion Community Center
Origin: Los Angeles, California
The Gist: Supreme keepers of my melancholic malaise (and mostly likely yours, too) Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst joined hands once again in 2019 to surprise almost all of us with a brand-new band and a self-titled debut that plunges the depths of isolation, alienation, and maybe a better tomorrow. While this writer writhes at the very thought of even the slightly unexpected, she cannot count Better Oblivion Community Center’s beguiling collection of deftly designed, tender folk-rock among that list.
Why It Rules: Ten days deep into following BOCC cross country on their first-ever tour this spring, I found myself alone in a crowd of Austinites, together worshipping at the altar of folk’s finest heroes. Each night, I licked my lips for every last drop of communion poured at their sonic sermon. Each night, I watched two kindred souls come together in flawless introspective polyphony. It is this very harmony, coupled with signature sharp lyricism and marvelously grimy guitar riffs, that drives Better Oblivion’s self-titled to the top of 2019. The internal friction divulged from song to song is augmented here not by dueling duets spawned from differing approaches to songwriting. Instead, Bridgers and Oberst croon together, traversing the instinctive introspection of what it is to be sad as one. The result is a record that doesn’t beg its listeners to shed their dejection, like many on this list do, but offers a cathartic shoulder to lean on — a musical milk thistle for melancholia to help us cut through the noise. –Irene Monokandilos
24. Pivot Gang – You Can’t Sit with Us
Origin: Chicago, Illinois
The Gist: SABA should be the next household name that emerges from the thriving Chicago rap scene. In a time where much of the most popular hip-hop sounds stuck in the same groove and gets pushed on listeners in Costco bulk units, SABA and fellow Pivot Gang members prove that rap full of subtlety, nuance, and honest storytelling will never go out of style. Joined by family, friends, and local guests like Mick Jenkins, SABA and co. flaunt the power of Chicago’s Westside on You Can’t Sit with Us.
Why It Rules: Let’s keep it as real as a slice of deep dish (fuck that fold-able NY pie) and throw in a Bulls metaphor because … when in sweet home Chicago. We’ve seen SABA play Pippen to Chance the Rapper’s Jordan and drop 60 on his own sophomore game-changer, 2018’s Care for Me, but now he’s proving to be “just like Mike” by taking his Windy City brethren along for the championship ride. And You Can’t Sit with Us boasts so much more than just its most famous member dishing (not dropping) dimes for easy layups. On top tracks like “Colbert” and “Mortal Kombat”, others are playing the role of floor general and make telling these tales of turmoil and triumph look as smooth as a proper full-court weave. Again, SABA should be the next household name out of Chicago, but Pivot Gang proves he sure as hell shouldn’t be the last. –Matt Melis
23. Julia Jacklin – Crushing
Origin: Sydney, Australia
The Gist: Most people deal with a breakup by dyeing their hair and listening to “Suzanne” on repeat for six months. Instead of that, Julia Jacklin responded to her own decoupling by decamping to the Australian bush and crafting one of 2019’s best albums. On her sophomore record, Crushing, Jacklin emerges from the chrysalis of a failed relationship with a collection of songs that interrogate romantic grief and renewed autonomy while simultaneously reclaiming and reacclimating to the liberty of being unattached.
Why It Rules: Even when taken as a part of Australia’s recent boomlet of confessional female rockers (including 2018 standouts Camp Cope and 2019 contenders Alex Lahey and Stella Donnelly), Jacklin’s work walks its own path; the best songs on Crushing are equally adept at sketching scenes with the detail of a diorama (“Body,” “When the Family Flies In”) as they are at offering diaristic deconstructions of everything from self-care culture (“Pressure to Party”) to well-meaning advice (“Convention”) to men with boundary issues (“Head Alone”). Affirmational without ever falling into the trap of anthemic platitudes, Crushing aptly captures the messy but rewarding process of resetting your life and rewriting your rules. –Tyler Clark
22. American Football – LP3
Origin: Urbana, Illinois
The Gist: When Mike Kinsella announced the reunion show of his seminal emo band American Football in 2014, it felt like a rare gift, a chance for latter-day fans to make a pilgrimage for a band whose legend had grown exponentially after they released a single masterpiece and promptly disappeared. When a new album came two years later, it brought with it a certain wariness; could Kinsella ever hope to match, let alone surpass, that first instant legend? The band’s LP2 answered that question with a resounding affirmative and also set up the story line for the understated triumph of LP3. No longer promising upstarts or a longed-for nostalgia act or even a high-profile comeback story, American Football finally had the chance to be something it hadn’t been since 1998: a band with no expectations.
Why It Rules: If American Football’s debut acted as a guidebook for navigating Gen X’s particular brand of twentysomething turn-of-the-millennium angst, their latest album does the same for the existential weariness that accompanies the move to middle age. Over the course of eight shimmering tracks, Kinsella [along with guest vocalists Elizabeth Powell (Land of Talk), Hayley Williams (Paramore), and Rachel Goswell (Slowdive)] offers gentle contemplation on life’s shittiest milestones, from repeating the mistakes of your parents (“Uncomfortably Numb”) to the inexorable loss — whether through death (“Mine to Miss”) or disillusion (“Doom in Full Bloom) – that waits at the end of every happy ending. –Tyler Clark
21. Lady Lamb – Even in the Tremor
Origin: Brunswick, Maine
The Gist: Three times the charm, indeed. Four years after dazzling us with her sophomore record, 2015’s After, Aly Spaltro returns with her most autobiographical record to date, Even in the Tremor. Under the guidance of ex-Bowie producer Erin Tonkon, Spaltro unlocks her inner anxieties over 11 tracks that soar with volume. No kidding. As she’s wont to do, Spaltro swims over a thousand words, all of which carry a dusty trail of experience and wisdom. It’s also fitting that the album finds her back on her original label, Ba Da Bing Records, as this record feels like a 360 of sorts. A new beginning, if you will.
Why It Rocks: For as hyper-literate as Spaltro can be, her true divinity dwells in her vocals. It’s been that way since she first charmed our socks off over half a decade ago with “Crane Your Neck”, and it’s even more alluring now that she’s a little older, a little wiser, and, well, a little stronger. “Deep Love” says it all. The conviction alone speaks to her maturity as a songwriter. It’s the sound of experience. Of every meandering relationship. Of every wounded heart. Of every timeless hug. And that’s only one track. Surrounding it are 10 other tracks from a songbook that bleeds as much as it screams. –Michael Roffman
20. Little Simz – GREY Area
Origin: Islington, London, England
The Gist: After falling down the metaphorical rabbit hole on 2016’s Stillness in Wonderland, London rapper Little Simz emerged on the other side tired, angsty, and ready to speak her mind. The journey of self-discovery that unfolds on GREY Area is as unrelenting as it is irresistible, with Simz staking out her place in love and life one whip-smart flow at a time. She’s aided in these pursuits by her producer and childhood friend Inflo, as well as a cadre of guest vocalists including Little Dragon, Chronixx, and Michael Kiwanuka.
Why It Rules: Despite its name, GREY Area is one of 2019’s most vibrant records, one that finds Little Simz swirling together a chameleonic array of genre nods into something with its own singular sound. That deftness extends to the subject matter, which swings effortlessly between swaggering and vulnerable; as soon as you’ve caught your breath from the brash bravado of “Boss”, you’re met with “Selfish”, which finds Simz enumerating the pros and cons of her well-earned self-confidence in counterpoint with a crooning throwback chorus from Cleo Sol that could’ve been lifted from a late-’90s episode of Total Request Live. Aside from Simz’s prodigious talents, the record derives much of its charms from Inflo’s ear for production; opting for live instruments over samples, the producer finds the flourish to fit every mood, whether it’s “Boss” and its scuzzy guitar or the tense staccato strings that set the scene on “Venom” or the Hiroshima-style synths that add an airiness to the started-from-the-bottom-now-we-here reflections of “101 FM”. –Tyler Clark
19. Karen O and Danger Mouse – Lux Prima
The Gist: When the definitive chapter on early aughts music gets written, Karen O and Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton can both rest assured of getting some ink. As long as young hearts beat somewhere manically, the jangly garage of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Fever to Tell and songs like “Maps” will never tire, and likewise, the world won’t soon forget the hoopla surrounding The Grey Album, Gnarls Barkley, or any of a dozen other collaborations and head-turning production credits on Burton’s resume. But with O’s band and her own solo work receding in the rearview and Danger Mouse more and more directing from behind the scenes, Lux Prima can’t help but be the story of two giants in their respective genres figuring out just what to do next.
Why It Rules: While neither O nor Danger Mouse needs to prove a damn thing, we also gotta believe that both have moments of musical triumph left in them, and this collaboration — though perhaps not a total world shaker — finds the pair sliding into a partnership that we only want to hear more from after Lux Prima. Whether it’s the slow burn and movements of the atmospheric title track and the sultry clarity of O’s voice over Danger Mouse’s unfurling textures or the perfect pop verse-chorus exchanges of “Turn the Light”, the pair sound like they’ve been making music together for years. We can only hope that Lux Prima truly is, as its translation suggests, only the first of many lights lit by this collaboration. –Matt Melis
18. Stella Donnelly – Beware of the Dogs
Origin: Perth, Australia
The Gist: Gather ‘round, man-children, and let Stella Donnelly tell you what the f*ck is up (and even to “fuck off”). On her first-ever LP, indie music’s most sardonic Australian darling sinks her teeth into the metaphorical stray hand of toxic masculinity, millennial maladies, and the pains of being mortal with a more fleshed-out sound than what we heard on 2018’s Thrush Metal EP and a scant tolerance for bullshit.
Why It Rules: By way of laughter, whispers, song, and sporadic theatrics, Donnelly delivers a deceptively funny bloodletting for the digital age, complete with venom-laced lyrics that read like spilled milk — cutting and cold. Needless to say, we’re lapping up every last drop. Beware of the Dogs is a wickedly witty and deeply relevant oral history of 2019. Consider Stella Donnelly your modern day Aesop — if Aesop sang about rape apologist reckonings and his vibrator — but there’s no room for fables in sight. She makes us dance, she makes us cry, and she makes us want to join hands and take back the night. It is this staying power — and rallying cry — that will keep fans singing along for years to come. –Irene Monokandilos
17. James Blake – Assume Form
Origin: London, England
The Gist: The cover art for Assume Form seems instantly agreeable, or maybe “fitting” is the proper word. I don’t think I’ve ever seen James Blake pictured any differently: alone, often behind a keyboard, and sunken as if he has just let out a giant sigh. And an unexpected irony becomes quickly apparent when listening to the songwriter and instrumentalist’s new album, namely because never has Blake, in tandem with several collaborators here and dating actress Jameela Jamil at the time of recording, seemed less alone. Hell, he seems almost happy.
Why It Rules: “With you, with you, with you/ I’m in that kind of mood,” Blake sings on the beautiful “I’ll Come Too”, a tag-along pop song that finds the songwriter putting himself out there despite the fact that nothing certain lies ahead. As our own Wren Graves wrote, “Blake dwells on the anxieties of new relationships on this album … but does so with a cautious optimism.” And the anxiety sounds fascinating, whether we’re listening to percussion clops alongside a lovely melody on “Barefoot in the Park”, featuring vocals from Rosalía, or the rhythmic swagger brought to standout “Mile High” by Travis Scott and Metro Boomin. On Assume Form, Blake loses none of his preternatural gifts for introspective lyrics, developing melodies, or enveloping repetition; he just finds others to share them with. –Matt Melis
16. Stef Chura – Midnight
Origin: Detroit, Michigan
The Gist: Stef Chura’s evolution from the sad, ramshackle bedroom rock of her Messes debut to the forceful, uncompromised aggression of Midnight is the personification of the Return of Saturn. There’s a confidence in her swing towards garage pop, a bravado in her cleansing alt-rock that feels like the planets aligning for the perfect presentation of a self. Although some credit is due to Car Seat Headrest mastermind Will Toledo’s work as producer and contributor, it’s the realization of Chura as both an artist and an individual that makes the effort so impactful.
Why It Rules: Midnight is the sound of someone who has given away their very last fuck. “They’ll Never” scratches against speakers in defiance, Chura’s raspy wobble unrelenting against the inevitable end. “Scream” crunches ’90s riot grrrl into modern indie, letting out repressed rage in a wail of righteousness. Even the piano balladry of “Trumbull” smirks with the knowledge that you weren’t sure what to expect from this Detroit rocker. Where Messes was the work of a musician surrendering to face her fear of recording, Midnight is the pertinacious action of that same creative shouldering her own strengths. Hers is one of the most intriguing voices in indie rock, and her howled, angsty catharsis is as freeing for the listener as the performer. –Ben Kaye
15. Anderson .Paak – Ventura
Origin: Oxnard, California
The Gist: It’s been a long time since Anderson .Paak has felt the pressure that follows a letdown. His first solo album under the .Paak moniker got him discovered by Dr. Dre and earned him multiple standout features on the guru producer’s 2015 solo comeback, Compton. With plenty of buzz around his name, .Paak dropped Malibu in 2015, one of the most inspired and eclectic breakthroughs of the decade. So when last year’s Oxnard failed to ignite the same levels of excitement, despite a couple banging singles and a who’s who of features, Ventura, hot on its tail, had become an all-most must-win project for .Paak.
Why It Rules: And, as you may have guessed, .Paak did not disappoint. From the old-school ring-in of opener “Come Home” (feat. André 3000), which you’ll swear is a classic sample, to the funky state of the community that is “King James”, .Paak’s message and instrumentals are both on point. But it gets no better than “Make It Better” on which .Paak joins forces with no less than Smokey Robinson, a man whose legacy clearly has had an indelible impact on the young star. When the two hit their joint chorus (“Do you want to make it better/ Do you want to stay together?”), it’s a stunning moment of two generations coming together and proof positive that few can keep one eye on the past and the other in the future better than Anderson .Paak. –Matt Melis
14. Weyes Blood – Titanic Rising
Origin: Santa Monica, California
The Gist: In an age that craves instant gratification, there’s something admirable about seeing an artist pay her dues, grow across projects and years, and eventually realize something brilliant artistically. That’s part of the joy of listening to Natalie Mering’s (aka Weyes Blood) new record, Titanic Rising. After years of self-releases and indie records, she arrives as a Sub Pop artist and puts out the type of album where every little emotional triumph feels fought for and earned.
Why It Rules: Titanic Rising is a testament to songcraft and restraint. From the simple opening keys of lead track “A Lot’s Gonna Change” to the incredible swells and movements of a grand song like “Movies”, it’s clear that Mering is making the right choices again and again. Gifted with a traditional-sounding voice that could blow the bloody doors off each and every track, she finds the perfect balance on songs like “Something to Believe”, quiet and analytical one moment and heightened and devastated the next — and always with an emotional honesty ready to extract a tear if you let your guard down. Simply stunning. –Matt Melis
13. Flying Lotus – Flamagra
Origin: Winnetka, Los Angeles
The Gist: Five years after the acclaimed You’re Dead! comes Flamagra, Flying Lotus’ sixth album and the next step in his wondrous evolution as wide-ranging, wizard-like producer. Inspired by the concept of fire — specifically the image of “an eternal flame sitting on a hill” — the record finds additional heat in collaborators new and old, rising and veteran. Among them: David Lynch, Herbie Hancock, George Clinton, Thundercat, Denzel Curry, Solange, Robert Glasper, Toro y Moi, and Tierra Whack.
Why It Rules: As Steven Ellison’s catalog expands and deepens, so does his universe in more ways than one. Exceptional is the richness, as well as the technical dexterity, on display on Flamagra, its 27 songs all artful collisions of jazz, J Dilla-inspired beats, West Coast G-funk, and psychedelic soul. Each unexpected and jarring turn — the 8-bit-like run, that oscillating tempo — is a leap of faith that pays off every time and a sign that Ellison is nowhere close to done exploring the realms of music before him. The unknown gray area ahead? That’s where FlyLo thrives and grows the most cosmic of colors and sounds. –Lake Schatz
12. Faye Webster – Atlanta Millionaires Club
Origin: Atlanta, Georgia
The Gist: We don’t really know what to call Faye Webster’s style. The Atlanta native got her start on underground hip-hop label Awful Records, releasing albums of pleasant country-folk since she was 15. As she grew more comfortable as a songwriter, her Western Swing and R&B influences became more apparent. Yet, it’s still undeniably Americana; it’s just … also not. Whatever it is, Webster is the perfect vessel for it, her softly pleading vocals the paragon of heartbroken intimacy, delivered in an idiosyncratic style that makes the time-worn story earnestly fresh.
Why It Rules: Occupying some sort of world where Natalie Prass and Angel Olsen are the same person, Atlanta Millionaires Club is inches away from perfection. Slathered in the sad, warm sounds of pedal steel, the music is inventive yet classic, present yet nostalgic. The themes and notes by themselves could be familiar; it’s Webster’s unique perspective and self-awareness that set the songs in a class of their own. Every understated note feels like the aural equivalent of looking deep into someone’s eyes as they confess their true selves. Hers is a quiet immediacy that beckons the listener closer even in its most anti-social moments. –Ben Kaye
11. BTS – Map of the Soul: Persona
Origin: Seoul, South Korea
The Gist: To say “K-pop finally arrived in America in 2019” wouldn’t be entirely fair to fans who have been on to the sound for years. With sold-out stadium tours, chart dominance, and much-ballyhooed Coachella appearances from the biggest names in the genre, however, there’s no denying that this was the year K-pop took over. Leading the charge has been BTS, whose sixth EP, Map of the Soul: Persona, has smashed records and become an undeniable staple for pop music fans.
Why It Rules: BTS is everything that’s great about K-pop, and Persona is the perfect introduction for new converts. The collection features hip-hop bangers like “Intro: Persona”, pop juggernauts like the Halsey collaboration “Boy with Luv”, and R&B jams like “Make It Right”. What’s more, if you’re willing to dig deep into translation, you’ll discover that these tracks are loaded with insightful, personal lyricism and themes. For a long while, the uninitiated’s perception was that the K-pop industry was only churning out flashy audio merchandise for the masses; with this series of undeniable hits, BTS have proven it’s far more than that. This is K-pop at its absolute best, a case study arguing in favor of the genre’s new international acclaim. The septet is the biggest band in the world right now, and impeccable efforts like this just add shine to their crowns. –Ben Kaye
10. Solange – When I Get Home
Origin: Houston, Texas
The Gist: When I Get Home is the fourth album from Solange and the follow-up to her masterful 2016 opus, A Seat at the Table. An homage to Houston, where she grew up, the record presents itself as a mood board of sorts — full of the sounds inspired by the Texan city, but more importantly the feelings evoked by the process of returning to one’s origins. Helping Solange to realize this vision is a long list of prominent guest musicians, including Pharrell, Tyler, the Creator, Blood Orange, Sampha, Steve Lacy, Gucci Mane, Metro Boomin, and Panda Bear.
Why It Rules: While A Seat at the Table saw Solange focused and direct, When I Get Home is Solange floating freely in meditation. One approach isn’t necessarily better than the other; the genius is in the execution, and this time she’s forgoing traditional song structures, emphasizing immersion over immediacy. Across 19 tracks and 39 minutes, she allows listeners to soak and simmer in atmospheric, almost avant-garde, recipes of soul, hip-hop, R&B, and jazz. Each song is more a snapshot of a vibe than a full-on statement, but its craftsmanship is not any less expertly curated. Here, Solange has found a way to host a party and get out on the dance floor, too, reveling in where every fluid bass line, shape-shifting rhythm, and sudden beat may take her. –Lake Schatz
09. Bruce Springsteen – Western Stars
Origin: Long Branch, New Jersey
The Gist: After writing an autobiography, performing a Broadway residency, and watching Obama’s America slowly crumble into Trump’s Wasteland, Bruce Springsteen hit the road, headed out to Middle America, and got lost under some Western Stars. Inspired by the California pop of the ’60s and ’70s, the New Jersey singer-songwriter finds himself by his lonesome for the first time since 2005’s Devils and Dust. Unlike that beautiful dirge, though, this album feels gentle — like a lullaby for city slickers. Not the Billy Crystal kind, but the bruised countrymen who haven’t lost sight of the beauty, even amidst all the chaos.
Why It Rocks: Never one to shy away from the classics, The Boss tries his hand at Glen Campbell’s style and Roy Orbison’s vibes to maximum effect. This is some country-western stuff, alright, and that might not sit well with the fans hoping to hear his construction worker anthems of yesteryear. Lose the hard hats for a second, though, and enjoy the solace. Like Nebraska, Springsteen offers up so much space for meditation, only very little room for brooding. No, this is Nebraska with headlights, where you get to see where you’re going and yet also get to kick your legs up for a second or two. Giddy up. –Michael Roffman
08. Ariana Grande – thank u, next
Origin: Boca Raton, Florida
The Gist: Just six months after dropping her ambitious comeback record, Sweetener, Ariana Grande stares down the barrel at 18 months of seemingly insurmountable trauma and sends a rare pop-shaped bullet packed with emotionally complex material flying. Her aim is true. What is left are 12 track-sized fragments expertly reassembled into a musical road map of what processing tragedy really looks like.
Why It Rules: Grande’s vocal prowess is not up for debate. She has, and will continue to, churn out massive bop after massive bop, singing circles around legends old and new. But what makes thank u, next stand out among not only Grande’s catalog but her genre at large is a fresh and singular deftness in taking the hit machine and electrifying it with real, raw life. Whereas Sweetener sought to sugarcoat the shadows lurking just underneath the surface, thank u, next embraces those moments when everything is against you. When life feels like an impossible existence. And yet, Grande leans into the freezing winds and dreams of warmth or maybe learns to make that warmth herself. –Irene Monokandilos
07. Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride
Origin: New York City, New York
The Gist: Six long years of waiting finally yielded Father of the Bride this spring, Vampire Weekend’s fourth album and follow-up to the Grammy-winning Modern Vampires of the City. The band’s first without multi-instrumentalist and in-house producer Rostam Batmanglij as a full-time member features added firepower in its revolving door of collaborators, including Ariel Rechtshaid, Daniel Haim, Bloodpop, Mark Ronson, and Steve Lacy. Ezra Koenig, who’s since relocated from New York to Los Angeles, also takes on more duties beyond mere frontman, essentially leading Vampire Weekend into perhaps the most exciting chapter of their already outstanding career.
Why It Rules: Vampire Weekend have always brandished a certain type of confidence on their records, one partially informed no doubt by their established place in the indie rock hipster canon. They’re still confident on Father of the Bride; however, it’s the kind less concerned with coolness. “I think I took myself too serious,” a telling voice narrates the beginning of the song “Sympathy”, “it’s not that serious.” But loosening the grip doesn’t mean sacrificing quality, as the group turns in some of the brightest, warmest, and most gorgeous melodies of their careers all while touching on classic rock, pop, jazz, and even country (thanks, Kacey Musgraves!). What’s changed this time around is Vampire Weekend actually, finally sound at peace with themselves about it. Mazel tov. –Lake Schatz
06. PUP – Morbid Stuff
Origin: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The Gist: On their third album, Canadian pop-punk torchbearers PUP tap into the deep, dark well of old-millennial malaise that’s helped keep emo relevant long past the genre’s adolescence. True to its name, Morbid Stuff contains plenty of tales of stalled economies, stunted relationships, and ever-present existential dread, but the bitter subject matter goes down easy thanks to a sonic sugar coating; each song here arrives trussed up with the kind of bright, hook-laden riffs that sound like they were cribbed straight from a lost Ozma record.
Why It Rules: It’s hard to find humor in the collapse, which is exactly what makes the songs on Morbid Stuff so valuable. No matter whether he’s finding love through nihilism (“Kids”), practicing self-improvement for all the wrong reasons (“See You at Your Funeral”), or simply facing down the meaninglessness of his lot in life (“Full Blown Meltdown”), singer Stefan Babcock performs his snotty, snarling tracks not with rage, but with laughter. Throw some flashes of tenderness (the laid-bare stock-taking of “Scorpion Hill” might represent the most heartfelt and accomplished song the band’s ever written), and you’re left with a record that won’t cure your ills but will give you the comfort that, if nothing else, we’re all in this shitty timeline together. –Tyler Clark
05. Tyler, the Creator – IGOR
Origin: Ladera Heights, California
The Gist: Once hip-hop’s most mercurial lightning rod, Tyler, The Creator seems increasingly interested in trading those shocks for something a little more tender. Though we weren’t totally convinced of the sincerity of this touchy-feely face turn when it began on 2017’s Flower Boy (a skepticism not shared by those of you in the comments section), IGOR proves that our skepticism might’ve been unwarranted. Following the blueprints established on tracks like “Garden Shed” and “911/Mr. Lonely,” Tyler now turns in his most vulnerable record yet, one that traces the rise, fall, and optimistic aftermath of an intense romantic infatuation.
Why It Rules: As stunning as it is to see the once-misanthropic Tyler open his heart all the way up on wax, it’s even more stunning to see how his move from trolling confrontationalism to newfound emotional honesty has both broadened and deepened his production instincts. Lyrically and sonically, the songs of IGOR capture the little moments that make up the arc of a relationship, which moves from the floating infatuation of “EARFQUAKE” to the claustrophobic friction of “WHAT’S GOOD” to the Al-Green-sampling closure croon of “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?” Add to this heart-filled kaleidoscope guest appearances from Charlie Wilson, Kanye West, and Solange, and you’ve got the makings of a career-expanding statement piece. As our Christopher Thiessen put it in his review of IGOR, “By closing the door on the philosophies and musical approaches he used to take, Tyler discovers an open window, leading him to new, peaceful strength and mastery of his craft.” We couldn’t agree more. –Tyler Clark
04. Lizzo – Cuz I Love You
The Gist: Lizzo is no stranger to the music scene. After releasing 2014’s Lizzobangers, 2015’s Big GRRRL Small World, and 2016’s Coconut Oil, the artist born Melissa Jefferson pulls out her flute, hits the pavement, and leads us all in a vivacious self-pride parade twerked to around the world. With her major label debut, the Minneapolis triple threat (singer, rapper, flautist) delivers a near-perfect collection of expertly curated soul-pop earworms. Each is driven by a magnetic personality that has all but flooded our speakers, social media accounts, and brains, engendering what can only be described as “Lizzomania”.
Why It Rules: In the ever-connected social media age, consciousness is a terabyte, love is an algorithm, and self-esteem? Almost non-existent. Enter Lizzo. Cuz I Love You stands apart as a vibrant, bop-filled burst of unprecedented, authentic self-confidence in a time when loving yourself for who you are feels, well, radical. This irresistible energy, coupled with an array of toothsome production helps the classically trained flautist tackle almost every musical style out there. Along the way, Lizzo creates a genre all her own that, somehow, inspires all of us to shine no matter our appearance, our background, or our relationship status. –Irene Monokandilos
03. Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
The Gist: After surviving Billiemania over the last few years, Billie Eilish finally let loose her debut album this past Spring. Fueled by every kind of genre under the dial, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? ricochets and screams with alien confidence. In fact, it’s so confident that it makes you wonder if any kind of hype would have been insurmountable for the 17-year-old singer-songwriter. Whether it’s the Gothic new wave of “bad guy” or the angelic balladry of “when the party’s over”, this is the kind of rich enigma that overwhelms its desired audience while perplexing those around it.
Why It Rocks: There’s been a lot of rah-rah about how Eilish is changing the pop game. Or how she knows how to blend genres. Or how she’s a succinct distillation of all pop culture. None of that’s wrong; in fact, those are all strengths. Yet, what’s most intriguing about Eilish is how she toes the line between niche and universal. On the surface, When We All Fall Asleep comes off as aggressively abrasive, but it’s not. There’s so much economy to the songwriting; it’s as much of a Rubik’s cube as her own fashion sensibilities. The fact that more and more people are trying to figure it out is why Billiemania keeps getting louder, and stronger, and, ultimately, more interesting.
TL;DR? She won. Big time. –Michael Roffman
02. Sharon Van Etten – Remind Me Tomorrow
Origin: Brooklyn, New York
The Gist: Sharon Van Etten was threatening to be one of indie folk’s best singer-songwriters for years. Then she stepped away from the music scene for almost half a decade, focusing instead on acting roles and starting a family. When she came back, she made good on her old threats — just not in the way anyone expected. She handed producer/engineer John Congleton music by Suicide and Portishead, brought along the aesthetics she’d surrounded herself with on The OA and Twin Peaks, and reinvented her sound. Though “going electric” is a narrative many artists have told before, Van Etten tells it better than most anyone on Remind Me Tomorrow.
Why It Rules: By the time you get to May, it’s easy to forget about what music came out in January (especially given the ceaseless onslaught of media these days). Yet, Remind Me Tomorrow has not only remained in the consciousness of music fans but has arguably not been surpassed. Credit that to Van Etten actively avoiding her past compositional habits without abandoning a shred of herself, penning penetrating deconstructions of contentedness from an ultramodern perspective. These tracks take her songwriting down a dark well of synthesizers and atmospherics where rich melodies kick to the surface instead of drowning beneath it. It’s the kind of sonic evolution everyone talks about but so few are able to actually pull off. All that makes this her most aggressively fearless effort to date, the arrival of a surprising but stunningly welcome new era for Van Etten. –Ben Kaye
01. Jamila Woods – LEGACY! LEGACY!
The Gist: Jamila! Jamila! Jamila with one “el.” It’s a name Chicagoans are plenty familiar with and one the rest of the country should recognize by year’s end. Jamila Woods has been turning heads and making a difference in her hometown for years as a poet, academic, activist, and, of course, as a performer. Her voice has soared alongside Chance the Rapper’s on hits like “Sunday Candy” and “Blessings”, and she released the extensive and critically acclaimed HEAVN in 2016. But this is three years later, and like all true artists, Woods has evolved — to the point where Chicagoans can still claim her as one of our own but can’t in good conscience keep her to ourselves any longer.
Why It Rules: Woods doesn’t stray far from what she knows and what inspires her most on LEGACY! LEGACY! She’s long cited literary treasures like Gwendolyn Brooks, Toni Morrison, and Lucille Clifton among her inspirations, so it’s not shocking that an artist with both a degree in African studies and a penchant for literature might try to incorporate those passions into her music.
However, what is surprising is that Woods, along with several of her usual collaborators, is able to transform her passions into one of the best R&B albums of the year and in recent memory. It’s a rich and fascinating look at ancestry and the world around her through the eyes and circumstances of historically influential people of color — not exactly your typical popular fare.
From “BETTY” and “ZORA” to “GIOVANNI” and “BASQUIAT” and back around to “BALDWIN”, LEGACY! LEGACY! offers a masterclass in history, community, empathy, and critical thought with enough variety, hooks, and compelling vocals to make sure the lessons stick. Like Janelle Monáe did a year ago, Woods has expanded on the idea of what a modern R&B album can do and say.
Again, if you haven’t learned yet: It’s Jamila with one “el.” –Matt Melis
Faye Webster
Karen O and Danger Mouse
Lady Lamb
Pivot Gang
Sharon Van Etton
Stef Chura
Stella Donnelly
Weyes Blood
Joe Perry on The Hollywood Vampires, the “Outsider” Johnny Depp, and the “True Pioneer” Alice Cooper
Adult Swim Festival 2019: Dethklok, Eric Andre, Rick & Morty Season 4 screening
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ListenUp
Frank Ocean covers "Moon River," Dita Von Teese sings with Sébastien Tellier and more
Posted by CH Editors
Posted on 18 February 2018 14 August 2018
Read — Listen Up
Frank Ocean: Moon River (cover)
There have been hundreds of covers of “Moon River” since the original (performed by Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”) but Frank Ocean’s surprise version—released today—is certainly one of the most beautiful. Pared-back and relying mostly on Ocean’s divine vocals, the track is (in Ocean’s style) both celestial and haunting. This serene cover is more evidence that seemingly everything Ocean touches turns to gold.
Dita Von Teese and Sébastien Tellier: Porcelaine
For her debut self-titled album, Dita Von Teese has enlisted the sublime talents of Sébastien Tellier, who wrote and composed the entire record. Tellier says that the super-dreamy “Porcelaine” is about Von Teese’s skin: “too perfect to be real.” The track is synth-infused and sweet, with the two exchanging verses in French. Sounding a little like a throwback tune from the ’80s, it’s a pretty song and certainly bodes well for the album.
JB Dunckel: Love Machine
An electro-pop love song from JB Dunckel of AIR, “Love Machine” is a hazy, almost sci-fi number. One can easily find innate beauty in the dreamlike orchestration and lyrical repetition. It’s not Dunckel’s first foray into solo material; he released a music video at the end of 2017 for a track from his forthcoming album—and had an acclaimed album release under the name Darkel back in 2006.
Makeness: Stepping Out of Sync
With joyous dancing on the streets mixed up by side-swipe cuts and sequences of blended time, the video for “Stepping Out of Sync” toys with a relatively normal concept and timeline, elevating it into dizzying conceptual territory. It’s fun—as is the Makeness’ (aka Kyle Molleson) track which delivers accessible, exciting dance vibes. The song will appear on his debut album, Loud Patterns, out 6 April.
Mount Kimbie feat. King Krule: Turtle Neck Man
Recorded during the sessions for Mount Kimbie’s Love What Survives last year, “Turtle Neck Man” is a previously unreleased tune featuring frequent collaborator King Krule. Set on a loping synth soundscape, King Krule (aka Archy Marshall) offers a stream-of-consciousness-style spoken word that’s almost stony in delivery. The result is an intoxicating fever dream.
ListenUp is a Cool Hunting series published every Sunday that rounds up the music we tweeted throughout the week, also found in Listen. Hear the year so far via Cool Hunting Spotify.
CH Editors
Sometimes the entire NYC-based editorial team gets in on a story
View all posts by CH Editors View posts
Categories Posted in Listen UpTags Cover Songs, Covers, Electronic Music, Frank Ocean, ListenUp, Music, Music Videos, New Music
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Link About It: This Week’s Picks
“Believe Women” Postcard
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by Graham Edwards
Posted on December 3, 2013 by Graham Edwards
Transformation scenes have always pulled in the crowds. Victorian theatres were packed with hidden stage machinery designed to turn pumpkins into princesses, or make entire castles materialise under the gaze of the astonished audience. Even before the days of smoke, mirrors and Pepper’s Ghost, Shakespeare shifted some shapes of his own when he turned the hapless Bottom into a braying donkey.
Over the years, the movie business too has offered up all manner of magical metamorphoses. Early experiments involved simply stopping the camera mid-shot and replacing one actor with another. As filmmakers perfected optical tricks like dissolves and wipes, transformation effects became more subtle. At the same time, developments in make-up and mechanics permitted ever more elaborate illusions to be played out right in front of the lens.
Given the extraordinary variety of shapeshifters that have writhed their way across the silver screen, it’s hard to choose a favourite. Here are three of mine:
In Rouben Mamoulian’s 1931 adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Fredric March plays a brilliant physician who creates a potion that unleashes his monstrous alter ego. In the central transformation scene, we see March change from gentle Jekyll to homicidal Hyde in a single shot. The special effects for this sequence were masterminded by Wally Westmore.
The master shot begins on Jekyll’s face, which contorts in agony as the potion takes hold. The flesh around his eyes darkens and his cheeks appear to sink. The camera pans to Jekyll’s hand clutching the arm of the chair on which he’s sitting, before returning to his face. Each time this move is repeated, the actor’s face has changed further. By the end of the shot, Jekyll has become Hyde, complete with unruly hair, an upturned nose and a set of ferocious teeth.
It’s easy to guess how some of the gross changes were done, with unseen artists altering March’s face while the camera was pointed at his hand. Less obvious – and infinitely more clever – is the way layers of different-coloured make-up were applied to March’s face, with each layer revealed in succession by switching coloured filters in front of the lens. Photographed in black and white, the shifting colours read as fluid changes in the actor’s physiognomy. As with all great illusions, the changes happen right before your eyes.
An American Werewolf in London
Until An American Werewolf in London was released in 1981, filmmakers had relied mostly on clever cutting and nifty optical dissolves to turn their leading men into lycanthropes. Director John Landis changed all that when he briefed Rick Baker to create what still stands as the best werewolf transformation ever.
In an Oscar-winning tour de force of animatronic and make-up effects, Baker shows us every painful contortion of David Kessler’s body as his anatomy reshapes itself from human to lupine form … while all the time Bobby Vinton sings Blue Moon. Using home-made pneumatics, a super-stretchy urethane-elastomer flesh substitute called Smooth-on #724 and upwards of ten operators, he reshaped actor David Naughton into a horrific, hairy beast.
I hardly need describe the sequence, so iconic has it become. But I will remind you how everything – the extending fingers, the vertebrae snapping out of Naughton’s spine, the juddering extension of his jawline into the muzzle of the werewolf – plays out in bright daylight in an ordinary London apartment. No horror-movie lighting here, no shadows to hide the joins. I’ll also point out how successfully Baker’s effects integrate with the editing and sound design. The result is compelling storytelling, agonisingly presented from the poor protagonist’s pain-racked perspective.
(1981 was a bumper year for werewolves, with Rob Bottin’s decidedly more funky transformations in The Howling giving Baker a run for his money. In my opinion, Baker wins this one hands down.)
Shapeshifting isn’t just about fantasies of the flesh. In Alex Proyas’s Dark City, released in 1998, entire city blocks are on the move. Yes, I’m talking about a marvellous metropolis metamorphosis!
Now, I know there are still lots of you out there who haven’t seen Dark City. For that reason, I’m going to avoid spoilers – this is one of those films you really do need to see without any preconceptions. All I’ll say is, if you like Blade Runner, The Matrix and Inception, and don’t mind a film that’s a little rough around the edges, this one’s definitely for you.
In Dark City‘s transformation sequences, whole buildings twist and turn. A brownstone tenement elongates to become a skyscraper. A mall becomes a church. A moody and vaguely gothic skyline rearranges itself in an ballet of architecture. Why does this happen? In story terms, I’m not telling you, but I will reveal that the visual effects are the product of what at the time was boundary-pushing CG and miniatures work, created by Sydney-based DFilm Services, now part of Animal Logic.
Okay, what was boundary-pushing in 1998 looks a little dated now. The morphing of the buildings, extraordinary as it is, is somehow just a little too smooth and mathematical. But I don’t care. The concept is so visionary, and the execution so brave and ambitious, I can forgive the sequences – and indeed the film – any minor shortcomings. And that’s all I’m prepared to say, other than to encourage you to dust off that DVD (make sure it’s the superior Director’s Cut) and give Dark City a second look. If you’ve never seen it before, prepare yourself for a treat.
Well, I’ve shared my own trio of transformations. Now it’s over to you. Have you got a favourite shapeshifter?
3 thoughts on “Shapeshifters”
John Brune on December 3, 2013 at 11:20 am said:
I was impressed by the first appearance of Optimus Prime in the first Transformers movie. I had no idea that CGI had risen to that level–all the intricate parts twisting and grinding and thunking into different places and shapes. Mindbending. Since then the only thing that has impressed me besides Avatar was the live childbirth scene in Children of Men. Not a transformation per se but a progression of imaging technology nonetheless.
Graham Edwards on December 4, 2013 at 12:56 am said:
Transformers – arguably the king of the shapeshifters. Mindbending VFX work indeed, though personally I find it hard to pull out individual shots. There’s just too much going on in the frame. Beautiful work though.
Gus Cadore on February 22, 2014 at 1:31 pm said:
Of the three Transformers movies, my favourite sequence is the motorway chase following the evacuation of the Allspark from Hoover Dam. The transformation, during that sequence, where Optimus Prime shifts from his truck mode to Autobot mode at high speed is incredible. The quality of the CGI combined with the relative restraint of the technique (is that possible in these movies?) really stands out for me. Good job 🙂
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Analysis & Profiles 24.5.2016 03:33 pm
Juggling Blue Label’s many balls
Phibion Makuwerere
Blue Label share price (rebased)
Blue Label is trying out new things to diversify from its old model and the results are showing.
The company’s move to leverage its distribution channel is paying off — its interim period to end-November is the first time it has grown revenue by more than 20% since FY09. Until last year it managed only low single-digit growth figures. The share has climbed by more than a third since the results were announced at end-February.
Blue Label has a number of growth initiatives in the works. The two most notable are the potential R4 billion acquisition of a 35% stake in Cell C (set for June 2016); and establishing a network of more than 400 retail technology stores in the short to medium term in a joint-venture with the Edcon group, dubbed Edgars Connect stores.
We think the group’s value-enhancing prospects are fully priced in but its option on Cell C creates potential for an upswing in the medium term. Cell C is highly geared and under financial distress, so we presume value accretion from the transaction should flow through in the medium term after Cell C’s balance sheet has been deleveraged. However, other synergies are likely to accrue much sooner given the symbiotic nature of the two companies. Although our discounted cash-flow model suggests the counter is overpriced, we think the Cell C deal will create support for the share and we recommend a hold.
Blue Label’s main operating geographies are SA, Mexico and India. Growth was driven by expanding its distribution channels, which resulted in market share gains. In Mexico, losses are shrinking and management expects the trend to continue. The Indian operation is focusing on expanding its mobile wallet subscriber base, thereby growing its money transfer operations.
SA revenue growth was achieved by expanding distribution channels. Revenue generated on behalf of mobile operators, called prepaid PINless top-ups, grew 50% to R1.8 billion, but the group only recognises commissions earned. So its SA distribution revenue actually grew by 27%. Net commissions earned on the distribution of prepaid electricity rose 20% to R95 million – this is based on turnover of R6 billion generated for the electric utilities.
Blue Label Mexico’s 27% decline in losses was underpinned by a higher gross profit margin, stemming from the company becoming a multi-carrier distributor as opposed to being confined to one mobile network. As a result, commissions earned initially fell, but management reckons it has created a more competitive environment among the mobile networks and that should benefit the company in future. In addition, cost efficiencies saw a 5% decline in operational expenditure.
Blue Label’s business model relies heavily on the penetration level of mobile phones. With the general penetration level already high in all its geographies of operation, its traditional business of distributing start-up packs and prepaid airtime is likely to face growth challenges. However, we think the group will get traction from its relatively new products that it vends through mobile devices, such as financial services for the unbanked. At least 50% of the global adult population is unbanked, with SA, Mexico and India all having large unbanked populations. Another positive is that the expansion of its product distribution channels, which it implemented during the period under review, should increase sales.
Blue Label’s non-SA operations are accounted for as associates which means they contribute only to pre-tax income. While contributing only a small part of pre-tax profit, they both have exciting growth potential. India’s economy is expected to grow 7.4% this year with 65% of its 1.3-billion people unbanked. This is conducive to entrenching its money transfer business. Mexico’s GDP is forecast to grow modestly at 2.5% this year but with its mobile penetration at 67%, there is still some latitude for decent growth.
A move by Blue Label’s Mexican associate company in FY15 to accommodate various mobile operators – as opposed to its old model which relied on one big mobile operator – came at a significant loss of income and turned the Mexican operation into a loss-making one. However, it is positive for the medium term. Not only does it reduce concentration risk, but the loss has already been shrinking drastically and looks set to turn into profit shortly.
Overall, the Mexican and Indian exposures provide both geographical and currency diversification, which are much-needed given SA’s lethargic outlook and rand weakness.
The biggest revenue source, SA, has a saturated mobile market and growth should come from increasing the spread of its distribution channels and growing its product breadth outside of non-telecom sectors. For example, it has started adding prepaid water meters to its electricity offering as well expanding its money transfers business. This can be done at relatively low cost since it has the technology and infrastructure in place. Such initiatives should help expand group margins. Its move to increase both its product breadth and distribution points through the Edgars Connect stores initiative is an interesting one. Greater access to its products should enhance earnings. However, the company is planning to build new stores rather than integrate into Edgars’ existing ones.
Blue Label relies heavily on its proprietary technology, which it has to constantly develop to stay ahead of the technology curve, and this can be at a significant cost. Using its technology, it is expanding its product base with a particular focus on products that can be vended virtually on mobile devices. This is potentially a positive move but the challenge is that a number of competitors, such as Net1 UEPS, are jockeying for that same market opportunity.
Another real threat to its model emanates from the margin-compression woes being experienced by mobile operators due to a structural shift by consumers as they substitute high-margin voice with low-margin data. So in a bid to recover lost margins, mobile operators can potentially squeeze out the middlemen such as Blue Label. In this light, the Cell C deal is quite strategic for the group’s long-term survival.
Blue Label has staged a dramatic comeback from a low-growth trap. In our projections we have remained conservative with our outlook on margins given its unconvincing previous growth path and the saturated mobile markets. We believe the market has overvalued its new-found earnings momentum as well as the pending Cell C deal. It is trading at a market multiple of 17 times whereas the industry multiple is just above 10.
Our valuation model – based on the company’s core business and excluding the potential Cell C deal – shows that the counter is overpriced and investors can take profits. However, we recommend holding the counter because the Cell C tie-up brings is a new dimension with potential for an upswing, and sets something of a floor for the share price. We do, however, have concerns about the deal. First, metrics of listed mobile operators have been in a low-growth trap for some time now. Second, Cell C has abnormally high debt levels. Therefore, we are neutral on Blue Label.
Bull Factors vs Bear Factors
Nature of business: Blue Label’s core business is the virtual distribution of secure electronic tokens of value – predominantly prepaid airtime, starter packs and prepaid electricity – as well as transactional services across its global distribution channels. It has its main operations in SA, Mexico and India. The business model is based on strategic partnerships underpinned by long-term contracts. Operations are grouped into four main business segments: SA distribution; international distribution; mobile; and solutions.
Sergeant investigating Rohde case drank Blue Label whisky on the job, says witness 8.8.2018
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Home Fiction And Just Forget – Chapter Nine to Chapter Eleven
And Just Forget – Chapter Nine to Chapter Eleven
AND JUST FORGET
Chapter Nine
It turned out that Cora had escaped the fire by the simple method of being outside working on her secret tree house. After coming home to find her home ablaze and with the scent of wolfsbane on the air, the training that they’d been given for these situations kicked in, and she’d fled.
She’d managed to make it to an allied pack, who had quickly and quietly arranged for her transport to Brazil. She had remained there until hearing of a powerful new Hale alpha back in Beacon Hills, and had returned home full of hope, only to run into the Alpha Pack.
“What a bunch of assholes,” Stiles muttered, after taking a seat at the dining room table beside his dad. “So what happened with the Alpha Pack?”
Derek shrugged. “They died. Except for the two youngest, who have been sent to South Dakota.” He went to the fridge and poked his head in, his sister following.
“Right.” Stiles turned to Peter. “So, what happened?”
Peter smirked at him. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”
Noah cleared his throat. “Yes. Yes, we would.”
“Oh, if you insist,” Peter capitulated with a roll of his eyes. “We met up with Magnus’ friend Garroway and the group he’d brought, as arranged. There were the usual introductions—rather a lot of posturing—and then we made our way to the warehouse district. By the by, it’s a little concerning just how many empty buildings there are around there.” He cocked his head slightly to the side in consideration.
“Peter,” Noah said wearily.
“There were five alphas present,” Peter went on. “Not counting our group, that is. Two of them were teenagers, twins. They were rather obviously in a subservient position to Deucalion, the leader. Alpha Vettori offered them a position in her pack, and they seemed happy enough to accept, so I imagine life under Deucalion hasn’t been all beer and skittles. Then there was a rather deranged woman by the name of Kali and a man called Ennis. As it happens, Deucalion and Ennis were both allied to the Hale Pack at one time, so I was rather familiar with them.”
“Deucalion had a hard-on for adding a Hale to his stable of alphas,” Cora put in from the kitchen. “Personally, I think he had some sort of weird obsession with my mom. He’d stop by sometimes and give me lectures about the way the world should be, how the werewolves should ‘rise up and take their place as the apex predators they were born to be.’ He couldn’t talk for five minutes without bringing up mom and how the way she’d run the pack had doomed the lot of us. If I hadn’t been restrained, I might have clawed my own ears off in order to get some relief from it.”
“He courted Talia, you know,” Peter said casually. “Before she chose your father, of course.”
That caught both Cora and Derek’s attention. “What?”
“What?” Stiles’ response came slightly later.
“Oh yes. He had some strange idea that she should be flattered by his interest and only too willing to merge our pack with his. She would take a lower rank than him, naturally.”
“Sexist pig,” Cora muttered.
“Verily,” Peter agreed. “Anyway, Deucalion heard the same rumours that Cora did—spread by the hunting community, amusingly enough. He came here hoping to pick up his very own pet Hale and ended up biting off more than he could chew.”
“No one expects a gathering of alphas and emissaries,” Stiles said, leaning forward with his elbows on the table.
Peter’s smirk widened into something that looked more like a smile. “Alpha Garroway made it clear that since the ‘Alpha Pack’ had been abusing their power, they had a choice. They could either give up their power—revert back to beta status—and accept supervision for the rest of their days from one of the alphas present, or they could die. The twins chose supervision, the other three…”
“Chose death.” Noah looked conflicted. He sighed. “I suppose it was necessary.”
“Oh, it was,” Magnus said with a seriousness he rarely displayed. “A rogue alpha werewolf is a serious threat.”
“Don’t we know it,” Stiles said with feeling. “Been there, done that, received the lifelong trauma. Really quite pleased that we’ve avoided having to do it again.”
“Peter wasn’t truly rogue,” Derek said quietly, leaning against the kitchen cupboards. “He was frenzied and mostly feral, perhaps insane. A true rogue still has complete control over themselves, is fully aware of every move they make. A rogue beta can be brought down by a smart alpha, but a rogue alpha? That’s when you need an Alpha Pack.”
Peter folded his arms and tilted his head up, as if daring anyone to say anything further.
“So, how did the fight go?” Stiles asked after a moment. He ran his eyes over Derek and Peter, letting his attention linger on the rips and tears while mentally calculating how much of the visible blood had been personally shed and how much was transfer. “If only three of them were fighting, they were considerably outnumbered, right?”
“It wasn’t the number of alphas standing against them that did the trick,” Peter informed him. “The fight had only just got started when the emissaries pooled their magic and paralysed all three of them. After that, it was pretty simple.”
Stiles wrinkled up his nose. “You mean, you just wandered over and…” He held his left hand in a vague claw-like position and swiped it through the air with a ‘rowr’ sound.
Peter gave him a pitying look. “Executed them, yes.” His eyes darted over to Derek and then away again.
Derek looked at the ceiling, avoiding having to look at anyone’s face. “As the hosting alpha it was my right to end their lives and take their power,” he said, apparently speaking to the room in general.
“Did you?” Stiles asked bluntly, ignoring the way that Cora was trying to skewer him with her brain, if the look on her face was anything to go by.
Derek gave Peter a speaking glance.
Peter sighed. “Given the number of unallied alphas present, it was a delicate balance of taking just enough responsibility. Refusing to do it himself would have shown him—and by extension the rest of us too—to be weak. Insisting on executing all three of them personally would have also given worrying signals to the others about Derek’s ambition.”
Stiles and Noah both nodded at that. It made sense that a young and largely untrained alpha being four times the strength of a regular alpha would be of concern to the other, better-established alphas, and that they would probably have wanted to keep a close eye on him and his small pack.
“There was also some…” Peter paused.
“It was readily apparent to those of us new to the situation that there was some kind of history with Derek and Ennis,” Magnus supplied. “We’d only just arrived and hadn’t got to the point of introducing ourselves when that bald freak started doing his best to bait our young friend. Really, I’m sure everyone would all have understood perfectly if you’d taken his death for yourself.”
“It wouldn’t have been an execution,” Derek said quietly. “It would have been revenge.”
Alec, Magnus, and Noah bestowed approving glances on Derek, to Derek’s clear embarrassment.
“So you took out that Deucalion dude then,” Stiles surmised.
Peter nodded. “Which added another layer of symbolic politics, since Deucalion was the leader and arguably the strongest. All in all, it turned out very well. There was enough back and forth chat to reveal that Deucalion was planning to quietly build an empire. He would have been at the peak with his two extremely strong and loyal generals only one step down, and the twins—who can apparently merge into some sort of transformer version of a werewolf—were going to be his personal intimidation and attack weapon. That plan ended up halted in its infancy—thanks to the Hale Pack—and the rest of the alphas are going to be rather more vigilant in the future to ensure that nothing like this can happen again.”
“So they’re gone, then.” Stiles felt the twist of anxiety he’d been feeling since he heard about the Alpha Pack uncoil and relax. “All of them. Just like that.”
“There was also something else that came to light, something that might impact you personally.” Magnus looked directly at Stiles.
Stiles groaned. “Oh my god, what now?”
“Deucalion asked what we’d done with his emissary,” Derek said sombrely. “She disappeared without warning a few days ago. A woman who had been undercover at Beacon Hills High school as a guidance counsellor.”
“Ms Morrell.” Stiles squeezed his eyes shut before opening them again. “She was working for the Alpha Pack? Marin Morrell, who has had access to me, and Lydia, and Allison, and—you know what? No.” He slashed his hand through the air in a sharp gesture. “Do we know what happened to her?”
Magnus shook his head. “Not for certain. Werewolf packs often appoint druids to be their emissaries. In which case, her disappearance might be something to do with the Morrigan and the nemeton. But I don’t know for sure one way or the other and, quite frankly, the Morrigan is unlikely to tell me.”
“Yeah.” Stiles sighed. “I remember you talking about that. I guess I don’t really care, so long as I never have to see her again. What’s more, that’s the last time I try any kind of therapy with someone who doesn’t come with recommendations and a background check so deep that I know what their grandparents ate when they were three.”
Magnus nodded, coming forward to lay a hand on Stiles’ shoulder. “I know that it’s been a hard few months,” he said sympathetically. “You’ve had to take on the burdens of adulthood far too young. All of you have.” He looked up, including Derek in his statement. “You’ve stood firm in some extremely terrifying situations, which in itself is worthy of praise. Then there are the hunters, these Argents and the rest of their ilk.”
Derek looked down, glaring at his feet as though they’d mortally offended him. “You don’t need to say it. The Argents have repeatedly walked all over us, I know that. But the moment we retaliate, we’ll be on the hit list of every hunter in the United States. As will other perfectly peaceful packs. I can’t be responsible for that. I can’t be responsible for more deaths.”
“That’s exactly what I’m talking about,” Magnus said firmly. “You’ve had to deal with an organised group of adults, who have been doing this for years. Your pack is still young, new to their power, and you don’t have the backing, the infrastructure that the hunters have built over the centuries. Yet, you’re all still here. That is an achievement of epic proportions.”
Derek raised blazing red eyes to fix his glare on Magnus. “No, we’re not all still here. My pack, my family, was burned alive not ten miles from here. No one was held accountable, it was dismissed as a wiring issue, blamed on us for cutting corners.”
It was only because Stiles was sitting next to him that he noticed his dad’s slight flinch at that.
Peter had moved to stand beside Derek and Cora, presenting a united front. They looked extremely formidable like that. Individually, the Hales were all impressive, but when they stood together… Stiles was suddenly aware—for the first time—of just why Gerard and Kate had targeted them.
It must have been like a needle in the eye to know that these beautiful, powerful people would always be proof that hunter rhetoric, their personal belief system was flawed. They saw an unstoppable force that, rather than bulldoze over everything in its path, merely remained in one place, showing no inclination to move. The Argents must have been waiting and watching for years, trying to find some evidence that the Hales weren’t as benign as they presented themselves to be. Stiles could see it for a moment, the pattern of mounting hysteria as the Hales refused to step a foot out of line. For Kate and Gerard, leaving that strength intact must have been intolerable.
—I thought you had everything set up?” Kate said angrily. “You said it would work perfectly!”
“How was I to know that bitch would refuse to engage!” he answered, fear mingling with the satisfaction of getting one over that arrogant freak. “Deucalion is blinded for life now, however long that will last. I imagine he’ll be torn to shreds sooner rather than later. Talia Hale should have been with him, should have agreed to take part in the talks.”
“She’ll be wary of us now,” Kate stated. “We won’t get another chance like that again.”
“I have a new plan,” he said. “I won’t be able to do much to help you, but I have some men that would be perfect—
Their strength was like the beacon that this town had been named for, and there was no way that the hunters could touch them, could take them down, but by treachery.
—third stage already,” Mary said sadly. “I’m sorry, Gerard. There’s nothing that we can do. Will you try the CS? The death rate is high, I know, but you’re dying anyway.”
“No,” he replied. “The catalytic substance is still too unrefined, the successful results are just too unpredictable to risk. No. But I know of another way. Being bitten by a werewolf would cure me.”
Mary recoiled. “And end up a monster? Enslaved by whoever bit you?”
“I would take the alpha power for myself, of course,” he responded. “I can bring that power back to us and, with it, I can create an army of test subjects! An endless supply!
Mary began to look interested. “How are you going to get an alpha to bite you?” she asked.
“I have some ideas,” Gerard said. “I know exactly where I need to be—
“He did terrible things to you,” Stiles said, thinking over what his recent visions revealed. “The idea of your pack succeeding despite all his efforts tormented him. He feared you, your bloodline, so much that you were all he could concentrate on. Then, he thought he’d finally done it. Defeated the monster in the dark that couldn’t be defeated.”
“Only to hear that the Hales were moving in Beacon Hills again.” Noah nodded as though he could see how it would go.
Magnus didn’t back down. “No one here wants to make light of your loss. What was done to you was horrific, by anyone’s measure. But considering that their intent was to wipe the Hales from the face of the Earth, they failed! They didn’t manage that, you are still here. Still working to protect the land that you chose, that chose you in return, with everything you have. And, now, because of you, because of his failure, his organisation is going to be crippled. And we’re not going to do it in the dark where no-one can see us. We’re going to make it known to everyone what happened, and why!”
“How can you be sure that doing that isn’t going to doom every werewolf in this country?” Derek asked roughly.
“Because they’re experimenting on base-line humans,” Stiles answered as the realisation hit him. “Their highest trick card has always been the threat of making werewolves known to the world, of inciting ordinary people into violence against anyone supernatural. It would be so easy. But with proof that they’re abducting people and experimenting on them—the pendulum just swung back in our direction.”
“What?” Cora asked, eyes wide.
“Oh yeah.” Stiles rubbed the back of his head self-consciously. “Gerard and his thugs captured me and kinda experimented on me a little bit. It looks like they’re trying to make some sort of Captain America knock-off—despite the fact that the science of that made no sense whatsoever.”
“Scientist’s have been using Sci-Fi to help drive their imaginations for years,” Noah pointed out. “That’s how we ended up with self-opening doors, cell phones, and iPads.”
“Comics aren’t Sci-Fi,” Stiles informed him. “There are many that have Sci-Fi elements, but that alone doesn’t mean that they can be classed as—”
Noah groaned. “I’ve set him off. Okay, Stiles, we get it. The point is, ideas are all around us, and it’s up to those exploring them to make them work somehow. Who cares where they got their ideas from? What concerns us is what they’re doing with them now.”
“No, it matters,” Cora said slowly. “In this country, anyway. People here have a big thing for Captain America. That might play into the hunter’s favour.”
“But only here in the United States,” Stiles said, catching on to her meaning. “You could be right, Cora. In the rest of the world, it would probably swing it the other way.”
“We’re getting ahead of ourselves,” Alec interjected. “Let’s take one problem at a time, okay? The Alpha Pack is no longer an issue. Now we can turn our attention more fully to the hunter situation. What we need to do is find out as much as we can about them without tipping our hands. What we don’t need to do is build theories from next to nothing and then have those theories cripple us by pre-deciding our reactions and how we see the information that we find.”
“Oh my god,” Stiles groaned, dropping his face into his hands. “Do you know how hard that’s going to be for me, dude? Coming up with theories is what I do, it’s part of my process!”
“That’s fine. Just don’t go infecting the rest of us with them,” Alec said firmly.
v^v^v^v
Stiles’ foray into investigative internet diving was diverted by the late-afternoon arrival of Derek’s three puppies. He couldn’t help but be distracted by the show that was put on in front of him. Erica was sizing Cora up like she was planning to drag her into the boxing ring, while Cora pretty much ignored her and Isaac, all her focus on Boyd.
“The pack postures as they greet the new member, each angling to be higher ranked than their fellows,” Stiles murmured in his best David Attenborough impersonation.
“That sort of thing isn’t helping,” Derek said from directly behind him, nearly sending him through the roof.
Stiles spun around, heart thundering. “I knew it! You totally do that on purpose! You get your sick thrills out of creeping up behind me and trying to give me a heart attack!”
Derek just gave him a patronising smile. “Maybe you should pay more attention to your surroundings,” he suggested. “I really wasn’t trying to hide my approach.”
Stiles narrowed his eyes. It sounded plausible, but for the fact that recently Stiles had found it almost impossible not to pay attention where Derek was at all times. Last he knew, Derek had gone upstairs. He did not come back down again. In order to get behind him without him noticing, Derek would have had to jump out of one of the upstairs windows and come in the back door.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t actually say all of that without looking like a creepy stalker himself, so he satisfied himself with a vague noise that he hoped indicated his disapproval and disbelief.
Derek leaned forward with mock concern. “Are you alright Stiles? You sound as if you’ve got something stuck in your throat.”
“I’m fine, thank you, Derek,” Stiles lied, before deliberately turning his back and returning the majority of his attention to the beta show. He did his best to ignore the heat that Derek radiated as he stood close behind him.
To his disappointment, the show was pretty much all over. Isaac was talking to Cora about something maths related, going by his vague gestures towards his textbook, and Erica and Boyd were speaking too quietly over by the front window for Stiles to hear. Stiles turned to glare at Derek, who gave him an unrepentant shrug.
“Told you that you weren’t helping.” Derek clapped him lightly on the back before moving over to join his sister and his puppies.
“We don’t like to admit it, but we’re a little closer to wolves than we are to humans,” Peter said softly from the recliner chair where he had been sitting and watching everyone.
Stiles gave up his attempts at detectoring for the moment and went over to join Peter. He always felt a bit left out when the wolves all got together, and Cora’s introduction hadn’t helped matters any. If anything, it had helped drive home to Stiles just how on the outside he really was. Fifteen minutes after meeting her, they already accepted her more than him.
“Stiles! Come and lend me your expertise,” Peter demanded as he opened his laptop, breaking Stiles out of his private pity party. “I need to find a way to display some of this data so that it’s easily interpreted. Alec has said that if we present our case well enough then he’s pretty sure that his clan will agree to help us when it finally comes down to us or the hunters.”
“Right.” Stiles gave his full attention to the problem at hand and put Derek’s puppies out of his mind. “Well, a graph of some kind would probably be best. What variables have to be considered?” He caught the wink that Peter sent Derek but decided not to make an issue of it, settling down to work with a focus he usually reserved for life and death research.
That night, after the puppies had said their goodbyes and dinner had been eaten, Scott called to see if Stiles had an update for him. His call interrupted a rather amusing story that Magnus was telling them about how he had escaped with Marie Antionette in a hot air balloon.
“Can I just take this?” Stiles said, looking at the caller ID. “Going by recent examples, it won’t be long.”
“Of course.” Magnus gave a beneficent wave of his hand.
“Thanks.” Stiles put Scott on speaker before heading over to where his laptop was set up on the dining room table.
Unlike previous phone calls, Scott didn’t seem to be in a great hurry to hang up.
“I’ve been trying to tell you that Derek didn’t do anything!” Stiles said when Scott once again told him that Derek was responsible for whatever was wrong with Allison. He apologised with his eyes to Magnus, who just shook his head.
“He must have done!” Scott said. “The doctors have done a lot of tests and they said that she’s in a vegetative state, and they have no guarantee that her awareness will ever emerge. Chris said that when he left the house, she was fine. They were talking together! Then he goes out for an hour, and when he comes back she’s like this! And then about an hour after that, their house was burning down! Of course it was Derek! He must have cast a spell or something on her!”
Stiles sighed. “I hate to burst your bubble, Scott, but Derek is not the source of all evil. He didn’t do anything to Allison. Also? He’s a werewolf, he can’t cast spells.” The timeline that Scott was going on about pinged something though. “Hang on, was this Saturday night then? After the game?” He wondered if it could just be a coincidence. The sick feeling in his stomach argued against that sort of thinking. The timing was just a little too…
“Yes, of course it was!” Scott replied testily. “And he must have done, because according to Chris, when he left the house, Erica and Boyd were down in the Argents’ basement. Then the house burns down, but Erica and Boyd are at school on Monday like nothing’s wrong. Obviously, Derek did whatever he did to Allison in revenge!”
Stiles went cold then hot. “You knew that Gerard had Erica and Boyd in his basement?” he asked, feeling the shock reverberate all the way down to his toes.
“No! Well, yes, but not until after it was all over. I mean, I didn’t know then. Gerard said he had a plan to keep them out of the way, but I didn’t know until Chris explained it to me later that it included holding them in his basement.”
“To keep them out of the way.” Stiles wondered if his voice sounded as strained to Scott as it did from inside his head.
He looked up to see that Noah was regarding the phone with a sort of dawning horror, and he winced. Having your illusions shattered was painful, and Noah had treated Scott almost like a second son for years. Considered him to be the good one, the one who was less inclined to get into potentially illegal mischief.
Magnus was sitting up now, leaning against Alec whose scowl could rival one of Derek’s more offended expressions. Peter was in his usual chair, and he might almost look amused if you paid no attention to the glittering expression in his eyes, and the way his smile showed a hint of fang.
Cora was upstairs, having claimed the spa bath “for the evening, come in if you want to be killed messily.” Derek had been dealing with more of his never-ending paperwork but must have had his ears tuned in to what was going on below. He was standing in the doorway with his arms crossed and his face blank.
Aside from Scott’s voice, the only sound that Stiles could hear was his own breathing.
“Well, Gerard didn’t want them to complicate things,” Scott explained. “Chris said he and Allison had picked them up while we were at the game.”
“Picked them up,” Stiles repeated, the image of Erica and Boyd strung from the ceiling and being constantly electrocuted for the sick pleasure of a loathsome old man flashing through his mind.
“At first, Chris thought that Gerard might have set the house on fire himself,” Scott went on, either oblivious or uncaring of Stiles’ reactions. “But he would have only done that if Erica and Boyd were still there, as a kind of final ‘fuck you’ to Derek. As soon as I saw them at school on Monday, I let him know that—”
“Let me get this straight,” Stiles said, interrupting him. “For a while now, you’ve been working with Gerard Argent, you know, the mass-murdering serial killer who wants all werewolves dead, that Gerard Argent. You’ve been working with him on some kind of plan that involved capturing Derek, and somehow making him give Gerard Argent the bite. This plan involved luring Matt and the kanima to the station,” he winced as his father closed his eyes and dropped his face into his hands, “where Gerard killed Matt and became the kanima’s master. Hang on, the pieces are falling into place.”
“He threatened my mom, Stiles.” Scott didn’t sound the least bit ashamed. “He said he’d kill her or have her killed if I didn’t help him. But it’s okay, Deaton and I switched his cancer meds over to these great copies that Deaton had made that were filled with mountain ash. Deaton said that it would cripple him, make him unable to function in a meaningful capacity, but wouldn’t actually kill him.”
“Why not just kill him rather than go through this convoluted plan?” Stiles wondered if it could get any worse. While Stiles in no way considered himself any kind of expert, he was pretty sure that he knew far more than Scott about how mountain ash interacted with werewolves, because as soon as he’d found out about it, he’d studied it. He could think of several problems with Deaton’s plan right off bat, none of which appeared to concern Scott in the least. Nor did he seem broken up that he had been an accessory to the deaths of several law enforcement officers.
“Killing is wrong.” Scott sounded so sure of himself, so certain that he was right that Stiles just wanted to reach over the airwaves and smack him.
“I thought you were all gung-ho to kill Peter not all that long ago,” Stiles pointed out. “Then you got pissed off at Derek for doing it before you could.”
“That was different,” Scott replied heatedly. “That was my chance to become human again! Derek stole that from me just to get more power.”
“Derek took back his family’s legacy,” Stiles corrected without much hope that Scott would even hear him. He hadn’t the last few times this conversation had come up. “If he hadn’t, you would probably be the alpha now. Or, somewhat more likely, you would have taken the alpha power, spiralled out of control, and then been killed by the Argents shortly after.”
“I would not have spiralled out of control,” Scott argued.
“Right. Cause those times you tried to eat me when you were first turned never happened,” Stiles responded. “It was all a bad dream I had. Something I ate, no doubt.”
“I don’t know why we’re even talking about this!” Scott sounded frustrated. “I called to find out what you’ve discovered about whatever Derek did to Allison!”
“And I already told you, Derek didn’t do anything to Allison!” Stiles lost his patience. Scott went to reply, but Stiles overrode him. “I don’t care what Chris Argent says! Also, while we’re on the subject of Argents, what the fuck? That plan you just told me about, of how you were going to deal with Gerard? Of the top of my head, without doing any targeted research whatsoever, I can think of three likely results of that switched meds ploy. Providing that it was actually working, of course, and that Gerard hadn’t noticed something wrong with his meds and just got new ones!”
“It would have—”
“One. The bite could have killed him.” Stiles used his hands to visually punctuate what he was saying even though Scott couldn’t see him. “The bite isn’t guaranteed to take, you know, even without mountain ash. Although, between you and me, I think the survival rate of bitten hunters might bear investigation, because— Sorry, getting off track. Two! The mountain ash does nothing more than inconvenience him slightly, if at all, and very shortly afterward, he’s up and about and his usual diabolical self, only with nifty new werewolf powers. Three guesses as to what his first move would have been, and then you would have been directly responsible for unleashing another evil alpha on the world, this one who wasn’t insane with grief!”
“Deaton said—”
“Or three.” Stiles pointed his finger at his phone. “This one appears to be the effect you were hoping for. Gerard turns just enough to be incapacitated by the mountain ash. Now, if the mountain ash wins its war with the werewolf side, then he would die, which, according to you, would be bad. So you were counting on the mountain ash to continue incapacitating Gerard indefinitely.”
“There are records—”
“Do you know what option three says to me, someone who has yet to do any meaningful investigation into the matter?” Stiles steamrollered over him. “It says torture. But it also says a magical substance caused the condition, it’s not fatal, so it can be cured. Both of those things make it an unattractive option! Because, quite frankly, I personally think running around and intentionally torturing people is worse than killing them! And people with any kind of correct moral compass don’t do it! If someone remains a danger to innocents and the law can’t contain him or her for some reason, then absolutely kill them! Don’t plan their long-term torture and call it the ‘right’ thing!”
“It wouldn’t have been torture!” Scott objected.
“Oh yeah?” Stiles challenged. “What, you think it would cause ongoing incapacitation without pain?”
“No, it— Deaton never said anything about torturing him!”
“Well, I suggest you go back to Deaton and start asking some questions. Because intentionally poisoning someone with something when you don’t know what the results will be is a stupid thing to do, Scott. If I’d known about it, I would have made sure we knew as much as possible before proceeding. Which we probably wouldn’t have, because your plan sucked ass on more than one level, and I would have stopped you. Which I guess answers the question of, ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’”
“I can’t talk to Deaton,” Scott said, ignoring the second half of Stiles’ remark. “He’s been called out of town suddenly. He’s been gone since sometime last week. He didn’t even give me proper notice, just left a note asking me to take care of the day to day stuff at the clinic until he gets back.”
“How convenient that he happens to be out of town and can avoid any fallout,” Stiles said, sarcasm dripping off the words. “How lucky for him that you seem to find him above suspicion and are instead focused on Derek. You know what? I’ve told you that he had nothing to with it. You can take it or leave it, but my answer isn’t going to be changing.”
“Why would Deaton attack Allison and kill Gerard and set the Argent house on fire?” Scott asked heatedly. “He has no motive. Derek has lots of motive! Of course it was him!”
“Derek has had motive to go after the Argents for six years now, and you’ll note a distinct lack of action on his part. Except for when he bit Victoria—which happened when he was saving your ungrateful life while he was disoriented from the poisonous gas that she was pumping into the room and which was, therefore, an accident and unintentional on his part—Derek has never once harmed the Argent family. The aggression has all been on their side!”
“I can’t talk to you right now, you’re not listening to a thing I say.” Scott sounded angry and frustrated.
“Scott—” Stiles began, not even certain of what he was going to say, only that he needed to somehow make Scott see.
“No, I mean it, I can’t talk to you. You’re all worked up and ranting, and you’re not in a place where you can even hear what other people say. So I’ll leave it for now, and hopefully tomorrow you’ll have calmed down a bit and dialled back on the caffeine. Talk to you then. Bye.”
Stiles was left gaping at his phone. He swivelled to face Noah, who was doing a poor job of hiding his smirk. “Well, I’m glad you think something’s funny.”
Noah lost his amusement. “That boy. What can he possibly be thinking?”
“He’s thinking, ‘Wow, I love Allison so much, we are like Romeo and Juliet, how romantic is this, it’s so amazing, nothing matters but Allison, Allison-Allison-Allison, hope my mom is okay, Allison likes how I take care of my mom, Allison-Allison-Allison,’ etcetera, ad nauseam.”
Magnus raised his eyebrows. “That was quite the bitter speech there.”
Stiles shook his head and looked out the window so he wouldn’t have to meet anyone’s eyes, only to see the room reflected back at him in the glass. As he suspected, everyone in the room was looking at him. Great.
“He has reason, I think,” Peter remarked, surprising Stiles enough that he looked over to the recliner chair that Peter had staked as his own. Peter was looking pretty pissed off. “Has he made any but the most cursory attempt to find out what happened to you that night?”
“No.” Stiles stashed his phone in his pocket. “But then our friendship always revolved around me taking care of him rather than the other way around.”
“That’s interesting,” Noah interjected. “From a parental perspective, it looked a lot like Scott was a calming influence on you. Your mother and I certainly thought so, and Melissa used to say he never got up to nearly as much mischief before he became friends with you.”
Stiles tried to hide the sting that he felt, hearing it out loud that his dad had agreed that Stiles was a troublemaker and that Scott was the ‘good’ one. “Before we became friends, Scott used to have a pretty severe asthma attack on average of twice a month,” he pointed out. “I was the one who made sure to always have a backup inhaler, I was the one who policed what he was eating at school once Melissa explained which things he reacted to. The reason Scott got into more mischief after we started hanging out was because he was no longer as concerned about not being able to breathe.”
“Ah hell, I’m sorry, kid.” Noah winced.
Stiles gave a one-shoulder shrug. “Whatever. Doesn’t really make much difference right now. Scott’s asthma problems are a thing of the past, thanks to our friendly local revenant over here. Scott’s now doing whatever he wants with no input from me whatsoever, and I’m still getting the blame for it.”
“What?” Alec asked. “Who’s blaming you?”
“Pretty sure Melissa thinks everything wrong in Scott’s life is all my fault,” Stiles informed him. “I was the one who asked Scott to come out with me into the Preserve to look for half a dead body, after all, and that was when he was bitten. Naturally, every single terrible thing after that falls on my shoulders.”
Alec frowned. “Did you know that there was a feral alpha werewolf roaming around?”
“Didn’t even know werewolves existed outside of fiction.”
“Then that’s ridiculous,” Alec dismissed. “Unless you physically dragged him out there, or used some other form of coercion on him—you weren’t holding anything of his hostage or anything, right?—then his subsequent lycanthropy is not your fault any more than it is his.”
“I just asked him,” Stiles admitted. “He said he wanted to get an early night, and I said, ‘Please, don’t make me go out there alone.’ And that was it.”
“I think we Stilinskis need some lessons on how to stop blaming ourselves for things that aren’t our fault,” Noah said with a wry smile. “There’s plenty of things that are our fault that we can take the blame for, after all. Like the mysterious disappearance of a bottle of Jack Daniels from my office.”
“I deny all allegations of interaction with the substance in question.” Stiles sat up straight. “Scott and I very definitely didn’t use it to find out if werewolves can get drunk or not.”
“You gave alcohol to an untrained werewolf that already showed signs of an inability to control himself, in order to see if it would get him drunk?” Derek asked incredulously. “What exactly was your plan if it had worked and he’d tried to eat your face off?”
“Firstly, ewww, thanks for the imagery, dude,” Stiles replied. “Secondly, I already told you that I deny all allegations, and anyone with werewolf superpowers to detect lies will shut up if they know what’s good for them. Thirdly, ewww.”
“You know, I sometimes think you’re too old for your age.” Noah shook his head. “Then you go and do something like this and I’m reminded that, yes, you are very much still a teenager.”
“There might have been an element of consoling my best bud during his first heartbreak,” Stiles said. “Not that he would admit that they were broken up or anything. Even with her starting to date Jackson, he was in denial.”
“Yes, well, I think we’re all coming to some conclusions about this young man’s ability to face reality,” Magnus said. “I know some people find a stubborn disposition admirable, but I can’t say that I’ve ever found it to be a particularly attractive trait.”
“I never really saw that side of him,” Noah admitted. “But then I haven’t actually spent all that much time with him one on one. You’d think Melissa would be more aware of it, but she’s not mentioned it.”
“Melissa holds down a full-time job,” Stiles reminded him. “Shift work and all. I think most of their day to day revolves around laundry and dishes and whose turn it is to do the grocery shopping. I’m pretty sure he spends more quality time with Deaton, his boss.”
“Ah yes, this Deaton has come up already,” Alec said with a frown. “He’s aware of the Shadow World, I take it?”
“Yeah, from what he’s said recently he used to be the Hales’ emissary,” Stiles replied, most of his mind somewhere else. He only vaguely registered Cora coming in and curling up quietly on the arm of the chair that Peter was in. “He showed me how to set a mountain ash barrier one time. You’d think, what with all that knowledge and experience with werewolves, that he would have been some help to a newly bitten teenager who worked in his clinic. For some reason, he kept quiet about it. Scott said it doesn’t mean that Deaton doesn’t care about him, it’s just because he doesn’t want to get involved in it all again, but I call bullshit. It was more good luck than good management that Scott didn’t seriously hurt or kill anyone in those early days. No-one who cared about Scott would want that for him.”
“It is a bit suspicious,” Magnus mused. “If he was an emissary, then he’s most likely a druid, yes? Hmm.”
“Yes, so Talia told me,” Peter attested. “I never really knew him, so hearsay from Talia is all I have. She kept a lot of the management side of being alpha close to her vest. She used me as an information gatherer, and sometimes as part of her enforcement team, but I was never included in the decision making.”
Noah snorted. “You were somewhat volatile when you were younger.”
Peter rolled his eyes. “Not nearly as much as I seemed, I assure you. Any werewolf as off the rails as I pretended to be would have either been killed as a danger to humans, and therefore the pack, or kept under strict supervision at all times.”
“Like Aunt Lucy.” Derek sounded like he just understood a mystery of long standing.
“That’s why she never went anywhere?” Cora asked, eyes wide.
“And why the younger kids were never left alone with her,” Peter confirmed. He shrugged. “She was injured as a child by a group of hunters. At the time, it was decided that it was unnecessary to kill her and that the pack would continue to care for her. She was actually improving, if slowly. By the time she was ready for a retirement home, she might even have been safe to be around.”
“Are we just going to ignore it, then?” Stiles burst out, unable to contain himself any longer. “No one’s going to bring up how I somehow managed to mind wipe-someone accidentally? No?”
“We don’t know for sure if that’s what happened,” Noah suggested.
Stiles gave him an incredulous look. “Right. Her mind just happened to wipe itself right in the same small window of time where I used my nifty new mind powers to kill a group of people just downstairs?”
“It doesn’t matter if you actually did it or not,” Magnus said firmly. “You were under attack and in imminent danger of death. Your untrained mind reacted to a threat in order to ensure your survival. Now, while I fully believe that it’s every person with superpowers’ responsibility to ensure that they have complete control over themselves so as to reduce or eliminate collateral damage, you can be excused from that. Brand new powers had just been foisted upon you by monsters who were now trying to kill you. Nothing about what happened in that house is in any way your fault.”
“Besides,” Peter added, “little miss Princess Argent had spent the earlier part of the night assaulting and abducting teenagers, and then became an accessory to torture when she handed them over to her grandfather, knowing full well that he wasn’t taking them to a tea party. She might not have been directly involved in your own torture, but she was hardly an innocent bystander. I really can’t find it in my cold dead heart to feel even the slightest twinge of regret.”
“You’d be perfectly happy if the entire Argent family was wiped out,” Stiles accused weakly, not wanting to admit that Peter’s words had actually made him feel better. He had to stop acting like Scott’s version of the truth was the real one.
Peter shrugged, not bothering to deny it. To be honest, at that point, Stiles couldn’t really blame him.
Chapter Ten
Noah went home at 10:30 p.m., promising to be back bright and early. Stiles got ready for bed, mind still going a million miles an hour. He lay awake for what seemed like hours before finally giving up and slipping out of bed.
He made his way downstairs as quietly as possible. He opened the fridge, not sure what he was looking for, and then closed it. He opened it again and grabbed a bottle of water. He twisted the cap off and took a drink.
The light of the moon was pouring into the kitchen, giving him a black and white view of the backyard. On a whim, Stiles picked up his water and went out to sit on the swing seat.
The night was cool and clear. A bit too cool, to be honest. The breeze soon had Stiles shivering slightly, goose pimples forming on his arms. He was regretfully considering going back inside when a leather jacket was dropped unceremoniously over his shoulders. His slightly hunched posture straightened out immediately.
“Hey, Derek.” He didn’t bother to turn around to check. Who else would it be? Peter? Ha. “You want to sit with me for a while? Look out at the world, and just forget about everything that’s going on, and be?”
“If you’re not careful, you’ll catch a cold.” Derek sat down beside him. His extra weight gave the seat more movement, and Stiles quickly lifted his feet off the ground so that they wouldn’t end up stubbed.
“You can’t actually catch a cold just by getting a little bit chilly,” he pointed out. “The common cold is a virus, and needs either a recently infected surface or an infected person in close proximity. The worst thing I’m going to get out here—providing that Magnus’ wards hold up and no sudden werewolves or vampires or zombies or rabid foxes appear out of nowhere—is hypothermia, and I would hope that I’d go inside long before that became likely.”
Derek was silent for a moment. “We didn’t have many full humans in our pack,” he said softly. “There was my father, my Uncle Brendan—he was married to my Aunt Dora—and their son Steven. It was always kind of terrifying when they were sick or injured. It just came up out of nowhere, and it always lasted so long. And they just…put up with it. Like it was okay that their body was attacking them for no reason.”
“Well, not no reason,” Stiles said. “Because various viruses and bacteria can affect cells by—” He stopped as Derek’s eyebrows drew together. “Did you guys not learn any biology in school?”
“Theory is different from real life,” Derek replied. “Knowing the science behind a rainbow doesn’t make it any less beautiful.”
“Are you seriously telling me that you like rainbows now?” Stiles shook his head. “Stop being so adorable, Derek, I don’t think I can take it.”
Derek’s grin was fleeting, but the sight of it gave Stiles the courage he needed.
“I’m sorry for blurting your private business out like that,” he said quickly, hoping to get the whole thing out before Derek shut him down. “I promise I’ll try my best not to do it again.”
Derek sighed. “Do or do not. There is no try.”
Stiles bumped Derek with his shoulder. “Take me, I’m yours. Rainbows and Star Wars? I’m done.”
A cloud drifted in front of the moon, dimming the meagre light. They sat in companionable silence for a while.
“Laura didn’t know,” Derek said eventually.
Stiles had begun to feel drowsy, but those quiet words startled him back to full wakefulness. “You never told her?” he asked cautiously.
“I never told anyone,” Derek admitted. “I was too ashamed, too—”
“Too sure that everyone else would blame you the same way you were blaming yourself?” Stiles finished for him.
“Yes,” Derek said simply. “Then she was dead, and I thought no one ever had to know.”
Stiles winced. “Right, well, I can see how me blurting it out must have come as a bit of a shock. But you know that I don’t blame you, right? You were fifteen, Derek, and she was an experienced predator.”
Derek shook his head. “I should have known, I should have—”
“You think your family was the first?” Stiles interrupted. “Me and dad and Alec, between us, we had everything we needed to dig up some very interesting stuff. Of course, it would have been better if Danny was in on it, he’s like some kind of genius when it comes to—never mind, not the point. The point is, Alec has a lot of contacts. Dad has access to the national database, and I have the knack of sifting data and putting patterns together. You weren’t the first, Derek, nor the second or third.
“You can bet your boots you weren’t the last. And it wasn’t your fault. She would have found a way in without you. The only reason she used you like she did is because she was a sick psycho, and I’m pretty sure she got off on hurting people.” Stiles paused. “Not like in a BDSM way, ‘cause so long as the participants are consenting adults and safety measures are properly considered and implemented then there’s nothing sick about getting off on pain. Giving it or receiving it. It’s just sick, you know, when you’re giving pre-adults the bad touch and lying to them while planning to set their families on fire.”
Derek snorted, but he seemed less gloomy than a few moments ago, so Stiles counted that as a win.
“I came into this supernatural world not all that long ago with no preconceptions at all, and it’s clear to me after only a few months that werewolves have never been the problem that the hunters have tried to make them out as. Of course, the only werewolves that were a problem were taken care of by, oh yeah, people who weren’t hunters. They are lying hypocrites. Your family didn’t deserve what happened to them, and neither did you.”
“The Argents did help a bit with Peter,” Derek pointed out.
Stiles snorted. “The Argents made Peter. Making a mess and then cleaning it up again doesn’t win anyone points. And they didn’t clean it up, they only ‘helped a bit.’ Fail.”
“I appreciate you trying to cheer me up.”
“Yeah, I know that it takes more than that.” Stiles hesitated. “Magnus suggested that I should look into getting some therapy.” He slanted a sideways glance at the werewolf sitting beside him.
Derek nodded thoughtfully. “It might help,” he agreed. “It probably can’t hurt.”
“Provided that my therapist isn’t actually working for a pack of evil alphas that intend to kill off my friends,” Stiles amended. He took a deep breath. “See, the subject came up because I was wondering if you could benefit from therapy. Magnus suggested that it was something that we might do together.”
Derek’s brows drew together.
“Not together, together,” Stiles said hurriedly. “Not like couples therapy, that would be weird, we’re not even a couple! More like, I’ll do it if you do it, and you’ll do it if I do it. And Magnus would be able to find us a trustworthy therapist, and maybe get them to make a binding oath or something that they won’t betray us. Can he even do that? That would be really cool.”
Derek still wasn’t saying anything.
“Because honestly, dude, there’s been some whacked-out shit that’s happened to both of us,” Stiles went on, “and the way I see it, if Magnus can get some kind of secrecy magic going, then what could it hurt? Sure, it might end up being a waste of time but, on the other hand, it might not. And I know they say that therapy only works if you want it to work, but that’s no problem because I do actually want it to work, I’m just doubtful that it will, you know?”
“Stop babbling, Stiles.”
“Oh thank god.” Stiles took in a deep, relieved breath. “I thought I might have temporarily broken you or broken your ability to communicate. With me, anyway.”
“If I can get some assurances from Magnus that talking to a therapist will in no way harm my pack, then I’ll do it,” Derek said. “Providing you hold up your end of the bargain and go as well.”
“Deal!” Stiles said triumphantly. “I’ll tell Magnus tomorrow.”
They sat in silence again, the creaking of the swing seat sounding louder with every moment that passed.
“You should get to bed,” Derek said eventually.
“I know.” Stiles sighed. “There’s just something… Sitting out here in the dark, the world feels peaceful, you know? No evil hunters, no Alpha Packs, no freaky new mind powers. I could wake up and find that this whole thing has been an extremely vivid dream.”
“And that’s what you want?” There was an edge to Derek’s voice that Stiles didn’t remember hearing before.
“Sometimes,” Stiles admitted. “But then I sometimes wish I could wake up and discover that my mom is still here too. Do you never do that? Imagine waking up in your bed with all your family still alive?”
“No,” Derek said, and Stiles realised that the edge he was hearing was pain. “I never thought I deserved that kind of—”
“Well, you do,” Stiles said fiercely. “Come on, Derek, do this with me. Sit here with me, listen to the sounds around us, take a deep breath and relax. Now imagine it, waking up, going into the kitchen and seeing your mom or dad making breakfast—”
“Peter,” Derek murmured so softly that Stiles could barely hear him. “Peter is making breakfast. Laura is trying to convince dad that she needs a better car than Jason Stevenson otherwise our family reputation will be ruined. Cora is yelling at the twins for spilling eggs on her English essay. Mom’s telling her that it was her own fault for having it on the table at meal times. Thea is talking to Peter about heading up to New York for a while to see if any of the werewolves up there strike his fancy, but Peter says he’s happy where he is. Beth is crying, and mom is rocking her…”
The skin under Derek’s closed eyes began to glisten with moisture.
“It’s like a scorpion trapped in amber,” Stiles said quietly, closing his own eyes again. “A piece of the past, preserved indefinitely. They deserve to be remembered, Derek. And you deserve to remember them.”
Stiles sat quietly as the moon moved its slow graceful way across the sky, his companion still and silent beside him.
Eventually, Derek heaved a shuddering breath. “Thank you.”
The next couple of days primarily consisted of training and research. Magnus had listened to Stiles’ halting request for him to provide a therapist that could be trusted for him and Derek, and had agreed to talk the matter over with Catarina. He was also still working on Stiles’ shielding with him as well as strengthening his telekinesis.
Noah decided he could get more benefit from the training that Alec was giving Derek, and soon he and Peter had joined them.
Alec proved himself to be a superb instructor. He swiftly assessed his students and assigned exercises that would challenge them and help them improve.
For Noah, this started out with a lot of running. “I didn’t realise I’d let myself get this far out of shape,” he groaned on Wednesday night as he went to get up from the dinner table.
“You sit behind a desk for the majority of the day,” Stiles pointed out.
“So do you. When you’re at school.”
“Maybe, but I also play lacrosse, and in the off season, coach makes us do cross-country,” Stiles returned. “Not to mention that you’ve got twenty-two years on me, old man.”
“Careful who you’re calling old man,” Noah threatened. “I can still ground you indefinitely. Or stop paying for Wi-Fi.”
“No!” Stiles gasped, his hand going to his forehead in an overly dramatic manner. “Not that! Anything but that!”
“You know what you need to do,” Noah said, raising an eyebrow in Stiles’ direction.
“Forgive me, kindest of fathers,” Stiles said obediently, making his eyes as big and wide as possible. “My brain was addled by this delicious salmon dinner that some wizard enticed me into eating.”
“It was pretty amazing,” Noah agreed, wandering over to the recliner chair that Peter normally claimed as his own, sinking into it with a sigh. He squinted over at where Peter was glowering at him from the table. “Are you sure you don’t have magic? First that amazing dinner, and now I discover that the chair you’ve been sitting in is made of clouds.”
Peter’s frown gave way to a reluctant smile. “Just good taste and culinary skill, I’m afraid. Does this mean that you don’t intend to help with the clean-up?”
“That’s why I have a son.” Noah closed his eyes and waved a hand in Stiles’ general direction. “Hey, kiddo! Do your old man a favour and get these dishes sorted out?”
“Yeah, okay,” Stiles agreed. “Come on, Derek, Cora, let’s let the oldsters rest their weary bones.”
“I don’t know whether to be offended or grateful,” Alec said to Magnus as they relaxed together on the couch. “I’m really not all that much older than Derek.”
“If it gets you out of boring chores, who cares?” Magnus shifted so that he could stretch out and lay his head in Alec’s lap. “Pet me, Alec.”
Alec obligingly started running his fingers through Magnus’ hair. “I sometimes wonder if you’re secretly a cat and this is your ‘humagus’ form.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Magnus murmured, eyes slipping closed in pleasure. “I couldn’t be a cat. Cats don’t have enough magic in them to set a portal.”
Alec’s hand stopped. “But they could transform themselves to a human shape?”
“Theoretically, yes,” Magnus said. “They have enough magic in them, but it would require that they had the mental capabilities to learn and understand the spell in the first place. Alexander, why have you stopped petting me?”
“My apologies,” Alec said gravely, resuming his appointed task. “I had a message from Izzy a little while ago. There are some things that need to be taken care of in New York, so I’ll be heading back tomorrow morning.”
“I hope nothing’s wrong,” Noah said with some concern.
“It’s mostly bureaucratic stuff that can’t be handled by anyone else,” Alec dismissed. “Providing that there’s nothing too unexpected, I should be back by lunchtime, two at the latest.”
“Call me if you need me, dearest,” Magnus mumbled, nearly asleep.
Alec smiled fondly down at the head in his lap. “Of course.”
In the kitchen with the Hale siblings, Stiles was bemoaning the lack of a dishwasher. “I mean, it doesn’t matter so much when there’s only a couple of people.” He scrubbed at a particularly stubborn spot on the pan he was holding. “But when we’re talking about six adults sharing the same space—with another expected to be here all week, not that I’m complaining or anything—well, I think that a dishwasher should definitely be included! It’s a five-bedroom house!”
Derek frowned. “It’s a four-bedroom house.”
Stiles finally managed to dislodge the troublesome piece of food matter, giving a quiet crow of triumph. He gave the pan a final inspection before handing it to Derek, who was waiting with the tea-towel. “What? No, dude. There are five bedrooms.”
Derek shook his head. “I paid the lease, remember? It’s listed as a four-bedroom, when I looked through it, it was a four-bedroom. It is a four-bedroom.”
Stiles dropped the scrubber into the sudsy water and turned to face Derek, holding up his hands so he could count on his fingers. “Going up the stairs, to the left we have your room, my room, with Magnus and Alec in the master suite at the end. On the right, we have the bathroom, followed by the toilet, followed by Peter’s room, followed by Cora’s room, which is incidentally the same room that the puppies crashed in on Sunday night. Five.”
Derek reached over to hang the now dry pan in it’s designated spot on the wall and absently wiped off the foam that Stiles had inadvertently flicked onto his shirt, frown intensifying. “How did that— there were only four bedrooms, Stiles. There was no extra bedroom between Peter’s room and the master suite at the end of the hallway. Where the hell did Cora’s room come from?”
“Are you telling me that I’m sleeping in an imaginary room?” Cora did not look impressed by that revelation at all. She was leaning against the oven and holding an almost completely dry tea-towel in her hands, having stood back and watched as Derek did the bulk of the drying.
“Maybe not imaginary so much as magical,” Stiles theorised, dipping his hands into the hot water and scrabbling around for the plug as quickly as he could to avoid burning them. “Hey, here’s a thought. Maybe next time the dude with the healing superpowers should be the one to stick his hands in the piping hot water.”
“You called dibs on washing,” Derek reminded him. “Also…” He opened the cupboard under the sink and gestured towards several pairs of rubber gloves.
Stiles gave him the stink eye. “You didn’t think to mention this earlier? Like, several days earlier?”
Derek raised his eyebrows in response. “You mean to say that you didn’t poke your nose into every nook and cranny of this house at the earliest opportunity?”
Stiles busied himself with wiping down the bench. “Well, yes. And, okay, maybe I had actually seen those before. But I obviously didn’t remember them, and you didn’t remind me, so you’re still in the doghouse, mister.”
“Are we done here then?” Cora interjected. “Because all this desperate flirting is making me feel ill. I don’t know why the two of you can’t either just fuck and get it out of your systems or agree to be together like normal people.”
Stiles felt his whole face grow hot. A glance at Derek showed that he was pinker than normal too. “Haven’t you ever seen a rom-com?” he asked, trying to brazen it out. “There’s a week or two of desperate flirting still on the books, followed by an amusing misunderstanding surrounding the surprise appearance of an old flame before anything interesting can happen.”
Cora made a disgusted noise, throwing her tea-towel at her brother. “I can’t be here for this.” She turned on her heel and walked out to join the group in the lounge.
Derek folded Cora’s tea-towel and settled it over the oven handle, dropping his own far more used one on the table. “All my exes are dead,” he said quietly.
“Yeah?” Stiles said, inching closer. “I don’t even have any old flames.”
“So, we can probably skip that part.” Derek leaned sideways slightly so their shoulders were touching.
“Sounds good to me,” Stiles replied. Their eyes met and held for a long moment. Stiles was enthralled by Derek’s eyes. He’d known in an abstract way that they were greenish but seeing them up close like this he was able to discern flecks of blue and brown in the inner part of the iris. They were beautiful.
Derek looked away. “We should join the others,” he said, although he made no motion to do so.
“Yeah,” Stiles agreed, his gaze dropping to Derek’s lips.
All of a sudden, Derek’s already pink skin went deep red and he straightened up, breaking their connection. “One day I’m going to kill Peter,” he muttered. “Again.” He stalked into the lounge without a backwards glance, leaving Stiles feeling flushed and confused. He gave himself a quick shake before following.
He arrived in the lounge to find all the comfy seats were taken, and Cora giving Peter a glare of disgust to rival the one she’d levelled at Stiles and Derek in the kitchen. Stiles decided he didn’t want to know, and went to sit at his dad’s feet the way he used to when he was small.
“Hey, kid,” Noah said sleepily. “Anything you want to do tomorrow since my trainer is going to be absent?”
“Since Magnus will still be here to make sure no one abducts me off the street, we could maybe go somewhere that’s not here? Not that this isn’t a nice place,” he hastily reassured Derek, “I just feel a little cooped up, is all.”
“I don’t see why Magnus couldn’t take you all for a short trip to New York,” Alec offered.
“Really?” Stiles was thrilled with that idea. “That would be bangin’, dude.”
Alec shuddered. “Don’t call me dude.”
Stiles narrowed his eyes and cast a suspicious glance Derek’s way. “Are you two sure you aren’t secretly twin brothers separated at birth?”
Alec stared at him. “I’m four years older than Derek.”
Stiles waved a dismissive hand. “Details.”
Stiles was up bright and early on Thursday morning, looking forward to their prospective trip. He tried not to show how crushed he was when Magnus—who had seemed almost as enthusiastic as Stiles about the idea when he’d woken from his nap the night before—received a text that meant that not only was New York off the agenda but that Magnus would be leaving them for the day.
“We’ll do it another day, flaugnarde.” Magnus consoled him with an absent pat to the shoulder, mind already elsewhere. “Alexander, darling, you surely aren’t wearing those boots for a meeting with Aldertree? Please let me bring you the ones with the garrotte hidden in the heel.”
“These ones have the throwing blades, see?” Alec pulled three small aerodynamic looking blades out of nowhere and brandished them in Magnus’ face.
Magnus sniffed disapprovingly. “The garotte ones go better with those trousers,” he grumbled, clearly unwilling to concede the point. “Now, where did I put my coffee?”
Before long they were gone in a flurry of movement, Magnus clutching the travel mug that held his coffee with a grip that suggested anyone trying to remove it from him was looking at nothing short of evisceration.
Stiles picked at the delicious breakfast that Peter had provided and tried not to behave like a spoiled child that had been denied a treat.
Noah arrived at ten with bad news of his own. “Chris Argent has been seen meeting with several newcomers to town,” he reported. “Tara did some ringing around, and they haven’t booked in at any of the motels or hotels within official city limits. Which means that they’ve got a base here or they’re commuting from somewhere.”
“We should assume they have a base.” Stiles reached for his laptop. He swore under his breath when he saw that he’d forgotten to charge it the night before, ignoring the disapproving look his father sent his way.
“I’ll get your cables,” Derek offered. He leapt up the stairs in two strides before Stiles had the chance to agree.
“Where is Chris Argent living at present?” Peter asked Noah after smirking at Stiles’ and giving him an exaggerated wink.
Noah sighed. “He’s rented a house on the edge of the warehouse district. It’s not quite as up-market as his previous residence, but it’s no doubt a lot cheaper. Especially since his daughter is still in the hospital.”
Derek returned with the recharge cord and bent to plug it into the nearest socket. Stiles found himself distracted by the way Derek’s jeans curved over his backside. That was one round, biteable ass.
“You can boot up now,” Derek said, breaking Stiles out of the daze he’d fallen into.
The blushing shyness that Derek had been displaying the previous night was gone, replaced by a smooth confidence that was much more like what Stiles would have expected in the first place.
“Any time now, Little Red,” Peter said mockingly.
“Get stuffed, Peter,” Stiles replied. Somehow the power cord was now connected to his laptop, so he pressed the power button.
“Stiles!” Noah reprimanded him. “Don’t be rude to the man cooking your food! Do you want to be stuck eating grilled cheese for the next two weeks?”
“I happen to like grilled cheese,” Stiles said with pretend dignity, waiting for the Wi-Fi connection to be established before he opened up his browser. “Now, stop flirting, the two of you, and let’s get to work.”
Unfortunately, Stiles soon hit a dead end with information that he had the skills and ability to access. “Danny would be so much better at this,” he muttered as he poked around, trying to think up avenues that he hadn’t already explored.
“We’re not going to be commissioning lawless acts from a teenager who has already run afoul of the system,” Noah said sternly. “Mr Māhealani is not a resource for you to exploit. Let him get on with his life. Young offender’s records are sealed for reasons, you know, and one of them is so that unscrupulous people can’t take advantage of them.” He studied Stiles’ face and obviously saw a trace of guilt or something there. He groaned. “Oh, for— You’ve already done it, haven’t you?”
“It was important!” Stiles insisted. “We needed to find out who the alpha was! It was only tracing the origin of an email, nothing nefarious!”
“Stiles! Those files are supposed to be confidential! Do I even want to know what you threatened the poor boy with in order to get him to do your dirty work?”
Stiles cast a guilty glance towards Derek who was still standing beside him. Derek just raised a single eyebrow at him, face expressionless.
Noah looked between them. “You threatened him with Derek?”
Stiles winced. “Well, threaten is maybe not the right term. You see, Danny’s gay. Very gay. So, let’s just say that I offered Danny something that he wanted and, because of that, Danny was in the mood to be obliging.”
Noah looked horrified, but Peter’s expression was one of glee. “Are you telling me that you pimped out my nephew to find out where an email had been sent from?”
“No!” Stiles objected. “Well, not really? Only a little!”
“How can you only pimp someone out a little bit?” Noah asked despairingly.
“Oh. My. God.” Cora looked almost as amused as Peter. “Look at him! It’s all true!”
Derek had crossed his arms across his chest and was staring at the ceiling like it might hold the secrets of eternal life.
“It was nothing all that bad, I just had him take his shirt off a few times,” Stiles defended. “He takes his shirt off all the time anyway! Sometimes I wonder if male werewolves develop an allergy to shirts or something, ‘cause they’re always stripping to skin!”
Cora looked at Stiles as though she’d never really seen him before. Noah put his hand over his face, like maybe if he couldn’t see it then it wasn’t happening, and Peter chortled with delight. Derek continued staring at the ceiling, although his cheeks had gained a bit of colour.
“Can we maybe stop talking about this now?” Stiles asked plaintively. “My original point still stands. I’ve pretty much done everything that I can, and while we now have a lot of information about all the names on my list, it’s not really enough to do anything with.”
Noah dragged his hand off his face. “I might know someone who can help with that,” he said hesitantly. “She’s an old friend from my Army days. I haven’t talked to her in years, but last I heard, she was making quite a name for herself in online security. The only thing is that I have no idea if she knows about werewolves, and it would be pretty hard to get her help with something like this unless we tell her.”
Derek and Peter exchanged a long look.
“Uh, it might not just be werewolves,” Stiles reminded him. “There’s a whole group that Magnus calls the Shadow World, you know. Warlocks and druids and vampires and demons, although, according to Alec, demons aren’t so much part of the Shadow World as they are invaders from another dimension that need to be wiped out.”
Derek nodded. “Yes, he was complaining the other day that more and more are coming through every year. There are theories that it’s to do with pop culture making demon summoning something cool that friends can all do together. And wherever the demons are coming from, they’re getting craftier all the time. They used to announce themselves when they came through, but now they’re trying to be more sneaky.”
Noah made a frustrated noise. “That’s not really helping me. Can I make a call to her or not?”
“How much do you trust her?” Peter asked cautiously.
“I’d trust her with my life,” Noah stated. “I’m confident that if she knew what these hunters were doing, she would be right beside me demanding that something be done.”
“That’s good to know, but you’re a cop. You trust a lot of people with your life on a daily basis,” Peter reminded him. “You should make sure you trust her with Stiles’ life.” He paused. “Of course, the biggest concern in bringing someone on board isn’t whether or not they can be trusted, it’s whether or not the people that they trust can be trusted. And so on and so forth.”
“If that’s the case, how do you wind up telling anyone?” Noah asked.
Peter shrugged. “We’re generally either marrying them or turning them. Or sometimes both. At that point they’ve got a rather invested interest in keeping the secret.”
Stiles snorted. “Well, I hate to say it, but there’s been a whole lot of outing going on down this neck of the woods lately.” He regarded his father. “I say that you should go with your gut. Use your instincts and, you know, maybe sound her out a little bit before springing the whole werewolf and hunter shebang on her?”
“Yes, well.” Noah cleared his throat. “The thing is that me getting in touch with her is going to be unusual enough that she’ll no doubt immediately look into what’s going on in my life.”
Peter leaned forward, intent. “That might actually work in our favour,” he suggested. “If she’s in the know about the Shadow World, she’ll see signs of what has really been going on down here these last few months with very little effort. How she reacts to that might be an answer in itself.”
“Great,” Cora muttered. “Gambling with our very existence. What fun. Why did I bother coming back here again?”
“You came because you felt the draw of pack,” Peter replied sharply.
Cora raised an eyebrow. “Right. Pack. If it’s such a draw, then why did I only just start feeling it now?”
“Because the Hales have only just returned to pack lands,” Stiles offered. “A lot of my research indicated that the longer a pack resides in a territory, the deeper the ‘mystical bonds’ go. It wouldn’t have just been the bonds between wolves that were sent reeling after the fire, the land was injured as well. It would only have started to heal again when Derek took the alpha power from Peter and chose to make his home here again. Abandoned rail cars notwithstanding.”
“Abandoned rail cars?” Noah shook his head. “No, actually, I don’t think I really want to know.”
“Our assets have been tied up,” Derek replied seriously. “There was also the threat of the hunters.”
“How would isolating yourself like that keep you safer from hunters?” Stiles wondered aloud.
Derek frowned at him. “It’s not just about keeping the pack safe, it’s about keeping the general innocent populace safe as well. Hunters have shown time and time again that they’re not terribly concerned with human casualties, so long as they can’t be tied back to them. My mother always said that it was our duty to keep innocents as safe as possible, not just from us but from those that would come looking for us.”
“Yes, well, mom’s dead,” Cora snarled. “Maybe her way of doing things didn’t turn out to be so great after all.”
“It wasn’t mom’s fault we were attacked.”
“No?” Cora got right up in his face. “She was the alpha, wasn’t she? Why didn’t she know about the hunters? Why did most of our family burn?”
Derek was holding himself stiffly, but it looked like it wouldn’t take much for him to just shatter. “Our pack was killed because of me.”
Cora drew back. “What?”
“I was the one who broke silence.” Derek’s stance was brittle and closed off. “I was the one who told Kate Argent about the secret entrance and that everyone would be there that day. It was me, not mom.”
Cora looked devastated. “But, why would you…”
“Let’s not only tell half of the story now, nephew,” Peter said smoothly. He rose to his feet and came forward. “Derek may indeed have done those things, but it wasn’t quite as simple as all that.” He laid his hand on Derek’s shoulder and turned to Cora, who had shrunk in on herself and was staring at Derek with wide-open, wounded, eyes.
Stiles desperately wanted to intervene, to stand by Derek and give him his support. But Stiles hadn’t been affected by the fire. It would be better for Peter—who had suffered for years—to make Cora see the truth.
“I don’t know if you knew about the thing with Paige,” Peter began. If anything Derek’s face went even blanker, and Stiles was confused. Who was Paige? “Young Derek, not yet fifteen, got to talking to a sympathetic alpha at the gathering in the August of that year. There were a lot of alphas present, if you recall. Deucalion—you remember him, I trust—had gathered them together so that they could enter into talks with the Argents.
“Talia disagreed and chose not to put her support behind it—said that Gerard Argent wasn’t to be trusted—but she did allow them to hold the meeting in her territory. Most of Talia’s children were carefully scouted by the visitors to see if they could be lured into other packs. Our blood is strong but so is our loyalty, and our line has been gifted with some rare talents for more generations than we have records for.”
“Is that why so many grown-ups wanted to talk to me?” Cora asked, realisation crossing her face. By the look on Derek’s face, he hadn’t known about that either.
“Talia chose not to tell you what was going on,” Peter continued. “I’m not sure if she thought you’d be intimidated or if she was worried you’d start looking around to see if there was another pack you liked. The result of this lack of explanation was a young Derek, pouring his romantic woes into the ear of a sympathetic alpha.
“You see, Derek was in love. She seemed to care for him too, but he didn’t know if she would continue to care for him once she knew his secret, and he wasn’t allowed to tell her. This alpha—Ennis, another of your recent acquaintances—realised that if he played his cards right, he might have a chance to nab one of the coveted Hale bloodline. If he could make Derek’s love into a member of his pack, it was highly probable that Derek would follow her. He convinced Derek that the only way to solve the issue was for him to bite her.
“Remember that Derek was only fourteen, and Talia kept all of her children rather sheltered. He eventually agreed, and Paige was bitten. However, the bite didn’t take. Ennis fled the scene, and Derek stayed with his love.
“Paige was dying in agony, and so she asked Derek to make it quick. Derek gave her the release she asked for, and that’s when his eyes turned blue.”
“That was why… But no one told us this!” Cora said, eyes wide and horrified. “We just knew that blue eyes meant he was a killer. Why didn’t anyone tell us?”
“I told you before, Talia liked to shelter her children.” Peter shrugged. “Right, so then we have Derek, broken-hearted, blaming himself, being gently excluded from a lot of pack activities because of his eyes. This went on for a few months, and then an older woman began paying attention to him. She started spending time with Derek, I assume she flattered him a little. And why wouldn’t he be flattered? She was older and gorgeous, tons of men and boys wanted her time. Yet, she singled him out.”
Stiles sighed, knowing where this was going now. Derek had turned his face away.
Peter kept going, speaking steadily and calmly. “Kate Argent was twenty-four. Derek—having had his birthday—was newly fifteen, grieving, and being left largely to his own devices. Yes, he told Kate Argent what she wanted to know. But I for one don’t blame him at all for what she did with the information she gathered. Hunters are supposed to follow a code, and if she hadn’t been an evil murdering cesspit of morality, it wouldn’t have mattered what he told her. I didn’t get the chance to properly question her, you understand, but it was obvious that she targeted Derek, and that she wasn’t new to the game she was playing.”
“We’ve found evidence of her pulling similar tricks in a number of other places,” Noah said gently. “Both before and after the fire here. Even if you hadn’t told her what she wanted to know, Derek, I’m sure she would have found the information somehow.”
Cora looked like she didn’t know how to feel. “I can’t be here right now,” she choked out, before fleeing back up the stairs to the room that she’d been given.
Derek looked devastated, but Peter hadn’t taken his hand off his shoulder. “Leave her for now,” he advised. “She just needs time to work through it. It’s very emotional, after all. And in case you didn’t catch it, I want you to know that I don’t blame you at all for what happened. Cora was right about one thing, at least. The defence of the pack is the alpha’s responsibility, and the way you were left alone while you were so vulnerable—it wasn’t well done of your mother.”
“She may have made mistakes,” Derek said hoarsely. “But she didn’t deserve to die. They didn’t deserve to die.”
“Of course she didn’t,” Noah said. “No one thinks she did. Well, apart from some of these hunters Stiles and I have been following up on, I suppose, but then that’s a given and isn’t any kind of judgement on her for being anything other than a werewolf.”
Peter dropped his hand and smirked at Noah. “You know, sometimes the similarity between you and your son is very striking.”
Noah rolled his eyes. “If you’re trying to tell me that I was babbling, Peter, then thank you. I was actually able to discern that on my own.”
Stiles made a disgusted noise in the back of his throat. He wanted his father to move on, of course he did. Eight years was plenty long enough to mourn alone. But he wasn’t sure he’d ever get used to the idea that the first interest he’d shown was in Peter Hale. Peter. Ugh.
Noah blinked. “We swerved off topic, a bit,” he said. “Can I call Renee Hepler and ask for her help, or not?”
“Should we wait for Alec and Magnus and find out what they think?” Stiles asked.
Derek closed his eyes, and his shoulders relaxed slightly. “Alec and Magnus are a big help,” he said, voice rough with his recent emotional turmoil. “But we can’t rely on them for everything. As a pack, we have to be able to stand on our own feet, make our own decisions. Even if it’s about who to ally with.”
Peter nodded approvingly.
Noah raised his eyebrows. “So that’s a yes, then?”
Derek nodded once, sharply. “That’s a yes. If you trust this woman, and you think she can get us information that we need on the hunters and their movements, then I would be grateful if you could ask for her help.”
Noah inclined his head in response, but made no move towards his phone.
“Aren’t you going to call her?” Stiles prompted.
“Oh, didn’t I tell you? She’s in England. I’ll call her around midnight. She likes her sleep, and I have no intention of waking her before she’s ready to be up.”
Chapter Eleven
Stiles found the property Derek had hired even more confining than usual that day; he no doubt got on everyone’s nerves. His own mood wasn’t improved by the sight of everyone else coming and going with none of the restrictions he was under.
Needing to work out some of his frustrations, he asked Peter to run him through some fighting drills.
“Why not Derek?” Peter asked even as he stretched his arms up towards the ceiling in preparation. Stiles very carefully ignored the way his father was watching appreciatively.
“Derek has to go and get some stuff done with the lawyers,” Derek said, coming down the stairs. He cocked his head to one side, observing his uncle. “Besides, your fighting style is more like Stiles’; it’s based on speed and unpredictability.”
Stiles beamed up at him. Derek had obviously put on his big boy clothes for the day, and rather than shave the scruff, he’d done something else with it that just managed to make him look like the sexiest thing Stiles had ever seen. And he’d watched a lot of porn.
“Come on, then.” Peter motioned for Stiles to follow him outside. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
Fighting with Peter was completely unlike fighting with Magnus. Magnus always seemed completely in control of himself, his movements studied and graceful, and Stiles always felt like he was fighting in slow motion in comparison.
But Peter was a whirling dervish; he was here, there, and everywhere. Stiles was reminded forcefully of how scary Peter had been when he was the alpha, how helpless they’d all been. It was a great way to use up all his energy though. The lingering fear and anger he’d been harbouring towards Peter, his worry that Peter was playing them all and would turn on them sooner or later, his anger that his dad seemed to be moving on from his mom with him, Stiles put it all into his fighting.
Eventually, he collapsed onto the grass panting. It was then that he realised Alec and Magnus had returned at some point; he and Peter were the centre of attention. A quick squint at his watch showed him that they’d been training for over two hours. No wonder he was thirsty. Even as the thought crossed his mind, Derek was there. He handed him a glass of lovely, cool water.
“I thought you had something to sort out with the lawyer.” Stiles gulped down the water and handed the glass back.
“I did.” Derek shrugged. “We’ve been corresponding mostly online, so I only really needed to get some paperwork signed and witnessed.”
“Wow, kid you’re much better at that than I expected.” Noah looked like he didn’t know whether he should approve or not.
Stiles shrugged, rolling his shoulders to get some of the tension out. “Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, you know? Necessity is a great motivator. Makes for a tight learning curve.”
Magnus clapped his hands together, drawing everyone’s attention. “That’s probably enough for the day. Come inside and get cleaned up before you fall unconscious. I’ll see what I can do to restore this area a bit.”
Stiles looked around a little guiltily at the rather battered looking vegetation. He looked at Peter.
Peter looked back at him with something like concern. “He could be right. I think I pushed you a bit harder than was perhaps wise.”
“Good.” Stiles wondered if he would get away with asking to be carried inside. “My enemies aren’t going to wait until I’m rested and give me convenient water breaks—if it ever comes to that.” Groaning theatrically, he heaved himself to his feet, accepting Derek’s assistance when it seemed like he was going to get stuck halfway up.
“You were supposed to be learning,” Peter retorted. “I think I lost sight of that at one point. You have my apologies; it was just exhilarating to have a fight that had less to do with strength and more to do with agility. It’s been a while.”
“You used to take martial arts,” Derek mentioned.
“Yes, well there was that six years I was in a coma,” Peter pointed out. “I have to admit, I let my training lapse somewhat.”
For some reason that struck Stiles as extremely funny. He was still snickering even as he stepped under the shower upstairs.
Magnus and Alec had no problem with the decision to call in Renee Hepler. “Every supernatural being has to make their own choices,” Magnus said. “So long as you make them with consideration and in full knowledge of the possible consequences, that’s all we can ask.”
Alec nodded, looking slightly uncomfortable for some reason that Stiles couldn’t figure out. He was too tired to look into it right then and merely made a mental note to ask about it some other time. Maybe when he had Alec to himself.
Stiles nearly fell asleep in his dinner that night and went up to bed immediately afterwards, greeting his mattress like a long lost friend.
Downstairs, Derek made small talk by asking Peter about the possibility of having grilling outside when the weather warmed up.
Peter stopped halfway through a sentence on the best place to source organic meat and looked up at the ceiling. “There, he’s dropped off,” he said.
No one asked who he meant. There was a collective sigh.
“How is he really handling things?” Magnus asked, looking concerned. “The state he was in when we got back—I think I need to speak to Catarina soon. He’s got a lot of weight on his shoulders for one so young.”
“He’s doing better than he was,” Derek offered. “At least he’s starting to work through it now.”
“Thank you for what you did for him today,” Noah said to Peter. “I think that training with you really allowed him to get some stuff out. Maybe, after Claudia died, I should have set him up with some sort of physical training, given him an outlet.”
“I’m not sure that structured martial arts would be all that beneficial for him,” Magnus interjected. “Stiles’ greatest strength is that he doesn’t follow the rules the way everyone else sees them; he thinks out of the box and finds loopholes. Most martial arts are about strict control over your body and your surroundings. Stiles does better—” He hesitated.
“Stiles fights like a berserker,” Alec said bluntly. “My brother Jace fights much the same way. It can be highly effective but, at this early stage in his training, it means that he tends to leave himself open. What we need to do is get him working on awareness and train him in the moves that will allow him to take advantage of his unpredictability. The more he learns, the better he’ll be at plugging those gaps.”
Noah sighed. “I just wish that he only had to deal with the usual things teenage boys have to deal with. You know, crushes, sports, the jock bully.”
“Speaking of that, how’re things going with Jackson?” Peter asked Derek.
Derek frowned. “I think he’s doing better,” he said. “He’s agreed to come with the others tomorrow evening.” He grimaced. “He’ll probably bring his girlfriend.”
“Have you considered how best to go about telling his parents?” Noah asked. “If you want, I can come with you.”
“That would be good,” Derek agreed immediately. “I think Jackson would appreciate it too.”
Noah nodded. “What about the other parents? Boyd’s and Erica’s, I mean. I don’t think that Isaac’s foster parents really need to be consulted.”
“What do you think about getting them together and doing one big reveal instead of a number of smaller ones?” Derek suggested.
“Do you think that would work better?” Noah asked
“It might,” Peter said slowly. “It would give the parents a small network of people who were in the same boat as them, so to speak. Other adults that could understand what they’re dealing with.”
“Well, let me know and I can set something up,” Noah said. “They’re more likely to turn up to a meeting that I arrange, after all.”
Peter winked. “Who wouldn’t want to come to something that you arranged, dear Sheriff?”
Derek sighed. “I’m glad Stiles is upstairs and I don’t have to look at his screwed up face at that comment.”
“He doesn’t think he’s being subtle, does he?” Alec asked.
Peter frowned. “Does he really disapprove? I don’t want to come between you and your son, Noah. I’ll stop the flirting if you ask me to.”
Noah laughed. “Trust me, if Stiles disapproved as much as he was pretending to, we would know about it. He’s not shy at expressing himself, and Peter doesn’t have the same protection of his love that Scott and I have when we upset him.”
Magnus leaned forward. “This sounds like a story. Do tell!”
Noah settled back. “Well, I don’t know if any of you are aware that Stiles is actually more than a year older than most of his classmates?”
Derek nodded his understanding, but the rest of them looked a little surprised. “He gets the buzz cut on purpose to look younger.”
Noah gave him a searching look but didn’t say anything and continued his story. “So, that mostly came about because of his ADHD,” he revealed. “Stiles had atypical responses to most of the general methods and doses. It took quite a bit of trial and error to get everything sorted out to the point where he could sit still long enough that class time wasn’t a nightmare for everyone. During that period, he met and befriended Scott. When it came time to join classes again, Stiles had decided that he wanted to be with his friend.”
“Seems reasonable enough,” Magnus said.
“Yes, Claudia and I thought so as well, except the school wasn’t all that keen on it,” Noah reported. “Stiles is a bright kid, and he’d have easily kept up with his own age group, could probably even have been sent ahead if he’d showed any inclination for it. Also, the teacher in Scott’s class was the same one that Stiles’d been having the problems with the year before. She flat out refused to have Stiles in her class again. Stiles wasn’t all that happy with her decision and, after that, she had a rather long string of bad luck that ended with her moving all the way to Texas. Not that anyone managed to pin anything on Stiles. Even at seven years old, he was a crafty little bastard.”
“But the issues with the medication had been sorted out,” Cora said, frowning. “Why would it matter?”
“Stiles has always had a rather polarising effect on those who meet him,” Noah admitted. “It’s a love or hate thing and, unfortunately, a lot of people go straight to hate. Which is a pity for them since, if they took the time to actually get to know him, they’d find out that there’s no more loyal friend they could ever make.”
“Tell me about it.” Derek shook his head. “Scott—his instincts should be better than that. I have to believe that he doesn’t have any idea of what he’s throwing away.”
“I offered him the bite you know,” Peter said unexpectedly, talking mostly to Noah. “Stiles, that is. He would have made an exceptional werewolf. He said no, but there was quite a lot of lie in his answer. I understand now; it wasn’t being a werewolf that he had a problem with, it was the possibility of bite rejection. He’s determined that you live to a ripe old age, and seems to feel that his direct intervention will be required to achieve that.”
“He’s been micromanaging my life since not long after my wife died,” Noah said with a sigh. “I had one bad physical—mostly due to some bad habits that I picked up directly following Claudia’s death—and he’s never let me forget it. It can be irritating, but I know it comes from a place of love; believe it or not, it actually helps to keep him settled down. I just wish I could be more help to him right now.”
Magnus smiled at him. “I think that your support is all he really needs. He’s a resourceful young man; he’s one of the most strong-willed people I’ve ever met. Stiles will get through this.” He frowned. “His biggest difficulty as far as I can see—aside from the possibility of people wanting to use him for nefarious ends of their own—is the rift that’s growing between him and this Scott person. Not that it seems like a great loss, but Stiles is finding it particularly distressing.”
Noah sighed. “I really wish I knew what was going on with that boy. I could have sworn I knew him better than this, that he was a better person than this. I suppose people can always surprise you. And Melissa!”
Derek shrugged. “It’s not all that surprising that she takes Scott’s side in things,” he murmured. “We all want to think the best of our loved ones, don’t we?”
Noah harrumphed. “Yes, well, I think it’s time Melissa and I had a little talk about everything that’s been going on in the last few months. I can’t believe she thought that keeping all of this from me was a good idea.”
Peter raised his eyebrows. “Are you saying that if she’d come to you with the information that her son was a werewolf, and that he and Stiles were running around saving the town from various evil beings, you would have believed her?”
Noah flushed. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I like to think I would have been open-minded enough not to need proof. Of course, having Erica and Boyd able show me their shift straight away got me over that hurdle pretty quickly. Also, I was more inclined to worry about my son’s health than the implications of a hidden society operating right under my nose.” He shook his head and got to his feet. “Well, I think I’ll head back home. I might stop by and talk to Melissa, see what she has to say. After that, I’ll be calling England. Tomorrow, I’ll let you know how it goes.”
Peter stood up as well. “I might meet you at your place, if you don’t mind,” he said casually.
Noah raised his eyebrows.
Peter had an air of studied nonchalance. “I just think it would be a good idea to have one of us standing by in case your friend has questions that you can’t answer.”
“Sure, let’s go with that, shall we?” Noah said, eyebrows still high. “I suppose I’ll be seeing you later, then.” He finished his goodbyes and let himself out.
Magnus remained silent until they heard the door of the cruiser close and the engine start then started laughing at Peter.
“It’s a valid concern!” Peter said half-heartedly, before shrugging. “Well, it can’t hurt, can it?”
“I suppose you’ll be stopping on the way for a nice bottle of wine?” Magnus suggested. “Just to pass the time, of course.”
“The sheriff’s more of a whiskey man,” Peter said, his usual smooth demeanour reasserting itself. “And if you don’t mind, I’ll get on with that. Don’t wait up for me, Nephew.”
Derek just shook his head. “I might head to bed as well.”
“Oh my god,” Cora muttered, “I’m living with old people. It’s not even nine o’clock!”
“Bite your tongue,” Magnus said with a smile. “Call me old again and your hair will be randomly purple, orange, and olive green for the next week.”
Cora stared at him.
“I wouldn’t test him,” Alec warned her. “It never ends well, you know.” He tilted his head at her. “If you want, we could go for a run? Sitting in meetings always makes me feel a bit antsy, and I could do with shaking the fidgets out.”
Cora nodded enthusiastically.
Magnus shuddered and pushed Alec away from him. “Go, you strange fitness freaks! Go do this running that you’re so fond of. I shall remain here with a good book and a cocktail.” He snapped his fingers and a book and a cocktail glass appeared in his hands.
Getting all that aggression out the previous day had worked wonders for Stiles’ mood. He awoke in a happy frame of mind, and not even going downstairs to find out there was oatmeal for breakfast was able to destroy his mood.
Then, the oatmeal turned out to be amazing. He looked with suspicion at the bowl filled with delightful goodness that Peter had given him.
“Is there something wrong?” Peter asked from his position by the stove. He was also in a pretty jovial mood; Stiles figured that the fight yesterday must have been as good for Peter as it was for him.
“This is delicious,” Stiles said in the same tone he might have said ‘this is an unexploded bomb.’ “It is incredibly delicious. Unbelievably delicious.”
“Isn’t that good?” Peter turned to give Stiles an enquiring eyebrow.
“It’s like you’ve broken one of the laws of nature,” Stiles said around another mouthful. He savoured the slightly tangy sweetness and swallowed, readying his spoon for another delivery. “Oatmeal is not supposed to taste this good. It’s supposed to be hot and filling and boring and keep you going all day long, and you eat only because you know that it’s good for you.”
Peter turned back to his stirring. “Well, no one’s forcing you to eat it. I can make you some toast if you like.”
Stiles cradled his bowl protectively. “Yeah, you’ll pry this out of my hands when it’s finished or when I’m dead, not before.” He took another mouthful. Flavour burst across his tongue. Was that a boysenberry?
Derek came in and immediately grabbed a bowl. “You made special oatmeal?” he asked eagerly, handing it to Peter.
Peter shrugged. “It seemed like the thing to do.”
Derek accepted his serving and sat down beside Stiles. “Oh yeah? What’s the occasion?”
Peter turned his back again. “Who said there has to be an occasion?”
“You did,” Cora said from the door. “Several times, as I recall.” Soon she had joined Derek and Stiles in their appreciation of Peter’s culinary effort.
“You mean he’s made this before?” Stiles asked.
“Yep,” Cora replied. “Special occasions and celebrations only, he always said.”
Stiles heard the cruiser pulling up outside, and chose to greet his father with a wave since his mouth was full of oatmeal. He nearly choked when he saw the red marks high on his father’s throat. Derek patted him firmly on the back but didn’t stop his own eating.
“Oh ho, so that’s what we’re celebrating!” Cora chortled.
“Are you telling me that I’m eating Peter Hale’s ‘I banged your dad and I liked it’ celebratory oatmeal?” Stiles asked, aghast.
Noah’s face went slightly pink.
Peter just smirked. “It sounds so terrible when you put it like that. But, if you like, I’d be happy to give you all the details.” He dished up another serving and handed it to Noah, his smirk gentling into something that looked like a genuine smile.
“Oh my god, I think I’m going to be sick,” Stiles moaned.
“Can I have your oatmeal?” Derek asked, sounding remarkably unsympathetic.
“No!” Stiles frowned at Derek. “It’s not that kind of sick.”
Derek shrugged and scraped his spoon along the bottom of his bowl. “Is there enough for seconds?”
Peter shook his head. “No, not unless Alec and Magnus prefer toast or something.”
“Magnus wants whatever it is that everyone else wants,” the man in question said, arriving with Alec just behind him.
Alec sniffed the air. “Alec does too.” He looked Noah up and down and smirked.
“Right,” Stiles said, putting his spoon down with a bang. “Rule one, we don’t talk about whatever it is my dad and Peter were doing last night, not while Stiles is in hearing distance anyway. Rule two, we stop referring to ourselves in the third person, it’s weirding me out. Rule three, please refer to rule one.”
“Can I add rules as well?” Peter looked far too innocent for Stiles to have any trust in him at all.
“No!” Stiles said. “Only I get to make rules!” He looked at the number of eyebrows raised in his direction. “And Derek, since he’s the one paying for the house,” Stiles conceded. A look at his father’s face had him adding, “And my dad, since he’s the sheriff and can arrest us all if he wants. Although, I will warn the sheriff right now that if I’m made to hear the details of his sex life, then he’ll be made to hear all about mine.”
“I wonder if a frank discussion of sexual habits would be more distressing from the parental or child point of view,” Magnus mused philosophically in between bites. “Children rarely like to think that their parents are sexual beings, after all. But, then, parents also often see their children as small and helpless long after they’ve actually grown up.”
“I’m not listening to this.” Stiles took his empty bowl to the sink and gave it a quick rinse. “I’m going outside until you’ve all got this out of your system. Someone can come and get me when the conversation has turned to another topic.”
“You mean, like my conversation with Renee last night?” Noah used his spoon to scrape up the last of his oatmeal. “That was delicious as ever. Thank you, Peter.”
“You’re most welcome,” Peter murmured, leaning in for a brief kiss.
“Leaving!” Stiles said, starting to get annoyed. “Also, perfectly capable of hiding chillies in your food when you least expect it if you don’t get on with it!”
“Fine,” Noah relented. “Well, I think it’s safe to say that Renee has known all about the Shadow World for a while.”
“Oh yes.” Peter shook his head with a smile.
“I told her the bare bones of what’s been going on,” Noah continued. “I left out your new powers, Stiles, just said that the three of you managed to escape and that the house burned down shortly after.”
“She seemed quite incensed on Noah’s behalf,” Peter put in.
“Yes, well, we were in the same unit,” Noah replied, waving it off. “Those kinds of bonds don’t just disappear, you know. Anyway, I gave her the names that we’ve been looking at, and she knows that they’re performing involuntary human experimentation. She promised to get right onto it; she’ll have as much information as possible to us by tonight.”
“Good,” Derek said. “That’s good. Thank you.”
Peter laughed. “He had to do some pretty fast talking to stop her from hopping on a plane and coming right over,” he said. “From the way that she reacted, it might still be in the cards.”
“We’ll deal with that if it happens.” Noah waved his hand again. He hesitated. “I also went to see Melissa,” he told Stiles carefully.
Stiles stiffened. “Oh?”
Noah sighed. “I wanted to talk to her about what’s been happening, ask why she didn’t think it important enough to tell me.”
“Did she tell you about how everything was all my fault?” Stiles asked, trying to sound uninterested.
Noah winced. “It’s probably just her reaction as a mother to her son being in danger,” he said apologetically. “I’m pretty sure that, inside, she knows you weren’t really responsible.”
“Yeah, well.” Stiles shrugged and tried to pretend that it didn’t hurt. He was pretty sure no-one bought his act, but at least they were all too polite to say so.
“So, I caught her up on a few things that her son apparently didn’t think she needed to know about,” Noah went on. “Like just how dangerous the hunters are, and how unscrupulous. She was pretty horrified about that, so it will be interesting to see the outcome.”
Stiles frowned. “If she doesn’t think that the hunters are the bad guys, how did Scott explain what’s been going down recently?”
Noah cast a glance over at Derek.
Stiles rolled his eyes. “Right, sorry, what was I thinking. Of course he used the ‘Derek Hale is evil and responsible for all my woes’ party line.”
“I tried to point out the reasons that it wasn’t true, but I’m not sure she was in a place where she could take my word for it,” Noah said sadly. “She pretty much told me that Scott had her full support to do whatever he had to do to get out of this alive.”
Stiles shook his head. “You know what? I’m sick of talking about Scott and Melissa. We’re waiting on Renee for any further info on the hunters, so nothing much to do there. Magnus, I don’t suppose you’re interested in taking us on a field trip? Anywhere but here really. Or even just me, if no one else wants to go.”
Magnus smiled benevolently. “I’m sure something can be arranged.”
Noah and Peter opted to stay behind, Alec begged off to get some work done, but Magnus, Stiles, Derek, and Cora headed out for a day off.
Rather than visiting New York as had been suggested, Magnus took them through a portal to the Bahamas. “You need some relaxation, flaugnarde,” he said, waving the colourful drink that had appeared in his hand. “Go play in the sea for a while with your wolves. I’ll sit here in the shade and maybe take a nap.”
So Stiles played in the waves with Derek and Cora for a few hours, coming out only to ask Magnus if he knew where they could get their hands on a surfboard or two. Magnus just snapped his fingers, depositing three in the sand at their feet, and closed his eyes again.
They got back to the cottage in time to enjoy a lavish dinner that Peter had probably been working on all afternoon. Stiles went to bed that night feeling uncharacteristically optimistic about the future.
All In – Chapter One
Harpies
An Unexpected Bond
annette-ella
24/05/2019 at 9:31 am 2 months ago
Great update
All publicly recognizable characters, settings, images, photos, graphics, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No copyright infringement is intended.
©2019 Claire's Nook
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Federal Register Notices Published for TPS for Haiti and El Salvador
Home » Resources by Issue » Federal Register Notices Published for TPS for Haiti and El Salvador
Federal Register Notices have been published for Haiti and El Salvador.
TPS for Haiti was terminated, with an 18-month termination period. The last day of TPS for Haiti will be July 22, 2019.
Current Haitian TPS holders’ work authorization is automatically extended for 180 days, until July 21, 2018.
Current Haitian TPS holders with a pending TPS application as of date of the publication of the Federal Register Notice, Jan. 18, 2018, do NOT need to apply again. If TPS is approved from the pending application, TPS will be granted through the termination date, July 22, 2019.
Procedures for re-registration:
Current Haitian TPS holders who do NOT have a pending TPS application as of Jan. 18, 2018 must re-register in order to continue receiving TPS through the termination date, July 22, 2019.
The 60-day re-registration period is from Jan. 18, 2018 to March 19, 2018. TPS holders are encouraged to apply as early as possible during the re-registration period.
To re-register, TPS holders must submit the application for TPS (Form I-821). TPS holders DO NOT need to pay a filing fee to submit Form I-821.
Although TPS holders do not need to pay a filing fee for Form I-821, TPS holders 14 years or older must submit an $85 biometrics fee.
Information regarding late re-registration (for those who did not re-register during the previous re-registration period) and late initial filing (for those who may be eligible for TPS but have never applied previously) can be found here: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status#Filing%20Late
Information about work authorization:
If a current Haitian TPS holder…
Work authorization is…
Associated fees
Does nothing
Automatically extended for 180 days until July 21, 2018.
Does nothing (but has a pending TPS application as of Jan. 18, 2018 including I-821 and I-765)
Automatically extended for 180 days until July 21, 2018 and if the pending TPS application is approved, TPS status including work authorization will be extended through July 22, 2019.
Files an I-821 within the 60-day re-registration period (Jan. 18, 2018 to March 19, 2018)
$85 biometrics fee for individuals 14 years or older (fee waiver available)
Files an I-821 and I-765 requesting work authorization within the 60-day re-registration period (Jan. 18, 2018 to March 19, 2018)
Automatically extended for 180 days until July 21, 2018 and if approved the TPS holder will receive a new EAD with an expiration of July 22, 2019.
$85 biometrics fee for individuals 14 or older + $410 I-765 filing fee (fee waivers available)
Files an I-821 within the 60-day re-registration period (Jan. 18, 2018 to March 19, 2018) but files an I-765 requesting work authorization at a later date after the 60-day re-registration period
At risk of having gaps in employment authorization. TPS holders may still apply for an EAD following the 60-day re-registration period (as long as they currently have TPS or a pending TPS application) however they will be at risk of having a gap in work authorization. TPS holders who would like continuous work authorization through July 22, 2019 are strongly encouraged to file the I-821 and I-765 as early as possible within the 60-day re-registration period.
$85 biometrics fee for individuals age 14 or older + $410 I-765 filing fee (fee waivers available)
In all cases, applicants who are unable to pay the biometrics fee or Employment Authorization fee may apply for fee waivers by filing Form I-912 or by submitting a personal letter requesting a fee waiver with proper documentation. More information on fee waivers: https://www.uscis.gov/i-912.
TPS for El Salvador was terminated, with an 18-month termination period. The last day of TPS for El Salvador will be Sept. 9, 2019.
Current Salvadoran TPS holders’ work authorization is automatically extended for 180 days, through Sept. 5, 2018.
Current Salvadorans with a pending I-821 and I-765 as of date of publication of the Federal Register Notice, Jan. 18, 2018, do NOT need to apply again. If TPS is approved from the pending application, TPS will be granted through the termination date, Sept. 9, 2019.
Current Salvadoran TPS holders who do NOT have a pending TPS application as of Jan. 18, 2018, must re-register to continue receiving TPS through until the termination date, Sept. 9, 2019.
If a current Salvadoran TPS holder…
Automatically extended for 180 days until Sept. 5, 2018.
Automatically extended for 180 days until Sept. 5, 2018 and if the pending TPS application is approved, TPS status including work authorization will be extended through Sept. 9, 2019.
Automatically extended for 180 days until Sept. 5, 2018 and the TPS holder will receive a new EAD with an expiration of Sept. 9, 2019.
At risk of having gaps in employment authorization. TPS holders may still apply for an EAD following the 60-day re-registration period (as long as they currently have TPS or a pending TPS application) however they will be at risk of having a gap in work authorization. TPS holders who would like continuous work authorization through Sept. 9, 2019 are strongly encouraged to file the I-821 and I-765 as early as possible within the 60-day re-registration period.
$85 biometrics fee for individuals age 14 or older + $ 410 I-765 filing fee (fee waivers available)
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Art & DesignTechnology & InnovationVideo
Find your painting doppelgänger with Google Arts and Culture app
The Google Arts and Culture platform hosts images of millions of pieces of art, ranging from prehistory to the contemporary. The app, which first appeared in app stores back in 2016, has mostly gone under the radar until now.
Recently Google Arts and Culture added new facial scanning features, allowing people to connect with art by way of a selfie. In the app, after you upload your Museum Selfie, Google Arts and Culture uses facial recognition technology to match it with a classical work of art. Once a match is found, it returns the percentage of visual similarity between the user’s face and the art—with varying degrees of success. However, the fact that celebrities are using the app and sharing their art doppelgängers has helped it skyrocket in popularity.
According to Google, the aim behind this app is to engage users in finding out more about the world’s different cultures. Google’s database has more than 80,000 works of art curated from more than 6,000 museums in over 70 countries.
If you’re wondering, Google says that it doesn’t use your selfie for anything else and only keeps it for the time it takes to search for matches. But everywhere you look, facial recognition is on the rise.
Along with Google, Facebook is rolling out facial recognition to notify you if your face pops up in your friends’ photos—even if they haven’t tagged you. In Canada, airports are using the technology at border crossings. And in China, bathrooms are using it to prevent the theft of toilet paper and jay-walking.
The Google Arts and Culture app is now available in Canada on both iOS and Android, after releasing in the US last week. Shortly after, the app beat out long-standing top ranking apps like Messenger and YouTube. Check out a demo of how the app works in the video below:
Search art with your selfie: A Google Arts and Culture experiment
Source: https://www.blog.google/topics/arts-culture/exploring-art-through-selfies-google-arts-culture/
Pingback: AI uses wireless technology to sense people through walls | Daniel SwanickDaniel Swanick
Tags appartculturefacial featuresgoogleselfie
Professional artists recreate kids’ monster doodles in their own styles
You can now have a career as an Instagram Butler
Artist turns dried leaves into delicate crochet artworks
Art & DesignNature
Artist uses graffiti to bring fine art paintings to the streets
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Freedom without American football
Manchester City leads Newcastle at the Etihad, but it isn’t the blowout I expected. The defending Premier League champions are up 2-1 after 69 minutes.
Liverpool and Chelsea each went to 12 points earlier today, which I expected.
The Reds bested Leicester City 2-1 in the East Midlands, with the Foxes pulling together a fine performance in the second half, although it wasn’t enough to offset the terrible defending which allowed Liverpool to tally twice in the first half.
Chelsea scored twice in the second half to dismiss Bournemouth 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. The Blues still have their kinks to work out under Mauricio Sarri, but a lot better to do it when you’re 100 percent through four matches than any alternative.
West Ham is stuck on zero points, losing 1-0 to Wolverhampton at London Stadium as the Wolves scored late in second half stoppage time. It is Wolverhampton’s first PL victory since the spring of 2012. All that spending and what has it gotten the Hammers? Not a darn thing. The Championship looms in East London.
The draw I predicted on the south coast came to pass, and it came to pass by the exact score I predicted: Brighton & Hove Albion 2, Fulham 2. The Cottagers had the match dead to rights with a 2-0 lead, but their defense is a sieve. The Seagulls certainly would have dropped all three points had it been most any other team, save maybe West Ham or Cardiff, but they came back strong to gain a point at home. Considering Brighton has tallied only 11 points in 21 away matches since going up, it had better get all the points it can at the AMEX Stadium.
The other draw so far today was Everton 1, Huddersfield 1 at Goodison. The Terriers played a 5-4-1, bunkering in and trying to keep the Toffees from doing much damage. It worked to give Huddersfield a critical point. Every point figures to be critical for Huddersfield, who will be in or near the drop zone all season. Everton, though, has to be kicking itself after blowing winnable games with Bournemouth and Huddersfield. Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea will not be so forgiving.
Southampton shocked me with a 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace. This has got to be depressing for Roy Hogsdon. Very depressing. Losing at home by the same score to Liverpool is completely understandable. Losing away to Watford is completely understandable. But this result is very bad. If Crystal goes down and/or Southampton stays up, remember this match.
It’s 1300 CDT (1900 BST), and I must say, it is beyond liberating not to be a slave to the boob tube watching college football. I am not controlled by kickoff times. I am not controlled by the game being tied with two minutes to play. I am free to do what I want. And I love it.
Posted in Premier League
Tags: 2018-19 Premier League, PL Matchweek #4
Ready for some jolly good football
When I wake up tomorrow morning, the first thing I’m watching is Leicester City vs. Liverpool at 0630 (1230 British Summer Time).
Matchweek Four in the Premier League. I feel a bit out of place not drinking hot tea and munching on crumpets while watching, but my homemade sausage muffins (for Leicester-Liverpool) and cold cut sandwiches (for Manchester City-Newcastle at 1130 CDT/1730 BST) will do fine.
I’m hoping the Foxes will recapture some of the magic that spurred them to the 2015-16 PL championship, but I’m also a realist. Liverpool is playing out of this world through its first three matches, and I can’t see Jurgen Klopp’s men giving any ground at the KP. Leicester will make it quite entertaining, but the Reds head back to Liverpool with 12 points out of a possible 12.
The featured match at 0900 CST/1500 BST is Chelsea welcoming Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge. The Cherries showed quite a bit of heart after rallying from 2-0 down to Everton last Saturday at Dean Court to pull out a draw, but that will be fatal this time. The Blues have taken well to Mauricio Sarri following last season’s rocky ride under Antonio Conte. Eddie Howe’s men have a fighting shot to leave London with a point, but I can’t see it. Chelsea matches Liverpool at 12 points.
Elsewhere in that 1500 BST window, two matches have rout written all over it: Crystal Palace vs. Southampton at Selhurst and Everton vs. Huddersfield at Goodison. The home teams clearly have the upper hand in these.
Huddersfield can’t score, and the Toffees have to be angry after dropping two points on the south coast last week. Roy Hogsdon’s team has lost two in a row after winning on opening day at Fulham, and the Eagles figure to get well against a Saints team which couldn’t hold a 1-0 lead at home in losing to Leicester last week.
Fulham is feeling good after a 4-2 victory over Burnley at Craven Cottage, but it now goes to the south coast to face Brighton & Hove Albion, which defeated Manchester United 3-2 the last time it took the pitch at AMEX Stadium. This one ends in a 2-2 draw.
West Ham is at the foot of the table, and Wolverhampton comes to London following a thrilling draw vs. Manchester City at Molineux. The Hammers will still be stuck on zero when full time arrives. Wolves win their first Premier League match since 2012.
Manchester City vs. Newcastle? Pep Guardiola’s side will run riot over the Magpies at the Etihad. Considering City was hosed on two calls last week at Molineux, it will leave no doubt. I would not be shocked if City scores seven or eight.
Sunday’s early match (0730 CDT/1330 BST) is Cardiff hosting Arsenal. The 1000 CDT/1600 BST fixtures are Manchester United at Burnley and Tottenham at Watford. More on those next time.
I need to get to bed! I won’t have this problem next weekend, because there are no PL matches.
Posted in Premier League, Uncategorized
Tags: PL Matchweek #4
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Ndamukong Suh Can’t Save The Dolphins, Who Suck
Kyle Wagner
Filed to: miami dolphinsFiled to: miami dolphins
ndamukong suh
Every time the NFL rolls whatever waterlogged Floridian team has been exiled to London in any given year, I wonder how any foreign, casual observer would ever turn convert based on what happens in these games. They’re typically bad, and unwatchably so, but I don’t think anything has been less recognizable as professional football than what the Dolphins and Jets produced this Sunday.
In the fourth quarter of today’s embarrassment, the following sequence occurred as the Dolphins were driving, down 27-14, first-and-goal from the Jets 4-yard-line: Incomplete short pass right; incomplete short pass right; incomplete short pass left; incomplete short pass right, DEFENSIVE HOLDING, AUTOMATIC FIRST DOWN; short pass, touchdown! [Crowd cheers!] Touchdown called back on a rub call. [Crowd doesn’t stop cheering for the touchdown in time to boo/counter-cheer the not-touchdown] [Crowd still confused as next play begins]; short pass left (one yard, to the 11); incomplete short pass left; short pass right; interception by Darrelle Revis in the end zone as Jarvis Landry falls down, as a commentator draws a circle around an illegal formation before the play, and a flag after the play for arguing with the official. The Dolphins come away with no points, and the crowd is put into deep enough hibernation that two plays later, when a miraculous Dolphins fumble recovery is reversed on review, they barely muster a response.
It looks bad for Miami. After two straight 8-8 seasons, this was supposed to be the year. They added Ndamukong Suh to a defense that already had standouts like Cameron Wake and Brent Grimes. They re-signed Ryan Tannehill, who they swore sucks less if you watch the games and just give him a chance, and traded for Kenny Stills to fill the “hopeless 40-yard wind sprint route” hole Mike Wallace left behind. Hasn’t really worked out like that.
In week one, the Dolphins barely squeaked past a Redskins team that was already in orbital descent. In week two, they lost to the Jaguars, who are the mother fucking Jaguars. Then, last week, Tyrod Taylor and the Bills hit Miami up for 41 points on 428 yards of offense. And just today, the Jets offense got them for exactly 428 more before the victory formation kneel-downs—although, being the Jets, they scored just 27 points, as they also walked backwards 163 yards on penalties. The Dolphins had no sacks, again, and are sitting on just one for the year. It’s a disaster. The defensive coordinator is probably fired, and Joe Philbin can’t be far behind, even if he doesn’t know it. And the face of the whole disaster is Suh, who was registering Albert Haynesworth comparisons before the ink dried on his $114 million contract.
After week 2, word started leaking out of the Miami locker room that Suh had been freelancing in coordinator Kevin Coyle’s scheme. The implication was that the team’s coaches and maybe some players were already fed up with his shit. But that line of thought changed this week, when Ian Rapoport reported that players staged a “closed-door” meeting with Coyle just three games into the season:
Players have grown frustrated with Coyle, the team’s coordinator since 2012, and not just because they have the seventh-worst defense even with Ndamukong Suh and his $114 million contract. Their faith in his schemes has dwindled.
Players had a very frank and contentious closed-door meeting with Coyle this week, sources say, and they attempted to clear the air. The message was his schemes were too complex and constricting, and that they didn’t put the players in position to make plays.
They begged him to simplify, and a source said Coyle junked many of the complexities of the defense this week to allow the players to play.
That’s the same report that puts Coyle’s job on the line in the event of exactly the sort of turd the Dolphins produced today in London. Regardless of what happens at defensive coordinator, it sounds like the Dolphins are ready to pack it in. Here’s Rand Getlin’s report from NFL.com, also from this week,
One team source said “everyone understands” the coaches are the issue and aren’t putting the team in a position to win.
As a result of those frustrations and a host of others — including the length and difficulty of practices — multiple sources said the coaching staff is at risk of losing the locker room if Miami loses in London.
“We’ve been going out there, and practicing our (tails) off every day, but as players, we’re tired of being embarrassed,” said one member of the Dolphins. “If we get beat in Europe, (players) are going to throw in the towel. It isn’t the players. We have all the talent in the world.”
And here’s where it comes back to Suh. To listen to them tell it, the Dolphins have “all the talent in the world.” And yet the biggest defensive highlights of the season have been Zaprudering Ndamukong’s intent on a series of “inadvertent” stomps, like this one today:
(He totally meant that shit.)
Suh is not getting off the line, and not getting upfield, and for damn sure isn’t stopping the run. His traditional position is to occupy double and triple teams, and occasional bull his way through to get to the quarterback anyway. Through the early games, while the numbers haven’t been there, Suh has filled that role in fits. Today, though, is the first time he’s outright struggled against single blockers—Brian Winters (Brian Winters!) manhandled him at on several one-on-ones. Miami moved Suh around the line a little, getting some pressure from defensive end in the first half, but this is mistaking symptom for cause.
Suh’s personal production is not the problem in Miami, and rigging the deck to slide him into a stats-earning role isn’t going to do much good beyond shutting up a few trolls, especially if Cameron Wake and the rest of the front seven can’t get off the one-on-ones they had when Suh was holding the middle. And Miami isn’t going to win when the offense can barely crack 100 yards by the fourth quarter, or when it reflexively starts spraying 2-yard slants every time down-and-distance creeps over 15 yards to go, or when you can go eight plays from the four-yard-line and end up losing 10 yards and throwing a pick. And it sure doesn’t help that Ryan Tannehill seems to have pretty much no say about where his throws end up when they travel more than five yards in the air, unless he means to throw all those fourth-down balls into defenders’ chests or 10 yards beyond his receivers. There are problems with paying Ndamukong Suh $114 million, just not the kind that turn a truly talented team into whatever proto-football-like product has congealed in Miami, and surfaced today in London.
But these are the Dolphins, the NFL franchise most in love with the idea of a football Muhammad rolling into town for the quick-fix dynasty starter kit, that one man, GM or coach or player, can remake a shitty team. Nick Saban rolls into Bill Parcells rolls into Joe Philbin, and the path up the mountain is always just on the other side of firing the asshole you’re stuck with now, in favor of the asshole who says he can do better. Suh is just the latest in a long line, and the Dolphins still haven’t found their satisfaction. Someday, you have to figure, the disgruntled traveler might consider looking within.
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Video: Methane on Mars, a SETI Talk by Giuseppe Etiope
In this video, Giuseppe Etiope addresses the fundamentals of methane seepage, its potential occurrence on Mars, and possible detection techniques.
The occurrence of methane (CH4) in the Martian atmosphere may imply active geological sources on the red planet, i.e. gas emission structures in the Martian soil and subsoil similar to what we see on Earth. In other words, gas seepage, a process well known on Earth, should exist on Mars. The concept of gas seepage, although obvious to many geologists, may be less obvious to the Mars methane science community. In this video, Giuseppe Etiope (DCO Deep Energy Community) addresses the fundamentals of seepage, its potential occurrence on Mars (via microseepage, mud volcanoes, faults, and degassing from serpentinized rocks), and possible detection techniques.
Giuseppe Etiope is a senior researcher, geologist, at the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia in Rome, Italy. He works on the origin, occurrence, and migration of gas in the geosphere, with particular reference to biotic hydrocarbons in sedimentary basins and abiotic gas in serpentinized ultramafic rocks. He studies the origin of methane, gas seepage phenomena and their implications for the environment, energy resource exploration and planetary geology (methane on Mars).
- source: SETI Institute.
DCO Highlights Earth First Origins Project Seeks To Replicate the Cradle of Life
NASA’s Astrobiology Program has awarded a $9 million grant to a research team led by Karyn Rogers,…
DCO Highlights Video: Oman Drilling Project
The Oman Drilling Project is a collaborative multinational investigation of the Samail Ophiolite,…
DCO Research Saturn’s Moon Enceladus Harbors Complex Carbon Compounds Beneath its Icy Crust
Data from the NASA-ESA Cassini-Huygens mission indicate that Saturn’s moon Enceladus has complex…
DCO Research Study in Italian Cave Shows Life Comes At You Fast
Inside limestone caves, sparkling crystals of gypsum (CaSO4· 2H2O) form when hydrogen sulfide gas…
Policy on Respect and Code of Conduct
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2009–2018 Deep Carbon Observatory
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Thistles Galore
Who would have known that thistles and buses have something in common – wait long enough and two come along at once! so it was that by sheer serendipity I happened to be working on two different ‘thistle’ projects at one time. The first was a private commission for two to sit atop Gate posts in Bridge Of Allan, the second involved making a feature that would have two purposes; as a center-piece for Beautiful Perth’s Show Garden at Gardening Scotland, after which it would then be sited permanently at a prominent location at the North Inch in the City.
Sitting in the shadow of the Wallace Monument the private client wanted two Thistles to sit upon his stone gate posts, having recently completed major renovations to the house he had some spare roofing slates that he though could be incorporated into the sculptures to make a connection back to the house. Choosing to make the main body of the sculpture in copper the slates have been individually cut to become the top flower element.
Roofing copper comes in large rolls 900mm x 15mtrs, using different techniques of heating and hammering the form takes shape. Surface colour has just been left as it came ‘off’ the torch over time it will patinate naturally. I really enjoy the ‘punky’ spikeyness of the bowls.
Beautiful Perth is a charitable voluntary body that works closely with local organisations and businesses to facilitate projects across the City to ensure that it remains an attractive place for residents and visitors alike. Very proactive their efforts have been recognised by winning many National Awards including the coveted Champion Of Champions in the Britain in Bloom Competition. Due to exhibit at Scotland’s answer to the Chelsea Flower Show – Gardening Scotland, they commissioned a center-piece for their display, Thistles were chosen by the committee as it had been used in many of the towns displays previously; it also had a special significance to some members who fondly remembered a tireless former secretary, Jim Blair who had recently passed away, Jim apparently could be a ‘prickily’ character on occasions!
Again made in copper my design included the making of 8 thistle heads requiring hundreds of thorns each head took many hours to fabricate. Spiky leaves sit below each thistle head and these are then all supported upon a stainless steel structure. Sited at a prominent corner coming into Perth at the South Inch, it stands within a flower bed which Beautiful Perth change annually to create an eyecatching display.
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About DMRF Canada
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New Project Combines Artificial Intelligence & Deep Brain Stimulation to Treat Dystonia
The DMRF is partnering with Jesse H. Goldberg, MD, PhD of Cornell University on a project to engineer a revolutionary new generation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices to treat dystonia and other neurological diseases.
Dystonia results from abnormal brain activity that can be corrected by direct electrical stimulation of dysfunctional brain pathways. In current DBS systems, an implanted medical device delivers continuous stimulation to the brain and adjustments to the stimulation must be made using a remote control device in the hands of a highly trained clinician. A major obstacle to providing patients with maximum benefit from this therapy is knowing where in the brain to stimulate and tailoring stimulation parameters to the unique needs of each patient. Dr. Goldberg proposes a radically new approach to DBS. He is using artificial intelligence to develop a system in which a computer, interconnected with the brain, figures out exactly how and where to stimulate to restore normal movement.
In this three-year project, Dr. Goldberg will establish the feasibility of this concept in mice. He is collaborating with Mert Sabuncu, PhD in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University.
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Content Marketing Tactics from the Trenches: A How-To Extravaganza
Posted by admin on June 30, 2013 · Leave a Comment
Content is on the minds of marketers everywhere, but how do you tackle it? What are some ways to show ROI and what sort of skills do you need on your team to make your brand or agency into an efficient, quality content producer? These are the questions speakers Miranda Miller and Natalie Henley tackled in an SES Toronto session on content marketing.
The Changing Face of SEO
Natalie Henley from Volume 9 Inc. opened up the conversation by talking about the changing face of SEO. Her company was forced about two years ago to adopt content marketing, and she talked about what she learned.
Content marketing is starting to look and feel more like traditional marketing, she said. You’re giving away information to people who aren’t necessarily ready to buy. This is at the top of the funnel versus at the bottom.
Create Personas to Solve Content Problems
The first problem with writing about not-so-sexy topics and companies is to look within. Henley said she solved this with something that transformed how they created content: creating personas.
To dig into personas, she and her team looked at several factors including the personal environment of the persona and environmental influence. Also diving into how this persona feels and what his or her attitude is can be crucial components of this.
Content Creation Ideas
The most important thing, said Henley, is not to to focus on the SEO when you’re writing. A couple ideas she shared include:
Write based on personas.
Write everything first, edit later.
Henley warned that quality content is really hard to scale. It’s not about volume. But you still have to publish a lot, so it’s a bit of a conundrum. She gives some tips on ways you can outsource:
Textbroker is good for inexpensive content.
Writers Access is a step up.
Zerys is great for low-end agencies.
Skyword is more for high-end agencies.
Content Promotion
When your content is good on its own, don’t feel like to have to force optimization, said Henley. A couple tips though if you’re thinking about the SEO side of things. If you optimize your title tag and nothing else, that’s 90 percent of the battle. And don’t forget Google Authorship.
Get a little SEO mileage with social bookmarking, said Henley. Don’t forget to promote on social media. But remember it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Be selective about what you promote.
The Biggest Challenge: ROI
How do you show return on content marketing? That’s the next point Henley explored. The top of the funnel is not as profitable as the bottom of the funnel, she said.
Here’s a couple ways to measure:
Low end of your formula: conversions from blog referral traffic.
High end of your formula: Percentage of traffic versus overall traffic.
Take total number of conversions times blog percentage.
It’s not perfect math, she warned, but it’s a great way to show progress.
She leaves the audience with a tool she loves. BlogDash allows you to pitch ideas to a network of bloggers. If they like it, they pick it up and blog about it. There’s no money exchange, but you offer them something they might like.
For example, if the content is about flowers, you can offer the bloggers a bouquet of flowers for Mother’s Day. She found this wildly successful.
Executing a Blog and Social Strategy
Marketer Miranda Miller talked next about executing a blog and social strategy. Execution matters, she said, because businesses don’t have a lot of time and money.
Think Like a Publisher?
Your blog and social strategy needs to be agile and adaptable. “Think like a publisher” is the motto of the year, she said. You don’t just wake up one day and become publisher though. You have to be trained in that.
Remember, traditional publishing and brand publishing is different. So how do you really think like a publisher? Miller gave a few ways:
Have an editorial calendar.
Create content guidelines.
Implement quality check and balances.
Make sure audience needs come first.
The smallest companies need an organizational tool. Miller recommended Kapost.com. It allows you to plan out your editorial calendar. Google Docs also works and is a free option. You can also try the Approval Workflow plugin for WordPress.
Style guides are crucial, said Miller. Every person who touches the content in your organization should have one. It’s your Content Bible.
And with regard to quality checks and balances, make sure your communication team is qualified, she said. You need the right people in place who can work together effectively.
Brand Journalist Wizards Don’t Exist for $12 per Hour
The job descriptions coming from companies are getting ridiculous for content creation, said Miller. Businesses are asking for very talented writers who are former journalists along with a boatload of other skills and only paying $12 an hour. This doesn’t exist.
Here’s what you do need on a content team, she said:
SMMs
Grasp of online marketing landscape
Topic expertise not as important
New media skills
And Miller said the following is what the content team needs from its employer, which is just as important:
Clear, detailed expectations
Opportunities for input
Access to key people
Logical working process
Who’s got brand publishing right? Look to brands like Raytheon and Garmin for good examples of brands that are doing well in the content publishing area.
Image Credit: amandabhslater/Flickr
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Google Kills Tilde Search Operator
One of the lesser-known tools used by searchers on Google has been the tilde sign (~) operator.
When you placed the tilde sign immediately in front of a keyword, Google would also include synonyms for that word in their search results. This was useful for webmasters determining additional keywords by seeing what words Google associates together.
Unfortunately, Google has quietly dropped support for the tilde sign in Google search results.
Google’s Dan Russell confirmed the deprecation, as Google Operating System reported:
Yes, it’s been deprecated. Why? Because too few people were using it to make it worth the time, money, and energy to maintain. In truth, although I sometimes disagree with the operator changes, I happen to agree with this one. Maintaining ALL of the synonyms takes real time and costs us real money. Supporting this operator also increases the complexity of the code base. By dropping support for it we can free up a bunch of resources that can be used for other, more globally powerful changes.”
Hillary MacBain seems to be the first who noticed it had stopped working on June 15, 2013. It has also been removed from Google’s Help Center article and that searchers using the tilde sign no longer see synonyms in their search. Now, searchers will only see the results for the keyword they used, as if the tilde sign was not included in the keyword search.
The tilde sign was included in the May 13, 2013 archive.org capture of the Help Center article, so the support was removed very recently. While the tilde sign was probably not used by very many people on it regular basis, it has been used since at least 2003 and it was very useful for webmasters.
There doesn’t seem to be any reason for Google to remove the tilde sign operator now. There was controversy a few years ago where the tilde sign was used with the word Scientology, and it also brought up a Wikipedia article for “cult”. However, there was nothing notable recently that hit the news that would prompt Google to remove it.
MacBain does note that the features still seems to be available as a Google Drive feature, and recommends this article for setting it up, for those who can’t live without the tilde operator. However, because it has been removed from Google search and their Help Center article, it would seem likely that it will go missing from Google Drive at some point in the future.
Google Celebrates Gay Pride Month, Supports LGBT Employees
Google is celebrating gay pride month in a big way. From its internal committees to its speaker series and fundraising events, Google supports the LGBT community and employees unlike most workplaces.
In a post on Google+, Life at Google documented the behind-the-scenes of Google’s outreach this month:
“From Silicon Valley LGBTQ mixers to Hangouts with Google Executives, planning a successful Google Pride is about more than coordinating the colors of the rainbow. Gayglers from all departments of Google formed sub-committees to discuss budget, plan events, order schwag and advertise Pride while keeping an eye on the prize: ensuring the messages of diversity, inclusion and pride are central themes throughout it all.”
Here’s this year’s Google Pride logo from its worldwide logo design contest, which will be printed on shirts worn by Googlers as they march for the eighth year in the Pride Parade on June 30:
The parade will be on the heels of a two U.S. Supreme Court decisions involving gay rights: California’s Prop 8 allowing same-sex marriage and the ruling on the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The decisions are set to be announced this week.
Google has long been a supporter of the LGBT community. Just last year, they enhanced medical benefits for transgender employees in what has been referred to as “the gold standard.” This year, Google showed its support in many ways, one of them being to highlight stories of LGBT employees on the Life at Google page on Google+.
Google further makes itself part of the movement by extending its products to the movement. Right now, any LGBT-related searches online currently bring up this specially designed search bar:
And Google+ Hangouts have been instrumental in facilitating same-sex marriage in France where same-sex marriage was not attainable. Check out this video to find out how:
Antoni Gaudí Google Doodle Showcases Architect’s Revered Works
Today is the birthday of Antoni Gaudí, a Spanish architect born in 1852 who was considered an important figure in the “Modernisme” movement of that time. Many of Gaudí’s structures still stand today as some of the most revered works of architecture in the world. His contributions were honored with a Google Doodle today representing some of his most loved works.
If you look closely (and try really hard to interpret the abstraction), you can see “Google” spelled out in the structures referenced in the Doodle. Condé Nast did a great piece identifying which illustration in the Doodle matched which Gaudí piece, along with a write up of where they can be viewed in person.
Gaudí left a bigger legacy than perhaps he would have imagined. It’s not just completed structures that made a mark. According to The Guardian, Gaudí’s Roman basilica continued to be worked on and built upon over the span of approximately 130 years, long after Gaudí’s untimely accidental death.
You can browse more Gaudí works at the UNESCO website, here.
Opinion: Search Engines Not Responsible for Deleting Personal Data From Index
Google doesn’t have to delete sensitive personal information from its search engine index, according to a recommendation to the European Court of Justice.
Google’s vindication came in a recommendation to the Court of Justice by advocate general Niilo Jääskinen. It was part of a case brought against the search engine firm by a Spanish citizen looking to have potentially libelous website data removed from Google’s search index.
In the ruling, Jääskinen said that Google and other search engines are not subject to privacy requirements under existing European data protection law.
“Search engine service providers are not responsible, on the basis of the Data Protection Directive, for personal data appearing on web pages they process,” the court said in communicating Jääskinen’s opinion.
He explained that based on present law citizens don’t have a right to be removed from search indexes within the Data Protection Directive framework.
“The Directive does not establish a general ‘right to be forgotten’. Such a right cannot therefore be invoked against search engine service providers on the basis of the Directive,” he added.
Google is understandably pleased.
“This is a good opinion for free expression,” said Bill Echikson, head of free expression at Google EMEA. “We’re glad to see it supports our long-held view that requiring search engines to suppress ‘legitimate and legal information’ would amount to censorship.”
The decision is not final, as the European Court of Justice isn’t bound by the advocate general’s opinion. However, the opinion was given to the judges of the court who have now begun their deliberations in the case.
A final ruling on the case is expected before the end of the year.
This article was originally published on the Inquirer.
Most Valuable Ecommerce Customers Come from Organic Search [Study]
Not all customers are created equal. This is the picture painted by customer acquisition platform Custora in its latest study on ecommerce and the lifetime value of a customer.
The highest value customers come from organic search at a rate of 54 percent higher than the average lifetime value of a customer, followed by PPC and email, according to Custora.
Customer lifetime value (CLV) is a way to calculate the entire profit a company can expect to earn from the relationship with that customer over time. For this study in particular, CLV referred to the amount customers spent within two years of their initial purchase.
“The savviest marketers in the new era of ecommerce will be looking beyond just where customers are coming from,” Custora said in its report. “They’ll be looking at the value of new customers acquired across channels, platforms, and geographies.”
Social media is generally accepted as a common contributor in the path to conversion, and sometimes is the last click or only click in a conversion funnel. However according to Custora, clients coming from social networks don’t stack up against the CLV of clients coming from other channels.
Ecommerce customers acquired through Twitter are worth 23 percent less than the average CLV, the report said:
Not surprisingly, email marketing as an acquisition channel is on the rise. Not too long ago, we saw in another study that email was beating search and social as the largest driver of conversions for ecommerce.
Custora data gives more validity to notion of email as a power channel for marketing and conversions. In fact, according to the report, customer acquisition via email has quadrupled over the past four years in ecommerce.
The data also shows the importance of organic search to customer acquisition as well, which is still higher than email.
Data for this study was collected from 86 U.S. retailers across 14 industries and 72 million customers. Acquisition channels were obtained via the “utm_medium” tag in Google Analytics.
78% of a Brand’s Facebook Fans Are Already Customers [Study]
Social intelligence company Syncapse set out to answer why people become Facebook fans in its latest study and what the value of a fan is to a brand. The research found 78 percent of a brand’s Facebook fans have already engaged with the brand’s product or services.
“Since being a brand user is usually a prerequisite to becoming a Fan in consumer goods categories, marketers should prioritize their Fan acquisition investments on converting existing customers,” Syncapse said in its report. “Not only is acquisition cost and conversion friction lower, but the investment in a higher quality Fan base will reap rewards down the line, and this is true for both lower-cost and higher-cost consumer brands.”
But there are other motivators for people becoming fans of a brand on Facebook, including wanting coupons or discounts or sharing personal experiences and interests with others.
But Syncapse warns that acquiring fans through discount offers often lead to a lower value overall for the brand.
“Many brands, particularly retailers and lower-cost brands with high purchase frequencies, often resort to rewards and direct-response incentives for driving Fan membership. However, these tactics are often blindly targeted to brand-promiscuous deal hunters, resulting in a lower-quality, fickle Fan membership (and waste of scarce marketing dollars).”
So just how much is the value of a Facebook fan?
Syncapse took into account several factors in its study including spending, loyalty, propensity to recommend, earned media value, acquisition cost and brand affinity when answering this question. The total value of a fan based on these factors is estimated to be $174 – a 28 percent increase since 2010.
But the true value in a fan, Syncapse argued, is measured by the motivation behind becoming a fan in the first place. While discounts and contests may drive a brand’s fan base up quickly, many of those Fans aren’t likely to have staying power.
“After understanding the composition of social membership, it becomes critical for marketers to understand the reasons consumers become Fans of brands in the first place,” Syncapse said. “Marketers must compare actual reasons for becoming a Fan, and the hard tactics (and often expensive investments) they often deploy to acquire Fans – sometimes they match up, sometimes they don’t. There may be more effective and efficient strategies to acquire more of the right types of Fans.”
You can access the full Syncapse study here.
Google Local Carousel Results: Where Do Users Click Most?
Google officially rolled out its local carousal results to all U.S. users last week for select verticals like hotels and restaurants, and since then, marketers have been trying to figure out what makes it tick.
Two search agencies independently conducted experiments of their own to see where people click when presented with the new carousel in Google local results. While these tests were largely informal and consisting of a small sample size, they are still interesting to note.
Local U and Ethical SEO Consulting had a combined sample of 112 respondents in their separate experiments. Searchers were given a prompt search results page, and asked to go to the part of the page that was most relevant to them for that search.
Here’s what one of those search result options looked like to respondents for the query: “pizza in Denver”:
What the Local Carousel Result Studies Found
Both studies showed the map and carousel results on the page were favorite areas for users to click in order to find what they were looking for.
The “pizza in Denver” results showed the map result received 32 percent of the clicks, followed by the first image in the carousel at 17 percent, and then the first organic result at 11 percent.
The other experiment used the query “Chicago restaurants” to generate a results page, and found 48 percent of the total clicks were on the carousel results:
When asked why the searchers clicked where they did within the carousel, the Chicago restaurants respondents mentioned reviews as a determining factor.
People are clicking on the carousel to find what they need. But more studies will need to be conducted to truly understand how the new carousel results in Google are impacting overall click-through rate on the results page.
Both Ethical SEO consulting and Local U and commented on the challenges and opportunities of the new look and feel of Google local results.
“One challenge with images is that Google is not letting you choose what picture to display on the front page. They choose it for you from the images that are uploaded,” Local U said in its post.
Ethical SEO consulting also noted that reviews were going to continue to be important, and added, “having a long tail keyword site content strategy is also going to be an important factor in showing up in as many carousels, and map results as possible. The organic results also cannot be discounted.”
Getting Started With Bing Places: A Step-by-Step Guide
Local SEO and local online marketing is an excellent way to help local consumers connect with your business. Those who are local are more apt to go with your services because it is more convenient and easily accessible, and therefore local businesses are often trusted. This makes listing your business in Yelp, Yahoo Local, and Google+ Local very important, but don’t forget Bing’s initiative – Bing Places.
The world’s third largest search engine (after just Google and YouTube) changed Bing Business Portal to Bing Places for Business in April 2013, but the general idea remains the same. Bing Places for Business is a place to connect your company with local consumers in a quick and easy way by simply listing your business with the search engine.
How to Submit Your Site to Bing Places
Below are step-by-step instructions to setup your business with Bing Places:
Step 1: Get Started on the Welcome Screen
Visit this link and click “get started.” The screenshot below is the welcome screen you will see, and if you look in the top right corner you can see that you can sign in easily once you’re listing is created.
Step 2: Claim Your Existing Business or Add a New Business Listing
You will then be taken to a screen where you can type in either your phone number or business name and location. Enter your information and then hit “search” to see if anything appears. If nothing does, it will ask you to moderate your search or click “add new business.” Below is a screenshot you’ll see at this point:
Step 3: Add Your Business and Login to Your Microsoft Account
If you don’t have a Microsoft account, you’re going to need to create one. A Microsoft account is anything you use to sign in to Hotmail, SkyDrive, or Xbox LIVE. You can create a new account easily once you get to this page and click “get a new account.”
Once you’re logged in, it’s time to start adding in all of your business details. Below is a screenshot of what you will see, and the map and photos on the right will change as you add in your business details. The left had side shows you all of the different drop-down menus you should open and fill in to complete your listing:
After you fill in all of the details and hit “submit” it will ask you to verify your business and Bing will send you a verification PIN at your registered postal address. You can add in your address in a box below, and then you will receive a mailer with a PIN at the address listed in 3 to 5 days. The screen will look like this:
Extra Step (If Necessary): Add Multiple Businesses
The next session that you will see at the top of the screenshot above is “add multiple businesses.” If you’re interested, you can click this tab and add in another business that you own.
According to Bing, “Places makes claiming bulk listings quick and hassle-free. You can upload 10 to 10000 listings from the same parent business (chains, franchises, etc.) using a spreadsheet.” As you can see below, there is a space to upload your spreadsheet and the business details so that everything can remain connected.
Step 4: Manage Your Listing(s)
Once you receive your PIN number in the mail, you will be able to start managing your listing. I recommend bookmarking this link so that you can pick up right where you left off when the listing is verified.
Managing your listing is where you will be able to edit and add information regarding your listing. Below is a screenshot from Local SEO Update that illustrates what the screen looks like when you try to manage your listing or listings:
Bing Places Overview
It’s important to setup Bing Places and claim your listing in order to connect with local consumers. Bing is the third largest search engine in America, so it’s important you have a presence to gain that visibility.
You need to have a Microsoft account in order to get started with Bing Places. Visit this page to get started in just a few short minutes, or follow the directions as you go through the steps to claim your listing.
With Bing you can manage multiple listings under one dashboard, which is a feature not every local channel allows.
Are you a business that uses Bing Places? What benefits have you found since becoming a part of the site? Do you have any tips for those hoping to get involved? Let us know your story and your thoughts in the comments below.
4 Ways SEO Impacts B2B Content Marketing Initiatives
B2B marketers are spending more than 25 percent of their budgets in the development, delivery and promotion of content, according to a recent survey run by the CMO Council and NetLine. Their objectives are to drive business leads, influence customer markets and grow brand presence and authority. More importantly, 87 percent of respondents indicated that online content has a moderate to major impact (67 percent and 20 percent respectively on what vendors they chose to work with.
While B2B sales and marketing groups appear to understand the need for better alignment through content marketing needs, strategic development is still in its infancy.
The survey report states that many organizations are engaged in “random acts of content development,” lacking cohesive strategy. This assessment is based on findings indicating that the B2B buyer is migrating to peer-based communities and trusted new sources. The B2B buyer finds that vendor sites fail in many ways, including navigation, depth, and accessibility.
SEO should be a significant component of the B2B content marketing mix; augmenting these efforts from concept to execution. Here are four ways B2B SEO professionals can better impact content marketing initiatives.
1. Better Content; Not More Content
As highlighted in recent coverage of the survey from eMarketer, quality trumps quantity significantly. “B2B executives have expectations for the content they consume, however, and seem disinterested in anything offering surface-level insights”.
Furthermore, the survey report indicated that blatantly self-serving and promotional content is a major turnoff, cited by 43 percent of respondents. Research and whitepapers based on professional association and industry input led the list of content assets B2B buyers valued and trusted most.
Keyword research should be at the forefront of any content development initiative. Not only are B2B marketers looking for keywords opportunities that have demonstrated traffic estimates, but also keyword themes that have shown to resonate with their target audience as well.
While Google’s Keyword Tool is a place to look for traffic estimates, keyword traffic reports based on conversion or other site performance metrics (like bounce rate, time on site, pages/visit, etc) are important for determining relevance to existing audience.
The above chart highlights keyword referrals for a client of ours, where we’ve defined multiple conversion goals. I’ve highlighted keyword ideas that have driven at least three of four conversion actions in a certain period of time. I would recommend exploring content marketing ideas based on these keyword themes first.
Additional places B2B SEO professionals should consider for evaluating keyword performance:
Google AdWords and Bing Ads keyword reports
Marketing automation prospect performance reports
Internal search engine query reports
Traditional customer service inquiries, software bug reports, feedback submissions, etc.
2. Develop a Lead Scoring System
The top turnoff from survey respondents was the level of requirements for download. While this factor must be acknowledged, alignment between sales readiness and vendor / industry research must also be balanced.
Not all inbound leads are equal and it is important that the B2B marketing team work with sales to determine proper criteria for pushing the lead directly to sales, or keeping the lead in the marketing database for further development.
I wrote about B2B lead scoring a while back that digs specifically into these concepts. The key for B2B SEO professionals is in aligning the requirements for conversion action with the content marketing asset’s perceived proximity to sales action.
The keyword chart in the previous point provides further example into how we might breakout conversion actions based on sales readiness. For our client, “Conv 4″ is a very high level lead, often associated with general information seekers. We track it because it is an easy way to obtain email information for newsletters and other company communications.
Our hypothesis is that a percentage of these leads ultimately convert to sales. We’re manually matching data right now and should have a marketing automation tool in place shortly to help take this over. As we connect the dots between conversion actions, we can better demonstrate the ROI in the creation of assets that support this conversion action.
3. Usability Matters, but B2B Marketers Need to FIND the Content First
While excessive form requirements might be an annoyance, content usability and accessibilitymatters as well. Ease of use and readability were the second most important characteristic B2B decision makers surveyed indicated (the top applicably being breadth and depth of information).
This brings into play two important SEO related initiatives.
Cross-linking and navigational accessibility: SEO professionals need to evaluate site architecture in an effort to identify critical locations for cross-links and cross-promotion of content marketing assets. Besides manual review of site navigation and related content assets, look to analytics for assistance. Google Analytics has an easy to use navigational element to better understand the steps (web pages) converting visitors took before completing various goals on the website.
Joseph Kerschbaum wrote a more in-depth column on how to use Google Analytics visitors flow reports to improve conversion rates. It is definitely worth reviewing for more information and ideas.
Device and technology usage: Forty-one percent of survey respondents used the smartphone and 30 percent used the tablet. As the percentage of users accessing content through a mobile device continues to increase, B2B marketers need to be sensitive to navigational limitations and conversion rates barriers mobile browsers create.
The simplest method for comparing user behavior by device type is in the main navigational stream (Google Analytics: Audience Mobile Overview) but B2B SEO professionals should also compare visitor performance by operating system, based on high performing keyword themes (Google Analytics: Traffic Sources Search Organic Keyword – Secondary Dimension “Operating System”)
4. Build Inbound Links in the Right Places (Hint: It’s About Relationships)
While the right content and placement on the website is important, having avenues of outreach and distribution for content assets matters just as much.
As indicated in the survey, B2B decision-makers cited professional organizations and online communities as the most popular sources of information that would influence business and purchasing decisions.
Relationships and networks matter in getting exposure to content marketing assets developed.
B2B SEO professionals need to take this feedback into consideration when developing link building outreach initiatives; specifically finding target audiences and communities for link communication.
Places to consider for content distribution and network development:
Industry forums and message boards
Quora QA
Twitter chats and Twitter list development
Ways to identify industry influencers and communities:
Interviews with PR agencies and marketing communications personnel
FollowerWonk or Contaxio for analyzing Twitter followers
Muck Rack and HARO for finding publication opportunities and journalists
Speaker and sponsor lists associated to industry trade shows and conferences
Recent link building columns related to the information found in this report worth reviewing:
How Relationship Building Interlinks With SEO
Link Building: Get Relevant or Die Trying
Screw Link Building, It’s Called Relationship Building!
The CMO Council and NetLine report is available for download via short form submission here. I would recommend review, if for nothing else than to validate B2B search engine marketing initiatives proposed or to augment existing work.
How are your SEO efforts improving and assisting broader B2B content marketing initiatives? I would love to read your feedback and perspective via comments below.
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Ever had bugs in the house?
BIG ONES?
Acidman should get in on this
At the Carnival of Cordite, Technogypsy had a mention of Gretchen Ross taking off on a proposal in an area to declare it legal to shoot stray cats. And it has really set her off. In her response to one comment, there's this:
""Shooting them when sighted while hunting other species is a safe and cost effective way of controlling feral populations."
Safe and cost effective for YOU maybe, what about the cats? Oh yeah, I forgot, God put animals on the Earth for us to kill them...
There are other, more humane ways to control the cat population. People who want to shoot cats are pathetic. Having no real control over their own lives, they take a sick egotistical pleasure over controlling/ending the lives of others. It has nothing to do with saving the birds or farm animals from cats. If it were, there are other less sick ways to do it.
Write back when you grow a fucking soul."
Other people have written about the damage done by feral animals. And yeah, shooting them is a safe & cost-effective way to control them. It's not necessarily a nice thought, but it takes care of a problem.
As far as controlling a cat population, when you're dealing with a feral population in a suburb/rural area, it's about the only real way to handle it; trying to catch them and fix them doesn't work real well. Often it doesn't work too well in urban areas, either. In the city where my parents live there's been a terrible problem with strays/ferals. One group started a program where you could trap ferals and they would sterilize them for free, and turn the back loose! Yeah, they can't reproduce, but they're still running around, killing other animals and spreading disease and dying in nasty ways. Most of the problem has had to be dealt with by trapping and killing them.
I've got to say, her description of people who "want to shoot cats" is straight out of a PETA press release, and I'm not going to waste time on it.
Gretchen, I don't want to shoot cats. But if I lived in an area with feral cat problems, I would.
Oh, and I already have a soul.
Speaking of cartoons,
Check out Wapsi Square.
You'll just have to go there, it's a GIF file and I can't figure out how to post it.
The Fifth Carnival of Cordite is up!
Over at Technogypsy. Lots & lots of good stuff to check out.
No, I'm not out drinking
Not that I have an objection to going out and drinking. However, spending time trying to find a place to park, pushing into the bar, attempting to work through a crowd that's so damn loud you can barely hear(let alone enjoy) the band... no thank you.
Plus, having made it home from work after 0100 this morning, in bed about 0200, and waking up a little after 0800, I'm tired. Which also means, since alcohol hits me harder when I'm tired, I'm not going to have some beers- green or otherwise- and climb into two wheels or four to wend my way home.
Therefore I shall clean up, pour myself a drink of good scotch, lean back and relax. Speaking of scotch, last time I was down in Fort Worth to visit some folks my friend Brian showed me his birthday present from the mrs. Glenfiddich Solera Reserve, 15 years old. This is the guy who started me on Scottish holy water, and one thing I'd learned over time is that whether I like one partly depends on mood; if I'm not in the mood for the stuff, I can't even drink the stuff I like. Well, I wasn't really in the mood, but just to be polite I took the taste he poured me and gave it a try.
That was the finest stuff I have ever poured down my throat. Fine flavor, smoothly slid down the throat and then made a little 'boom' inside you. No, I did not finish the bottle for him, but I did have another little taste. And, having received my tax refund, I invested in a bottle of it which I shall now enjoy. Only bad thing is the $42 price tag.
This bottle's going to have to last a while.
Kids and shooting
I was thinking earlier about how I taught my kids, thoughts triggered by an upcoming wedding. No, not mine. Friend of mine is getting hitched to a lady with a 7 year old. The lady has little liking for firearms, but has accepted that since her hubby-to-be is an owner and user, and since there will be firearms around, the kid needs to be trained. I trust my friend to do so well, and the kid is, let us say, greatly excited by it.
My daughter fired her first shot when she was about 2. It was a .54-caliber plains rifle, and yes, it was firmly rested on sandbags(beanbags actually, but who cares?). Between the noise and smoke she was delighted, and has stayed that way. My son was about 7 as I recall, and started with a .22, a leetle bit more appropriate, and he's still shooting too.
I've been going back over how they were taught. SERIOUS lectures about safety, and what would happen if they broke the rules. The water-bottle demonstration. Drawing the sights and how to line them up, breathing, trigger squeeze.
And it's been worth it. I have no idea how many thousand rounds of .22's they've put downrange. My son decided he loved a #4 Mk. 1 Enfield, and watching a kid weighing about 75 pounds shooting ball out of that was interesting(he stuck the rear sandbag between the butt and his shoulder), and my model 94 Winchester found favor with him also. My daughter mostly stuck with the .22 in rifles; with handguns she's become rather fond of my .45 Kimber(I told her no, she couldn't have it). First time she fired handguns above a .22 we started with .38 Special target loads, and moved up. She didn't care for the revolvers, but with the Kimber she placed her first five shots in a 2" group at about 5 yards, recoil not a bother. Shot about the same with a Sig P229 we borrowed.
One of the things that has stuck in my memory is when a man once handed my son a rifle to look over. First thing he did was cycle it to check for loaded with no prompting. Made me very glad, both that he did it right and that it proved something: sometimes he really did listen to me!(not a bad thing for a parent to learn)
Besides the general fun and utility, it's also given my daughter a chance to weird out her friends(the Kimber target is framed on her wall, that group just right of the X-ring of the silhouette gets their attention). And it made her a bit more active politically. Having it pointed out that if the weenies had their way, she'd never be allowed to shoot again ticked her off, and led to studying the facts. I think it also made her more picky about civil rights in general, to the point of having a copy of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights handy. It's interesting finding out one of your kids outdid a teacher in an argument on our rights. And pissed off a somewhat sorry excuse for a teacher when she brought up some facts about the Revolutionary War, in particular the Battle of Saratoga, that he didn't know and didn't want to acknowledge.
My son isn't quite as politically active, but I believe he does pay attention to the matters, at least partially for the same reasons. His favorite handgun is a Sig Trailside with a scope on top, just wonderful at breaking clay pigeons out to 50 yards.
Have I mentioned that clay pigeons are wonderful targets for kids? They do something when you hit them, and then you can break the pieces. Start off with paper to make sure they understand the basics, then go on to more interesting things.
It's been a wonderful thing to do with them. I think my friend will find the same in teaching his kid.
He said what?
On the radio a little bit ago, a news reader for ABC was reporting that the judge had agreed to give Scott Peterson the death penalty. So far, so good. Then he said that this was for the murder of "his wife and their unborn fetus".
"Unborn fetus"? There's a whole bunch of possible ways to take that description. And most of them make my head ache.
If anyone says it's "Only about gun safety",
show them this. Read it through. This has not a damn thing to do with 'gun safety'; this has to do with completely banning the ownership of firearms. Which would, I have no doubt, be followed by banning of anything else these clowns would consider a weapon.
"Ban on all semiautos which can fire more than 6 bullets without reloading". That means ALL semiautos, since ANY ONE can be made to fire more than six rounds simply by using a bigger magazine.
'Gun safety' my ass. These clowns think what's happening to people in Britain is a GOOD thing. Which means they're statist dictator wannabes who think everyone else is too damn stupid to be allowed free action- free action meaning anything these bastards don't approve of.
Pissed-off attitude courtesy of Kim.
This is also why a lot of these clowns want McCain-Feingold to regulate blogs. You think they wouldn't like to prevent people like Kim, or your obdnt. svnt, from putting stuff like this up? They'd much rather do this crap in secrecy.
Somebody keep sticking that fork in Britain
until they get the message; they're done.
Look at this crap. Guy kills someone; while in a 'secure hospital' kills another inmate; gets turned loose; kills someone else and is caught while eating some of that victim's brain. NOW, the judge gives him two life sentances. Considering how things seem to work, that may mean he'll have to suffer in custody for, oh, ten or fifteen years? I hope not, but the way things seem to go...
Mind you, if you are attacked in your home in the middle of the night and whack the attacker with a cricket bat- not kill them, just smack them- and you'll probably be in prison for years. But if you're a criminal who hurts people? Well, it may take a while, and some digested body parts, before they can decide that you need to be put away for a long time.
That's aside from the fact that if you so much as punch out an attacker, the attacker is liable to sue you. And the government will probably provide his attorney.
Blech.
I have no idea why I hadn't already added him
Smallest Minority is on the blogroll. I've mentioned him before. Essays on the right to and responsibility of arms, and other interesting stuff. Definately worth checking out.
Hopefully, the IRA is going down the toilet now
Powerline has a piece on how President Bush had basically told Gerry Adams a: you won't be raising money in the U.S. and b: your sorry ass ain't coming to the White House. I know there's still a lot of people who will make excuses for the IRA and try to support them; I hope all support to it is cut off. Whatever the IRA once was, it's become one more bunch of thugs, many of the either communist or 'progressives' who follow the same ideals. They extort, torture, rob and murder, and it's time they were stopped.
The IRA has, over the last few years, been shown to have been supporting terrorists around the world, including- currently- Chavez in Venezuela, who is the current "I wanna be fidel" jackass. So stomp on them, hard.
I had a big argument with a friend a few years ago about this group. He's a serious student of Irish history, and had lots of sympathy for the IRA. I finally put it this way:
"If you want to shoot at British troops, at least you're attacking someone who's armed and can shoot back. If you want to whack a politician, you're at least going after someone who knew their job might be dangerous(no, I'm not excusing these things). But when you put a bomb in a store or a car on a street to kill whoever happens to be around, when you blow up an entire building to try and kill one person and 'screw whoever else dies', when you leave a bomb in a pub just to kill some people and keep the rest scared, that's not 'resistance'; it's murder, and you're a sorry chickenshit".
He wasn't happy, but he didn't argue it either; he's stubborn, not stupid. Later, on a different occasion I pointed out the large parts of the IRA who are commies- which he despises- and he made comment as to how 'a group can't control all it's members'. Maybe, but a group that will kneecap someone for wearing the wrong clothes or going to the wrong church could kick out someone like that; IF they wanted to.
As Wizbang put it, the murder of Robert McCartney was one of three recent deaths caused by terrorists that have awakened a lot of people who were blind before, for whatever reason, to what these bastards are. May the true memorial to these three be the destruction of those who killed them.
In particular, those of a lot of folks who label themselves 'liberal' or 'progressive'. There's some of it on both sides, but the problem seems worse on theirs.
In particular the absolute hatred of George Bush. I'm not talking about those who disagree with him on points, and argue those points; I'm talking about those who 'know' he STOLE the 2000 election, and he's an IDIOT, and he's a DICTATOR, etc. And, in particular, those who would rather see this country fail than have him get credit for something he's done.
That's something that really bothers me. I did not like Bill Clinton, but when he did something that was good, I gave him credit. For instance, in Kosovo my big problem was not that he sent troops in, it was the way he did it; I knew he would give lots of deference to the U.N., and he was so scared of casualties on our side affecting public opinion that you had pilots dropping bombs under conditions that guaranteed misses and civilian casualties. But I do give him credit for actually doing something.(I wish he'd early on told various Europeans to either do something themselves or shut the hell up, but that's another matter). I know that he was pushed into some of the good things by the Republicans winning majorities in the House and Senate, but whether because he was calculating for his own future good or actually saw that it was good, they got done.
I give him credit for those things, just as I give him blame for the things I think were bad. But the nutcase L & P people absolutely refuse to see anything good coming from Bushs' actions, refuse to admit that he might not be a certifiable idiot, refuse to admit that he ever did anything that was good. Used to know a lady who would positively gloat on any news that might be bad for Bush, even if it would also be bad for the U.S. Nothing seemed to matter other than "Now he'll get what's coming to him!"(this is also where I first heard that Reagan did nothing to actually help bring down the Soviet Union; he just showed up at the right time to take credit. She also thought Jimmy Carter was one of the best presidents we ever had). When one country of the coalition announced that they were going to withdraw their troops(I can't remember who, and after you got through the headline it turned out it was pretty much on schedule) she smiled and said something along the lines of "Yes, that's a BIG coalition he has": she was happy at the idea of it falling apart. Mention some good things that had happened so far, mention that things are moving forward, and you'd hear about how it was actually nothing, that we were just being fed this news so we wouldn't see how 'everying is crumbling' and we DESERVE what's going to happen, etc. I failed to see how she thought the mainstream media was blindly 'feeding us' good propaganda from the administration, but apparently they were.
I've said this before: George Bush is not my ideal guy. He's done things that I think he should not have, he hasn't done things I think he should have. But the guy is not a fool, and he has done some good things. I can see someone pushing that they think he's wrong on something, no problem. It's the insistence that he cannot do ANYTHING that's good, or will have a good result, that gets me.
And it's usually connected with some idiot hoping for disaster; they'd rather see things fall apart bloodily than see success. And I just don't understand it.
First, at Coyote Blog, "You Know It's A Dictatorship When-"
Over at Anarchangel, "A Citazen or a Subject"
And the next Carnival of Cordite is being held at Kevin Menard's place. If you know a post that should be in it, send to info to 'carnival of cordite -at- hotmail point com'.
Oh, one more thing. My daughter sent me this; what happens when you wander into a Den of Evil while looking for a bathroom?...
More cleaning, greasy old guns this time
Old military guns in particular. If you've ever bought an old surplus rifle you'll know what I mean. Some aren't too bad, others are awful. Especially British and some U.S. rifles. Many stocks were oiled to help preserve them, and they soaked up oil from the metal. A lot of them soaked up so much that when the wood gets hot from either the sun or shooting, oil seeps out. And then, of course, there's Cosmoline.
Cosmoline is a grease that was designed for one thing: to protect metal from corrosion in long-term storage. And it works, very well. The bad thing about it? Getting it off. It is the stickiest stuff you've ever ruined your pants on, and the British in particular used a lot of it; the climate I would assume. When a rifle was sent back for service/storage they would dismantle it; anything needing work was repaired or replaced; then the bore was filled, the action & barrel greased thoroughly and replaced in the stock; and sometimes the wood was given a coat. When it was placed in the rack or crate, it could- did- sit there for years into decades, well protected from rust. Which means when you get it...
Did I mention that if it has sat long enough, the stuff can harden? Petrified Cosmoline is even worse to get out.
The metal's not that bad. Most any cleaning solvent, including hot water & soap(I've know of people taking one to a car wash and using the engine cleaner spray on it) will cut the grease off; my favorite is either low-odor mineral spirits or a can of carburetor cleaner. Either will cut the stuff and leave no residue behind(yes, use rubber gloves and ventilation). However, some of this stuff can harm the wood. There's several ways to clean this off, degreasers and such. My favorite, which does take some time, is the kitty-litter method.
Strip the stock to wood only and wipe off all the surface crud. Get some heavy plastic and make a bag wide enough to put the stock in and about a foot longer, make sure you seal it well enough to hold some weight. Put the stock in, and then fill the bag with either cheap unscented kitty litter or oil absorbent. Close the bag and lay it out in the sun all day. Next day, put it back out on the other side. Depending on temperature and how much oil/grease the thing had soaked up, a week to ten days should do it. The heat will cause the oil/grease to bleed to the surface and the litter will soak it up. When done take it out and go over it with a brush to make sure you get all the dust out of the holes and inletting. I've seen an old stock come out of this treatment looking almost like new wood. Don't throw the absorbent away, save it for when you spill oil on the driveway and such.
The other way to do this is much faster, but only works if the stock is short enough to fit in the oven. Prepare the wood as before. Take a roll of cheap paper towels and stuff the receiver area, barrel channel, etc. with them, then wrap the entire stock with at least two layers. Wrap the whole thing in aluminum foil, stick it in the oven and turn it to 'low'. Please make sure the stock is not touching the coil or right on the bottom above the burner, whichever. Leave it there for at least an hour, pull it out/yes, it will be rather warm/ and unwrap. Throw away the paper, which will be soaked, repack & wrap the stock and put it back in. It does the same thing as the litter treatment, it just does it faster. For smaller pieces you could probably either use a metal pan full of litter, or a length of metal tubing; put the wood in, cover with litter, seal the end of the tube a bake.
Another thing that works well on smaller pieces is to make a mix of one part ammonia to three parts water, get a soft brush and start brushing that over the piece. My understanding is the ammonia converts the oil/grease to a form of soap which the water can wash away. This works well on pistol handgrips, handguards & such. You may not want to use this on pieces that are very thin, as it can cause warping. The piece will then need to dry thoroughly before you can refinish it. I can attest that this will get crud out of a piece of wood that looks clean, used on an oily pistol grip or handguard it can be amazing how much stuff winds up in the bucket.
Theres a forum here that specializes in this subject(their home site has lots of interesting forums), there's a lot there on both cleaning and refinishing. Some of their methods I've never tried, spraying oven cleaner on a stock for instance; that sounds a bit, oh, harsh? If something's in bad enough shape it might be something to try. I keep using the kitty litter method because
A. I'm lazy
B. Once it's set up and heating, I can do something else
C. If there are, or you suspect there may be, markings of interest on the wood, this method will not damage the
surface as some others might. I have to stress might; people on the Milsurp forums swear by some of the other methods. You makes your choice and takes your chances.
Finishing up depends on whether you're trying to keep the finish historically accurate or just get a good-looking finish that will protect the wood. You can use boiled linseed oil, you can use shellac, you can use Birchwood Casey's gunstock finish, there are lots of possibilities. Do some research and give something a try.
A lot of these are worth cleaning not only to make it neater to handle & shoot, but- rather amazingly- some of these old rifles have absolutely beautiful wood; when you get all the old crud off the surface it's sometimes amazing what you find. And it's always nicer to shoot something that isn't depositing forty-year-old oil on your face.
Update: ref the kitty litter method, if you'll be cleaning a number of stocks, you might want to make a sturdier container. I recently bought a 5' section of 5" diameter stovepipe for one. Cut it to 50" long, then mashed it into an oval cross-section, then made two plugs out of 5/8" plywood. One's screwed and caulked into one end, the other uses two screws to hold it in place. I also drilled a hole in the removable plug and set an eyebolt in it to make it easier to pull out. Then I painted the whole thing flat black. To use, pour a couple of inches of litter in, set the stock in, then fill it up, insert the plug and lock in place, then lay it in the sun.
I know I've mentioned him before
but if you haven't looked in on the doings at Beelzebub Manor, you're missing something. Several somethings, in fact. Current happenings, British history, and childhood memories:
"We even wore caps and short pants until the age of 13. Apart from Terry Peach. Every year has a Terry Peach. Six foot six tall, size 12 feet and capable of growing a full beard before leaving primary school. Terry was a big lad in every way and Matron had to rush him into Emergency Long Trousers a year before the rest of us after his … err ... sliding tackle had alarmed a visiting French mistress."
Check out Free Market Fairy Tales.
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Sorry 'bout the doubles
Blogger is bloggered, and I don't have time to work through it to clean it up right now
A wonderful story from the Geek
Says it was music to his ears...
My friend tells me that the hall grew quiet, as people listened. In that silence, just about everyone in the show simultaneously arrived at the same decision, and for the next 30 seconds, all you heard was the kerplopple of steel on kydex and leather, the snips of zipties coming off, and the glorious ka shink! of a thousand people simultaneously racking rounds into chambers.
Also ref the idiots in NO and their accomplices
And also found at The High Road(scroll down for the full article):
"NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 14 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A New Orleans woman is recovering from surgery this week from injuries resulting from when she was roughed-up by authorities who forced her to leave her home a week after Hurricane Katrina. Patricia Konie, 58, has filed a Federal lawsuit over the injuries and other violations of civil rights.
"My client was severely injured in a needless removal from her home," stated attorney Ashton O'Dwyer. "Patricia Konie had food, plenty of water, and a roof over her head. The police who illegally entered her home and imposed their will on a frail, middle-aged female should have been out apprehending armed, male looters instead."
Konie was greeting a reporter and photographer from a San Francisco TV station and a journalist from the London Times when police unexpectedly entered her home. When she refused to leave as ordered, they confiscated a firearm used for defense and according to Konie, "slammed" her to the ground, both displacing and fracturing her left shoulder."
One thing I wrote before and still hold to: I'm ashamed that OK National Guardsmen helped carry out this crap. And I hope those responsible- which would include the officers who told them to carry out these orders- get their ass handed to them.
Can you say 'perjury'?
I knew you could
Found a link to this at The High Road:
"BELLEVUE, Wash., March 15 /U.S. Newswire/ -- In a stunning reversal, the City of New Orleans revealed today to attorneys representing the Second Amendment Foundation and National Rifle Association that they do have a stockpile of firearms seized from private citizens in the wake of Hurricane Katrina."
You know, those guns that didn't exist? Those guns Mayor Dipstick and Police Chief Jackass said weren't seized? From those seizures they claimed never happened?("Never mind the video and the testimony! Ignore the man behind the curtain and listen to me!!"). I admit to not following all the details as they came along, but didn't city officials and the lawyers say- in sworn documents- that the seizures a: were not ordered and b: did not happen and c: they did NOT have any seized firearms?
I'm not a lawyer(nor do I play one on blog or tv), but I thought lying in court, and lying on sworn documents, was a big no-no. ESPECIALLY for an officer of the court like a lawyer.
What's that? It IS a big deal, you say? Well, then let's see about criminal charges as well as the civil charges already filed, why don't we?
Apparently the NO officials have been taking lessons from some of the BATF and other feds caught in the act. Lie, deny, etc., until you have no other choice than to admit the truth. Unfortunately, too many times congresscritters who secretly or blatantly want the agencies to get away with crap have set a precedent of ignoring or excusing this crap; let's hope this court doesn't put up with it.
Rimfire Roundup #6
Up for your viewing pleasure, thanks to Mr. Completely. While you're there, be sure to check out the postal matches; links at the top.
Ok, here's something scary
from Britain:
ENGLAND: The day is coming when British Muslims form a state within a state
Very interesting article(found here) on what's happening there, summed up by this quote: "They believe that the British Government has capitulated to them, because it feared the consequences if it did not.
"The cartoons, you see, have not been published in this country, and the Government has been very critical of those countries in which they were published. To many of the Islamic clerics, that's a clear victory.
"It's confirmation of what they believe to be a familiar pattern: if spokesmen for British Muslims threaten what they call 'adverse consequences' – violence to the rest of us – then the British Government will cave in. I think it is a very dangerous precedent."
Very damn dangerous. A lot of people have pointed this out before; there are people and groups who see tolerance of them and their actions as weakness, and they see weakness as something to exploit. For instance, a couple of weeks ago a big march by BPMs calling for death to anybody who annoys them, and a few cops around watching; about a week later a march by people calling for defense of free speech and etc., and the cops were everywhere and a bunch of people were arrested as I recall. The Brit government has demonstrated that they're either too politically correct, too stupid or too scared(or all the above) to stand up for their own history, and the BPMs are using it against them. I've kept hoping that the British people would finally say 'enough' and stand up, but it just hasn't happened.
And at this point I doubt it will.
Linky goodness
The first isn't really 'good', it simply notes one of the side issues of the 'all faiths are equally good' crap: women who are not of the Moslem faith are seen as fair game for rape by some of the BPMs out there. As the comedian pointed out, "Some people would just look better dead".
And second, a fairly new place called The Lawdog Files from that part of the country known as Texas(and sometimes Baha, Oklahoma). Anyplace that starts a post with this has to be read:
"Today I would like to rant about a particularly irritating habit I've noticed developing amongst the horde of carpet-bagging, mouth-breathing, bunny-hugging, veggie-gnawing, mono-synaptic, close-minded dacoits who are tip-toeing through my fair State like a horde of lobotomized, politically-correct, apron-hanging rhinocerii."
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Random inspections
Policy implementation and system registration
Strand A - Part 1 - Policy requirement 1
4.4.1 Safe and supportive environment - child protection
A school must provide a safe and supportive environment for students by means that include:
employing people in accordance with Part 2 of the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
policies and procedures that ensure compliance with relevant notification requirements required for people employed by the Department under Part 3A of the Ombudsman Act 1974, the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 and the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
procedures based on departmental policy covering the welfare of students.
Advice for principals
This requirement focuses on policies and procedures specifically about child protection practices within the school. In particular, it involves ensuring that schools are implementing the departmental policies to meet legislative obligations about child protection.
Evidence to provide at the random inspection
The Registration Process for the NSW Government Schooling System Manual outlines the documentation schools must maintain. This includes that:
staff who have direct contact with students are informed annually of their legal responsibilities for child protection and other relevant school expectations
staff are informed annually of the requirement to notify and investigate allegations of reportable conduct under the Ombudsman Act 1974
all people engaged in child-related work at the school, as defined by the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 have a Working With Children check clearance from the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian
evidence of working with children check clearances is maintained for all persons in child-related work at the school as required under the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
the school responds to reportable matters in accordance with legislative requirements
all staff who are mandatory reporters under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 are informed annually of their obligations and the process the school has in place for mandatory reporting
clear guidelines and expectations for stakeholders are set regarding complaints or allegations of staff misconduct or reportable conduct
all staff are informed about the complaint handling procedures allegations of staff misconduct or reportable conduct.
Department policy, procedures and resources
Child Protection Policy: responding to and reporting students at risk of harm
Child Protection Policy Guidelines: Responding to and reporting students at risk of harm
Child Protection – Allegations Against Employees
Responding to Allegations Against Employees in the Area of Child Protection (PDF 1.97MB)
Working with Children Check Policy (including implementation documents)
The Code of Conduct (PDF 841KB) (page 33)
Strand A - Part 2 - Curriculum requirement 1
Strand B - Requirement 1
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
This information is current as at 18/07/2019 10:38am, AEST. For the most up-to-date information, go to https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/key-learning-areas/science/stage-6/professional-learning/transcript-of-new-content-in-chemistry.
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Home > Careers > Animation & Graphics > Game Designing and Development
Game Designing and Development - scope, careers, colleges, skills, jobs, salary
Everything you need to know about making a career in the Game Designing and Development. Game Designing and Development careers, scope, colleges, skills required, job prospects and salary. Discover the complete information of Game Designing and Development here.
About Game Designing and Development
“You can make an amazing game but you can’t make a success, your players make the success.” ~Imre Jele
Game Design is the art of applying design and aesthetics to create a game for entertainment or for educational, exercise, or experimental purposes. Increasingly, elements and principles of game design are also applied to other interactions, particularly virtual ones. There are as many kinds of video games as there are people. This means that game designers can often choose to work on the kinds of games they enjoy playing. Creating a video game also typically requires a great deal of team effort. With a technology degree in game design and development, you may have the opportunity to work with a team of video game experts who are just as excited about the industry as you are.
Game Designing and Development Career Path
B.Sc. (Game Designing)
Eligibility (10+2)/completed 3-year diploma program after class 10th
Entrance Exam Some colleges/institutions conduct their entrance exam
Goal Game Developer, Concept Artist, 3d Modeler, Lead Designer, Character Designer
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Game Designing)
Eligibility 10th/10+2/Equivalent
Entrance Exam Some other colleges/institutes also conduct entrance exam.
Average Course Fee ₹40,000 to ₹4,50,000
Goal Story Board and Concept Artist, Character Designer, Layout and Back Ground Artist, Animator, Compositor, Digital Effect Animator, Digital Effect Painter, Modeler, Pre-Visualization Artist, Digital Artist, Visual Effects Supervisor
Diploma in Game Designing
Eligibility 10+2 or Equivalent
Entrance Exam Some of the very reputed colleges/universities conduct their entrance exam
Goal Game Designer, Level Content Creator, Game Quality Assurance Tester, 3D Modeler, Texture Painter, Animator Concept Artist, Gameplay Scripter, Level Scripter
Diploma in Game Art and Designing- 1 year
Post Graduate Diploma in Game Designing
Certificate in Game Designing - 1 year
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Game Designing - 3 years
M.Sc. in Game Design and Development- 2 years
Colleges for Game Designing and Development
ANITOONS The School of Arts, Ghaziabad
Arena Animation Academy, Chandigarh
Global Institute of Gaming and Animation (GIGA), Chennai
IIFA Multimedia (Indian Institute of Film and Animation), Bangalore
Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar
Maya Academy of Advance Cinematics (MAAC), Ahmedabad
Maya Academy of Advance Cinematics (MAAC), Delhi
Maya Academy of Advance Cinematics (MAAC), Pune
National Institute of Design (NID), Bangalore
Picasso Animation College, Bangalore
Seamedu School of Pro-Expressionism, Pune
Zee Institute of Creative Arts, Mumbai
Top Colleges for Game Designing and Development
Game Designing and Development Key Skills
Game Designing and Development Career Prospects
Game Designer / Board Game Designer / Level Designer
Interactive Designer / UI Designer / Interface Designer
Modelling & Texturing Artist
Digital Game Artist
2D / 3D Game Developer
2D Animator
Gaming Artist
Freelance Game Developer
Game Modeler and Texturing Artist
Cinematic Character
Jobs in Game Designing and Development
Sport Industry
Salary in Game Designing and Development
Game Designing and Development Role Models
Shigeru Miyamoto
Shigeru Miyamoto - A man who needs no introduction, Miyamoto is without question the most innovative and influential game designer of all time for providing games that all others try to measure up to. Getting his start with Nintendo, Miyamoto immediately proved his brilliance as a game designer by helping to create games that would end up becoming massive franchises. This includes Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Star Fox, Mario Kart, and F-Zero, to name a few. What set him apart was his ability to deliver fresh, unique ideas across games of varying genres.
http://www.dhruva.com/internship.php
http://iifamultimedia.in/graphic-and-web-designing-courses-bangalore-india/diploma-game-designing.html
http://www.maacindia.com/game-design-courses.aspx
http://www.seamedu.com/game-design-courses-india/
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All posts tagged "Wi-Fi"
BSNL to roll out Voice Telephony over Wi-Fi
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is planning to start Voice Telephony over WiFi (VoWiFi) service with the help of ‘carpet WiFi’ networks....
Bharat Wi-fi project to provide 10 lakh hotspots by Dec, 2019
Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha has announced that the Indian telecom industry will rollout 10 lakh WiFi hotspots in the country by December,2019. He...
Google to offer free Wi-Fi in malls, cafes and universities
Internet giant Google is planning to take its Wi-Fi services beyond railway stations to malls, cafes and universities. For this project,Google is...
Uttarakhand launches tethered aerostat to connect villages with WI-Fi connectivity
To provide free WI-Fi to remote villages in Uttarakhand, the State Government will use tethered aerostats. The first such aerostat was launched...
Chhattisgarh Gearing Up for Entrepreneurs
Chhattisgarh was at fourth position in the “Ease of Doing Business” ranking by the World Bank and Department of Industrial Policy and...
e-Governance Maharashtra
Nagpur digitises all 775 Gram Panchayats
In sync with the Digital India initiative of the Government of India, Nagpur has digitised all its 775 Gram Panchayats, providing internet...
Smart Cities should contribute to common man’s growth: Fadnavis
Maharashtra Government is in the process of laying fibre network in Nagpur, with a plan to cover 1,200 km stretch with it,...
Cisco to train 2.5 lakh students in IoT and networking this year
Technology giant Cisco will train 2.5 lakh students in the area of networking, security and Internet of Things (IoT). “We have done...
Maharashtra Transforming Urban Landscape of India
Maharashtra is emerging among the top states implementing urbanisation projects and embracing the Government of India’s ambitious ‘‘Smart Cities Mission’’ which is...
e-Governance News
Digital India: Wi-fi kiosks at 500 remote railway stations
To expand the reach of Digital India campaign to the interiors of the country, Railways has decided to install wi-fi kiosks at...
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Exercise is better than rest for a concussion
Exercise is better than rest for a concussion: Concussed teens recover faster if they hit the treadmill instead of the sofa, study finds
Researchers examined 108 teenagers who had suffered a concussion
They prescribed them either rest, stretching or daily exercise
Those who hit the treadmill recovered within days, the others took longer
By Mia De Graaf Health Editor For Dailymail.com and Dailymail.com Reporter
Concussed teenagers recover faster if they are prescribed aerobic exercise such as running on the treadmill or using an exercise bike, a new study found.
On average they recovered four days quicker than teens doing just stretching exercises who took 17 days.
One in 20 (four percent) of the teens in the aerobic exercise group took longer than four weeks to recover. But the rate was higher for those in the stretching group: three in 20 of them (14 percent) took a month to recover.
There is no proven treatment for concussion, especially among adolescents, who typically take the longest to recover.
The findings by the University of Buffalo also directly contradict the conventional approach to concussion, which often consists of nearly total rest, eliminating most physical and mental activities, including schoolwork.
Delayed concussion recovery creates more difficulty with schoolwork, can lead to depression and puts additional demands on the health care system and its costs
Senior author Dr Barry Willer, a professor of psychiatry, said: ‘Until now, nothing else has been proven in any way effective for treating concussion
‘This is the best evidence so far for a treatment that works.
‘Telling a teenager to go home and basically do nothing is depressing
‘It can actually increase their physical and psychological symptoms, and we see that particularly among girls.
‘But with our approach, you’re saying, sure, you can return to school and you should start doing these exercises.
‘Their chins are up, mom and dad are happy and so is the student.’
First author Clinical Professor of orthopedics Dr John Leddy said: ‘This research provides the strongest evidence yet that a prescribed, individualized aerobic exercise program that keeps the heart rate below the point where symptoms worsen is the best way to treat concussion in adolescents.’
The study involving 103 teenagers aged 13 to 18 with nearly equal numbers of boys and girls in a randomized clinical trial of a treatment in the acute phase after a sport-related concussion.
All were seen within 10 days after sustaining a sport-related concussion at one of the UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine clinics in Western New York or at the Pan Am Clinic in Winnipeg.
Each child was given a treadmill test to see how much exercise they could sustain without exacerbating symptoms.
Exercises were then tailored to each child after 52 were assigned to the aerobic exercise group and 51 to a stretching group. All did 20 minutes a day.
Each also wore a heart monitor and reported compliance and daily symptoms online.
Those in the aerobic group either walked on a treadmill, rode a stationary bike, or walked either inside or out.
Aside from the prescribed exercise, patients were advised to refrain from contact sports, gym class or team practice.
They were given advice about getting schoolwork done and told to avoid excessive use of electronic devices, since that can also aggravate symptoms.
One surprising finding was that only two participants out of 52 (four percent) in the aerobic exercise group took longer than four weeks to recover compared to seven out of 51 (14 percent) in the stretching group.
This did not reach statistical significance, but the scientific literature suggests, by contrast, that between 15 and 25 percent of adolescents who do not receive any treatment will be symptomatic past four weeks.
Dr Willer said: ‘Reducing the number of concussed adolescents who have delayed recovery has major implications.’
Delayed recovery creates more difficulty with schoolwork, can lead to depression and puts additional demands on the health care system and its costs.
Future studies are planned top see if the treatment is also effective in adults with concussion.
The study was published in JAMA Pediatrics.
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FSU vs. Murray State is the Must-See Game of the Second Round
When FSU Clashes With Gonzaga, 2 Dynamic Duos Will Decide the Game
Chris Picaro, March 27, 2019 5:50 pm
Florida State’s Season Might Be Over, But These 3 Things Made it Great
Chris Picaro, April 1, 2019 4:21 pm
Miami Flops Again in the NCAA Tournament. Is It Time for a Change?
Chris Picaro, March 28, 2019 12:32 pm
AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Jessica Hill
Not only does the matchup between the top-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs and 4-seed Florida State Seminoles look to be one of the best games of the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16, it also features a great in-game player matchup between two dynamic duos that will meet at the Honda Center on Thursday night.
Rui Hachimura and Brandon Clarke of Gonzaga and Terance Mann and Mfiondu Kabengele of Florida State are the top scorers of each team, and they’ll be matched up against each other with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line. How do they stack up statistically, and what should we expect out in Anaheim, California?
#FSU will become the only team in the country to face all four No. 1 seeds this season when it takes on Gonzaga Thursday. https://t.co/WcoCbmnPcO
— Curt Weiler (@CurtMWeiler) March 25, 2019
There is a big difference in these players because head coach Leonard Hamilton and the Seminoles rely on a team strategy that doesn’t have a few top guys score, but relies on the entire squad that goes over ten players deep.
Kabengele and Mann, who have been nothing short of dominant during their first two games in the tournament, are the leading scorers for FSU, combining for 25 points and over 12 rebounds per game. Kabengele led the team at 13.4 points per game while only averaging 21.4 minutes during college basketball’s regular season.
Mfiondu Kabengele dropped a big double-double in FSU's win over Vermont! 💪#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/9pcOchk7VG
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 21, 2019
In two games of March Madness action, Kabengele has played 52 minutes and posted games of 21 points, 10 rebounds and one block against Vermont, then followed that up with 22 points, seven rebounds and three blocks against Murray State. If he can stay on the court and gets a good amount of minutes, expect Kabengele to show scouts why he should be considered a serious prospect in the NBA Draft.
Mann hasn’t let fans down either, doing everything over the course of the first two games. Against the Catamounts in the first round, he had 19 points and eight rebounds and followed that up with 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists against the Racers.
This is a duo many people haven’t paid attention to throughout the season because their averages aren’t eye-popping. With the NCAA tournament down to 16 teams, they have demanded the attention of the country. If they want respect, though, they will have to earn it against two of the best post players in the country in Hachimura and Clarke.
Don’t come into the paint.
Brandon Clarke has MORE blocks than missed shots this season.
Blocks: 106
Missed Shots: 102 pic.twitter.com/I9xQqyEdjm
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 24, 2019
RELATED: Ranking the 64 Greatest Player Names in This Year’s NCAA Tournament
These two don’t just bring it on the offensive end, but also on defense. Clarke finished with the regular season averaging the same number of blocks per game (3.1) as missed shots (3.0). If either Mann or Kabengele plan on scoring against him, it won’t come as easy as it was against the smaller teams from the opening rounds.
Along with his insane block numbers, Clarke also averaged 17 points and 8.4 rebounds on the season. He started the tournament with a solid game; 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal, and three blocks. But his second-round performance against Baylor was just insane.
On 15-of-18 shooting, he scored 36 points along with eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and five blocks. Video game numbers? Yes, basically.
Hachimura has been pretty good, too. On the season, he averaged a team-high 19.7 points with 6.6 rebounds. In the first round, he scored 21 points, but only had six points and five rebounds against Baylor. With Clarke absolutely dominating that game against the Bears, it’s no surprise he wasn’t able to get his own as well.
This is a game the Florida State basketball team will need its absolute best from everyone. This usually shouldn’t be the time to change what has helped you get to the point, but they need their top guys playing big minutes to help stop these Mark Few’s top-ranked Gonzaga team. Kabengele has been extremely good this season, but 21 minutes is just not enough. Yes, he can split time with Christ Koumadje, but the latter doesn’t present the same offensive threat as FSU’s leading-scorer does.
The Bulldogs are one of the best teams in the country and had National Championship expectations entering the tournament. The Seminoles have shown they aren’t just here for fun with their performance against Ja Morant and Murray State. The deciding factor on which of these teams advances to the Elite Eight will go through the post on Thursday night.
Read more Florida State University coverage here.
About the author: Chris Picaro, The League,
Mfiondu Kabengele
Terance Mann
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Wild Toast
At the end of World War II, manufactured food became fashionable, as consumers favored consistency over natural ingredients. The costs were lower, the nation's manufacturing prowess was on display, and no one cared that the food was tasteless or that you would be better off eating the packaging. More recently, the fashion pendulum swung back and a "back to nature" movement began.
The backlash is greatest against sliced bread that has been factory farmed in a toaster. Consumers are rejecting refined products and seeking out whole-grain and multi-grain toast in its natural habitat (except in Canada, where white bread is a symbol of national pride).
However, it was not that long ago that toast was first domesticated at all. Things were much different when Wild Toast roamed the countryside. Now, like their ancestors, people (except, again, in Canada) seek to enrich their atrophied taste buds with the gritty flesh of bread that just doesn't limply shuffle off to a toaster to die, smothered in butter.
1.1 Amber waves of grain
1.2 French toast
1.3 The Great White Hope
1.4 The post-war era, Spam, and the domestication of toast
1.5 Return to our roots
2 Modern offshoots of Wild Toast
2.1 Windows® and the Flying Toaster
2.2 Toast-its and other ineffective adhesives
3 Certification and research
3.1 Certified Organic toast
3.2 Free-range toast
3.3 Genetically modified (GM) toast
3.4 Toppings
Amber waves of grain[edit]
Before the coming of the settlers to North America, the prairies were covered in herds of Wild Toast, happily covering themselves in raw butter and syrup. However, the colonists brought with them domesticated toast. These slices insouciantly let themselves get vacuum-sealed in plastic and sell their puffy white bodies to the shelves of supermarkets.
French toast[edit]
Some Toast Breeders bred the refined French Toast in Louisiana. These would be sold back to Europe with the promise of sophistication and the heady aroma of a New Orleans bordello. In some countries like Britain, this toast was destroyed at the borders, where the influence of anything French was associated with spicy sex and a Gallic arrogance.
The Great White Hope[edit]
The Civil War pit brother against brother and slice against slice. After the war, during reconstruction, Northerners called "carpetbaggers" realized that most Southerners were dead, paraplegic, or incoherent because of their quaint dialect, and flooded into the South to run the show. They brought with them their pale, refined toast (disparaged as Yankee Bread) and tried to banish Rebel Granaries. When they got there, however, they found that the state legislatures were packed with Wild Toast. They made a mockery of the process. There were crumbs throughout the State Capitols. There was much work to do, fortunately facilitated by innovations such as literacy tests and poll taxes.
The post-war era, Spam, and the domestication of toast[edit]
When America won World War II and defeated the Hun's faceless war machine, America naturally entered peacetime by building a faceless production machine. The nation took pride in Levittown, a city of mass-produced, identical dwelling units; Spam, a mass-produced, nondescript sandwich spread; and white toast, in mass-produced loaves of slices of identical thicknesses. This era was the historical low-water mark for Wild Toast. Americans were no more interested in seeing discernible bits of grain in their toast than, say, pulp in their orange juice.
Return to our roots[edit]
Oddly, the renaissance of Wild Toast did not occur in the 1960s, during the Haight-Ashbury Era and the Summer of Love. This is because, when you are tripping on acid, you don't care what color your toast is. To you, there are Northern Lights in the margarine, and the raisins are doing a Conga line.
Rather, decades later, during the Clinton presidency and the dot-com boom, Americans began having enough surplus money to start paying through the nose for "retro" designs, game-worn uniforms, unpasteurized beer, "premier" seating at events, and bread where all the slices weren't identical.
During the late 1990s there was a brief resurgence in the popularity of multigrain wild toast, it being the key ingredient in multigrain permission slips.
Modern offshoots of Wild Toast[edit]
Windows® and the Flying Toaster[edit]
Bill Gates has a slice just for you (subject to Digital Rights Management)
It was not for nothing that Microsoft chose the "Flying Toaster" as the signature screen-saver for Windows®; the corporation noted the rekindled national love affair with Wild Toast and clearly tried to sell into this fad.
Toast-its and other ineffective adhesives[edit]
Soon after, the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Corporation ("3M") commissioned research on a new, superior margarine. The scientists devised a perfect formula, which unfortunately called to mind the odor of skunks a few seconds after they are cornered. The adaptable 3M marketeers realized that this loser was actually a winner; that toast with the fated spread could actually use the spread's weak adhesive properties. These "Toast-its" could be stuck against the outside of a refrigerator and removed at will, with little damage to the enamel finish. Toast-its were originally released in mustard yellow, but many colors have since come to market. Wild Toast is an ingredient in many models of Toast-its.
Certification and research[edit]
Wild Toast is made using a manufacturing process known as milling.
Certified Organic toast[edit]
The Organic Growers' Council issues certificates to people who grow their own grain, bake their own bread, and prepare wild toast using all-natural methods such as focusing sunlight with burnished mirrors aimed by computers and servo motors. In some neighborhoods, oddly, the certificates are framed while the actual toast is discreetly discarded.
Free-range toast[edit]
Conscientions consumers want to know that the wheat in their wild toast was grown free-range and not cooped up and subjected to unhealthful conditions. Coop-reared toast slices lead more stressful lives--though, like most affectations such as the campaign against hormonal additives, it doesn't amount to anything that can be detected in the toast.
Genetically modified (GM) toast[edit]
Extremely fashionable consumers seek out certification that no genetically modified wheat was used in the toast. This is a certificate of 100% purity, which unfortunately does not exist on Earth. But there is nothing awry about the certificate itself; it goes up on the mantle alongside the Organic one.
Toppings[edit]
Jam Jesus and the entire line of related toppings, although they were developed to spread onto the Eucharistic Host to goose attendance at Communion services, are equally appropriate to spread on wild toast.
Retrieved from "http://en.uncyclopedia.co/w/index.php?title=Wild_Toast&oldid=5927419"
Bread and Pasta
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Centrica Business Solutions
Centrica is a British multinational energy and services company with its headquarters in Windsor, Berkshire.
Centrica wanted to apply the rich experience traditionally expect from B2C companies to their own B2B experience. This meant building a new window into the business that would attract and nurture leads and make marketing automation easy.
In an effort to achieve an ambitious global rollout, Centrica needed to build seven regional sites in less than six months. If that wasn’t challenging enough, Centrica also needed to consolidate over 15 customer relationship management tools and five content management systems into one platform.
In partnership with IBM iX, Centrica worked with Acquia to set up configuration for its Drupal CMS. This included integration with Pardot and Salesforce. With Acquia, Centrica was able to execute multi-site capability and governance with Acquia Cloud Site Factory.
65 percent of visitors return to the site
Unique visitors per week: 5k (B2B average for 200 or more employees is ~ 2k per week)
Home page bounce rate: 41 percent ( typical is 40 to 50 percent for B2B)
Traffic on site increase 20x vs legacy pages on Centrica.com
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Indians second-highest public bingers in world: Netflix
Indians are second highest public bingers in the world, almost 88 percent of them prefer public bingeing, said a Netflix new study.
The phenomenon is on the rise with 71% Indians watching more entertainment in a public place than last year. The leading nation is Mexico, where almost 89 percent people love bingeing phenomenon.
The study throwed up many interesting results. Almost 52% people are bingeing while eating out and 31% are catching up on their latest binge at work. This is not all, around 31% are doing so at work, added the study.
Last week, Netflix announced a tie-up with Shah Rukh Khan’s owned Red Chillies Entertainment to bring a multi-lingual series based on the book Bard of Blood. The company has changed its mind on first Indian original movie in Love Per Square Foot.
Interestingly, this makes Love Per Square Foot the first mainstream Indian movie to directly premiere on Netflix, and will be available globally to over 100 million members in 190 countries.
Rival Amazon Prime Video is also leaving no stoned unturned to grow its business in the India’s growing online streaming market. While there have been unconfirmed reports about Amazon having won the streaming rights for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Padmavati, as per the latest development.
For the Indian market, Netflix had announced new original series – ‘Selection Day’ and ‘Again’ from India.
Among the many things in the report, almost 30% missed a mode of public transport, thanks to being busy on bingeing on their choice of entertainment. Many people, 19% to be exact, have been annoyed (because of spoilers) and embarrassed for being caught peeking into another’s screen.
Besides Netflix, Amazon, Hotstar and ALT Balaji, Viacom 18 and Zee TV have also entered digital streaming space with Voot and OZee. Netflix is also planning to raise another $1.6 billion in debt to fund new content and other strategic transactions.
Amazon India, Bingers, Hotstar, India, Netflix
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OPM failed at modernizing, automating its retirement system, GAO says
By Alice Lipowicz
Through four presidential administrations, the Office of Personnel Management attempted to modernize its retirement system for 20 years before admitting failure, according to a new federal report.
“For over two decades, OPM has been attempting to modernize its federal employee retirement process by automating paper-based processes and replacing antiquated information systems,” states the Nov. 15 report by the Government Accountability Office, which was meant to be an overview of recent audits.
“However, these efforts have been unsuccessful, and OPM canceled its most recent retirement modernization effort in February 2011,” the report said.
The GAO report may add fodder to arguments by Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Florida, and other critics alleging that the Office of Personnel Management lacks the expertise for complex information technology development programs, based on its recent mishandling of the USAJobs website.
OPM launched the 3.0 version of the USAJobs job search website on Oct. 11. Users submitted about 40,000 Help Desk requests with various complaints about the website in three weeks. OPM officials say they are addressing the problems.
However, the GAO report suggests that IT problems at OPM may run deeper. While the report did not detail the cost of the failed retirement system, it said OPM spent $79 million on IT investments in fiscal 2011.
In the retirement system, GAO identified weaknesses in OPM’s project management, risk management, organizational change management, testing, cost estimates and earned value management.
For example, test results a month prior to the deployment of one of the retirement system’s major components showed that it had not performed as intended. “The defects, along with a compressed testing schedule, increased the risk that the deployed system would not work as intended,” the GAO report said.
GAO made no new recommendations, and did not include a response from OPM managers in the report.
Alice Lipowicz is a staff writer covering government 2.0, homeland security and other IT policies for Federal Computer Week.
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Category Archives: Surveillance
Once Again, A Memo to President Trump: Massive Surveillance State Abuses | Treason on the Ground, in the USA: Public-Private Partners in Targeted Killing of Americans
Posted on July 3, 2019 by Ramola D | 6 comments
–Ramola D/Posted 3 July, 2019/Dated & Sent Online to the White House 26 June, 2019
Written with intent to rather briefly brief the President–but inevitably extending into more of a saga as I sought to cover as many aspects of this ongoing mayhem as I could–this is not a distant, discreet communication but a straight-up communique–holding nothing back, meant also for all those thoughtful, careful, studied intellectuals and misled medicos (like my doctor sister and friends) out there who are regrettably sadly deceived by the obfuscating coverage on this subject by The New York Times, Wired, Washington Post, Daily Beast, Chicago Sun-Times, Vice, to name just a few of the #MockerOp Mediaheads, and persuaded to believe–despite the billions of dollars sunk into the Military and into the behemoth Surveillance State–that it’s the Mentally Ill not the Uber-Surveilled-and-Assaulted on the rise.
Permit me also to say that while aware of –and always seeking to be inclusive of–the worldwide nature of this program, I chose to focus reference here on the USA because there is a strange and funny thing associated with the word “American”: in USA, often referred to as America by US’ians, “Americans” (word and concept) carry weight. Appealing to America and Americans is, within this fish-bowl view, a power move even as it stems from a limiting seeing; many people in the USA unfortunately see “American” as synonym for “primary human.” Seeing or learning about “Americans” being assaulted, attacked, and subjugated here within America therefore may just wake US’ians up; today, north and south and central Americans, like Europeans and Australians and Africans and Asians and Middle-Easterners are all being targeted for subjugation, suppression, oppression, extermination, culling, totalitarianism as the Luciferian lot practising transhumanism and dreaming of a cyborgized, robotized, repressed, fully bio-hacked, neuro-hacked, MK’d and hive-minded Humanity 2.0 keep marching ahead. A large portion of whom are situated right here in the USA, practising police-state-perfidy on us Americans, so that’s another reason to focus here on what’s happening in America, to Americans: if the primary perpetrators are here, let’s point to them first.
The words of report here and intent for remedy and solution however extend to all peoples around the world, who are being subjected to these outrageous assaults–please be assured I am thinking of all worldwide who have contacted me, whose stories I am honored to report, all those too whose stories are elsewhere online; I will continue to write for all worldwide and speak as a reporter for all, as I am charged, going forward.
I posted a pdf of this letter online and sent a note with links via the White House Contact Us form, but am informed by some in the know it is very hard to get written communications to the President, that all incoming mail is handled and managed and does not get to him. Regardless, I will go ahead and send in a paper copy, but I ask all reading this who wish to try, to please send it on to the President too if you can, by whatever means, Twitter or fax or email, I will be grateful, and so also will many, I would imagine, who are being targeted illegally as I am with microwave/scalar/sonic weapons.
Please send it on also to others (pdf linked below), to Senators, Generals, Archbishops and CEOS and Popes as you wish, to your family members, doctors, psychologists, friends. Despite the black hole of Disinfo CIA-run media have spiralled this subject into, this is the page we all need to be on, these are the truths which the whistleblowing targeted bring to us, this is the extent of the carnage, this the lateness of the hour, this the ultimate darkness we all have to face fully if we are ever to truly engage in the full restoration of humanity.
Letter sent online to the White House, 26 June 2019:
PDF (latest version) of the Once Again Memo to President Trump: Once More a Memo to President Trump: Massive Surveillance State Abuses | Treason on the Ground, in the USA: Public-Private Partners in Targeted Killing of Americans
Endorsement | Karen Melton-Stewart, NSA Intelligence Analyst, 28 yrs, Retd.
I would like to whole-heartedly recommend this second Memo to Trump by Ramola D, as well as the first (2017). It is replete with astonishing but accurate information on the intended high tech destruction and subjugation of not only the American population, but the world…which was a hair away when Trump took office. By the grace of God, it has been delayed by a small number of people in-the-know.
This country, culture, leadership and yes, citizens, have a huge and deep trough of shame to lap up like no one else ever before in history. No one.
As a nation, we have utterly betrayed our country, our founding principles, our humanity, as well as our fellow citizens, and even our families, with active, voluntary participation in the immoral and illegal vilification, dehumanization, torture, and murder of innocent people falsely portrayed as “threats” by the DHS-FBI-Fusion-Center-et-al matrix of endless, baseless predation to feed the Police State.
Others have chosen to deal with pleas for help and common decency by pouring buckets of salt into the wounds of the victims by dismissing, mocking, ignoring, insulting, and withholding basic human compassion (much less concrete help) for them based on willful ignorance or rank cowardice.
This memo is a strong, all encompassing wake-up call that is factual and appropriately emotional to correspond to the level of unimaginable and unjust traumatic hurt and obscene insult done to innocent people, who are infinitely better human beings than their avaricious, sociopathic, and mercenary persecutors.
Educate yourselves, swallow the shock, roll up your sleeves and add your talents to the fight, for yourself, for your children, and for the future of humanity…if there is to be one.
Karen Melton-Stewart | NSA Intelligence Analyst, 28 yrs, Retd. And accidental Whistleblower but unrepentant Patriot.
Ramola D
Writer, Poet, Journalist, Educator, Activist
Publisher, The Everyday Concerned Citizen
Reporter, Ramola D Reports
Once Again, a Memo to President Trump, and to all Oblivious Readers of the New York Times & Other Lying and Complicit Mainstream Media: Treason on the Ground, in the USA: Public-Private Partners in Targeted Killing of Americans
Massive Surveillance State Abuses Have Permitted Treasonous Assault, Terminal Brain Experimentation, & Murder of Innocent Americans by Domestic & Multi-National Defense/Utility/Service/Telecom Corporations, Intel Agencies (CIA/FBI/DHS), US Military/Navy/Air Force, & Local Govts., with Radiation Assault Weapons & Neuroweapons
As before, this Memo seeks to inform President Trump as well as all those who are truly oblivious about what is going on in today’s worldwide surveillance state–being mindwashed by MSM into thinking all is well and those pesky “Targeted Individuals” reporting physical assault with invisible spectrum and sonic weapons are just plain delusional, as the New York Times–famously confessing recently to having their articles vetted not by a qualified editor but by the government– would have you believe.
The root of this evil—although predated by long-standing Mafiosi criminality in our society–seems to begin in this millennium with the excesses of the Patriot/Freedom Act which permit Americans to be wrongfully and glibly named terrorists, extremists, and known or suspected terrorists at the whim of pretty much anyone associated with the fusion centers—FBI, DHS, NSA, CIA, and their paid informants, snitches, and proxies in communities.
The FBI’s list of problematic citizens includes Americans interested in the Constitution, and includes human and animal rights activists who speak out against war and against cruelty—this in itself should let everyone know that absolute Communist mayhem has been unleashed on America—and rolled into town like a Trojan Horse in broad daylight, unchallenged by an either blackmailed, sleeping, or complicit Congress as part of the nauseously overrated “War on Terror,” apparently the new CFR/CIA/FBI/DHS codeword for “Anything Goes.”
Criminals and Terrorists Are Not Being Watchlisted; Vocal, Civic-Minded, and Active Community Leaders and Patriotic Americans Are
In reality, anyone who speaks out today in their communities, questioning waste, corruption, or crime locally is being watchlisted, terror-listed, and KST-listed (Known or Suspected Terrorist list/FBI).
Please re-read that: Criminals and terrorists are not being watchlisted; people of integrity and outspokenness are being watchlisted. Those in fact who exhibit leadership or individuality qualities and take action on problems and voice concern about community issues are being watchlisted.
Nurses, doctors, writers, journalists, activists, artists, engineers, lawyers, architects, schoolteachers, retirees, homemakers are being watchlisted/hit. Elderly retirees, middle-aged parents, young parents, young men and women, veterans of all ages, and children from birth to 24 of targets are being watchlisted/hit.
Dennis Montgomery, NSA whistleblower has mentioned 20 million Americans illegally surveilled; George Webb, investigative journalist has mentioned 1 million; Dr. Robert Duncan, CIA/Defense whistleblower has lately estimated 1.6% of world’s population targeted by US Govt, about 73 million. The age range is age 0 to age 90, with a high percentage being in the 30-70 yrs age group, and 60-70% women as per figures from Dr. John Hall, but equally distributed, at 50% men, 50% women, as per long-time activist Paul Baird, who notes that men are less likely to report to doctors and are often targeted for mental and other takedowns earlier, many may be incarcerated.
These Innocent & Smart, Accomplished American Targets are Being Hit Torturously With Radiation Assault Weapons & Neuroweapons, in Secrecy, via Gov-Sanctioned, Blatantly Inhumane Military/ Intelligence/ Justice Brain Experimentation & Non Lethal Weapons Testing and Training Operations (“Enforced Peace-Keeping”) & Trafficking Into Non-Consensual Medical Sensor/Implant/Disease Testing
Once listed, targets are handed over like cattle into—one presumes, classified Special Access Project, Above Top Secret, because secrecy’s certainly involved, FOIA requests yield zilch—Dept. of Defense and clandestine CIA/DIA/DOD/USAF/Navy weapons-testing and neuro-experimentation contracts, by which means further “legal” shenanigans written into treasonous military and CIA directives come into play.
These include such treasonous documents as the NDAA which indefinitely detains on US soil any number of hapless innocent Americans as KSTs (Known or Suspected Terrorists), AR 5240.1 which permits military experimentation on surveillees, EO 12333 which permits CIA/DIA “Intelligence” experimentation on surveilees. The latest appropriation of rights/and stamping of Due Process, Bill of Rights & Constitutional and Geneva Convention and Nuremberg rights and liberties into the ground, is egregious DOD/Intel/Justice Exemptions written into a revision of the Common Rule, to permit DOD/Intel/DOJ to torture at will and hide this torture “legally” under Exemptions from Informed Consent requirements for research on human subjects, touting “normative” Intelligence/Surveillance/Criminal Justice activities here.
These treasonous exemptions “legally” permit Ethics-less agencies (or so they think) like DARPA, and Army/Navy/USAF Intelligence and DIA/CIA to run clandestine and extreme, no-limits, no-morals, no-ethics, MK Ultra-style neuro-experimentation on healthy American citizens, with full intent—being played out currently–to transform them into brain-invaded, brain-degraded, brain-clonable, bio-robotizable, diagnosed “mentally ill” slaves.
These treasonous and unconscionable Executive Orders and Military Appropriations of Rights also “legally” permit multi-national corporations (or so they think) such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon and General Dynamics to use the bodies of those millions of Americans now put under surveillance (on false and fabricated grounds) as target practice in Terminal Death-Dealing and Infinitely Assaultive, Health-Damaging, and Life-Assaultive Field Weapons Testing of Directed Energy Weapons in coyly named Directed Energy Bio Behavioral Research contracts. (What are they testing, you may ask: frying someone’s skin with microwave weapons and watching how they jump? Much worse, actually.)
Americans are also being trafficked into clandestine medical/behavioral health monitoring programs run through NIH and other agencies, run by Universities and research hospitals, and involving non-consensual implantation, remote tracking, and precision RF assault to induce, accelerate, and study specific diseases and injuries for monitoring.
These Outstanding, Patriotic Americans are Reporting Torture, 24/7 Assault, and Deliberate Stress & Trauma Creation with Remote Bio Hacking and Neuro Hacking Weapons
In actuality, Americans are reporting intense radiation burns, second-degree burns on skin causing blisters and lesions, extreme radiation dermatitis, swelling of tissue related to continuous microwave assault, repeated assault with microwaves/milliwaves at burn and blister sites, repeated assault at burn sites even with medical care;
sudden organ and joint damage: brain fog, sudden and instantaneous headaches, migraine, kidney pain, gall bladder and liver pain, pancreatic pain, sudden onset of diabetes, arthritis, bones and joints being damaged instantaneously by focused hammering with pulse shots, lungs being painfully constricted and attacked, nose bleeds, sudden onset of extreme bronchitis, pneumonia, sudden and persisting fibromyalgia and shingles, sudden heart attacks and strokes in fully healthy people, in ages from 20 to 90, and younger;
electronic rape and sexual assault and sexual stimulation, from external EMF signals/which can be shielded from, with some difficulty;
electroshocks, continuous vibrations, and frequent seizures all provoked by external EMF signals/which can be shielded from, with difficulty;
extreme over-heating of skin, face, chest, back in subdural heating as with ultra-thin film technology (bio-MEMs, nanotech sensors) and Pulsed Energy Projectiles (known to be tested by US Navy, as per a declassified contract)
flickering of nerves and muscles, as with military tracking radar;
gassing with chemical weapons being vented into homes and cars;
skin infestations, swellings, fattenings, darkenings, lightenings, filled with strange fibres, black dots, shiny dots as with nanotechnology sprayed at them, in Morgellons infestations, or via Direct Chemical Weapons
covert, non-consensual implantation of RFID microchips, Brain Computer Interface chips, and bio-MEMs as well as nanotechnology/which in many cases have been found to exist in reporting victims’ bodies via scientific radiological scanning methods as well as industrial toxicology analysis;
painful RF signals being sent to non-consensual implants, inducing pain in various organs, migraines, organ damage, brain fog;
neuro-assault: synthetic/electronic visual and auditory sensory elements being pumped in via non-consensual Brain Computer Interfaces or some other form of brain invasion such as images, sounds, sensations, dreams, often pornographic, pedosadist, bestial, and abusive in nature, even into children’s brains (as reported to this writer);
neuro-abuse: abusive Voice to Skull and Synthetic Telepathy signals, essentially voices using military V2K/microwave hearing/ultrasonic bone conduction and voice-morphing technologies engaging in AI abusive scripts 24/7, encouraging targets to commit suicide, murder, and mayhem, and injecting hopelessness and dejection–Imagine a voice in your skull telling you night and day you are worthless and should commit suicide! This is happening–and it’s not schizophrenia, it’s US DOD/CIA Bio-Communications Technology;
neuro-hacking: synthetic emotions of rage, fear, dejection, depression, all manner of extreme emotion being pumped in, via deliberate assault with specific, known radio frequencies to induce these emotion clusters;
neuro-takeover: remote control of one’s motor and sensory cortex, limbs, organs, and entire body using exotic neuro-hacking techniques such as EEG Heterodyning, EEG Cloning, and BCI-CBI interfacing.
death: induced mortality by heart attack, stroke, or repeated assault with radiation weapons productive of fast-moving or slow-moving cancers.
Please note, all physical symptoms above that are being reported here are symptoms understood by reporting victims to be induced by external EMF signals, usually pulse shots, or EMF signals sent to implants—in many cases recorded with EMF meters and shielded from (proving they are external signals, not internal health issues.) Shielding is a huge problem since not all kinds of shielding work for all of these assaults; Americans are struggling to shield themselves. The neuro-hacking assaults are experienced differently and reporting victims often report how difficult it is to shield their heads from assaults such as V2K and EEG Cloning and Bio-robotizing. Bio-hacking anti-personnel weapons being used on Americans include it seems exotic scalar technology, hard to shield from, even under layers of passive metal shielding.
Deliberate Stress and Trauma Creation with Illegal FBI/DHS/CIA/DOD COINTELPRO Abuse and Persecution
In addition, these Americans are reporting being subjected to extreme Stress and Trauma Creation COINTELPRO abuse: high-speed hazardous driving around them, non-stop high-level noise harassment and noise assault around them in neighborhoods with vehicles & landscaping equipment, non-stop hostility, ridicule, and community member “monitoring” them with cell-phones and arrival-departure presence from neighbors; nonstop vehicular and aerial stalking with ground vehicles, small planes, drones, helicopters; and nonstop pedestrian stalking and swarming in public.
All these are stressors, creating situations of high stress and trauma around targets, who at the same time are being hit with radiation/sonic assault weapons and RFID-monitored 24/7, in illegal and abusive CIA/DOD experimentation.
This COINTELPRO is being pulled off by such parties as FBI-Infragard/National Sheriffs Association community “police,” Neighborhood Watch groups trained and unleashed on American communities by DHS/Fusion Centers, and Civilian-Military operations run by Special Ops Forces/Marine Corps/DOD—and well-hidden under FBI Community Policing, FBI Countering Violent Extremism, DHS “Home Guard” and Neighborhood Watch, and DOD “Peace-Keeping” initiatives and operations.
Dr. Robert Duncan, CIA/DOD whistleblower, has stated that Trauma-Based Mind Control experiments—intending Brain mapping, modification, and takeover—are being run non-consensually by the military and CIA/DIA on targets. He has also attested to the veracity of weapons-testing on Americans being run on an ongoing basis by Defense contractors working for DOD/USAF, which this writer can verify, from documents and communications obtained from FOIA requests and ongoing research.
Dr. James Giordano, military neuroscientist, has openly stated that the brains of specially targeted individuals are being studied, in the interests of weaponized neuroscience: this appears to be an admission of deliberate targeting of outstanding and moral Americans for destruction by unethical military weapons manufacturers whose new terrain is the human brain. (Lecture at Lawrence Livermore Labs, Aug 2017, From Bench to Battlefield: Weaponized Neuroscience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUtQbriWt64)
To summarize: outstanding Americans have been sold or trafficked into non-consensual DOD/CIA neuro experimentation and DE weapons-testing projects run by extremely diabolical, unethical, unConstitutional, and positively evil Military and Intelligence agency heads, employees, and contractors, and involving absolutely barbaric, medieval, sadistic 24/7 Physical & Psychological Stress, Trauma, Torture, and Assault just so their traumatized, vulnerable brains can be mapped, and data downloaded from their brains into Big Data, Supercomputing, and AI Mass Control projects, for the further benefit of these treasonous control freaks.
Question: When did the USA become the Country of Human Sacrifice of Accomplished Americans for Death-Dealing Devils Playing Mengele in US Military & Intelligence?
Fake Lists, Fake Terrorists, Fake Investigations, Fabricated Records, Lies, Defamation, and Slander Operations, Blacklisting, Sabotage, and the Destruction of American Lives
Strategized NWO/Agenda 21 plans for totalitarian world governance in conjunction with billions of dollars funnelled into Post-9/11 projects within the “War on Terror” paradigm, including the FBI’s Countering Violent Extremism programs, as well as Fusion Center Watchlisting for Extrajudicial Surveillance have spawned a corrupt, profit-centered industry focused on targeting innocent Americans, then corralling communities around them, training them up in Stasi -style hate crimes against these Americans, and selling these Slow Kill crimes in neighborhoods as Citizen Watch community-policing activities.
Very simply, innocent people across America—usually highly educated or highly moral, or both–are being Fake Watchlisted.
People with no ties to or interest in terrorism are being falsely named Extremists and Terrorists. (Thousands, hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of good honest Americans–as per all reports of FBI watchlisting (from ACLU) and estimates from Military/Intel whistleblowers Montgomery and Duncan.)
As per FBI whistleblower Geral Sosbee, corrupt Federal Magistrate Judges under the thrall of the corrupt FBI then produce Court-Authorizations to open false investigations on these people; or the secret FISA court to issue secret FISA warrants and secret National Security Letters are used to inform places of employment and neighborhoods these people are “under investigation.”
Their neighbors, friends, and family are contacted and told these outstanding Americans who are now targeted for elimination (exactly as historically in Cambodia, Poland, Soviet Union) are “under investigation,” – authorization for which by the way is frequently renewed (every 90 days, acc. to FBI whistleblower Geral Sosbee) and never ends, even after a year, 3 years, 10 years into this bogus investigation. People are also told that they (the neighbors) need to help with the investigation—most usually by turning a blind eye when the Fusion-Center-approved contractors zoom nightly and daily into their neighborhoods and make a deadly racket, by letting them park in driveways, and by letting them into their homes and yards so they can track the target better.
The good name, character, and reputation of these outstanding Americans is then sullied, slurred, slandered, and reviled by the Fusion Center thugs – AKA FBI, DHS, State and Local Police – to the neighbors, friends and family, who are told this person is under investigation for dubious activities, possible connection with terrorists, pedophilic and pornographic activities, prostitution, alcoholism, drug dealing or consuming, or some other horrifically unsavory activity which would never cross the mind or life of these particularly moral, accomplished, and outstanding targets—but are probably daily-crime in the life of corrupt, Mafiosi FBI who like to project their crimes onto others.
Additionally, and most crucially, people are told the target is Mentally Unstable, a Conspiracy Theorist, Obsessive, Bipolar, Schizophrenic, Paranoid, or other such, and therefore “needs to be watched by the neighborhood” and “by the community.”
For all of the above lies, falsified records and decontextualized information is possibly used to “prove” to neighbors and family that the target is a highly unsavory character who is mentally unstable and cannot be believed, and must be monitored closely.
Then the target is hit daily and nightly with Directed Energy Weapons, Active-Denial heat systems, and Radio Frequency Brain Transmissions to sleep-deprive her through the night (by way of waking her up several times through the night with wake-frequencies, sound and heat stimuli sent very close--LRAD and plasma/infrared weapons—hitting spines, heads, beds, walls, shielding), covert ly sharpshot with RFIDs or surgically implanted, and whacked night and day with microwave/milliwave/sonic/scalar weapons and neuroweapons, as described earlier.
When the target (character-assassinated as a mentally-unstable extremist) now mentions this High-Tech Radiation Assault and Battery to anyone in family or neighborhood, s/he is disbelieved, as intended, by this DirtBag Operation being run by our amoral and unscrupulous, Satanic, anti-Christian and anti-American “American” Fusion Centers. Further, the ridiculous COINTELPRO s/he is subjected to—also known as Psy Ops or Military Information Support Operations—with people around him/her dressing like him/her (wearing his/her clothes, his/her colors) and repeating words and phrases from his/her emails, texts, and private conversations, engaging in stupid street theater around him/her, as well as gaslighting, vandalism, break-ins into his/her home to steal or deface small things, is also intended to obtain for him/her a psychiatric diagnosis of Delusional and Paranoid, to further discredit him/her.
This accomplished, productive, caring, moral American with tremendous potential as a productive community member, ethical leader, and active helper of humanity is now successfully “neutralized” in his/her own neighborhood and family via Social and Psychological Terrorism; s/he is socially isolated, shunned and ostracized, disbelieved, and looked on with hostility and contempt by the gullible and the indoctrinated neighbors and community-members, all because corrupt, criminal, avaricious, spineless members of the FBI or DHS or CIA or NSA came by, flashed badges and corrupt court-authorizations obtained under false pretences, and told a bunch of lies about him/her to take his/her life down.
These DirtBag Lies go very far: people will not rent to him/her, s/he will not get jobs; s/he cannot find clients. By this means, s/he is Blacklisted and Sabotaged; his/her life and career abruptly ruined. This is the doing of the FBI, CIA, DHS—and it is an Extreme Act of Treason which should be rewarded with Life in Jail or the Death Penalty for all involved.
Remember also that this person—whose life, career, and character is thus ruined—is, on a continuing, 24/7 basis, being massively assaulted physically, neurologically, and psychologically as well, with Directed Energy Neuroweapons and Psy Ops. This totality of attack on a person’s life is Extreme Abuse, Absolute Barbarism, Intense Sadism, and has no place in any civilized society; there is NO EXCUSE whatsoever that DOD, DARPA, DIA, USAF, Navy, NGA, NRO, DHS, FBI, CIA, or Local Police/Fusion Centers can give to Possibly excuse these incredibly ghastly and inhumane 24/7 bitterly egregious assaults on Americans, none whatsoever.
Please note: These are not exaggerated characterizations: people are being burned alive and boiled alive in their beds, they are being assaulted in their genitals; they are being pulse-shot in heads, electro-shocked, heart-attacked, nonstop face-hit and knee-hit, nipple-hit, testicle-hit, vagus-nerve hit, kidney-hit, liver-hit, pancreas-hit, uterus-hit, back-hit, spine-hit, they are being subjected to abusive Voice to Skull verbal abuse; none of this is in any way normal, nor acceptable as legitimate “testing” and “experimentation” of new weapons on anyone in the name of National Security.
These are Major Crimes Against Humanity, They Are NOT Acceptable Weapons Testing or National Security or Medical Health Experimentation
The excuse of “needing to experiment” or “needing to test weapons” in the interests of National Security, Intelligence, Defense, Military Health, Medical Health holds no water when one considers the sustained savagery and incredible brutality of these assaults on Americans; Americans moreover who are outstanding contributors to our communities; and Americans who have simply casually been rolled into these Death and Destruction programs by incredibly corrupt criminals in the FBI, and maliciously corrupt FBI/DHS “informants” in local institutions to be turned into hapless prey at the amoral hands of exploitative mad-scientist psychopaths in Black Ops agencies who have no business developing and using such egregious Torture weapons on ANYONE.
These Incredibly Inhumane Anti-Personnel “Non Lethal” Directed Energy Weapons and Remote Access Neuroweapons Should Be Banned
Indeed, what this phenomenon really raises is the need to question, address, and publicly reveal the horrific nature of these “anti-personnel” RF/sonic weapons and neuroweapons which are being used on people. Concealing their brutality under military and law-enforcement labels such as “non-lethal” and “less-lethal” and “dual-use technology,” the extreme horror of these weapons is being kept under wraps. These are weapons which permit the secretive remote access, manipulation, modification, degradation, and retardation of human bodies and brains—and this is how they are being used today; they run counter to every single understanding of basic human rights, every treaty and every convention establishing human rights; they are not merely invasive of neuro, cognitive, and physical privacy, integrity, and sovereignty, they are erasive of these, and they have no business existing in our midst.
That the US Military and Intelligence establishment has developed such powerfully deadly radiation and sonic weapons and neuroweapons and is using them and testing them on Americans in “Pre-Crime” and “Potential Criminal” lying scenarios and intending to use them in America as “Next Level” methods of “Law Enforcement” as well as “Defense” is a horrific commentary on what amoral depths this establishment has sunk to.
Not merely should these weapons be banned here in the US, the US should be setting an example as a human rights leader and working actively to ban them worldwide as well.
In fact, it is very clear to this writer that those individuals, political leaders, and governments who permit the atrocity in usage of these extreme torture weapons to continue will indeed go down in history as the ultimate barbarians of the human race—whose reign will be short. The USA has an opportunity to rout out its own Military/Intelligence Treason Faction here, stop the usage of these weapons on Americans and anyone else worldwide, freeze all development, ban usage and further development, and establish itself as a moral, humane, and civilized beacon as the world moves forward in peace and harmony into this new millenium. Humanity does NOT need secret torture weapons of extreme human manipulation to be used on anyone, including citizens of other countries characterized as “adversaries,” moving forward.
Innate Secrecy of These Spectrum Weapons Permits Governments to Torture Their Own People in Secret: How It’s Being Pulled Off in 21st-Century USA
Clearly, these weapons would never have been developed with full public knowledge, disclosure and open debate. The public has been kept in the dark about these weapons because they are extreme weapons of human enslavement.
Joint development of these weapons with the Department of Justice took a nose-dive into Secrecy in 1993 with the newly classified Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Conference in Los Alamos, and later in 1994 with a Memorandum of Understanding between DOD and DOJ to jointly develop a whole class of non-lethals and anti-personnels for domestic use on Americans by Law Enforcement and flying them under the radar of Press scrutiny by naming them classified.
Excerpt/1994 MOU Between DOD and DOJ, signed by Janet Reno, Attorney-General, and John Deutch, Secretary of Defense
This has established secrecy in use of what DOJ now passes off, poker-faced, as Surveillance Technology. Remember, DOD/USAF/Navy are already using Secrecy for weapons-testing. And DOD/CIA have long been using Secrecy for Neuroweapons development, hubristic Behavior Modification, and Neuro Modulation.
This “legal” recourse to Secrecy coincides nicely with the innate secrecy offered by invisible radiation and sonic weapons, which operate much as Wifi operates, invisibly.
On the ground what this translates to is:
FULL SPECTRUM DOMINANCE: People are being hit from great distances, remotely and invisibly, from satellites, cell towers, drones, helicopters, planes, ships and boats, ground vehicles like cars, SUVs, trucks.
Closer in, people are being hit from neighbor’s antennas, cell antennas on utility poles, sheathed antennas on parked cars, covertly-placed microwave emitters in their own homes and neighborhoods, covertly-placed repeaters in neighborhoods, covertly-placed magnetrons on houses.
Paul Batcho, DARPA whistleblower, has stated a band of frequencies has been reserved on cell towers for Military use, which are being used to hit targets from, on a continuous basis in their communities, in public, as they are out and about, even driving, or using public transportation. This writer can confirm this scenario, where cell antennas mounted on light poles are being tuned to assault along the entire route the target is on, so that she suffers continuous chest congestion or continuous concussive brain assault as she drives along this route.
Targets’ neighborhoods are taken over with Fusion-Center-approved contractors zipping at high speed into neighborhoods and engaging in constant-tracking and constant-hitting of the target in either shamelessly exhibitionistic activities of “Surveillance” –in contrived theater for the terrorized neighbors, to establish daily Show-of-Force military/Fusion “legitimacy” of these UnConstitutional activities – or as ongoing weapons-training and testing for new batches of traitorous assassins being trained under weapons-testing contracts—or both.
The ground-vehicle zooming testers/trainers described above are working in tandem with air-crew; honking car-horns loudly when they fail to track–(even for a minute) (these are Continuous Clandestine Tracking and Locating (CCTL) operations on absolutely innocent-of-any-crime-whatsoever Americans)–and thereby eliciting immediate action from a small plane, drone, or helicopter, which instantly flies in or seems to descend over the target’s house—as if a high-tech criminal indicted for Columbian drug-cartel operations had momentarily gotten lost between the bathroom and the bedroom—to help with relaying co-ordinates and using penetrative radar to plumb through to non-consensual implants beneath shielding and produce a CCTL tracked-again signal for the programmed AI mastermind which seems to be directing operations.
Note here that the USAF is conducting Directed Energy Bio Behavioral Research with millimeter wave and other RF weapons in lab and field testing operations, via Defense contractors such as General Dynamics, in multiple contracts across USA.
As well: Robert Mueller, former FBI Director, has confirmed to Congress the FBI’s drones are in operation in US airspace, over CONUS; 30,000 drones have been named as operational. Question: Why are FBI drones being used at taxpayer expense on innocent Americans?
Also, it appears planes may be being kept in constant surveillance mode over major urban targeted areas. In May 2013, news outlets reported a mystery aircraft circling nonstop over Quincy, MA for more than eight hours, and through the night. In June 2015, AP reported the FBI is operating a civilian Air Force (inclusive of Cessnas) and maintaining surveillance over major cities.
Excerpt/https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2013/05/16/fbi-too-quiet-quincy-planes/0h9EObhcoQvh41WxdpAHZM/story.html/(Also see http://12160.info/photo/photos-show-mystery-aircraft-over-quincy-ma-is-a-cessna-not-a)
Excerpt/https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2015/06/03/fbi-behind-mysterious-surveillance-aircraft-over-cities/6bDAOspOJQpTaIYBcIvfRI/story.html
The General Dynamics $49 million contract for DEBR for 7 years with the USAF began in September 2013; this writer, based in Quincy, MA, reporting Surveillance Abuse since November 2013, has since uncovered General Dynamics’ connections with the Quincy, MA government (No. 5, Pages 10-12/ https://everydayconcerned.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/letter-from-ramola-d-to-the-chair-quincy-school-committee1.pdf) which point to weapons-testing of RF weapons in Quincy, MA, Boston, and surrounding areas. (A detailed report on this investigation is forthcoming at The Everyday Concerned Citizen.)
Ground Crew of Stalkers: Children, teenagers, adults in neighborhoods have been roped in under false pretences via Community Policing and Neighborhood Watch initiatives to stalk, monitor, point cell phones, point portable DEWs—ie. direct microwave pulse hits at targets with, carry DEWs in backpacks and purses, take photos and video, and generally engage in harassive stalking actions against targets. The BackPack Stalker is now ubiquitous, all over American cities and counties–a try at Plausible Deniability, but noticeable nevertheless.
FUSION HOUSES: Covert and clandestine brain experimentation by the NSA/CIA/DIA as described by whistleblower Dr. Robert Duncan is being facilitated by “fusion houses.” Researchers and weapon-wielders are moved in all around targets, to inhabit houses and apartments as owners and tenants, taking Surveillance contracts to “monitor” neighbor targets nonstop while directing RF/sonic weapons at them for Torture and Trauma Based Mind Control purposes. These are MK Ultra-extended programs focused on Brain Modification and Behavior Modification, and have no business existing or being tested or used on people in a democracy; they are treasonous operations in their assault of citizens.
Local Businesses Involved: Public-private partnerships permit services like UPS, FEDEX, USPS, National Grid, Comcast, X-Finity, Verizon, Capitol Waste, Sunrise Scavenger (trash and recycling), landscaping, home remodelling, tree-cutting, swimming pool cleaning, plumbing, heating, construction, virtually any home service to carry tracking and heating microwave and sonic weapons, sensors, and antennas in their trucks and vans and operate them casually in neighborhoods, where they utilize Plausible Deniability for being there.
Civilian-Military Operations: Because military involvement in law enforcement has been permitted by various legislative means, and the use of non-lethal weapons as crowd-control, peace-enforcement, and adversary control has been sanctioned through DOJ/DOD MOUs, we are apparently now in a state of publicly undisclosed Low-Intensity Conflict, predicted in War Strategy documents, wherein Special Operations forces and other military groups are using outfitted civilian vehicles—pick-up trucks, jeeps, SUVs, and service vehicles as described above—to use targeted non-lethal weapons on named civilians casually labeled “adversaries,”–again, the same smart accomplished moral American set named earlier, while wearing Plausible Deniability camouflage to prevent the larger public from understanding what is going on.
Plausible Deniability, Complicit Psychiatry, and Deep State Media Lies
Indeed, every effort has been made to establish Plausible Deniability, which really means that people are being attacked in broad daylight, with hidden weapons systems, hidden in plain sight.
The ridiculous COINTELPRO these Americans are being subjected to as well means they can now say truthfully they are being stalked, echo-gestured, echo-speech’d (their own words from surveillance, as in conversation, text and emails played back to them by strangers in public), vandalized, gaslit, and sabotaged—which both complicit and not-clued-in psychiatrists will then rush in to “diagnose” from the CIA-created DSM as delusional, delusions of persecution, paranoid, schizoid, and schizophrenic. This indeed is exactly what is going on.
The outrage of these Americans being so extremely physically assaulted in these ways, both with deadly carcinogenic weaponry and then with Stasi persecutory COINTELPRO, only to be disbelieved and discredited with a Mental Illness diagnosis by uneducated, uninformed or complicit psychiatrists is beyond belief, and can rightfully be termed Psychological and Social Terrorism of American communities and neighborhoods.
Of course, the primary reason these two species of psychiatrists—the unethical, venal, complicit kind or the green, uninformed kind–are getting away with this travesty is because mainstream media is owned lock, stock, and barrel by the CIA, CFR, Bilderbergers and other vampires.
The lies that have been published in a steady stream from the ’80s onward in the major newspapers and through video/documentary coverage—such as The New York Times and The Washington Post, and now Wired, The Daily Beast, Vice News, Chicago Sun-Times, and others—with a breathtaking range of openly displayed refusal to touch the gamut of technologies openly being studied and developed by the US Military and the CIA ranging from neuroweapons, mind control technologies and techniques, directed-energy weapons, voice to skull weapons, sonic weapons, bone induction weapons, genetic weapons, millimeter wave weapons, microwave weapons, RFID chips, nanochips, nanobots except in the most innocuous, benign, and accepting of ways, as if the deadly technology development of the Military and the Covert Ops Agencies had to be protected at all costs—and projecting instead a determined lack of knowledge, as well as open denial about the existence of these weapons is nothing short of phenomenally stupefying.
In conjunction, these newspapers and by extension the entire broadcasting world which follows their lead, have mocked, ridiculed, denigrated, and verbally assaulted reporting Americans in print, labelling them delusional and paranoid when they are reporting Crimes Against Humanity.
The CIA terminology of “bizarre” “mystifying” “inexplicable” “flummoxing” is rolled out regularly, including in recent news reports of US diplomats reporting EMF and sonic weapons in Cuba and China, in pathetic attempts to project the big fat lie that no knowledge of such weaponry exists among government ranks, and that people reporting such exist on an outer fringe of conspiracy theory– also, we must remind ourselves, a CIA term to marginalize truthtellers and suppress dissent.
In fact, a circular modality of Lies and Support for Lies has been forged and continues to exist, among psychiatrists and CIA-agent-journalists spewing out lies in Deep State Media:
The “journalist”aka CIA Media Asset asks: But have you received a psychiatric diagnosis? I have to report you have been diagnosed as delusional, so let’s just nullify everything you are trying to tell me about EMF weapons being used on you right there.
The psychiatrist says: But there are no well-known media (like the New York Times) reporting this kind of weapon-use on or covert implantation of Americans. Only “John Doe” articles by unknown people, who sound like Conspiracy Theorists. So I have to give you a Delusional diagnosis.
CIA Media Asset (limpidly): We report what the psychiatrist has said, that you are delusional, and suffering from “mass delusion.”
Psychiatrist: We see that well-known media like the New York Times reports all say you are delusional, and suffering from “mass delusion.”
Readers of CIA/CFR/MIIC-run Media incl. Doctors and Psychiatrists, Family Members, Employers, Neighbors: The New York Times and psychiatrists concur: You must be delusional, and suffering from “mass delusion.”
MIIC: Military Industrial Intelligence Complex: the congregation of killers executing these crimes.
CFR: Council of Foreign Relations, loose-knit body of Luciferians running the CIA and lying CIA media, such as the New York Times.
Media is Participating in the Targeted Killing of Americans
It is impossible therefore to conclude anything other than that both Mainstream and Alstream media which have failed and continue to fail to report the reality of these crimes–which your neighbor and mine are fully aware of, as witnessing and participating members in neighborhoods–are actually partaking, participating, and fully involved in the targeted killing and torture operations of Americans, just as much as neighbors are, schooled to obey the contractors and agency personnel flashing badges at them to secure their compliance.
Gag orders regarding NSLs may be partially responsible but given the gleeful participation in Psy Warfare evidenced in news anchors and Talk Show hosts indulging in street theatre built around unlawful cameras-everywhere-inside-homes surveillance feedback and assisting in mocking, ridiculing, and attacking targets on-camera, it is more likely that a high percentage of salary-drawing employees in MSM are completely and fully complicit, and are part of the Predatorial Fascist Class preying on outstanding Americans, whom they–like their brethren the deranged “elite” Illuminati intent on a “Great Culling” to wipe out most of humanity—would rather neuro-steal from, and ridicule, and exterminate, and so have no problem smearing in print as delusional.
Because stealing words, actions, and thoughts a target says or thinks in the privacy of her home or her brain is indeed Neuro Stealing and IP Theft — and the Hollywood CIA Mafia along with the Mainstream Media Mafia and the Alt Media Mafia is indeed displaying every evidence of precisely this profound treachery: stealing the words and thoughts and actions of “Targeted Individuals” and pumping them out in their Mafia Media as their own, as per the reports of many creative targets, including my own experience.
Of course, every word written here relates also to people in every country being similarly preyed on by the global UN predatorial racket underway worldwide currently.
Habituating People into Mass Stoning Operations: Getting People Used to Targeting, Tracking, and Torturing Others with Remote Wifi/Sonic Weapons, in Their Own Neighborhood
The persistent nature of these operations and the ever-increasing penetration of the predation into all corners of the community has culminated in a Mass Stoning Operation going on in plain sight, with even educated professionals and their children induced to participate and indeed freely participating.
Professionals Participate in Hunting, Tracking, Targeting, Torturing: No matter that you are an engineer, physician, Public Health post-graduate, IT Project Manager, retired schoolteacher, or Principal of a school, you keel over and cell-phone track as commanded, in order to 24/7 hit with “Electronic Surveillance” the target as the local Badge-Flashers from Fusion Centers demand, or consent to wearing a neon cap on your head as the MISO Psy Ops “behavioral research and neuro modification” sappers demand. All that post-graduate education requiring critical thinking and independent enquiry goes directly into the toilet as you comply.
Children and teenagers participate in Hunting, Tracking, Targeting, Torturing: Especially egregious is the sight of children and teenagers employed to raise cell phones at people, watch, monitor, target, and track people, as well as engage in obnoxious street theater around people, as numerous targets have reported to this writer, and as I myself have experienced for several years now, as I drive and pick up my daughter from school everyday.
This means that kids are being trained to hunt down, disrespect, and subjugate adults with these wifi weapons.
Let that sink in. American kids are now being trained to become American hunters of adults, imbibe and assimilate lies about these Americans, and use wifi weapons to deliberately radar-flick, GPS-track for a satellite hit, and publicly mock and ridicule these Americans — whom they are being convinced to believe deserve and need their targeting, tracking, and torturing. Direct assault of American bodies with Anti Personnel Non Lethal Weapons is now being accomplished by conscripting children.
Children even younger–preschoolers, toddlers–are also being conscripted; these kids are being used in two ways: one, asked by an adult to stare, glare or raise an admonitory finger at an adult (I have been treated to this lunacy numerous times, I have witnessed the parent bending down to whisper to the child first); and two, kids are being Neuro-Modulated to full-face stare, cross the path, scream, yell, and otherwise mock or verbally assault the target: this steps right into the Satanic realm of where exactly all this deep dark Neuro Modulation and Neuro Modification experimentation research is headed: it is headed toward direct and complete Brain Control of not just toddlers and animals and insects as DARPA currently excels in, but TOTAL brain control of all humans, starting with the most accomplished and moral Americans–who have become the targets of the Satanists seeking to take them out first.
Shut Down These Classified and Cruel Targeting, Terror-Listing, BioHack/NeuroHack Weapon Testing, Brain Modification Experimentation Programs
There is only ONE way forward, if America–and the world–is to be saved. Declassify and open up the entire arsenal of these weapons and programs being used against Americans and people worldwide. Then SHUT DOWN these programs, BAN these Bio Hacking/Neuro Hacking weapons, remove them from use by anyone, including and especially the amoral criminals running/contracting with the Fusion Centers and the DOD, DOJ, and CIA.
Please see NSA Whistleblower Karen Melton-Stewart’s many excellent letters and articles describing how all this can be done. (Appoint her National Security Agency Director or National Security & Human Rights Advisor.)
What is the point of Senate Intelligence Committees if they cannot oversee graft, corruption, and abuse and shut it down?
This is incredible abuse of Americans, on an absolutely incredible scale. And if the US MIIC is involved in running this selfsame program worldwide, then shut it down worldwide.
Is this the legacy America is going to leave this world?
Let me close by merely repeating what I wrote earlier:
This program of current-day Anti Personnel Non Lethal Weapon use on Americans is Extreme Abuse, Absolute Barbarism, Intense Sadism, and has no place in any civilized society; there is NO EXCUSE whatsoever that DOD, DARPA, DIA, USAF, Navy, USMC, SOF, NGA, NRO, DHS, FBI, CIA, or Local Police/Fusion Centers can give to Possibly excuse these incredibly ghastly and inhumane 24/7 bitterly egregious assaults on Americans, none whatsoever.
Further, Humanity is lost when humans can be so easily Bio Hacked and Neuro Hacked: Humanity does NOT need secret torture weapons of extreme human manipulation to be used on anyone, including citizens of other countries characterized as “adversaries,” moving forward.
Please read, watch, and listen to the print, video, and audio testimonials of the hundreds and thousands of suffering Americans and people worldwide whose lives, bodies, and brains desperately need saving today, their voices are all over social media today, and also at many human rights sites online, including my own, The Everyday Concerned Citizen, and my Youtube channel, Ramola D Reports, which has sought to compile a 21st-century documentation archive of today’s targeted whistleblowers, activists, journalists, telling their stories and relaying their profoundly important advice as victims of these horrific weapons to the world.
How many cries, words, voices, tears, suicides, premature deaths is it going to take before America listens?
The day will come when our Republic will be an impossibility because wealth will be concentrated in the hands of a few. When that day comes, then we must rely upon the wisdom of the best elements in the country to readjust the laws of the nations to the changed conditions.
–President James Madison
No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.
–-Frederick Douglass
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
The time is always right to do what is right.
Please see the Memorandum to President Trump on Domestic US Torture Programs Running Under Cover of Surveillance, published earlier.
With thanks to all reading this who will instantly take action to end these incredible atrocities and extreme crimes against humanity, now and forever.
26 June 2019,
Karen Melton-Stewart
NSA Intelligence Analyst, 28 yrs, Retd.
and accidental Whistleblower but
unrepentant Patriot.
Rev. Dr. Millicent Black
MMFT, (SINCE 1990+)
Thomas McFarlan
Visual Artist, Journalist, Activist
Nina Sidorova
President of the Northern California Tenant Association, member of three Human Rights Organizations and Citizens’ Commission on Human Rights International
Bennetta McKenzie, Financial Compliance Auditor
BA in Accounting, MS in Accountancy
Financial Audit Executive
Rosanne Schneider
Author, Artist, International Business Owner, 15-year Home Hospice Volunteer
Tracy A. Wellons
Wrongfully Targeted
Biomedical Research Scientist
Round-Table Podcast Discussions on Addressing Today’s Extreme Surveillance Abuse & Profound Human Rights Violations Associated With Wrongful Watchlisting, Monitoring, and Non-Consensual Experimentation & Subjugation with Inhumane Anti-Personnel EMF/Neuro DEW Targeting,Torture, & Terror Programs
Ramola D Reports | Report # 106: CIA and FBI Whistleblowers Barbara Hartwell And Geral Sosbee Discuss The Truth About Surveillance Abuses
Deep State Treason:NSA Whistleblower Karen Stewart Reveals Massive Surveillance Abuse of Innocent Americans, Civilians Worldwide Beyond FISA Memo: #BIGGERthanReleaseTheMemo
Ramola D: Surveillance Targeting Has Permitted Clear-Cut TORTURE
NSA Whistleblower Karen Melton Stewart: “Murder-For-Profit” Club
Dr. Eric Karlstrom: Four Estimates of the Size, Scope, Structure, Costs, and Personnel Requirements of ¨GOG´S NeW GESTAPO* (¨Global Organized Stalking Neuro-Warfare Groups´ Electronic Slavery, Torture, and PsyOp Operations¨)
Geral Sosbee: Collapse of Constitutional Government of The United States of America & The Responsibility For The Collapse (FBI/CIA/DOD); Call for New Nuremberg Trial
Ramola D/No Longer True: The NSA “Isn’t Getting Violent Internally in the US”: Millions Today in US Are Targeted with RF/Scalar/Sonic Weapons, Nano Weapons, Neuro Weapons, Chem/Bio Weapons
Ramola D Reports/Report #56: Geral Sosbee, FBI Whistleblower Reports Massive Crime By FBI
Ramola D Reports/Report #72: Part 6–Barbara Hartwell, CIA Whistleblower: Corruption, Criminality, & Cover-Ups in the FBI & CIA
Geral Sosbee, FBI Whistleblower: FBI & FMJ Are On a Roll of Domestic Criminality
Geral Sosbee, FBI Whistleblower: Murderous Corruption of FBI and Federal Magistrate Judges, Sample Secret FMJ Court-Order Requiring Inhumane Community Persecution of Innocent Targets
Cassandra | Tortured: “When Good Soldiers Do Bad Things” versus “Murder-For-Profit Club” Coined by NSA Whistle Blower Karen Melton-Stewart
Cassandra | On International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 26 June 2019: The Continued DEADLY Silence of Journalists on Electronic Warfare used for Torture, Mind Control, and Bio-Hacking and Tracking of Knowingly Innocent Civilians in Western Democratic Countries and Worldwide
Silicon Valley Entrepreneur Reports Neuro-Hacking, Hive-Minding, Brain-Cloning, Bio-Robotizing: Secret, Illegal, & Profoundly Inhumane US Govt. Neuro-Experimentation, Classic CIA Torture
Criminal & Unethical TORTURE Ongoing in Non-Consensual US DOD/CIA Neuro Experimentation–Ramola D Reports: Report # 98: Phillip Douglas Walker AKA Omni Reports Neuro-Framing, Bio-Robotizing, Extreme Neurotech Torture
An American Citizen Reports “Developed Dehumanization through Non-Consenting Implantation to the Human Body in Efforts to Maintain Terrorism”
“Electronic Slavery” in America: Military Neuro Weaponry Used Contractually by US Air Force Veteran to Abuse Exemplary and Highly Accomplished Tennessee Woman Pastor & Control Town
Ramola D/Washington’s Blog: The American Public Informs President Obama’s Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues About Ongoing Non-Consensual Human Experimentation in the USA Today
Paul Baird | The Truth About Secret Weapons and the Involuntary Testing of Those Weapons on Civilians
Cheryl Welsh | Misled and betrayed: How US cover stories are keeping a Cold War weapon and illegal human testing secret
Mark Rich | Initiatives to Remove Civil Liberties/New World War: Revolutionary Methods for Political Control
: This post may be reproduced-in-full and posted-online at any news and media site with link-back and attribution. Please share widely. Thanks, Ramola D.
Posted in 9/11, Activism, Military drills, MKULTRA, restoring democracy, Satellite Terrorism, secret human experimentation, Speaking Out, Stasi, State Terrorism, Surveillance, Targeted Individuals, Truth about US Govt, US Govt, Waking Up
Tagged Massive Surveillance State Abuses, Neuroweapons, Once More a Memo to President Trump, Radiation Assault Weapons, Ramola D, Targeted Killing of Americans, Terminal Brain Experimentation, Treason on the ground in the USA
9/11/2018: Expose the Treason, Challenge & End Domestic US Fusion Center & Military Terrorism Masquerading as Surveillance
Posted on September 11, 2018 by Ramola D | 3 comments
–Ramola D/Posted 9/11/2018
Twin Towers, 9/11/2001/Image
For those of us who have found ourselves wrongfully thrust under surveillance by too-well-budgeted and clearly corrupt fusion centers in the wake of 9/11, and wrongfully rolled into non-consensual neuro-experimentation programs being run by a treasonous US Military and Intelligence Community, the betrayals of 9/11 — spanning two towers full of innocent Americans at work, New York firefighters who succumbed to cancer, millions of innocent civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Palestine whose lives, homes, and families were destroyed in horrific and needless Deception-Begun wars, as well as a massive rollout of intense surveillance and stealth-weapon assault with anti-personnel Electronic Weapons (in Asymmetric Warfare, Stealth Warfare, Civilian-Military Operations) on innocent civilians in America and worldwide — haven’t stopped.
Surveillance Abuse Today is a Lot More Than Email/Cellphone Surveillance & Comprises Bio-Hacking, Neuro-Hacking, and Radiation Assault
For five years now, since 2013, when a concerned letter to Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, State Representative Tackey Chan, the Boston Globe, and the Patriot Ledger about chem trails & tree damage, and a chance conversation questioning the need for paid daycare of our second-grade children at a Parent-Teacher conference with a particularly egoistic and apparently underworld-Mafia connected Treasurer of the School Board at a private Montessori school in Quincy, Massachusetts (City of Presidents, also City of Lies and since 2013 the Site of C/Overt Field Weapon Testing of Directed-Energy Weapons by General Dynamics, a Defense contractor with a Directed-Energy Bio-Behavioral Research 49-million dollar contract with the US Air Force), I have been covering the stories of those like me who have been extra-judicially targeted, lawlessly “detained,” stripped of Due Process and all Constitutional Rights, Human Rights, Civil Rights, and subjected to:
24/7 Harassive COINTELPRO stalking, tracking, & Psy Ops — disguised in communities as Community Policing, with your own neighbors turned virulently against you;
24/7 Electronic Assault — assaultive and carcinogenic anti-personnel EMF weapons-testing, Remote Neural Monitoring, Neuro-Experimentation and Neuro-Surveillance with military tracking radar, covert RFID implants, microwave, milliwave, sonic, scalar, remote electrical, bio and nano weapons, drone, plane, helicopter, and satellite tracking and stalking — disguised in communities as Electronic Surveillance, necessitating constant shielding and eliciting extreme health damage;
Community Blacklisting & Character Assassination — as mentally ill, pedophiles, prostitutes, child molesters, pornographers, terrorists, suspected terrorists, potential terrorists, putative terrorists, violent extremists, troublemakers, all to discredit our witness and testimonial to these incredibly egregious USAF/DOD/CIA/NSA/DHS/FBI assaults.
(These are not idle accusations; I recommend that uninformed readers kindly explore the articles, interviews, and videos at my website, The Everyday Concerned Citizen, and my Youtube/Vimeo/Bitchute channels Ramola D Reports; in particular, pay special attention to my interviews with highly significant whistleblowers from the CIA, FBI, and NSA, engineers, NASA scientists, and Emeritus Professors; finally, please peruse all letters from whistleblowers and activists supporting my journalism shortly after a Quincy Middle School principal questioned my reportage specifically on DHS/FBI/USAF abuses, including my unanswered Letter to the Quincy School Board, which provides acutely relevant information on General Dynamics, the FAA, and the City of Quincy — a subject still under investigation for further reportage.)
Mainstream Media — CIA-Driven — Has Been Schooled to Dismiss Reporting Victims as Paranoid and Delusional
During this time period, I have witnessed the cavorting and convolutions of numerous bought-and-sold reporters in print and in video as they bent over backwards to accede to the demands of their CIA/And Other Clandestine-Ops-Agencies masters to conceal these crimes of Surveillance Abuse by actively dismissing as “delusional and paranoid” the reports, testimonials, and cries for help from increasing numbers of highly educated and accomplished people of integrity, conscience, and community-mindedness suddenly targeted for apparent assaultive elimination with Stealth Radiation Weapons. I mean reporters from The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vice, Wired, and others — classic “mainstream media” mavens run by the CIA, whose paychecks have apparently prevented them from pursuing the truth. And in fact, given them oodles of leisure time in which to write excoriating pieces of vitriol mocking and maligning reporting victims of Surveillance crimes and Military Experimentation abuse, such as in Rational Wiki and Wikipedia, helping the CIA/DOD equate “Targeted Individual” with “Delusional” and that other CIA-Trickster-Term intended to stop all further critical inquiry: Conspiracy Theorist.
This situation — of unlawful targeting, harassment, and clandestine Military/Intelligence experimentation — is one that writers like Paul Baird of Surveillance Issues have reported have been operative for decades, from well before 9/11, in the ’80s and ’90s, but there is no doubt that the years since 9/11 have seen an increase in the systematic targeting and extreme-abuse that people have been reporting. Note also that journalists and writers like CIA whistleblower Barbara Hartwell, Alex Constantine, Walter Bowart, John Marks and others have long reported clandestine CIA experimentation, and MK ULTRA experiments that went underground. (And have currently resurfaced.)
Today scientist whistleblowers and agents who have worked for the US DOD, CIA, US Navy, UK Navy, MI5, and Mossad like Robert Duncan, Richard Alan Miller, Barrie Trower, Carl Clark, Tim Rifat, and David Voigts are speaking out; hundreds of activists worldwide are bearing witness to these targeting crimes; human rights organizations like Targeted Justice, ICAACT, and ICATOR are addressing and publicizing these abuses.
Historic figures like Dr. Rauni Kilde, once Chief Medical Officer of Finland and Gloria Naylor, celebrated author of several novels and screenplays including The Women of Brewster Place have borne witness to these crimes. Critically important writers like Paul Baird, Renee Pittman Mitchell, Dr. Nick Begich, Mark Rich, Dr. John Hall, Cheryl Welsh, Mary Gregory, Dr. Eric Karlstrom, Rosanne Schneider, and many others have written books, articles, and maintain websites filled with compendious historic, scientific, whistleblowing, and testimonial information revealing these crimes.
A recent honoring of reporting victims with rallies across the world was marked by journalist Thomas McFarlan in a video and article reporting “Targeted Individual Day”: Targeted-Individuals Protest Worldwide — From Chicago to Bangkok, to Warsaw to London, and Far Beyond
Rallies in the USA
NSA Whistleblower Karen Melton-Stewart has published several flyers, letters, articles, in addition to giving interviews revealing the crimes of Surveillance Abuse, many of which can be found on my website, including this seminal disclosure: NSA Whistleblower, Karen Stewart: Synopsis of the Silent Holocaust Taking Place in the United States
Signing of the Declaration of Independence/Painting by Trumbull/Wikimedia
Everyone in Congress has been apprised of these crimes, over and over. Civil Liberties and human rights group like ACLU and Amnesty International ditto; they have turned away reporting victims for years. President Trump was informed in a Memo shortly after he became President: Memorandum to President Donald J. Trump on Domestic US Torture Programs Running Under Cover of Surveillance
President Trump Taking the Oath To Protect America and Americans
Despite MSM Dismissal, We Need to Move On To The Next Step: Dismantle Fusion Centers, Stop All Military/Air Force/CIA/NSA/NIH/US Gov DEW Testing, DEBR, and Neuro-Experimentation: People Are Being TORTURED
Despite the covers, despite the lies, despite the cover-up of FBI KST (Known and Suspected Terrorist) lists, War on Terror lies, Patriot Act/Freedom Act/NDAA/FISA/NSL/Executive Orders, Countering Violent Extremism covers, despite the sanctimonious “National Security” covers under which non-lethal-weapons testing and neuro-weapon testing, AI testing, nano-weapons testing and operations are being run, the most essential fact here is: people are widely reporting being tortured. These are barbaric and inhumane weapons, they are wreaking extreme abuse on people’s bodies and brains, as many have testified.
Presidents who signed off on these Military/Intel programs betraying Americans?/Image
The worst part is, because doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists have been manipulated — either through collusiveness at the top, ignorance at the bottom, sealed by the DSM — Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders, a feature of naturally-weaponized Psychiatry — they assist in further victimizing the victim with an egregious “diagnosis” and general hand-over to the neuro-experimenters and neuro-controllers for further victimizing with psychiatric drugs, social isolation, and continued exploitation.
In addition, insidious neuroweapons engage today in subliminal mind control, precisely what the CIA and their wealthy banker patrons want: a radio-hypnotically controlled populace, docile and sheeplike. And currently, especially the families and friends of non-consensual test subjects, so that barbaric MK ULTRA-style neuro-experimentation can continue, without interference.
Activists, journalists, whistle-blowers, people reporting corruption are being hit with these weapons, and being character-assassinated by fusion center protocol to permit exploitation.
Geral Sosbee, FBI whistleblower in his many posts online has spelled out for all how America really has fallen and how the CIA and FBI are culpable; Karen Stewart, NSA whistleblower advises that the DHS be dismantled. Barbara Hartwell, CIA whistleblower has today published a reprint of an article written earlier covering the Black Ops Mind Control and Ritual Sacrifice aspects behind the evil masterminding of 9/11 by deranged criminals posturing as Americans inside our government: Tyranny, Treachery, Terrorism & Trauma: The Formula.
President’s Men, 9/11/Image from The War on Terror Was a Hoax, Americans Were Deceived
I suggest that people start waking up in a hurry and working to understand the true horrors of these “anti-personnel” “crowd-control” “dual-use” “non-lethal” electromagnetic and acoustic and neural Directed-Energy Weapons, because those who report the remote use of such weapons on their bodies are reporting extreme abuse (Would You like to be electrically vibrated, shocked, burned, and pulsed, in any part of your anatomy — and I mean ANY part, from a distance?), and what this really portends is that All of humanity, let alone all of USA, will soon be under threat of their subjection if we do not commonly rise and demand that their use, even experimentally, on citizens be immediately terminated. The very-near future promises to be Neuro Slavery and Remote Electronic Slavery for all if humanity does not act.
This is the real domestic cost of 9/11, and it is absurd that this is not being splashed across the front pages of the world, today, on 9/11/2018. The front pages are locked down though, and that’s a reason to shut down treasonous Mainstream Media as well.
Please visit everydayconcerned.net, surveillanceissues.com, mindjustice.org, peacepink.org, icaact.org, icator.be, targetedjustice.com, citizensaht.org, biggerthansnowden.com, and many other fine websites for more information.
Originally posted on Medium.
Posted in 9/11, America, CIA MKULTRA, COINTELPRO terrorism, covert harassment, electronic harassment, electronic surveillance, EMF Radiation/Sonic Neuroweapons, Surveillance, targeting individuals, Waking Up
Tagged 9/11, Military Terrorism, Ramola D, US Fusion Center
Posted on April 18, 2018 by Ramola D | 16 comments
Posted below is the Community Notice of Crimes Against Humanity/Patriot Act Crimes endorsed and supported by FBI, CIA, and NSA whistleblowers and the US-Europe Joint Investigation Team, a group which investigates crimes involving directed-energy weapons and military neuro/biotechnology, published earlier on this site at Flyers for Public Education. Please download this document for use as a flyer in pdf format here. Given that these Crimes Against Humanity are occurring nationwide and worldwide, please download this document in doc format here and replace place-names in the header with your own place-names as appropriate and relevant. (Note: To use this flyer with the named endorsements, please ONLY change place-names as relevant, and no other text, thanks.) Please feel free to re-post and re-publish this Notice on your own websites with linkback.
This notice is being published to raise public awareness, to educate the American and world public, and to inform local communities and neighborhoods. The information in this flyer is not speculative and is fully backed up by the sourced, cumulative investigative reportage at this site (and elsewhere), and follows on recent informative interviews in print and audio with FBI, CIA, and NSA whistleblowers published here at The Everyday Concerned Citizen as well as at YouTube/Ramola D Reports.
Human rights advocates and organizations, investigative journalists, scientists, whistleblowers, ethicists, and concerned American and world citizens are encouraged to step forward to openly support this Community Notice as the global human rights and bioethical movement to expose and end these pernicious and extreme 21st-century Crimes Against Humanity daily expands. Please email to endorse.
This notice is also supported by the 28 August 2017 Notice of Crimes Against Humanity Using Energy and Neuro/Bio Weapons citing Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the 1998 International Criminal Court, published here earlier. Please print and distribute widely.
COMMUNITY NOTICE
from The Everyday Concerned Citizen/US-Europe Joint Investigation Team
Notice of Crimes Against Humanity/Patriot Act Crimes
Notice to One is Notice to All
Psychological Warfare, Operations, & Deception Along with Electromagnetic Anti-Personnel Assaults Are Being Run in Quincy & Boston, Massachusetts by Govt Agencies–FBI, DHS, CIA, NSA, DOD, DOJ;
All Participating are Accomplices to Potential Murder
Source: FBI, CIA, NSA Whistleblowers/The Everyday Concerned Citizen/US-Europe Joint Investigation Team
THE FBI IS SPREADING LIES, SLANDER, LIBEL, AND DEFAMATION ABOUT OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND OBTAINING WRONGFUL & ILLEGITIMATE “COURT-AUTHORIZATIONS” FROM CORRUPT JUDGES TO CONVINCE BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, OTHERS, THAT THESE AMERICANS ARE “UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION” AS SUSPECTED TERRORISTS, EXTREMISTS, MENTALLY UNSTABLE, PROSTITUTES, PEDOPHILES, & OTHER UNSAVORY LABELS
IN ORDER TO COERCE AMERICAN COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS INTO JOINING REPRESSIVE COMMUNITY POLICING PROGRAMS AND HELPING CONDUCT CARCINOGENIC ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE WITH RADIO FREQUENCY WEAPONRY ON THE BODIES OF AMERICANS AS WELL AS HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVEILLEES INTO DEADLY NON-CONSENSUAL MILITARY/INTEL NEURO-EXPERIMENTATION & WEAPON-TEST PROGRAMS
These programs are extrajudicial COINTELPRO Character-Assassination, Mutilation, Destruction, Blacklisting, Life-Sabotage, Torture, and Murder campaigns, intending to fully destroy the lives of outstanding community activists, journalists, writers, teachers, professors, whistleblowers, and civic-minded citizens.
Thousands of Americans are being destroyed like this by the FBI/CIA/DHS.
FBI WHISTLEBLOWER GERAL SOSBEE:
Remember please that only FBI/CIA have powers with Fusion Centers globally to run horrendous campaigns for torture and murder. Also, FBI has a duty to investigate the crimes we describe. The FBI and FMJ (Federal Magistrate Judges) authorize these offenses and could stop them. (April 11, 2018/Leaked Gangstalker Recruitment Video, The Everyday Concerned Citizen)
The FBI is spearheading the most colossal and evil attacks on people ever conceived on the face of the Earth, and they are using Deep Space-based technology, they are using Bio-Chemical Viral Warfare Elements and Agents, and they’re using Psychological Warfare to destroy people. (April 1, 2018/Ramola D Reports/Report #56-Geral Sosbee, FBI Whistleblower Reports Massive Crime By FBI)
NSA WHISTLEBLOWER KAREN MELTON-STEWART:
The scam goes like this, random people, or people who are dissidents or whistleblowers are purposely mislabeled as “terrorists” and put on an Enemies List, which is then turned over to Defense Contractors to target under perverted interpretations of NDAA and PAA (Patriot Act)...Police are even used as liaisons to citizen vigilante groups like Infragard, or other “civic minded” organizations who are lied to about the target (being a terrorist/ traitor/ criminal) and enticed/paid to stalk and harass them 24/7. (May 26, 2016/NSA Whistleblower, Karen Stewart: Synopsis of the Silent Holocaust Taking Place in the United States)
CIA WHISTLEBLOWER BARBARA HARTWELL:
I can’t hone it down to just CIA, but I can tell you, all these people, they’re all connected. For instance, in a Town Hall, every little town in the United States, every city, you’ll get people–there’s a Town Hall and there’s a City Government or a Town Government, they’ve got people in there…they have them in the Post Office…What they’re doing is they’re recruiting an army of Citizen Spies and Busybodies—and the People, who don’t even know what’s going on, some of them, they gladly become a part of it, thinking “Oh, I’m doing a service to my country!” But they’re NOT. (April 10, 2018/Barbara Hartwell, CIA Whistleblower Discusses CIA History, Propaganda, Targeting)
PATRIOT ACT CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY ARE BEING CONCEALED BY COLLUDING DOCTORS LABELING & DISCREDITING REPORTING VICTIMS AS PARANOID, SCHIZOID, AND DELUSIONAL.
Posted in Activism, Corruption, Covert Civil War, covert surveillance, Creation of Terror, crushing of dissent, electronic surveillance, EMF Radiation/Sonic Neuroweapons, Speaking Out, State Terrorism, Surveillance, Take Action, Targeted Individuals, The Matrix is Collapsing, Totalitarianism, US Govt, USA, Waking Up, War of Terror
Tagged bioweapons, CIA, Community Notice, Covert implants, crimes against humanity, DHS, Directed Energy Weapons, energy weapons, FBI, Intel Agency Crimes, Intelligence agencies, military technology, neuro/bioweapons, Neuroweapons, non-consensual human experimentation, Patriot Act, Patriot Act Crimes, Radar weapons, sonic weapons, Surveillance Abuse, through-wall surveillance
Paul Baird/Surveillance Issues: Covert Oppression Using Classified Technologies
Posted on October 5, 2016 by Ramola D | 1 comment
Paul Baird, privacy and human rights advocate from Australia, who runs the highly informative website SurveillanceIssues.com, which offers resources, lists of technologies, and advice on the subjects of covert mind control weaponry, organized crime, and the worldwide oppression of activists and innocents by covert government agencies with stealth neuroweapons, is the author of this letter, sent earlier to a number of human rights organizations and “marginalised” or truth-centered, alternative media, and being posted here today with the same intent, of informing and rallying such public-interest groups to get informed, get inspired, and take action.
While much of the world still remains in the dark about satellite technologies/psychotronic weapons/directed-energy weapons/electronic-warfare weapons/mind-control and radiation/sonic neuroweapons, thanks to ongoing covert agency Psy Ops and deliberate negligence by mainstream media to report the truth about the usage, testing, and operation of this vast plethora of stealth weaponry, there continues to be an expanding circle of awareness on this subject in alternative media, as more and more journalists and researchers of integrity wake up today and question the prevailing narrative.
Paul Baird’s insights into covert surveillance via the twin routes of covert government agencies operating neuro-experimentation projects in the shadows of “classified” research and of organized crime syndicates hitting activists and innocents are unique; his research and activism in this area has included conversations with a diversity of scientists, whistleblowers, and spies or secret agents, to be further profiled here shortly.
(“PTB” below refers to Powers That Be.)
From Surveillance Issues:
“This site contains information relating to advanced satellite surveillance and “harassment” technologies which are made available to covert government agencies and organised crime syndicates.
The secret technologies in question are covered by military/agency secrecy orders, mostly obtained under the US Inventions Secrecy Act, 1951.”
The text of the letter follows, re-printed with permission.
“I call on any and all with a conscience or a soul to turn on this evil.“
Dear ___:
Satellites Orbiting Earth
Such is the extent of US National Security law that over 5,000 classified devices are currently covered by the US Inventions Secrecy Act. Many of these are either based on or working with many of the 20,000 plus satellites now circling the Earth (many in geosynchronous orbit) and the countless array of supercomputers that work with them, operating at ground – based locations like The Langley Research Centre (CIA) and Fort Meade (NSA). These computers are all manned by technicians and are each capable of processing more information than the entire human population of the planet (something exceeding 700 trillion calcs a second each). And what is the upshot of all of this? That the agencies and military can rely on the blanket cover of tagging all such covert activities as a matter of “National Security”and thereby covertly and remotely take control of people and organisations as they see fit, without challenge.
Couple these technologies with the mass surveillance systems outlined by Edward Snowden and others and you will realise that the agencies are all-seeing, all-knowing, and promote themselves and their usefulness in the name of security at the expense of liberty. Yet where are they when mass shootings, terrorist attacks and such take place? They watch, as accessories before, during and after the fact, and do nothing; more intent on controlling public figures with blackmail-friendly material, more interested in oppressing writers, activists and whistleblowers than protecting the public at large. Equally, through false flag operations, protected trafficking syndicates and such, the agencies foster and profit from crime while all the while pretending to do otherwise…The agencies, in particular the CIA, are not securing our safety, they imperil it….
Even former Presidents recognised this and wanted the CIA stopped….”There is a plot in this country to enslave every man, woman and child. Before I leave this high and noble office I intend to expose this plot”…JFK. And the CIA reply?…”I was in Dallas when we got the S.O.B.” David Morales, CIA chief of operations.
US DOD Directive 5240 1.R saved 882013, Ch 4, Procedure 13 says “Experimentation is allowed on human subjects for intelligence purposes”. .So, whether it be a false claim, a National Security Letter or any other bogus move, the covert agencies can line up any or all critics, malcontents, political targets and thinkers that the PTB dislike and have them thrown into satellite-facilitated mobile concentration camps where the aforementioned technologies allow all manner of mind control, cybernetic, neuroscience, genetic, brain / dream study and other experiments to be run…. unreported, and with complainants labelled as paranoid etc.
Yet we had the UN Treaty of 1967 saying you cannot use satellites in conjunction with any weapon of mass destruction (only to be amended to allow the Reagan era Star Wars system). We also have the UN’s UNIDIR committee and the European Parliament calling for bans on all weapons for human manipulation (Eg A4-0005/99 EP). In addition we have Executive Order 13526 banning the use of classification to hide crime. But all of this clearly amounts to just words on paper when the PTB and the agency-controlled media ignore it all.
I have researched this for over 25 years. I’ve spoken with countless spies, political aides, marginalised journalists, senior law enforcers, entertainers, scientists and more. Knowledge of this form of oppression, using classified technologies, is widespread in those circles but fear or complicity prevents many from speaking out.
In the absence of reliable, honest political and media representation, the campaigners fighting against covert oppression of this sort (on behalf of millions of targeted people worldwide) are forced to rely on the marginalised media and various human rights organisations for support in their efforts to get this information to the general public. Nevertheless, by so doing we hope to expose and end the silent holocaust that sees the isolation of the combined genetic traits of all those willing to question authority as they are gradually wiped out; oppressed into oblivion.
I call on any and all with a conscience or a soul to turn on this evil. Help to expose and end it and restore true democracy to a world where, at the moment, only lies and hypocrisy exist when it comes to true justice and freedom.
Paul Baird,
Human Rights Advocate,
www.surveillanceissues.com
A few apt quotes….
“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity”. A. Einstein.
“This satellite technology will allow us to track, monitor, torture, destroy and kill anyone in the world. It will give us complete global control. Develop it immediately”…Anon. world leader …over 50 years ago.
” The world is a dangerous place to live, not (just) because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don’t do anything about it”. A. Einstein.
“Silence in the face of evil is evil itself. God will not hold us guiltless”. D. Bonhoeffer.
“The further society moves from the truth the more it will despise those that speak it”. G. Orwell.
“The CIA controls everyone of significance in the major media” William Colby, Ex CIA director.
“It is the duty of the patriot to protect the people from the government”. Thomas Jefferson.
Posted in secret human experimentation, Solutions to Global Crime and Corruption, Surveillance, targeting individuals, Waking Up
Tagged Classified technologies, covert oppression, Paul Baird, Surveillance Issues
Sue Udry/Defending Dissent Foundation: Stopping Secret Police Surveillance, One City At a Time
Posted on September 22, 2016 by Ramola D | Leave a comment
Re-posted in the public interest, from Defending Dissent/BORDC, with many thanks for this news and this initiative. Please visit there for ongoing news and action to protect citizens from unwarranted and intrusive surveillance. Please note that this initiative requires public engagement, by anyone who’d like to see arbitrary, unwarranted, intrusive, and violatory surveillance ended.
Surveillance technologies that are being used by local police departments today plausibly include the use of pulsed radar, micro-Doppler radar, and Through The Wall Surveillance (TTWS) Devices, all using sophisticated military-grade Electronic Warfare microwave/radar “Target Recognition” and target-tracking technologies (radiation/sonic weaponry) (under electronic/biometric surveillance labels) which most know little about, to be covered here soon.
DDF provides information below and at their web site regarding how to get involved at the city council level, how to find more information, and how to assist in this new and growing community initiative to protect our communities and ourselves, to challenge wrongful and abusive surveillance, and to restore meaningful and helpful community governance. Activist Post also has an article on this initiative, they too stress this won’t move forward without our own active participation, yours and mine: National Effort Launches to Fight Surveillance State on Local Level/Derrick Broze
Stopping Secret Police Surveillance, One City at a Time
September 21, 2016 by Sue Udry
11 cities are considering CCOPS ordinances.
Do you know what surveillance equipment your local police force has? Do they roam the streets with an ALPR, scanning license plates of parked cars on the chance one of them is a stolen vehicle? Are ShotSpotters installed in your neighborhood, recording all the sounds that go on around them and around you? Is your cell phone being tricked into connecting to a police Stingray device rather than the nearest cell tower when you make a phone call?
Chances are good that your local police is making use of at least one of these invasive surveillance tools, or perhaps some other, unbeknownst to you or even your city council.
On Tuesday September 21, we joined the ACLU and 14 other groups to launch a new campaign to make police surveillance more accountable to the communities law enforcement is supposed to serve. It’s called Community Control Over Police Surveillance (CCOPS). The campaign will engage with local coalitions to pass ordinances to require that any new aquisitions of surveillance technology be approved by the city council. While this may seem like an obvious policy decision, in many communities elected officials, much less the public at large, are completely in the dark about what technology their local police are using. Before the city council even considers allowing police to acquire any surveillance technology, the ordinance mandates that the community be given significant involvement in the decision and the city must consider civil liberties and civil rights impacts of using such technologies.
Already, eleven different cities are considering legislation to accomplish this end, but our goal is to pass CCOPS ordinances in many more cities across the country. The Bill of Rights Defense Committee/Defending Dissent Foundation (BORDC/DDF) is proud to join the partnership, which was spearheaded by the American Civil Liberties Union and includes many of our long time allies, such as the Council on American Islamic Relations, Demand Progress, Fight for the Future, and the Tenth Amendment Center. See the CCOPS guidelines below.
BORDC/DDF grassroots partners have successfully passed local ordinances and resolutions through the years. Over 400 cities and towns passed resolutions against the Patriot Act, and cities from Asheville, NC to Hartford, CT have passed laws based on BORDC/DDF’s Local Civil Liberties Protection Act (LCLPA). The CCOPS campaign provides an opportunity for grassroots groups to to come together to make significant progress to promote transparency and push back against the surveillance state.
As technology evolves, police across the country are equipping themselves with even more sophisticated ways to spy on us. While unchecked law enforcement surveillance poses a threat to all of our liberties, this technology is disproportionately deployed against working class neighborhoods and communities of color. This constant surveillance and criminalization of entire communities only heightens the need for the people to know what technologies the police intend to turn on them, and to have a chance to say NO.
CCOPS Guiding Principles by Defending Dissent Foundation on Scribd
https://www.scribd.com/embeds/324787395/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-QCnwbhsdcO6T6upOtDSO&show_recommendations=false
Source: Defending Dissent Foundation
Posted in Surveillance, Take Action, The Matrix is Collapsing, Waking Up, Your Individual Voice
Tagged Biometric Surveillance, BORDC, CCOPs, Community Control Over Police Surveillance, COPS, DDF, Defending Dissent Foundation, electronic surveillance, radiation surveillance, Secret Police Surveillance, Sue Udry
Defense Contractor Lockheed Martin Implicated in Covert Microwave Weaponry Assaults on “Targeted Individuals”
Posted on June 30, 2016 by Ramola D | 13 comments
by Ramola D/The Everyday Concerned Citizen/Posted June 30, 2016
Defense Contractor Lockheed Martin whose foray into multiple Government agencies was covered in a 2011 Guernica article featuring an op-ed by William D. Hartung, Is Lockheed Martin Shadowing You?: How a Giant Weapons Maker Became the New Big Brother, and whose participation in covert microwave weaponry assaults on the populace has been explored online from 2010 onwards by journalist Vic Livingston, is apparently not merely working on building vehicles to Mars or hypersonic fighter jets as their website suggests, but assisting fusion centers in surveillance and covert assault of specific individuals.
William D.Hartung, director of the Arms and Security Initiative at the New America Foundation and author of an extended study on the privatization of military and Intelligence functions, Prophets of War: Lockheed Martin and the Making of the Military-Industrial Complex has noted:
“True, Lockheed Martin doesn’t actually run the U.S. government, but sometimes it seems as if it might as well. After all, it received $36 billion in government contracts in 2008 alone, more than any company in history. It now does work for more than two dozen government agencies from the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy to the Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency. It’s involved in surveillance and information processing for the CIA, the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the National Security Agency (NSA), the Pentagon, the Census Bureau, and the Postal Service.
Oh, and Lockheed Martin has even helped train those friendly Transportation Security Administration agents who pat you down at the airport.”
Vic Livingston, in his 2011 article “U.S. Silently Tortures Americans With Cell Tower Electromagnetic Neuroweapon” reported:
“Each day, a nationwide scalar electromagnetic radiation “multifunctional” radio frequency directed-energy weapon attack system employing phased array cell tower antenna transmitter/receivers and GPS satellites, under the administration of U.S. Cyber Command and military contractor Lockheed Martin, is used to silently and invisibly torture, impair, subjugate, and degrade the physical and neurological health of untold thousands of American citizens who have been extrajudicially “targeted” by a hate- and ideology-driven domestic “disposition matrix” as “dissidents” or “undesirables.”
A report provided anonymously to this writer spells out the extent to which Lockheed Martin is involved and is posted in full below. According to the investigation reported in this document, Lockheed Martin engages in cyberwarfare on behalf of several Military and Intelligence agencies, working round the clock to suppress and censor certain kinds of information on the Internet, and to conduct warrantless surveillance on all communications of targeted individuals, facts noted by Vic Livingston online in his article U.S. Cyber Command/Lockheed Martin Censorship Regime Tampers With Internet Content, Covers Up Celltower Electromagnetic Weapon Assaults On Citizens.
This report also confirms that Lockheed Martin is contracted to run a central command
Lockheed Martin Cyber Unit/Image: Vic Livingston’s blog
center which operates a US government radio and microwave frequency weapon system utilizing the country’s cell towers to launch covert microwave assaults on citizens and residents. Operational in 46 of the 50 states, Lockheed apparently runs a networked Stasi-like communications and training operation tentacled into every security and law enforcement organization in the state, down to state and local police and fusion centers, focused on secret policing, surveillance, and harassment of individuals.
The nexus of this operation appears to be a Mission and Combat Support Solutions center in Norristown, Montgomery County, PA employing several thousands of workers.
Report on Lockheed Martin
Among many other activities, domestic and foreign, of Lockheed Martin, in surveillance and targeting, William Hartung’s op-ed notes:
“(S)ince at least 2004, Lockheed Martin has been involved in the Pentagon’s Counterintelligence Field Activity (CIFA), which collected personal data on American citizens for storage in a database known as “Threat and Local Observation Notice” (and far more dramatically by the acronym TALON). While Congress shut down the domestic spying aspect of the program in 2007 (assuming, that is, that the Pentagon followed orders), CIFA itself continues to operate.”
By this report and many others online, several thousand law-abiding, ethical, and community-minded Americans are targeted by these Government-contracted taxpayer-funded operations of police-protected community stalking and harassment, as well as incarceration and torture in “electronic concentration camps” facilitated by the use and specific, Gestapo-like operation of this deadly microwave weapons technology. The intention of these targeting and suppression operations has long been speculated to be based in undisclosed state censorship and control efforts; now this document confirms that malicious score-setting vendettas by people in power appear to rule the targeting of activists, whistleblowers, and ethnic minorities.
Those targeted in these ways are made the butt of community harassment through lies, slander, and defamation by the operators of these campaigns, in addition to being assaulted with microwave weaponry, also noted in this document.
As more and more information seeps out today regarding the unlawful targeting, surveillance, harassment and assault of upstanding community members in the wrongful name of national security, the question increasingly becomes: what are aware, educated Americans going to do about it?
Re-publishing of this article in whole or part, with attribution and linkback, is welcomed.
Posted in America, neuroweaponry, Surveillance, Targeted Individuals, Waking Up
Tagged Lockheed Martin, radio and microwave weapons
William Pawelec: Billions of Microchips Made by Siemens in 1984, Trackable from Space
Posted on December 16, 2015 by Ramola D | Leave a comment
This video interview of the late William Pawelec by Dr. Steven Greer, referred to in his recent talk on the Secret Government, explored here, has been highlighted in an article this past week (excerpted below) by Dr.Michael Salla of Exopolitics.org, Siemens Implicated in Tracking Forced Labor and Slaves in Space, which explores whistleblower testimony regarding forced labor in space, but also explores Siemens’ role in early manufacture and developing of RFID chip technologies.
(This Disclosure video interview is also linked at The Commonsense Show site, where I recently viewed it; Bill Pawelec, reportedly, was a long-time personal friend of Dave Hodges.)
Many thanks to Dr. Michael Salla, whose article is excerpted below, please visit Exopolitics.org for the full article.
The tiny Siemens chips made in 1984 that he refers to (see below) could be detected and read from a distance of 120 km away, he said. This translates to about 400,000 feet or 75 miles, well above the altitude most commercial jets fly at (30-40,000 feet) or even fighter aircraft (50,000 feet or above), well above the stratosphere and into the thermosphere.
Image from an excellent essay on Atmospheric Structure, albany.edu/Click to visit
Consider: Low-flying aircraft studding our skies these days, circling our neighborhoods in long low sweeps at night and by day–particularly those neighborhoods hosting activists, citizens, and veterans being c/overtly assaulted in classified Mind Hacking human experimentation projects--flying anywhere from 500 to 3000 feet, or even commercial aircraft flying by steadily in a diverted stream anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 feet, often reported by those being assaulted as part of aerial stalking scenarios, would not have any trouble communicating with such long-distance chips.
Of course, other tracking and surveillance technologies are reportedly being used from these airborne platforms too, including Radar, and Remote Neural Monitoring. Remarkable though that microchips of such sophistication have been in existence for more than thirty years now– and important information to have, to show proof that microchips that can be read from thousands of feet or many tens of miles away have indeed been developed, fine-tuned, and exist.
“Prior to 2001, Pawelec decided to reveal what he knew about deep black projects that he believed were hiding advanced technologies from the U.S. public. He gave an interview to Dr. Steven Greer with the strict instruction that it would only be published after his death. He died on May 22, 2007 and the video was published posthumously on December 14, 2010.
Among his many revelations is information concerning the development of the first electronic RFID tracking chips that were developed as early as 1979 according to Pawelec. He explained the history of their development, and the role his Denver-based company played in setting up meetings with government agencies, which were interested in using the chips for security purposes.
In his video interview with Greer, Pawelec said:
At the time in the security industry, a lot of us had a lot of concerns about tracking and locating people that had been kidnapped. Particularly what was going on in Europe at the time where we were having NATO officers, even the Prime Minister of Italy, kidnapped … These people were drained [of information] or they were brutalized or both… One of the goals of the industry was to develop technology that would allow us to track these people or locate them quickly.
He said that the tracking chips, which were very small and shaped like a pill, had multiple functions:
Image from Wikipedia
Now this particular pill shaped device, very minute, had a lot of flexibility in its capabilities. It was basically almost a transponder. You could send a frequency to it and it would respond back with its unique number which could not be changed once the chip was made. Yet there were a lot of capabilities that could be added to this chip such as monitoring temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and even wave forms out of the brain.
Pawelec said that soon after demonstrating an even more sophisticated lithium niobate chip in 1984, which could be tracked from a distance of 120 kilometers in space, he discovered a small Silicon Valley company had been set up to manufacture billions of them. He learned that “after they had made billions and billions of these little chips” the factory was shut down a year later, and all information about the chips disappeared.
Pawelec said that the small company responsible for making the billions of tiny chips “was a division of a rather major European electronics firm that had the plant. Siemens.”
Pawelec went on to describe how his colleague, Bob, the former head of security for the U.S. State Department, was assassinated in Nairobi because he was getting too close to learning about the people that had acquired control over the tracking chips and had built billions of them for an unknown purpose.
According to Pawelec, the people behind Bob’s assassination had infiltrated the U.S. military industrial complex at its highest level, and could intimidate and silence anyone.
Pawelec’s testimony suggests that the Siemen’s corporation had acquired the rights and control over the tracking chip technology, built billions of them in less than a year using a U.S. subsidiary, and then arranged for the local manufacturing plant to close with all information about the tracking chips now gone.
Importantly, the Siemen’s corporation was associated with a powerful force embedded within the U.S. military industrial complex, which was intent on hiding the true purpose of the chips. This hidden force possessed the power to remove anyone who got too close to learning the truth, even the head of security at a U.S. Embassy.
It is worth repeating that the main function of the tiny chips, according to Pawelec, was to track people, and even monitor their key physiological processes over large distances. This leads to the question, why would the Siemen’s corporation need billions of chips to monitor people over large distances?”
Please continue reading at Exopolitics.org.
Posted in electronic surveillance, RFID Chips, Secrecy, secret human experimentation, Surveillance, Targeted Individuals, targeting individuals, US Govt
Tagged Covert RFID Implants, Dr. Michael Salla, Dr. Steven Greer, Exopolitics.org, forced labor, Microchips, secret space program, Siemens, slave labor, William Pawelec
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Board index ‹ World Assembly ‹ WA Archives
PASSED: Protection of Outer Space Act
A carefully preserved record of the most notable World Assembly debates.
184 posts • Page 1 of 8 • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 8
Stash Kroh
Founded: Jun 25, 2008
by Stash Kroh » Tue Aug 11, 2009 8:22 pm
Protection of Outer Space Act
A resolution to increase the quality of the world's environment, at the expense of industry.
Author: Stash Kroh | Category: Environment | Strength: All Business
The World Assembly abroad,
ACKNOWLEDGING the importance of maintaining Outer Space as an environment for all nations to explore in the safest manner possible,
UNDERSTANDING that the hazardous accumulation of space debris in recent years is contributed by space-voyaging nations,
CONCERNED that nations may pollute this internationally encompassing environment, as space debris that is uncontrolled will not remain in one area forever and may even gravitate towards celestial bodies or pose a hazard to satellites and astronauts,
DEFINING “Outer Space” as the void which occupies the largely empty areas of the universe outside the atmosphere of any planet, star or other celestial body, where the edge of any celestial body’s atmosphere is understood to be the specific position where a craft would have to travel faster than orbital velocity in order to receive sufficient aerodynamic lift from the atmosphere to support itself.
HEREBY:
1) Prohibits space-voyaging nations from damaging or polluting Outer Space unnecessarily.
2) Further Prohibits any unnatural addition of hazardous debris to a frequented travel route or within dangerous proximity to a celestial body where nations reside.
3) Forbids the intentional atmospheric reentry of any vessel, satellite, or object of non-weaponry purpose, if its reentry presents a substantial and unjustifiable risk to the health of any resident of a nation.
4) Stipulates that all vessels, and residences in Outer Space recycle and reuse waste material to the best of their ability, and dispose of it in a manner that is least likely to cause unnecessary risk.
5) Establishes the Coordination of Space Consortium (C.O.S.C), in order to:
I. Support peaceful scientific research carried out by member states regarding the environmental effects of interstellar travel and Outer Space in general.
II. Safely organize, and coordinate the trajectories and flight paths of space vessels and satellites belonging to nations that are willing to share such vital information.
III. Research and devise new technologies and methodologies to improve waste management systems in Outer Space as well as the longevity of satellites and other space equipment while minimalizng space travel's dependency on disposable space equipment such as rocket stages.
6) Encourages nations to adopt the C.O.S.C’s technological designs or environmental practices if applicable, or otherwise remain outside of Outer Space until their crafts and crew are compliant with its standards.
Draft 4.3, whadda yeh think?
Last edited by Sirocco on Sat Sep 19, 2009 3:06 pm, edited 47 times in total.
Ambassador Adelinda Gliemann
The Clockwork Forge of Stash Kroh
WA Security Council Liaison
Bergnovinaia
Re: The Coordination of Outer Space Act
by Bergnovinaia » Tue Aug 11, 2009 8:23 pm
It's okay I guess if you define outer space as an environment.
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Lizardiar
Founded: May 21, 2009
by Lizardiar » Tue Aug 11, 2009 8:25 pm
What of the already placed colonies? Are they to just let their worst enemy to live with them? Also, pollution of space? Space is limitless, I think we don't have to worry about pollution.
In all corners of the globe, the free people's slogan is this:
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http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=2761
Achievement!
What of the already placed colonies?
Colonies of Empty Space? They're just nations claiming sectors of vacuumed area whose conceited property claims obstruct travel routes when they should belong to everyone. Yes, it would no longer "belong" to them.
Also it should be noted, Outer Space by this proposal's definition does not apply to celestial bodies like astroiods, planets, stars and such... so if you meant colonies there, this proposal does not effect those.
Are they to just let their worst enemy to live with them?
If their worst enemy, is their worst enemy. Surely the feelings would be mutual?
So, two opposing forces could attack if they both agree to it. They also, have the right to go on their merry way if they like it, or keep as far away as possible from each other.
Or, they could just leave the WA.
Also, pollution of space? Space is limitless, I think we don't have to worry about pollution.
Space Debris has a funny way of making it back to celestial bodies as if something was pulling it there. This "pollution" could be the size of a small moon, so you might want to reconsider what your government worries about falling from the sky!
Also this pollution can be obstructive to travel routes, and a dangerous hazard. No one wants to lose astronauts lives, well, atleast that seems to be the general opinion.
Last edited by Stash Kroh on Tue Aug 11, 2009 8:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
King Zhaoxiang of Qin
Founded: Sep 28, 2007
Civil Rights Lovefest
by King Zhaoxiang of Qin » Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:55 pm
We at King Zhaoxiang of Qin feel that this is very good, but we would offer some changes, just based on our own preferences and insights.
Demands that Outer Space be free from entitlement, lawful jurisdiction or property claims, as it is an environment shared by all, and owned by none.
No lawful jursidiction? Not even the WA's? So the bill is trying to set laws on something, and then removes it's own jurisdiction over the area it's trying to set laws on.
This would be more preferable to us, or something along these lines.
"Demands that Outer Space be free from property claims, as it is an environment shared by all and owned by none.
Notes that all international and nation criminal laws regarding arrest, detainment, extradition, prosecution, trial and punishment should apply in Outer Space as they do in the WA otherwise"
Not in those words, cuz those words don't sound very good, but something to that effect.
And also ...
Encourages nations to adopt the C.O.S.D’s technological designs or environmental practices if applicable, or otherwise remain outside of Outer Space until their crafts and crew are compliant with its standards.
King Zhaoxiang of Qin would prefer a stronger verb. If the point of the bill is to ensure the non-pollution of Outer Space, it doesn't make sense to not have standards that prevent wrecked ships which, in King Zhaoxiang of Qin's opinion, could be a major contributor to space pollution. We would support "requires" or "demands" instead of "encourages".
We would not support the bill without the first change, since it would condemn Outer Space to be a barren, crime-ridden hellhole of anarchy. We might support the bill without the second change.
"Now you're being rude and I hate rude people"
- Hannibal Lecter
by Stash Kroh » Tue Aug 11, 2009 10:13 pm
Ms. Gliemann nodded,
"Very well, how about this clause instead...?"
Demands that Outer Space be free from entitlement, lawful jurisdiction or property claims by member-states, as it is an environment shared by all, and owned by none.
"and I must say I've have been debating your second point in my own head before I had even written the proposal ! I came to the conclusion that prohibiting nations with potentially environmentally harmful space equipment would be discrimination. In some nations, space travel has been privatized for years. Imagine the "rich" space-travelers or fancy space hotels being able to upgrade their ships and go on their merry way after this legislation is passed, and the poorer space travelers having to hang up their coats as astronauts or space tourists. That's not the kind of economic atmosphere I'd like to encourage with my proposal so I've made it an encourage line, because I also feel having the WA pump lots of money into this to supply poorer space travelers with adequate equipment, would be a good way to waste WA funds and make this resolution a big target for taxpaying repealers!"
Last edited by Stash Kroh on Tue Aug 11, 2009 10:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
by King Zhaoxiang of Qin » Tue Aug 11, 2009 10:38 pm
Stash Kroh wrote: Ms. Gliemann nodded,
"Demands that Outer Space be free from entitlement, lawful jurisdiction or property claims by member-states, as it is an environment shared by all, and owned by none."
So then who enforces the law in outer space if the member states dont? The WA?
Is it assumed that GAR's are followed by all member states because one of the default rules is that all WA members have to follow the rules? Is there no need to establish who enforces these resolutions?
We would say to establish an Outer Space Security Council to oversee criminal concerns, but we don't know if that will help or harm the bill because we aren't sure about the rules on that.
As re: the second point, we fully agree, and we retract the suggestion.
Last edited by King Zhaoxiang of Qin on Tue Aug 11, 2009 10:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"I see... hhmm...
I think this will satisfy what I want to accomplish with this proposal,
Demands that Outer Space be free from entitlement, national law or property claims by member-states, as it is an environment shared by all, and owned by none.
As the WA is international law.
I've also added an new clause to 'beef' the proposal's power without touching on any discriminative subjects, as keeping travel paths and atmospheres safe from hazardous space junk is obviously one of the most important issues to deal with."
Stash Kroh wrote:
We think that it is the case that enforcement does not need to be specified. We have been consulting past GAR resolutions and none that we have found specify any enforcement issues. It is a prevailing rule that all member nations must follow the rules, and thus the rules themselves are sufficient.
The mighty Allied States of King Zhaoxiang of Qin support the resolution as it appears in Version 1.7.
Re: [Draft] The Coordination of Outer Space Act
Thank you for the approval,
I must ask my fellow ambassadors if they feel this clause in particular is neccessary?
Entitles any member nation the right to voyage through Outer Space as they please without persecution or assailment.
Seems to me, it might cause problems down the road for the proposal - in the form of a repeal. As well, it isn't exactly in sync with the rest of the proposal (an environmental one), however I wouldn't mind keeping it because its a good cause and seems to fit in I suppose with the whole 'sharing the place' concept, maybe. I'm iffy on this clause, as you can tell, I like it, but just don't know.... your advice is welcome.
Space Pirating was already covered in a past resolution by the way.
Stash Kroh wrote: Thank you for the approval,
There was a past resolution, but your sentence is in line with the goals of that bill. It's not in contradiction. So it shouldn't be a reason for an appeal.
But is it necessary? Probably not. But it sounds good.
Bottom line, King Zhaoxiang of Qin has no opinion and stands by its approval.
Bears Armed
GA Secretariat
Re: Draft: The Coordination of Outer Space Act
by Bears Armed » Wed Aug 12, 2009 3:45 am
OOC: the suggested "no lawful jurisdiction" clause might be [illegally] incompatible with Resolution #20's clauses encouraging member nations to suppress international piracy in any areas that aren't under any nation's control, and to attack international pirates' bases "wherever those are located"... The nations would have to be using their own 'jurisdiction' (as recognised under that Resolution) as the basis for for such actions, because the rule against the WA having any police/military of its own means that they couldn't be acting as its agents on its behalf & on the basis of any 'jurisdiction' that it might possess there...
Last edited by Bears Armed on Wed Aug 12, 2009 4:49 am, edited 3 times in total.
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Rutianas
Chargé d'Affaires
Inoffensive Centrist Democracy
by Rutianas » Wed Aug 12, 2009 4:17 am
It's a damned good thing that the Imperial Republic left when we did. What is it with all the 'Free Outer Space' and 'No Weapons in Space' junk? Do people truly not realise that there are space faring nations out there and that they have the right to claim and protect the space surrounding their planets from invasion?
In fact, this is the same tripe that was out there a while back, only in slightly different wording. This is forcing space faring nations to have their borders set for them. Now, why don't I write up a proposal that states that undeveloped land is not subject to any nation's jurisdiction? Why? Because it's an environment to be shared by all. Kind of stupid, isn't it? Well, that's exactly what's going on here.
Paula Jenner, Rutianas Ambassador
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Meekinos
by Meekinos » Wed Aug 12, 2009 4:38 am
This is in the wisdom of the Prophets of Profit unprofitable. Why restrict the ability of nations to expand if space itself is indeed unlimited? Wouldn't it be better to grant easements in occupied sectors controlled by member nations of the WA? It would create a fairer compromise. Nations that engage in interstellar travel and colonization would not be restricted in their activities while other member nations through virtue of being part of the WA would receive an easement right.
Ambassador Gavriil Floros
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The paranoid, isolationist, xenophobic capitalists.
Meekinos wrote: This is in the wisdom of the Prophets of Profit unprofitable. Why restrict the ability of nations to expand if space itself is indeed unlimited? Wouldn't it be better to grant easements in occupied sectors controlled by member nations of the WA? It would create a fairer compromise. Nations that engage in interstellar travel and colonization would not be restricted in their activities while other member nations through virtue of being part of the WA would receive an easement right.
Why? If people want to cross our borders, all they have to do is ask. If we're not at war or upset with the nation, we're likely to agree, with some restrictions. If at any point we believe they're carrying something dangerous, we have the right to board them and make sure it's either properly secured, or removed, as the case may be. Why should we give up our rights to do that? Or are you saying that space faring nations just shouldn't have the same rights as land based nations?
Flibbleites
by Flibbleites » Wed Aug 12, 2009 8:01 am
The Coordination of Outer Space Act
Acknowledges that Outer Space is an impossible location for some nations to even dream of exploring, let alone colonizing,
Conversely Acknowledges that it is an area frequently used by space-voyaging nations, who in many cases leave behind a hazardous trail of space debris, garbage and remains of warfare,
Utterly disappointed that nations feel they have the right to claim, and pollute this internationally encompassing environment,
Hereby
Defines “Outer Space” as a large void which occupies the rather empty areas of the universe outside the atmosphere of any planet, star or other celestial body.
Further Defines the edge of any celestial body’s atmosphere at the specific position where a craft would have to travel faster than orbital velocity in order to receive sufficient aerodynamic lift from the atmosphere to support itself.
Demands that Outer Space be free from entitlement, national law or property claims, as it is an environment shared by all, and owned by none.
Prohibits space-voyaging nations from damaging or polluting Outer Space unnecessarily, as it is a communal environment.
Further Prohibits travelers from leaving hazardous debris near a frequented travel route or within dangerous proximity to a celestial body where nations reside.
Establishes the Coordination of Space Division (C.O.S.D) to analyze the effects of interstellar travel on Outer Space, and to devise new technologies and methodologies to lower the environment footprint of space traveling if their examination concludes that the current voyaging is having adverse effects on the environment.
I think I wouldn't trust the WA to coordinate my socks, let alone outer space.
Bob Flibble
WA Representative
The Rogue Nation of Flibbleites
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Rutianas wrote:
They should be entitled to full rights. As for the suggestion of an easement, the other could go on the outside border of a sector, allowing for the most direct route that would respect borders. We realise that it may be a concern if there is an easement but looking at the proposal as it is, it is far more extreme than our neutral suggestion of an easement that would allow for the two sides to reach a common ground. Having an easement shouldn't remove sovereign rights to board and search vessels which may be suspected of carrying dangerous goods.
Veilyonia
Founded: Nov 20, 2008
by Veilyonia » Wed Aug 12, 2009 8:44 am
Any law that prohibits claims in space will greatly reduce the drive to explore territory beyond Earth. Opposed.
The desire to claim strongholds in space is what drives exploration. It arguably drove the space race, the greatest period of extraterrestrial discovery in history. Since that period, the world has focused more on satellite TV and GPS, failing to make any further manned missions to the moon.
In addition, I can only imagine how nations with interstellar claims will respond to this.
Previously known as Veilyonia
Political Compass
"An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind" -Gandhi
by Stash Kroh » Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:09 am
OOC: Hhhmm, correct. In the newest draft I use the wording "National Law", as opposed to "International Law". Would that be satisfactory?
That was something that had not occurred to me, and another reason to strike this clause....
I was thinking earlier that as the proposal grants no one the right to enter outside of the borders of Outer Space as they please, that the atmospheres of celestial bodies were safe from such things. But what about large weaponry sitting outside, or satellites spying on other planets. Alas this might the final straw for that clause.
I shall let the "Harmony of Outer Space" be a good global disarmament, political stability or international security proposal in the future.
That clause has been stricken from the proposal.
I must however wonder why you feel that space debris is not a problem and should be dealt with accordingly, flouting debris can be large enough to wipe whole existences off innocent planets and is extremely hazardous to travel routes.
Last edited by Stash Kroh on Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:12 am, edited 1 time in total.
by Bears Armed » Wed Aug 12, 2009 11:57 am
OOC: Not that I particularly support this concept anyway, but I think that "no lawful jurisdiction, except as might be specified within other WA resolutions" might be the best approach to this aspect of it.
by Stash Kroh » Wed Aug 12, 2009 12:07 pm
I've changed the clause to say...
Demands that Outer Space be free from entitlement, property claims or lawful jurisdiction as it is an environment shared by all, and owned by none. Exceptions regarding jurisdiction may be specified within other WA resolutions.
I've also (hopefully) have clarified problems stated earlier with a new edition to the text,
Clarifies that an unnatural, or constructed structure is not by definition "Outer Space", and therefore spacecrafts and other structures occupying the void of Outer Space can be claimed by national law, or as property.
Charlotte Ryberg
The Muse of the Westcountry
by Charlotte Ryberg » Wed Aug 12, 2009 1:15 pm
A consortium rather than a division, where member states may join in, would be a good idea. The Space Consortium should seek to further the world's knowledge of outer space and support the peaceful scientific research carried out by member states.
Simple committee names can be attractive but keep being creative, honoured ambassador.
Last edited by Charlotte Ryberg on Wed Aug 12, 2009 1:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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by Stash Kroh » Wed Aug 12, 2009 1:51 pm
I like the idea of a consortium, ambassador, would this suffice?
Version 2.1 wrote: Establishes the Coordination of Space Consortium (C.O.S.C) between interested member nations to analyze the effects of interstellar travel on Outer Space, and to devise new technologies and methodologies to lower the environment footprint of space traveling if their examination concludes that the current voyaging is having adverse effects on the environment.
Encourages nations to adopt the C.O.S.C’s technological designs or environmental practices if applicable, or otherwise remain outside of Outer Space until their crafts and crew are compliant with its standards.
Or would you prefer a full redraft of those clauses to include more about the exploration of Outer Space. (I'm leaning towards that, I just don't have a foggy clue where to start)
Things that could be beneficial include research for finding alternative travel routes for safety and pragmatism;
And methods to clean, and dispose of the existing space debris.
Exploration of outer space is really valuable to education and science. Member states won't really know the facts until they've seen it, honoured ambassador.
Oh, and don't forget the furtherment of technology as a result of space research, too.
Okay I'm considering adding something like this...
Establishes the Coordination of Space Consortium (C.O.S.C) between interested member nations,
I. To support peaceful scientific research carried out by member states regarding Outer Space,
II. To analyze the effects of interstellar travel on Outer Space,
III. To locate alternative travel routes for safety and pragmatism,
IV. To develop and conduct methods to clean, and dispose of any existing space debris deemed hazardous,
And V. To devise new technologies and methodologies to lower the environment footprint of space traveling if their examinations conclude that the current voyaging is having adverse effects on the environment.
But I fear this will put me over the Word Count.
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Bobby Ross Jr., Academia, Evangelicals, Friday Five, Godbeat, Journalism, Politics
Friday Five: #ExposeChristianSchools, Trump's Bible, buried lede, tmatt's future, Mariano Rivera
“Reporter Trolls Christian Schools” was the headline on a recent Wall Street Journal column after a New York Times reporter asked for feedback from people who had attended Christian schools.
A lot of conservatives saw the request — tied to the viral hashtag #ExposeChristianSchools that emerged after headlines over Vice President Mike Pence’s wife, Karen, teaching at an evangelical school — as a pretense for a looming hit piece.
In fact, the actual New York Times article published drew praise from some, including a Southern Baptist minister who called it “insightful reporting and not one-sided negative.”
Me? I didn’t find the piece terribly insightful, enlightening or revealing of Christian school experiences that I know about.
This will give you an idea of the tone: The Times starts with quotes from those who “struggled with bullying and depression” at Christian schools, moves to quotes from those who “experienced lasting pain and confusion” at Christian schools and finishes with — this must be the “not one-sided negative” part — those who “shared stories of love and acceptance of others” at Christian schools.
Got a different view of the article? Feel free to comment below.
Now, let’s dive into the Friday Five:
1. Religion story of the week: This is one of those weeks when a single story or issue didn’t really stand out. So let’s go with President Donald Trump’s tweet supporting Bible literacy courses in public schools.
I wrote an entire post about this subject earlier this week, and since I see our analytics, I know many of you missed reading it.
So here’s another chance to check it out.
Tagged: #ExposeChristianSchools, Karen Pence, Vice President Mike Pence, Christian schools, Bible literacy, President Donald Trump, New York, Terry Mattingly, Presbyterians, slavery, Sarah Pulliam Bailey, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic
Academia, Black church, Books, Methodists, People, Race, Richard Ostling
Frederick Douglass is the ideal topic for this year’s Black History Month features
In the 200th year of American independence, President Gerald Ford officially established February as national Black History Month. The idea grew out of African-Americans’ longstanding heritage week timed with the February birth dates of the white emancipator Abraham Lincoln and the black abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
Douglass, the most powerful black orator and agitator during the campaign to end slavery, is the ideal topic for a religion feature this February. That’s due to a magisterial new biography that enjoys universal acclaim from critics, “Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom” (Simon & Schuster).
The Guy recommends the book itself — 888 pages! — and interviews with author David W. Blight, a Yale University history professor who specializes in slavery, abolitionism and the Reconstruction period (Contacts: david.blight@yale.edu or 203-432-8521 or 203-432-3339). Notably, Blight portrays this heroic American with warts-and-all exposure of problematic aspects in public and private life. One example was Douglass’s typically Protestant assertion that Catholic belief in the papacy was a “stupendous and most arrogant lie.”
The touring Douglass moved audiences with addresses, often in churches, that were de facto sermons and made continual use of the Bible. Favorite themes were the Exodus of God’s children from Egypt and the moral denunciations from the Hebrew prophets. This was not a matter of tactical artifice, Blight observes, but an authentic expression of profound spiritual devotion.
In 1831, as a 13-year-old household slave in Baltimore, Douglass experienced a thoroughgoing conversion to — in his own words — “faith in Jesus Christ as the Redeemer, Friend, and Savior of those who diligently seek him.” He was chiefly influenced by sermons of two white Methodists and especially black lay preacher Charles Johnson. Blight says Douglass quickly developed a hunger for Bible reading, saw the world around him “in a new light,” and gained “new hopes and desire” that laid the foundation of his career.
As is frequently the case for Protestants, his faith was further deepened by a fellow layman, Charles Lawson, a semi-literate black laborer. The two would spend endless hours “singing, praying, and glorifying God,” Blight says.
Tagged: Black History Month, Frederick Douglas, abolitionists, David W. Blight, Methodists, slavery, AME Zion Church
Baptists, Bobby Ross Jr., Evangelicals, Race
Theology of Baptist seminary's lament: Slavery is the headline, but a few media reports mention sin
In inside-the-Beltway speak, by releasing an extensive report on its racist past, the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., decided to “hang a lantern” on its problem. (It’s a term that readers of Chris Matthews’ “Hardball” will understand.)
In other words, Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s oldest educational institution, wanted part of the story to be about how blunt and candid the seminary was in acknowledging its historic sins.
The basic point is that when something is really bad, you want to be the person who tells the public that it's really bad.
Mohler did that Wednesday in releasing a report that has drawn — and rightly so — extensive national media coverage.
The lede from the New York Times:
The first and oldest educational institution of the Southern Baptist Convention disclosed in a report Wednesday that its four founders together owned more than 50 slaves, part of a reckoning over racism in the nation’s largest Protestant denomination.
The 71-page report released by the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a recitation of decades of bigotry, directed first at African slaves and later at African-Americans. Beginning with the founding of the seminary in Greenville, S.C., in 1859, the report found that the school, with few exceptions, backed a white supremacist ideology.
“The moral burden of history requires a more direct and far more candid acknowledgment of the legacy of this school in the horrifying realities of American slavery, Jim Crow segregation, racism, and even the avowal of white racial supremacy,” wrote R. Albert Mohler Jr., the president of the seminary, which is now in Louisville, Ky.
Over at the American Conservative, blogger Rod Dreher praised Mohler for the release of the report:
I have an immense amount of respect for Albert Mohler and the institution he leads, the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, for having commissioned a hard-hitting report looking into the seminary’s racist past. This is a profoundly Christian act of historical reflection and repentance. Read the report and Mohler’s cover letter here.
But the Times’ coverage — like that of most other mainstream news reports that I saw — lacked any mention of the theological angle.
Tagged: Albert Mohler, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist Convention, slavery, Louisville, Religion News Service, Adelle Banks, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Ian Lovett, NPR, Rod Dreher
Worship, Terry Mattingly, Race, Pentecostal-Charismatics, Godbeat, Food, Black church, Baptists
New York Times digs into fried fish, all the fixings and, oh, then there's some kind of church thing
Growing up Baptist in East Texas, I learned a whole lot about fried catfish. Mostly, I learned that this was an important, even symbolic, food in rural communities and in black churches.
Later, when I married into a Baptist family in Georgia, that meant spending time in a region in which I learned, once again, that catfish was a part of life — in some parts of the community. The same thing’s true here in East Tennessee (along with barbecue, of course).
Even in Baltimore, we lived near a catfish joint that was jammed on the weekends — with African-Americans picking up stacks of take-out boxes for home and for church get-togethers.
So my eyes lit up when I saw this evocative double-decker headline in The New York Times, of all places:
Celebrating the Fish Fry, a Late-Summer Black Tradition
Catfish, hot sauce, a few sides: For many African-American families, these are makings of a time-honored gathering that feeds a sense of community.
Oh yeah, fried catfish, but also tilapia, snapper and “whitefish” — with lots of hot sauce. Then you had hushpuppies, of of course, with potato salad, coleslaw, black-eyed peas, greens and, maybe, french fries. And underneath the fish, to soak up some of the hot oil, there’s usually a slice or two of white sandwich bread.
Now, lots of good info about the food and black-family traditions made it into the Times piece, with the help of “food historian” Adrian Miller. And there’s a hint at deeper ties that bind in this key passage about this legacy of frying fish on weekends:
… The tradition took on a different meaning in the South during the era of slavery. “The work schedule on the plantation would slow down by noon on Saturday, so enslaved people had the rest of that day to do what they wanted,” Mr. Miller said.
Those who finished work early could go fishing and bring back their catch to be fried that night; plantation owners didn’t mind, Mr. Miller said, because it was one less meal they had to provide. “So the fish fry started as a Saturday-night thing on plantations, and it was like an impromptu get-together,” he said.
In the decades after Emancipation, the tradition became a business for many African-Americans, who brought fish fries with them as they migrated from the South to other parts of the country. … The fish fry was also used as a popular tool to raise money for churches.
Food for raising money? That’s all there is to it?
Tagged: The New York Times, Adrian Miller, soul food, revivals, Civil War, slavery, black churches
Discrimination, Education, Julia Duin, Race, Food
Inside Higher Ed does best job of explaining a college president and a controversial meal
When I was in Tennessee two weeks ago, one of the fun things my daughter and I did was wade among some cotton plants, which we had not seen since we'd moved to the Pacific Northwest three years ago. You see them all the time in the Volunteer State this time of year. They’re kind of pretty, actually, if you don’t cut yourself on the sharp bracts that result when the boll has burst open and dried.
Even so, they can serve as an inexpensive table centerpiece were you trying to entertain a crowd, which is what drew me to the news about the president of a Christian college in Nashville who did just that.
But the black students who were his guests one night felt the cotton arrangements were a racist statement, according to the New York Daily News.
But note: If you look for any hints of the religious background of this Nashville college in this story, you will find none:
A dinner intended to give African-American students at a Tennessee university the opportunity to discuss their experience at the private liberal arts school left attendees shocked after tables were decorated with cotton stalk centerpieces.
Lipscomb University president Randy Lowry invited black students to his Nashville home Friday night for a dinner, but many of the students deemed the tableware and menu offensive.
Tagged: Lipscomb University, soul food, cotton, slavery, The Tennessean, The New York Daily News, Inside Higher Ed, Church of Christ
Academia, Books, Godbeat, Social Issues, Richard Ostling, Scriptures
Say WHAT?!? Did Jesus really teach that slaves should be abused?
REX’S QUESTION (Paraphrased):
How can anyone believe in Jesus when he was a liar who preached “liberty” yet instructed people to beat slaves?
Rex, and any folks who appear to have influenced his thinking, seriously misread Jesus’ teaching, so it’s worth unpacking why and glimpse how experts advise us to understand the Bible.
Here’s the full question, as posted:
“How is it possible to believe in Jesus when he claimed to ‘set at liberty them that are bruised’ (Luke 4:18) but also gave bruising instructions on how to flog slaves? (Luke 12:47-48) His first claim is clearly dishonest! His instruction to flog slaves for not knowing what they’re doing is malicious. After all, he also said “God forgive them for they know not what they do’! How can anyone trust a man who lies and contradicts his own instructions?”
If Jesus was deceitful, confused and advocated physical abuse of helpless slaves, yes, he’d be a flawed moral teacher, much less someone for billions to worship as the Son of God. When a passage like this seems puzzling or contradictory, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a couple Bible commentaries in your local library written by solid scholars familiar with the ancient idiom and context.
Rex’s interpretation follows a wooden literalism that makes Fundamentalists look liberal.
Tagged: Bible, slavery, Jesus, New American Standard Bible, New Revised Standard Version, Proverbs
Academia, Social Issues, Richard Ostling, Race, Godbeat, Evangelicals, Scriptures
Why didn’t the Bible abolish slavery? So, which form of slavery are we talking about?
If the Bible is a revered guide to morality, why didn’t it abolish slavery? The Guy poses this issue that was raised in many comments posted after our Oct. 17, 2016, Q&A about people who abhor Jewish and Christian Scripture.
Toleration of slavery, in which some people own and control others as property, is a favorite Internet attack skeptics level against the Bible. Greg Carey of Lancaster Theological Seminary says slavery is “the single most contested issue in the history of biblical interpretation in the United States.” Indeed, the U.S. Civil War demonstrated how ingrained this economic practice was and how difficult to eliminate — think 600,000-plus war dead.
Evangelical historian Mark Noll says Christians’ pre-war debate on this undercut scriptural authority because the two opposite sides employed the Bible for support. Supporters of the South’s plantation economy argued that the Bible never required abolition of slavery, while abolitionists believed biblical principles mandate freedom and respect for each person created by God. Bible believers in that second group were largely responsible for achieving abolition of this unmitigated evil on a global scale.
Slavery existed as far back as human history can be traced, and the dimensions became staggering. The Encyclopaedia Britannica says slaves were once half the population in sectors of Asia, an estimated 18 million east Africans were subjected to the Muslim slave trade from the time of the Quran through 1900, while the west African trade involved 7 to 10 million enslaved people until British and American abolition.
Defenders of the Bible note that thousands of years ago holy writ did not require slavery but accommodated it as an unavoidable reality, and mitigated it with relatively enlightened and humane provisions.
Tagged: slavery, Mark Noll, Greg Carey, early church, New Testament, abolitionists, kidnapping, Ten Commandments
Christianity, Evangelicals, Human Rights, Journalism, Methodists, People, Politics, Race, Religious Liberty, Richard Ostling, Women, Scriptures
Honoring Harriet Tubman, a Methodist, Republican, evangelical woman for the ages
After considerable backing and forthing, the Obama administration announced April 20 that it will put Harriet Tubman on the front of the $20 bill. She’ll be the first African-American honored on U.S. currency, and one of very, very few women to be given this honor -- even briefly. Martha Washington and Pocahontas briefly held this distinction, and Susan B. Anthony dollar coins remain in circulation, but are no longer minted.
Tubman, the famed savior of slaves via the “underground railroad” and a Republican, supplants Democratic President Andrew Jackson, who’ll be relegated to the bill’s back along with the continuing White House image. The quip of the week prize goes to conservative economist and columnist John Lott, who tweeted: “On $20 bill, Ds replace Andrew Jackson, a founding father of D Party, w Harriet Tubman, a black, gun-toting, evangelical Xn, R woman.”
Also fast on the draw was Religion News Service, issuing “5 faith facts” about this devout Methodist in a format the wire has used to good effect with various 2016 candidates. The facts:
Tubman was nicknamed “Moses” after the biblical rescuer because she led hundreds of slaves to freedom and attributed such bravery to faith in God. She experienced many vivid dreams and visions that she believed came from God.
Her favorite song in a personal hymnal she collected was “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” She believed that God directed her to go on the hunger strike that raised $20 to free her own parents from slavery. Her death-bed words in 1913 quoted Jesus Christ, “I go to prepare a place for you.”
It will be interesting to see how much the mainstream news-media coverage notes the powerful religious faith that drove this activist to glory.
Tagged: Andrew Jackson, U.S. Treasury, Alice B. Anthony, slavery, Operation Underground Railroad, currency, money, Religion News Service, Methodists
Christianity, Evangelicals, Human Rights, Journalism, Marriage & Family, Missionaries, People, Terry Mattingly, LGBTQ, Charities-Nonprofits, Scriptures, International News
Adam LaRoche plays by HIS own rules? That's what his story is about? #Seriously
You knew there was going to be some kind of sequel to the amazing story of Adam LaRoche and his decision to walk away from millions of dollars because Chicago White Sox leaders had second thoughts about allowing his son Drake to come to work with him day after day.
Sure enough, ESPN assigned reporter Tim Keown to do one of those ultra-personal feature stories -- built on a long, exclusive interview -- that come a week or two after a media firestorm that created way more heat than light.
So we get a deep feature piece, precisely the kind that makes me think there is some chance that ESPN will finally take seriously the religion angle of a major story. Take that headline for example: "Adam LaRoche goes deep on his decision to walk."
Now, this story does include all kinds of interesting details and colorful anecdotes, while answering a few obvious questions. Some LaRoche critics, for example, thought it was strange that this loving dad wanted his son to spend so much time around, well, baseball players. Aren't they known for being a bit, well, profane and crass?
Yes, LaRoche knew that Drake would be stretched a bit. Thus, I loved the evidence that some of the players actually tried to clean up their acts a bit. For example:
In 2012, Nationals utilityman Mark DeRosa cut a deal with Drake: I'll pay you every time you catch me swearing.
"Ten bucks a word."
So how much did the kid make? You can look it up.
Now, the whole idea is that LaRoche -- #duh -- has a different set of priorities than your average millionaire jock.
Tagged: Adam LaRoche, Chicago White Sox, ESPN, Tim Keown, Duck Dynasty, Exodus Road, slavery
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By Lucky, May 30, 2010 in Songfactor's Choice
edna 6
Rolling Stone Fish
I had that one too...
My dad brought it home to me before the official release, he was a journalist so he had all the promo records. he knew I was a fan...
So I told him "Can I have six other Stones albums?" and he said "OK, I'll ask for them"
I was asking for other records but that was the first release from Rolling Stones Records and they gave him six copies of Sticky Fingers...
So six friends of mine got their promo-Lp with the zipper and the number and the seal "promo" et all...
RonJonSurfer 15
Rainbow Surfperch
I have the zipper cover too. This album was the first one where I really nailed the saxophone parts...instead of sitting in room playing guitar, I stood there playing sax to songs that had sax parts and songs that didn't. I would make it up or imitate the guitar lines (you should have heard me imitate guitar feedback!!) When I got this album I started working on the sax part for Brown Sugar and that became my "local" signature piece...I had it down dead on.
Sticky Fingers was the first Stones album that I owned but I wasn't lucky enough to get the zipper. Technically it might have been purchased by my boyfriend of the time, but you know how that is .... went the boyfriend went I got custody of Sticky Fingers.
LeeBB 0
Poor Bob Marley... not even nominated. It ain't love that he's feeling.
Wyld Card 5
LocationPhoenix, AZ
I considered nominating Marley, but 2 nominations is hard dealt, yet fair.
Farin 2
Land Shark
Hey LeeBB, it's been some time
bluesboy 5
LocationSt. Louis
Bob Marley & the Wailers were probably at best around the 15th ---> 25th ranking for the 70's.
Carl 21
And here it is on the Blog. I love that we can see clips of these amazing songs being performed. Should have it on the home page soon:
Songfactor's Choice: Top Albums of the '70s
jai nance 1
Ray, Goodman, Brown[1979]....What's Goin On-Marvin Gaye[1971].
Go To Topic Listing Songfactor's Choice
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summitsw
Cults And Extreme Beliefs
summitsw replied to meatball77's topic in Other Non-Fiction Shows
Yeah, Norma was a piece of work. Especially against Lamont’s steadfast goodness. I found all of the cults horrible, especially the ones that involved sexual abuse against children, but that wack-a-doodle cult with the weddings and guns was something to see. The best episodes were where they spoke to the groups of survivors. I found it fascinating how each of them seemed relieved to find the connections in the other cults and realise that though their backgrounds differed, they all had experienced similar things. A lot of relief about having other people understand what they’d been through, which is understandable. I also loved how many of them were trying to help others adjust to being on the outside. So the FLDS and NXIUM have had legal victories, let’s hope the others get theirs soon.
Aftermath in the Media
summitsw replied to zxy556575's topic in Leah Remini: Scientology And The Aftermath
That’s awesome. I hope he runs and wins. Surely that’d make Dave’s head explode.
I get what they were trying to do but that could have been accomplished without revealing quite so many details. And it makes me wonder why even bother going with a Jane Doe pseudonym if you then reveal those items in the suit and make it simple to identify her. Maybe as you say, it’s some legal manoeuvre, you’d think the CO$ would be smart and lay off fair game for this suit, but I’m kinda hoping they don’t, just so it’s easier to bring them down.
Wow, the next thing her lawyers should do is sue the Tampa Bay Times. The ridiculous level of detail they gave about her made it completely obvious who she is, even though they refer to her as Jane Doe and say it’s for her safety. How stupid is that reporter? I knew who they were talking about before I was halfway through the article, and then they provided exact details of her involvement with Aftermath and Leah just to drive the point home. Although if they do come after her for the lawsuit it would just prove her point. Still though. Don’t reporters have any level of duty of care?
I didn’t realise someone had actually filed. Let’s hope everyone who has been on the show piles on and adds some weight. These guys are despicable and deserve to get everything they have coming to them. One also has to imagine that these lawyers will now be fair gamed as per the CO$ rules and should be able to add their own evidence to the trial documents.
Not sure if I can post this because it’s not about Aftermath specifically but if they can get this guy (and his lackies) for racketeering why can’t they go after CO$ the same way? We already know there’s a ton of victims who’ve spoken up, so frustrating that nothing happens. Keith Raniere of NXIVM found guilty
S12.E23: The Change Constant; S12.E24: The Stockholm Syndrome
summitsw replied to kariyaki's topic in The Big Bang Theory [V]
I found this season to be a chore, so was about 10 eps behind and then had to binge them. I did myself no favours with this plan, because watching that many episodes in a row was not fun. I’m not going to bother commenting on anything that went before the two part finale because it’s not worth it, but I found the first part of the finale to be better than the last part. The actual last episode was terrible. I found Sheldon’s speech cringe-worthy, not because of what he said but where he said it. By no means did I find that a believable scenario. And having each of the friends stand up was a **crickets** moment, not helped by the dead silence in that scene. Seriously, if someone did that at the Oscars they’d be roasted on social media. For mine, it would have been better for them to finish the show in Leonard and Penny’s living room with Sheldon giving the same speech and then giving his friends tickets to join him and Amy in Switzerland as a thank you for all they’d done. The end. There is also no universe in which I believe that Mary (and also Georgie and Missy) wouldn’t have attended that ceremony. Ending the show with the idea of them all heading off to watch the award ceremony rather than subjecting us to it would have also negated that ridiculousness. They should have ended the show last season with Amy and Sheldon’s wedding.
Maybe it’s because I’ve spent so much time watching Leah Remini’s Scientology series, but I find this series frustrating because it barely touches the surface of the issues with these cults/religions. You could easily devote a season to each one. I also don’t find Elizabeth Vargas very... compassionate. There’s just something about her that irritates me, but I can’t put my finger on it. I’ve found the main cult survivors to be compelling in pretty much all of the episodes. Especially Amy, Elijah and Teddy. The things that happened to these people, but especially the kids are just awful Haven’t seen even the last two episodes yet. I’ve been bingeing these and watched them out of order so the JW one was last one I watched. For some reason I just couldn’t connect as much to Romy in the JW episode. Her story was tragic but I found the whole ‘delivering the letter’ thing to be a bit dramatic. The Scientology episode on JW’s affected me more.
High Profile Scientologists: Tom, Travolta, and More!
summitsw replied to deaja's topic in Leah Remini: Scientology And The Aftermath
How Tom Cruise’s kids are rock stars in the Scientology World Kidman and Cruise’s kids step up in Scientology Not surprising but still sad, Katie did the right thing getting Suri the hell out of there.
Agree, I don’t get this at all, if there’s some legal reason they can’t show it then just tell us that. Otherwise they’re also guilty of pandering to the Co$ which makes a mockery of the show.
S03.E10: Buying a Town (Part 2)
summitsw replied to Sew Sumi's topic in Leah Remini: Scientology And The Aftermath
This is what I don’t get, I can see that keeping them in maybe 10 years ago, but nobody would give a crap now. Especially since everyone already thinks they’re gay/bi anyhow. I think TC likes the attention, he certainly seems to lap it up. Not sure what they have on Travolta, but I have to assume it’s more than just being gay/bi.
Here’s another article about the 60 Minutes interview. 60 Minutes Shelley Miscavage This just proves how dumb Co$ and Miscavage are, all they need to do is clean Shelley up and then plunk her in front of a camera to dispute this stuff but instead the let it be a big mystery. I loved how Leah said “Sue us, we welcome the lawsuit” she’s such a badass. 😁👍
I don’t watch I’m a Celeb, but this was in the paper today. Interesting take on CO$ from someone who’s never been in it. Katherine Kelly Lang talks Scientology KKL second article
S03.E08: Gilman Springs Road
I live for this day. Surely somehow, at some point, Miscavage and/or one of his top goons will be deposed and the light will shine on the filth they are.
This above all else is what makes me believe pretty much everything that anyone who’s been on the show has said. If it was untrue, the CoS would surely take great delight in dragging these people into court, but they take no action other than sending ridiculous letters, setting up stupid websites, and dragging out the same tired lines about all detractors. One can only assume it’s because they know if they sue, then they will also be deposed in order to prove that their detractors are lying, and they do not want that. I do have to say though, when Leah said ‘we have someone new who escaped’ I had this feeling of hope and then that blond chick came on and I groaned. I didn’t believe her in her episode, and after the genuine misery of the other contributors, she seemed too sort of gleeful about her knowledge. She’s seems so fake, I don’t believe her at all and I wish their ‘new person’ was more credible.
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The Environment, Green Living, and Alt. Energy
Global CO2 Emissions Spike, Despite Paris Climate Pledges
Thread starter GURPS
According to the Global Carbon Project, which monitors this, global CO2 emissions climbed by 1.6% last year. They are on track to shoot up by 2.7% this year. That's after three years of annual emissions remaining flat.
Wait a minute. The accelerating growth in carbon emissions came after some 200 countries signed the Paris agreement?
At the time, Barack Obama called the Paris agreement "an enduring agreement that reduces global carbon pollution and sets the world on a course to a low-carbon future. "
It "sends a powerful signal that the world is firmly committed to a low-carbon future," Obama said. He even called the agreement "a turning point for the world."
The reality is that nations need energy to grow. And the best and most economical forms of energy are oil, natural gas and coal.
Climate Hoax: Global CO2 Emissions Spike, Despite Paris Climate Pledges
SamSpade
So, I don't get what the point of this is.
What are the consequences of failing to live up to an international agreement? Everyone else blows raspberries at them?
There's no downside. I've stated for decades that when there's no consequence for bad behavior, there's no need to change it.
Everyone gets to hold hands, sing a little kumbaya, and agree to play nice - and they go back home and - well - do nothing.
So which is worse - doing the hand-holding and breaking a promise - or not doing the hand-holding and not making the promise?
limblips
SamSpade said:
The hand holders are rejoicing in the US backing out. They get to do nothing yet blame the entire climate thing on the big bad Trumpy United States. Screw them when they do something we will do something.
limblips said:
Screw them when they do something we will do something.
Except that...we ARE the one major industrial power with the great track record in greenhouse gas reductions. We have already done a lot about it. That garbage accord was never about us reducing anything except our national bank account..it was simply a vehicle for Barry to pursue his One World goals and shovel buttloads of US taxpayer dollars to "developing countries".
Carbon Trading Tax Credits .... aka wealth transfer to 3rd world countries - paying them not to industrialize
Well they all patted each other on the back yesterday as they agreed on how they will report their emissions.
This is all Belling the Cat. They all want to do it, and sneer at the U.S.
But they won't step up and bell the cat.
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5 Incredibly Inspirational Videos From FL National Awards & Summit
By Jelena MursudovaJun 20, 2019Awards, Business Builders, Career Builders
Through the years we have had some brilliantly inspirational speakers on our stages. Some brought us to tears and others gave us stitches in our side.
Here are 5 incredibly inspiring keynotes:
Petra Wetzel: Entrepreneur, Public Speaker & Founder Of WEST Beer
Bavaria-born Petra is the founder and Managing Director of WEST- an award-winning brewery, beer hall and events space in the iconic Templeton building in Glasgow Green. In 2016 Petra set-up the WEST Women fund, providing financial and personal support to other budding female entrepreneurs in Scotland.
Sahar Hashemi founder of Coffee Republic
In 1995 Sahar Hashemi founded Coffee Republic, and built it into one of the UK’s most recognised high street brands with a turnover of £30m. Giving up a job as a lawyer in London, she staked everything on a dream - and made Coffee Republic one of the main players in the ‘coffee revolution’ that transformed a nation of tea drinkers into one obsessed with ‘triple half-caf lattes’.
Top Tips from Dale Murray - Entrepreneur, Angel Investor & Non Executive Director
Dale Murray started at PwC as a teenager. She is the co-founder of Omega Logic, a British mobile pioneer launching pre-pay mobile top-ups for networks including Orange and Vodaphone. She eventually sold the company to Eposs and then First Data Corporation, staying on as CEO and building turnover to £450m in just six years. Dale now focuses on angel investing and advising start-up and early-stage businesses.
The Apprentice's Linda Plant - From a Market Stall in Dewsbury to the London Stock Exchange
Linda established herself through a series of challenging executive roles and was a pioneer in women's collective ascent to leadership roles in the professional world. She is a self-made woman, and success has given her the freedom to enjoy all that life has to offer while remaining true to her values. Most days Linda is in London, running her successful property and interior design business. You may also have seen Linda grilling Alan Sugar's candidates on The Apprentice.
Secret Millionaire Star Kavita Oberoi: ‘How I Grew My Business From £0 to Multi-Million’
Kavita Oberoi OBE is one of the UK’s most highly regarded and successful female entrepreneurs and social philanthropists. After spending eight years working in the Pharmaceutical industry and missing out on promotion Kavita decided to go it alone. In 2001 she established her first business Oberoi Consulting after spotting a gap in the market for clinical audit services, clients include the NHS and Pharmaceutical Industry. Ten years later Kavita established Oberoi Business Hub, based in Derby’s Pride Park, which is a shared business hub designed to assist and encourage business start-ups and growing businesses. Kavita has appeared in many TV programmes, including The Secret Millionaire and The Apprentice You're Fired.
The mother of all awards is officially back!
Celebrating all women in business across the UK, this UK wide competition is open to established leaders, corporate leaders, male agents of change, rising stars and the companies that support women. Book your tickets here.
business builderscareer builders
Jacqui Harper: Why I Wrote Executive Presentations For Business Speakers
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In 1911, William Durant enlisted Swiss-born racing star Louis Chevrolet to design a car, and in 1912 the new Chevrolet Motor Car Company introduced its first sedan with a long list of standard features. In 1915, Chevrolet introduced the 490 (priced at $490) to compete directly with the best-selling Ford Model T, and it was an instant success. By 1927, Chevrolet was the most popular American car. When WWII started, the division was building over 1.5 million vehicles per year. After the war, Chevrolet reclaimed its place as the best-selling brand. In 1953 Chevrolet launched what would become America's most successful sports car, the Corvette, and when Chevrolet introduced its legendary small-block V8 two years later, it quickly found its way into the Corvette. The 1963 Sting Ray, with its fully independent suspension, added to the Corvette's popularity and competitiveness. In 2009, the company released the Corvette ZR1, which boasts a supercharged 638 horsepower 6.2-liter LS9 V8. The compact, sporty Camaro debuted in 1967, and became another instant bestseller. In 2008, Chevrolet announced the return of the iconic car with the introduction of the 2010 Camaro SS—and logged over ten thousand pre-orders in less than three months. Today, Chevrolet continues to offer a car for nearly every market niche, and the company's nickname, 'Chevy,' shows the popular impact of this brand.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air - Photo by Ninetyninexx
As one of the most iconic American cars of all time, the Chevy Bel Air has a huge following in the classic-car community. The ‘57 Chevy is as emblematic of the 1950s as Elvis Presley or Marilyn Monroe and as American as hot dogs or apple pie. The restrained yet obvious fins, classic two-tone paint, and the huge chromed front grill and bumper have all contributed to the Bel Air’s tremendous rise in value over the years. For 1957, the 265 V8 was punched out to 283 cubic inches and, when equipped with the Ramjet fuel-injection option, it pumped out one horsepower from every cubic inch. This was a feat that Chevy deemed as “magic” at the time and claimed to be the first to accomplish. Over the years, many Bel Air models have become hot rods or resto-mods. The 220hp four-barrel Bel Air featured in Forza Motorsport 5 just begs to be dressed up to fulfill your hot-rodding dreams. Drop in a huge V8, prop it up with some 20-inch rims, and a give it a flame job, and you’ve got a guaranteed head-turner anywhere you roll.
The real star of the early 1960s hit show “Route 66” was the Corvette. Main characters Tod and Buz cruised the open highway in search of adventure, somehow getting a new Corvette every year. Chevrolet was the series’ main sponsor and the partnership resulted in a starry image for the Corvette. While Corvette sales benefited from the exposure, improvements in performance options continued to make the Vette the American car of choice for sport driving enthusiasts of the era or for those trying to look the part. The most potent option, the 283 Fuelie, would put out 290 horsepower. Connected to a four-speed with Positraction, performance was the best in the business. On the outside there were few changes to make the 1960 model stand out from its predecessors or later models until the Corvette Sting Ray was released in 1963.
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 - Photo by Steve Rcgers
Chevrolet’s engineering and design teams were rightly proud of the 1964 Impala, particularly the top-of-the-line SS 409 trim, but could any of them have imagined that their fast and luxurious full-size would be immortalized in song twice? First, the 409 cubic inch V8 was celebrated in a Beach Boys song called “409,” and then, exactly thirty years later, on the Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog track “Let Me Ride.” In between, countless enthusiasts have preserved or restored Impalas back to showroom condition, or customized them in countless ways. Peel away the phenomenon that the “6-4” has left in its wake and you can see why it’s become so popular despite being so widely produced — more than 880,000 Impalas were built in 1964, including more than 185,000 Super Sports of all varieties. Fewer than this were optioned with the impressive 6.7-liter engine sporting a pair of four-barrel carburetors, which cranked out an astonishing 425 horsepower. That was enough to take the Impala — no small car by any measure, now or then — to 60 mph in a swift 6.3 seconds. While handling isn’t necessarily the Impala’s forte, it demands respect as one of the ancestors of the later muscle car movement, because without the full-size cars that the high-performance V8s were built for, no manufacturer could have later dropped them into the intermediates that formed the basis of the genre. Cultural icon or stylish and fast cruiser, the Impala SS 409 is a lot of car.
1966 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport - Photo by fireprofcargo7
The Spanish translation of Nova, means “no go,” which certainly has never applied to anything with the SS badge. It’s obvious the team at Chevrolet was going for the astronomical reference to a star’s brightness being on the rise. This early-bodied Nova is a hallmark of early American Muscle and would breed a loyal following of Nova lovers for generations to come. With the exception of the late 1980s re-badged Toyota Novas, the Nova has long been a favorite bow-tie model to hot-rod. For 1966 the Nova got a restyle that made it sportier and fell in with trends of the era. An almost fastback-like roofline, plenty of bright aluminum in the grill, and deck lid cove as well as humped fenders gave the Nova SS a distinctive look in the “compact” car genre. It could be fitted with any Chevy engine above the four-cylinder all the way up to the 350 horsepower Turbo-Fire 327 and matched with a close-ratio four-speed. Build your track ready classic or drag strip rubber-burner, the Nova is ready to go wherever you take it.
1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport 396 - Photo by C4PT41N SL0W
The ’67 Chevelle SS-396 introduced a number of improvements to the then-three-year-old Chevelle model line, including improved tires, better steering response, and optional front disc brakes. While the three-speed automatic was standard, the Chevelle you’ll drive in Forza 5 features the four-speed option 375-horsepower V8, which was a dealer-installed conversion fitted into just a few hundred of the SS-396 models at the time. That rip-roaring power pushing a chunky hunk of Detroit steel weighing more than 3,500 pounds makes the ’67 Chevelle a classic piece of American muscle car heritage as well as a car that’s just as fun to listen to as it is to slide around a track.
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 427 - Photo by Steve Rcgers
Arguably the most desirable of any Corvette ever produced, the 1967 Stingray 427 had five years of refinements behind it. Under the hood the L88 (if ordered) was as close to a pure-race engine as Chevy had ever offered. Some would say the 427's design is as underrated as its horsepower, we say this is an all-time classic.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe - Photo by Nights Viper
After two years of strong sales and success in racing, the first facelift for the original Camaro gave the F-body a sleeker and more hard-edged look. Mechanically-speaking, most of the drivetrain and other components were carried over from the previous model years. Only with the 1969 model year can you find this package of looks and American muscle car performance. In addition to almost entirely redesigned sheet-metal and an aggressive new grill, front-disc brakes were available for the first time ever. In its SS dress, a solid 300hp are available to your right foot. The Camaro also accommodates upgrading nicely and can easily become a go-to car for any hot rod battles that come your way. The 1969 Camaro SS represents a not-forgotten era when this pony car found its way into the hearts of Bow Tie fans all over America.
1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 - Photo by SpeedDemon0388
With a powerful and relatively lightweight (compared to the 396 big block motors) small block powerplant--the ubiquitous 350 cubic inch engine--the 1970 Camaro Z28 debuted both a winning new body and a great motor. A total package that could be called the best-balanced Camaro yet assembled, the small block produced nearly as much as the 396 (360 horsepower) thanks to a high-flow carburetor and high 11:1 compression. Performance is fantastic, but handling is improved thanks to better weight distribution and better rubber. The early second generation cars are attractive, almost Ferrari-inspired, with a squared-off grille bisected by a chrome bumper, and quad round taillights placed under a large decklid spoiler out back. While the triumph of the new Z28 was clear on the street, for a variety of reasons the new model was less successful in Trans Am racing. However, that hasn’t hurt the value or desirability of these special first-year Camaros.
1970 Chevrolet El Camino Super Sport 454 - Photo by Focusatze
The El Camino wasn’t the first North American “coupe utility”—a concept that originated and still flourishes in Australia—but it’s certainly the most famous. And the SS 454 was the baddest El Camino to roll out of the factory wearing a bowtie, with a nearly unmanageable 450 horsepower, 7.4-liter V8 out front and very little weight over the rear axle. While not ideal from a traction standpoint, if you can get the rear tires to hook up you’ll be in for a treat, as the El Camino will blow through the quarter mile in less than 14 seconds—stock. The front sheetmetal is shared with the Chevelle/Malibu of the same era, replete with racing-style hood pins, racing stripes, and the blacked-out tailgate insert proudly proclaiming “SS 454” to whatever vehicle is choking on the El Camino’s tire smoke. Easily one of the best-looking of the extended El Camino family, it is definitely the most ferocious. While the original “ute” concept pictured a vehicle for farmers to take to church, this El Camino offers the more romantic notion that you could go tear up the dragstrip on Sunday, and haul a load of dirt on Monday.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS-454 - Photo by Nights Viper
The El Camino wasn’t the first North American “coupe utility”—a concept that originated and still flourishes in Australia—but it’s certainly the most famous. And the SS 454 was the baddest El Camino to roll out of the factory wearing a bowtie, with a nearly unmanageable 450 horsepower, 7.4-liter V8 out front and very little weight over the rear axle. While not ideal from a traction standpoint, if you can get the rear tires to hook up you’ll be in for a treat, as the El Camino will blow through the quarter mile in less than 14 seconds—stock. The front sheetmetal is shared with the Chevelle/Malibu of the same era, replete with racing-style hood pins, racing stripes, and the blacked-out tailgate insert proudly proclaiming “SS 454” to whatever vehicle is choking on the El Camino’s tire smoke. Easily one of the best-looking of the extended El Camino family, it is definitely the most ferocious. While the original “ute” concept pictured a vehicle for farmers to take to church, this El Camino offers the more romantic notion that you could go tear up the dragstrip on Sunday, and haul a load of dirt on Monday. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that the audacious El Camino SS 454 was a shoe-in as a Community Choice Classics Pack DLC car.
1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 - Photo by Dragnet
Late 1970s muscle cars are perhaps unfairly maligned. Only look at the horsepower figures that resulted from emissions and fuel economy concerns (as well as a re-evaluation of how horsepower figures were calculated, leading to greater apparent drops in power), and you’ll only get part of the story. The 175 horsepower that the Z28 mustered in 1979 might distract you from some more important numbers, such as the healthy 270 ft-lbs. of torque that the 350 cubic inch V8 produces, which helps the Z28 reach 60 mph in a very respectable (for the time) 7.3 seconds. Not as fast as a Camaro a decade before, and no showroom-to-dragstrip champion, but on the street the Camaro demanded respect. And sales figures certainly don’t lie about the Z28’s popularity — more than 80,000 of them rolled off the line, all with the standard V8 equipped. No Camaro before or since has sold as many units. Plus, the integrated and body-colored front bumper introduced the year before make the Z28’s sleek and sporting lines, which were nearly scandalously Italianesque at introduction, all the more attractive.
1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Super Sport - Photo by i r will77
This long-beloved sedan from the Bow-Tie boys was named after the famed city of high rollers and higher stakes. In its Super Sport dress, this Monte is a late-eighties muscle car that awaits the pleasures of the strip and begs to be flown from the highest launch points you can find. The Monte Carlo was Chevy’s standard-bearer in the realms of NASCAR until it was replaced by the Lumina, so it is no stranger to the track either. 1988 represents the last of the G-bodied Monte’s, and thus the end of an era.
1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z - Photo by SpeedDemon0388
Introduced in 1985 as a way of celebrating the Camaro’s involvement in the International Race of Champions series, a one-make stock car series that put the focus on driver competition rather than car preparation, the IROC-Z lasted through 1990 as the top-of-the-line 3rd generation Camaro. That makes the 1990 the last of the line for the –Z cars, with the final 245 horsepower 5.7-liter V8 residing under the Camaro’s long, louvered hood. Thick anti-roll bars front and back help the Camaro achieve highly impressive skidpad numbers—around 0.90 lateral G’s—despite the antiquated live rear axle. That’s a testament to what eighteen years of continual development by GM’s engineers can do for a platform. It also looks the part of a ponycar, with a low beltline and short deck that presents a nice compliment to the expanding waistlines of more recent cars in this class. Camaro fans can’t deny that the IROC-Z looks and performers like the ultimate 3rd generation Camaro that it is.
1995 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 - Photo by SpeedDemon0388
The C4 Corvette languished in performance levels unbecoming its namesake before the introduction of the ZR-1. With the standard C4s L98 V8, Corvette owners were getting around 275 horsepower and GM executives were getting frightened of what Japan had in store for the American sports car market. To fend off the possibility of Honda or Toyota building something that would lure away Corvette buyers, GM enlisted the folks at Lotus (which they had recently acquired) to develop a new engine. The idea to build the world’s fastest production car drove the development of the LT5, an aluminum-block V8 with four camshafts and 32 valves. The result was 405 ponies under the hood. Coupled with the new slick as can be six-speed transmission, and adjustable ride height, the ZR-1 was born. The ZR-1 could post 0-60 times around four seconds and boasted carrying better than 175 miles per hour for 5,000 miles—just one of several endurance speed records the ZR-1 owned. These numbers kept the Corvette on top and generated a resurgence of interest in the base Corvette as well. ZR-1 owners are very enthusiastic about their cars, not only due to the premium they paid for the ZR-1 (you could by two standard Corvettes for the price of one ZR-1) but they dub it as one of the best sports cars in the world.
2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - Photo by SpeedDemon0388
With the Corvette’s 50th anniversary right around the corner in 2003, GM gave the 2002 Z06 a little tweaking that resulted in horsepower just over the 400 mark. It wasn’t rocket science that delivered the boost either, they just let the LS6 breathe a little freer and gave it a higher lifting camshaft. The rear shocks were slightly modified to improve handling even further. Overall, the Z06 has more performance than the average driver will ever tap. The notchback form is exclusive to the Z06, and while it may hinder those looking to hike their golf bag around, the look sets the Z06 apart. Most Corvette owners aren’t necessarily chasing value but, for the price, there is simply nothing else in the same class as the Corvette Z06.
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - Photo by Nissann GTR R35
If the ZR1 didn’t exist, driving enthusiasts everywhere would still be celebrating the amazingness of the latest Z06. But the ZR1 is real, and no one can ignore the 638 horsepower gorilla in the room. The ZR1 packs the most powerful engine that GM has ever put in a production car, and it’s not simply for show: how does a quarter mile time of just a bit over 11 seconds strike you? Or a top speed exceeding 200 mph? Factor in some adaptive suspension that continually adjusts to road conditions, massively sticky rubber, and a weight-saving cocktail of aluminum and carbon fiber, and you’ve got a Corvette that doesn’t just mix it up with the European exotics—it blows them away. The source of the ZR1’s superpowers is visible from the outside: peer through the clear polycarbonate hood window and you’ll see the dual intercoolers sitting atop the supercharger, feeding copious amounts of boost into the LS9 smallblock. Acceleration is savage, but it’s not as unruly as you might expect, and in the hands of a respectful driver few production cars can equal the ZR1’s sub-eight minute lap around the Nürburgring, perhaps the harshest real-world test of any car. Do you have what it takes to master the fastest GM vehicle ever?
2014 Chevrolet #3 Corvette Racing Corvette C7.R - Photo by Hey Stack
2014 Chevrolet Super Sport - Photo by leopauldelr
The first rear-wheel-drive sedan in the Chevy line-up in 17 years is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. At a glance, it is a smart-looking four-door but, under the hood, is a V8 pushing out more than 400 horsepower. When given a nudge, it responds with a roar and will force you back into its plush seating as it hits 60 mph in less than five seconds. Enthusiasts have been begging for rear-wheel-drive models; Chevy listened and they got this one right. As you tour around the SS, its intents become more obvious, with a wide stance, plenty of rubber, and the two large exhaust pipes. The treat of the SS is that you have to look to figure out that this is a car designed for spirited driving. Once behind the wheel, everything makes sense. The gauges light up, you slam your right foot down, and the world gets much, much faster.
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - Photo by Korniis95
With the C7 Corvette, GM set a new bar for what to expect from America’s heartthrob. With the 2015 Z06, they have smashed that bar and have given the Corvette undeniable supercar status. For starters, the supercharged LT4 puts out 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough juice to destroy almost anything on the road, regardless of its price tag. Straight-line speed and breathtaking acceleration have always been the forte of American muscle, but the Z06 is as deft in a corner as anything out of Europe. Finally, just take a moment to consider its looks and you will agree that this Corvette has checked all the boxes. The highways and byways of Forza Horizon 2 are just waiting for you to leave your mark in this inevitable classic.
2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 - Photo by Nights Viper
While the Corvette C7 is an unbelievablecar, American muscle fans would be foolish to sleep on the brand new Camaro Z-28. Even at nearly 4,000 pounds, this Camaro delivers astonishing numbers on the strip (0-60 in 4.4 secs and less than 13 second quarter mile times) and that’s not even what it is built for. The Z/28 proudly sports its road-racing homologation history by delivering a sticky and well-balanced track experience. With suspension technology straight out of Formula One and a development program that included the Nürburgring, Road Atlanta, and Road America, this is a track-proven weapon just waiting to stomp the competition.
2016 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport - Photo by Nights Viper
One way to look at the 2016 Camaro in Super Sport dress is as a hybrid. No, we’re not talking about an electric powerplant; instead, we’re referring to its platform and chassis, which is shared with the Cadillac ATS as well as the Chevy Corvette powertrain that has been combined with its own suspension. That suspension utilizes the impossible to pronounce but easy to appreciate “magnetorheological adjustable dampers.” The package delivers a deep improvement over the already incredible ride that those who have driven a fifth-generation Camaro have come to expect. The retro-body style is now in its seventh year but a close look will reveal a few new creases to define the new model. Overall, the car is slightly smaller on the outside and 200 pounds lighter. Take this pony out for a run to discover what makes this the best Camaro yet.
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CURRENT EXHIBITIONS | ARCHIVE | ABOUT US LATVISKI
For the latest updates on exhibitions, lectures, artist's talks follow us on www.twitter.com/FotoKvartals
Ieva Epnere. The Green Land
“The Green Land” tells a story about time, past and present, which has changed a certain town, once very active and lively place. This town is Vaiņode – a childhood place of the photographer, Ieva Epnere, where artist used to spend 3 summer months each year.
Vaiņode is a place of a diverse and interesting history; once it has been a place of the zeppelin hangars, which are now known as pavillions of the Riga Centram market. During the Soviet time, in Vaiņode there was a strategic military airport, railway station, which was in use till the 1997, and which now seems to have fallen asleep for an uncertain time.
Places, where once families of the military persons used to live, now has turned into green meadows. Work with "The Green Land” is a kind of a "vision training". It is not longing for the past times, rather a way to search for the miracles in our present, in our daily life. Accent in this exhibition falls on landscape and on portrait of a human in landscape. Ieva Epnere is interested in grasping and revealing the atmosphere and the mood, which now covers Vaiņode town.
This series of photography is a journey in time, when a personal experience of the artist, summers of her childhood spent in Vaiņode, is now being transformed through certain social processes in the society. It is not a world seen through the eyes of a child - it is a reality.
Exhibition supported by: Epson, FineArtPrint, GroGlass, Vaiņode Municipality.
Exhibited works are printed by FineArtPrint.lv with Epson SP7900 on Epson Traditional Photo paper.
Ieva Epnere. From the series The Green Land.
© Ieva Epnere
Reinis Hofmanis. Sale
October 8 – 31, 2010
In the series Sale Reinis Hofmanis collects Latvian countryside landscapes that all are joined by the ubiquitous label “For sale”. As this is a common sight in Latvian countryside during the time of economical crisis, this collection of landscapes present not only pictorial values but also a realistic portrait of our times.
Reinis Hofmanis (1985) is a photographer and graphic designer. He has graduated from the Department of Visual Communication at the Latvian Academy of Art (2009), and besides he has studied in the Department of photography at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Hannover (2007). Reinis Hofmanis gained his first recognition in 2009 after showing his series Model. Art critic Maija Rudovska noted that “Reinis has created his series Model sensitively, discretely and reverently. (..) We can also feel that Reinis has gone further than the traditional “model – object” association, that we usually observe in studio works by artists” (Rudovska, M. Reinis Hofmanis. Between Documental and Staged Photography. Foto Kvartāls, No. 6(26), 2009, p. 93).
www.hofman.lv
Exhibition supported by: SIA "Alfor"
Reinis Hofmanis. Medemciems. 2010. From the series Sale
© Reinis Hofmanis
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Archives de Catégorie: Digital freedom
Jordan Starts Blocking ‘Unlicensed Websites’
[First published on Jadaliyya.]
[…] the [Telecommunications Regulatory] Commission directs you to do what is required to block the websites listed in the attached document and prevent your subscribers from accessing them before the end of today, June 2, 2013. Note that the websites that don’t have a URL in the list, you will be provided with later.
What followed was a list of 304 websites.
This is the request sent by the Jordanian Telecommunications Regulatory Commission to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on 2 June 2013, and published by Jordanian citizen media platform 7iber. The request is in line with legislation enforced back in September 2012––the Press and Publications Law. The Press and Publications Department, a state entity once formally known as thee Censorship Department, is now in charge of applying this law.
Jordan counts nearly 500 online news outlets. According to the current version of the Press and Publications Law, any such website has to register with the Press and Publications Department in order to obtain a license. Registering is reported to cost 1,000 Jordanian dinars (1,400USD). The websites listed in the blocking request are deemed « unlicensed, » meaning having neither obtained a license nor applied to obtain one. Reportedly, 102 websites remain accessible for either having obtained a license or for having applied for such within the official deadlines.
The move caused a deluge of discussions on a wide range of media channels, when Press and Publications Department director denied a fee is required to get registered and after a cement factory website was identified as listed among the websites to be blocked for allegedly manufacturing paper. As no official has offered commentary on these discrepancies, the process through which websites are selected for blocking remains obscure.
Publié par ihatewasabi le 6 juin 2013 dans Digital freedom
Étiquettes : censorship, freedom of expression, freedom of speech, Internet, Jordan, Surveillance
#UAE94: Thought Trial in the United Arab Emirates
I am finally done curating this awful thing… Five months, twelve hearings, nearly 100 defendants and countless ‘collateral’ victims detained over delirious charges. Albeit some of the defendants belonging to Al-Islah (UAE’s Ikhwan division), this is just a very badly disguised thought trial. The Storify, gathering nearly all that exists in English on the topic, covers the timespan between Jan 29, 2012 and May 20, 2013. It’ll be regularly updated:
View the story « #UAE94: Thought Trial in the UAE »
Publié par ihatewasabi le 21 mai 2013 dans Digital freedom, Politique
Étiquettes : #UAE94, freedom of expression, MENA, Twitter, UAE
The Democratic Bahraini Regime Kills Irony Once More
Today March 12 is the World Day Against Cyber-Censorship. Initiated by Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontières, RSF) back in 2011, the Day aims « to rally everyone in support of a single Internet without restrictions and accessible to all. » RSF released a special report highlighting the « Enemies of the Internet. » The report, which presents the 2012 list of countries, has identified five State Enemies of the Internet: these are all ‘spy’ states as they conduct systematic online surveillance which results in human rights violations. They are Syria, China, Iran, Bahrain and Vietnam.
The report also emphasize the importance of advanced technology which enables authoritarian regimes to
spy on their citizens. RSF has thus compiled a list of five « Corporate Enemies of the Internet, » that is 5 privately held companies which it names ‘digital era mercenaries’ because they sell software used by authoritarian governments to commit violations of human rights and freedom of information. With no surprises, these are Gamma Group, Trovicor, Hacking Team, Amesys/Bull and Blue Coat.
I guess the Bahraini repressive regime is greedy for becoming even more famous: in celebration of its excellent rank in the top 5 of the ‘Enemies of the Internet,’ it has arrested 6 tweeps. The Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights lists the names and a few details on each case. The Bahraini Ministry of Interior cheekily explained:
The General Director of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security announced on Tuesday that a group of individuals were monitored for using social media for defamation of the King. Investigation identified six of them, in which they were referred to the public prosecution.
He said that freedom of expression in protected within the constitution and law, while urging for the best use of social media to avoid breaking the law.
I guess no comment is needed at this point…
Publié par ihatewasabi le 12 mars 2013 dans Digital freedom, Politique
Étiquettes : Bahrain, censorship, freedom of speech, RSF, Twitter, World Day Against Cyber-Censorship
Closed-source software recommended to Syrian activists as 100% secure…
It is about Wickr, an app only available for iOS thus far. I remember this app made me smile when it was announced back in June 2012: it sends messages and photos that will be erased. The funny thing is that the user chooses for how long the messages/photos will last.
Nico Sell, co-founder of Wickr and one of the organisers of the DefCon, says Wickr will bring « NSA top-secret level encryption to the masses. » It seems absolutely awesome.
As operating on entirely proprietary and locked OS was not enough, Wickr also uses proprietary cryptography algorithms and its source code is closed. I’m confused about the « geek utopia » Sell depicts as follows:
Wickr has a patent pending on technology which Sell said could give people ways to safeguard anything they send or put online, even digital bytes in Internet telephone calls or posts to leading social network Facebook.
Loads of discussions (Mashable, for the non-crypto specialists and Liberationtech for the geekier) have been taking place around how much one could trust this tool. As quite a few security concerns have been addressed (see the Liberationtech messages above), I was particularly alarmed by the following in the Mashable article:
So could Wickr be used by an activist in Syria who is worried about enemy spies and Assad’s regime? Sell has no doubts — she answers that question with an unflickering « yes. »
You mean, people at risk of dying for communicating through technology could use a tool that only a small crowd knows the secrets of?
Publié par ihatewasabi le 5 mars 2013 dans Digital freedom, Free software
Étiquettes : cryptography, Liberationtech, online privacy, security, Syria, Wickr
Spoiling Our Cultural Heritage
Just a quick notice: I’ve written a piece for TechDirt. on the outrageous agreement between the French National Library (Bibliothèque nationale de France) and ProQuest: Dirty Deeds: French National Library Privatizes Public Domain, Part 2. If ever you are wondering: Part 1 is here, by great Glyn Moody 🙂
Publié par ihatewasabi le 20 février 2013 dans Digital freedom
Étiquettes : BnF, culture, ProQuest, Public domain
Cairo Administrative Court Bans YouTube… | Une cour égyptienne veut bloquer YouTube…
(Français ci-dessous)
This morning, February 9, the Cairo Administrative Court announced its decision to ban YouTube and « all other websites that showed the anti-Islam film » ‘The Innocence of Muslims’. The ban is for 30 days. The lawsuit was initially filed on 18 Sept 2012 by a lawyer, Mr. Mohamed Hamed Salem, in the middle of a MENA-wide turmoil the trailer provoked. The lawyer insisted on having the website removing all anti-Muslim videos as they « distort the image of the Prophet ».
Courtesy @asteris
Publié par ihatewasabi le 9 février 2013 dans Digital freedom
Étiquettes : censorship, Egypt, YouTube
[Brevia] #NetNeutrality through Neelie Kroes’s eyes
In an Op-Ed in Libération (in French), Neelie Kroes, the European Commissioner for Internet-related policies, can be found giving in to telecom operator pressure and giving up on Net Neutrality. Ms. Kroes supports the creation of a fragmented Internet, banning innovation and opening the door to unacceptable censorship.
Read more from La Quadrature du Net: English, French
The Internet according to Neelie Kroes, by @mmu_man
Publié par ihatewasabi le 18 janvier 2013 dans Digital freedom
Étiquettes : EU Digital Agenda, La Quadrature, Neelie Kroes, net neutrality
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HCWVCPA
Historic Clarksburg, WV Cemetery Preservation Alliance
Emma L. Brill Van Osten
Home / Markers / Emma L. Brill Van Osten
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Markers, Obituaries, Remberance
Hoff Block Badly Burned.
Stubborn Blaze Starts in Attic– Losses of Owners and Occupants Heavy.
The Clarksburg Telegram., December 05. 1902, Pg. 3
The city was thrown into a state of great excitement at 5:30 o’clock last Friday evening over the discovery of fire in the Hoff block on West Main street, and hundreds of people flocked to the scene to assist in extinguishing what promised at one tome to be a conflagration. The fire department, assisted by volunteers, worked heroically, but under great difficulty, to save the property and prevent the flames from spreading to adjacent buildings. Never, perhaps, had they found a fire more difficult to reach or harder to subdue.
The building is a large two-story brick and adjoins a building of the same height and character belonging to Willoughby Harrison. It was covered with a tin roof, with but very narrow space between the ceiling and roof. This peculiarity of the structure made it practically impossible to reach the fire in its first stages, as it was in the attic that the blaze started.
For nearly an hour it could not definitely be determined just where the fire was located, for the reason that smoke rolled out all along the edges of the roof and no blaze was to be seen.
However, the hose was turned on from the rear of the building and the stream played upon and under the roof.
Ladders were at last placed against Mrs. Van Osten’s residence and several volunteers with hose in hand climbed up on the roof and from there to the roof of the burning building.
About 7 o’clock
the first flame was seen in the ceiling of the room in the middle of the building, and in a few minutes more the flames leaped upward and swept westward toward the new building being erected for Judge Goff. The cornice work along the front of the building was soon all ablaze.
It seemed that the building was doomed but the fire laddies worked with a will and had the fire under control by 8 o’clock. But the flames were smothered only for a time and broke out again about 11 o’clock in an entirely different section of the building. This time it was in the ceiling of the Harrison section of the block. It would appear that the flames had crept stealthily along the cornice until they reached that part of the building. Then they burst forth with fury but were soon subjected.
The origin of the blaze is shrouded with mystery. It is supposed to have been caused by a live electric wire, although the theory is advanced that it caught from a stove in the second story. Spontaneous combustion is also another theory. It appears to have started in the attic over a room occupied by G. C. Southern, real estate broker, but, if that be true, it could not have started from a stove as Mr. Southern had not been in the office for four or five days. It may have started over a rear room occupied by J. W. Dodge with a sign painting establishment. The ceilings of these two rooms as well as the room over the Clifford-Osborn Undertaking Company were badly burned and the roof over these sections collapsed. The ceiling of the Harrison section of the block was also considerably burned.
Monetary Damages and Losses
Dodge & Repass lose $300 by the fire. Mr. Dodge loses also besides this $200. The Clifford-Osborn Undertaking Company and R. L. Martin & Company, hardware merchants, are the greatest losers among the occupants of the building. The undertaking company had a $3,500 stock with only $1,000 insurance. The front office contained $800 worth of robes, which were practically ruined from water. The exact damage to the caskets in the storage room has not been ascertained but will be heavy, perhaps $2,500 all told. The hardware stock of R. L. Martin & Company was damaged $2,500 to the extent of about $2,500.
Southern’s loss amounts to practically nothing as only a few articles were destroyed. His desk with notes and other valuable papers was saved.
The damage to the Hoff part of the block will reach nearly $1,500. There was no insurance. The owners are Misses Ellin and Maud Hoff, John and Lewis Hoff, and Mrs. George W. Albright, the last name having a half undivided interest in the building.
Mr. Harrison’s loss is slight. He has the building insured.
The undertaking company secured oms in the Boughner building on Fourth street, and for the present will do business at that place.
Clarence Elliott, wife and baby lived in a rear room. His loss is $250.
DEATH OF MRS. VAN OSTEN
The Clarksburg Telegram., April 28, 1905
Mrs. E. L. Van Osten died at her home, 349 West Main street, Thursday morning at five o’clock after a short illness with nervous prostration. Her death came as a a shock to her many friends as it was not generally known that her illness was of such a critical nature.
The deceased was fifty-three years of age. She was the daughter of John Jeffers, deceased, a prominent citizen of this section. Her husband was Dr. A. B. Van Osten, a prominent resident and a leading dentist of this city, who died a number of years ago. Surviving her of immediate family is one son A. B. Van Osten, who lived with his mother. Mrs. Van Osten was held in the highest regard by all of the many friends and acquaintances who knew her and her death is deeply deplored by them.
Arrangements for the funeral have not been completed. It will take place from the late residence sometime Friday and the internment will be in the I. O. O. F. Cemetery.
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Home Celebrity Gossip 4 Arrested in Case of Stolen Royal Tiara After Surveillance Footage of...
4 Arrested in Case of Stolen Royal Tiara After Surveillance Footage of the Heist Is Launched
4 folks have been arrested in relation to theft of the the Portland Tiara, a diamond stunner made for a member of the British royal household, and a diamond brooch that have been stolen straight from its show case in Nottinghamshire, England, final month.
Three males – ages 46, 38 and 33 – and a 30-year-old girl have been taken into custody Friday, in keeping with ITV. Nonetheless, the stolen objects haven’t but been recovered.
“This case has concerned a number of strains of enquiry and we’re persevering with to work arduous on the case to safe justice for the victims,” stated detective Inspector Gayle Hart, in keeping with the outlet. “The stolen property hasn’t been recovered and we nonetheless need to hear from anybody who is aware of the place the objects is likely to be.”
Police proceed to seek for info from the general public relating to a silver Audi RS5 they imagine was concerned within the housebreaking.
The announcement of the arrests comes sooner or later after Nottinghamshire Police launched surveillance video footage of the heist.
Three burglars, carrying white fits and motorbike helmets, are seen speeding into the gallery earlier than sparks fly as they lower open an armored glass case.
“Burglars broke into the Portland Assortment Gallery on the property between 9.45pm and 10pm on Tuesday evening (20 November 2018),” Nottinghamshire Police stated on Fb. “They stole the tiara and a diamond brooch from an armoured glass show case whereas the alarms have been sounding.”
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First worn by Winifred Anna Dallas-Yorke, Duchess of Portland, on the 1902 coronation of Edward VII, the Portland Tiara includes a heart diamond, two diamond drops and extra pendant diamonds set in gold and silver.
“It could possibly be value tens of millions—however it’s such a well known piece it might probably’t come up for public sale,” James Lewis of Bamford, a number one British public sale home, advised the BBC. He feared the tiara is likely to be damaged aside with the diamonds being bought as separate items, making it unimaginable to get well intact.
This isn’t the primary royal jewellery heist in latest months. Two crowns and an orb — the 17th century funeral regalia of King Karl IX and his spouse Queen Kristina — have been stolen from a glass case at a cathedral in Strängnäs, which is close to Stockholm, again in August. The suspects have been seen fleeing the cathedral in a motorboat throughout close by Lake Mälaren.
Among the 400-year-old jewels have been recovered in a raid days after the heist, in keeping with The Occasions.
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Video Contradicts DCF in Fatal Case
By Health News Florida Staff • Mar 25, 2014
According to newly released video footage of a foster-care hearing in December, the Department of Children and Families urged a judge to reunite a mother with her children, one of whom was found dead two months later, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Sanford police say Rachel Fryer admitted to burying her 2-year-old in a shallow grave after the toddler had stopped breathing. Immediately after the child’s death, DCF and Community Based Care of Central Florida, a private-sector contractor that was supposed to monitor the children’s daily well-being, blamed the court system for returning the children to Fryer, according to the Sentinel.
But on Monday, the Seminole County court system released a video that showed DCF officials encouraged the court to return Fryer’s children to her.
DCF first removed Fryer’s four children from her custody in 2011 after she accidentally suffocated her 2-month-old baby. However, public records show that over the course of the next 2 ½ years, DCF changed its position multiple times on whether her parental rights should be reinstated.
This was one of 477 cases The Miami Herald found in examining six years of data in which children died of abuse or neglect after DCF had been warned they were unsafe.
Rachel Fryer
child death
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(Cervical Sprain and Neck Muscle Strain)
by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Whiplash is a soft tissue neck injury that can include:
Spraining the neck ligaments
Straining the neck muscles
Injury to cervical discs
Possible nerve injury
Process Leading to Whiplash
Whiplash can occur with any sudden, violent, backward jerk of the head or neck.
Factors that may increase your chance of whiplash include:
Sporting events that include full contact
Symptoms often develop in the hours after the injury although they can also develop in the days after the injury.
Symptoms may include:
Numbness or tingling
Shoulder pain and stiffness
Decreased range of neck motion
Pain, numbness, or tingling extending down an arm
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Most whiplash injuries do not show up on imaging tests. Your doctor may order some tests to make sure that no other injuries have occurred.
Neck images may be taken to look for further damage. Images may be taken with:
Neck x-rays
CT myelogram
An electromyogram may also be done to test for nerve damage.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options may include:
Reducing discomfort with ice and/or heat therapy
Taking over-the-counter and prescription medications to reduce pain
Moving as you are able to reduce stiffness
Physical therapy and exercises
Joint manipulation of the spine done by a chiropractor or other trained provider
There are no current guidelines for preventing whiplash. It often occurs due to an unexpected event.
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org
Healthy Canadians
http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca
Cervical spine injury. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed... . Updated January 8, 2015. Accessed January 22, 2015.
Conlin A, Bhogal S, et al. Treatment of whiplash-associated disorders--part I: Non-invasive interventions. Pain Research & Management. 10(1):21-32, 2005.
Conlin A, Bhogal S, et al. Treatment of whiplash-associated disorders--part II: Medical and surgical interventions. Pain Research & Management. 10(1):33-40, 2005.
Curatolo M, Arendt-Nielsen L, et al. Evidence, mechanisms, and clinical implications of central hypersensitivity in chronic pain after whiplash injury. Clinical Journal of Pain. 20(6):469-76, 2004 Nov-Dec.
Ludvigsson ML, Peterson G, O’Leary S, Dedering A, Peolsson A. The effect of neck-specific exercise with, or without a behavioral approach, on pain, disability, and self-efficacy in chronic whiplash-associated disorders: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Clin J Pain. 2015;31(4)294-303.
Ludvigsson ML, Peterson G, Dedering A, Peolsson A. One and two year follow-up of a randomized trial of neck-specific exercise with or without a behavioral approach compared with prescription of physical activity in chronic whiplash disorder. J Rehabil Med. 2016;48(1):56-64.
Neck sprain. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
Updated December 2013. Accessed June 2, 2016.
NINDS whiplash information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
Updated November 3, 2015. Accessed June 2, 2016.
Verhagen AP, Scholten-Peeters GG, et al. Conservative treatments for whiplash. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2):CD003338, 2007.
Walton DM, Macdermid JC, Giorgianni AA, et al. Risk factors for persistent problems following acute whiplash injury: update of a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013;43(2):31-43.
Last reviewed May 2018 by Laura Lei-Rivera, PT, DPT, GCS
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Rottco Consult, one of Romania's largest fuel distributors, filled for insolvency
Source: www.rottco.ro
Romanian firm Rottco Consult, one of the top 10 players in the Romanian fuel distribution market, has initiated the procedures for starting insolvency proceedings.
The measure was taken as a result of a complex market situation with a significant negative impact on ensuring the flow of working capital, such as: non-payment and / or delays in payment of debts from debtors plus debtors who entered the procedure insolvency / bankruptcy; delays in prolonging committed credit lines; early repayment of loans, as requested by bank creditors; unilaterally reducing payment times from some suppliers; suspension after the submission of the bidding offer of the acquisition of the majority stake of the company by an investor.
"We have taken this measure as a result of the late payment of some customers. This, correlated with the other causes, has left us with no working capital, and the cashflow is heavily unbalanced, and the company is virtually in a financial bottleneck and implicitly incapable of honoring turn, payments, "says Paul Pop, General Manager Rottco Consult.
At this time, the company does not register debts to the tax office, and most of the debts to suppliers are covered by warranty letters. The company has to collect receivables of over 10 million lei from debtors who are in forced execution proceedings, claims that cover entirely the current debts that can not be honored by ROTTCO.
At the end of 2016, the company started the SYNERGY by Rottco project, which proposed to bring independent gas stations into a network. The Rottco Synergy Card system was functional in over 115 independent gas stations in Romania and was the target of investors, but the company could not sustain its funding for further development.
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Fondul Proprietatea says energy-regulated prices will reduce state revenues and investments distorting the market
Fondul Proprietatea expressed its deep concern about the damaging impact on comp...more »
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Carla Gugino Quotes
Top 10 Carla Gugino Quotes
Find Carla Gugino on:
American - Actress Born: August 29, 1971
My favorite thing is to have a big dinner with friends and talk about life.
Life Dinner Friends Talk
Sexuality is one of the biggest parts of who we are.
Sexuality Who Parts Biggest
When a sports movie really works, it gets you on all levels, because the stakes are high. It's black and white. It's win or lose.
Black And White You Sports Black
Unfortunately, 'chick flick' has become a term to describe most movies that I don't even like. They're these movies that, yes, have women in them but they really don't reflect who women are, and there's something kind of silly or shallow or gossipy about them.
Women Movies Like Silly
I always feel like I want to work with people who raise my game, and I can do the same for them, and we can jump off the cliff together.
Work People Together Game
I find often in Hollywood there are many people who play themselves really beautifully. And certain parts are not that dissimilar from who you are as a person.
You People Person Play
You know, I used to be made fun of as a kid for being really articulate; it was sort of like a strange thing.
You Fun Strange Know
Well, first of all, I'm an incredibly gullible person - I'm so bad that when I said that to someone, my friend said, 'You know, 'gullible' isn't even in the dictionary.' And I said, 'Really?' As I was saying 'Really?' I will acknowledge that I then realized what was happening, but that's how bad I am.
I Am You Friend Bad
Yeah, I guess I'm not a particularly religious person, but I do really believe strongly that we all need to believe in something, and that's very personal to each one of us.
Believe Person Need Us
I love doing serious movies for adults.
Love Serious Doing Movies
I think when I first started acting there were different people who I thought, 'I want that person's career or that person's career.' And as time has gone on, it's become really clear to me what is important to me; getting the best roles, the roles that I feel are challenging and scary and that I haven't done yet.
Best Me Time People
'Sucker Punch' is a big girl power movie.
Girl Power Big Punch
I feel like I'm the only person - or woman, at least - who hasn't read 'Fifty Shades of Grey.'
Woman Feel Person Shades
It's not often that the idea of continuing something for a potentially long period of time sounds exciting to me, because I really am a gypsy by nature.
Nature Me Time Long
One of the things I really love about TV is this symbiotic relationship you can get between the writers and the actors, and the characters start to come to life because you start to collaborate.
Life Love Relationship You
My father and my mother separated when I was two.
Mother Father Two Separated
Personally, just as an actor, I love accents; they're fun.
Love Fun Just Actor
I think you always have to go as an artist with instinct, I really do.
You Think Go Artist
I kind of knew it wasn't going to be until my 30s that I really hit my stride as an actor.
Actor Going Kind Hit
My tendency as an actor is, when there's a certain energy, I feel a challenge to match it, to come up to that plate and play on the same level.
Challenge Feel Energy Play
I think that there's a tendency for actors who play strong women to have them take on all the worst characteristics of men, to become cold and detached and hardened.
Women Men Think Strong
I generally make a sort of playlist for my iPod for whatever project I'm doing.
Doing Whatever Project Make
I think I'm always trying to subvert conventions, and sometimes it's more successful than others.
Think Sometimes Always More
It is odd there are many movies with many men. But generally movies have one woman, or maybe the older woman and the younger girl.
Girl Woman Men Movies
I always had challenges when I was younger, because I looked so young but sounded older.
Challenges Always Young Because
I'll always take an artistic endeavor over a career move.
Always Career Over Take
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How did the Germans get housing again after WWII?
After a large number of homes were destroyed in the war, how did the average German become a homeowner again?
I know about the Marshall Plan, but this question does not refer to how the economy in general was handled.
Take an average German urban family in late 1945 for example. They lived in a flat which is now a piece of rubble, with all their possessions gone, and so is the situation of most of the city. Nearly everyone is homeless. The city is almost completely destroyed. Their government has collapsed, and the country is under foreign military occupation. What do they do now?
How did such an average family become a homeowner again? What if they lost everything during the bombings, even all kind of personal identification? How was it handled? In less than a few decades almost everyone had a home, a job, and a good standard of living.
economy germany world-war-two post-war
John Dallman
vszvsz
They built new homes. Note that Germany had housing shortages into the (IIRC) 60s and even today German home ownership is only ~53% or so, so it is certainly not true to say "in less than a few decades almost everyone had a home". TBH I'm not sure what the question is. Germany rebuilt and created a vibrant economy (Marshall Aid helped greatly, but it wasn't the be-all-and-end-all some portray it as). Ordinary Germans found new jobs, saved up, and worked their way out of poverty. – Semaphore♦ Dec 23 '14 at 18:33
@Semaphore : yes, but what can you begin with towns full of suddenly homeless people? Were millions of apartments built by the state and leased to the citizens before they had any money to buy them or pay rent? – vsz Dec 23 '14 at 18:47
So I guess the crux of your question is how displaced Germans were housed after WW2? If that's correct, I suggest you edit the question to make that clear. – Semaphore♦ Dec 23 '14 at 19:00
@Semaphore. There is a difference between "having a home" and "home ownership". Germany today has very strict laws about price control in the housing market. That is why many well-off people choose to rent their homes. – fdb Dec 23 '14 at 20:51
I was under the impression that most Germans did not lose their homes (not all cities were bombed, not all parts of the cities that were bombed were targeted, and given WWII precision and efficiency, not all bombs hit anything). Do you have information that indicates otherwise? – Felix Goldberg Dec 24 '14 at 9:39
They lived in shanty towns and makeshift shelters until the government built apartment blocks. In many cases families lived in shacks or even tents for years. When I was a young boy I was friends with two girls whose mother had come from Germany and had been a little girl during the war. Once they showed me a handful of photographs her mother had saved. One of the photographs was of her home, which was a corrugated tin shack in a railroad yard. The dimensions of the shack were about 8 feet by 8 feet by 6 feet tall. This was where she and her mother lived. Her father was killed in the war and her grandfather had been a surgeon, but also died by that time.
Many Germans and other refugees lived in concentration camps run by the allies which were called "displaced persons" camps or "DP camps". In some cases the DP camps were Nazi concentration camps that had simply been taken over and reused by the allies. For example, the notorious concentration camp at Dachau was used as a DP camp after the war. By 1946 there were over 2,000 camps in Germany housing refugees, all run by allied soldiers.
There were so many homeless people that those who could be housed in concentration camps were the lucky ones. Many, like my friend's mother, lived in shacks that they hid away wherever they could. Millions of the less fortunate who were captured in allied dragnets were at first kept in open fields called "Rheinwiesenlager". These were large grass fields of thousands of acres surrounded with berms and guarded by soldiers with machine guns. After a few months the allies opened these camps and released millions of completely destitute people to shift however they could, or be funnelled to DP camps.
People took shelter in basements, old military bunkers, pillboxes, and even just caves made out of rubble. The only regular food were bread rations given out by the US Army. In 1946, the ration was 1275 calories, and to get this you had to sign up, be interrogated and risk being arrested for "war crimes" or be put into a "de-nazification" prison.
There are very few photographs from occupied Germany because it was illegal for Germans to own cameras and similar regulations were enforced to prevent allied soldiers owning cameras or from taking pictures. It was also illegal to take aerial photographs of occupied Germany.
This situation only persisted until 1948. In 1949, with the founding of the Republic of Germany the new government began large, subsidized housing programs, which included both apartment blocks and single-family homes. Even with these programs Germany has a relatively low rate of home ownership today and most Germans rent their dwellings. Two photographs below show the progression. The first, circa 1949, shows Quonset huts in Hamburg. Notice the large rectangular bomb shelter in the center that survived the bombing. The second photo from the 1950s shows the same view after government-subsized housing had been constructed.
Hamburg before and after government subsized housing program. Notice the gigantic square bomb shelter has remained throughout.
Tyler DurdenTyler Durden
The DP camps mainly housed refugees from Eastern Europe, not "average Germans". – neubau Dec 24 '14 at 8:18
An interesting answer, but how did these people end up later in normal homes if they had absolutely nothing? Did the government issue them apartment blocks with the possibility to pay only later, or for a very low price? I know that in Eastern Europe factory workers could get apartments for as little as a few month's worth of wages (compared to decades worth of wages today), but in Western Germany there was no Communism. Despite this, were there similar "socialist" housing projects for the masses? – vsz Dec 24 '14 at 8:37
Do you have a source for this supposed prohibition of cameras post-1945? I'm researching that statement in the context of another question and can't find anything. – Marakai Apr 28 '16 at 7:08
The entire answer makes not one mention of the famous Trümmerfrauen? Really? – Marakai Apr 28 '16 at 11:39
@Tyler Durden: I suspect that your answer is a skilfully made piece of Nazi propaganda. Do you know who were the prisoners of Dachau at the time of allies occupation? Or who were the people held in the displacement camps? And why do you use quotation marks with de-nazification? – Alex Apr 30 '16 at 23:36
I'd like to add this as "anecdotal" answer, not as definite but as additional data point:
In some cases entire new towns were created, especially for the "ethnically cleansed" as they're now called. Meaning the refugees and those driven from their original homes in Silesia and the Sudetenland, which fell to Poland and Czechia, respectively.
One such town is Waldkraiburg, east of Munich, mostly inhabited by Sudeten-German, such as my own grandparents, who originally came from Gablonz on the Neisse, now Jablonec na Nisou.
MarakaiMarakai
Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged economy germany world-war-two post-war or ask your own question.
What was the rationale behind restrictions on camera ownership in post-war Germany?
GDP per capita of major combatants before and after WWII?
Was the Italian campaign a strategic mistake?
How did communist authorities decide who is “German” and who is “Polish” when expelling Germans from recovered territories?
Where did Japan get their oil during WWII?
What was it like for German Jews after WWII?
How was real estate from Germans expelled after WWII redistributed?
What was the death rate of Germans outside Germany's post war border after World War 2?
What did Julius Lippert lecture on after WWII?
Why did the expelled Sudeten Germans and Danube Germans go to Germany, as opposed to Austria?
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Posts tagged ‘healthcare reform’
Replay: White House Call on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act
For those of us who were at Coping with Hope and missed the call, the slides & audio are available through the end of the day today.
Audio Replay Available Until May 29, 2014, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
In commemoration of National Mental Health Awareness Month, senior leaders from the White House, HHS, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury held an important call to discuss the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.
The original call allowed for participants to ask questions of HHS, DOL, and Treasury staff during this discussion.
Replay Call-in Number: 888-566-0495
Download the Presentation Slides | Read the Speaker Bios
Affordable Care Act and HIV in LA County (video)
Affordable Care Act and HIV in LA County Part 1 from Susan Forrest on Vimeo.
The ACA & HIV in LA County: What Do We Know Now? Where Are We Going?
Charles Drew University | UCLA
Pacific AIDS Education & Training Centers
PART 1: vimeo.com/58506128
Moderator: Phil Meyer
Tom Donohoe, MBA
Director, UCLA PAETC
Carlos Vega-Matos, MPA
Chief, HIV Care Services, Division of HIV/STD Programs
Craig Vincent-Jones, MHA
Executive Director, LA County Commission on HIV
Affordable Care Act, HIV, National HIV/AIDS Strategy
National HIV/AIDS Strategy Update Meeting (video)
National HIV/AIDS Strategy Update Meeting from Susan Forrest on Vimeo.
National HIV/AIDS Strategy Update Meeting
hosted by the Los Angeles Commission on HIV
moderated by Richard Zaldivar, Executive Director, The Wall Las Memorias
presented by Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP)
Written by Susan Forrest
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Religious right group wants a million people to pray for Sen. Jim DeMint
I received this interesting email from the Family Research Council today:
Recently Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), a well-rounded conservative stalwart in the U.S. Senate, has come under attack from both left wing groups and establishment Republicans because he has refused to waver in his defense of the family. When liberals gang up on a principled leader, doing what is right can seem like a lonely effort. That's why we're gathering together one million Americans to pray on a regular basis for Sen. DeMint.
The senator has expressed his appreciation for those who would pray for him, and has agreed to keep those who pledge to pray updated with specific prayer requests as he works with the new Congress on issues critical to faith, family, and freedom.
Sen. DeMint need not feel alone in his convictions -- will you stand with me and Americans across the nation as we pray for Sen. Jim DeMint?
Click here to pledge to join us as we seek to unite one million Americans in praying for Senator Jim DeMint.
Don't you just love the generic way the Family Research Council tries to make DeMint seem like an innocent in danger of being tied to the railroad tracks by the dastardly forces of evil from the left and the right.
Of course it's not true. Jim DeMint is having problems because he is a homophobic, unprincipled charlatan who sacrificed his political party's chances for control of the Senate for a personal desire to have his own personal cadre of "conservatively pure" Senators.
Not that I mind that DeMint did this. It was a bright light of last week's mid-term elections as far as I am concerned.
But that first point about his homophobia isn't exactly one that I find to be a good point. DeMint has on more than one occasion unabashedly taken the role of an enemy of the lgbt community.
In December of last year, he said he found the idea of a gay president "bothersome."
In June of last year, he sent out an inaccurate letter to several pastors and religious leaders claiming that if lgbt-inclusive hate crimes protection were passed, they were in danger of going to jail for simply preaching that homosexuality is wrong.
In October of this year, he repeated his belief that unmarried women and lgbts should not be allowed to teach. It was the same statement he made in 2004 when he initially ran for his Senate seat.
Seems to me that the people who need one million prayers are the folks who voted DeMint into office and those whom his actions have harmed.
President Obama had a gay nanny and other Wednesday midday news briefs
Video: In Oregon, Maggie wants to take 'bigots' meme off table; Everywhere else, the table is so crowded with her claims, we'd need two lifetimes to clear it - FINALLY someone else takes NOM's Maggie Gallagher to task for her phony "waaaaah they called me a bigot" card she is always pulling.
Obama's Indonesian gay nanny and other things from his past - Uh oh. Cue up right-wing smear machines on the right and pissed off lgbt activists on the left.
Lesbian couple's custody battle with gay man who fathered their children - Pay attention to this issue. If we don't address it, it will be a religious right roadblock.
Carl Steward: Documentary reveals Glenn Burke's struggles - The first openly gay Major League Baseball player (and he was an African-American too). It's about time his story was told.
Uh oh - Peter LaBarbera is posting dirty pictures again
Your "friend and mine," Peter LaBarbera has returned to the tactic that has made him a controversial laughing stock in pro and anti-lgbt circles.
He is back to posting risque pictures of Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco. Now while I won't repost the picture, I will post his explanation:
The cities with large homosexual populations, and which advertise themselves as “gay’ meccas, are the most perverse in the world. San Francisco is an example. Deviance begets deviance, pushing “tolerance” to preposterous extremes. Only the committed, and corrupted, social liberal sees this as acceptable. A couple of years ago when I and others went to observe Folsom and protest the public depravities, we were struck by how straight liberals came to accept these hideous “fairs” in the name of tolerance. One reporter, who told me she had been raised in a Christian home, acted as if we outsiders who were condemning the public lewdness were more suspect than the debauched behavior itself. (I doubt her mother would agree.) God does indeed give people over to a reprobate, depraved mind – and it is only through the inestimable grace of God that some men and women once lost in the twisted world of Gays Gone Wild (and its advocacy) leave it and return to sanity. — Peter LaBarbera, www.aftah.org
The photo below was taken by an Americans For Truth reporter who attended the annual Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco on Sunday, September 25, 2010. It confirms that public sex continues at the devent sex “fair” despite past pledges by fair organizers and the city to stop public nudity and open sex in the streets (following exposes by AFTAH and others in previous years). Children were photographed attending this event.
In the (redacted) center of the photo, a naked man is standing on the ground performing oral sex on another naked man, who is standing on the stage of a booth sponsored by ‘Steamworks,’ a local bathhouse (anonymous homosexual sex club). Behind him (at left), another barely-clad man grabs the genitals of a fellow “fair”-goer at Folsom
I can forgive LaBarbera for the inaccurate claim about what happens in cities with "large homosexual populations" and I won't be petty as to criticize the fact that he can't spell "deviant" (goodness knows he has used it a lot to describe the lgbt community) because I am "thrilled" that the "Porno Pete" side of his personality has returned.
For those who are not in the know, LaBarbera is famous (or infamous) for attending subcultural events like Folsom Street Fair, taking pictures of gay men in questionable activity (while making sure to ignore the heterosexuals engaging in the same activity) and posting them on his Americans for Truth webpage along with descriptions about what exactly the men were doing in the picture and at times, relating how long it took them to do said activity.
And even when the pictures show no risque activity at all, we can always count on Porno Pete to manipulate them to imply that they do, like he did in May during a tirade against Progressive Insurance for their pro-lgbt support.
He would like to think that what he does is an attack on Democrat Nancy Pelosi and the lgbt community at large. But his activity has been the subject of much criticism in religious right circles and derision in lgbt circles.
And it's beginning to remind me of some cheesy, but enjoyable television movie I recently saw. A prim and proper woman is possessed by an alternate personality which would force her to dress in black, seek out men, and kill them.
Oh come on. Can't you just see it? LaBarbera spends the entire year pretending to be an upstanding "pro-family" activist but every time Folsom Street Fair rolls around, the voices in his head start to talk to him. He tries hard to ignore them, but they become louder and louder until they overcome his will.
Under their spell, he enters a secret chamber in his house (paid for no doubt by his years of dubious "anti-gay activism) where in a closet is a complete leather outfit equipped with a secret camera and a pair of butt-less chaps.
He puts on the outfit and stares at himself in the full length mirror that sits in the middle of his secret chamber.
Peter LaBarbera, the proud "pro-family" activist is gone and in his place is Porno Pete, the radical, extreme anti-gay activist who takes no prisoners, but lots of pictures.
Someone cue the ominous soundtrack.
Hat tip to Truth Wins Out
Peter LaBarbera's pictures contradict his ramblings
Porno Pete LaBarbera continues lying vendetta against Progressive Insurance
Religious right group wants a million people to pr...
President Obama had a gay nanny and other Wednesda...
Uh oh - Peter LaBarbera is posting dirty pictures ...
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New York City Mayor de Blasio announces plans to seize private property
John SextonPosted at 7:21 pm on January 14, 2019
Mayor Bill de Blasio has never really hidden his feelings about private property. Back in 2017 de Blasio gave an interview to New York magazine in which he said, “Our legal system is structured to favor private property.” He then added, “If I had my druthers, the city government would determine every single plot of land, how development would proceed.” I guess he was serious about that because last Thursday the mayor created an Office to Protect Tenants which would he hopes will ultimately be able to seize private property and hand it over to community nonprofits. From the NY Daily News:
De Blasio created the office mid-speech, pulling out an executive order from beneath his lectern with flourish.
“When a landlord tries to push out a tenant by making their home unlivable, a team of inspectors and law enforcement agents will be on the ground to stop it in time,” he said. “If the fines and the penalties don’t cut it, we will seize their buildings and we will put them in the hands of a community nonprofit that will treat tenants with the respect they deserve.”
The executive order de Blasio signed creates the new city office but Reason reports that in order to seize the private property, de Blasio will need a new local law passed.
So what will the Office to Protect Tenants do? De Blasio didn’t really explain, though his executive order says it will serve as a “central resource for tenants, social service agencies, advocacy organizations, legal services providers, landlords and management companies of affordable housing, and others on tenant issues,” including “tenant harassment.”
According to his office’s website, De Blasio is “pursuing new local law to seize upwards of 40 of the most distressed multiple dwelling buildings annually and transition them to responsible, mission driven ownership.” Passage of this legislation would presumably give the Office to Protect Tenants the authority to seize land.
So, it sounds like the sort of expropriation practiced by socialists everywhere. The city already has a program called Third-Party Transfer which does what the Mayor is describing and has for more than a decade. But in practice, some of the people losing their homes haven’t been slum lords at all. From the Brooklyn Reader:
James E. Caldwell, president of the 77th Precinct Community Council and longtime Crown Heights activist, calls it a sham.
“When the city started the program, it was to hold slumlords accountable who didn’t pay their heat or water bills,” said Caldwell. “But the city then expanded the program to people who don’t have any mortgages on the houses anymore. That way, whoever takes over the house doesn’t have to go the bank to pay it off, because it’s already free and clear. They’re stealing from hardworking black folks!”
The problem with TPT, Caldwell explained, is that the homeowners receive no warning when this transfer occurs.
“According to a new law, the homeowners don’t need to be notified anymore,” Caldwell said. “They find out, once the third party takes over their house and sends them a notification requesting rent. This is highway robbery. The city puts the house into foreclosure based on an unpaid water bill or something like that. That makes no sense.”
Once you start down this road, it’s a little hard to stop. After all, if this is really a better way to manage housing, why stop with a few dozen distressed properties? Why not seize some of the glitzier properties around Central Park? I suspect de Blasio himself would be all for it. Here’s a local news report PIX 11 broadcast last month:
Tags: Bill de Blasio expropriation New York City socialism
So I guess the House is going to try to impeach Trump after all (maybe)
Jazz Shaw Jul 17, 2019 12:31 PM
New Jersey's new "smart gun" law is a disaster in the making
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Home India Don’t make farm loan waivers part of poll promises: Rajan
Raghuram Ranjan
Don’t make farm loan waivers part of poll promises: Rajan
New Delhi– Eschew loan waivers that divert resources from much needed investment in India, says a report prepared by 13 noted economists, including former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, which was released here on Friday.
Releasing the report titled “An Economic Strategy for India”, Rajan said that farm loan waivers should not form part of election promises and that he has written to the Election Commission to put a bar on such a practice, which inhibits investment in the farm sector, as well as putting pressure on the finances of the concerned states.
“I have said forever, even written a letter to the Election Commissioner saying they should be taken off the table. I mean, certainly there is reason to think about farm distress. But, the question of whether the flows to farmers is best affected by waiving loans, after all, there is only a subset of farmers who get those loans,” he said.
“It’s no surprise to you that there is fair amount of agricultural distress which we have seen being highlighted by farmers, and also political parties are responding with variety of measures such as loan waivers.
“So, it often goes to the best connected rather than those most poorly off. Second, it obviously creates enormous problems for the fiscal of the state once those waivers are done. And I think, unfortunately, it inhibits investment down the line,” he said.
“We need to create the environment in which they (farmers) can be a vibrant force and I would say more resources are definitely needed. Whether loan waivers are the best? I think it’s highly questionable,” he added.
Rajan, who is currently teaching in the US, also said an all-party agreement to eschew farm loan waivers would be in the interest of the nation.
The report, which outlines the challenges facing the economy, says that the country’s economic history is full of instances which demonstrate that protecting macroeconomic stability is essential for strong and sustainable growth.
“Every time macro stability has been traded off to boost growth, the economy has been pushed towards a crisis, the consequences of which have undermined the very growth that was the initial policy focus,” it says.
Rajan said although India has had 7 per cent growth, the economy is not clearly creating enough jobs, citing the example of how 25 million people had applied for 90,000 railway jobs.
“So many applicants… 250 per job and these are not priced jobs. These are actually low level jobs. So, it does suggest enormous demand for jobs,” he said.
He pointed out that growth is not benefiting all sectors and all people, while inequality is increasing.
“We should ask the question that is this growth path viable and clearly more needs to be done on macro stability, on fiscal deficit, there are proposals in the paper that how we can do that,” the former central bank Governor said.
He said there had been no improvement in the fiscal deficit of the Centre and the states in the last five years.
“In terms of public sectors borrowing, it is still as big as it was and that is source of concern especially as states budgets are going out of balance. We see trade deficit is large even after taking out the effect of borrowing,” he said.
“We absolutely need to enhance growth beyond 7 per cent… with a lot of back and forth on what the true growth numbers are, whatever they are, they are not enough,” he said, making a reference to the recent controversy regarding the back series GDP data released by the government. (IANS)
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Proxy Materials
Coverage Analysts
eHealthInsurance.com Investor Relations – News Release
eHealth Analysis Shows People on Medicare Can Save 39% or More on Medicare Supplement Plans by Comparison Shopping
Survey of Medicare Supplement Plans A, N and F offerings across 68 zip codes shows Medicare Supplement Plan premiums range from a low-end average of $93 for Plan A to a high-end average of $279 for Plan F for 65-year-old applicants
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 3, 2017-- A 65-year-old person enrolling in a Medicare Supplement Plan A, N or F could save an average of thirty-nine percent (39%) on his or her monthly premiums by comparing options at eHealthMedicare.com and enrolling in the lowest cost plan, according to a new report published today by eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH), which operates eHealthMedicare.com and eHealth.com, a leading private online health insurance exchange.
eHealth analyzed the monthly premiums of Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) Plan F, Plan N and Plan A available at eHealthMedicare.com or through eHealth’s call centers for non-smoking men and women across 68 zip codes. eHealth’s analysis found that comparison shopping had the potential to save seniors over $100 per month.
While there are 10 types of Medicare Supplement plans available nationwide, historically 40%1 of all persons enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan are enrolled in Plan F, which traditionally makes it the most popular plan by more than a three-to-one margin. By comparison, the lower-cost Medicare Supplement Plans N and A traditionally make up 5%1 of combined enrollments (2010 figures).
“You should not have to be a health insurance expert to pick a Medicare Supplement plan that meets your needs, but we know from our research that when seniors don’t understand Medicare, they’re far less likely to comparison shop,” said eHealth CEO Scott Flanders. “We continue to focus on making it as easy as possible for Medicare beneficiaries to compare plans side by side online so that they can understand the differences in prices and benefits, and feel more confident in their decisions.”
Highlights from eHealth’s analysis of Medicare Supplement plan premiums for plans offered on its websites or through its call centers are provided below. The full report is available for download here.
For women:
On Medicare Supplement Plan F, women could save 42% on average by reviewing all their options and choosing the one with the lowest premium. For women across the 68 zip codes in the study, Medicare Supplement Plan F premiums vary by as little as 18% in Bismarck, North Dakota to as much as 62% in both Phoenix, Arizona and Cincinnati, Ohio.
On average, the difference in premium between the highest priced and lowest priced Medicare Supplement Plan F plan available on eHealthMedicare.com was $112 per month for women.
On Medicare Supplement Plan A, women could save 52% on average by reviewing all their options and choosing the one with the lowest premium. For women across the 68 zip codes in the study, Medicare Supplement Plan A premiums vary by as little as 20% in Tampa, Florida to as much as 82% in Washington D.C.
On average, the difference in premium between the highest priced and lowest priced Medicare Supplement Plan A plan available on eHealthMedicare.com was $114 per month for women.
On Medicare Supplement Plan N, women could save 39% on average by reviewing all their options and choosing the one with the lowest premium. For women across the 68 zip codes in the study, Medicare Supplement Plan N premiums vary by as little as 3% in Honolulu, Hawaii to as much as 63% in Indianapolis, Indiana.
On average, the difference in premium between the highest priced and lowest priced Medicare Supplement Plan N plan available on eHealthMedicare.com was $72 per month for women.
For men:
On Medicare Supplement Plan F, men could save 44% on average by reviewing all their options and choosing the one with the lowest premium. For men across the 68 zip codes in the study, Medicare Supplement Plan F premiums vary by as little as 17% in Tampa, Florida to as much as 67% in Cincinnati, Ohio.
On average, the difference in premium between the highest priced and lowest priced Medicare Supplement Plan F plan available on eHealthMedicare.com was $131 per month for men.
On Medicare Supplement Plan A, men could save 54% on average by reviewing all their options and choosing the one with the lowest premium: For men across the 68 zip codes in the study, Medicare Supplement Plan A premiums vary by as little as 17% in Tampa, Florida to as much as 83% in Washington D.C.
On Medicare Supplement Plan N, men could save 40% on average by reviewing all their options and choosing the one with the lowest premium. For men across the 68 zip codes in the study, Medicare Supplement Plan N premiums vary by as little as 8% in Juneau, Alaska, to as much as 64% in Houston, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona.
On average, the difference in premium between the highest priced and lowest priced Medicare Supplement Plan N plan available on eHealthMedicare.com was $82 per month for men.
Medicare Supplement Plan F Premium Data by Zip Code for Men
The following figures represent the lowest monthly premiums and highest available monthly premiums for Medicare Supplement Plan F plans available on eHealthMedicare.com for male non-smokers at age 65. Today on eHealthMedicare.com, seniors can choose between an average of 8 Medicare Supplement Plan F plans in the 68 zip codes used for this analysis.
Zip code (metro
area)
plans offered
highest &
in price
Averages across
all zip codes
8 $148.20 $279.17 $130.98 44%
Medicare Supplement Plan A Premium Data by Zip Code for Men
The following figures represent the lowest monthly premiums and highest available monthly premiums for Medicare Supplement Plan A plans available on eHealthMedicare.com for male non-smokers at age 65. Today on eHealthMedicare.com, seniors can choose between an average of 7 Medicare Supplement A plans in the 68 zip codes used for this analysis.
Zip code (metro area)
of plans
difference in
Averages across all zip
Medicare Supplement Plan N Premium Data by Zip Code for Men
The following figures represent the lowest monthly premiums and highest available monthly premiums for Medicare Supplement Plan N plans available on eHealthMedicare.com for male non-smokers at age 65. Today on eHealthMedicare.com, seniors can choose between an average of 7 Medicare Supplement N plans in the 68 zip codes used for this analysis.
$82.17 40%
Medicare Supplement Plan F Premium Data by Zip Code for Women
The following figures represent the lowest monthly premiums and highest available monthly premiums for Medicare Supplement Plan F plans available on eHealthMedicare.com for female non-smokers at age 65. Today on eHealthMedicare.com, seniors can choose between an average of 8 Medicare Supplement F plans in the 68 zip codes used for this analysis.
Medicare Supplement Plan A Premium Data by Zip Code for Women
The following figures represent the lowest monthly premiums and highest available monthly premiums for Medicare Supplement Plan A plans available on eHealthMedicare.com for female non-smokers at age 65. Today on eHealthMedicare.com, seniors can choose between an average of 7 Medicare Supplement A plans in the 68 zip codes used for this analysis.
Medicare Supplement Plan N Premium Data by Zip Code for Women
The following figures represent the lowest monthly premiums and highest available monthly premiums for Medicare Supplement Plan N plans available on eHealthMedicare.com for female non-smokers at age 65. Today on eHealthMedicare.com, seniors can choose between an average of 7 Medicare Supplement N plans in the 68 zip codes used for this analysis.
Other plans not offered by eHealth, and therefore not included in this study, may be available in each zip code. Price differences may not reflect such plans not included in this study. In addition, price differences in zip codes not included in this study may not correlate with the differences found for the zip codes in this study. The zip codes selected may not be a representative sampling of all zip codes. eHealth may only offer Medicare Supplement plans over the phone instead of online.
1 Data from a January 13, 2014 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medigap Reform: Setting the Context for Understanding Recent Proposals (http://kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medigap-reform-setting-the-context/)
eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH) owns eHealth.com, a leading private online health insurance exchange where individuals, families and small businesses can compare health insurance products from brand-name insurers side by side and purchase and enroll in coverage online and over the phone. eHealth offers thousands of individual, family and small business health plans underwritten by many of the nation's leading health insurance companies. eHealth (through its subsidiaries) is licensed to sell health insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. eHealth also offers educational resources, exceptional telephonic support, and powerful online and pharmacy-based tools to help Medicare beneficiaries navigate Medicare health insurance options, choose the right plan and enroll in select plans online or over the phone through Medicare.com (www.Medicare.com), eHealthMedicare.com (www.eHealthMedicare.com) and PlanPrescriber.com (www.PlanPrescriber.com).
For more health insurance news and information, visit eHealth's Consumer Resource Center.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171003005662/en/
Source: eHealth, Inc.
DMA Communications for eHealth, Inc.
Sande Drew, 916-207-7674
sande.drew@ehealth.com
eHealth, Inc.
Nate Purpura, 650-210-3115
nate.purpura@ehealth.com
Copyright © 2019 eHealthInsurance Services, Inc.
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